Yikes -- I change my mind, I think McCain hired Palin on to do his dirty work. It started out all all shucks but then all heck broke loose. She did all but call Obama a communist. I had a feeling she was going to take out an effigy doll and start sticking pins in it. The gauntlet has been thrown; well played to her/them for using the second convention to its fullest potential for vitriol.
As per the policy plans -- we got some on drilling, which was sort of specific but everything else had a lot of 'reduce big government', 'root out corruption/waste' and 'John McCain has done a lot of amazing things for you' glittering generality feel to it. I know the top of the ticket is supposed to give us more specifics and I'm sure he will, but I would've like to have heard more from her, see previous posts.
Those kids are truly amazing and I'm not being sarcastic. The young daughter licking her hand and smoothing the baby's hair probably netted the ticket more points in a general election than the previous speakers combined. Maybe Track was just scared about being on national tv but with his baby face and that look of utter terror on it as his mom talked about shipping him off to war, my heart actually sank.
12 comments:
It is tough to stifle laughter at an Obama supporter decrying "glittering generalities" and craving more specifics. I don't think either side has given much in the way of specifics, and I don't think either has veered far away from their traditional positions.
I think McCain will focus more on his past squishy moderation now that the convention is over. Palin can whip up the radid base.
And is Obama anything other than almost a Communist? I seriously don't see the difference between his positions and European socialism.
Of course, I think Palin serves some great red meat, so I watched the speech again. I am so happy to see a candidate just come out and say these things. The two memoirs line was my favorite. I did not like the comment on how McCain is the only one who fought for our country. I think that is a cheap shot and unfair. Overall, though, I loved this speech. I am biased, but I am sure you understand the glee you felt with your red meat last week.
I supported Hillary and needed something substantive out of Obama in his convention speech and I got it.
Palin seemed defiant or offended that people would question her credentials. I guess 'he doesn't have any credentials either' is what you go with when your other two bullets: taking down Ted 'self-destruction' Stevens and refusing the bridge have been fired 10 times over already. She should be touting her real achievement: getting 7+ mill in earmarks for Wasilla under her mayoral leadership.
Communism -- where the state owns all means of production, sets price, and distributes capital equally among workers (i.e. everyone since everyone is a worker) -- has never actually been tried. PRC/Cuba/USSR established a ruling elite that diverted capital/wealth into the oligarchy and suppressed dissent, often violently. So, to answer your question, I don't think Obama is almost a Communist.
As for socialism, he does support redistribution of wealth for social programs that theoretically should provide a safety net as well as intervention in free markets when they fail. But he also supports a representative legiselected by the people; a pretty standard liberal democracy.
Like anyone really thinks you or I would never find enough substance in our candidates. I don't remember anyone calling Biden an attack dog or questioning his lack of substance when he gave virtually the same speech for the left.
Your comments on Communism and socialism are exactly what I expected and just as frightening as I expected. That is why I will spend every breathing moment fighting the forces of socialism and communism.
Don - if commenting on Will's blog is your version of fighting communism and socialism, maybe you should rethink your strategy.
I'm irritated that I fell asleep but will catch up.
It is part of my strategy. I do plenty elsewhere as you can imagine. Stopping Obama (or at least preventing a sweeping socialist mandate) is my primary focus at this time. Every voice in opposition helps -- no matter how small. I just can't stand back and watch it happen.
I'm still a little disappointed that neither party has a novel or innovative plan. Both are touting more of the same from their typical platforms.
Repubs:
1. Smaller government (how that work out with Bush for 8 years??)
2. Drill drill drill (ridiculous and juvenille)
3. Lay more pipelines (ugghhhh)
4. Continue fighting terrorism (neverending)
5. Keep taxes the same (how about something innovative like a flat or consumption tax???)
Dems:
1. Better on energy, but Obama did say he would expand offshore drilling (should NOT have backed down on that issue)
2. Increase pay for teachers (sounds great, but how has that worked out? The rate-limiting step is the parents. No teacher, no matter how wonderful, can realistically help a bunch of troubled kids with drug-abusing parents who don't give a crap about their kids and their performance. The reasons why Asians are stereotyically and uniformly so good in school is because of their parents providing the most supportive household that fosters academic growth).
3. No change in gun laws (great pandering)
4. No change in gay rights (3rd rail, but come on, wake up and smell the coffee)
5. Increase taxes (that will be CRUSHING to this already beleagered economy, CANNOT do it)
Neither side has any balls (well, I hope Palin doesn't)
I will vote for candidate C (none of the above)
Oh, yeah, and both sides have pathetic health care plans.
McCain tonight- predictable. The Maverick is dead. He will be a typical Repub if he becomes president. So generic.
Generic??? How many candidates have ever called out their own party for betraying the trust of America at their own convention??? That was historically incredible. I think McCain spoke much more about bi-partisanship and ending the rancorous yelling from both sides. He also has a record of doing just that. If he keeps hammering that theme, I think he may have a chance to pull this off. Palin can keep the base in line, and he can go back to his squishy, moderate positions on immigration, campaign finance reform, and the environment.
Coca -- great to have you back! yet your words make me sad.
As for the speech -- I thought it was good , got us back to the issues and I liked the bipartisan message. That message will elevate this whole process; the debates should be interesting to say the least.
What's not elevating the process are these creepy little religious mockeries. "*I'm* not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need," said McCain following Palin's: "What does he actually seek to accomplish, after he's done turning back the waters and healing the planet?" Does the religious right really need any more anti-Obama fervor? ... let's talk policies instead.
Obama acts like a deity from on high, and you don't say boo. We call him out for it, and we need to stick to policies? Tell it to the people fixated on Palin's granddaughter.
I do think McCain should run to the center now, stop the rancor, and anger me with his squishiness to win. He has a history of bridging the partisan divide, and if he can capture that spirit, he could win. His comment that we need to stop worrying about who gets credit is right on the money. We have stopped worrying about the country, and now we worry more about who's winning the game.
Myself included.
I would like a little more substance, but I think the debates will draw that out on both sides. This is shaping up to be a great year for political junkies.
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