McCain tells convention, nation he'll bring change
by DAVID ESPO and ROBERT FURLOW
Friday, September 5, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Republican presidential nominee John McCain is joined by his running mate, Sarah Palin, after his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ John McCain, a POW turned political rebel, vowed Thursday night to vanquish the "constant partisan rancor" that grips Washington as he launched his fall campaign for the White House. "Change is coming," he promised the roaring Republican National Convention and a prime-time television audience.
"Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight for what's right for our country," he urged in a convention crescendo.
To repeated cheers from his delegates, McCain made only passing reference to an unpopular George W. Bush and criticized fellow Republicans as well as Democratic rival Barack Obama in reaching out to independents and swing voters who will pick the next president.
"We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us," he said of the Republicans who controlled Congress for a dozen years before they were voted out of office in 2006.
As for Obama, he said, "I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it."
McCain's wife, Cindy, and ticketmate Sarah Palin and her husband joined him on stage as tens of thousands red, white and blue balloons cascaded from high above the convention floor.
Unlike Obama's speech a week ago, McCain offered no soaring oratory until his speech-ending summons to fight for the country's future. And he seemed to receive a milder audience response than Palin had a night earlier, as well.
But his own measured style left the hall in cheers, and as is his habit in campaign stops around the country, he stepped off the stage to plunge into the crowd after his speech. Palin joined him, embraced by the jubilant throng.
McCain touched only briefly on the Iraq war — a conflict that Obama has vowed to end. "I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do," the Republican said, adding that in the months since, the long-suffering nation had been spared from defeat. McCain's appearance was the climax of the final night of the party convention, coming after delegates made Palin the first female vice presidential nominee in Republican history.
"She stands up for what's right and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down," McCain said of the woman who has faced intense scrutiny in the week since she was picked.
"And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: Change is coming," McCain declared.
McCain and Palin were departing their convention city immediately after the Arizona senator's acceptance speech, bound for Wisconsin and an early start on the final weeks of the White House campaign.
McCain, at 72 bidding to become the oldest first-term president, drew a roar from the convention crowd when he walked out onto the stage lighted by a single spotlight. He was introduced by a video that dwelt heavily on his time spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and as a member of Congress, hailed for a "faithful unyielding love for America, country first."
"USA, USA, USA," chanted the crowd in the hall.
McCain faced a delicate assignment as he formally accepted his party's presidential nomination: presenting his credentials as a reformer willing to take on his own party and stressing his independence from an unpopular President Bush — all without breaking faith with his Republican base.
He set about it methodically.
"After we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again," he said, and he pledged to invite Democrats and independents to serve in his administration.
He mentioned Bush only in passing, as the leader who led the country through the days after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
And there was plenty for conservative Republicans to cheer — from his pledge to free the country from the grip of its dependence on foreign oil, to a vow to have schools answer to parents and students rather than "unions and entrenched bureaucrats."
A man who has clashed repeatedly with Republicans in Congress, he said proudly, "I've been called a maverick. Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for.
"I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."
Thousands of red, white and blue balloons nestled in netting above the convention floor, to be released on cue for the traditional celebratory convention finale.
Given McCain's political mission, it was left to other Republicans to deliver much of the criticism aimed at Obama.
In the race for the White House, "It's not about building a record, it's about having one," said former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge. "It's not about talking pretty, it's about talking straight."
McCain invoked the five years he spent in a North Vietnamese prison. "I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's," he said. "I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."
The last night of the McCain-Palin convention also marked the end of an intensive stretch of politics with the potential to reshape the race for the White House. Democrats held their own convention last week in Denver, nominating Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden as running mate for Obama, whose own acceptance speech drew an estimated 84,000 partisans to an outdoor football stadium.
The polls indicate a close race between McCain and Obama, at 47 a generation younger than his Republican opponent, with the outcome likely to be decided in scattered swing states in the industrial Midwest and the Southwest.
Ahead lie the traditional major checkpoints — presidential and vice presidential debates, millions of dollars in ads — but also the unscripted, spontaneous moments that can take on outsized importance in the race to pick a president.
Before he spoke Thursday night, Cindy McCain recommended her husband to the crowd — and the nation. "If Americans want straight talk and the plain truth they should take a good close look at John McCain, a man tested and true who's never wavered in his devotion to our country," she said. She called him "a man who's served in Washington without ever becoming a Washington insider."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., also had a speaking slot, and he used it to criticize McCain's rival. He said Obama and the liberal group MoveOn.org were the only ones who didn't realize that Bush's decision to deploy additional troops to Iraq last year had succeeded.
Reacting to McCain's speech, Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "He admonished the old, do-nothing crowd in Washington but ignored the fact that he's been part of that crowd for 26 years, opposing solutions on health care, energy, and education."
Ridge's turn at the podium came after he had been mentioned prominently in speculation about a running mate.
That was an honor that went unexpectedly to Palin, the first female vice presidential candidate in party history, a 44-year-old Alaska governor virtually unknown nationally a week ago.
In the days since, she has faced a storm of scrutiny, some of it relating to her tenure as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, and her time as governor, but most involving her 17-year-old unmarried daughter who is pregnant.
For the most part, McCain's aides have kept Palin out of public sight while vociferously defending her readiness to become president. She emerged Wednesday night during prime time to deliver a smiling, sarcastic attack on Obama that generated roars of approval — and acceptance — from the delegates.
She followed up in the hours before McCain's convention appearance with a meeting with Republican governors and a fundraising appeal that blamed Democrats for spreading "misinformation and flat-out lies" about her family and her.
Even so, there were fresh questions about her readiness to sit one chair away from the Oval Office.
McCain has cited her authority over the Alaska National Guard as one example. But in a memo last spring, Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell warned that "missions are at risk" in the state's units because of a personnel shortage. The lack of qualified airmen, Campbell said, "has reached a crisis level."
In an interview on Wednesday with The Associated Press, Campbell said the situation has improved since then, but not enough to eliminate his concern that shortages will result in the burnout of troops.
McCain won the presidential nomination late Wednesday night in an anticlimactic vote that followed a campaign lasting most of a decade. He first ran for the White House in 2000, but lost the Republican nomination to Bush in a bruising struggle. He began the current campaign the Republican front-runner, but his chances seemed to collapse last winter when opposition to the Iraq war rose among independents and conservatives grew upset over his backing for legislation to give illegal immigrants a path toward citizenship.
In one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent times, he recovered to win the New Hampshire primary in early January, then wrapped up the nomination on Feb. 5 with big-state primary victories on Super Tuesday.
Obama, campaigning in swing-state Pennsylvania on Thursday, said he wasn't surprised at Palin's criticism of him, and said Democrats intended to focus on her record.
"I think she's got a compelling story, but I assume she wants to be treated the same way that guys want to be treated," he said. "I've been through this 19 months, she's been through it — what — four days so far?"
Obama's campaign announced it had raised roughly $10 million from more than 130,000 donors since Palin delivered her speech Wednesday night.
Outside the hall, police on horseback thwarted plans by anti-war demonstrators to march on the convention hall.
Scattered protesters inside interrupted his speech briefly near the start. He dismissed them, telling the crowd not to be diverted by "ground noise and static."
Not far from the convention center, police rounded up about 200 protesters on a bridge over Interstate 94. Caught up were reporters from several media outlets, including two AP reporters.
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I think he did well last night. I'm looking forward to the debates.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)i watched some of the convention last night... and i really think that there is a conspiracy going on.... McCain is a robot... notice how he can't really raise his arms very high, and his smile is very mechanical. i think that McCain actually died earlier in the year, and the republicans made a robot look-a-like of him to keep his legacy going.
Posted by momof4 on September 5, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)McCain had 20 some years to make changes and didn't. He hasn't showed me anything that makes me think he will now. Just because you say it don't mean it will happen. He has experience though. Experience going will the flow.
Posted by gopguy on September 5, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)ninja_man --- That is a crude and insensitive comment. Do you have any clue why he can't raise his arms above his shoulder? If you do and still made this comment, then you are a jerk. If you don't, then you are ignorant on the candidates and should not be posting your opinion. So which is it --- Are you ignorant or a jerk?
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)i'm an ignorant jerk
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 8:18 a.m.This comment was removed by the site staff.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)You know what, the filthy personal attacks you guys are spewing is utterly dispicable. It really discredits anything point of view you guys have to say.
Do you think that maybe having his arms and legs broken, repeatedly beaten, and left is a cell for five years may have something to do with his arms and teeth. Do you know that when he was a POW they didnt even set his broken arms, the just casted them and they healed however they were. Do you know the extent of physical therapy he had to endure when he came back just to function again? I doubt they provided him dental care over there either spy.
You know you might not think he is the right candidate for president, and I can respect that, but the kinds of attacks you guys are spewing, it is just uncalled for. Plum ignorance! Attack his polices yes, but to say the things you are...I just can't believe there are people who really talk like this. Grimjack, Spy, Ninja- are you all one in the same?
Like him or not, president or not, he has served this country and that means he served for you and me. How dare you. Didn't your Mothers teach you any better than this?
Posted by gopguy on September 5, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)Well said suzyQ.
Posted by momof4 on September 5, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)The GOP wants us to think that they are ready for change. Don't think it is going to happen. Check out this document about Palin's political career. I can't believe people are supporting her. Mccain probably wouldn't make it his full term because of his age and health so there is a good chance she would be prez. Or the people who are going to vote rep because of her. what a joke
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)http://www.politico.com/static/PPM106_palin_doc.html
suzyq, i already apologized and pleaded ignorance for my arms comment. there's nothing more i can do about that... if you choose to over react about that, then that's your problem. and you can't believe there are people who talk like this? what we are saying isnt that bad. are you that sheltered? maybe you and GOPGUY can pull each others sticks out.
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)I have to agree that there are pleanty of issues to talk attack John McCain on with out belittling what he went through and the fact that he served our county. The lack of emotion was definately there last night and it did seem somewhat "mechanical". Sarah Palin had the crowd more in an uproar than he did. I thought the presidential race was between McCain and Obama...sorry but over the past 4 days it seems more like it is between Obama and Palin....maybe (and trust me I am a strong democrat and would not in a million years vote for him) John McCain is that much of a genius in his unlikely and highly debated choice for VP? It has taken a ton of pressure off what he has to say and focused it all on her. (Sorry I got a little off topic)!
Posted by scrubnurse on September 5, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)"That coming from someone that attacked Obama and called him terrorist among other things or did you forget what you said SusieQ:
But hey, electing a president with unexplained ties to Illinois corruption and terriosts, shady business dealings, and associating himself with anti-American, marxism friends/beliefs is just what the doctor ordered for a President. I have to agree, that will be a change, however I believe offers little hope.
And maybe Michelle would be proud for the "second time" of her country should she get to be first lady. Talk about an embarrassment."
Ha........Typical hypocrite right wingers!
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)I said that they are unexplained ties TO terriosts, etc., thats the buzz in the media-even on CNN, haven't you heard? His character and polices ARE apart of what one should consider in selecting a president. I did NOT attack the types of ugly things you guys are saying. My concern about these ties are a legitimate concerns. And as well, it was in response to others again attacking McCain and his wife. Spy, this is no comparison to what you and your friends displayed this morning.
I mean really, why don't you go to the VA and sit there and pick apart every serviceman who has a limb missing, deformed skulls, missing and/or mamed body parts...you probably were the ones in school who teased and bullied the less fortunate.
You can be the most physically beautiful person, but if you are ugly on the inside, then you will repulse...are you even mature enough to understand? Is the type of vile examples you set for your own children?
Grow up, you are even disgracing your Democratic friends.
What is scary, is that people with your types of mentality are going to be voting in our next president.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)i agree working_mom, this campaign has been all about Palin. that probably is McCains plan... put all the focus on her, because everyone knows he can't do the job. then if he got elected to office (which he won't), him and his lenchmen could do what they want and tear apart our country even more. force our military to got to war against random countries just to show that we are american and we are tough (sarcasm)... it's no wonder other countries hate us, we've been ran by republicans too long... WAR WAR WAR is all we want to do... we push everyone around like we are the best country in the world. instead of God Bless American, we need to be saying GOD BLESS THE WORLD!
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)grimjack, that too is ignorant and scary.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)SUZYQ- stop blowing everything out of proportion. your exaggerating as much as Palin. are all those guys at the VA running for president? are they putting themselves in the spotlight saying that they have all the answers to fix this country that we are living in? are they lying to the world about what they support and don't support?
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)...and spy since you are so good at trying to dig up posts to sling, why don't you find the one that said if Obama IS elected then I will stand behind him as an American and support him as our President.
You know, we are all in this together, one of our candidates will be elected, the other won't...but the one that is elected WILL BE OUR president together.
Posted by sylviam on September 5, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)suzyQ --I think your pretty scary--anyone who upholds McCain is scary---Please try to understand the things right in front of you.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)Well Ninja you guys got my tail feathers ruffled this morning! What can I say, I was offended a bit. I have had family in the military, I have had family with physical disabilities, and traumatic medical blows, it hit a raw nerve with me. I am all for attacking someone as it is the politcal way, but not the kinds of things you guys were saying and especially the reason why he might have stiff arms or off teeth, etc. Ninja-If you didn't know, you didn't know, and maybe you just thought you were having a fun time. I didn't take it like that, like I said it hit a raw nerve. And your last post about putting themselves in the spotlight, lying, etc...see those are acceptable attacks. I would expect that kind of attack, concerns, etc.
So should I lighten up? Will it make you feel better if some of us throw out some personal jabs at Obama? Because I can...
PS: yes, I am sheltered I suppose, my husband constantly tells me I must have been a closet child. LOL. But you know, I have to admit, I had really good parents, whom by the way were 100% democrat.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)sylviam - I didn't say I upheld McCain, I admire his service to our country-definitely.
As for president, I have stated before that I wish we could do a do-over for our nominees, I have stated that I vote the lesser of two evils in my opinions, whether they are dem or rep. This year..so far..I am favoring McCain.
Spy - again about copying my comment, that was an attack on his physical appearance? Hardly, was I picking on him? no, expressing concern about his ties and unexplained shady dealings and responding to a negative remark about McCain and his wife...YES. Apples and oranges.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)...and again, I did not call him a terroist, read my post, I said unexplained ties TO ...and again it is a legitiment concern for someone running for president, not ones teeth and stiff arms.
Posted by StjoeMo on September 5, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)How about the tribute to Cindy McCain? I was shocked that they even touched on the American Voluntary Medical Team that she started in the late 80s. Talk about opening a can of worms. Investigators starting asking questions about the books and Cindy had to confess that she had been stealing pills from the charity. She went to rehab and prosecuters dropped the charges. The charity was subsequently shut down. Why would they want to open that up for discussion???? Can you imagine if Michelle had something like that in her past?
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)implying? Well heck yeah I want to know, I want him to explain himself more in regard to these ties. The last thing we need is to get someone in there that is sympathetic to the cause.
and sylviam - if I scare you, well if you knew me personally, I am sure you would find that very funny. I was probably the one in school that would stick up for the kid getting picked on, I had friends on every level. I put others wants and needs before my own. I spend my time raising my children...I am some sort of big scarey now aren't I.
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)suzyQ-
I can see where some are coming from as to McCain looking like a puppet or not raising his arms. I work exclusively with disabled (mental and/or physical) Americans. Some of them have much more severe disabilities than McCain, yet they can get in front of a crowd and give an exceptionally animated speech. McCain didn't do that at all. He stood up there like a stick. Very discouraging (and boring).
I was very disappointed in McCain's speech. Maybe I was just so bored I missed it but I sure didn't hear much more than barbs against Obama and the Democratic party and that McCain served our country and was a POW. We have heard all that before. Give me something concrete that I can stick my teeth in. What changes does he have planned? I know he has jumped all over Obama's plan to pull troops from Iraq...what are his plans? To leave them in there indefinitely? That is what has been happening and it sure hasn't worked, so he needs to tell me what his plans are. What about getting jobs for Americans? What about the energy crisis? What about Americans who cannot afford their heating bills?
The lesser of two evils? Well, it sure isn't the McCain/Palin ticket in my book. For months I have been on the fence but the last week has really changed my view. I am not so shallow that adding a woman to the ticket is going to sway my vote and the more I read and the more I hear, I think that is the only reason McCain chose Palin.
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)Of course when talking about politics we can argue back and forth all day. I think that the RNC was very brutal and vicious when attacking the Dems. I thought the DNC was mostly repspectful to McCain and his camp. Maybe that is why so many "regular" democrats like you and me feel the need to lash out because our party is for lack of a better word too nice. So here dems is something to lighten the mood and laugh about, because you all know the daily show is a good source for reliable news :)
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184100&title=moment-of-zen-united-nations
stjoemo- I had no idea about Cindy and pills. You know didnt Bush have a past too? Heck Clinton too. Probably all of them, LOL. But what I want to know, does that have a direct bearing on how she will be in the White House, etc. Does she still have a problem? I don't know, I am sincerely asking here.
Spy - yes now I did find humor in the content to his speech comment. I can lighten up a bit sometimes especially if you catch me at just the right moment on a Friday! :)
Better?
Posted by StjoeMo on September 5, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)SuzyQ, I have no idea her current sobriety. I just found it surprising that they would even mention that charity. She could have been in serious trouble had the prosecutors not dropped the charges.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)i heard the numbers again on how much the ladies spent on their outfits at the convention last night... how disgusting is that? and i'm sure the dems are the same, but why do they feel like they have to spend thousands of dollars on their clothing and jewelry? imagine how much good that money could do for the needy in america or any other country for that matter. it saddens me that these are the people who are running our country. i get so sick of american being so materialistic.
cream of mushroom baby!
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)KAS- I'm not that shallow either, I definitely would not have voted Hillary. And yeah, maybe the speech was a little as you say boring after all the hoopla from Palin the night before and the temple of Barack performance.I don't think he could have topped either.
I like Palin, so far, but you know you are right, we need to know more about their stances.
And also I do agree, McCain could have elaborated a bit more on what exactly he is going to do. I really hope that the debate will finally enlighten us once and for all. I don't care how entertaining they are or what the look like, tell me what you are going to do for the American people.
And as well, for me at this point I am favoring McCain because of a few issues important to me. Obama is just a little to far to the left (for me) and unknown. If there had been what I will call a Regular Dem, who knows what I would have picked. I want someone in the middle of the pendulum, not too far to the left OR right.
And workingmom I didn't see Obama putting out a commercial congratulating McCain. I thought that was pretty nice of the old guy to spend his campaign money, put party politics aside and recognize Obama and the historical event, etc. It goes both ways, I have heard both go at each other politically...thats the nature of the game.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)Ninja- I'm needy. I think her earrings would pay off my house. :) I hate materialism too.
Cream of Celery! (and why are we talking soups here?)
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)Suzy_Q I guess maybe I should elaborate, I would agree that McCain did'nt spend much of his time bashing Obama, he had the rest of the republican party to do that for him. I felt like rather than attacking his politics they made fun of him and to me came off as elitists. And maybe that is why Obama didn't put out a congratulatory commercial. Because Palin talked about him as though she walked on water and parted seas.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)Kas- also I do have to agree, giving a speech may not be McCain's forte. Some people do have niche for that, and some don't..I, myself, would be in the latter.
Regardless of who gives the most entertaining speech, its going to be about content...and we definitely need more content from both candidates.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)spy- we all know its the woman behind the man that really rules! :)
Cream of Leek
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)suzyQ-
I agree, we definitely need to hear more from the candidates. More on THEIR views, not on why the other candidate is a bad choice.
I know in earlier posts you got after some of the other post-ers for "making fun" of McCain's disability. These are just some guys (or maybe gals) expressing their views. They are not running for political office.
Sarah Palin was on a radio program, making fun of a political rival in AK. She laughed because it was brought up that this woman fought cancer, was overweight and was called a b*tch. Is this proper? Granted, she apologized later but the damage was already done. It was so insensitive to think as the leader of a state she thought she could get away with laughing about such hateful things. I bet her advisors just cringed when they heard it.
http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/295464.html
She also wants to push her extremist family values, yet her own family values are in question (by that I mean that her values didn't work so don't try to tell me that is the way I should run my family!) It is because of all these little things that I feel I cannot support her...and it also proves to me that someone in McCain's pocket didn't do a good job of vetting her. I truly think that if all the allegations and issues concerning her had been placed on the table BEFORE McCain picked her, she wouldn't have gotten the nod. And if he actually did know everything, I am thinking he only chose her to try to get the female vote.
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)Cream of chicken
(I forgot)
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)Kas- you do raise some points, and I will admit I and well really everyone *should* look fully into the candidates to make the best informed decision before voting. I also admit I probably need to do that. I am sure no candidate will pass the test on every issue, so we are unfortunately left with whomever we feel most comfortable with. I am quite sure that female votes was a component, but I am not sure it was the only consideration they gave for selecting her.
And you know what if she was poking fun of someone's unfortunate situation, then shame on her too.
And truth be told, I have been known to open mouth and insert foot a time or two. I tried to explain why this morning hit a raw nerve with me, but I eventually came down off my horsey ;-)
Tomato Bisque! (with a grilled cheese sammy)
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)Spy- you forgot your soup...
Wendy's Chili (I got you covered)
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)KAS:: If you had listened to the speech McCain did address all the concerns you mentioned. Obama is a professional speaker , McCain isn't. Just because he is not as good at delivering a speech doesn't mean he doesn't mean or feel what he is saying. I am voting for McCain because of what he has done and what he will do to help this great country of ours. Truthfully the thought of leaving my children's and grandchildern's future in the hands of an inexperienced self centered Obama scares the you know what out of me.I have 2 grandsons in Iraq. They joined because they believe in this country and believe in what they are doing. No one forced them to join the military. It was their choice, knowing they would go to Iraq.So I wish everyone would stop saying we are forcing our military to go fight a war.They had a choice.
Lord, keep
Posted by azmaggie on September 5, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.
Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.
Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before,
in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
Did obama really have so much content to his speech or were people just dazzled by his set? Let him debate WITHOUT the prompters and see haw he does!! So far everytime he has tried to speak with out prompters he has not been so eloquent. We will see if he will really debate on the issues or just try to mesmerize is following!!!!!!
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)you know what scares me? McCain! He originally came out as this Bush wannabe... then he realized thats not america wants... so he then changed his campaign to look like this cool, young, hip guy that is going to change everything! I think it's all an act.. and if he becomes president he will go back to his original plan. he's as bomb happy as bush!
SpaghettiOs
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)USA, USA, USA, USA, USA
so what's everyone doing this weekend? i'm probably flying to the Cayman Islands to check on my secret bank account. Then maybe suba dive with my good friend David Hasselhoff.
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)Ninja- they are ALL liars. None of them will do what they say, the never do. They will both be taxing every penny out of use regardless of what they promise.
Azmaggie- yeah I have seen Obama stutter a time or two when out and out on his own. What was the deal about him flipfloppin on his stance with regards to the Georgia issue?
Ham'n beans with cornbread!
PS Spy- sammy=sandwhich. although at times I have named the ham I am baking Sammy Hammy, just like Tommy Turkey, Chuckie Roast :)
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)ninja_man :: I couldn't disagree more.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)Thats right no soup Ninja, Davey will have a brewski on ice for ya.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)momwisher - why dont you like David Hasselhoff? He's a good guy.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)HOF for prez?
Posted by azmaggie on September 5, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)THANK YOU MOM. My oldest grandson is preparing to deploy in the next tow months and He is proud to serve his country. He is the fourth generation to serve and all volonteered!!
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)GOD BLESS OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN.
Very funny. Since he had his 16 year old daughter tape him while he was drunk out of your mind like he did makes you like him ,so be it.
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)Of course what I disagree with is this statement you made "you know what scares me? McCain! He originally came out as this Bush wannabe... then he realized thats not america wants... so he then changed his campaign to look like this cool, young, hip guy that is going to change everything! I think it's all an act.. and if he becomes president he will go back to his original plan. he's as bomb happy as bush!" I couldn't disagree more.
azmaggie :: my prayers are with him and all your family.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)i dont think it's fair to judge people by what they do when they're drunk... they're so wasted they really don't know whats going on.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)Momwisher- Thats part of the reason I am supporting McCain is because of his unrelenting dedication to our Country. No matter what anyone has with his policies, they can't take away what he has given back in terms of his service. He has sacrificed and he understands the plights of the servicemen and women, and their families. While I do believe he will do whatever is necessary to protect out country, but because he KNOWS what this entails, he will do so carefully and with great thought. I also think he knows the real threats out there. I guess the other reasons relate to my views. I admit I haven't delved into economy issues and their stances, but I hope McCain gets that childcare tax credit raised like he says he will do. I like the fact that he has gone against his party. Dems say 8 more years of Bush, thats just not so. McCain is probably one of the most liberal Repub out there. He is nickamed the Maverick for some of these reasons, but Dem campaign just keeps throwing that out there because they think it will be effective. Its simply not true, but yet it probably is effective.
My thanks, admiration, and prayers to both your families and sons.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)oops I forgot..
Tater soup!
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)Question:
I'm not trying to start an argument, i'm really just curious about everyone's views.
Why are you proud of people who are in the military?
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)Because they put their lives on the line serving their country. I think it is a very noble thing to do.
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)I just want to say that in no way would I try to degrade the troops, I am proud of the military just not the people who put them where they don't need to be. With that being said, I am just asking opinions, what makes being a POW a certification to run the United States? And no dem in Obama's camp will ask/say that because of the backlash they would recieve, but in my opinion it is a fair question especially if McCain and his people are using it to win an election.
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)I wasn't aware that being a POW was McCain's only qualification.
On the same note what qualifies a community organizer to be president?
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)let's not answer a question with a question.
you pose a good question working_mom. it does seem like that's the only qualification that the McCain crew is pushing for him. I've often wondered the same thing... and i'm certainly not taking anything away from what he has done (i respect his service).. but does that really make him worthy?
grilled cheese
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)Mr_America agreed it would not be his only qualification, but I heard more about than any of his other qualifications and not just from him, but in almost every RNC speech that I saw. The 30+ years in senate to be would be the qualification that they should have put the most focus on and it didn't come across that way at all. It was implied and I believe basically said that because of what happen to him he knows how to run the country or is more patriotic because of it. You can be just as patriotic having never served a day in the military. Sure him choosing to stay rather than go home would be considered heroic, but president I am not so sure.
In the same token I would not at all suggest that being a community organizer would qualify one to be president. I am honestly a little conerned that neither candidate have the executive experience that is typically seen in an election/president. Excluding Palins 2 yrs as Gov. Because no matter how many times she says that Obama has no executive experience and she does, I think she needs to step back and remember that neither does the top person on her own ticket. (Again the election is between Obama and McCain)
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)i definitely think they are milking the Pow card. but as working_mom said, thats been all the republicans. it's all about who can sell themselves the best to the blind Americans who just want a warm fuzzy feeling.
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)One would have to be very naive to believe that being a POW is McCains only qualification.
The answer to the question is being a POW in and of itself does not qualify one to be president.
Posted by azmaggie on September 5, 2008 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)McCain's military service does include being a commander. He put his country before his life as all military people do! He has experience in life! Obama ony has a mouth! Why don't we hear more about Obama's early years in school?? I understand it was a moslin school. What did he learn there?
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)I don't think many people at the begining of this process whould have thought that these two would be our choices.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)4154
the number of american deaths caused by the iraq war since 3/19/03..
how can we be proud of that?
McCain wants to keep the war going, what will the number be when this thing finally ends?
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)moslin like a plain woven fine white cotton for domestic use or is that muslin? I bet he works real magic on a loom if that's the case. ;)
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)I think it was muslim.
Ninja- echo comments of Mr. A about noble servicemen, add that we wouldn't be sitting here with the freedoms we have had it not been for them. Much Gratitude, absolutely.
Oh...and...Peanut Butter'n Jelly time :)
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)Certainly not proud of the lives lost, but our country asked them to go and serve, to protect others. They answered the call because we asked them too. Right or wrong, believe in the cause or not, they serve our country without hesitation. Can you imagine the courage it takes? That is honorable.
Apple pie.
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)I have heard a lot of things about Obama 1 in fact that he is muslim which is false, but not that he attended muslim schools as a child...I couldn't find anything about this, does anyone know????
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)who cares if he attended a muslim school? not all muslims are bad.
Posted by working_Mom on September 5, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)I don't personally care, I was just wondering where one might get their facts. And according to 90% or republicans muslims are bad. You know because without promoting fear as the basis of an election the last 4 years would have never happened.
Posted by ninja_man on September 5, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)i agree working_mom...
we're supposed to be a free country, made up of all nationalities, religions, etc... but racism is still strong... why else would the media make such a big deal about Obama being tied to a muslim community or school or church...
oh, and regarding McCain's commercial congratulating Obama last week during the DNC... do you really think that was sincere? of course not... his publicist told him to do that so he would look good.
Posted by suzyQ on September 5, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)I think McCain did the commercial because he is a genuine cool cat. He looked sincere to me.
:)
Posted by Mr_America on September 5, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)Insincere politicians? say it isn't so.
Posted by howarddecker on September 5, 2008 at 5:01 p.m.This comment was removed by the site staff.
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)muslin = fabric; muslim = religion or law
The muslim religion is very peaceful. It just those extremists that ruin the name... just like a lot of religions.
McCain sincere? He may have appeared that way but I would bet my last dollar that his advisors made the decision to film that commercial.
I agree that the POW card is really being played. He isn't the only POW out there. We all know that he was a POW and I am proud that he was able to serve our country in that capacity. BUT the majority (if not all) Vietnam POWS came back with some major baggage. Mental illness (PTSD, depression, anger, etc) was rampant. The more the POW card is played, the more memories it brings back for us old enough to remember the turmoil that was evident back then. From what I have read, he still has quite a few anger issues. Is he going to be able to control his anger if someone displeases him?
Custard pie!
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 5:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)Oklahoma City---
168 killed, over 880 injured.
(and what about all the other domestic terrorists)
Timothy McVeigh was from New York. With your way of thinking, we should just bomb New York and our problem of domestic terrorists will be taken care of. Doesn't even make sense to me...
custard pie with blueberry sauce.
Posted by MoonPies on September 5, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)Ninja you want numbers?
2974
That's the number of people killed when the United States was attacked on September 11, 2008
17,400
That's the number of civilians that were in the World Trade center complex at the time of the attack, whom the terroist were attempting to murder.
246
That's the number of passengers on the four planes that were crashed during the attacks from which there were no survivors.
125
That's the number of people murdered in the attack on 9/11 at the Pentagon.
55
That's the number of military personnel killed at the Pentagon
24
That's the number of people who to this day remain listed as missing from the attack.
Least we forget reasons we are in Iraq and Afganistan.
Because of our strentgth, we've not been attacked. Without question our nation's security is the MOST important thing, without it we have NOTHING! We must have a strong knowledgeable leader. There are times when might must be used and you must deal from a position of strength. The lip service that Mr. Obama offers will NOT keep our nation secure.
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)ninja_man::: Look up the number of deaths from violence there have been in New York in the same time period.
Believe in the war or not supporting our military should not be a choice.I am offended that you think there is a choice. They deserve it. Also being in the military is a way of showing respect for ones self and our country and their beliefs of what it stands for.They put their actions to work instead of just sitting back and second guessing like some.They are the reason we have the freedoms we do have.When we took our grandson to the KC airport when he was leaving for Iraq I was stunned when people applauded and thanked him and shook his hand for being in the military. So not all people question the respect they deserve.
As for McCain's add being sincere or not the fact is he did it.That in it's self should count for something.Obama referred to McCain 21 times in his speech all negative. McCain referred to Obama 9 times including twice with respect.
suzyQ: thank you for your post::Certainly not proud of the lives lost, but our country asked them to go and serve, to protect others. They answered the call because we asked them too. Right or wrong, believe in the cause or not, they serve our country without hesitation. Can you imagine the courage it takes? That is honorable.
Lord, keep
Posted by momswisher on September 5, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas.
Hold them in Your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.
Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before,
in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.
MoonPies ::: Exactly ! Well put.
Posted by KAS on September 5, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)That is all messed up... I posted mine after the post that said the exact same thing that moonpies did but it got removed so mine looks kind of funny.
Oh, well, not the first time I have looked funny
Posted by suzyQ on September 6, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)Even if McCain's advisors suggested it, so what? He hired them, he has final say so. Why is it so hard to believe? Even though I disagree with Obama, at least I still think he is trying, even if misguided a bit.
Did anyone see what Elisabeth from The View said about having the two potential first ladies on the show? Apparently Cindy McCain came all smiles and anything is fair game, but when Michelle Obama came, she came and immediately handed them a list of subjects that were off limits for questioning. I just find it interesting is all, wondered what you make of it.
Agree Momwisher- supporting our military shouldn't be a choice.
Posted by suzyQ on September 6, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)oh...Coconut cream pie (from scratch of course, w/tall meringue)
Posted by heritage on September 6, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)suzy, notwithsatnding that those words came from elizabeth hasselbeck???? (who gives me a swift pain) wouldn't you have a little inferiority complex if you were mO and had to go up against cMc with only your resume in your hand?
Posted by suzyQ on September 8, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)Why would she have an inferiority complex?
Not that Elisabeth is really anybody, but I would suspect she would know how things went down behind scenes with the potentital first ladies in regards to The View. The rest of her (Elisabeth) talk though is typical political rhetoric, I agree.
Posted by heritage on September 8, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)suzy..... i was actually saying that michele obama's resume' is not in the least comparable to cindy mccain when it comes to serving society, and volunteerism.
if hasselbeck were not so darn shrill, i would be more able to focus on her comments........
Posted by ninja_man on September 8, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)moonpie, those are some pretty impressive numbers you spewed out... but what you failed to mention is that our government is to blame for all those.
momwisher, there is a choice. a choice to believe in the war or not. i never said i didnt "support" the troops... so stop putting words in my mouth... i do actually thing it's ridiculous that the goverment is feeding lies to Americans and making us believe that we need to go to war and that we need to keep putting our men and women in harms way. yes, they do volunteer to be in the military, and we need those people... but what we don't need is a greedy president who wants to control the oil game to send our troops over seas and tell them we are tracking down terrorist and making countries better. it's all LIES... and you're buying into it. we live in the land of the free, but the goverment and media tells you what to think and you think it.
our country is going down the tube fast, and it's time we get someone in the white house who wants to try and salvage whats left of our "freedom"....
Posted by suzyQ on September 8, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)Just a question, if we are doing all of this to "control the oil game" just where is the control? Where is the oil that we are controlling? Because it sure ain't helping prices at the gas pump.
Please tell me you don't believe like that nutcase Rosie Odonnell that 911 was an inside government job?
I do agree with you the media has gone to the dogs.
and my 2 cents, whether we were in the right or wrong going into Iraq, we went, and we just can't up and leave the country in the shape it is/was in after the war. We have to see it through or worse will sure to follow. I tell you what, Iran scares me. That dude just looks like he is capable of great harm, you can see it in his eyes.
An another thing, everyone says Bush's war, well the president cant go to war without approval from Congress. I blame all of them.
Posted by working_Mom on September 8, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)I have to agree that all of congress is to blame, HOWEVER, many of the members of congress (on both sides) have publicly stated that they were mislead by the president about the threat level. So I tend to put a little more blame on him. But you are correct suzy_Q the point is that we are now there and how do we get out repsonsibly??
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