Democrats’ latest idea: gas stamps
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-latest-idea-gas-stamps-2008-09-11_2.html
Read this story. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Independent or other. You won't believe the latest gimmick or game playing being considered as a ploy to win the Presidential election.
Rather than propose real solutions to solve the energy crisis. Democrats are proposing 'Gas Stamps' not only to help people stuck paying high gas prices but to win those over voters for the presidential election.
Bottom line, no matter what side of the aisle you are on this is horrible public policy!
I would opposed this type of legislation no matter which party brought it up.
America needs solutions to the 'energy crisis' not gimmicks and game playing!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Presidential Election--Tie is a Mathematical Possibility
Not that I expect this turnout nor am I in favor of it but if you indulge me for a brief moment I would like to game out a scenario in which Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain end in a virtual electoral college tie that would be 269 v. 269.
Looking at the New York Times Electoral College map as your base:
If you assume all Solids and Leanings are correct you get.
McCain 227 to Obama 251
If McCain wins Ohio (20), Michigan (17), and takes one or the New Mexico or Nevada.
then...
If Obama wins Colorado (9), New Hampshire (4), and again one or the other New Mexico or Nevada.
The end result would be 269 v. 269, neither winning the ability to claim the presidency.
What happens then?
House of Representatives votes for president and every state delegation gets a vote.
Senate elects the VP
http://www.270towin.com/blog/electoral-college/what-happens-if-there-is-a-tie-in-the-electoral-college
Looking at the New York Times Electoral College map as your base:
If you assume all Solids and Leanings are correct you get.
McCain 227 to Obama 251
If McCain wins Ohio (20), Michigan (17), and takes one or the New Mexico or Nevada.
then...
If Obama wins Colorado (9), New Hampshire (4), and again one or the other New Mexico or Nevada.
The end result would be 269 v. 269, neither winning the ability to claim the presidency.
What happens then?
House of Representatives votes for president and every state delegation gets a vote.
Senate elects the VP
http://www.270towin.com/blog/electoral-college/what-happens-if-there-is-a-tie-in-the-electoral-college
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
RNC Opening Day Distractions
Convention Officials and Participants Looking for a Re-start
While Republican National Convention officials certainly have no control of the weather they definitely made the right call in suspending much of the opening day’s activities yesterday due to hurricane Gustav. What was originally planned as a seven hour day of RNC business set to include appearances by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vice President Dick Cheney, and President Bush, was curtailed to 2.5 hours of only “essential business.” Throwing out the script sent the committee on arrangements (COA) scrambling.
First lady Laura Bush arrived at the podium at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to a full crowd who for the first few minutes refused to stop cheering as she tried to begin her remarks.
“Our first priority for today is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans – and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship.” –- Laura Bush, excerpt from 2008 RNC.
Laura Bush introduced the four coastal and republican governors including, Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida; Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi; Rick Perry, Governor of Texas; and Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama who spoke to the convention-goers via TV broadcast. They expressed thanks for thoughts, prayers, support, and spoke of the storms not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans (video available).
Returning to the stage Mrs. Bush was joined by Cindy McCain who shared John McCain’s message “this is a time when we take off our Republican hats, and we put on our American hats.” She urged everyone to go to a website http://www.causegreater.com/ that will allow all of us to aide those who have been effect by hurricane Gustav. She also called for all Americans to work together.
Interestingly, it is now widely thought that the storm will keep George W. Bush from attending the Republican National Convention at all. President Bush’s not attending maybe seen as a positive by even some conservatives considering his abysmal 30% approval rating and Republican’s need to establish its presidential nominee as not “four more years of the same,” as was the theme established last week at the DNC in Denver, CO.
As the RNC moves towards an unofficial restart “all eyes are on Minnesota.” Eager to get the ‘bounce’ in the polls that Senator Barack Obama and the Democrats received last week but conscious of the politics of the storm, the Republicans have every interest in a re-start.
Two candidates with the most to gain besides John McCain are Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin and Minnesota’s own Norm Coleman.
First, Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska was the surprise pick of Senator John McCain last week. A relatively unknown she is in a position to ‘introduce herself to America’ at this convention. A fiscal and social conservative, Palin is pro-life, choosing to give birth to a child that she knew would have down-syndrome. She is seen as someone who can passify the conservative base while re-injecting a female into the political dynamics of the unfolding race for the white house. Immediately clear was that there is some risk in picking Palin, she immediately was attacked by Democrats as inexperienced and has the effect of reducing the McCain ticket’s ability to level the same charge at Obama. However, she does have a wider appeal as a women, working mother, and politician. She may be seen “as any woman you might know,” potentially splitting the woman vote. Additionally, with her pro-life stance she is widely expected to split the Catholic vote as well, an important constituency. Recently, it has emerged that Palin’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant but apparently the father will take responsibility and the two will be engaged. The spin has begun on both sides but what remains unclear is what most American’s will think of the situation. NBC’s today show reported that John McCain was aware of the pregnancy prior to his decision to select Palin.
Finally, the local race for U.S. Senate right here in Minnesota. Of course, Minnesota is not seen as a battle ground state, it has a history of supporting Democratic presidents. So the 10 electoral votes are not really considered ‘up for grabs,’ a fact that may have factored into Senator McCain’s decision not to pick current Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who enjoys a 55% approval rating as recently as last week. But a battle for a U.S. Senate Seat rages on right here. Norm Coleman, the Republican former mayor of St. Paul, who brought the NHL back and improved the economic vitality of St. Paul, is being challenged by satirist, comedian, writer, but political newcomer Al Franken. Capitalizing on the Democratic spirit of Minnesota and the message of ‘change’ Franken is on the offensive and running attack ads trying to pigeon hole Norm Coleman as a Bush lap dog. Franken has also been excusing Norm Coleman of answering to the interests of ‘big oil’ and ‘big pharmaceuticals.’ Speaking of finances the most recent reports show that Franken barely out fundraised Coleman from July 1 to August 20th $1.4 to $1.27 million, but Coleman has the advantage with cash on hand at $5.6 to only $2.7 million. Word from the Coleman campaign is that the DNC is preparing to spend $6.4 million against Norm Coleman in the last two months between the end of the RNC and Election Day. For that reason “all eyes will be on Minnesota” through November!
What remains to be seen in St. Paul the rest of the week in St. Paul? Republicans are in a position to still get everything done but now on a more compressed schedule, one political observer’s guess is that the remaining three days of RNC will be action packed, star-studded, full of political heavyweights, all in a ‘shorter time table,’ pun intended.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than Gracious In Face of the Storm
Two politicos who were less than gracious with their remarks were Donald Fowler, former national chairman of the DNC between 1995 and 1997, and in a separate instance filmmaker Michael Moore.
First, Donald Fowler was caught on video joking with Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th), a 12 term incumbent, about the coincidence of hurricane Gustav striking land on the opening day of the RNC. “ The timing, at least it appears now, that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates God’s on our side,” Fowler said while laughing (video). Interestingly, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th) was already on the Republican “targeted list” prior to participating in the gaffe. President Bush carried South Carolina’s 5th district with 57 percent in 2004. South Carolina is listed as ‘strong McCain’ and the Republican Party believes demographic trends and conservative temperaments leave the 5th district vulnerable and points to a plausible chance for victory. You can bet that after the gaffe, Republicans in the 5th ‘smell blood in the water.’ The challenger is Albert F. Spencer.
Second, filmmaker, liberal political commentator, and consummate critic of George W. Bush, appeared on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann and stated, “I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. (video)”
While Republican National Convention officials certainly have no control of the weather they definitely made the right call in suspending much of the opening day’s activities yesterday due to hurricane Gustav. What was originally planned as a seven hour day of RNC business set to include appearances by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vice President Dick Cheney, and President Bush, was curtailed to 2.5 hours of only “essential business.” Throwing out the script sent the committee on arrangements (COA) scrambling.
First lady Laura Bush arrived at the podium at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to a full crowd who for the first few minutes refused to stop cheering as she tried to begin her remarks.
“Our first priority for today is to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the Gulf Coast region. And to all of those living in the Gulf States, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. The effect of Hurricane Gustav is just now being measured. When such events occur, we are reminded that first, we are all Americans – and that our shared American ideals will always transcend political parties and partisanship.” –- Laura Bush, excerpt from 2008 RNC.
Laura Bush introduced the four coastal and republican governors including, Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida; Haley Barbour, Governor of Mississippi; Rick Perry, Governor of Texas; and Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama who spoke to the convention-goers via TV broadcast. They expressed thanks for thoughts, prayers, support, and spoke of the storms not as Republicans or Democrats but as Americans (video available).
Returning to the stage Mrs. Bush was joined by Cindy McCain who shared John McCain’s message “this is a time when we take off our Republican hats, and we put on our American hats.” She urged everyone to go to a website http://www.causegreater.com/ that will allow all of us to aide those who have been effect by hurricane Gustav. She also called for all Americans to work together.
Interestingly, it is now widely thought that the storm will keep George W. Bush from attending the Republican National Convention at all. President Bush’s not attending maybe seen as a positive by even some conservatives considering his abysmal 30% approval rating and Republican’s need to establish its presidential nominee as not “four more years of the same,” as was the theme established last week at the DNC in Denver, CO.
As the RNC moves towards an unofficial restart “all eyes are on Minnesota.” Eager to get the ‘bounce’ in the polls that Senator Barack Obama and the Democrats received last week but conscious of the politics of the storm, the Republicans have every interest in a re-start.
Two candidates with the most to gain besides John McCain are Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin and Minnesota’s own Norm Coleman.
First, Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska was the surprise pick of Senator John McCain last week. A relatively unknown she is in a position to ‘introduce herself to America’ at this convention. A fiscal and social conservative, Palin is pro-life, choosing to give birth to a child that she knew would have down-syndrome. She is seen as someone who can passify the conservative base while re-injecting a female into the political dynamics of the unfolding race for the white house. Immediately clear was that there is some risk in picking Palin, she immediately was attacked by Democrats as inexperienced and has the effect of reducing the McCain ticket’s ability to level the same charge at Obama. However, she does have a wider appeal as a women, working mother, and politician. She may be seen “as any woman you might know,” potentially splitting the woman vote. Additionally, with her pro-life stance she is widely expected to split the Catholic vote as well, an important constituency. Recently, it has emerged that Palin’s 17 year-old daughter is pregnant but apparently the father will take responsibility and the two will be engaged. The spin has begun on both sides but what remains unclear is what most American’s will think of the situation. NBC’s today show reported that John McCain was aware of the pregnancy prior to his decision to select Palin.
Finally, the local race for U.S. Senate right here in Minnesota. Of course, Minnesota is not seen as a battle ground state, it has a history of supporting Democratic presidents. So the 10 electoral votes are not really considered ‘up for grabs,’ a fact that may have factored into Senator McCain’s decision not to pick current Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who enjoys a 55% approval rating as recently as last week. But a battle for a U.S. Senate Seat rages on right here. Norm Coleman, the Republican former mayor of St. Paul, who brought the NHL back and improved the economic vitality of St. Paul, is being challenged by satirist, comedian, writer, but political newcomer Al Franken. Capitalizing on the Democratic spirit of Minnesota and the message of ‘change’ Franken is on the offensive and running attack ads trying to pigeon hole Norm Coleman as a Bush lap dog. Franken has also been excusing Norm Coleman of answering to the interests of ‘big oil’ and ‘big pharmaceuticals.’ Speaking of finances the most recent reports show that Franken barely out fundraised Coleman from July 1 to August 20th $1.4 to $1.27 million, but Coleman has the advantage with cash on hand at $5.6 to only $2.7 million. Word from the Coleman campaign is that the DNC is preparing to spend $6.4 million against Norm Coleman in the last two months between the end of the RNC and Election Day. For that reason “all eyes will be on Minnesota” through November!
What remains to be seen in St. Paul the rest of the week in St. Paul? Republicans are in a position to still get everything done but now on a more compressed schedule, one political observer’s guess is that the remaining three days of RNC will be action packed, star-studded, full of political heavyweights, all in a ‘shorter time table,’ pun intended.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than Gracious In Face of the Storm
Two politicos who were less than gracious with their remarks were Donald Fowler, former national chairman of the DNC between 1995 and 1997, and in a separate instance filmmaker Michael Moore.
First, Donald Fowler was caught on video joking with Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th), a 12 term incumbent, about the coincidence of hurricane Gustav striking land on the opening day of the RNC. “ The timing, at least it appears now, that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates God’s on our side,” Fowler said while laughing (video). Interestingly, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC-5th) was already on the Republican “targeted list” prior to participating in the gaffe. President Bush carried South Carolina’s 5th district with 57 percent in 2004. South Carolina is listed as ‘strong McCain’ and the Republican Party believes demographic trends and conservative temperaments leave the 5th district vulnerable and points to a plausible chance for victory. You can bet that after the gaffe, Republicans in the 5th ‘smell blood in the water.’ The challenger is Albert F. Spencer.
Second, filmmaker, liberal political commentator, and consummate critic of George W. Bush, appeared on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann and stated, “I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven. (video)”
Monday, August 25, 2008
All Eyes On Colorado! -- DNC Starts Today
The 45th Democratic National Convention starts today at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. By week’s end Senator Barack Obama will no longer be referred to as a presumptive Democratic Party nominee for president. Senator Barack Obama is expected to accept his party’s nomination for president on Thursday at INVESCO Field at Mile High, a stadium that holds 70,000 plus and home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. Side note for you football fans, Denver won back to back Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII (1998, 1999). Tonight’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama. Tuesday the headline speaker will be Senator Hillary Clinton. On Wednesday, Senator Barack Obama’s Vice Presidential Nominee, U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-DE) will take the stage. Also speaking on Wednesday is Former President Bill Clinton, former Senator Tom Daschle, Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh (previous VP contender) and John Kerry. Full details regarding the program on Thursday have yet to be released.
Colorado is a key ‘battle ground state, ’ 1 of only 3 states out west listed as a virtual toss-up by the New York Times Electoral Map. Up for grabs are 9 electoral votes, one less than Minnesota site of the RNC. Once considered a perennial GOP stronghold, Colorado has gone Republican for three consecutive elections and 12 of the past 14. However, President Bush won Colorado by less than 5 percent in 2004 as the state has become steadily more Democratic. The Democratic Party has been surging in Colorado and has picked up the governorship, a Senate seat, and two U.S. House seats. An increasing Hispanic population and Republicans attempts to strengthen immigration laws may be problematic and help Senator Obama.
Democratic Businessman Jared Polis, who recently won a three-way primary battle, is one candidate hoping to get a boost from the DNC. The 33-year-old Polis, who would be one of the youngest Congress members if elected, has big advantages in both fundraising and political demographics for his general election race against little-know Republican nominee Scott Starin. Colorado’s 2nd district was formally held by five-term Democrat Mark Udall, who is running for Senate with a slight lead, is listed as ‘safe democrat.’
One thing is for certain. Partisans, pundits, and political junkies will keep ‘all eyes on Colorado’ well after the Democratic National Convention.
Colorado is a key ‘battle ground state, ’ 1 of only 3 states out west listed as a virtual toss-up by the New York Times Electoral Map. Up for grabs are 9 electoral votes, one less than Minnesota site of the RNC. Once considered a perennial GOP stronghold, Colorado has gone Republican for three consecutive elections and 12 of the past 14. However, President Bush won Colorado by less than 5 percent in 2004 as the state has become steadily more Democratic. The Democratic Party has been surging in Colorado and has picked up the governorship, a Senate seat, and two U.S. House seats. An increasing Hispanic population and Republicans attempts to strengthen immigration laws may be problematic and help Senator Obama.
Democratic Businessman Jared Polis, who recently won a three-way primary battle, is one candidate hoping to get a boost from the DNC. The 33-year-old Polis, who would be one of the youngest Congress members if elected, has big advantages in both fundraising and political demographics for his general election race against little-know Republican nominee Scott Starin. Colorado’s 2nd district was formally held by five-term Democrat Mark Udall, who is running for Senate with a slight lead, is listed as ‘safe democrat.’
One thing is for certain. Partisans, pundits, and political junkies will keep ‘all eyes on Colorado’ well after the Democratic National Convention.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Drill Now: Gaining Momentum, will Congress act?
Everyone knows that markets respond in an anticipatory way. Therefore the U.S. simply signaling an intention to drill will reduce the price at the pump. Best guess is about a $1 per gallon drop in price over one or two short weeks time.
Prove it, you say? Look at President Bush recent removal of an executive order that has no effect of law, considering a current federal law preempts it. Just having made that move dropped the per gallon price by fifty cents in about a weeks time. The market responded.
So what needs to be done? Congress needs to take up an energy bill and the Democratic majority needs to procedurally allow the drilling amendment to be brought forward. Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in Congress, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives went on a (5) week summer break without bringing the bill to the floor. Why? Strategy! They knew that their were enough votes in congress to pass the drilling amendments, so they gavel session to a close and sent congress home to campaign.
In the meantime...
Senator Barack Obama has switched from opposed to drilling to "willing to consider it."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has switched from opposed to drilling to "an openness to allowing an offshore drilling vote."
They must have finally got around to reading the polls.
The big question now is...will she actually follow through and allow the vote?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(see below for Boehner and Blunts quotes about the speaker's intention)
“If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep-ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act,” Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
“I was certainly encouraged to hear the Speaker last night suggest a willingness to allow the House to have an up-or-down vote on the merits of unlocking the potential of America’s abundant energy resources. But the proof will be in the proverbial pudding,” Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) stated.
Prove it, you say? Look at President Bush recent removal of an executive order that has no effect of law, considering a current federal law preempts it. Just having made that move dropped the per gallon price by fifty cents in about a weeks time. The market responded.
So what needs to be done? Congress needs to take up an energy bill and the Democratic majority needs to procedurally allow the drilling amendment to be brought forward. Unfortunately, the Democratic leadership in Congress, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives went on a (5) week summer break without bringing the bill to the floor. Why? Strategy! They knew that their were enough votes in congress to pass the drilling amendments, so they gavel session to a close and sent congress home to campaign.
In the meantime...
Senator Barack Obama has switched from opposed to drilling to "willing to consider it."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has switched from opposed to drilling to "an openness to allowing an offshore drilling vote."
They must have finally got around to reading the polls.
The big question now is...will she actually follow through and allow the vote?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(see below for Boehner and Blunts quotes about the speaker's intention)
“If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep-ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act,” Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
“I was certainly encouraged to hear the Speaker last night suggest a willingness to allow the House to have an up-or-down vote on the merits of unlocking the potential of America’s abundant energy resources. But the proof will be in the proverbial pudding,” Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) stated.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Democrats who believe McCain is the REAL DEAL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSpcxkKlEFA
Click through to this youtube segment to find clips of Democrats praising Senator John McCain. There is no question that he is a "do-er." He works together with bot sides of the aisle. He gets things done!
Senator Barack Obama can talk his cute little game by using words like "hope" and "promise" and "yes we can" but all of that just feels pretty empty to me. After (4) years in the U.S. Senate can anyone name one thing he has done? Do you remember his name being mentioned as part of any ground breaking legislation?
Kind of feels like when you drink a warm Coca Cola too fast on a hot summer day!
Click through to this youtube segment to find clips of Democrats praising Senator John McCain. There is no question that he is a "do-er." He works together with bot sides of the aisle. He gets things done!
Senator Barack Obama can talk his cute little game by using words like "hope" and "promise" and "yes we can" but all of that just feels pretty empty to me. After (4) years in the U.S. Senate can anyone name one thing he has done? Do you remember his name being mentioned as part of any ground breaking legislation?
Kind of feels like when you drink a warm Coca Cola too fast on a hot summer day!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Pandering Politicians
Websters defines 'Pandering' in the following
: to act as a pander; especially : to provide gratification for others' desires
Now I want to prefice this by saying that yes of course both sides do pander but this is just one of the most recent and richest examples.
Senator Barach Obama announced today a broad energy plan which includes two reversal of his previous policy.
One he is calling for the exercise of the U.S. Strategic Reserve = Pandering --> Repbulicans have been calling for this since gas hit $3 a gallon and now Senator Barack Obama wants to talk about it why? Oh yeah, I forgot...he is running for president and he is willing to tell the majority of americans "in the middle" on the political spectrum that he agrees with them. You see he is smart, politically astute, motivated, he knows he has the Democratic Party base "locked up" so now he needs to reach towards the moderates in in the middle. He needs to, in a clever way, convince people he is willing to consider exercising the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. Meanwhile, should he ever be in a position to make that decision, should he be president, he has no intention of sigining such a measure. He will assuredly find a way to derobe himself of responsibility of following through on this campaign pledge.
Two he is calling for "some offshore drilling" as long as it is done in a "responsibile way" = PANDERING --> Republicans have been asking for Congress to open ANWR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling in gulf and other coastal waters for quite some time. Senator Barack Obama's attempts are merely a ruse designed to trick those in the middle who may be inclined to agree with him on some issues but are being squeezed in the pocketbook. Honestly, Senator Obama play here in the least is to look as if he is "willing to reach out" and work with both sides of the issue. When in fact he is just telling them what they want to hear. He is co-opting the parts of the Republican agenda for his own political gain while simultaneously trying to "steal his opponents thunder" on an issue that he knows is winning in the polls with the american people. Drill more, payless now!
Third he wants to end oil dependancy in 10 years = PANDERING and completely ludacrious. Every economist in the world knows that a conversion, even if the technology where here right now today...and it isn't, could not even possibly occur in such a short amount of time.
Obama thinks of 10 years like a young person would 10 years still equals..."like forever."
McCain sees 10 years very differently. Ten years to McCain is...only twice as long as he spent as a prisioner of war.
No matter how cliche, commercialized, and overdone Senator John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" has become you can still trust it.
With Senator Obama...you get the feeling he will say and do anything to become president!
: to act as a pander; especially : to provide gratification for others' desires
Now I want to prefice this by saying that yes of course both sides do pander but this is just one of the most recent and richest examples.
Senator Barach Obama announced today a broad energy plan which includes two reversal of his previous policy.
One he is calling for the exercise of the U.S. Strategic Reserve = Pandering --> Repbulicans have been calling for this since gas hit $3 a gallon and now Senator Barack Obama wants to talk about it why? Oh yeah, I forgot...he is running for president and he is willing to tell the majority of americans "in the middle" on the political spectrum that he agrees with them. You see he is smart, politically astute, motivated, he knows he has the Democratic Party base "locked up" so now he needs to reach towards the moderates in in the middle. He needs to, in a clever way, convince people he is willing to consider exercising the U.S. Strategic Petroleum reserve. Meanwhile, should he ever be in a position to make that decision, should he be president, he has no intention of sigining such a measure. He will assuredly find a way to derobe himself of responsibility of following through on this campaign pledge.
Two he is calling for "some offshore drilling" as long as it is done in a "responsibile way" = PANDERING --> Republicans have been asking for Congress to open ANWR (Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling in gulf and other coastal waters for quite some time. Senator Barack Obama's attempts are merely a ruse designed to trick those in the middle who may be inclined to agree with him on some issues but are being squeezed in the pocketbook. Honestly, Senator Obama play here in the least is to look as if he is "willing to reach out" and work with both sides of the issue. When in fact he is just telling them what they want to hear. He is co-opting the parts of the Republican agenda for his own political gain while simultaneously trying to "steal his opponents thunder" on an issue that he knows is winning in the polls with the american people. Drill more, payless now!
Third he wants to end oil dependancy in 10 years = PANDERING and completely ludacrious. Every economist in the world knows that a conversion, even if the technology where here right now today...and it isn't, could not even possibly occur in such a short amount of time.
Obama thinks of 10 years like a young person would 10 years still equals..."like forever."
McCain sees 10 years very differently. Ten years to McCain is...only twice as long as he spent as a prisioner of war.
No matter how cliche, commercialized, and overdone Senator John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" has become you can still trust it.
With Senator Obama...you get the feeling he will say and do anything to become president!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)