Columnist Cal Thomas took John McCain to task for saying during his convention speech that he would “reach across the aisle” to Democrats. “Why aren’t conservatives arguing in favor of the superiority of their ideas rather than attempting to win ‘Miss Congeniality’ awards from liberals?” Thomas wrote. He argued that instead of compromising, the GOP should try to peel off conservative Democrats on issues such as defense and terrorism, immigration, education, health insurance, energy independence, and Social Security and Medicare reform.
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63 Comments
“Why aren’t conservatives arguing in favor of the superiority of their ideas…”
Probably because it would be a losing proposition to try to convince anyone their ideas are superior.
The campaign manager for John S (for Senile) McCain the Third (for Shrub’s 3rd term) has specifically stated that his candidate doesn’t have a chance if the election is determined “on the issues.”
“…Social Security and Medicare reform.”
Put down the crack pipe, Cal. Go ask GW how popular those “ideas” were with the public.
I agree with Cal Thomas – McCain should fashion a hard-line uncompromising CON agenda and campaign.
Too late — they already have. Selecting McCain was not their best candidate and initially was reviled by many in his own party. He has further sullied his own reputation by allowing what he knows to be lies and contortions of his and Obamas record to be used in his ads. Picking Palin although politically expedient, it seems in the short term, was not the best choice for the country. He knows there were more capable and qualified men and women in the Republican party — hmmm he’d rather win an election by putting the best interests of the country on the back burner —– what does that sound like — not a very honorable man ….
“Why aren’t conservatives arguing in favor of the superiority of their ideas…”
———————————
They are. It’s just the mainstream press is NOT giving it any play.
Makes it look like they are hiding something.
http://www.johnmccain.com will tell you everything you want to know. You can’t watch nbc or abc if you want to learn anything about his plans or policies.
Typical Cal. He thinks he’s so “right” all the time, he can’t see that others’ points of view are as valid as his.
Indian- He knows there were more capable and qualified men and women in the Republican party…..
———————————
So seriously, is the One the most capable and qualified demorat in the United States?
No really….
1. a womanizing/draft dodging/liar
2. a freaky/scary/wacko enviromentalist
3. a condescending/war hero wannabe/liar
4. a community organizer
the best reresentation of the demorat party.
looks like they’re rollin out another winner!
stupid libturds.
3. a condescending/war hero wannabe/liar
McCain?
For those who haven’t dealt with pigs, particularly the female variety, they will eat their young. The question might be do they do that while wearing lipstick?
Monkeys pick their ass and play with their feces…just saying.
Predickstained
Posted September 10, 2008 at 1:41 pm | Permalink
3. a condescending/war hero wannabe/liar
McCain?
——————————
That would be the man that had a “plan” for everything under the sun! (just didn’t tell anyone what they were)
“I’m John heinz/Kerry, I have a plan, vote for me!”
and you wonder how bush won…
jesus.
and it will only be described as shock and awe (by the liberal press) when the One loses…
“oh golly, this country must be more racist than ever because the nations first black candidate lost”….blah, blah fricken blah…..
Never mind he’s not qualified.
Never mind his churchs’ pastor.
Never mind his affiliations in chicago.
Never mind his wifes hate for our country.
Never mind his only accomplishment in the senate was his presidential campaign.
Stupid turds are MAKING me vote for a republican AGAIN!
yo biassed one check the thread topic — it’s here to trash the deniers gop — other places to better take your racist whine
Indian- other places to better take your racist whine.
———————-
thanks for proving my point.
I am not nor will I EVER be a white apologist.
therefore voting for a black person soley because he is black, will not ease my great, great gran-daddy’s concience. or yours. or the Ones.
but hey, what ever gets YOU through a day…
Monkey
Take a look at David Axelrod, will you?
Since WHEN has Axelrod EVER run an “issue oriented campaign?
Axelrod’s greatest success, in the advertising business, is “astro turf” advertising, or the projection of a FALSE impression of huge, “grass roots” support.
Axelrod deliberately avoids issues.
Republicans have studied Axelrod, just like Republicans have studied Obama.
Patton read Rommel’s book.
Patton won!
RepubliCON ethics:
Palin expensed her children’s air travel to the state
ANCHORAGE — Since Gov. Sarah Palin took office nearly two years ago, the state of Alaska has routinely bought commercial airline tickets for her daughters when they travel with her, a practice that raises questions about the governor’s claim to being a fiscal conservative.
Travel records from the governor’s office show that the state has spent at least $31,800 on dozens of airline tickets for the family, and more for meals and hotels.
Records show the family has traveled with Palin for events such as the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Fairbanks last fall and to shoot official first family photos in Juneau, to draw raffle tickets at an event in Anchorage and to tour a teen center spearheaded by the Juneau Christian Center.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/52179.html
As opposed to what? the flying around of senators and representatives families, of all parties? Or the ungoldy amount of money spent flying POTUS and his family around? Big deal. yawn
What Cal Thomas fails to take notice of is his suggestion would mean the Republicans would have to focus on the issues. That’s their weak point. What would they discuss? That McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time or that Palin sold an airplane to a Republican campaign contributor at a $300,000 loss?
Nah, they better stick with lying, that’s their strong point.
Littlejohn, the main use of the airplane was to fly prisoners to Arizona since the Alaskan prisons were overcrowded. Now it’s just done through a private service at greater expense to the taxpayer.
“Littlejohn, the main use of the airplane was to fly prisoners to Arizona since the Alaskan prisons were overcrowded. Now it’s just done through a private service at greater expense to the taxpayer”
I am confused, once again. What are you talking about? Ben posted an article about Palin family and travel.
This just in:
“Cannabis linked to earlier psychosis onset
Wed Sep 10, 2008 3:04pm EDT Email | Print | Share| Reprints | Single Page | Recommend (8) [-] Text [+]
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¥ € $ – Learn. Practice. Trade.NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Researchers from Spain have found a strong and independent link between cannabis use and the onset of psychosis at a younger age. The association, they say, cannot be explained by chance, and is not related to gender or the use of other drugs. It is, however, related to the amount of cannabis used.”
More …
“Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a “fiscal conservative”. During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.
The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren’t enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn’t even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later–to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing.
While Mayor, City Hall was extensively remodeled and her office redecorated more than once.
While Sarah was Mayor of Wasilla she tried to fire our highly respected City Librarian because the Librarian refused to consider removing from the library some books that Sarah wanted removed. City residents rallied to the defense of the City Librarian and against Palin’s attempt at out-and-out censorship, so Palin backed down and withdrew her termination letter. People who fought her attempt to oust the Librarian are on her enemies list to this day.”
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/100/story/52031.html
What Maggotpuke is trying to say is…
Don’t call names,
Don’t play “gotcha’”
Talk about specific policies you would/have change(d),
unless you’re a demorat.
“I am confused, once again. What are you talking about? Ben posted an article about Palin family and travel.”
I thought you were talking about the airplane Palin falsely claimed she sold on Ebay for a profit. In reality she sold it to a Republican donor at a loss. It was the plane Murkowski bought. It had more function than just shuttling the Governor around.
“She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing.”
——————————-
WOW! $5.5 million?
That would have paid for 1/2 mile of 135…..
MP, the plane did not sell on ebay; it was sold through a broker after being on ebay for a period of time. I do not know the identity of the purchaser from reading about this; do you have a link to anything that shows who purchased the aircraft?
Nope. Different story.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/10/palins-ebay-story-what-ac_n_125361.html
Yeah, I know; but take a look at the link, it seems to be a fairly written and factual piece concerning the sale of the state airplane. Interesting to note that selling “big ticket” state assets on ebay had been the way to do it in Alaska for a number of years before Gov. Palin took office.
more …
“As Mayor, she had her hand stuck out as far as anyone for pork from Senator Ted Stevens. Lately, she has castigated his pork-barrel politics and publicly humiliated him. She only opposed the “bridge to nowhere” after it became clear that it would be unwise not to.”
“Her experience is as mayor of a city with a population of about 5,000
These are small numbers, but Wasilla is a very small city.”
“Patton read Rommel’s book.
Patton won!”
Patton had superior resources and did not care about his men.
While Republicans do not care about anybody, they do NOT have superior resources. Too, their coalition of special interest groups is splintering.
McCain’s choice of Palin indicates the sheer desperation of the GOP. It was calculated to win back the religious base that had grown tired of the party devoting so much time to social issues like abortion and gay marriage. It seems to have succeeded to a limited degree in that.
But the Palin choice will drive away moderates.
IF America is truly educated about Palin, McCain loses in a landslide.
“She only opposed the “bridge to nowhere” after it became clear that it would be unwise not to.””
Didn;t Biden AND OBAMA vote for this pig in lipstick?
‘Train to nowhere. Palin’s Choo choo to Ted Steven’s resort town.‘
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/3/10470/38203/246/584531
avtolle, the name of the buyer is Larry Reynolds. I was mistaken though. It was sold for a $600,000 loss, not a $300,000 loss. That much could have bought Cindy McCain her convention dress with the accessories.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/05/plane_not_sold_on_ebay.html
But the Republicans say the plane was sold at a profit. I guess that explains why Republicans keep on running deficits, because they are so bad at math.
Palin, like most Republics, prefers saddling future generations with debt so that she and her cronies can enjoy benefits today. That is not ‘putting country forst’; that is putting SELF first.
Bush was appointed into the Presidency with a surplus and managed to turn that into a record deficit.
Palin was voted into office for a city that was running a surplus and managed to turn that into a massive deficit.
Yup, the party of change. Once they leave office you’re lucky to have some left.
Questions for Palin
“Here are some of the questions Palin should be answering, for Alaskans and the rest of the country:
– You present yourself as a Republican maverick who took on your own party’s corrupt political establishment. In November’s election, your party is running an indicted U.S. Senator, Ted Stevens, who is awaiting trial on charges he accepted more than $250,000 of unreported gifts from the state’s most powerful lobbyist. Will you vote for his opponent? Will you urge Alaskans to help you change Washington and vote him out of office? If not, why not?
– Sen. Ted Stevens’ trial is still pending; he has declined to say whether he would accept a pardon from President Bush before Bush leaves office in January. Do Alaska voters deserve an answer to that question before they cast their vote for or against Stevens in November? What is your position on a president pardoning a public official before a jury has ruled on guilt or innocence?
– Alaska Congressman Don Young appears to have won his Republican primary, even though you endorsed his opponent. Will you vote for your fellow Republican Don Young, who has spent over $1 million on legal fees without telling his constituents what sort of legal trouble he is in?
– Why have you reneged on your earlier pledge to cooperate with the Alaska Legislature’s investigation into Troopergate?
– In spring of 2004, the Anchorage Daily News reported that you cited family considerations in deciding not to try for the U.S. Senate: “How could I be the team mom if I was a U.S. senator?” What was different this time as you decided to run for vice president?
– As governor of Alaska, you have not pushed for laws or regulations that put your personal views on abortion, same-sex marriage and creationism into public policy. As vice president, will you push to outlaw abortion, restrict same-sex marriage and require the teaching of creationism?
– If you were a fully qualified vice-presidential candidate from the get-go, why did you wait more than 10 days to face reporters?
– McCain spokesman Rick Davis told Fox News the media didn’t show you enough “deference.” How much deference do you expect to get from Vladimir Putin or Hugo Chavez?
– You have said victory is in sight in Iraq. In July 2007, when you visited Kuwait, you said, “I’m not going to judge the surge.” In the March 2007 issue of Alaska Business Monthly, you were asked about the surge and were quoted saying:
“I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. . . . While I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place.”
Define “victory” in Iraq? What is the exit plan?
BOTTOM LINE: The nation deserves to hear Palin’s unfiltered answers to serious questions.
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/100/story/52155.html
Why hasn’t the media interviewed kilkenny? WE should send a reporter and scoop the nat. media.
Here is the article
It grounded one governor and did not exactly fly off the shelf on eBay, but the jet that came to symbolize the troubles of the former Alaska governor Frank H. Murkowski has landed with a new owner.
A businessman from Valdez, Alaska, Larry Reynolds, paid $2.1 million this week for the state-owned Westwind II jet that Mr. Murkowski’s successor, Gov. Sarah S. Palin, promised to purge from the state inventory when she ran against Mr. Murkowski last fall in the Republican primary.
Mr. Murkowski’s office tried to obtain money from the Homeland Security Department to buy the jet, saying it would help “defend, deter or defeat opposition forces.” He was denied. Later, in 2005, against the wishes of the Legislature, Mr. Murkowski used state money to buy it for $2.7 million.
Ms. Palin, a former mayor of an Anchorage suburb, was among many critics who said the move showed that Mr. Murkowski was arrogant and out of touch after decades as a top Alaska official, including more than three terms in the United States Senate. Ms. Palin defeated Mr. Murkowski soundly in the Republican primary and won the general election last November.
In December, barely a week after being inaugurated, Ms. Palin said the plane would be sold on eBay. One serious offer was posted, for a similar price, but the deal fell apart when the state hesitated on the terms and the prospective buyer found another jet, said Dan Spencer, director of administrative services for the Public Safety Department.”
So the state purchased it in 2005 for 2.7 million, and sold it in 2007 for 2.1 million. That constitutes a loss? Could be, but not in the traditional sense. All capitol equipment depreciates, as do aircraft. I don;t see where it was sold at a profit, nor sold on Ebay, so McCain should at the least retracxt that statement. But neither is it what BLueJay would like to portray.
“Palin was voted into office for a city that was running a surplus and managed to turn that into a massive deficit.
Yup, the party of change. Once they leave office you’re lucky to have some left.”
ya got that right. Bastards have left their upbringing. I’m about to break their plate.
Anchorage Daily News: Palin’s stonewalling on ‘troopergate’
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/51846.html
Palin wants the investigation to be headed by a council that she appointed. Yeah, that sounds like someone who has something to hide.
Whether Obama and Biden voted “for” the bridge to nowhere is pretty murky. They voted against the (Coburn?) Amendment, which would have stripped the funding of the bridge from what I believe must have been a general transportation bill. But to have agreed with the amendment would have diverted the money to a Katrina-damaged bridge. Only 15 Senators voted for the amendment. Here’s the roll call vote: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00262
Later, the language specifically authorizing the bridge was stripped from the final version (of the bill?), but the money was appropriated anyway. I haven’t found out exactly how this was done, but was likely accomplished when the bill was reconciled. As usual, such things are complex. Obama could have known there was no hope that the amendment would pass, but he may as well have known what the likely outcome would be. This is why senators seldom become presidents. Their compromises are too complex for people to understand, including me.
Alaska later used the money for other purposes. The bridge was never built because another $400 million or so would have been required, and the public had been alerted, so Palin “stopped” the bridge to nowhere.
This is from an Alaskan who is a blogger (just like you and me!0, but it is funny!
———-
Behold! The McCain Palin “Truth Squad!”
The ‘Truth Squad’? Why is it that Republicans love to have these little names? I’ve posted previously about Alaska’s own Don Young and his “A-Team”, and his “Wolf Pack” of lobbyists. For those of you who haven’t been keeping up with Don Young, these are all the lobbyists that get immediately patched through to our Congressman in DCwhen they call the office. These guys are Don’s big guns. The A-Team was referred to as a separate group, but is also a subset of the Wolf Pack. So if you’re on the A-Team, you’re also by default in the Wolf Pack, but if you’re in the Wolf Pack, you’re not necessarily a member of the A-Team.
We’re not only corrupt, we’re silly.
And now, on the national front, we have the McCain-Palin “Truth Squad”, a group of spunky Republicans put together based completely upon party affiliation, and mostly on ovary ownership, to dispel the myths that are circulating about Palin. A couple of these myths had to do with figuring out budget line items and reallocations so it looked, at first, like Palin had slashed funding for special ed, and for homeless teen mothers. She didn’t.
But other things that are supposed to make us feel better on the list include the fact that Palin didn’t actually attempt to force public schools to teach creationism, but that she merely “wouldn’t oppose” teaching creationism in public schools.
And she didn’t actually fire the librarian who wouldn’t agree to ban books. She only tried to fire her. After public outcry, she agreed to let the librarian stay, even though she wasn’t being ’supportive’. And the list of banned books that’s been circulating? Bogus! We don’t know which books Palin wanted the public librarian to pull from the shelves for content she found offensive.
And most of all, she was NOT officially a member of the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party, even though the Vice Chair said she was, (and called her out on video tape for infiltrating the Republican Party to get elected, while holding the AIP ideals). It was actually her husband that was a member of the secessionist group. She simply gave a supportive speech at their convention this year and told them to keep up the good work.
Don’t you feel better now? Phew! I was worried for a minute, but my mind is put at ease. It’s fortunate that the Truth Squad will be galloping across the land coming to the GOP’s aid. “We’re meeting it head on,” said Brian Rogers, a campaign spokesperson. All right! (fist bump).
Oh, and they dared to accuse her pastor of being a Jew for Jesus. That guy was only invited to speak by her pastor. And why should we care about her pastor, anyway. People shouldn’t be condemned for the views of their pastors. We learned that from Obama and Rev. Wright. We need to focus on what Palin herself believes. She’s just a normal sensible gal who thinks the world is 6000 years old, and that Jesus will come and rapture the faithful during her lifetime.
So knock it off, and quit with all this fringe, liberal, left-wing nutty blogosphere over-reaction, will you? Sheesh.
http://mudflats.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/behold-the-mccain-palin-truth-squad/
bth posted September 10, 2008 at 4:50 pm
““Here are some of the questions Palin should be answering, for Alaskans and the rest of the country:”
——–
Another question,
- How many acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would be opened to drilling?
http://www.inforain.org/Northslope/anwr_3.html
“Anchorage Daily News: Palin’s stonewalling on ‘troopergate’” — bth
What if the state of Alaska finds the Vice President of the United States guilty of obstruction of justice? That’s the problem with nominating an Alaskan to anything. The outcome can never be foreseen.
“Could be, but not in the traditional sense. All capitol equipment depreciates, as do aircraft. I don;t see where it was sold at a profit, nor sold on Ebay, so McCain should at the least retracxt that statement.” — littlejohn.
The concept of depreciation is a tax concept. Alaska does not pay taxes.
Alaska pays property tax and in some locales sales tax. There is no state sales or income tax.
Palin – do as I say, not as I do:
“Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, equated lawmakers’ requests for funding for special projects with corruption on Wednesday even though Palin herself has requested nearly $200 million in so-called “earmarks” this year.”
http://www.kansas.com/wireupdates/story/524899.html
Saw that a non-partisan group rated Alaska with a D- on paternity leave.
“Phantom
Posted September 10, 2008 at 6:50 pm | Permalink
Saw that a non-partisan group rated Alaska with a D- on paternity leave.”
Didn’t you know? They prefer stay-at-home moms!
God bless.
Isn’t this POS Cal Thomas dead yet?
No, wait.
I want him to live.
Live to see everything he stands for reputiated by the American people.
Let him die broken, bitter, and in despair.
He deserves it.
“The concept of depreciation is a tax concept. Alaska does not pay taxes.”
Sorry you are incorrect. Or should I say only partially incorrectg. Capitol equipoment depreciates in real value. In real dollars. It is nearly always worth LESS when sold than when purchased. (unless of course you are a dealer or merchandiser or some such)
Except for tractors and airplanes when costs are skyrocketing, littlejohn.
How much failure has to come from conservatives before they decide their side is wrong?
Its the same question I asked a few weeks ago- If you were a patriotic German and Hitler was rising to power- at what point would you decide that his policies were evil and hurting the country?
The comparison is valid- we are at war with at least one country based on the same kind of propaganda.
HEY! Where is the open thread!
KFG, Rachel Maddow just called Pat Buchannan her friend. WTF.
“How much failure has to come from conservatives before they decide their side is wrong?” — p.m.
Infinite: they blame it on the other side.
#
Political_mama
Posted September 10, 2008 at 8:21 pm | Permalink
KFG, Rachel Maddow just called Pat Buchannan her friend. WTF.
——————
What’s wrong with that? Don’t you have any conservative friends?
You will notice that most of the talking heads don’t take it all that seriously (some do I suppose) But it is the freaks that haunt the web that are the nuts. To whom ideology is everything.
I think that is a sad, shallow existence.
I would never call Pat Buchannan after the hateful things he has said a friend. NEVER.
“beber
Posted September 10, 2008 at 8:04 pm | Permalink
Except for tractors and airplanes when costs are skyrocketing, littlejohn.”
Sorry wrong again. At least about airplanes. In particular used airplanes. Can;t say about tractors.
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