The 2008 US Presidential Election Thread

[nolippin]

Maybe I don't understand your point.

You said you didn't think McCain was setting the deadline when he clearly said that he wouldn't debate unless a bailout agreement was reached. No amount of spin can change what he said.

It would certainly seem that he doesn't want to debate. Reid told him he wasn't needed. What he is doing is grandstanding. He wants people to think that they can't reach an agreement without him. I'm just calling BS.

Maybe they should just rearrange the schedule and let the VP candidates debate on Friday.

...and now McCain is joining in with them and using the debates as a tool, IMO.

Well, that is what he said.

McCain also said he would not attend Friday night's debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama unless an economic bailout deal is reached by then

Now he's refusing to debate unless a balilout deal is pushed through by Friday?? Rushing through this thing does not seem to be in the best interest of the country to me.

http://www.cnn.com/


McCain: No bailout deal, then no debate Friday
A presidential campaign that has already seen its share of twists took another one today: Republican candidate John McCain said he was suspending his campaign to deal with the nation's economic crisis. McCain also said he would not attend Friday night's debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama unless an economic bailout deal is reached by then.

Right, but I think Paulson and Bernanke are the one's pushing for this to be resolved so quickly.

I guess I'm not understanding your point. Are you implying McCain doesn't want to debate Obama on foreign policy?

[Barb]

Maybe I don't understand your point.

You said you didn't think McCain was setting the deadline when he clearly said that he wouldn't debate unless a bailout agreement was reached. No amount of spin can change what he said.

It would certainly seem that he doesn't want to debate. Reid told him he wasn't needed. What he is doing is grandstanding. He wants people to think that they can't reach an agreement without him. I'm just calling BS.

Maybe they should just rearrange the schedule and let the VP candidates debate on Friday.

...and now McCain is joining in with them and using the debates as a tool, IMO.

Well, that is what he said.

McCain also said he would not attend Friday night's debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama unless an economic bailout deal is reached by then

Now he's refusing to debate unless a balilout deal is pushed through by Friday?? Rushing through this thing does not seem to be in the best interest of the country to me.

http://www.cnn.com/


McCain: No bailout deal, then no debate Friday
A presidential campaign that has already seen its share of twists took another one today: Republican candidate John McCain said he was suspending his campaign to deal with the nation's economic crisis. McCain also said he would not attend Friday night's debate with Democratic rival Barack Obama unless an economic bailout deal is reached by then.

Right, but I think Paulson and Bernanke are the one's pushing for this to be resolved so quickly.

I guess I'm not understanding your point. Are you implying McCain doesn't want to debate Obama on foreign policy?

Congress is scheduled to recess for the year after Friday's session. IF an agreement can be reached, I assume McCain would go to the debate. If an agreement is not reached, then he won't.

Please don't forget that McCain asked Obama to join him for 10 town hall meetings and Obama declined. There is no way McCain is afraid to debate Obama on foreign policy. Not a chance.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Please don't forget that McCain asked Obama to join him for 10 town hall meetings and Obama declined.

Which are by invite only, just like Bushs'.
Which would seem to indicate McCain is afraid to hear from the American people themselves.

Also, McCain didn't merely extend an invite for Obama to join him, he gave repeated open challenges on TV, thereby framing the debate on his own terms. Obama has no responsibility to boost the GOP candidate's poll numbers.

[Barb]

Please don't forget that McCain asked Obama to join him for 10 town hall meetings and Obama declined.

Which are by invite only, just like Bushs'.
Which would seem to indicate McCain is afraid to hear from the American people themselves.

Also, McCain didn't merely extend an invite for Obama to join him, he gave repeated open challenges on TV, thereby framing the debate on his own terms. Obama has no responsibility to boost the GOP candidate's poll numbers.

That's a pretty skewed way to see it, but you are right -- Obama IS that arrogant. His arrogance will be his downfall.

[The_Noble_Cause]

That's a pretty skewed way to see it, but you are right -- Obama IS that arrogant. His arrogance will be his downfall.

Sure you don't mean 'uppity'?

He is no more arrogant than Kerry was elitist.
These are just more empty slogans to fill the gaping black GOP vaccum of ideas.

[Barb]

That's a pretty skewed way to see it, but you are right -- Obama IS that arrogant. His arrogance will be his downfall.

Sure you don't mean 'uppity'?

He is no more arrogant than Kerry was elitist.
These are just more empty slogans to fill the gaping black GOP vaccum of ideas.

No. I meant arrogant. You're sick.

[RedWingFan]

That's a pretty skewed way to see it, but you are right -- Obama IS that arrogant. His arrogance will be his downfall.

Sure you don't mean 'uppity'?

He is no more arrogant than Kerry was elitist.

"Uh, Can I get me uh huntn' license here?"

[The_Noble_Cause]

"Uh, Can I get me uh huntn' license here?"

So?
Yale educated Dubya speaks with a fake southern drawl, wears a license-plate-sized belt buckle, and rarely, if ever, breaks character as some sort of rough hewn brush rancher.
His entire persona revolves around condescening to the stupid and putting on hillbilly airs.

[RedWingFan]

"Uh, Can I get me uh huntn' license here?"

So?
Yale educated Dubya speaks with a fake southern drawl, wears a license-plate-sized belt buckle, and rarely, if ever, breaks character as some sort of rough hewn brush rancher.
His entire persona revolves around condescening to the stupid and putting on hillbilly airs.

Wasn't Bush raised in Texas? You don't see him going to the northeast and speaking with a "Bahston" accent do you?

[conversationpc]

Sure you don't mean 'uppity'?

Unbelievable...Barb doesn't have a racist bone in her body. You are an arrogant moron.

[7 Wishes]

It was obviously a hollow (whether or not sincere) gesture, since McCain has been "Not Present" for more votes in the past 10 years than ANY other Senator.

However, I think both of them should be doing their jobs. Most Republicans AND Democrats oppose the terms of this bailout. Do I think their presence in Washington would help facilitate coming to an agreement with the Bush Administration, or just serve as a massive distraction? I don't know. McCain has put himself in a bind now, though - if he opposes the deal in its current form, and Wall Street collapses, he will be negatively associated with that consequence more than any other Senators or Congressmen.

By supporting the bailout, he will reinforce the public's perception that Obama is better qualified to handle the economy - and since over half the country believes it the most important issue of the campaign (versus 9% for Iraq) - that will do nothing but harm his chances of being elected.

I think this was, most of all, an attempt to forestall Obama's massive momentum swing. It also gives the average American the impression he's afraid to engage in a public (as in not pre-designated audiences with pre-approved questions) debate.

[Lula]

postponing the debate is ridiculous. we are on the verge of electing our next leader; we need to hear from them on more than one issue. what is so difficult about hopping a plane to ole miss after a day of work in dc on friday? why not have their second in command take the debate? just an aversion from the obvious. i guess mccain can't multitask.... shame, i'm pretty sure that is needed as president.

[RossValoryRocks]

I said already...McCain is giving the Presidency to Obama with this...he is doing the right thing in making sure this passes in some acceptable form to the American people (who really don't want this thing to pass in the current form) to stave off a greater disaster...but in doing so he is giving up on the Presidency...because no matter what he says or does people such as 7Wishes, TNC et all on here and people who share their views in the country will think this is a stunt (I got more text today to that effect) and the liberal media in the country will pound that home and the Presidency is lost to McCain.

He knows this...he is doing it to make sure ALL of us are protected...you have to admire a man who would give up the chance to be President.

[conversationpc]

postponing the debate is ridiculous. we are on the verge of electing our next leader; we need to hear from them on more than one issue. what is so difficult about hopping a plane to ole miss after a day of work in dc on friday? why not have their second in command take the debate? just an aversion from the obvious. i guess mccain can't multitask.... shame, i'm pretty sure that is needed as president.

You're usually more level-headed than to level the "mccain can't multitask" comment. Very unlike you. Is this Deano?

[RossValoryRocks]

postponing the debate is ridiculous. we are on the verge of electing our next leader; we need to hear from them on more than one issue. what is so difficult about hopping a plane to ole miss after a day of work in dc on friday? why not have their second in command take the debate? just an aversion from the obvious. i guess mccain can't multitask.... shame, i'm pretty sure that is needed as president.

Hi Dean! Tell Lula hi for us!

[conversationpc]

I said already...McCain is giving the Presidency to Obama with this...he is doing the right thing in making sure this passes in some acceptable form to the American people (who really don't want this thing to pass in the current form) to stave off a greater disaster...but in doing so he is giving up on the Presidency...because no matter what he says or does people such as 7Wishes, TNC et all on here and people who share their views in the country will think this is a stunt (I got more text today to that effect) and the liberal media in the country will pound that home and the Presidency is lost to McCain.

He knows this...he is doing it to make sure ALL of us are protected...you have to admire a man who would give up the chance to be President.

Nah, I don't think he thinks this will lose the Presidency for him.

[Enigma869]

Nah, I don't think he thinks this will lose the Presidency for him.

I agree, Dave. I believe that this was a VERY calculated move for McCain, to be out in front of an issue and look like he was taking charge. I'm not sure what part of that could possibly lose the guy the election! In case you haven't noticed, Obama is a black man, which means the guy is already in the hole 0-2 (to use a baseball metaphor) when he steps up to the plate. I don't even think that old fuck McCain can screw this one up!


John from Boston

[Lula]

postponing the debate is ridiculous. we are on the verge of electing our next leader; we need to hear from them on more than one issue. what is so difficult about hopping a plane to ole miss after a day of work in dc on friday? why not have their second in command take the debate? just an aversion from the obvious. i guess mccain can't multitask.... shame, i'm pretty sure that is needed as president.

You're usually more level-headed than to level the "mccain can't multitask" comment. Very unlike you. Is this Deano?

nope, it's me dave. now i feel like i've disappointed you

i'm just frustrated with this mess. i want a bail out too! with medical bills and student loans i'm barely staying afloat.

[RossValoryRocks]

Nah, I don't think he thinks this will lose the Presidency for him.

I agree, Dave. I believe that this was a VERY calculated move for McCain, to be out in front of an issue and look like he was taking charge. I'm not sure what part of that could possibly lose the guy the election! In case you haven't noticed, Obama is a black man, which means the guy is already in the hole 0-2 (to use a baseball metaphor) when he steps up to the plate. I don't even think that old fuck McCain can screw this one up!


John from Boston

HEY! Who is omnipotent one here???

I think if they get a deal quickly McCain can maybe win. But if this drags on, then the suspended campaign will kill him.

Leave race out of this please? The media is already floating the idea that if Obama loses it's because he is black and we are a racist country.

[RossValoryRocks]

postponing the debate is ridiculous. we are on the verge of electing our next leader; we need to hear from them on more than one issue. what is so difficult about hopping a plane to ole miss after a day of work in dc on friday? why not have their second in command take the debate? just an aversion from the obvious. i guess mccain can't multitask.... shame, i'm pretty sure that is needed as president.

You're usually more level-headed than to level the "mccain can't multitask" comment. Very unlike you. Is this Deano?

nope, it's me dave. now i feel like i've disappointed you

i'm just frustrated with this mess. i want a bail out too! with medical bills and student loans i'm barely staying afloat.

Me too...Emily is only subbing this year so the money is tight here too. But I still think that post was Dean! The syntax was all wrong for you Lu!

[7 Wishes]

Eh. I honestly cannot decide if I think he was being a politician or serving the people.

[nolippin]

Well, if Bush asked Obama to come back, too, then they both should be able to hop a plane after a day's work and make the debates. I'm sure Congress can muddle through without either of them while they debate.

If Obama shows, and McCain doesn't, McCain is done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E

[RossValoryRocks]

Well, if Bush asked Obama to come back, too, then they both should be able to hop a plane after a day's work and make the debates. I'm sure Congress can muddle through without either of them while they debate.

If Obama shows, and McCain doesn't, McCain is done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E

Supposedly the deal is closer than everyone thought...so the debate should be good to go...

[RossValoryRocks]

Eh. I honestly cannot decide if I think he was being a politician or serving the people.

You know me...I am the eternal optomist!

[Enigma869]

I think if they get a deal quickly McCain can maybe win. But if this drags on, then the suspended campaign will kill him.

Stu...the guy is talking about suspending his campaign for two freakin' days (through Friday). If you seriously believe the next two days matter more than the upcoming 3 presidential debates, then you're not half as intelligent as I thought you were!

Leave race out of this please? The media is already floating the idea that if Obama loses it's because he is black and we are a racist country.

How can you possibly leave race out of it, when it's an issue? Are you suggesting that the media's assertion that we are a racist country is false??? After living in the south for 13 long months and hearing terms like "Nigger boy" as everyday, casual conversation, I can tell you that the media is spot on with their theory. Even though it saddens me, we are a VERY racist country, and it will absolutely, positively be an issue. When I lived in North Carolina, some of the local news channels did the typical "man on the street" interview, and I was STUNNED that there were people who flatly said (on the air, mind you) "I absolutely would never vote for a black man as president". Although it didn't shock me that people actually feel this way, because I know that sentiment exists, I was STUNNED that these people would actually admit this on tv!


John from Boston

[conversationpc]

nope, it's me dave. now i feel like i've disappointed you

i'm just frustrated with this mess. i want a bail out too! with medical bills and student loans i'm barely staying afloat.

Sorry to hear that...I hope things are looking up for you soon.....






...after McCain is elected.

j/k...I hope things improve for you soon.

[conversationpc]

How can you possibly leave race out of it, when it's an issue? Are you suggesting that the media's assertion that we are a racist country is false???

I'm not speaking for Stu but I don't believe we are a racist country. If anything, I think we are less racist than MOST industrialized countries. Having traveled to Europe, I know for a fact the prejudices of some of the people in Estonia and Finland, for instance. The rest of the world isn't any different than it is here. That being said, I don't think those countries are racist and neither is it here in the U.S. Yes, there are still more racist people than there should be but I don't believe even a majority of people much less most people are racist.

[csiako]

Nah, I don't think he thinks this will lose the Presidency for him.

I don't think he knows what will happen to his Presidency with this.
but he doesnt care and figures this is the right thing to do.. and he will do it no matter the consequence, just like when he pushed for that failed immigration bill

[RossValoryRocks]

Stu...the guy is talking about suspending his campaign for two freakin' days (through Friday). If you seriously believe the next two days matter more than the upcoming 3 presidential debates, then you're not half as intelligent as I thought you were!

How can you possibly leave race out of it, when it's an issue? Are you suggesting that the media's assertion that we are a racist country is false??? After living in the south for 13 long months and hearing terms like "Nigger boy" as everyday, casual conversation, I can tell you that the media is spot on with their theory. Even though it saddens me, we are a VERY racist country, and it will absolutely, positively be an issue. When I lived in North Carolina, some of the local news channels did the typical "man on the street" interview, and I was STUNNED that there were people who flatly said (on the air, mind you) "I absolutely would never vote for a black man as president". Although it didn't shock me that people actually feel this way, because I know that sentiment exists, I was STUNNED that these people would actually admit this on tv!


John from Boston

Look this might not be done quickly or easily (But they are saying it could be quick as in the next 24 hours) and while Obama is hammering on McCain all those days McCain won't be responding it will be a death knell.

As for the race thing...I want you to think REALLY hard about what WILL happen if the african-americans in this country think Obama losing (providing he does) is them being disenfranchised yet again. The LA riots will be NOTHING compared to what will happen...ALL OVER the US.

EDIT: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_ ... rKUEZH2ocA it is shit like this that will haunt our country for decades if Obama loses!

[Enigma869]

I'm not speaking for Stu but I don't believe we are a racist country. If anything, I think we are less racist than MOST industrialized countries. Having traveled to Europe, I know for a fact the prejudices of some of the people in Estonia and Finland, for instance. The rest of the world isn't any different than it is here. That being said, I don't think those countries are racist and neither is it here in the U.S. Yes, there are still more racist people than there should be but I don't believe even a majority of people much less most people are racist.

That's your opinion Dave. I vehemently disagree with it. I've seen it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears! How anyone really believes we're not a racist country is beyond my level of comprehension. Hell, just two weeks ago, the news show 20/20 sent out identical resumes (meaning same exact experience and education) to many companies. Some of the resumes had "white sounding names" (their terminology, not mine), while others had "black sounding names" (Again, their terminology). In 100% of the cases, the white sounding names were called and the black sounding names were not called. It was quite honestly, shocking to watch. I cannot intelligently speak to the racism in other countries, because I haven't done much international travelling (and have no desire to). Because of that, I really don't know if we're any more racist or less racist than other countries. What I do know is that racism is alive and well in this country!


John from Boston