The ..2012.... Political thread
-
BandontheRun:
[quote="PHILLIP] Both parties are responsible for the mess we are in. The American government in General is incompetent, that's why all branches of have very low approval ratings, they are all idiots.
Agree with you there! All the more reason for me to vote for LESS government. Vote McCain! If the democrats retain control in Congress, McCain will never get less government, will never get anything done. It's all a smoke screen anyway, under Reagan and both Bushes, the government grew bigger and BIGGER. It's not "that" Republican Party anymore.
-
Full Remarks from Obama in Closing Argument SpeechRemarks of Senator Barack Obama?as prepared for delivery ?One Week? Closing Argument Speech Monday, October 27th, 2008 Canton, Ohio One week. After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George Bush, and twenty-one months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky coast of Maine to the sunshine of California, we are one week away from change in America. In one week, you can turn the page on policies that have put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of folks on Main Street. In one week, you can choose policies that invest in our middle-class, create new jobs, and grow this economy from the bottom-up so that everyone has a chance to succeed; from the CEO to the secretary and the janitor; from the factory owner to the men and women who work on its floor. In one week, you can put an end to the politics that would divide a nation just to win an election; that tries to pit region against region, city against town, Republican against Democrat; that asks us to fear at a time when we need hope. In one week, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need. We began this journey in the depths of winter nearly two years ago, on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Back then, we didn't have much money or many endorsements. We weren't given much of a chance by the polls or the pundits, and we knew how steep our climb would be. But I also knew this. I knew that the size of our challenges had outgrown the smallness of our politics. I believed that Democrats and Republicans and Americans of every political stripe were hungry for new ideas, new leadership, and a new kind of politics ? one that favors common sense over ideology; one that focuses on those values and ideals we hold in common as Americans. Most of all, I believed in your ability to make change happen. I knew that the American people were a decent, generous people who are willing to work hard and sacrifice for future generations. And I was convinced that when we come together, our voices are more powerful than the most entrenched lobbyists, or the most vicious political attacks, or the full force of a status quo in Washington that wants to keep things just the way they are. Twenty-one months later, my faith in the American people has been vindicated. That's how we've come so far and so close ? because of you. That's how we'll change this country ? with your help. And that's why we can't afford to slow down, sit back, or let up for one day, one minute, or one second in this last week. Not now. Not when so much is at stake. We are in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. 760,000 workers have lost their jobs this year. Businesses and families can't get credit. Home values are falling. Pensions are disappearing. Wages are lower than they've been in a decade, at a time when the cost of health care and college have never been higher. It's getting harder and harder to make the mortgage, or fill up your gas tank, or even keep the electricity on at the end of the month. At a moment like this, the last thing we can afford is four more years of the tired, old theory that says we should give more to billionaires and big corporations and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. The last thing we can afford is four more years where no one in Washington is watching anyone on Wall Street because politicians and lobbyists killed common-sense regulations. Those are the theories that got us into this mess. They haven't worked, and it's time for change. That's why I'm running for President of the United States. Now, Senator McCain has served this country honorably. And he can point to a few moments over the past eight years where he has broken from George Bush ? on torture, for example. He deserves credit for that. But when it comes to the economy ? when it comes to the central issue of this election ? the plain truth is that John McCain has stood with this President every step of the way. Voting for the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy that he once opposed. Voting for the Bush budgets that spent us into debt. Calling for less regulation twenty-one times just this year. Those are the facts. And now, after twenty-one months and three debates, Senator McCain still has not been able to tell the American people a single major thing he'd do differently from George Bush when it comes to the economy. Senator McCain says that we can't spend the next four years waiting for our luck to change, but you understand that the biggest gamble we can take is embracing the same old Bush-McCain policies that have failed us for the last eight years. It's not change when John McCain wants to give a $700,000 tax cut to the average Fortune 500 CEO. It's not change when he wants to give $200 billion to the biggest corporations or $4 billion to the oil companies or $300 billion to the same Wall Street banks that got us into this mess. It's not change when he comes up with a tax plan that doesn't give a penny of relief to more than 100 million middle-class Americans. That's not change. Look ? we've tried it John McCain's way. We've tried it George Bush's way. Deep down, Senator McCain knows that, which is why his campaign said that ?if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose.? That's why he's spending these last weeks calling me every name in the book. Because that's how you play the game in Washington. If you can't beat your opponent's ideas, you distort those ideas and maybe make some up. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run away from. You make a big election about small things. Ohio, we are here to say ?Not this time. Not this year. Not when so much is at stake.? Senator McCain might be worried about losing an election, but I'm worried about Americans who are losing their homes, and their jobs, and their life savings. I can take one more week of John McCain's attacks, but this country can't take four more years of the same old politics and the same failed policies. It's time for something new. The question in this election is not ?Are you better off than you were four years ago?? We know the answer to that. The real question is, ?Will this country be better off four years from now?? I know these are difficult times for America. But I also know that we have faced difficult times before. The American story has never been about things coming easy ? it's been about rising to the moment when the moment was hard. It's about seeing the highest mountaintop from the deepest of valleys. It's about rejecting fear and division for unity of purpose. That's how we've overcome war and depression. That's how we've won great struggles for civil rights and women's rights and worker's rights. And that's how we'll emerge from this crisis stronger and more prosperous than we were before ? as one nation; as one people. Remember, we still have the most talented, most productive workers of any country on Earth. We're still home to innovation and technology, colleges and universities that are the envy of the world. Some of the biggest ideas in history have come from our small businesses and our research facilities. So there's no reason we can't make this century another American century. We just need a new direction. We need a new politics. Now, I don't believe that government can or should try to solve all our problems. I know you don't either. But I do believe that government should do that which we cannot do for ourselves ? protect us from harm and provide a decent education for our children; invest in new roads and new science and technology. It should reward drive and innovation and growth in the free market, but it should also make sure businesses live up to their responsibility to create American jobs, and look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road. It should ensure a shot at success not only for those with money and power and influence, but for every single American who's willing to work. That's how we create not just more millionaires, but more middle-class families. That's how we make sure businesses have customers that can afford their products and services. That's how we've always grown the American economy ? from the bottom-up. John McCain calls this socialism. I call it opportunity, and there is nothing more American than that. Understand, if we want get through this crisis, we need to get beyond the old ideological debates and divides between left and right. We don't need bigger government or smaller government. We need a better government ? a more competent government ? a government that upholds the values we hold in common as Americans. We don't have to choose between allowing our financial system to collapse and spending billions of taxpayer dollars to bail out Wall Street banks. As President, I will ensure that the financial rescue plan helps stop foreclosures and protects your money instead of enriching CEOs. And I will put in place the common-sense regulations I've been calling for throughout this campaign so that Wall Street can never cause a crisis like this again. That's the change we need. The choice in this election isn't between tax cuts and no tax cuts. It's about whether you believe we should only reward wealth, or whether we should also reward the work and workers who create it. I will give a tax break to 95% of Americans who work every day and get taxes taken out of their paychecks every week. I'll eliminate income taxes for seniors making under $50,000 and give homeowners and working parents more of a break. And I'll help pay for this by asking the folks who are making more than $250,000 a year to go back to the tax rate they were paying in the 1990s. No matter what Senator McCain may claim, here are the facts ? if you make under $250,000, you will not see your taxes increase by a single dime ? not your income taxes, not your payroll taxes, not your capital gains taxes. Nothing. Because the last thing we should do in this economy is raise taxes on the middle-class. When it comes to jobs, the choice in this election is not between putting up a wall around America or allowing every job to disappear overseas. The truth is, we won't be able to bring back every job that we've lost, but that doesn't mean we should follow John McCain's plan to keep giving tax breaks to corporations that send American jobs overseas. I will end those breaks as President, and I will give American businesses a $3,000 tax credit for every job they create right here in the United States of America. I'll eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses and start-up companies that are the engine of job creation in this country. We'll create two million new jobs by rebuilding our crumbling roads, and bridges, and schools, and by laying broadband lines to reach every corner of the country. And I will invest $15 billion a year in renewable sources of energy to create five million new energy jobs over the next decade ? jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and a new electricity grid; jobs building the fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow, not in Japan or South Korea but here in the United States of America; jobs that will help us eliminate the oil we import from the Middle East in ten years and help save the planet in the bargain. That's how America can lead again. When it comes to health care, we don't have to choose between a government-run health care system and the unaffordable one we have now. If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change under my plan is that we will lower premiums. If you don't have health insurance, you'll be able to get the same kind of health insurance that Members of Congress get for themselves. We'll invest in preventative care and new technology to finally lower the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the entire economy. And as someone who watched his own mother spend the final months of her life arguing with insurance companies because they claimed her cancer was a pre-existing condition and didn't want to pay for treatment, I will stop insurance companies from discriminating against those who are sick and need care most. When it comes to giving every child a world-class education so they can compete in this global economy for the jobs of the 21st century, the choice is not between more money and more reform ? because our schools need both. As President, I will invest in early childhood education, recruit an army of new teachers, pay them more, and give them more support. But I will also demand higher standards and more accountability from our teachers and our schools. And I will make a deal with every American who has the drive and the will but not the money to go to college: if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford your tuition. You invest in America, America will invest in you, and together, we will move this country forward. And when it comes to keeping this country safe, we don't have to choose between retreating from the world and fighting a war without end in Iraq. It's time to stop spending $10 billion a month in Iraq while the Iraqi government sits on a huge surplus. As President, I will end this war by asking the Iraqi government to step up, and finally finish the fight against bin Laden and the al Qaeda terrorists who attacked us on 9/11. I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century, and I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future. I won't stand here and pretend that any of this will be easy ? especially now. The cost of this economic crisis, and the cost of the war in Iraq, means that Washington will have to tighten its belt and put off spending on things we can afford to do without. On this, there is no other choice. As President, I will go through the federal budget, line-by-line, ending programs that we don't need and making the ones we do need work better and cost less. But as I've said from the day we began this journey all those months ago, the change we need isn't just about new programs and policies. It's about a new politics ? a politics that calls on our better angels instead of encouraging our worst instincts; one that reminds us of the obligations we have to ourselves and one another. Part of the reason this economic crisis occurred is because we have been living through an era of profound irresponsibility. On Wall Street, easy money and an ethic of ?what's good for me is good enough? blinded greedy executives to the danger in the decisions they were making. On Main Street, lenders tricked people into buying homes they couldn't afford. Some folks knew they couldn't afford those houses and bought them anyway. In Washington, politicians spent money they didn't have and allowed lobbyists to set the agenda. They scored political points instead of solving our problems, and even after the greatest attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, all we were asked to do by our President was to go out and shop. That is why what we have lost in these last eight years cannot be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits alone. What has also been lost is the idea that in this American story, each of us has a role to play. Each of us has a responsibility to work hard and look after ourselves and our families, and each of us has a responsibility to our fellow citizens. That's what's been lost these last eight years ? our sense of common purpose; of higher purpose. And that's what we need to restore right now. Yes, government must lead the way on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and our businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But all of us must do our part as parents to turn off the television and read to our children and take responsibility for providing the love and guidance they need. Yes, we can argue and debate our positions passionately, but at this defining moment, all of us must summon the strength and grace to bridge our differences and unite in common effort ? black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; Democrat and Republican, young and old, rich and poor, gay and straight, disabled or not. In this election, we cannot afford the same political games and tactics that are being used to pit us against one another and make us afraid of one another. The stakes are too high to divide us by class and region and background; by who we are or what we believe. Because despite what our opponents may claim, there are no real or fake parts of this country. There is no city or town that is more pro-America than anywhere else ? we are one nation, all of us proud, all of us patriots. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America ? they have served the United States of America. It won't be easy, Ohio. It won't be quick. But you and I know that it is time to come together and change this country. Some of you may be cynical and fed up with politics. A lot of you may be disappointed and even angry with your leaders. You have every right to be. But despite all of this, I ask of you what has been asked of Americans throughout our history. I ask you to believe ? not just in my ability to bring about change, but in yours. I know this change is possible. Because I have seen it over the last twenty-one months. Because in this campaign, I have had the privilege to witness what is best in America. I've seen it in lines of voters that stretched around schools and churches; in the young people who cast their ballot for the first time, and those not so young folks who got involved again after a very long time. I've seen it in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see their friends lose their jobs; in the neighbors who take a stranger in when the floodwaters rise; in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb. I've seen it in the faces of the men and women I've met at countless rallies and town halls across the country, men and women who speak of their struggles but also of their hopes and dreams. I still remember the email that a woman named Robyn sent me after I met her in Ft. Lauderdale. Sometime after our event, her son nearly went into cardiac arrest, and was diagnosed with a heart condition that could only be treated with a procedure that cost tens of thousands of dollars. Her insurance company refused to pay, and their family just didn't have that kind of money. In her email, Robyn wrote, ?I ask only this of you ? on the days where you feel so tired you can't think of uttering another word to the people, think of us. When those who oppose you have you down, reach deep and fight back harder.? Ohio, that's what hope is ? that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better is waiting around the bend; that insists there are better days ahead. If we're willing to work for it. If we're willing to shed our fears and our doubts. If we're willing to reach deep down inside ourselves when we're tired and come back fighting harder. Hope! That's what kept some of our parents and grandparents going when times were tough. What led them to say, ?Maybe I can't go to college, but if I save a little bit each week my child can; maybe I can't have my own business but if I work really hard my child can open one of her own.? It's what led immigrants from distant lands to come to these shores against great odds and carve a new life for their families in America; what led those who couldn't vote to march and organize and stand for freedom; that led them to cry out, ?It may look dark tonight, but if I hold on to hope, tomorrow will be brighter.? That's what this election is about. That is the choice we face right now. Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does. In one week, we can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom-up. In one week, we can choose to invest in health care for our families, and education for our kids, and renewable energy for our future. In one week, we can choose hope over fear, unity over division, the promise of change over the power of the status quo. In one week, we can come together as one nation, and one people, and once more choose our better history. That's what's at stake. That's what we're fighting for. And if in this last week, you will knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors, and convince your friends; if you will stand with me, and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you this ? we will not just win Ohio, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America. ### Incredible speech by our future president! What a Closing Argument!
-
I'm not a terrorist And I welcome the government to have access to my records if they are ever in doubt. But, to used personal information on a private citizen (not running for any political office) is going way overboard. That is why I do not welcome an Obama Big Snoopy Governent - just because a private citizen pi**ed them off. Do it once, they will do it again & again & again. We need to protect freedom of speech from idiots trying to silence people they don't like or agree with. Read for yourselves: Government computers used to find information on Joe the Plumber Investigators trying to determine whether access was illegal Friday, October 24, 2008 8:57 PM By Randy Ludlow The Columbus Dispatch "State and local officials are investigating if state and law-enforcement computer systems were illegally accessed when they were tapped for personal information about "Joe the Plumber." Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher became part of the national political lexicon Oct. 15 when Republican presidential candidate John McCain mentioned him frequently during his final debate with Democrat Barack Obama. The 34-year-old from the Toledo suburb of Holland is held out by McCain as an example of an American who would be harmed by Obama's tax proposals. Public records requested by The Dispatch disclose that information on Wurzelbacher's driver's license or his sport-utility vehicle was pulled from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles database three times shortly after the debate. Information on Wurzelbacher was accessed by accounts assigned to the office of Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers, the Cuyahoga County Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Toledo Police Department. http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/24/joe.html?sid=101
-
Let's not be sold on a speech.. this is a great one too.. "What is our Germany of today! How very beautiful and heroic! When I cast my gaze upon you, I know my life's struggle is not being fought in vain! You shall always remain faithful, as German always have. There will always be a new generation of youth, in this city, a city which saw the passage of centuries will see new generations. They will be even more beautiful, they will be even more powerful, and they shall inspire in the hearts of the living even greater hope for the future. I do not bewail - I sound a warning! I am not fear stricken, but I want you to be prepared! I do not tremble at the hour of decision, but I want you to see, and I want to be strong. I want my feet planted strongly in our earth, ready to withstand any onslaught! And you will stand by my side should that hour ever come. You will stand before me, behind me and beside me and at my hands, and together, we shall carry our banners to victory!"
-
"but together, we will change this country and we will change the world." Oh geez - there he goes again!
-
Andy_Shofar:
I'm not a terrorist And I welcome the government to have access to my records if they are ever in doubt. But, to used personal information on a private citizen (not running for any political office) is going way overboard. That is why I do not welcome an Obama Big Snoopy Governent - just because a private citizen pi**ed them off. Do it once, they will do it again & again & again. We need to protect freedom of speech from idiots trying to silence people they don't like or agree with. Read for yourselves: Government computers used to find information on Joe the Plumber Investigators trying to determine whether access was illegal Friday, October 24, 2008 8:57 PM By Randy Ludlow The Columbus Dispatch "State and local officials are investigating if state and law-enforcement computer systems were illegally accessed when they were tapped for personal information about "Joe the Plumber." Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher became part of the national political lexicon Oct. 15 when Republican presidential candidate John McCain mentioned him frequently during his final debate with Democrat Barack Obama. The 34-year-old from the Toledo suburb of Holland is held out by McCain as an example of an American who would be harmed by Obama's tax proposals. Public records requested by The Dispatch disclose that information on Wurzelbacher's driver's license or his sport-utility vehicle was pulled from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles database three times shortly after the debate. Information on Wurzelbacher was accessed by accounts assigned to the office of Ohio Attorney General Nancy H. Rogers, the Cuyahoga County Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Toledo Police Department. http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/10/24/joe.html?sid=101
This is the danger - when these guys see any type of free speech or something they don't agree with, or makes them look bad- they SQUASH it as best they can... another example.. Biden gets put on the spot being interviewed, doesn't like the hardball questions and what is his response? Yup - he GIVES UP AND RUNS AWAY According to the Orlando Sentinel, Biden was so disturbed by West's searching questions that the Obama campaign canceled a WFTV interview with Jill Biden, the candidate's wife. "This cancellation is non-negotiable, and further opportunities for your station to interview with this campaign are unlikely, at best, for the duration of the remaining days until the election," wrote Laura K. McGinnis, Central Florida communications director for the Obama campaign. Here's a link to the interview.. http://election.newsmax.com/biden_angered.html?s=al&promo_code=6E34-1
-
Obama supporters mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital and creates an unequal society. All Obama supporters advocate the creation of an egalitarian society, in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly, although there is considerable disagreement among Obama supporters over how, and to what extent this could be achieved.
-
Here are some republican/conservative supporters of Obama and their remarks. The best have left the sinking ship Former Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.), who was the first Vietnam veteran to serve in the United States Senate, is the latest Republican to back Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, he announced this afternoon. Pressler, who said that in addition to casting an absentee ballot for Obama he'd donated $500 to the Illinois senator's campaign, cited the Democrat's response to the financial crisis as the primary reason for his decision. "I just got the feeling that Obama will be able to handle this financial crisis better, and I like his financial team of [former Treasury Secretary Robert] Rubin and [former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul] Volcker better," he said. By contrast, John McCain's "handling of the financial crisis made me feel nervous." Pressler, who said that he had never voted for a Democrat for president before, added, "I feel really badly. I just hate to go against someone I served with in the Senate. I voted and I got it mailed and I dropped it in the mailbox, and it tore at me to do that." The list of Republican "elite" who have now endorsed Barack Obama. Jim Leach, Former Congressman from Iowa "For me, the national interest comes before party concerns, particularly internationally. We do need a new direction in American policy, and Obama has a sense of that." Lincoln Chafee, Former United States Senator from Rhode Island "As I look at the candidates in order who to vote for, certainly my kind of conservatism was reflected with Senator Obama, and those points are that we're fiscally conservative, we care about revenues matching expenditures, we also care about the environment, I think it's a traditional conservative value to care about clean air and clean water." William Weld, Former Governor of Massachusetts "It's not often you get a guy with his combination of qualities, chief among which I would say is the deep sense of calm he displays, and I think that's a product of his equally deep intelligence." Arne Carlson, Former Governor of Minnesota "I think we have in Barack Obama the clear possibility of a truly great president. I would contend that it's the most important election of my lifetime." Wayne Gilchrest, Congressman from Maryland "We can't use four more years of the same kind of policy that's somewhat haphazard, which leads to recklessness." Richard Riordan, Former Mayor of Los Angeles "I'm still a Republican, but I still will always vote for the person who I think will do the best job." Lowell Weicker, Former Governor and Senator from Connecticut "At issue is not the partisan politics of two parties, rather the image we have of ourselves as Americans. Senator Obama brings wisdom, kindness, and common sense to what is both his and our quest for a better America." Jim Whitaker, Fairbanks, Alaska Mayor "If we are as a nation concerned with energy, then our consideration should be a national energy policy that is not predicated on crude oil 50 years into the future. We need to get to it, and I think Barack Obama is very clear in that regard." Linwood Holton, Former Governor of Virginia "Obama has a brain, and he isn't afraid to use it." Government Officials: Colin Powell, Secretary of State under Bush 43 "...he has met the standard of being a sucessful president, being an exceptional president. I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming into the world-- onto the world state, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama." Douglas Kmiec, Head of the Office of Legal Counsel under Reagan & Bush 41 "I was first attracted to government by Ronald Reagan, who lives in our national memory as a great leader and an inspiring communicator. Senator Obama has these gifts as well, but of course, more rhetorical flourish without substance would be worth little. Is there more to Senator Obama? I believe there is." Charles Fried, Solicitor General of the United States under Reagan "I admire Senator McCain and was glad to help in his campaign, and to be listed as doing so; but when I concluded that I must vote for Obama for the reason states in my letter, I felt it wrong to appear to be recommending to others a vote that I was not prepared to cast myself." Jackson M. Andrews, Republican Counsel to the U.S. Senate "Barack Obama is a thoughtful visionary leader who as President will end the decline of American law, liberty, and fiscal responsibility that are the hallmarks of the extremist policies of the current Administration, now adopted by John McCain." Susan Eisenhower, Granddaughter of President Eisenhower & President of the Eisenhower Group "Given Obama's support among young people, I believe that he will be most invested in defending the interests of these rising generations and, therefore, the long-term interests of this nation as a whole." Francis Fukuyama, Advisor to President Reagan, Foundining Neo-Con Member "...Obama probably has the greatest promise of delivering a different kind of politics." Rita Hauser, Former White House intelligence advisor under George W. Bush "McCain will continue the wrong-headed foreign policy decisions of Bush, while Obama will take us in a new direction." Larry Hunter, Former President Reagan Policy Advisor "I suspect Obama is more free-market friendly than he lets on. He taught at the University of Chicago, a hotbed of right-of-center thought. His economic advisers, notably Austan Goolsbee, recognize that ordinary citizens stand to gain more from open markets than from government meddling." Scott McClellan, Former Press Secretary to President George W. Bush "From the beginning I have said I am going to support the candidate that has the best chance for changing the way Washington works and getting things done and I will be voting for Barack Obama and clapping." Bill Ruckelshaus, served in the Nixon and Reagan administrations "I'm not against McCain, I'm for Obama." Ken Adelman, served in the Ford administration "The most important decision John McCain made in his long campaign was deciding on a running mate. That decision showed appalling lack of judgment... that selection contradicted McCain's main two, and best two, themes for his campaign-- Country First, and experience counts. Neither can he credibly claim, post-Palin pick." Lilibet Hagel, Wife of Republican Senator Chuck Hagel "This election is not about fighting phantom issues churned out by a top-notch slander machine. Most important, it is not about distracting the public-- you and me-- with whatever slurs someone thinks will stick." Columnists and Academics: Jeffrey Hart, National Review Senior Editor "It turns out that these political parties are not always either liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican. The Democrat, under certain conditions, can be the conservative." Andrew Bacevich, Professor of International Relations at Boston University "For conservatives, Obama represents a sliver of hope. McCain represents none at all. The choice turns out to be an easy one." David Friedman, Economist and son of Milton and Rose Friedman "I hope Obama wins. President Bush has clearly been a disaster from the standpoint of libertarians and conservatives because he has presided over an astonishing rise in government spending." Christopher Buckley, Son of National Review founder William F. Buckley & former NR columnist "Obama has in him-- I think, despite his sometimes airy-fairy 'We are the people we have been waiting for' silly rehtoric-- the potential to be a good, perhaps even great leader. He is, it seems clear enough, what the historical moment seems to be calling for." Andrew Sullivan, Columnist for the Atlantic Monthly "Obama's legislative record, speeches, and the way he has run his campaign reveal, I think, a very even temperament, a very sound judgment, and an intelligent pragmatism. Prudence is a word that is not inappropriate to him." Wick Alison, Former publisher of the National Review "I made the maximum donation to John McCain during the primaries, when there was still hope he might come to his senses. But I now see that Obama is almost the ideal candidate for this moment in American history." Michael Smerconish, Columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer "...an Obama presidency holds the greatest chance for unifying us here at home and restoring our prestige around the globe." CC Goldwater, Granddaughter of Barry Goldwater "Nothing about the Republican tickets offers the hope America needs to regain its standing in the world, that's why we're going to support Barack Obama." Tags: Barack Obama, Republican Endorsements (all tags) :: Previous Tag Versions
-
BandontheRun:
Obama supporters mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital and creates an unequal society. All Obama supporters advocate the creation of an egalitarian society, in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly, although there is considerable disagreement among Obama supporters over how, and to what extent this could be achieved.
I just got this in an email. We should all try this approach ? I?ve even heard we can teach the kids on Halloween about redistribution of wealth by taking some of their candy and giving it to kids who don't feel like going out trick or treating A lesson on redistribution
-
BandontheRun:
When gas is over $4 a gallon, it is the fault of Bush, Republicans and "Big Oil" Now that the price is down - who's fault/credit is that? What happened to Obama telling us that if he was elected, he would bring down the price of gas.. I'll tell you as a stock holder of these big oil companies, I want to know why they aren't still charging at least $3.50 since they control the price.. :
uh, last time I looked OPEC controls the price, not the companies.
-
deKooningartist:
Mikemc:
...But if we did our own drilling OPEC would really become irrelevant. Instead of blaming Bush for OPEC you should be blaming Democrats for putting us at their mercy. When gasoline was approaching $5.00 a gallon Obama's only complaint was that it was going up too fast. Making gasoline unaffordable for the people who earn the least "was a good thing" in Obama's mind. He didn't care that working people were being hurt in business, automobiles, and home heating. There's nothing Obama and his fellow socialists would like to see more than us sleeping with five blankets while he can afford to pay any price. It's the working people who will be forced to sacrifice...
Why do I have visions of Jimmy Carter here? For those of you old enough to have voted back then and are now voting for Obama, do you not remember sitting in 2+ hour gas lines? Remember the famous "put on a sweater" Jimmy Carter speech?
Sorry, OPEC will not become irrelevant if the US drilled (shakes head) And yes I do remember the gas lines
-
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
Ummm.....are you referring to the very recent massive redistribution of wealth from the american taxpayers (mainly middle class) to the investors and FAT CATS of Wall Street? Or are you concerned that the middle class could possibly get their money back and the corruption and greed would be all for nothing?
What do you mean get their money back? Who took it and how?
I suggest you read up on the current financial crisis and bailout. You need to get up to speed.
Oh OK, I understand now, it was only the middle class that lost money in the financial crisis and bailout. :
Lots of people lost money in the crisis and bailout and we will all be paying for a very long time....all due to the failed economic policies of the republicans and Bu$h/McSAme
uh, Bush didn't sign on the deregulation....Bubba did, with the republican congress.
-
beatlefan4ever:
BandontheRun:
It really is amazing that Obama supporters: 1) Really do think that they are entitled to other people's money 2) Have brushed off Obama's racism (what if McCain belonged to a racist church for 20 years?, What if McCain referred to someone as "a typical black person") 3) Don't acknowledge that Obama hasn't accomplished anything other than attaining positions (he never even WROTE anything for the Harvard Law Review, authored a bill as a Senator etc..) 4) Think that taxes are supposed to do more than afford to run the government (taxes are NOT supposed to provide for the people)
Exactly! Where, oh where are people getting the idea that this man has the experience to lead this country? Yes, he's for change but NOT the kind of change I want and not the kind of change that will be good for our country.
OK, I'll bite...what kind of change do you want and what kind of change do you think will be good for the country?? Not trying to bang you here, just curious.
-
Andy_Shofar:
mustangsally10:
Andy_Shofar:
Obama: Yesterday & Today - a Bombshell (to say the least) When he says re-distribution of wealth - that's exactly what he means (take away from one to give to others)
Ummm.....are you referring to the very recent massive redistribution of wealth from the american taxpayers (mainly middle class) to the investors and FAT CATS of Wall Street? Or are you concerned that the middle class could possibly get their money back and the corruption and greed would be all for nothing?
Nope, I'm speaking reality - Obama voted to increase taxes on those earning $29,000 or more. He hasn't changed one spot - he's still going to stick it to lower wage earners. Take away from taxpayers & give away to people unwilling to work, even though they are physically & mentally capable.
uh, and how are you absolutely sure that "they" are physically & mentally capable, Andy?? Just curious.....
-
mustangsally10:
beatlefan4ever:
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
Ummm.....are you referring to the very recent massive redistribution of wealth from the american taxpayers (mainly middle class) to the investors and FAT CATS of Wall Street? Or are you concerned that the middle class could possibly get their money back and the corruption and greed would be all for nothing?
What do you mean get their money back? Who took it and how?
I suggest you read up on the current financial crisis and bailout. You need to get up to speed.
Oh OK, I understand now, it was only the middle class that lost money in the financial crisis and bailout. :
Lots of people lost money in the crisis and bailout and we will all be paying for a very long time....all due to the failed economic policies of the republicans and Bu$h/McSAme
Sounds like a broken record....Look back to the Clinton administration if you want to see where things began to fail. This gets so old to have all the blame placed on the Bush administration. It shows a lack of true research on the matter.
ok ..here's another assignment go back as far as reading Ayn Rand, then read about her disciple Alan Greenspan , then Reagan. To be thorough you might even read about the great depression in the US and the monetary policies that led to it (very similar to today). Also you might read Greepspans mea culpa about his ideology and how it contributed to the current crisis. That should keep you busy.
Heh....seriously though, the monetary policies back then that lead to the great depression are no where near the monetary policies today. Back then, they did not have FDR and some of the things he did....now we do....big difference
-
jaipur:
Andy_Shofar:
mustangsally10:
Andy_Shofar:
Obama: Yesterday & Today - a Bombshell (to say the least) When he says re-distribution of wealth - that's exactly what he means (take away from one to give to others)
Ummm.....are you referring to the very recent massive redistribution of wealth from the american taxpayers (mainly middle class) to the investors and FAT CATS of Wall Street? Or are you concerned that the middle class could possibly get their money back and the corruption and greed would be all for nothing?
Nope, I'm speaking reality - Obama voted to increase taxes on those earning $29,000 or more. He hasn't changed one spot - he's still going to stick it to lower wage earners. Take away from taxpayers & give away to people unwilling to work, even though they are physically & mentally capable.
uh, and how are you absolutely sure that "they" are physically & mentally capable, Andy?? Just curious.....
My prejudice - I've known people over the years cheating the taxpayers. I don't think anything has changed.
-
jaipur:
beatlefan4ever:
BandontheRun:
It really is amazing that Obama supporters: 1) Really do think that they are entitled to other people's money 2) Have brushed off Obama's racism (what if McCain belonged to a racist church for 20 years?, What if McCain referred to someone as "a typical black person") 3) Don't acknowledge that Obama hasn't accomplished anything other than attaining positions (he never even WROTE anything for the Harvard Law Review, authored a bill as a Senator etc..) 4) Think that taxes are supposed to do more than afford to run the government (taxes are NOT supposed to provide for the people)
Exactly! Where, oh where are people getting the idea that this man has the experience to lead this country? Yes, he's for change but NOT the kind of change I want and not the kind of change that will be good for our country.
OK, I'll bite...what kind of change do you want and what kind of change do you think will be good for the country?? Not trying to bang you here, just curious.
Umm.. How about change for the better? Creating a thriving economic environment in a global economy? You know that kind of stuff.. that's the change I want. Sorry, nothing Obama says he wants to do supports that kind of change.
-
jaipur:
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
BandontheRun:
mustangsally10:
Ummm.....are you referring to the very recent massive redistribution of wealth from the american taxpayers (mainly middle class) to the investors and FAT CATS of Wall Street? Or are you concerned that the middle class could possibly get their money back and the corruption and greed would be all for nothing?
What do you mean get their money back? Who took it and how?
I suggest you read up on the current financial crisis and bailout. You need to get up to speed.
Oh OK, I understand now, it was only the middle class that lost money in the financial crisis and bailout. :
Lots of people lost money in the crisis and bailout and we will all be paying for a very long time....all due to the failed economic policies of the republicans and Bu$h/McSAme
uh, Bush didn't sign on the deregulation....Bubba did, with the republican congress.
I'm looking at the big pic again.....deregulation has been the policy for the republicans (you know less govt.) since Greenspan Reagan etc.. True Bubba did keep Greenspan but isn't it amazing that he was able even with a repub congress to set things straight and bush with a repub. congress has created the biggest mess (other than the great depression) that we have seen
-
Media's Presidential Bias and Decline Columnist Michael Malone Looks at Slanted Election Coverage and the Reasons Why Column By MICHAEL S. MALONE Oct. 24, 2008 ? The traditional media are playing a very, very dangerous game -- with their readers, with the Constitution and with their own fates. The sheer bias in the print and television coverage of this election campaign is not just bewildering, but appalling. And over the last few months I've found myself slowly moving from shaking my head at the obvious one-sided reporting, to actually shouting at the screen of my television and my laptop computer. But worst of all, for the last couple weeks, I've begun -- for the first time in my adult life -- to be embarrassed to admit what I do for a living. A few days ago, when asked by a new acquaintance what I did for a living, I replied that I was "a writer," because I couldn't bring myself to admit to a stranger that I'm a journalist. You need to understand how painful this is for me. I am one of those people who truly bleeds ink when I'm cut. I am a fourth-generation newspaperman. As family history tells it, my great-grandfather was a newspaper editor in Abilene, Kan., during the last of the cowboy days, then moved to Oregon to help start the Oregon Journal (now the Oregonian). My hard-living -- and when I knew her, scary -- grandmother was one of the first women reporters for the Los Angeles Times. And my father, though profoundly dyslexic, followed a long career in intelligence to finish his life (thanks to word processors and spellcheckers) as a very successful freelance writer. I've spent 30 years in every part of journalism, from beat reporter to magazine editor. And my oldest son, following in the family business, so to speak, earned his first national byline before he earned his drivers license. So, when I say I'm deeply ashamed right now to be called a "journalist," you can imagine just how deep that cuts into my soul. complete article at link: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Story?id=6099188&page=1
-
mustangsally10:
[I'm looking at the big pic again.....deregulation has been the policy for the republicans (you know less govt.) since Greenspan Reagan etc.. True Bubba did keep Greenspan but isn't it amazing that he was able even with a repub congress to set things straight and bush with a repub. congress has created the biggest mess (other than the great depression) that we have seen
From the White House and C-Span records:
For many years the President and his Administration have not only warned of the systemic consequences of financial turmoil at a housing government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) but also put forward thoughtful plans to reduce the risk that either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac would encounter such difficulties. President Bush publicly called for GSE reform 17 times in 2008 alone before Congress acted. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, as the President's repeated attempts to reform the supervision of these entities were thwarted by the legislative maneuvering of those who emphatically denied there were problems. 2001 April: The Administration's FY02 budget declares that the size of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is "a potential problem," because "financial trouble of a large GSE could cause strong repercussions in financial markets, affecting Federally insured entities and economic activity." 2002 May: The President calls for the disclosure and corporate governance principles contained in his 10-point plan for corporate responsibility to apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (OMB Prompt Letter to OFHEO, 5/29/02) 2003 January: Freddie Mac announces it has to restate financial results for the previous three years. February: The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) releases a report explaining that "although investors perceive an implicit Federal guarantee of [GSE] obligations," "the government has provided no explicit legal backing for them." As a consequence, unexpected problems at a GSE could immediately spread into financial sectors beyond the housing market. ("Systemic Risk: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Role of OFHEO," OFHEO Report, 2/4/03) September: Fannie Mae discloses SEC investigation and acknowledges OFHEO's review found earnings manipulations. September: Treasury Secretary John Snow testifies before the House Financial Services Committee to recommend that Congress enact "legislation to create a new Federal agency to regulate and supervise the financial activities of our housing-related government sponsored enterprises" and set prudent and appropriate minimum capital adequacy requirements. October: Fannie Mae discloses $1.2 billion accounting error. November: Council of the Economic Advisers (CEA) Chairman Greg Mankiw explains that any "legislation to reform GSE regulation should empower the new regulator with sufficient strength and credibility to reduce systemic risk." To reduce the potential for systemic instability, the regulator would have "broad authority to set both risk-based and minimum capital standards" and "receivership powers necessary to wind down the affairs of a troubled GSE." (N. Gregory Mankiw, Remarks At The Conference Of State Bank Supervisors State Banking Summit And Leadership, 11/6/03) 2004 February: The President's FY05 Budget again highlights the risk posed by the explosive growth of the GSEs and their low levels of required capital, and called for creation of a new, world-class regulator: "The Administration has determined that the safety and soundness regulators of the housing GSEs lack sufficient power and stature to meet their responsibilities, and therefore?should be replaced with a new strengthened regulator." (2005 Budget Analytic Perspectives, pg. 83) February: CEA Chairman Mankiw cautions Congress to "not take [the financial market's] strength for granted." Again, the call from the Administration was to reduce this risk by "ensuring that the housing GSEs are overseen by an effective regulator." (N. Gregory Mankiw, Op-Ed, "Keeping Fannie And Freddie's House In Order," Financial Times, 2/24/04) June: Deputy Secretary of Treasury Samuel Bodman spotlights the risk posed by the GSEs and called for reform, saying "We do not have a world-class system of supervision of the housing government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), even though the importance of the housing financial system that the GSEs serve demands the best in supervision to ensure the long-term vitality of that system. Therefore, the Administration has called for a new, first class, regulatory supervisor for the three housing GSEs: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banking System." (Samuel Bodman, House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Testimony, 6/16/04) 2005 April: Treasury Secretary John Snow repeats his call for GSE reform, saying "Events that have transpired since I testified before this Committee in 2003 reinforce concerns over the systemic risks posed by the GSEs and further highlight the need for real GSE reform to ensure that our housing finance system remains a strong and vibrant source of funding for expanding homeownership opportunities in America? Half-measures will only exacerbate the risks to our financial system." (Secretary John W. Snow, "Testimony Before The U.S. House Financial Services Committee," 4/13/05) 2007 July: Two Bear Stearns hedge funds invested in mortgage securities collapse. August: President Bush emphatically calls on Congress to pass a reform package for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying "first things first when it comes to those two institutions. Congress needs to get them reformed, get them streamlined, get them focused, and then I will consider other options." (President George W. Bush, Press Conference, The White House, 8/9/07) September: RealtyTrac announces foreclosure filings up 243,000 in August ? up 115 percent from the year before. September: Single-family existing home sales decreases 7.5 percent from the previous month ? the lowest level in nine years. Median sale price of existing homes fell six percent from the year before. December: President Bush again warns Congress of the need to pass legislation reforming GSEs, saying "These institutions provide liquidity in the mortgage market that benefits millions of homeowners, and it is vital they operate safely and operate soundly. So I've called on Congress to pass legislation that strengthens independent regulation of the GSEs ? and ensures they focus on their important housing mission. The GSE reform bill passed by the House earlier this year is a good start. But the Senate has not acted. And the United States Senate needs to pass this legislation soon." (President George W. Bush, Discusses Housing, The White House, 12/6/07) 2008 January: Bank of America announces it will buy Countrywide. January: Citigroup announces mortgage portfolio lost $18.1 billion in value. February: Assistant Secretary David Nason reiterates the urgency of reforms, says "A new regulatory structure for the housing GSEs is essential if these entities are to continue to perform their public mission successfully." (David Nason, Testimony On Reforming GSE Regulation, Senate Committee On Banking, Housing And Urban Affairs, 2/7/0 March: Bear Stearns announces it will sell itself to JPMorgan Chase. March: President Bush calls on Congress to take action and "move forward with reforms on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They need to continue to modernize the FHA, as well as allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to homeowners to refinance their mortgages." (President George W. Bush, Remarks To The Economic Club Of New York, New York, NY, 3/14/0 April: President Bush urges Congress to pass the much needed legislation and "modernize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. [There are] constructive things Congress can do that will encourage the housing market to correct quickly by ? helping people stay in their homes." (President George W. Bush, Meeting With Cabinet, the White House, 4/14/0 May: President Bush issues several pleas to Congress to pass legislation reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the situation deteriorates further. "Americans are concerned about making their mortgage payments and keeping their homes. Yet Congress has failed to pass legislation I have repeatedly requested to modernize the Federal Housing Administration that will help more families stay in their homes, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance sub-prime loans." (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/3/0 ""The government ought to be helping creditworthy people stay in their homes. And one way we can do that ? and Congress is making progress on this ? is the reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That reform will come with a strong, independent regulator." (President George W. Bush, Meeting With The Secretary Of The Treasury, the White House, 5/19/0 "Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance subprime loans." (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/31/0 June: As foreclosure rates continued to rise in the first quarter, the President once again asks Congress to take the necessary measures to address this challenge, saying "we need to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac." (President George W. Bush, Remarks At Swearing In Ceremony For Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, Washington, D.C., 6/6/0 July: Congress heeds the President's call for action and passes reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as it becomes clear that the institutions are failing.
*******17 times he asked for regulation!!!!!!!************