J's Cafe Nette

Archive for the ‘campaigns’ Category

HT: Ace

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Commander in Chief. President of the United States of America. Leader of the Free World. These are titles to which Barck Obama aspires.

What a shame that this man and his campaign could not find the time at one of their rallies to honor America with a rendition of the National Anthem. HT:Wizbang

Not present, or at least not singing the National Anthem at the rally was Londonderry senior Zach Bencal.

Bencal, who sings the anthem for a number of school events and is actively involved in local community theatre, had been contacted by the Obama campaign to sing the anthem. He agreed to do so, then was told later in the evening the anthem had been scratched from the program. Bencal said he was told by the campaign the decision was a simple programming change to make room for another speaker.

“I guess it just wasn’t meant to be,” Bencal said.

Sandra Abrevaya, communications director for the Obama campaign’s Manchester office, confirmed the choice had simply been a last-minute scratch from the rally’s program, which included the Pledge of Allegiance.

“We regret the miscommunication with Zach about today’s event but we are pleased that several other New Hampshire residents were able to speak at today’s event, where thousands of voters in both parties gathered to hear Sen. Obama discuss his plan to bring the change we need to Washington.”

[emphasis-mine]

One more speech of praise and admiration. One more promise of change.

None of this change and hope is worth a whit if it does not include this:

There, now I feel better!

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John McCain’s own words on the derogatory remarks directed at Senator Obama by some in the crowd at his campaign stops:

“I want everyone to be respectful. And let’s make sure we are, because that’s the way politics is done in America.”

Tells one supporter who says he’s scared of an Obama presidency: “I have to tell you, he is a decent person, a person that you do not have to be scared [of] as president of the United States.”

After a woman calls Obama “an Arab terrorist” McCain interrupts to say: “No, ma’am. He is a decent family man with whom I happen to have some disagreements.”

I don’t know his reasons if he allowed this behavior over the course of a few days but he has made the correction now. Frankly, I really don’t care anymore.

It has been difficult to throw full support behind someone who in my heart I find it difficult to defend. Will he receive my vote..yes, as I have said before, but that is because in my pea brain there are still just too many unanswered questions in regard to Senator Obama.

Further, if taking a stand in this election is going to come between family members and friends..then bag it. I’m just as happy going back to my art, music, military affairs and those in my life who mean the world to me and reviving the philosophy by which I have tried to live my life..simply, live and let live.

Guess you could say the fire has gone out of my belly where this election is concerned. People will believe (just as I do) what they choose and not much is out there which will change anyone’s mind.

We are unfortunately a country very divided, and it has never been more evident than right now. Let’s hope after November 4th we find our way back together.

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Tomorrow evening at the Town Hall debate between the presidential candidates if John McCain continues with this theme and tone, well, let’s just say it would be encouraging:

U.S. Senator John McCain today delivered the following remarks as prepared for delivery at the McCain-Palin 2008 rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico:

In less than a month, the American people will make a choice on where they want this country to go, and who they trust to lead us in a time of war and economic crisis. The time for debating and electioneering is drawing to a close. Soon it will be the time for choosing.

Skipping further into the speech he takes his toughest tone yet in regard to his opponent:

We have all heard what he has said, but it is less clear what he has done or what he will do. What Senator Obama says today and what he has done in the past are often two different things. He has often changed his positions in this campaign, and the best way to determine where he would really take this country is to examine where he has tried to take it in the past.

My opponent has invited serious questioning by announcing a few weeks ago that he would quote – “take off the gloves.” Since then, whenever I have questioned his policies or his record, he has called me a liar.

Rather than answer his critics, Senator Obama will try to distract you from noticing that he never answers the serious and legitimate questions he has been asked. But let me reply in the plainest terms I know. I don’t need lessons about telling the truth to American people. And were I ever to need any improvement in that regard, I probably wouldn’t seek advice from a Chicago politician.

My opponent’s touchiness every time he is questioned about his record should make us only more concerned. For a guy who’s already authored two memoirs, he’s not exactly an open book. It’s as if somehow the usual rules don’t apply, and where other candidates have to explain themselves and their records, Senator Obama seems to think he is above all that. Whatever the question, whatever the issue, there’s always a back story with Senator Obama. All people want to know is: What has this man ever actually accomplished in government? What does he plan for America? In short: Who is the real Barack Obama? But ask such questions and all you get in response is another barrage of angry insults.

Thanks to David in the comment section for the heads up on the Senator’s visit to New Mexico today.

Read the balance at the link, especially if you are pulling for the McCain/Palin ticket. This is by far one of the best speeches the Senator has delivered to date.

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If elected Senator Obama had better hope that friendly teleprompter is always nearby:

Speeches and talking points fashioned by others might sound great but as President you must also think and speak for yourself.

Is this why Senator Obama would not agree to the several Town Hall meetings suggested by the McCain campaign early on?

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Joe Biden has said and written much which may come back to haunt the Obama campaign and it did not take long for the McCain folks to pounce:

HT:RedState

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This has got to be my favorite story of the entire election cycle:

RWV Excl: McCain Caught In Photo With Younger Woman

And from that “younger woman,” a few quotes which are simply delightful, not in her political preference, but rather the simplicity of statements such as these:

This will make American’s money last long and worth more. That means they can buy more stuff for less money again. Which is really good.

It’s like if you had 1 dollar now, you could only buy one piece of candy maybe a Hersheys bar or whatever you like. But with his plan that dollar could buy you more stuff probably two Hersheys bars. Families need that cause it takes a lot of dollars to buy everything they need and it would be nice to get more.

or this:

Influences: My Mom. Not my dad, cause he’s not Republican. But I still love him a lot, and he’s good for other stuff.

Ah, to be ten, so innocent so honest and so influential..she even convinced her Dad to vote for McCain.

Thanks to Riehl World View for sharing this light campaign moment with the rest of us! What fun!

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The wall has been hit.

This he said, he said, they said, she said election cycle has taken its toll.

Later will be soon enough (for me) to have the desire to read one more word about either of the two men who are the leading contenders for the big chair. Heck, it seems most of what I read is negative and who needs that in their life on a daily basis?

Thought I’d just share a little George Jones..guess it just suits my mood at the moment.

A little something more I’d like to share are these two paragraphs written by Sgt. Nichols in response to this post:

If you happen to believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness… and that people deserve a fair shake in life and that those less fortunate sometimes need an extra boost, and that children are special no matter where they come from and that America is still a place that values hard work, self-determination, fair play and rooting for the underdog… well, then you are and I are more alike than different. I don’t care if you call yourself liberal or conservative, democrat or republican or something else. It don’t matter to me what race, religion, gender or any other whatnot that you may use to describe yourself with, if you believe what I described above and call yourself American, then you and me are the same.

And I love you all the more for it! So don’t get hung up on labels and embrace being American, a citizen of the greatest country on the face of God’s green earth!

Amen!

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This parody of Jimmy Dean’s Big John was produced by the “Texans for John Cornyn”. touting the Senator’s campaign for re-election: HT:Hot Air

Rather enjoyable as campaign ads go I suppose, but even better is this video which is a tribute to a true “Big John.”

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I must say it, even though it might be unpopular..I felt sorry for Barack Obama last night.

What a shame that his words had to be lost once again in the rhetoric (and plea for money) from one (at least at this writing) candidate.

Having watched all three speeches, I can only summarize this way:

John McCain..first of all, should have butted out. This night did not belong to him.

As for his speech, well, it might have been strong in substance but his delivery left a lot to be desired.

Republicans should be concerned if this is the best he can do as eventually no one will be listening..they will all be asleep. Energy is important in campaigns and the Senator showed absolutely none last evening.

Hillary Clinton..Probably one of the most egotistical, brazen “acceptance” speeches I have ever witnessed.

She has proven herself incapable of recognizing an other’s accomplishments.

Touting her own breakthroughs in this primary season is fine and should she decide to take this to the convention that too is her prerogative, but, what I witnessed last night was not characteristic of someone I wish to see occupy the Oval Office.

No grace, no humility, no tact and worst of all no words of congratulations to Barack Obama.

Barack Obama..Back to my opening line.

Watching him take the stage to deliver an acceptance speech as the Democrat’s presumptive nominee had already been deflated by the mania of the Clinton’s. Something was missing as he delivered this speech.

Maybe he was overwhelmed by the enormity of of what had just been bestowed upon him. I don’t think so.

I believe he had just been treated to his real first taste of the Clinton family.
He may have recognized that they feel he and the general population are required to be beholden to them for all they have done (in their minds) and will do in the future.

He should have been prepared, after all the coronation was all but guaranteed not that very long ago.

Suffering loss is a part of life. Observing those who have no capacity to give others their due is pathetic.

Senator Obama does deserve congratulations for not only taking on and defeating the Clinton machine but for surrounding himself with individuals who planned and executed his primary victories with cunning and care.

Coming away from last evening with the same feelings I have had for quite some time now as to this presidential election was of no consolation. I still have not found that candidate who leaves me with the feeling that I will be doing much more than voting for the lesser of two evils. For reasons I have stated before, John McCain is my only reasonable choice but it is a gut wrenching one at that.

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Tuesday evening when I read that the GOP had lost another House seat in a traditionally Republican district in Mississippi, it set me to wondering how in the world the party digs themselves out of the hole they have created.

Karl Rove has a few ideas in this article published in the Wall Street Journal:

Why is it tough sledding for Republicans? Public revulsion at GOP scandals was a large factor in the party’s 2006 congressional defeat. Some brand damage remains, as does the downward pull of the president’s approval ratings. But the principal elements are the Iraq war and a struggling economy.

Gallup’s 2007 report found that fewer voters identify themselves as Republicans now than at any point in the past 20 years – despite the fact that less than a fifth of Americans agree with Mr. Obama’s call to rapidly withdraw from Iraq. And while many Americans are concerned about the economy, most are satisfied with their own finances.

As Republican ranks declined, the number of independents and Democrats grew. Has the bottom been reached? It’s too early to know. But Americans are acknowledging progress in Iraq, economists are suggesting the economy will be in better shape this fall, and a recent ABC/Washington Post poll found GOP identification rising.

What is clear is that John McCain and Republicans will prevail only if they convince voters that there are profound consequences at stake in Iraq, and that more and better jobs will follow from the GOP’s approach of lowering taxes, opening trade, and ending earmarks and other pro-growth policies.

Mr. Rove may have been adept in pointing out the areas on which candidates on the Right should focus, but I see a larger problem.

I am wondering if anyone is even listening..or is the electorate in one of those “throw the bums out” mindsets so that anyone with an (R) following their name will have an uphill climb?

What say you?

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When we consider the amount of cash that has been spent in recent elections, (local and otherwise) then the percentages below of returned illegal contributions could be considered relatively low.

While this WSJ emphasizes the Clinton campaign, it is clear from the chart that none of the current presidential candidates has escaped this problem.

And, if we look at what just the presidential candidates have laid out in their quest, the illegal contributions are just a drop in the bucket. Certainly money which should be returned but small potatoes by comparison.

There is a scary thought expressed in the piece referenced above which addresses primarily Indiana politics:

How much money?

The amounts are staggering. A peek at some of the political Web sites reveals some surprising insights. Just look at the presidential race:

Depending on which source you use, the total raised to date is astonishing. CNN’s Politics.Com shows the total raised is $777 million. Another site, OpenSecrets.com lists it as $792 million. Either way, we are well on our way to a presidential race costing one billion dollars. [emphasis, mine]

The necessity of a candidate to raise these enormous amounts of cash to finance a run for office would certainly leave the door open to those who might illegally help fund their choice for any number of reasons.

Those who work at the grassroots level have no delusions of grandeur or thoughts of becoming a power player in the party or in an administration. Maybe campaigns would begin once again to focus on these individuals rather than the power players. It might be beneficial in the long run.

Not being beholden in one way or another to individuals, corporations or special interest groups could produce a more honest candidate and one who might just work in the best interest of those who they represent. It would certainly go a long way toward trouncing the opinion that many running for office are bought and paid for.

I know, dream on, right? Money has become such a part of our political landscape that the chance for one without wealth and connections to secure a nomination for many offices becomes slim.

In no way do I mean to imply that all who run for office and win are in someones pocket. That would be painting the situation with all too broad a brush.

There are many who are involved (at local and state levels especially), who secure their positions due to trust which they have earned from their constituents through the years.

But when a citizen takes the time to study the numbers in the various pieces above it certainly does not leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

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Will Mrs. Clinton ask Ms. Ferraro to step down from her advisory campaign position for the following remarks?

Clinton campaign finance committee member, former vice presidential candidate, and former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro, D-NY, told the Daily Breeze of Torrance, Ca., that, “If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”

Of Clinton, Ferraro said that the press “has been uniquely hard on her. It’s been a very sexist media. Some just don’t like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign.”

There are many reasons why the race is close on the Democratic side and perhaps race is one of them, but for Ms. Ferraro to imply that the only reason Senator Obama has achieved success this primary season is that he is a man of color, well I find that despicable.

For Mrs. Clinton, the candidate, to not disavow this statement and relieve Mrs. Ferraro of her duties would only serve to strengthen the perception that she wishes to use the race card in this presidential election. Remember, the former President made this attempt also and it failed miserably.

I hope there are enough of us in this country who are color blind and are searching for the person who best suits the office and the interests of America. When race has to be interjected to explain a loss (such as those Mrs. Clinton has suffered) it takes on the look of desperation.

Let’s pose this question..why is it okay for the Clinton camp to constantly push the fact that her support heavily depends on women but not feel that African Americans have the same right to lean towards Senator Obama?

As for the press, the Clinton’s have enjoyed years of favorable coverage. If both Mrs. Clinton and the former President are so revered, then this nomination should have been a cake walk.
Negative press should have mobilized even more voters to come out for the Senator as most do not appreciate the press attempting to influence elections.

Mrs. Clinton has found herself in a battle she never fathomed. She has, for whatever reason not run the tight campaign most thought she would. That is not Senator Obama’s problem. He has done a masterful job of holding off one of the most powerful political machines in this country.

And no Ms. Ferraro, I don’t think it is because he is African American, maybe it’s just because a percentage of the electorate believe he is the right man for the job.

Check here for the Obama campaign response to these remarks and the statement of Howard Wolfson of the Clinton camp.

Pretty lame Mr. Wolfson, pretty lame.

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We all remember when Cynthia McKinney lost her congressional seat to another black woman. McKinney’s father came right out and said it was because of the J-E-W-S, Jooooos.

Now we have a congressional campaign in Tennessee where a Jewish man is the incumbent and the person running against him is an African American.

Take a look at an ad that was put out by a “preacher” not even in the district:

Now, most Jews don’t believe Jesus is the Messiah, but that doesn’t equate to hating Jesus.

Circulated by an African-American minister from Murfreesboro Tenn., which isn’t even in Cohen’s district, the literature encourages other black leaders in Memphis to “see to it that one and ONLY one black Christian faces this opponent of Christ and Christianity in the 2008 election.”

The flier was sent out by an African-American minister to try to defeat Rep. Cohen. Cohen’s main opponent in the August 5 Democratic primary in his predominantly African-American district is Nikki Tinker, who is black. The Commercial Appeal wrote an editorial in Wednesday’s paper condemning Tinker for not speaking out against the anti-Semitic literature.

“What does Nikki Tinker think about anti-Semitic literature being circulated that might help her unseat 9th District Congressman Steve Cohen in the Democratic primary next August?” the editorial asked. “The question goes to the character of the woman who wants to represent the 9th District, and 9th District voters deserve an answer. But Tinker declined to return a phone call about the flier.”

Indeed it goes to the challenger’s character.

In Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech he said he dreamed of an American where people would be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

He must be spinning in his grave today.

I just wonder why so many Jews are Democrats when it is the Republican party that has always been their friend and the friend of Israel.

Mr. Cohen, join the Republican party and we will welcome you.

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Well, it’s Thursday and I have searched the news sites, read through the blogs I frequent and looked through the on-line news magazine articles offered.

Maybe it’s me, but I have found nothing which is not old, rehashed news laced with a new opinion here or there.

Seriously, how many ways can you say we have won/lost in Iraq?

Can your head handle one more day of Iowa and New Hampshire apparently being the only two states in the Union?

Is there life beyond the Bush Administration and will the next President undo all the evil this one man has bestowed upon this country?

What did Hillary, Fred, Obama, Mitt, John, Mike, Ron, Rudy etc….say yesterday. Did they say/do it to everyones satisfaction? What was their “body language?”

Do I want Hillary as the next President of the United States, no way, but I don’t see anyone out there at this moment who excites me much. I am tired of polls, candidates, speeches which are filled with empty words and promises tied to these endless campaigns. No new news, just the same old tired stuff.

Will we have a full blown energy crisis in this country..one where people cannot afford to heat their homes or put gas in their car and still afford to buy groceries or medicine? Beats me, I haven’t heard much from our elected officials on this issue.

Social Security..nah, leave that alone. It’s almost Christmas..we can’t act on this hot button issue lest we upset an important voter block in this country..instead when it is ready to go belly up, well maybe then we’ll have to deal with it, but certainly not now and not while this President is in office.

Poverty in the US. Dare not touch that one. We need those people to be poor so we can exploit them in the next election.

Immigration, , whoa boy. I’d like a nickle for every word written on this issue just within the last six months. But action, nah, those are “voters” too. Complaining is paramount, let’s just make the “other guy” look bad.

Maybe Wolf Blitzer will make some news in Las Vegas. I can’t imagine it will be anything new but it will be written and over written and explored to infinity.

Thanks to those who will do it, as I will read but if it is anything like what I’ve seen of late, the words may become another big blur. Excuses made for some, others faulted for the tiniest mistake. Ready, set, pounce. Same old, same old.

I’m as guilty as the next guy of this. I admit there have been times I have waited for that next mistake or that gaffe..gee that makes a good story..but how many times can it be told?

Guess what I’m trying to say is that I will wait..wait for something positive to come out of this Congress so I have my faith restored that the electorate did the right thing in 2006. Wait for the nominees to be selected by their respective parties and then scrutinize them further.

I’ll wait for the day when collectively we can respect the Office of the POTUS, not because the press tells us to do so due to their bias but because we know it is part of the strength of America.

I’ll continue to read until I find something fresh and new that doesn’t have the words OJ, Britney, Lindsey or some other “famous” person as the headline.

As we head into this week before Thanksgiving, I’ll wait, but I won’t be writing on events political which have been written a hundred times. I will look for stories of compassion and which are uplifting.

After all, that’s what I thought made us so great as a nation.

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So Fred goes after Rudy. Rudy replies. Mitt is having problems of his own and John just doesn’t appear to be desirable to the voter.

The balance of the field in my opinion is either running for a vice presidential nod or entered the race in good faith, only to see their hopes dashed long before a primary vote is cast.

It’s like trying to win in a title in sports when your hopes are pinned on another teams loss. We all know how that scenario plays out on most occasions.

The campaigns of Mike, Duncan, Sam and Ron have been playng catch up out of the gate and while I have heard some terrific ideas from three of them, their chance of gaining the nomination is practically zero.

If the front runners begin sniping at each other this early instead of taking on the real opposition, the Republicans in my opinion will have a difficult time in the general election. They do not need to beat up on their own, just answer questions on important issues honestly and take on the front runners on the left head on.

Conservatives can expect no help from the majority of the MSM. Positive stories about Rudy, Fred, Mitt or John will be difficult to come by. As a matter of fact if any one of them were carrying this baggage do you honestly believe they would be in the race even today.

* Number close to the Clinton machine who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to crimes: 44
* Number of convictions during his administration: 33
* Number of indictments/misdemeanor charges: 61
* Number of imprisonments: 14
* Number of presidential impeachments: 1
* Number of independent counsel investigations: 7
* Number of congressional witnesses pleading the 5th Amendment: 72
* Number of witnesses fleeing the country to avoid testifying: 17
* Number of foreign witnesses who have declined interviews by investigative bodies: 19

The Clinton machine now holds the record for the administration with:

* The most number of convictions and guilty pleas
* The most number of cabinet members to come under criminal investigation
* The most number of witnesses to flee the country or refuse to testify
* The most number of key witnesses to die suddenly
* The greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
* The greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad.[Source]

I don’t. But that is beside the point. With a large field such as both parties have, you might think by now that someone would have broken out with new, fresh ideas..a mini platform if you will.

It seems to me we have heard many soundbites, some one liners which were entertaining, and debates which have been for the most part boring and ridiculous in format. Substance is lacking everywhere and that is frightening to me not as a voter, but as an American.

Like him or not, when George W. Bush ran for office, you knew where he stood. Washington never allows all dreams and plans to materialize but this President has remained true to himself and his convictions throughout.

I do not see that on either side of the aisle in these candidates and while options may be narrowed to select the lesser of two evils, in a country as vast as ours, should it ever come to that? I think not.

Do we want another presidency where polls and the media drive policy?

Perhaps to some, the activities which took place in the Oval Office during the Clinton presidency were not a big deal. They are to me. That house belongs to us, not one President and I do not want to ever again have to feel it is being sold out for political or personal gain.

So, Fred, Rudy, Mitt and John, do the party a favor. Don’t make this campaign personal among yourselves. Make it about your visions for this country, make it about what qualifies you to be the most powerful leader in the world. Make it about the differences between yourself and the likely Democratic candidate. You need to excite those of us who want to throw our suppport behind you and your policies.

Many will say there is a long way to go and in reality there is, however, please gentlemen, leave the negativity towards one another at the door and let’s focus on the ultimate prize. It will be a long road back if we depend on the loss of another to catapult us to victory. Especially when the perspective opponent in the eyes of many has already earned the right to win.

*Welcome visitors from The Anchoress.

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It’s difficult to fathom that someone could work for fifty years in the political arena, be a vital player in major elections and not be a household word nationally. Well, Tom Ellis, appears to have managed to do just that.

Few people have had a chance to grasp the levers of history.
Tom Ellis saw his chance, and he took it.

Which is one reason why Ellis, the 87-year old pipe-puffing Raleigh barrister, will be honored Wednesday by the conservative movement he helped build.

Ellis never held elective office, nor has he ever been a public figure. But for the past 50 years, arguably, no Tar Heel has been more politically influential than he — as the chief strategist for Sen. Jesse Helms, helping elect John East and Lauch Faircloth to the Senate, elevating his friends and proteges to the federal bench and shaping the modern conservative movement.

Ellis’ signal moment occurred in 1976, when he almost single-handedly rescued the career of Ronald Reagan.

At the time, Reagan’s political career seemed near an end. He had lost a string of GOP primaries to President Ford, and it seemed likely that the North Carolina primary would provide another nail in his coffin.

Ellis thought Reagan’s campaign was being mismanaged by his national staff, who were portraying Reagan as a pragmatic California governor. So Ellis, who headed Helms’ political organization, commandeered the state Reagan campaign and began running ads highlighting Reagan’s conservatism, most notably his opposition to the Panama Canal Treaty. Ellis let Reagan be Reagan.

Reagan won North Carolina — the first time a sitting president had been upset in a primary. The victory reinvigorated Reagan. Although he did not win the 1976 Republican nomination, it set the stage for Reagan to capture the White House four years later.

Lou Cannon, a Reagan biographer, wrote that North Carolina’s primary was “the turning point” of Reagan’s political career.

Imagine half a century in the political arena, surrounded by what were and are major players in our history. Oh the stories this man could probably tell.

HT: Lucianne

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