Who You Callin' A __________?

Arab, celebrity, terrorist, socialist, and now communist. All these names have been used by the Republican party to describe Barack Obama. I don't even have to say anything about how stupid these claims are. The Republican party has already dug their own graves. Desperate times obviously call for desperate measures. These scare tactics will not sway my vote! Call him what you want...I'll be calling him president in a couple weeks ;)

Dirty Campaigns

Recently, I read an article on ABCnews.com where Cindy McCain made the most upsurd comment I've EVER heard. And I quote, "Obama has waged the dirtiest campaign in American history." Huh...Is she serious?!? Have we been watching the same election? As far as I'm concerned (and I'm pretty sure that others would agree) Obama has ran a fair campaign. He's never attacked McCain's character, only his choices in policy. In fact, the only thing that I would take offense to if I were them is being compared to Bush...lol. Considering that Bush has a 26% approval rate (the lowest of any president in American history) that's definitely not someone you would want to be associated with. But the records books don't lie and they clearly show that McCain has voted with Bush 90% of the time. So whatareyagonnado? Even when Palin's teen daughter's pregnancy was announced, he said that he would not comment because family was off limits. I even heard that he threatened to fire anyone on his staff that made any comments about her. Obama could have easily taken the low road, but he didn't! I truly respect him for choosing to keeping the issues first.

And so with that said, I'm finding it hard to fathom how she came to that conclusion. She obviously has Obama mistaken with her husband. Throughout the campaign, the McCain camp has continuously tried to slander Obama's character. From his experience level to the Reverend Wright issue....they've been trying to break him down at every level. And as of this week, I believe that they've stooped to all time low by associating him with terrorists. I couldn't believe that such a bold statement would come out of their mouths. I don't know much about Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers, but I know that he isn't a terrorist! He wasn't involved in any illegal activity with Ayers. If you want to bring up past relationships...let's talk about Cindy's past drug addiction and how she stole from her own charity. I'm just saying....we've all made choices that we're not proud of, but we're also able to learn from them. You don't see Obama saying that because of her past, McCain's wife is a "Crack Head" (lol...) Why? Because he's bigger than that and it's not relevant to the future of this country! Obama may have had a relationship with this man, but it doesn't mean that he was involved in the same dirt. To connect Obama with terrorism is...I can't even find the words to describe how demoralizing it is. It's just downright wrong and quite frankly it's sad. Insulting someone's character like that...Are these the type of people you want running the country? I know I don't! More than ever, I pray that these two will not be the next leaders of our country.

VP Debate PART II

I must say that I was very pleased with the vice presidential debate this evening. It was even better than last week's presidential debate. I was actually able to watch the entire debate without turning the channel. Overall, both candidates were able to hold their own in the debate and argue in favor of their running mate. But I feel that Biden won the debate hands down!

BIDEN: I was amazed at how composed Biden was throughout the entire debate. His face read,"Don't trip...I got this!" (seriously...lol) He appeared so at home at the podium. One of the things that I noticed was that he didn't come across as overbearing as many critics were anticipating. I know a major concern was whether Biden should hold back on his tone because Palin is a woman. But I noticed that Biden didn't raise his voice or talk down to her. He didn't have to...it was all in his facial expressions. He was very polite and often laughed off her comments that he didn't agree with. He would just give a smile and continue with his counterattack. I thought that was a great strategy and a great way to steer away from appearing sexist or condescending. I also think that he did a great job of reminding people of McCain's record. He was stating those facts left and right. In fact, Biden knew McCain's record better than Palin, which might I add is very sad. He also destroyed Palin on foreign policy. He's obviously more experienced in that area. Some may say that Biden started off slow, but he clearly built up his momentum (which is another great strategy) and got fired up towards the end. I love how he took the spotlight away from her when she was talking about being a mother. That's supposed to be Palin's strong point with women, but he was able to note that he was a single father and could relate to raising children too. Boom! There goes that relatable factor for Palin. But my favorite moment was when Biden told (with a little irritation) Palin to stop referring to McCain as a maverick, stating "He's no maverick" and then went on to explain how he has gone with the status quo for the past 8 years. That was the best! Overall, he did an excellent job of defending Obama. He was able to really paint a picture as to how Obama and himself were going to turn this country around. A-

PALIN: I'm sorry, but at the beginning Palin looked very overwhelmed and scripted. It was if she was reading off some secret teleprompter in the back somewhere. As she became more comfortable, she started to look more at ease. I'm sure that the McCain camp is glad that she remembered all of her talking points ;) However, I will applaud her on her ability to frame the issues in terms that the average person could relate to and understand and how she called out Biden on the issues that he was previously going back and forth on. (Everyone knows that he hasn't always agreed with Obama in the past.) I'm not going to lie, that was a good tactic on her part. At the same time, I didn't like how she didn't answer some of the questions and instead often reverted back to the issues she was more comfortable with. (i.e. energy) She even had the nerve to say that she was going to answer the questions the way that she wanted. I diffently didn't agree with that! If there is one thing that Palin proved tonight it is that she would make a great commissioner on the board of some energy committee...lol. Vice President? Uhh...I'm not quite sure. She just doesn't seem to have a good understanding of the issues. Palin made a comment about removing the toxic mess on main street that has been affecting wall street. I'm confused (scratching my head) isn't it the other way around. I need her to get that right and know where our economic problems originated! Then Gwen Ifill basically asked if there was a program that you would cut from your running mate's platform due to the current state of the economy. She said no and that McCain hasn't made any promises that he can't keep. Okay...politically that was a great response. We know that you're loyal to McCain, but REALISTICALLY McCain (if elected) isn't going to be able to financially implement all of his programs. Let's be real Palin! Are you not aware of the $700 billion bailout? I know that your little town of Wasilla, Alaska may live in this tiny bubble, but the rest of us on the mainland are going through the greatest economic downfall since the Great Depression. Oh and I can't forget that she gave a "shout out" to her brother's 3rd grade class. LOL...hilarious! Umm...last time I checked she was at a vice presidential debate not 106 & Park. (Let's be professional) Overall, Palin held her own, but didn't change my opinion about her lack of ability to run this country. B- (a minus for the shout out...lol)


WRAP-UP: After tonight, I have so much respect for Biden. He really proved why he is an excellent addition to the Democratic ticket. He clearly understands his role of vice president and I am confident that he will be there to support and offer counsel to Obama when needed. I'm ready! Vote Obama-Biden 08

VP Debate Watch PART I

Tonight is the night! Palin and Biden will go head to head in the vice presidential debate. There's been so much talk about this debate, especially since Palin bombed her interview with Katie Couric. It was very sad to watch...some of her answers were so far off in left field. I still don't understand how Alaska's close proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy experience. I don't live that far from Mexico, but does that make me a foreign policy expert? Umm...no! Everyone has an off day, but that interview clearly illustrated that Palin doesn't have the basic knowledge to make well informed decisions for this country...maybe Russia...lol, but diffently not the US. I guess that's why her advisors have been keeping her from the media. I can't express how much it bothers me that someone with "so much executive experience" could barely answer a question about foreign policy and could not site any supreme court rulings that she disagreed with. Umm...I need you to know your history boo! If nothing, you should be able to cite the political events/cases on which your political beliefs were built upon.

Anyways, enough about that! So now everyone is wondering how she will perform in the debate and should Biden hold back when debating her? I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous. I have a feeling that she'll do just fine. She seems to perform well under pressure. She better...she's been prepping all week at the McCain compound...lol. Plus, she's good at putting on show...lol. But in this debate her sarcastic one-liners are not going to cut it! The election is too close for all that! I wonder if she'll come off too rehearsed? She lacks that geniune factor to me. I just hope that Biden can hold his own in the debate and not worry about coming down too hard on her. He shouldn't treat her any differently because she's a woman. If it were Hilary, gender wouldn't be an issue. I think it's because she's new to the political scene that people want to shield and protect her. But like I've said over and over again...we're talking about the vice president of the United States...second in command. Whether female or male, the people have a right to know who these candidates are and where they stand on the issues. Overall, beside stating why their running mate is the best choice for president, I really hope that they are able to articulate 1.)why they should be vp, 2.) what are their plans as vp, 3.) views on the current economic crisis/what plans they would implement to alleviate the damage, and last 4.) how do they plan to make sure that the president keeps his word on the things he promised in his campaign? We shall see. Stay tuned...

Palin Watch

I mentioned it briefly in my previous entry, but it's starting to really bug me. Why isn't Palin talking to the media? Why won't she answer any of their questions? In the past month since her vp announcement, she's only granted 2 interviews. Why is that?!? I was watching The View this morning and Elisabeth Hasselback (who is a strong McCalin/Palin supporter) said that it's not the media's job to demand information, it's the people's responsibility. Well inquiring minds would like to know what's REaLly going on? I know that the media isn't the deciding factor in an election, but it is a very important vehicle for information. A lot of people (like myself) rely on the media to learn about the candidates. How else are we supposed to learn about their platforms if we can't talk to the candidates directly?

It's as if the McCain camp is trying to shield her from any public interaction. Scratch that they ARE shielding her! Even though I don't like her, I still think that it's important that she is open to discussing her party's platform and answering any questions that the media or public may have. I want to hear what she has to say without a script in front her. I want to see how she handles herself under pressure. Is she able to think quick on her toes? How are the American people supposed to find this out if she doesn't make herself available? Where's that maverick her supporters have been ranting about? Not letting Palin speak to the media only shows their lack of confidence in her. What are her advisors afraid of? You can't baby her...it's not fair!

McCain, Obama, and Biden have all had their run-ins with reporters. At times they've done well and other times not so well, but they've always given access to the people. McCain should know better! He can't bring this unknown woman who he claims is this rockstar hockey mom governor from Alaska and keep her from talking to reporters. She has the experience right? AND more executive experience than Obama and Biden combined (lol...that statement cracks me up everytime I hear it)...then she shouldn't have any problems articulating her views to the media? Hmm...I would think so. Isn't this the same woman who compared herself to a pitbull? She's starting to look like a prop for their campaign and not an actually running mate. It's obvious that they brought her in to shake up the game, but now that she's a player it's time to suit up!

There are less than 40 days until election day, they can't keep playing this game. I refuse to let someone skate into office! As a woman, I'm disappointed. She could make history as the FIRST woman vp and she's letting them use her. What kind of message does that send to young girls? You can play with the big boys as long as you're quiet? As a potential representative of the country, she really needs to show her ability to lead this country. And to me she's not making the right decisions. We're watching Palin...prove the critics wrong!

We Get It Already (At Least I Do)

Urgh...I'm so tired of all the political bashing. It's so ridiculous and starting to get annoying! I expect it from the Republicans. They have nothing going for them. Haven't you noticed that Palin hardly appears without McCain and she won't grant any media interviews? Sounds a little suspect if you ask me. All they can say is that Obama is a "celebrity senator." (a term I still don't understand) I have yet to see him in a movie, drop an album, or walk a red carpet... He can't help it if celebrities (who might I remind McCain are real people too) believe in his ability to lead this country.

On the Dem side, Obama and Biden keep talking about how McCain is just like Bush. That's all I really hear. I get it! McCain = Bush. You don't have to tell me anymore...lol. I wish that he would delve more into the policy he plans to implement in order to get us out of the mess that Bush has had us in for the past 8 years. You already have my vote, but I feel like in order to win others over he needs to start talking about the nitty gritty. How about for every comparison to Bush, you list 3 DETAILED examples of how your policy is different. Knowing more about Obama's policy will also help supporters vouch for him as well. I just want to hear less about him and more about you!

There Seems To Be A Pattern...

I didn't watch McCain's speech because after watching Palin I knew it would only upset me. But I was able to catch the highlights from CNN. Apparently he seems to be stuck in the past. Have you noticed that the only good thing that he and his peers can say about him was that he is a war veteran/POW from Vietnam. Now, I give him much respect for fighting for our country and for being a POW, but just because you were in the army doesn't mean that you will be a better commander in chief. It doesn't make McCain more qualified. That war was over 40 years ago and the last time I checked, being in the army wasn't a requirement for being president of the United States. I think that he may have some post war tramatic syndrome that causes him to stay in the past. (no jokes)

In a way, it kind of worrries me. He said and I quote "I would rather lose an election, than lose a war." That statement says to me that he is for the war on Iraq and will continue it until we "win." Last time I checked, the majority of the American people do not agree with the war in Iraq and wanted to bring troops home. I think it's funny...I was just watching Palin give a speech in Michigan and that's all she could talk about. They need to address more of the issues that are effecting the economy.

Fired Up

I have so much to say about Governor Palin's acceptance speech last night. I was not impressed at all! If there were an award for reading off a teleprompter or making snide remarks about your opponents, she would get an A+...hands down! But that's not what the election is about. It's about the issues! For someone who nobody really knows about, she sure did spend a lot of time putting down his experience. How about talking about what YOU can bring to the table...what are YOUR plans for the next 4 years?

I've honestly lost respect for her...especially as a woman. I know that Michelle Obama isn't running for offfice, but she's the only woman who has been fair throughout this whole campaign. For the past 18 months, Michelle has spoken passionately about her husband, his background and how he would make the best candidate for president. I have yet to hear her say anything bad about McCain or Palin. She's always kept the focus on her husband and I admire her for sticking to the issue at hand and taking the high road. The media wants to say that she's "unpatriotic" and paint this picture of her as this militant black woman, but I feel that people could learn a lot from her. She's classy, well-educated, articulant...she's the bomb! And she speaks from the heart! That is something that inspires me and seeing the passion and belief that she has in her husband gives me hope and makes me believe too in change.

All Palin could do last night was talk about Obama, which basically took the spotlight off of herself and her lack of experience. I understand that she wanted to prove that she could hang with the big boys, but how about proving yourself through your IDEAS to improve the country. Because at the end of the day, it's not about Obama or McCain...it's about the people. People are without jobs, healthcare, houses, etc. People are down right struggling. What do YOU and your and running mate plan to do to turn this economy around? I bet she hasn't even thought about it...lol. Why? Because she was too busy working on those punch lines...lol. People are going to remember that rather than what she stands for as an American. So when we're having problems with other countries are you just going to put them down and talk about how it's their fault? Come on, Palin let's get to the issues and think of solutions!

Oh, and I have to comment about her belittling his work as a community organizer. Claiming that it's not "actual experience." This is a country for the people by the people. I applaud him for working in the community. For getting to know the people on a personal level. How many people in Washington have spent time in their communities outside of campaigning? Probably not that many. I'd rather have someone who has gone into the intercities and rural communities...who is about hearing the problems of the people first hand than someone who talks from heresy. I could go on and on, but I won't. Palin has definitely got me fired up!

Inspired

With everything that's been happening on the political scene, I've been inspired to start a blog and chronicle my feelings about the 2008 elections. There's been so much talk about McCain's VP choice Sarah Palin...so much talk of media scrutiny that I couldn't just sit back and not say anything. The whole situation really frustrates me. It really irritates me how people are throwing the "sexism" card. As a woman, I don't feel like she's being treated any differently than a male candidate would. People are looking for the facts and it's the media's job to report them. For one, when she chose to accept his offer to be the VP nominee she should have known that her life was going to be under a magnifying glass. Hellloooo....Gov Pallin you're not in Alaska anymore...this is the entire US we're talking about here. Honestly, what did you expect? Especially since no one, not even in Washington had ever heard of you. You're running to be second in command of our country people have a right to know who they're voting for. Did you expect to hide behind the coattails of McCain? The American people are smarter than that.

I believe that the media can cross the lines at times. But I don't like how the Republicans are saying that the media is picking on Palin because she's a woman. It's her lack of experience that is causing the media scrutiny, especially when the Republicans were so vocal about expressing Obama's "lack of experience." I think that McCain & staff thought they could throw a woman into the mix to entice Hilary supporters, but it didn't exactly work to their advantage. If you're going to pick a woman as your running mate at least pick someone who has the experience your opponent lacks. They argue that Palin has more executive experience than Obama. Um, I don't think so. She went from PTA mom to city counsel to governor. Good stuff! But, I still don't think that's enough to lead a country. I will admit that experience isn't everything. Although, Obama hasn't been in Washington for decades like McCain, the one thing about him that I like is his passion for change. He's so geniune and you can tell that he really wants to see this country for the better. I haven't seen that in Palin. Maybe she'll express that tonight in her speech. (Either way, I'm still Obama all the way )