Looks Like A Saturday Open Thread

Sorry, something unexpected takes me away.

Comments

[kim]

Hey, we gotta stay on the other thread 'til we break a thousand comments.
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[kim]

I hope unexpected is not unhappy.
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[kim]

Yeah, if I don't go out for air, I'm gonna start ranting about the climate and drive everyone outside.

Seriously, I wonder if McCain hasn't seen the light about cap and trade schemes and has found an advocate for the truth.
=================================

[Pofarmer]

Does anybody know where any of Palin's appearances might be located? I thought I heard yesterday that she was doing a rally about 45 minutes from me, but I can't seem to locate any info. I'll go. I've never been to a political event in my life, but that's one I'll go to.

also, my 70 year old MIL is here today, and she is excited about the Palin pick. I fail to see any bad news about this, the wailing and knashing of lefty pundits not withstanding.

Ann Coulter should be an interesting read this week.

[clarice]

Ras:
"Sarah Palin has made a good first impression. Before being named as John McCain’s running mate, 67% of voters didn’t know enough about the Alaska governor to have an opinion. After her debut in Dayton and a rush of media coverage, a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 53% now have a favorable opinion of Palin while just 26% offer a less flattering assessment.

Palin earns positive reviews from 78% of Republicans, 26% of Democrats and 63% of unaffiliated voters. Obviously, these numbers will be subject to change as voters learn more about her in the coming weeks. Among all voters, 29% have a Very Favorable opinion of Palin while 9% hold a Very Unfavorable view.

By way of comparison, on the day he was selected as Barack Obama’s running mate, Delaware Senator Joseph Biden was viewed favorably by 43% of voters.

Full demographic crosstabs results by gender, age, race, ideology, party, most important issues and more are available to Premium Members.

Palin’s selection may have already provided a short-term boost for McCain by muting any further convention bounce following Obama’s successful acceptance speech on Thursday night. The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll on Saturday shows little change from the numbers released on Friday morning.

In the new survey, 35% of voters say the selection of Palin makes them more likely to vote for McCain while 33% say they are less likely to do so. Most Republicans say they are more likely to vote for Palin and most Democrats say the opposite. "

[Jane]

Pofarmer - McCain/Palin schedule - LUN

I can't wait for the full report!

[Sue]

Day 2 of after convnetion and super-duper speech? McCain/Palin are still sucking up the air from any positive coverage of Obama/Biden.

[Jim]

For the first time in my adult life I'm really proud of a candidate.

I hate myself for enjoying the spectacle of the wicked squirming with resentment at Palin. I'm going to need more popcorn.

[Patrick R. Sullivan]

I a;ways suspected David Frum was an idiot, and it looks like Mark Steyn thinks so too:

Over in the Frumistan province of the NR caliphate, our pal David is not happy about the Palin pick. I am - for several reasons.

First, Governor Palin is not merely, as Jay describes her, "all-American", but hyper-American. What other country in the developed world produces beauty queens who hunt caribou and serve up a terrific moose stew? As an immigrant, I'm not saying I came to the United States purely to meet chicks like that, but it was certainly high on my list of priorities. And for the gun-totin' Miss Wasilla then to go on to become Governor while having five kids makes it an even more uniquely American story. Next to her resume, a guy who's done nothing but serve in the phony-baloney job of "community organizer" and write multiple autobiographies looks like just another creepily self-absorbed lifelong member of the full-time political class that infests every advanced democracy.

[Sue]

Woot! Woot! Obama receives no bounce from his big production speech. Via Hot Air.

[Patrick R. Sullivan]

Also, in addition to Sarah being the perfect candidate to appeal to all the Hillary voters who didn't go for Obama in Penn., Ohio and Michigan, she puts Washington and possibly Oregon in play for the Republicans.

In Washington, four years ago, Dino Rossi probably won the Governorship by a thousand or so votes, but the toxic Democrat controlled Elections Commission of King County (Seattle) managed to steal it for Christine Gregoire by a little over 100 votes on the third recount.

Now, Rossi and Gregoire are rematched. If Palin will campaign with him, he'll almost surely win. Oregon is a similar story, once you get outside of Portland and the university towns like Eugene, the people are outsdoorsy; hunters, fishermen, loggers.

[Rick Ballard]

Clarice,

The average of the Ras daily from June 4 to August 25 was McCain 41, Obama 45 in contrast to todays McCain 43, Obama 47. No change in spread whatsoever - they both moved up 2 points.

Helluva bounce.

[Jim]

Watch her speech again. Imagine her vs. Obama in a debate. She has:

Common sense.
Executive prowess.
Exemplary moral fiber.
Brains.
Teleprompter-less speech.

Obama? Maybe a little brains, but that's it.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Just by the way, we're going to hear a lot about the "ethics investigation" on Sarah Palin. The WaPo has already started it with a pretty egregious piece. So, for reference, here's the Anchorage Daily News piece on on, from July 28th.

Here's a couple excerpts:

"The record clearly indicates a serious and concentrated pattern of unacceptable and at times, illegal activity occurring over a lengthy period, which establishes a course of conduct totally at odds with the ethics of our profession," Col. Julia Grimes, then head of Alaska State Troopers, wrote in March 1, 2006, letter suspending Wooten for 10 days. After the union protested it, the suspension was reduced to five days.

They go on to note:

Troopers eventually investigated 13 issues and found four in which Wooten violated policy or broke the law or both:

• Wooten used a Taser on his stepson.

• He illegally shot a moose.

• He drank beer in his patrol car on one occasion.

• He told others his father-in-law would "eat a f'ing lead bullet" if he helped his daughter get an attorney for the divorce.

Beyond the investigation sparked by the family, trooper commanders saw cause to discipline or give written instructions to correct Wooten seven times since he joined the force, according to Grimes' letter to Wooten.

So, it would appear that the ethics investigation discovered that we're talking about a "state trooper" who got a whole 5 day suspension after abusing his son with GFE and threatening to murder Palin's father.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

"on it".

More coffee.

[clarice]

I'm dying for the Dems to make troopergate the issue..Maybe Palin can run some videos of O's friend Ayers on the inherent honesty and good character of the pigs L E.

[ROA]

Having Wooten fired will cost her the teacher's union vote, but they were probably going to vote for Obama anyway.

[sammy small]

Charlie, the WaPo will investigate the "appearance" of impropriety, even if there is no there there. I'm sure they will link her to everything negative that has happened in Alaska for the past two years.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Oh, I love this line:

Alan Colmes: Do you believe that Sarah Palin is ready, Day One, if God forbid something happens to John McCain?

Mike Huckabee: I think she’s far more ready to be President if something happens to McCain than Barack Obama would be if something doesn’t happen to McCain.

[M. Simon]

Kim,

I did a post on McCain giving up the cap and trade stuff a while back at P&C.

I believe he made China and India joining in a prerequisite. i.e. a deal killer.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Hanson:

We are supposed to believe that a first- term Alaskan governor is less qualified for the second spot than a first-term Illinois Senator is for the Presidency

[clarice]

Apparently, today is the last day (or next to last day) to contribute to mcCain's campaign. As he's taking federal matching funds he won't use this as an opportunity to bother you again.

Of course, you can always contribute to the RNC..

[Topsecretk9]

oops, didn't see a new thread was started

Video: Biden sees unborn people

If people worry how Sarah Palin will stack up against Joe Biden as a campaigner, perhaps this video clip of Biden introducing Barack Obama yesterday in Pennsylvania might help answer it. Biden struggles to articulate his words, offers a weird version of his childhood move out of Scranton, and in general comes across a little buffoonish:

Joe Biden's making shit up again, sees dead people and really, really hates Princeton!

LUN

[GMax]

Anyone is Jack "Ass" Cafferty on CNN last evening? He was in full poo fling mode. Stephen Hayes had to put up with the idiot talking over him, heavy sighs while he spoke and lots of verbal harrumps etc.

Jack Ass, who is just Olbermann with less class ( what is less than zero?). but he just knew from his e-mail that this was a horrible choice. When everyone just ignored him, he then changed it to e-mails from Republicans. How many Republicans would bother to e-mail Cafferty about anything? I might tell him to talk a long walk down a very short pier, but even that seems like a total waste of time.

Stephen Hayes was almost grinning, when he said he had spoken to lots of Republicans and could not find the folks that Cafferty was talking about.

Then Cafferty pronounced her a "joke" and then said it was insulting to women! To follow his logic, was Obama an insult to blacks?

I think when you can panic Jack Ass you know that you have stolen a march on the enemy camp!

[bubarooni]

i must tell you i'm a bit shocked by the palin choice. pretty outta the box move.

my significant other chucked a vote to hillary during the primary (IN.) primarily because she didn't like the way the press was treating her. hillary lost her with the 'bake cookies' comment years ago but she felt that 'the good old boys' were sticking it to her.

last night, watching coverage on cnn, msnbc, fox, etc., she was livid. i had to get off the couch as the steam blowing out of her ears was scalding me. she was yelling 'these guys are saying 'don't let your eyes fool you. we know what's best for you. just lay back and take it, it's for your own good. they are telling me to take off my shoes and get my ass back in the kitchen where i belong!'

i don't know how many women will react in a similar vein. my guess is that the Dems and their allies in the press will stop at nothing to belittle, condescend and marginalize palin because she is a threat to The One.

wait and see, they'll say the most rotten things and won't be able to stop themselves even if it becomes apparent they are angering some segment of women voters.

if nothing else, many women may just sit this one out.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

More on "wootengate" from Flopping Aces.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

if nothing else, many women may just sit this one out.

Buba, that's only if they manage to shut up and enforce communications discipline before they completely overwhelm the media with attacks that are ending up looking misogynistic and sexist as all hell. And they seem to be having quite a time with getting that memo out to the troops.

[GMax]

Stop the presses this is a lion lying down with the lamb moment. Media Matters makes note of the MSM sexism in their Palin coverage! The Democrats are so screwed! Here cut from Media Matters:

 

With morning announcement of Palin pick comes morning sexism on cable news

Summary: With reports that Sen. John McCain had picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, sexist commentary on cable news followed. On CNN, John Roberts raised the question of whether as vice president, Palin would be able to devote the time necessary to care for her baby with Down syndrome, and on MSNBC, Andrea Mitchell and Chuck Todd suggested that Sen. Joe Biden bears the burden of having to adjust his behavior in a vice-presidential debate because of Palin's sex.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Jay Cost on Palin

[boris]

In my opinion the Palin pick does not take "experience" off the table.

• GOP says "Obama lacks experience"
  
• Obamabot says "What about Palin's lack of experience"
  
• GOP says "Okay, lets compare them ..."

It invites an excuse to list comparisons that only moonbats believe favor Obama. That's why they will keep shooting themselves in the foot every chance they get.

[GMax]

I dont think that is Jay Cost Chaco. Jay Tea is a frequent poster Wizbang. He is a New Hampshirite and deals with the influx of Massachusetts folks trying to escape the hell that is Massachusetts. Good post though.

[bad]

I've thought of some ideas for Dems to use against Palin:

She's in favor of drilling in ANWR because it will create jobs in Alaska. And she is from there you know.

She's in favor of drilling off shore because it will create jobs for people like her husband.

She'e not going to be able to work with anyone in Washington because she is against corruption.

She took jobs away from Alaskans when she blew up the Bridge to Nowhere.

She can't even get along with Republicans. Look how many influential movers and shakers she got rid of in her climb to office.

Help me out here. Refine, revise and add talking points. Then we go post them around the net and watch them be plagerized endlessly. What Fun!!

[Jane]

Boy Obama looks and sounds downright stupid in the clips today. "No change with McCain, change with Obama." We can't tell you what we will change because it may all change again tomorrow, depending on the polls.

[Rick Ballard]

I don't believe that letting Obama's performance as the chief executive of an organization which wasted over $100 million dollars slide off the page is a particularly good idea. I've been rereading a Steve Diamond post on what Obama's Turga's (I like the allusion) attempted Wednesday night and ran accross a bit concerning Axelrod being the son of fellow travelers which I missed on the first reading. Apparently, Klonsky was a real, honest to goodness, Red Diaper baby. His folks were both CP members. Axelrod wasn't. His folks leaned that way (reminiscent of Obama's grandfather and mother) but did not hold membership cards in the Communist Party.

I'm wondering if the Camp Obamabe Turga's were Axelrod's idea or Obama's. I'm also wondering about who in the campaign is responsible for deciding to unleash them. We know that Axelrod is using email as the method of release but does he make the decision or does Obama?

[Extraneus]

Ann Coulter should be an interesting read this week.

I'm looking forward to reading Camille Paglia's next piece. She's an Obama supporter, but she loves tough, beautiful broads.

[bad]

New talking point:

Her ability to raise five children and work so hard in government is going to make other women feel bad about themselves. What a bitch.

[GMax]

Did anyone else hear Mort Kondracke trying to argue that by running for President in the primary, that Obama gained experience?

Mort is a sensible Democrat most of the time. This was so stupid though that I cant believe he did not want to take that back after he said it.

[Rick Ballard]

Extraneous,

Thanks for suggesting the addition of "bomb designing" to "terrorist Bill Ayers". It defines him with greater precision.

[Molon Labe]

Someone should collect videos of MSM talking heads pontificating on adequacy of Tim Kaine for Dem VP and compare them with the same idiots bashing Palin.

And start with Mort Kondracke.

Both Palin and Kaine have the same gubernatorial experience, but Kaine was the MSM-approved "Change" candidate.

[bad]

This was so stupid though that I cant believe he did not want to take that back after he said it.

I think the same thing of dems often yet they keep on talking. For being such navel gazers they certainly are unaware.

[Jim Rhoads aka Vnjagvet]

Did anyone catch McCain's "We will fight for you" peroration while introducing our new Governator?

I think he intentionally appropriated a Hillary theme that has not been picked up by The One.

I thought it was pretty funny when I heard it, but now am pretty sure it was with malice aforethought.

[bad]

ML

That would make an awesome ad wouldn't it?

[bad]

but now am pretty sure it was with malice aforethought.

One can only hope.

[Topsecretk9]

I still think the bridge to nowhere ad will be a hit

Senator Obama voted for the bridge to nowhere

Governor Palin killed it

Experience anyone?

[Topsecretk9]

I still think the bridge to nowhere ad will be a hit

Senator Obama voted for the bridge to nowhere

Governor Palin killed it

Experience anyone?

[bgates]

Bad -
Without Sarah Palin, Alaska will be left governorless, whereas there are 98 other people in the Senate who can do Obama and Biden's job (whatever that is).

Given the threat of overpopulation, the McCain/Palin ticket sends a dangerous message by raising so many children (I think I read 12).

Sarah Palin hasn't even met McCain frequently enough for the New York Times to concoct a front page story insinuating they've had an affair.

[DrJ]

Rick, not to quibble, but Board Chair is not an executive position if the CAC was structured traditionally. It is still a worthy comparison, and part of Palin's appeal, I think.

The themes I see coming out are energy, anti-corruption, and executive results. Palin will do well in a comparison with Obama. Throwing out corrupt members of your own party is quite a powerful statement when compared with a Chicago machine insider.

[perc]

I am still stunned at yesterday's "hair trigger" excuse. Is that how an Obama administration plans to respond to geopolitical events? This should be raised every time someone mentions McCain's (supposedly) bad temper.

[RichatUF]

Charlie-

...enforce communications discipline before they completely overwhelm the media with attacks that are ending up looking misogynistic and sexist as all hell...

I'm thinking that that horse left the barn yesterday.

The media still appears to be flailing about ragarding Gov. Palin with some bizarre commentary. I watched a talking head segment on CNBC with Bartiromo and I was stunned that one of the guys dropped the "an irresponsible pick", "she doesn't have experience", and "patronizing to women"-B. was taken aback as well. Others have pointed out to media types saying she wouldn't make a good VP because she has a special needs newborn.

I have to say that it was a brilliant pick by McCain's campaign the more I think about it. It energizes the social conservative flank that McCain has had problems with; she compliments his message about earmarks and corruption with a Washington outsiders face; and she appeals to percentage of Hillary voters whom feel betrayed by the democrats and the Obama campaign.

On the issue of energy, she can make the 3 part case that the democrats can't: it a matter of national security as oil exporters use their market power for political advantage; she can go into the union halls and make the jobs argument that drilling for oil will bring in hundreds of thousands of jobs for the heavy equipemnt makers and steel industry; since she had to deal with an oil industry and and the Alaska Permenant Dividend Fund, she can speak competently about the economics for drilling for oil-a jobs and capital investment agrument.

Another issue is that she can go to the western states and point out that in places like Colorado can't develop its own oil resources because the federal government owns all the land oil is on and then they lard up enviromentalist regulations. Might be dull, but it could bring some votes when the federal ownership issue and pork barreling and brought together.

Biden offers Amtrak and "green collar jobs".

[bad]

bgates

I knew I could count on you!! Awesome!!

[bad]

what perc said

[Topsecretk9]

4.9 million seems like a hecka of a lot in one day...Rick?

[Jane]

So far Ray Nagin still has his clothes on and is standing erect rather than curled up in a fetal ball. That might bode better for NO this time. Regardless tho, it's still gonna mess with the convention.

[GMax]

Did both Obama and bin Biden vote for the Bridge to Nowhere? I would bet they did since you cant vote present!

Change you can not possibly believe in?

[bgates]

Barack Obama got an Ivy League education, while Sarah Palin just went to the largest university in her state, the way Joe Biden did.

Sarah Palin wouldn't know where the good Georgetown cocktail parties were, even if she were invited to them!

...I'm struggling to come up with dumber stuff than the Dems have already said. An affirmative-action pick who needs to spend more time with her baby? I so wish it was easier to fund an intrade account.

[bad]

I'm wondering if the Camp Obamabe Turga's were Axelrod's idea or Obama's. I'm also wondering about who in the campaign is responsible for deciding to unleash them. We know that Axelrod is using email as the method of release but does he make the decision or does Obama?

This CAC business and the stupid decisions from the Obama camp are indeed fascinating. I hope Kurtz works fast.

[bad]

bgates

I rejected a lot of ideas as well because they'd already been done. You're doing great. Don't stop.

[Bill in AZ]

Rick: The average of the Ras daily from June 4 to August 25 was McCain 41, Obama 45 in contrast to todays McCain 43, Obama 47. No change in spread whatsoever - they both moved up 2 points.

You clearly need some educashun in math. I accidentally landed on some MSM station while looking for a football game last night where some talking head was discussing Obama's convention bounce. He dredged up some numbers from some poll(s) where Obama was up 4 and McCain was down 4 - and this was a *Double-Digit* bounce for the One. Hmmm... now that I think about it, there are 2 digits there.

[RichatUF]

GMax-

Biden voted for it: from The Club for Growth

Voted in favor of the Bridge to Nowhere (RC #262, 2005)

[hit and run]

I'm so happy with the Palin pick I could kiss McCain on the lips.

I would, too, if not for the secret service.

But since I can't, I'm gonna kiss mrs hit and run instead.

But I'll be thinking of McCain.

Ok gotta run.

Hugs,
Me

[Pofarmer]

Boy Obama looks and sounds downright stupid in the clips today. "No change with McCain, change with Obama." We can't tell you what we will change because it may all change again tomorrow, depending on the polls.

With the Palin pick, McCain may have LEGITEMATELY appropriated the change mantra. All that leaves Obama with is hope. That's a pretty thin reed.

[anduril]

The Palin interview with Bartiromo is excellent. She's gonna be very convincing talking to the American people about energy. With prices the way they are, people will be listening. And she slams Biden for his vote on ANWR.

[perc]

bad - am still laughing at your "makes me all swoonified" remark on the other thread. And I have wanted to mention for some time now how good it is to see you back and posting regularly.

[Soylent Red]

Jugears is calling her an "up-and-coming" public servant. On 60 Minutes.

Talks about Biden being able to "step in" at any time.

[bgates]

Sarah Palin's only negotiations with Canada produced an agreement even Canadians have never heard of. Barack Obama got all of Canada talking about his intention to unilaterally withdraw from NAFTA, and he hasn't even been elected yet.

Look at the results: under Palin's governorship, Alaska is mostly a savage wilderness of 18 hour nights and extreme cold where humans can survive only by despoiling pristine nature and enable global warming, while the steady hand of Biden's Senate representation has made Delaware a peaceful, settled, civilized state.

[bad]

Rick, I did think initially the reaction of the Obama camp to CAC and Ayers meant there was something more to uncover than "just" a long term association to yet another undesirable and a failing venture led by Obama that squandered in excess of $100 million at the expense of disadvantaged black children.

But the idiocy of the Obama camp in responding to Palin has me wondering if the screw ups are because the campaign is in over its head and Obama/Axelrod are not ready for primetime.

So how long before Axelrod is under the bus? BHO is in no position to take the fall even if he is the chief screw-up.

[Thomas Collins]

Good luck to the Beltway elite in trying to play the appearance of impropriety card regarding the Pugilistic Princess's applying pressure to get the trooper fired. Most normal Americans will think that acting to get a man who clearly shouldn't be on the state police force off that force was the right think to do.

I have never viewed the Vice Presidential debate as must see TV. However, I can't wait to see the Pugilistic Princess hunt and bag Biden on nationwide TV. Joe Biden will be another moosehead in her trophy case.

[bad]

Thanks perc. I am blessed. Keep posting.

[bad]

bgates, you're killing me...don't stop.

All that leaves Obama with is hope.

Hope that McCain/Palin gets hit by a bus?

[bgates]

Rick, I did think initially the reaction of the Obama camp to CAC and Ayers meant there was something more to uncover
Given what we know of his associations, Obama really tests that old "never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity" saw to its limits, doesn't he?

[Charlie (Colorado)]

I'm thinking that that horse left the barn yesterday.

Sorry, I was trying to imply the same thing. More coffee.

[anduril]

Thinking more about Palin, energy policy and experience.

The Palin choice puts McCain in the position of being able to say (paraphrasing):

Look, Obama had to pick Biden, because Obama doesn't know jack shit about the core responsibilities of the presidency. I picked Palin because her expertise in energy policy complements my own background in national security policy (hey, bit of a stretch, but this is politics). Energy is an area that will be a major challenge for this nation for the foreseeable future and that impacts every voter virtually everytime they leave their home. She has real experience and can offer real solutions, whereas Obama can only tell you to inflate your tires and Biden--hey, he's part of the problem: he voted against drilling in ANWR.

The more I think about it, this should be a huge winner. I think McCain is gonna wanna get her out front and center talking about energy. She's articulate on this because she's been part of it for years now. Watch the Bartiromo interview. Palin comes across as earnest but relaxed and knowledgeable. What a contrast with The One/The Mouth.

[Danube of Thought]

I sure as hell like this lady. I'm still not sure I know whether she will help or hurt the ticket or, as the CW goes, have no effect one way or the other. But I sure as hell like her, and I have a hard time imagining how anyone wouldn't.

[bgates]

I'm here for you, bad.
McCain and Palin talk about their dislike for pork, but it is literally forbidden to Obama.

While our nation is at war, the Republicans have nominated a ticket that contains only one veteran.

The Republicans have tried to pin the tag "celebrity" on Barack Obama, but it's Sarah Palin who looks like something out of "Mr Smith Goes to Washington" or "Dave".

[Charlie (Colorado)]

...hey, he's part of the problem: he voted against drilling in ANWR.

that's going to require some minor editing, as IIRC so did McCain.

[MikeS]

...I did think initially the reaction of the Obama camp to CAC and Ayers meant there was something more to uncover...

Though Obama has stonewalled and made misleading and deceptive statements on this matter, we shouldn't automatically assume the worst. We should try to be patient as the media combs through the evidence regarding Obama's relationship with unrepentant bomber Wm. Ayers.
Of course we must bear in mind that the people have a right to an explanation before they go to the polls.

[bgates]

Palin? Token. Rice? Token. Powell? Token. Thomas? Token. Dole? Token. Hutchison? Token. Steele? Token. Swann? Token. Snowe? Token. Blackwell? Token. Connerly? Token. Keyes? Token. Whitman? Token.

[matt]

When will the NR article on Ayers/Obama come out? Anyone have any ideas?

If it was me, I'd let the repub convention slide a few days to allow for Gustav response and then spring the article just after the convention.....

No real bounce from the dem convention + Palin announcement + responsible Repub con w clean new faces instead of the hacks + Obama/Ayers connection = one hell of a chance

[Pofarmer]

I'm sorry MikeS, I'm not that inclined to give Obama the benefit of the doubt when you look at how his campaign has behaved, and the machinations to keep Kurtz out of the records in Chicago.

[M. Simon]

top,

Time Magazine reported $3 million in 6 or 7 hours.

Post at P&C.

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

For those who want a quick link to the NOAA hurricane tracking map, I have it posted HERE and I'm going to make it sticky so it will stay at the top through Tues.

It doesn't look good. Gustav is forecast to hit just West of N.O. and worse, at 2 AM in the morning Tuesday.

[Bob]

Just read on Michele's blog a poster wrote "Obama/Biden a bridge to nowhere!"

One more for Palin to veto!

[M. Simon]

Re: ANWR,

McCain could say:

When Governor Palin explained the issues to me and how Alaskans felt about drilling I changed my mind. She is a very persuasive young lady.

i.e. McCain will listen to her (respect) and change his mind if presented with good reasons (more respect).

[MikeS]

when you look at how his campaign has behaved...

I must admit, they have been dishonest, and maybe a little dirty the way they distort the facts. But, it's not like they were caught lying about sex. They are lying about something else, and we don't know for sure what.

[JM Hanes]

bgates:

"Sarah Palin hasn't even met McCain frequently enough for the New York Times to concoct a front page story insinuating they've had an affair."

Perfect!!!!! The drum beat on that talking point yesterday was really something. Last week, McCain was dangerously close to picking Joe "Security Blanket" Lieberman on the self-indulgent basis of personal friendship. This week, he recklessly picks someone he hardly knows personally, in a cynically calculated political move. At least David Gergen was more frank about the general insinuation that she arrived unvetted; it was "vetting" in the national press she had escaped.

What looks almost like the concerted trashing of someone who may well turn out to be the most likeable candidate on either ticket may not just grate on women's nerves. In any case, I'm loving how much guys are loving her Model_1066 quotient. In a sort of Chairman vs. Chairperson mood, I suddenly found myself thinking about theme songs.

[Sue]

Listening to Bobby Jindal makes me have hope for the future of the Republican party.

[M. Simon]

Never attribute to malice alone that which can be attributed to malice and stupidity.

Simon's Law

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

For those who are wondering what the Bartiroma interview is or where to find it, here is the link again.

[Topsecretk9]

When Governor Palin explained the issues to me and how Alaskans felt about drilling I changed my mind. She is a very persuasive young lady....

Here...let her tell you...

I think this is one aspect that scares the crap out of the Dems.(down ticket too)

They tried to pooh pooh the GOP energy revolt (even though they saw it energized the base and the polling that americans want to drill) and they had to eats some words on it...to have the Gov of the state - ultimate expert - explain it to voters, which translates --- Dems are enjoying gouging the hell out of YOU on gas prices --- is dynamite and they know it.

Gas prices are front and center an issue whether they want to admit it or not

[MikeS]

RE: ANWR
The part of ANWR that is critical to our economy and security would never have been included in the refuge if its importance had been realized. However, at this time the American people would feel a sense of loss if ANWR was opened for drilling or reduced in size.

Personally, I would feel better about it if the subject 2,000 acres were removed from ANWR and replaced by acreage with more wildlife.

[Lori]

One of my friends just made a McCain-Palin bumper sticker for her car out of typing paper,permanent marker, and tape. So if you are driving around CT (yes, in the northeast!) look for her.

[Patrick R. Sullivan]

Nice, bgates, all that was missing was the ferris wheel.

[JM Hanes]

"It doesn't look good. Gustav is forecast to hit just West of N.O. and worse, at 2 AM in the morning Tuesday."

And it doesn't get any worse than that, because it's the backside/eastside of a hurricane that's the real killer. Could the Dems be crass enough to slam Republicans for not postponing their convention? I think they could! I don't thnk it will redound to their credit, though, except in the usual BDS circles.

[Topsecretk9]

hilarious comment at HotAir that I had completely forgotten

Edwards was a 1 term Senator who campaigned his whole time in office and previously was a trial lawyer.

this all reeks of desperation, and politically with Obama’s experience: stupidity

jp on August 30, 2008 at 2:47 PM

[Charlie (Colorado)]

...Jay Cost Chaco. Jay Tea is a frequent poster Wizbang.

Absolutely right. brain fade.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

"Simon's Law"

*snicker*

[Barney Frank]

Whether he wins or loses, so far the old geezer McCain has amazed me by absolutely running rings around Barry and his flaccid, whining campaign.
He has shaped the debate, boxed the Dorky One into corners and has Barry responding to points he made yesterday while he has new ones already on the table.
Don't know if it will be enough to overcome the political landscape of 2008 but so far, if he loses it won't because all he did was show up, ala Bob Dole in 1996.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Speaking of Gustave, have you all noticed that now, with Jindal as Governor, there are busses already waiting to evacuate the residents of New Orleans and they even have arrangements made for pets?

[Sara (Pal2Pal)]

The latest hurricane update from TV report - Gustav is veering West very slightly, may stall and curve more toward Texas coast and East of Houston.

My prayers are with everyone along the Gulf Coast. I don't want the hurricane to hit anyone, but moving westward means the devastating damage due to NO being below sea level might be avoided.

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Hilarious comparison.