No Convention for Bush and Cheney

[Voyager]

Looks like Dick and Bush won't be attending the Republican National Convention:

CNN

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota because of Hurricane Gustav, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said on Sunday.

I'm sure McCain asked them to stay away. I don't get this... is McCain for the war or against it? If he's for it, then why wouldn't he want Dick and Bush at the convention? How can he embrace the war but reject Dick and Bush? The war is the main reason why people don't like them! (Not to mention dozens of other valid reasons.)

Maybe McCain should run on the Independent ticket if he is so opposed to being seen with Dick and Bush.

[Enigma869]

Looks like Dick and Bush won't be attending the Republican National Convention:

CNN

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota because of Hurricane Gustav, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said on Sunday.

I'm sure McCain asked them to stay away. I don't get this... is McCain for the war or against it? If he's for it, then why wouldn't he want Dick and Bush at the convention? How can he embrace the war but reject Dick and Bush? The war is the main reason why people don't like them! (Not to mention dozens of other valid reasons.)

Maybe McCain should run on the Independent ticket if he is so opposed to being seen with Dick and Bush.

I heard that McCain might not even be attending the RNC. I saw an interview with him last night where he said they would "monitor the situation" and went on to say that it wouldn't be right to be celebrating in a festive atmosphere, if a part of our country had just been devastated by a natural disaster.


John from Boston

[Rick]

Looks like Dick and Bush won't be attending the Republican National Convention:

CNN

President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the GOP convention in St. Paul, Minnesota because of Hurricane Gustav, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said on Sunday.

I'm sure McCain asked them to stay away. I don't get this... is McCain for the war or against it? If he's for it, then why wouldn't he want Dick and Bush at the convention? How can he embrace the war but reject Dick and Bush? The war is the main reason why people don't like them! (Not to mention dozens of other valid reasons.)

Maybe McCain should run on the Independent ticket if he is so opposed to being seen with Dick and Bush.

Bush and Cheney have a very low approval rating. Them showing up could only hurt McCain. People want change and he's demonstrating that he's going to bring that by distancing himself from them.

[Enigma869]

Bush and Cheney have a very low approval rating. Them showing up could only hurt McCain. People want change and he's demonstrating that he's going to bring that by distancing himself from them.

McCain can try all he wants to distance himself from Bush, but it's never going to happen. He has openly gone on record and admitted he agrees with many (not all) of Bush's policies. The more I think about this, the more pissed off I am that the best our country could do for candidates are over the hill McCain and under experienced Obama!


John from Boston

[S2M]

Bush and Cheney have a very low approval rating. Them showing up could only hurt McCain. People want change and he's demonstrating that he's going to bring that by distancing himself from them.

McCain can try all he wants to distance himself from Bush, but it's never going to happen. He has openly gone on record and admitted he agrees with many (not all) of Bush's policies. The more I think about this, the more pissed off I am that the best our country could do for candidates are over the hill McCain and under experienced Obama!


John from Boston

Well, the country screwed up picking Obama over Hiliary. She got porked because the country wants to make a different kind of history. The Blacks(namely the black women; and I'm sure some repub is gonna pull out some stat from some site claiming she did better with black females), want to make some sort of statement in this election. Seems that the black females, whom comprise TWO separate minorities(black AND female) relate more to their skin color than their gender. Which is a shame. Because they are WOMEN first, then black. So we are stuck with him as our candidate(well not me cause I'm independent), and not voting....so.

[Barb]

McCain may not even show up.I think they all realize that having an extravagent political convention in this kind of disaster is not right.

Your premise that McCain is trying to distance himself from them at the convention is off the mark. Bush was on the agenda for tomorrow with Laura introducing him. It's about the hurricane.

[Enigma869]

Well, the country screwed up picking Obama over Hiliary. She got porked because the country wants to make a different kind of history. The Blacks(namely the black women; and I'm sure some repub is gonna pull out some stat from some site claiming she did better with black females), want to make some sort of statement in this election. Seems that the black females, whom comprise TWO separate minorities(black AND female) relate more to their skin color than their gender. Which is a shame. Because they are WOMEN first, then black. So we are stuck with him as our candidate(well not me cause I'm independent), and not voting....so.

Sorry dude...Hillary wasn't the answer either. She had as much experience as Obama has! And don't give me this bullshit "she was married to a president". That doesn't make her any more qualified to run the country as it makes Jay Leno's wife qualified to take over his show when he retires. For what it's worth, I am also a registered independent (never really understood the concept of voting according to party affiliation), and am sitting this one out! There is zero chance I am casting a vote for a guy who will probably be dead 10 minutes after being sworn in, or a guy I'm not sure is qualified to run our country!


John from Boston

[S2M]

Well, the country screwed up picking Obama over Hiliary. She got porked because the country wants to make a different kind of history. The Blacks(namely the black women; and I'm sure some repub is gonna pull out some stat from some site claiming she did better with black females), want to make some sort of statement in this election. Seems that the black females, whom comprise TWO separate minorities(black AND female) relate more to their skin color than their gender. Which is a shame. Because they are WOMEN first, then black. So we are stuck with him as our candidate(well not me cause I'm independent), and not voting....so.

Sorry dude...Hillary wasn't the answer either. She had as much experience as Obama has! And don't give me this bullshit "she was married to a president". That doesn't make her any more qualified to run the country as it makes Jay Leno's wife qualified to take over his show when he retires. For what it's worth, I am also a registered independent (never really understood the concept of voting according to part affiliation), and am sitting this one out! There is zero chance I am casting a vote for a guy who will probably be dead 10 minutes after being sworn in, or a guy I'm not sure is qualified to run our country!


John from Boston

Hey John, thanks for the reply....

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama. And especially why blacks are voting for him. Especially the black women. I just know they are just looking at color.

[The_Noble_Cause]

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama.

We have a two-party system.
I am a liberal and therefore, must resign myself to voting for the Democratic nominee.

[Rick]

McCain may not even show up.I think they all realize that having an extravagent political convention in this kind of disaster is not right.

Your premise that McCain is trying to distance himself from them at the convention is off the mark. Bush was on the agenda for tomorrow with Laura introducing him. It's about the hurricane.

Thanks for the correction.

[7 Wishes]

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama. And especially why blacks are voting for him. Especially the black women. I just know they are just looking at color.

Because, whether or not you agree with him or think anything he proposes is feasible, he is a dreamer who does want to make things better for America. That seems a pretty good reason to vote for someone if you believe in him.

[S2M]

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama. And especially why blacks are voting for him. Especially the black women. I just know they are just looking at color.

Because, whether or not you agree with him or think anything he proposes is feasible, he is a dreamer who does want to make things better for America. That seems a pretty good reason to vote for someone if you believe in him.

Not your fault, I should have been more specific....in the PRIMARY. Over Hiliary. WHY is he a better choice than she. A BLACK man over a white WOMAN....

That's what I meant to say.....I could care less about things now. Both are idiots. I would much rather have seen her in offcie.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I would never vote for Ron Paul, but I'd love to know why there is a mainstream media blackout concerning his Minneapolis counter-convention on Sept 2.
9,800 tickets sold and counting...

[kgdjpubs]

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama. And especially why blacks are voting for him. Especially the black women. I just know they are just looking at color.

Because, whether or not you agree with him or think anything he proposes is feasible, he is a dreamer who does want to make things better for America. That seems a pretty good reason to vote for someone if you believe in him.

Not your fault, I should have been more specific....in the PRIMARY. Over Hiliary. WHY is he a better choice than she. A BLACK man over a white WOMAN....

That's what I meant to say.....I could care less about things now. Both are idiots. I would much rather have seen her in offcie.

I think part of this may be an oversimplification...but Hilliary is polarizing. You either love her or hate her. There is very little in between. That's why she didn't get picked for VP. She likely would have taken as many votes away from Obama as added to him.

2nd point...as far as equality by law, women have had equal rights longer than blacks have. It doesn't matter WHO it is, but a black person running for President IS a big deal to a lot of people. It's the ultimate achievement for the civil rights movement to have a black person hold the most powerful job in the nation. Gender doesn't mean nearly as much in this situation. Obama was simply in the right place at the right time. Honestly, McCain probably would have had an easier time if Hilliary had gotten the nomination because of the polarizing factor. Water under the bridge though.

3rd point...Whether Obama is the right person or not doesn't matter as much...a lot of people want change, and the easiest way to get it is to vote 180 from what you have right now. It goes in cycles. You get Democrat for a while, then people get tired of them and elect the opposite, and you get Republican. Then, people get tired of that, and it goes back to Democrat again. To put it mildly, Bush isn't very popular right now, and the popular view of McCain is that he will continue what has already been started by Bush. That in itself sways a lot of people on the fence to vote Democrat here.

For better or worse, McCain has an uphill battle trying to convince people that he isn't going to serve Bush's 3rd term. Whether he wins or loses in the end probably will have less to do with him and more how people react to Obama in the debates as the election draws closer. If Obama loses, it will be because he defeats himself. He has history on his side and a country wanting change. Whether that would be change for the better, worse or simply change remains to be seen. It would be change though.

Personally, I'm not convinced by ANY of the above options. The people that would have the best experience and knowledge on how to run a business (and that's what it is in the end) don't run or don't get the nomination. 2 candidates simply isn't much of a choice. It's more picking the lesser of 2 evils than who you really believe in. Judging by a bumper sticker I saw the other day, I'm not alone. '08...we're screwed.

[Onestepper]

I would never vote for Ron Paul, but I'd love to know why there is a mainstream media blackout concerning his Minneapolis counter-convention on Sept 2.
9,800 tickets sold and counting...

Ron Paul makes for good entertainment. I actually think I saw a preview of an interview CNN and Fox are doing with him regarding the convention.

[Onestepper]

While that may be true. I'm more interested in WHY people are voting for Obama. And especially why blacks are voting for him. Especially the black women. I just know they are just looking at color.

Because, whether or not you agree with him or think anything he proposes is feasible, he is a dreamer who does want to make things better for America. That seems a pretty good reason to vote for someone if you believe in him.

Not your fault, I should have been more specific....in the PRIMARY. Over Hiliary. WHY is he a better choice than she. A BLACK man over a white WOMAN....

That's what I meant to say.....I could care less about things now. Both are idiots. I would much rather have seen her in offcie.

I think part of this may be an oversimplification...but Hilliary is polarizing. You either love her or hate her. There is very little in between. That's why she didn't get picked for VP. She likely would have taken as many votes away from Obama as added to him.

2nd point...as far as equality by law, women have had equal rights longer than blacks have. It doesn't matter WHO it is, but a black person running for President IS a big deal to a lot of people. It's the ultimate achievement for the civil rights movement to have a black person hold the most powerful job in the nation. Gender doesn't mean nearly as much in this situation. Obama was simply in the right place at the right time. Honestly, McCain probably would have had an easier time if Hilliary had gotten the nomination because of the polarizing factor. Water under the bridge though.

3rd point...Whether Obama is the right person or not doesn't matter as much...a lot of people want change, and the easiest way to get it is to vote 180 from what you have right now. It goes in cycles. You get Democrat for a while, then people get tired of them and elect the opposite, and you get Republican. Then, people get tired of that, and it goes back to Democrat again. To put it mildly, Bush isn't very popular right now, and the popular view of McCain is that he will continue what has already been started by Bush. That in itself sways a lot of people on the fence to vote Democrat here.

For better or worse, McCain has an uphill battle trying to convince people that he isn't going to serve Bush's 3rd term. Whether he wins or loses in the end probably will have less to do with him and more how people react to Obama in the debates as the election draws closer. If Obama loses, it will be because he defeats himself. He has history on his side and a country wanting change. Whether that would be change for the better, worse or simply change remains to be seen. It would be change though.

Personally, I'm not convinced by ANY of the above options. The people that would have the best experience and knowledge on how to run a business (and that's what it is in the end) don't run or don't get the nomination. 2 candidates simply isn't much of a choice. It's more picking the lease of 2 evils than who you really believe in. Judging by a bumper sticker I saw the other day, I'm not alone. '08...we're screwed.

That is the ONLY reason Palin was picked. McCain knew he wouldn't be viewed as much of a change agent vs Obama, so he had to do something. Right, wrong or indifferent, it was his only hope to get the undecideds to see that he was willing to do something different. The same change wave that he is dealing with, was present in 80 with Reagan, and 92 when Clinton was elected. It's rare that you as the incumbent party will win that battle.

[S2M]

Name for me 1 thing Obama has accomplished as a senator. He hasn't done anything, hasn't chaired a committee, hasn't sponsored a bill, hasn't done anything in 140 days (of tenure). What he has done is use each office to leapfrog to the next without actually doing the work. I can't stand Biden, but for heaven's sake at least he's put his time in, sponsored a few bills and put his name on a few things. "Hope and Change" to what? I need some specifics before voting "for" someone.

I don't fear Obama, I fear the ignorance and vacancy of those who vote for him.


I feel like this is the BIGGEST example of Affirmative action this country's ever seen....Just leaves me empty/hollow inside.

[7 Wishes]

NOTE: The information presented here is derived from thomas.loc.gov, but in some cases may be out of date.

The status of Obama's bills and resolutions as noted in the below table is in accordance with thomas.loc.gov. Introduced in the Senate (IS) refers to bills pending approval in committee. Reported to the Senate (RS) refers to bills that have received favorable report in committee and may be placed on the calendar for vote. Approved by the Senate (ATS) describes bills which have gained approval.[5] Govtrack links from this column provide updated status, summaries, and full text of the bills.
Type ↓ Number ↓ Title or description ↓ Status ↓ Notes
109 S. 1180 SAVE Reauthorization Act of 2005 IS [6]
109 S. 1194 Spent Nuclear Fuel Tracking and Accountability Act IS
109 S. 1426 Drinking Water Security Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 1630 National Emergency Family Locator Act IS [7][8]
109 S. 1638 Hurricane Katrina Emergency Health Workforce Act of 2005 IS [9][8][10]
109 S. 1685 To ensure the evacuation of individuals with special needs in times of emergency. IS [11][8]
109 S. 1770 Hurricane Katrina Fast-Track Refunds for Working Families Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 1920 Renewable Diesel Standard Act of 2005 IS [12][13]
109 S. 1975 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 2045 Health Care for Hybrids Act IS [14]
109 S. 2047 Healthy Communities Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 2048 Lead Free Toys Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 2125 Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security, and Democracy Promotion Act of 2005 RS [15][16]
109 S. 2149 STEP UP Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 2154 To provide for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Rosa Parks. IS
109 S. 2179 CLEAN UP Act IS
109 S. 2201 Federal Aviation Administration Fair Labor Management Dispute Resolution Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2247 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Efficiency Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2257 Hurricane Katrina Working Family Tax Relief Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2259 Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2261 Transparency and Integrity in Earmarks Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2280 STOP FRAUD Act IS
109 S. 2286 Equality for Two-Parent Families Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2319 Hurricane Katrina Recovery Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2348 Nuclear Release Notice Act of 2006 RS
109 S. 2358 VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2359 Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2441 Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act IS
109 S. 2446 American Fuels Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2484 Protecting Taxpayer Privacy Act IS
109 S. 2506 Healthy Places Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 2984 FILL UP Act IS [14]
109 S. 3155 To suspend temporarily the duty on RSD 1235. IS
109 S. 3156 To suspend temporarily the duty on N6-Benzyladenine. IS
109 S. 3157 To suspend temporarily the duty on MCPB acid and MCPB sodium salt. IS
109 S. 3158 To suspend temporarily the duty on 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, salts, and esters. IS
109 S. 3159 To suspend temporarily the duty on gibberellic acid. IS
109 S. 3160 To suspend temporarily the duty on triphenyltin hydroxide. IS
109 S. 3161 To suspend temporarily the duty on certain sebacic acid. IS
109 S. 3162 To suspend temporarily the duty on bromoxynil octonoate. IS
109 S. 3163 To extend temporarily the suspension of duty on certain epoxy molding compounds. IS
109 S. 3243 To suspend temporarily the duty on metsulfuron-methyl. IS
109 S. 3244 To suspend temporarily the duty on dichlorprop-p acid, dichlorprop-p dimethylamine salt, and dichlorprop-p 2-ethylhexyl ester. IS
109 S. 3245 To suspend temporarily the duty on 2,4-DB Acid and 2,4-DB Dimethylamine Salt. IS
109 S. 3249 To suspend temporarily the duty on metsulfuron-methyl. IS
109 S. 3250 To suspend temporarily the duty on 2,4-DB Acid and 2,4-DB Dimethylamine Salt. IS
109 S. 3251 To suspend temporarily the duty on dichlorprop-p acid, dichlorprop-p dimethylamine salt, and dichlorprop-p 2-ethylhexyl ester. IS
109 S. 3475 Homes for Heroes Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 3554 Alternative Diesel Standard Act of 2006 IS [17]
109 S. 3627 Mercury Market Minimization Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 3631 Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act IS
109 S. 3694 Fuel Economy Reform Act IS
109 S. 3757 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 950 Missouri Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, as the `Katherine Dunham Post Office Building'. IS
109 S. 3822 Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2006 IS [18][19][20]

[21][22][23]
109 S. 3969 Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2006 IS [24][25]
109 S. 3988 Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 4069 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 4102 Election Jamming Prevention Act of 2006 IS
109 S. 697 Higher Education Opportunity Through Pell Grant Expansion Act IS
109 S. 918 E-85 Fuel Utilization and Infrastructure Development Incentives Act of 2005 IS
109 S. 969 Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005 IS
109 S.CON.RES. 42 Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and expressing the sense of Congress that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and... IS
109 S.CON.RES. 53 Expressing the sense of Congress that any effort to impose photo identification requirements for voting should be rejected. IS
109 S.RES. 291 To congratulate the Chicago White Sox on winning the 2005 World Series Championship. ATS
109 S.RES. 516 Recognizing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day and expressing the sense of the Senate that history should be regarded as a means for understanding the past and... ATS
109 S.RES. 529 Designating July 13, 2006, as `National Summer Learning Day'. ATS
110 S. 1067 Healthy Places Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1068 Healthy Communities Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1084 Homes for Heroes Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 114 Innovation Districts for School Improvement Act IS
110 S. 115 Oil SENSE Act IS [14]
110 S. 1151 Health Care for Hybrids Act IS [14]
110 S. 116 STEP UP Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 117 Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1181 Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act IS
110 S. 1222 STOP FRAUD Act IS
110 S. 1271 Homecoming Enhancement Research and Oversight (HERO) Act IS
110 S. 1306 Lead Free Toys Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1324 National Low-Carbon Fuel Standard Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 133 American Fuels Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1389 Climate Change Education Act IS
110 S. 1430 Iran Sanctions Enabling Act IS
110 S. 1513 Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1574 Teaching Residency Act IS
110 S. 1713 To provide for the issuance of a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Rosa Parks. IS
110 S. 1790 Communities of Color Teen Pregnancy Prevention Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1811 Lead Poisoning Reduction Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1817 To ensure proper administration of the discharge of members of the Armed Forces for personality disorder, and for other purposes. IS
110 S. 1818 Missing Mercury in Manufacturing Monitoring and Mitigation Act IS
110 S. 1824 Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1873 Improving Emergency Medical Care and Response Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1885 Military Family Job Protection Act IS
110 S. 1977 Nuclear Weapons Threat Reduction Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 1989 Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2030 To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require reporting relating to bundled contributions made by persons other than registered lobbyists. IS
110 S. 2044 Independent Contractor Proper Classification Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2066 Back to School: Improving Standards for Nutrition and Physical Education in Schools Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2111 Positive Behavior for Effective Schools Act IS
110 S. 2132 To prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of children's products that contain lead, and for other purposes. IS
110 S. 2147 Security Contractor Accountability Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2202 Renewable Fuel Standard Extension Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2224 Nuclear Release Notice Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2227 Success in the Middle Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 2330 Veterans Homelessness Prevention Act IS
110 S. 2347 Prevention Through Affordable Access Act IS
110 S. 2392 National STEM Scholarship Database Act IS
110 S. 2428 National STEM Scholarship Database Act IS
110 S. 2433 Global Poverty Act of 2007 RS
110 S. 2519 Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 3047 Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Act of 2008 IS
110 S. 3077 Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Federal Spending Act of 2008 IS
110 S. 433 Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007 IS [26]
110 S. 453 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2007 RS [27][28][29]
110 S. 674 Transparency and Accountability in Military and Security Contracting Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 692 VA Hospital Quality Report Card Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 713 Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 737 Voter Advocate and Democracy Index Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 767 Fuel Economy Reform Act IS
110 S. 768 Fuel Economy Reform Act IS
110 S. 795 Citizenship Promotion Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 823 Microbicide Development Act IS
110 S. 906 Mercury Market Minimization Act of 2007 IS
110 S. 976 Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act of 2007 IS
110 S.CON.RES. 25 Condemning the recent violent actions of the Government of Zimbabwe against peaceful opposition party activists and members of civil society. RS [30]
110 S.CON.RES. 44 Expressing the sense of Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Rosa Louise McCauley Parks. IS
110 S.CON.RES. 46 Whereas Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that is a major health problem in the United States, primarily affecting African Americans; IS
110 S.CON.RES. 5 Honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry and the first and only African-American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. IS
110 S.J.RES. 23 Whereas the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq (Public Law 107-243) authorized the President `to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to... IS
110 S.RES. 133 Whereas Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson was born in 1939 to Bishop W.A. and Mrs. Mary Patterson, Sr., in Humboldt, Tennessee; ATS
110 S.RES. 268 Designating July 12, 2007, as `National Summer Learning Day'. ATS
110 S.RES. 383 Honoring and recognizing the achievements of Carl Stokes, the first African-American mayor of a major American city, in the 40th year since his election as Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio.

[kgdjpubs]

For better or worse, McCain has an uphill battle trying to convince people that he isn't going to serve Bush's 3rd term. Whether he wins or loses in the end probably will have less to do with him and more how people react to Obama in the debates as the election draws closer. If Obama loses, it will be because he defeats himself. He has history on his side and a country wanting change. Whether that would be change for the better, worse or simply change remains to be seen. It would be change though.

That is the ONLY reason Palin was picked. McCain knew he wouldn't be viewed as much of a change agent vs Obama, so he had to do something. Right, wrong or indifferent, it was his only hope to get the undecideds to see that he was willing to do something different. The same change wave that he is dealing with, was present in 80 with Reagan, and 92 when Clinton was elected. It's rare that you as the incumbent party will win that battle.

I agree. He had to do something to shake people up. Going for the safe bet would have only promised defeat. To some extent, it is a smart pick regardless of her experience because you get some women swayed over just to put a woman as VP. We'll see whether it works.

Personally, my real issue with McCain is his age as much as anything. Sure, he's fine at the moment, but men typically don't live much past about 80. Take McCain's age, and 4 years down the road in a more stressful job could conceivably put him out of commission with potential medical problems, and you have Palin is leading the country--at least for a short time. Experience-wise, Palin and Obama are about equal. I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but it is something to consider.

[Onestepper]

Name for me 1 thing Obama has accomplished as a senator. He hasn't done anything, hasn't chaired a committee, hasn't sponsored a bill, hasn't done anything in 140 days (of tenure). What he has done is use each office to leapfrog to the next without actually doing the work. I can't stand Biden, but for heaven's sake at least he's put his time in, sponsored a few bills and put his name on a few things. "Hope and Change" to what? I need some specifics before voting "for" someone.

I don't fear Obama, I fear the ignorance and vacancy of those who vote for him.


I feel like this is the BIGGEST example of Affirmative action this country's ever seen....Just leaves me empty/hollow inside.

Not an Obama fan (or McCain for that matter), but you really should do your homework before you post something like this.

[S2M]

What angers me is the fact that there IS such anger between both parties. Instead of trying to find common ground and work for the good of this country, they do things that are divisive. They've pitted themselves against one another as if it were a sporting event. The governance of our country is being left up to people who act like children in a schoolyard. Yet we follow right along, lead by the media pundits who know less than zero about most of the issues.

Do people really need an enemy so badly to turn on their own countrymen? This is why a two party system is problematic. Political topics deteriorate into an "US vs. Them" mentality that only bogs the system so that we are in an arrested state and little gets accomplished, if anything. The two sides become so polarized that the others name or description becomes a derogatory term and begins to wreak of prejudice. That is what is tearing this country apart.

[styxman]

What angers me is the fact that there IS such anger between both parties. Instead of trying to find common ground and work for the good of this country, they do things that are divisive. They've pitted themselves against one another as if it were a sporting event. The governance of our country is being left up to people who act like children in a schoolyard. Yet we follow right along, lead by the media pundits who know less than zero about most of the issues.

Do people really need an enemy so badly to turn on their own countrymen? This is why a two party system is problematic. Political topics deteriorate into an "US vs. Them" mentality that only bogs the system so that we are in an arrested state and little gets accomplished, if anything. The two sides become so polarized that the others name or description becomes a derogatory term and begins to wreak of prejudice. That is what is tearing this country apart.

That's the American way, it's a system manipulated by money, you buy your way in. Always has to be a two party system but funding for elections should be on grounds of ability and actual work ethics don't you think?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Always has to be a two party system

?
why

[RossValoryRocks]

Always has to be a two party system

?
why

That is actually a good question...probably because we and always have been a much more strongly polarized country than most places.

That seems as reasonable an explaination as any I can see out there.

We also don't have the same kind of parlimentary system as other countries that invites coalition type governments.

[styxman]

Always has to be a two party system

?
why

Somebody has to be accountable.....I hope that sounds clever TNC ... does it

[7 Wishes]

That's the American way, it's a system manipulated by money, you buy your way in. Always has to be a two party system but funding for elections should be on grounds of ability and actual work ethics don't you think?

No, it hasn't. By the early 1800's, there were NUMEROUS political parties with footholds in the system. The founding fathers NEVER intended America to digress to a two-party system:

Federalists
Whigs
Democratic-Republicans

To name a few.

[styxman]

That's the American way, it's a system manipulated by money, you buy your way in. Always has to be a two party system but funding for elections should be on grounds of ability and actual work ethics don't you think?

No, it hasn't. By the early 1800's, there were NUMEROUS political parties with footholds in the system. The founding fathers NEVER intended America to digress to a two-party system:

Federalists
Whigs
Democratic-Republicans

To name a few.

Can it ever be returned to a single party?

[Enigma869]

http://news.aol.com/elections/conventio ... 1200458871


John from Boston

[Voyager]

For what it's worth, I am also a registered independent (never really understood the concept of voting according to party affiliation), and am sitting this one out! There is zero chance I am casting a vote for a guy who will probably be dead 10 minutes after being sworn in, or a guy I'm not sure is qualified to run our country!


John from Boston

The thing that can make a difference is if a leader is open to intelligent and logical advice. Dubya obviously is not, so he disqualifies himself as a good leader.

Hillary would have been a better choice than McCain.

Obama's inexperience will be outweighed by his wisdom and logic, and his willingness to communicate and be open-minded when it comes to doing what a government leader is being paid to do: THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

An Obama/Clinton ticket would have been a disaster with Bill and Hillary trying to force Obama's hand at every turn.

JMHO

[conversationpc]

NOTE: The information presented here is derived from thomas.loc.gov, but in some cases may be out of date.

The status of Obama's bills and resolutions as noted in the below table is in accordance with thomas.loc.gov. Introduced in the Senate (IS) refers to bills pending approval in committee. Reported to the Senate (RS) refers to bills that have received favorable report in committee and may be placed on the calendar for vote. Approved by the Senate (ATS) describes bills which have gained approval.[5] Govtrack links from this column provide updated status, summaries, and full text of the bills.

I'd be very surprised if Obama was the author of most of those bills. More than likely, he was the sponsor instead of the author. I haven't researched it, though, and I'll be glad to change my mind if someone has the evidence.