After months of deriding the popularity of Barack Obama, Republicans learned this week that celebrity isn't a bad thing after all.
Your morning buzz:
The phenomenon of Sarah Palin has changed this race quickly and dramatically. She's already erasing the Democrat's convention bounce in the polls. She's winning over Independents.
The Obama camp, which understands well the power of phenomenon, has decided not to pick a fight for now, focusing instead on John McCain. Palin, of course, will not go away. The McCain camp will wisely deploy her to working class cities and towns. Voters and the curious will come, and the media will follow. She will make up in publicity alone any financial advantage Obama has coming into the fall.
The Obama camp, which understands well the power of phenomenon, has decided not to pick a fight for now, focusing instead on John McCain. Palin, of course, will not go away. The McCain camp will wisely deploy her to working class cities and towns. Voters and the curious will come, and the media will follow. She will make up in publicity alone any financial advantage Obama has coming into the fall.
But as it did with Obama this past spring, the reporting on Palin will change. News stories will focus less on reaction to the phenomenon and more on the substance behind it. The frenzied examination of her background will give way to a reasoned examination of policy. As with Obama, independent voters eventually will judge her not on cultural splash she's made, but on how her conservative social views mesh with theirs.
Palin, too, will have to evolve. She'll need to show a grasp of foreign policy and domestic nuances, all without seeming as if she just learned much of it recently. She'll need to make some transition from VP pit bull - because sexist or not, the public will otherwise cast her as shrill. Palin has ably met her challenges thus far. More will come - some unexpected.
Certainly, John McCain will decide this election, not Sarah Palin. But one of the best things a VP pick can do is make voters take another look at the No. 1. That's what Palin did this week in St. Paul. For good or bad, she'll be doing the same this fall.
Tell us what you think here or in the forums of our Politics page.
Certainly, John McCain will decide this election, not Sarah Palin. But one of the best things a VP pick can do is make voters take another look at the No. 1. That's what Palin did this week in St. Paul. For good or bad, she'll be doing the same this fall.
Tell us what you think here or in the forums of our Politics page.
John McCain's fall strategy is to run as someone who will change his unpopular party, writes Politico's Jonathan Martin.
As the convention showed, that strategy will be difficult to execute, even for a reformer at heart, writes David Brooks of the New York Times.
The foreign policy education of Sarah Palin has begun - and professor Joe Lieberman is helping, The Washington Post's Michael Abramowitz and Juliet Eilperin write.
Planning ahead: John McCain's advisers are examining strategies to avoid gridlock with a Democratic Congress next January, The Wall Street Journal's Bob Davis and Greg Hitt.
After what Newsweek's James Poniewozik calls a combative but respectful interview between Bill O'Reilly and Barack Obama, the Fox News host said: "He's not a wimpy guy."
The Observer's Mark Johnson writes about a young, rising star at the convention - from Cabarrus County.
Posts
33 comments:
McCain did a good job of tidying up the mess Palin and Giuliani made the night before. He spoke with honesty and integrity which was a refreshing change of tone from the GOP.
I still disagree with many of his views and am still voting the other ticket but I was pleased with the way he handled himself last night. Very professional.
I don't think McCain made a good decision by picking Sarah PAlin as his running mate.She is too unexperienced,she has only been a governer of Alaska for not even 2 years and before that she was a mayor of a town of 6,ooo or so people.But McCain only picked her so he can win Hillary Clinton supporters.
McCain is a total class act...As a democrat, I'm finding it very very difficult to not vote for this man. Even if I do vote my party, I can't help but feel that I am making a mistake. McCain is far more capable I guess....torn
As a democrat, I think the rnc went well. A gallup poll yesterday put Obama up 49% to McSame's 42%. Any rational, half-informed voter will vote against the gop in this election and there appears to be nothing the conservatives can do to change that. Bravo!
Hey anonymous at 9:15: If you and other Democrats believe polls, I've got some waterfront land in the desert I'd like to sell you.
I thought Guiliani and Palin did exactly as they should have and exposed the Democrats as lots of talk and little action. Their honesty and integrity might not be appreciated, but it doesn't mean it's not genuine.
I think the Republican strategy was similar to the Democrats, only the Republicans had more to attack.
Still, I like McCain's tone a lot better than anyone who spoke for either party. I think he truly cares about America, not party affiliation and he clearly has ideas about how to run the country, as opposed to Obama, who doesn't know what he thinks until he reads in on the telepromter.
Any rational, half informed voter MUST vote for McCain. GOD forbid we end up with a socialist president!
America is headed in the wrong direction and people are demanding change. I don't know how anyone can vote for the party that has been in power for the past eight years and expect anything to change. No amount of rhetoric from the gop can convince me that they can bring the change America demands. Only the dems can change our direction in this election.
I am completely sickened by the way they used the 9-11 video last night at the RNC. They completely exploited the victims and tried to scare us by dredging up the pain from that horrible day.
Even though I'm a democrat, I find it absolutely refreshing to hear that Washington needs change because the politicians there are serving their own public interests. McCain's cry that he knows who he works for and has a lifetime of true and authentic public service resonates with me. I will be voting for McCain this fall because I trust that he is the man that hears my voice and will truly fight for me. His record has demonstrated that he does not follow the party lines and his independent spirit underscores this as well.
Here we go with the GOD crap. Pleeeeease. It's no wonder the world is in its current state. It's like this, if you believe in Peter Pan anything else that spews from your mouth is pretty much landing on deaf ears.
Anon 9:20 AM,
Watch the video of the speeches again on Youtube. Apparently you just don't get it. Obama's head is constantly looking all over the audience. McCain on the other hand is staring directly into the telepromter for the entire speech.
Both gave great speeches, but at least have the balls to call it like it is. McCain read, Obama spoke it on the fly.
As far as Guiliani and Palin having more to attack, give me a break. It's your party that has been in total control for the past 8 years. The Dems only took partial control 9 months ago. All of the crap that we as a country are currently in is on your hands Buddy.
It's going to be a tough run right up until November. Anyone who thinks different is as much of an A-hole as Guiliani is.
I am disgusted with the republican party. Why is it that whenever they are in the white house we have worsening unemployment, wars, and huge national debts? Their new gun-totting bikini VP pick says it all. I will never vote for a republican (except mayor Pat) ever again. What a disgrace!
Well, they fell flat on their faces with the rest of the nation so I guess that's good! You would have to be a right wing fanatic to vote for them in this election.
Repulican's have driven our debt to record levels, taken us to war, and generally brought this country down the last 8 years. Despite not being thrilled about either candidate, there is nothing that was said by the Republican's this week that lead me to believe there is any "Change" coming from them.
I would rather see more Taxes on the rich and big business and plans for reducing our dependency on oil than I would like to see us start more drilling now (which will only yield results many years down the road) For the GOP to belittle increasing taxes just supports the point that the GOP is for the rich and dont want the rich to get taxed more...drives me nuts.
What is that stat...the top 5% of the country hold 95% of the money..why can't they afford more taxes..Does the GOP really think the tax stimulas package worked...what a joke...
Bottom line for me...no way I could ever vote Republican this election given the recent history....
"She'll need to show a grasp of foreign policy and domestic nuances, all without seeming as if she just learned much of it recently. "
See, that's just the problem. She is going to spend the next two months seeming informed, but only a nitwit would be fooled by the act.
It's really very simple. Barack Obama has spent his entire life working for social justice, paying attention to both domestic and world affairs, and taking aggressive steps to change his communities for the better.
Sarah Palin was a beauty queen, a hockey mom, and the mayor of a town smaller than Cornelius. In her limited experience as governor she's already been embroiled in at least three serious accusations of corruption and new reports are surfacing by the day. She might seem informed and knowledgable, but she's no better prepared to run this country than anyone you could pick randomly off the street.
I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE KNOW THAT PALIN ALLOWS HUNTERS TO KILL WOLVES FROM AIRCRAFT? aLSO SHE WOULD NOT VOTE TO HAVE THE POLAR BEARS PUT ON THE ENDANGERED LIST. SHE IS A STRONG SUPPORTER OF DRILLING IN THE ANWR.
SHE WILL DEFINATELY NOT GET MY VOTE ALTHOUGH I AM A REPUBLICAN AND ONLY VOTED DEMOCRAT ONCE FOR JFK DON'T THINK OBAMA WILL GET MY VOTE EITHERTAXT
You would think the Republicans weren't in power the last 8 years based on the speeches this week. How can McCain promote change when he's supported the failed policies of the Bush administartion 90% of the time? It boggles the mind. Just a lot of lip service and promoting tired Republican policy. Sorry McCain supporters but your kind of change is not what this country needs. Unless you make $250k a year then I guess it's OK.
For those of you that think Palin was picked to win Hillary Supports you do not understand voting trends. Hillary supports are hard core Dems. The will vote Dem there is no way to win them. And lets not forget that Hillary had dismal numbers for likeability- Dismal and she was considered very polarizing just 4 months ago.
Its all about the Middle class white dem/ind voters. Call them Reagan Dems, Security Moms or NASCAR dads or whatnot. They live in the small towns in the midwest MI, OH, PA, MO.
These are the people who may vote D or maybe R. Lots of them voted for Hillary in the Primary but they are not Hillary Supports.
"Any rational, half-informed voter will vote against the gop in this election"
I would consider myself a rational, more than half-informed voter, and I can't in any state of mind vote for a socalist flip-flopping president who has been to "57 states" and sees dead people apparently. Many people supporting Obama don't care what he stands for. Half of the time, they don't even know what he plans to do. They just don't want to see another Republican in office, no matter how different he is. Any "rational, half-informed voter" knows that McCain is not the same as Bush. Why do you think they've run against each other in 2000 and 2004?
Mark my words: If Obama is elected, he will be the WORST president in our nation's history.
This is John McCain's feeble attempt at an "extreme makeover". However, it's the same old loud plumbing, frayed electrical wiring, shoddy roofing and an empty refrigerator for a heart.
I'm putting my "Democrat for McCain" sign in my yard today.
This decision is not hard for rational people. Honor, leadership, and experience are the defining factors in this election.
The rich already pay more than their "fair share" in taxes. I just don't understand this attitude toward the rich. I'd like to be rich, wouldn't you? Why are they always portrayed as evil? To raise taxes even more means that more people will need to be taxed. That means you and me.
I personally don't want to pay higher taxes to support to programs Obama wants, such as nationalized health care, global poverty (as determined by the UN, who would give billions of our money to dictators and despots - do you really think that money would go to poor people in their countries?), propping up alternative energy research without support for the energy we need now (nuclear for example), among many others.
I also agree with the poster who said Palin was definitely not chosen for Hillary supporters. I don't see how many of them could look past her conservatism to only vote for gender. Although is seems apparent that a lot of people can overlook extreme liberalism to vote race.
I'm a registered independent who would have voted for McCain in 2000, but will be switching my affiliation to the Democratic Party after the vitriol put forth by Palin, Rudy, et. al. the other night.
The thing that disgusts me about Obama supporters is that all we hear about is they are voting for change. Yet when I've asked most Obama supporters to give me reasons why they support him, other than change, I never get an answer. And I'll tell you why, because Obama hasn't actually laid out the way he is going to "change" the country.
You know, I'm as right-wing as they come, but I respect anyone who has strong political beliefs and that includes democrats. If you ask me why I support McCain, I can give you a list of reasons. What I have a problem with is people who support a candidate but have no idea why. Their only real reason is because it seems like the popular thing to do.
I can tell you one promise Obama will follow through with and that is raise virtually every tax in this country. Of course, the plan is that the wealthy and businesses will pay more tax, which will make life better for working-class citizens. Well I have news for you, it's the working-class will suffer as a result of trickle down economics.
If Obama follows through with his promise of higher taxes, and we all know he will, that means my employer will almost assuredly have to pay higher taxes. So, at the end of 2009 when it's time for my yearly bonus or pay raise and my employers tells me it's not happening because he had to pay more taxes to the government, I'm going to say thank you to Mr. Obama!!!!! Higher taxes affect everyone, especially the working-class.
You people are nuts if you think taxing the corporations and very rich will solve anything, other than causing these entities to move their money and operations out of the US (i.e., loosing jobs, etc). We do not live in a socialist society, as the current heads of the democratic party would have us live. This country is based on personal responsibility. We have become such a childish society by expecting the government to take care of everything. There is so much red tape in the operations of the government with so little help actually making it to the individuals who need it. The only positive I see to this type of government is that it at least creates jobs. We need to start over. Take responsibility for our own lives and communities. If I make a lot of money, good for me. Just because I worked 70 hours a week for five years and spent an extra 4-6 years in school (debt I am still paying back), I should turn over my money to the government and let them redistribute that wealth to people who do not always work hard? I agree that we need some changes. Healthcare should be legislated, but do you really want some sort of universal healthcare? I would rather trust a doctor I or my insurance company was paying rather than expect the government to take care of everything. It is time for US citizens to grow up, take care of themselves, and take care of their own communities. Have you ever seen the government take over any task that they did not screw up.
10:25,
That's really funny because I get the same exact reaction when I ask GMcCain supporters why they back him. It all depends who you ask and I am betting 75% or more of the U.S. population doesn't even take 5 minutes a week to investigate anything politically.
My family is Republican from way back. They are religious, hard working and modest, ie regular real people. (By the way, what is an "unreal" person?)
The RNC has once again promoted a divide in American culture by portraying itself as the part of "real" people (God-fearing, white, moral). While the rest of us are presumed to be inferior to their beliefs and view of the world.
The Republican convention has sickened me and I fear for our country and my place in it.
The saddest and most overwhelming truth that seems to appear after reading in the blogosphere is exactly what another commenter pointed out:
Anonymous said...
10:25,
That's really funny because I get the same exact reaction when I ask GMcCain supporters why they back him. It all depends who you ask and I am betting 75% or more of the U.S. population doesn't even take 5 minutes a week to investigate anything politically.
While I am a McCain supporter and Independent, I agree with my assumed Obama supporter friend here. Comments across the board are revealing what the founding fathers already recognized. The need for the electoral college. Apparently Americans have checked their minds at the door and tuned in to their tvs (and perhaps blogs) to do their thinking for them. There's not even a conversation here. To have a rational (and passion can be permitted) debate on the topics and which ticket could be the best for our country and future, we get the same old same old from both sides.
Stop and listen. Read and study. You're in control here, America! You do have a voice. You can think on your own. You can come to a logically sound and supported decision that goes beyond most of the venom that you hear and see everywhere else. Stop settling for mediocrity and/or the opinions of others and form your own real decision.
Can we at least agree that this is what needs to happen in America, folks? Can we at least encourage one another to be a thinking nation regardless of which ticket you're ready to line up and vote for?
RE: The RNC has once again promoted a divide in American culture by portraying itself as the part of "real" people (God-fearing, white, moral). While the rest of us are presumed to be inferior to their beliefs and view of the world.
While I think that the appearance of the GOP does stem from an attraction to this group, I do think that the notion of the GOP promoting itself as such doesn't really have merit. This is a false assumption on your part. I would ask if you are harboring some sort of ill will towards that group which I'm guessing is viewed as extreme by most on the blog here? We really need to come at this from a neutral standpoint to work, right?
My opinion - and it's purely opinion based on perception - is that McCain and Palin have a certain intangible sincerity. They do seem to be more in tune with the common man. Again, that's my perception. And, I believe this is the root of the comments like "authenticity," or "relational."
I do not have much in common with Obama (values basis, policy basis, etc), so perhaps that's where my inability to "feel" that he relates to me stems from. Of course, I say all this recognizing that many will go to the polls based on a "relational feeling" or an attachment to a brand. This is not, however, what I propose America should do when it comes to that decision. This is a job interview process and we are the hiring managers. This is still a country that should theoretically report to the "we the people." But, to make that work, "we the people" have an obligation to do our necessary legwork to make a sound decision.
I have voted Republican for most of my young life thinking that somehow they might have some good points. As of now I am embarrassed to say I was a Repulican. We have voted in the worst leader in history and I acknowledge my mistake. This administration would kill for their poicies and I will no longer support war. I believe that the human race can achieve peace and will continue to pray for it. For support of my views I offer you this, I was watching 60 minutes recently,the story was about how civilian homes were bombed by US Air raids when there was evidence that an insurgent was at the location. Out of 29 cases hundreds of innocents were killed and not one insurgent. To me this is murder and 911 does'nt justify this. Who are the terrorist? The human race I believe in does not need this kind of action to achieve peace and diplomacy is the way. Pray for peace and communicate. To me Obama seems to be the most intelligent young politician to run and I am ready for CHANGE, especially since I am one of the 600,000 recently unemployed people in this country.
I understand your frustration over war and even your personal economic situation. I can relate. I think McCain did an excellent job last night actually relating on the war question in particular. He has truly seen what war can do personally and I believe him when he states that he hates war.
Also, we have to remember that in most wars diplomacy is attempted before any fighting ever takes place. Yes, the Afghan situation is a bit different as terrorists are not to be negotiated with. Dictators, extremists, coalitions, etc can be. While I likely disagree strongly with you on the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan, I do concede that it is tragic that lives are lost for any cause. There are no words to express the "collateral damage" that most people seemingly write off in the innocents that die during war. However, there are arguments, as cold as it may sound, where the greatest good for the greatest number only occurs when war stops mad men from killing (ie Hitler in WWI and WWII, Sadam Hussein, etc). And, yet, we also have the argument on the criterion of morality. Morality - that which is right or wrong - is very much a question these days for man. However, I think as Americans we agree that there is sanctity of life for our brothers and sisters in other nations, there's certain inalienable rights that are not simply limited to those of us blessed to call the States our home, and so forth. I contend that we have a certain obligation, given our size and power in the world to be the protector of life and liberty abroad. Unfortunately, a lot of policy debate can occur over how best to accomplish that and tactically speaking when it comes to the act of war, there are effective strategies and there are severely flawed and tragic strategies. But, because there will be destruction and lives lost - because there is inherent risk - does not equate to the notion that we cannot achieve peace through war.
Perhaps, I am also more cynical than you as well. I do not believe that peace will be attained by the hand of man. We are selfish beings by nature and some are even evil. That's right. I believe evil truly exists and you cannot battle evil without sacrifice. If you do not fight evil, it will overcome. It is the same logic applied to what to do to the serial killer. What do you do to the child molester? What do you do to the sniper that randomly takes out innocents? What do you do to those evil dictators that annihilate their very own people? You must stop them. Sometimes though that will escalate to the point of war in order to do so. The debate really becomes whether we've done everything we can and what other options are on the table in some instances, right?
But, I ramble on...The fear I have with Obama in control is that he first, put down America before Europe. That shows me his loyalty and ability to handle any conflict internally within America. It makes me question how closely aligned he wants the US to Europe or the UN (which was corrupt with the Oil for Food situation at the height of going to war in Iraq).
Second, he cries out for a multi-lateral move. The US does not generally - and even through Bush - SEEK a unilateral move. That is not the norm. However, when others do not stand firm on principle, when others are scared, when others may be corrupt, when others do not care or feel the moral obligation, it is not justifiable to walk away because of consensus alone. One striking fact about America is that we are independent and strong. We fight for what is right and protect others. We are the superhero not merely a superpower. So, I personally am very much opposed to thought of polling our allies and then holding my decision on their opinion or verdict. Sometimes one must be willing to be that hero, make the hard calls, and fight the fight.
Third, Obama will undeniably bring change to our nation. By having a Democrat in the White House to sign off on Democratic sponsored and written legistlation which can then be upheld by Supreme Court justices that have been appointed by Obama that will construe the Constitution into something more than it is, you will get change. Part of the beauty of our nation is actually gridlock in some sense, believe it or not. It goes hand in hand with the balance of power. And, when you have one party in power you have to really look them over and their platform and their principles and their record closely. Look at how the Democratic platform argues for more federal management of everything. This is in opposition to the Constitution's own principles. Government should have a very limited role in our lives, and when it begins taking more money from the American and allocating it out as it sees fit and mandating who can make take home what percentage of their earned pay, then you have a certain philosophy in place. If you truly believe people to be as good as you claim, then I pose that the Republican party is better for you because it actually would give more individual freedom to you and me as Americans and let us make those decisions for ourselves. But, even outside of that, inherently there is something dangerous in giving government too much access to us. You run a grave risk of losing a lot of your freedoms and putting America basically back under the hands of a monarch or Lord forbid, a dictatorship / regime.
I can not believe anyone is questioning the experience of Sarah Palin, while saying Obama should be President. She has MUCH more experience than Obama has.
Obama's big mistake was picking a VP candidate to whom he owed something instead of picking the candidate who got almost as many votes for President as he did. By this means he divided his party. Biden got less than 1% of the votes when running for President.
I expect some things will come out about Obama in the next 2 months. He may come off the ballot if his citizenship does not hold up.
Obama is definitely not the one to be President of the USA.
There are some very good posts on this blog. Too bad some will not read them because they are long. I can only hope most of those who will not read them will not go to the polls.
I think it is important to recognize that John McCain is not a popular choice for the Republican conservative base. The apparent lack of enthusiasm for McCain in the months prior to the Palin announcement was the death knell for the GOP candidate in November. I, personally was toying with the idea of a protest vote or not voting for president at all.
The choice of Palin is such an unexpected departure from what most would expect from a 'stodgy' Mr. McCain.
Not only has Gov. Palin energized the base for the first time in the campaign, the gamble of choosing Palin, gives hope that a 'president' McCain will look outside the box to solve some of our country's problems.
Regardless of her credentials, and like Obama, they are not strong, Sarah Palin, at least for the time being, greatly increased McCain's appeal and after all, winning the election is the end game.
Post a Comment