The CEO Presidency: I'd Rather Have a Dream
There was a lot of talk about Sarah Palin's resume yesterday. It's more impressive than mine, but big whoop. It's not more impressive than Barack Obama's. Again, so what? She is not running against Obama. McCain is. And his resume is as thin as his hair. He never earned any money worth talking about, his books didn't sell as well as Barack's, and every law that he authored--more or less--he's since decided against. John Bickernut McSame blows with the prevailing winds, and he likes to be where the money is. The lobbyists running his campaign scream one fact: He is very much for sale.
But this post isn't about McCain's brand of Beltway simony or Obama per se. It's about the false notion that Sarah Palin has something on Obama.
Let's start with her speech last night. Fine delivery. What did I get from it? This: Former Bush speechwriter, Matthew Scully, possesses some of the qualities of a fine McCain mini-me. Bully for him. It says nothing about Palin. She is merely an avatar of GOP perfection, a pure reflection of the market they need to grab--and marketing lingo really does have a place here: George W Bush's eight years of CEO leadership has monetized that trip to the polls. With gasoline at record prices, voting involves a feelable purchase for many Americans. A lot of us are going to buy that trip to the polls. This is a referendum on personal taste. Sad but true. And I think more Americans are prone to buy GOP product. It's simpler than the competition's wares.
Enter Sarah Palin: She is pro-pretty, pro-drilling, pro-war, pro-life, and if that's not enough her husband is a pro-snowmobiler. NASCAR America is on her side. NRA-types love her. But is she really a professional? I suppose the mayoralty of a small city counts somewhat, even if the town is, like Bush's America, in debt because of insane spending and development coupled with zero management skills or fiscal responsibility. What about being governor of Alaska? Well, based on a head count it's about the same as being mayor of Baltimore, Maryland.
So what is a community organizer? It's a person who wants to change (for the better) a place that's not doing as well as it might. That was clunky, huh? It's a clunky thing to do. Imagine you see something that needs fixing and then set about changing it for the better. It takes a certain amount of character, right? It requires someone who is able to see facts not in evidence. A community organizer knows that every person, no matter their station in life , has something to contribute to society. They focus on places that are falling apart, people who are falling apart--taking lives less valued by society and showing everyone concerned how bright things can shine given the right spark.
The reason the folks at the RNC last night scoffed at Obama's work on the South Side of Chicago is simple: they do not have vision. They see what they need to see, and ignore inconvenient truths.
Palin's people do not believe in community. If you got on a cruise with these people and the boat sank and you were trying to get on one of their lifeboats they'd bonk you on the head with their shoes till you drowned. These are not people who take care of people. They take care of themselves (and their own). That's why our oil companies are making more money than ever. That's why we went to war in Iraq. You can't trust a person who thinks more about the bottom line on an accounting report than s/he does about a better tomorrow. S/he'll screw you every time.
So, this business about Palin being more qualified to be president than Barack Obama is pure hooey and bunkum. She has no dreams that are not ideological. She has no worries outside the punchlist of issues chosen for her by party, religion, and social milieu. She is not special.
You can't say that about Barack Obama. God bless him.
- FILED UNDER: Editor Posts, Barack Obama, Campaigns, Elections, George W. Bush, John McCain, Oil, Right Wingers
- September 4, 2008
Republicans are sick in the head
I say let them have power. Let them ruin the economy until we have another depression. Let them war monger until we need a draft. Let the whole thing burn and record every word, every bit of posturing made by these people. When we rise form the ashes, the lessons learned will last a thousand years.
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By f u bush2September 4, 2008 - 8:29pmI see you've given up on Obama....
You're smarter than I thought....
"When in danger, when in doubt...run in circles....scream and shout".
How the democrats plan to deal with the fact that the Republican VP selection has more executive exprience than their Presidential nominee
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By IlluminatiHottieSeptember 4, 2008 - 8:47pmum, i think you took a wrong turn in albuquerque
Or maybe you have a few tabs open? Ate some? Dunno.
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By Beau FriedlanderSeptember 4, 2008 - 8:51pmDamn, that was a helluva four days.
I got a good taste of what McCain's America is going to be like. Police asking you for ID on every street corner, Being videotaped everywhere you go. Having to worry about every little movement you make, every little word you say. And if you are suspect... well, let's just say the results aren't pleasant.
I shit on the GOP. The democrats aren't much better, but you fuckers really suck.
The sooner you are out of my town, the better.
Assholes.
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By thaelmann37September 5, 2008 - 12:17amHey Illuninati. What did McCain say last night?
One minute into his speech I was walking past the TV and fell asleep standing up.
Is it true??... Somebody said something about McCain being a P.O.W. sometime in the middle of the last century? Is that right??
Hmmm... Hadn't heard.
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By A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 8:14amBy A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 9:14am
Video: McCain's call to Palin asking to be VP
Very informative!
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By f u bush2September 5, 2008 - 8:50amBy f u bush2 September 5, 2008 - 9:50am
That was some funny s#&t!!
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By roadgoddessSeptember 5, 2008 - 10:06amBy f u bush2September 5, 2008 - 9:50am
Hahahaha! Every once in a while that LisaNova comes up with some funny shit.
I wonder why the loss of his left nut in Vietnam didn't come up in his speech last night.
Support the Troops.
End the Occupation.
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By Guy FawkesSeptember 5, 2008 - 11:04amFlag pin in place –
more false patriotism from B Hussein Obama on O’Reilly.
“Obama – the judgment to invite O’Reilly in to kick his ass all over Obama’s own hotel room.”
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By its_so_overSeptember 4, 2008 - 8:53pmAttn: Beau
Have you noticed that when you take away BLObama's (referrence to his coke snortin' days) tele-prompter, he goes from "Velvet Jones" to "Buck Wheat" (as portrayed by Eddie Murphy on SNL) ?
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By its_so_overSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:14pmMCCAIN HATES VETERANS
I have to thanks the Vet who held up the sign when McCain started to speak that said, "MCCAIN VOTES AGAINST VETERANS".
September, 2007, McCain voted against the Webb amendment that would have provided all troops in Iraq have at least as much time home and in training as in theater.
May, 2006, voted against an amendment that would have provided the VA with an additional $20 million for healthcare facilities.
April, 2006, McCain was one of 13 Republicans to vote against $430 million for VA outpatient care and facilities.
April, 2006, McCain was one of 13 Republicans to vote against $430 million for VA outpatient care and facilities.
March, 2006, McCain voted against increasing VA medical services funding.
March, 2004, McCain voted against establishing a VA reserve fund to treat veterans.
October, 2003, McCain voted to table an amendment by Senator Dodd (D-CN) that called for an additional $322 million in safety equipment for soldiers in Iraq.
April, 2003, McCain voted to table a senate vote to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq.
August, 2001, McCain voted against increasing the amount available for medical care for veterans by $650 million.
MCCAIN WANT'S TO SEE OUR VETERANS COME HOME TO FORT SILL AND WALTER REID AND WANTS TO SEE THEM LIVING ON THE STREET. THAT'S WHAT THEY GET FOR NOT STAYING IN THE MILITARY.
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By deanrddSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:22pmRNC FINALÉ
After watching the two "touching" bio-pic shorts on Cindy and John McCain, I felt like posting all the interesting facts they left out (easily found on snopes.com), but as McCain walks out on stage, I just feel like, let him have his time in the sun, because the Republican party is currently on a sinking ship. Their desperation and forced enthusiasm has been palpable these past three days. Their lies, twisting of the facts and petty attacks have made me furious (thank goodness for Jon Stewart to get me laughing about it all before I go to bed). It's been just one big pitiful exhibition.
And they will try anything (dropping bombs on Iran?) to stay in power, but people, we can't let them get away with it anymore!
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By islandgirl63September 5, 2008 - 7:10amI
had only noticed that you've lost your way, friend. listen to the show now. whatshisface is talking about stuff on the tv.
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By Beau FriedlanderSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:29pmWay to go Code Pink!
Excellent interruption of McCain's speech, all caught on the national TV.
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By islandgirl63September 4, 2008 - 9:32pmyou must be joking...
Come the hell on!
I'm as nutcase left as its gonna get but Code Pink does NOTHING for the left or anyone for that matter...its just performance are (which I'm not saying they shouldn't do - do it!) I am saying that they are what Fox News shows on its front page daily though, calling it "Democrats" and thats what Republicans think we are, period.
Code Pink...the social club! Do what you do...but just understand its completely worthless in the face of fascism.
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:47pmI just found it really great
I just found it really great that someone disrupted McCain's speech. I recognized it was Code Pink because of the signature hot pink blouse.
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By islandgirl63September 4, 2008 - 10:38pmyou've got to dig deeper than that
this is not an election about lipstick or pink dresses.
FOCUS.
How did McCains speech differ AT ALL from the full Democratic message? Do you not understand that having nothing to run on - HAVING NO LATINOS or BLACKS in the whole damn convention (Ok, there are 12 of them) - HE has no choice but to essentialy co-opt the entire Dem message of Change and attack GW and the last eight years with it?
American Idol is on the other channel...give it a look! Maybe Code Pink will disrupt it!
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:31pmAnd the brownshirt says....
"I just found it really great that someone disrupted McCain's speech"
Seig heil baby. That's the way the Nazi's did it.
"When in danger, when in doubt...run in circles....scream and shout".
How the democrats plan to deal with the fact that the Republican VP selection has more executive exprience than their Presidential nominee
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By IlluminatiHottieSeptember 5, 2008 - 11:08amYou're the Nazi... IllumiNazi Snottzie
1) Goodbye Fourth Amendment
2) Goodbye Habeus Corpus
3) Goodbye Posse Commitatus
... Now you want to scrap the First Amendment??
========================
Remember how I warned you assholes that the insane, unconstitutional Unitary Executive concept and destroying our Constitution WOULD RETURN TO BITE YOU IN THE ASS?
IllumiNazi... I'll try to get you a nice "oceanside" cell after we take over in January (Guantanamo Bay... in-season, at off-season torture levels! )
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By A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 11:34amYou're tweaking , lumi
Remember in the good book when they stopped Big Brother, by smashing the screen.
Remember in the golden rules, where Thomas Jefferson says have a revolt every so often...clear out the riff-raff.
“It is so encouraging to hear again that Senator Stevens and I are... the same ” said Governor Palin.
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By dewbie dubaiSeptember 5, 2008 - 12:49pmAre you nuts PALIN IS PURRRRRR-FECT!!!!
Look - you dumbass liberals (hey - I'm one...shit, I just busted on myself) - BETTER STOP WHINING about how shitty or pretty Palin is - SHE'S A FUCKING SOFTBALL PUNCHING BAG if ever there was one!
THIS IS A FUCKING DREAM YOU IDIOTS - RUN WITH IT! Our jaws are dropping because this is going to be so fucking easy. Christ - the first debate isn't for ONE FUCKING MONTH (Oct 2). Doesnt' that tell you how weak this fundamentalist, anti-evolution, creationist, anti-abortion, anti-latino Moose-Mom is? WAKE UP AND ENJOY YOU SUCKERS! This is THE BEST possible candidate we could've asked for.
Do you think a REAL candidate needs one month to prep to debate Biden? If she was any sort of moose-bull, she'd demand a debate TOMORROW!
Second point - Though I'm a 100% non-classifiable eco-centric leftist asshole who hates Dems and Reps, and I'm voting for Obama, I will give JMC the props for not calling the 2-minutes hate on Obama off the bat WHEN HE COULD HAVE.
He's now extolling his fatal flaw - Palin.
SO SHUT THE HELL UP AND SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE FATHER / DAUGHTER FESTIVAL. Damn, the old guy could've laid on & on & on with mindless attacks (which is really what he should be doing to rouse all those fascists up in the RNC) but he's not...so - enjoy the respite - that late 1970s fashion show thats going on and late 70's music & convention style.
This is a softball game you numb-nuts idiots, so lay back and don't miss that huge white ball - ITS WHITER THAN ITS EVER BEEN.
Oh - and where are the 100's of vets just back from the 'victory' of your surge? where are the latinos? the blacks? the young people??? the generals that Bush fired? why is Tom Delay and old, sneering white people the face of this convention?
IT LOOKS LIKE THE GRINCH VS. THE WHO'S - and McCain ain't the Who's. Its the ancient, outdated, uneducated old America versus the vital, bustling, educated and liberated soul that is TRULY america. They have no chance - not a chance as we will not be ruled again by the minority projecting their FEAR of the world onto us .
Thats right - this shit IS OVER!!! The absence of those people I noted above, at this convention, tell you where this election is going.
See ya' you dumbass old school war-mongering, corporate assholes!
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:39pmIronic Shrill Points
The shrill point (aka talking point) regarding Obama supposedly not being able to speak as well without a teleprompter is ironic to say the least. This coming from the party with a president that speaks so poorly, the American English language has a new word for saying something stupid. That word being "Bushism".
We'll see, during the debates, which party has the horrible on-the-spot speakers (Palin, McCain?).
Another point of irony regarding Obama's great literary gift is this often quoted by the McCain supporters shrill point: "Yea he's a great speaker, but that's not enough reason to vote for someone". And I agree. Obama's policies are far superior to MCCain's; and that's all that matters.
Oh and I'm watching McCain's speech and this is all I can make out:
Fear fear fear Palin Palin POW fear USA POW USA USA fear fear Palin Palin lie lie lie fear fear POW POW lie lie lie lie lie lie POW POW Palin lie lie lie.
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By ObfuscatorSeptember 4, 2008 - 9:40pmwe are so pathetic
Beau, I agree with your article, well done. But I more agree that the reps are going to burn the whole thing to the ground, I mean what else can a person think ? The dems have yet to locate their spine, it's all over but for the fat lady. And, as for Obama, I also have given up on him, something about fisa and wiretapping comes to mind. I had hoped that the O man would be the one to fend off the flailing orrs but no, he's just another nice-guy-looser democrat....
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By sharkboy22September 4, 2008 - 9:54pmUh Oh....Where Beau Go?
Beau,
In all due respect to you - where is YOUR spine because mine is THROBBING to bust some Republican ass this year (and you might even be one). And here goes -
Do you imagine that McCain & Palin - the Father / Daughter 9/11 combo is a excellent alternative to Obama & Biden?
McCain & Palin EQUALS a finally stacked Supreme Court with Republicans - THAT ALONE tells me you either haven't really thought this through, or you really don't care that 9 Republicans could POSSIBLY come to end America - or, you're really a Republican trying to post ''persuasive'' arguments on the AA blog.
This doesnt even begin to approach more tax cuts for the wealthy (damn...haven't had enough yet, Christ you're greedy!) Roe v. Wade, Climate Change, the Mortagage Crisis,...much less an anti-education, creationist, FUNDAMENTALIST VP next in line behind a 72 YEAR OLD...what have you been smoking?
Either way - you better put on that thinking cap and get to using it or you'll be lubing that hind end up with North Slope oil for the next four years.
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:11pmwhat happened to the filibuster red ?
Calm down ! Don't be so hatin. I ain't no democrat and I sure ain't no rep. And I sure don't have to defend democratic enabled policies that you site with such color. I gave up on Obama the day he voted to give W the right to datamine the web, to search out the Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. I actually gave real cash money to him. But no more man, in this day and age capitulation and compromise = weakness. As long as democrats continue to get pushed around by republican thugs there is no hope to preserve the natural world or do any of the things that are right and just. Oh, you forgot to mention election fraud in your diatribe.
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By sharkboy22September 4, 2008 - 10:55pmok, calmness is good
ok...calm. no need to feed.
still - you have a choice to make in Nov - whats it going to be? (this is truly an honest question.)
look at McCain's speech (my friend) - 1) if McCain was so independent why isn't he running as one? Or - why won't he switch? and 2) Why is tonight the first time you've EVER head McCain wax ad nauseum about Change / Change / Change? Thats because Obama's message of Change - political flaws or not - is the only message McCain can run with now.
Its in fact a 100% CONFIRMATION that the Dem platform is wildly popular - otherwise he'd have mentioned immigration, or had 100 vets from the recent' "Victory" in Iraq onstage.
In all due respect and no sneering tone...
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:23pmMcCain's speech
McCain is going on an on about being a POW. We all respect his service, but what does that have to do with being president?
Here's what one of his fellow POWs thinks about it:
Former POW says McCain is "not cut out to be President"
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By ObfuscatorSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:01pmObama once had it pretty rough, too.
I understand that back in 1999, one side of his toaster went out and for a week he had to flip over his bread if he wanted it toasted on both sides.
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By its_so_overSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:05pmToaster?
We'll that's good to know about Obama's toaster.
But what about the fact that a fellow POW thinks McCain is too volatile to be President?
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By ObfuscatorSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:47pmnew toast methods...
well - after tonight he can toast his bread off the VERY HEAT coming off of McCain's emotional speech where he, uh - essentially ignored immigration and co-opted the ENTIRE DEM PLATFORM of Change.
Amazing! Sure is hot there in that Caucasian, Latino-less / Black-less, old-school, Marching Bands Convention!
Enjoy the pep rally while its going because if McCain truly did want change in Washington - why is he just now bringing this up tonight for the first fucking time as if he just invented it?
Liberal: [Latin,liber ("free, not slave")]. It is widely associated with the word "liberty" and the concept of freedom; "tending in favor of freedom and democracy" (Wikipedia,2006)
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By Redneck LeftistSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:36pmBy ObfuscatorSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:01pm
How can you respect the service of a guy that got shot down because he was a shitty pilot, destroyed 5 planes all told, & directly caused the deaths of 130 sailors aboard the USS Forrestal?
Support the Troops.
End the Occupation.
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By Guy FawkesSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:24pm...
and graduated like 5th from the bottom of his class, dropped bombs on innocents, traded his wife in for a rich heiress, flips and flops, this guy would stand on his head and wiggle his ears if he thought it would get him elected....btw, have you seen that photo of him hugging W ? I'll find the link, peace
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By sharkboy22September 4, 2008 - 11:11pmBy sharkboy22September 5, 2008 - 12:11am
This picture?
He sure didn't want Dubya anywhere near this convention though.
Support the Troops.
End the Occupation.
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By Guy FawkesSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:20pmyea, that picture !
funny funny....how is it that M is so off limits to scrutiny ? The guy is super-teflon and his little minnie-me even more so, help us !!!!
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By sharkboy22September 4, 2008 - 11:50pm...
and graduated like 5th from the bottom of his class, dropped bombs on innocents, traded his wife in for a rich heiress, flips and flops, this guy would stand on his head and wiggle his ears if he thought it would get him elected....btw, have you seen that photo of him hugging W ? I'll find the link, peace
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By sharkboy22September 4, 2008 - 11:19pmbtw
i laughed for a half hour when I learned earlier today that Biden's son was being deployed - as a military trial attorney. < --- a big WTF ??!!
I hope he stays safe from the paper clip bombs.
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By its_so_overSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:11pmLike one of your heroes???
http://lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorGraham...
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By roadgoddessSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:38pmAS HE SITS, DROOLING IN THE CORNER
.
It's a really difficult job. Bad things happen in times of war. Things you don't want to see. People you may not want to defend. You have to go on site to gather evidence. Sometimes with minimum escort. You are right there with people that have been wounded or have a grievance or just don't trust you. It's dangerous. What do you think a military trial lawyer does? Oh, you don't know how to think.
And then you laugh? Then I realized, you are one stoooopid fuck.
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By deanrddSeptember 4, 2008 - 11:57pmHow Republican of you.
You blather on endlessly about supporting the military... UNLESS THEY'RE DEMOCRATS.
You chant the mantra "Support The Troops" but support McCain who votes over and over against treating them fairly or helping them in any way.
Denigrating Biden's VOLUNTARY military service is beyond the pale. No words can describe your moral bankruptcy.
Sorry, Contard... Everybody can't spend the war peeling potatos in the mess or greasing under-armored humvees in the motor pool... or spend it AWOL in a booze and coke filled haze in the Texas Air National Guard.
=======================
You people make me sick.
No ethical standards, no moral compass... You'll say anything and DO anything in the name of greed, intolerance, and power.
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By A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 7:59amRepublCon a sleeper--early polls show no big mo
The good or bad news...women don't like Palin.
The good or bad news...every woman with a degree in business will be running against Obama in '12. New ballgame.
"...The problem is the inherent oddity of the incumbent party running on change. Here were Republicans -- the party that controlled the White House for eight years and both houses of Congress for five -- wildly cheering the promise to take on Washington. I don't mean to be impolite, but who's controlled Washington this decade?..."--Charles Krauthammer
“It is so encouraging to hear again that Senator Stevens and I are singing from the same sheet of music,” said Governor Palin.
Obama/Biden '08
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By dewbie dubaiSeptember 4, 2008 - 10:40pmKarzai promises punishment
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By f u bush2September 4, 2008 - 11:23pmI'm worried the details of Sarah's affair will break too soon
The news of Sarah Palin's affair should come when it's too late to pick another. Oh well it might work out. McCain is denying it so it might go on for a while.
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By f u bush2September 4, 2008 - 11:34pmOH YEAH!
Like I said. The National Inquirer has reporters crawling over Alaska with suitcases full of cash.
The chances of Palin keeping her infidelity a secret??... LESS THAN ZERO.
Look what The National Inquirer did to Edwards... Look what The National Inquirer did to LIMBAUGH! Hell, Limbaugh was ultimately forced to plead guilty to FELONY CHARGES!
If I were Sarah Palin, I'd be sweating.
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By A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 7:30amBy A G September 5, 2008 - 8:30am
It's a sad state of affairs when a sleaze rag does more digging for information than the "legitimate" media.
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By roadgoddessSeptember 5, 2008 - 7:40amTo paraphrase Al Capone...
It's easier to get information with a kind word and a fist-full of cash than with just a kind word.
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By A GSeptember 5, 2008 - 9:16am