So, the bailout fails. 

 

Everyone expected it to pass.  Nancy Pelosi gives a very partisan speech.  The bill fails.

 

To Nancy Pelosi...screw you.  This isn't a time to be partisan.  This is a time to debate and help Americans.  This is a time to fix a problem that is going to hurt millions of people.

 

To the Republicans who blame her speech for their change of heart...screw you.  Same thing.  You're all big boys.  Did she hurt your feelings?  Are you getting back at her by screwing America?  This isn't a time to bitch and moan about what someone said about your boy.  

 

Look...I don't love this plan.  I am putting a lot of trust in our Congress to do what's right.  I don't totally get it.  I hate the idea of socializing our economy.  But, I know something needs to be done or we'll have a huge problem. 

 

Apparently, even in the hardest times, we can't count on our politicians to stop their partisan bickering.  Even now, they point fingers and place blame. 

 

Shut your mouths, fix the problems, and do what you were elected to do. 

 

Nancy Pelosi...shut up.

 

Stupid whiney Republicans...grow up.

 

 

I find this interesting and I think it's a clear indication of where we'll be in November.

 

The pundits say McCain won the debate last night.  A statement that I agree with.  He had Obama on the Defensive most of the night.  His foreign policy experience was highlighted as he talked about Iran and Iraq and Russia and Georgia.

 

Obama...said the Iraq war was wrong and he would talk to leaders or Iran and Venezuela. 

 

So...the pros and me, we agree.  McCain won.

 

But, 55% of the rest of America thinks Obama won.  What the heck?

 

I was watching the CNN replay of the debate.  During the whole thing, they were running a chart that showed how some select voters (1/3 Republican, 1/3 Democrat, 1/3 Independent) relayed, in real time, how what was being said made them feel.  When McCain talked, no matter what he was saying, Dems and Independents moved down (Dems way down).  When Obama spoke, no matter what he was saying, Dems and Independents went up (Dems way up).  The most frustrating part of this, for me, what that the readout jumped in Obama's favor anytime he spoke...no matter what he said.  Obama says, "Rainbows are pretty" and the grid jumps.  Yup...that man will make a good President. 

 

So, apparently, depending on who you ask, they both won.  The people who watch this for a living, McCain wins.  The people who have been drinking the Kool-Aid, Obama wins.

 

I have a feeling this is how it will be in November.  Even though my guy is clearly the more experienced and, in my opinion, the better person to keep America safe and strong, the Obama Zombies will come out in force to elect Mr. Change\Hope\Love. 

 

Such a shame.  I have a feeling that this is what the Nixon/Kennedy debates were like, too.  Let's all be afraid of the old scary guy and flock toward the young good looking guy. 

Who's watching the debate, tonight?  Who's drinking while watching it?

 

Here's the official 2008 Presidential Debate Drinking Game.  Well...semi-official.  Remember...this debate is on Foriegn Policy.  I'll add more info for domestic stuff for the next one.  It's short.  If you have additions, leave a comment and I'll add it (maybe).   

 

Take 1 drink if:

Anyone says "Terrorism."

Anyone brings up 9/11

Anyone says "the surge."

McCain says, "My friends."

Obama says "Hope."

Anyone says "Change."

Anyone brings up Osama bin Laden.

Anyone says "Saddam Hussein"

 

Take 2 drinks if:

Obama ends a word with a southern style "Ay"...IE: Countray or Economay

Anyone says Saakashvili.

Anyone says Putin.

Anyone says Kim Jong Il

Anyone says "Iran" and "nuclear" in the same sentence.

Anyone mentions Iran and Isreal in the same sentence.

 

 

Take 3 drinks if:

McCain brings up being a POW.

Obama brings up his trip to Europe. 

Anyone brings up Iraq and 9/11 in the same statement, positive or negative.   

 

Take 5 drinks once when they bring up the economay, cuz you know they will, and we could use the drinks. 

 

UPDATE - 4:41 - Check out Staci's idea below.  Also, some NYTs guy on Hardball just gave me a good one, as well.  Take one drink anytime Obama says Bush.  3 drinks if McCain does. 

Okay, first of all...to those of you that are saying he's doing this because he's afraid of Obama...by saying this, you highlight your stupidity.  Obama is NOT a strong debater.  He has shown this numerous times.  Being a good speaker does not make you a good debater.  AND, the first debate is on foreign policy, which John McCain is clearly stronger in.

 

I think the suspension of his campaign is an honorable move.  I mean, after all...both he and Obama are currently Senators elected to represent their constituencies.  They should be in the Senate voting on stuff. 

 

Do I think it's a smart move?  Not so much.

 

It's clear that Obama isn't going to take the same path.  He's pretty much said he's not even going to show up to vote, "unless they tell me they need me."  In other words, to break a tie, or something.  So...Obama, is going to keep riding his, "The election is more important than the financial crisis we find ourselves in" train, while McCain stays in Washington to be one of 485 other members of Congress...wait, sorry, 484...Obama isn't going back...484 members of Congress try to solve the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression (some economists have said this one is even worse).  Obama can do no wrong, and the media has made it clear that they want the debate to move forward.

 

Here's what I think Johnny Mac can do to maintain is position that they should be focused on the crisis, but not get slaughtered by the Obama PR machine in the process.

 

Go ahead and suspend your campaign.  Pull the ads, stop the town halls (for now), but keep your face in the media.  Also...go through with the debate.  You can afford to take a couple hours out of saving the economy to show up.  And, make it clear that you are only doing so because Obama is a whiney bitch.  But, don't use that word.  It won't go over well with women or whiney bitches. 

 

At the end of the day, you smack him around in the foreign policy debate, you still manage to take some time to debate in the Senate and potentially pass or reject one of the biggest bills in modern history (one on which I haven't made up my mind on how I feel about), and you look like the better man because you were able to put politics aside and put Country First...a message you have been giving since the convention.

 

So...halt your campaign, except for the debates.  You'll look good for putting things on hold, you still embarass him tomorrow, Obama will look like he only cares about becoming president, and Palin looks good in a skirt.  Not that that has anything to do with this topic, but it's true.

  

It's quite easy, really.

 

I remember, many years ago when I was still watching American Idol, being so shocked when LaToya was voted off.  She was clearly the best of the singers.

 

Then, this past year, as I was watching So You Think You Can Dance, I was baffled that Will was voted off.  I mean, come on...the guy looks like a pro.  How can he not win?

 

Here was the key.  Both Will and Latoya were loved by most fans of the show.  They were the clear front runners and it was their competition to lose. 

 

This is why everyone decided to vote for their second favorite contestant.  Some of the biggest Will/Latoya supporters didn't vote at all, sure that everyone else had their backs.

 

So...my plan.  Convince everyone that it's clear that Obama will win Washington's electoral votes (which it pretty much is).  So...there is no need to vote!  Let's all just sit this one out. 

 

Somehow, I convinced my wife to hold still for a spell while I slapped on the sticker and took a picture. 

 

Might be somethig cool to show Jr. when he's older.  Unless, he's a hippie.  *shudder*

 

 

 

Johnny Mac took a tougue lashing on The View, today.

 

One question that was asked by Whoopi Goldburg, while they were talking about Roe vs Wade, was, "Should I be worried about being a slave again?"

 

See...McCain was talking about how he wants Supreme Court Justices that follow the Constitution rather than interpreting laws the way they feel they should read.

 

Whoopi acked the question because there was once wording in the Constituion about slaves.  It's a fair question, but they didn't let him answer.

 

Here is what he would have said, if they had.

 

Built into the Constituion are ways to change it.  The Founding Fathers knew that times would change.  They knew that people would eventually want and need new laws.  So, they wrote in ways to make that happen. 

 

They also wrote clear instructions on what each branch of Government is responsible for.  Let Legislative Branch is responsible from writing laws.  The Courts are responsible for interpreting them. 

 

Republicans, like myself and like John McCain, believe that it is not the place of the courts to rule on how they feel a law should read.  Even if a law is crappy.  If the People, as in the People of America, don't like a law, there is a process of getting rid of it.  That process lies in the hands of the Legislature...NOT the court. 

 

And, that is John McCain's point.  Justices that rule on feelings are not good judges.  Scalia is just as much one of these justices as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, in my opinion.  John Roberts...he's a good judge. 

 

Law, and interpretation of it.  That's the roll of the courts.  We elect people to do the rest.    

I am loving watching all the Obama Zombies that I know (one of the side effects of living in one of the most liberal states in the Union) jump on the "Sarah Palin is inexperienced" bandwagon.  Seriously...every time this point is brought up, it reminds people of how inexperienced Barak Obama is. 

 

Look...I am not one of those that will argue that Palin has more experience than Barak Obama.  But, honestly, I do think a comparison and legitimate argument could be made about who is more experienced for the role.  They have VERY different experiences, so it's hard to truly compare them.  What is pretty clear is that they BOTH lack experience.

 

Here's the difference between the two.  Obama is running for President.  Palin is running for Vice-President.  I (think I) said it before:  I would not vote for Sarah Palin to be President.  She does not have enough experience.  Good thing she's not on the ballot to be President.  I am okay with her being VP.  Being VP gives one the experience needed to be President.

 

But, Jason...she's only a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

 

Oooh...but, loser...what the heck does that even mean?  In order for her to be President, John McCain would have to die, or leave office.  Yes...he's 72.  But, he is a healthy 72.  Yes, he's had cancer, but the key word is Had.  He's cancer free and his medical report says that he's in excellent health with the exception of some disabilities that prevent him from moving his arms their full range.  He's got a good few years in him before death even becomes a possibility. 

 

So...to all of you who say that Sarah Palin doesn't have enough experience to be President...I respond, neither does Barak Obama.  The arguement over who has more will last until election day.  And, as far as I'm concerned, that will only work in my man's favor.  After all...McCain is the one running for President.   

 

I was thinking about something, the other day.  A lot of talk is made about this historic election.  No matter which side wins, history will be made.  Whether it's with the first black President or the first Female Vice-President, something cool will happen this cycle.

 

I've been thinking a little bit about all parties involved.  Almost all of them have a great story behind them.

 

Let's start with the one people talk about most.  Barak Obama:

 

The son of an immigrant.  The product of a mixed marriage.  Comes from truly humble roots.  Raised by a single mother.  Goes to freakin' Harvard.  Is now a member of the Senate and, possibly, the most popular politician since Reagan.

 

Sarah Palin:

 

American Everyman...or Everywoman!  Comes from a regular middle class family in small town America.  Goes to a regular, non-Ivy League college.  Member of the PTA.  Working mother.  Now, finds herself the #2 in a Presidential campaign.

 

And, then...my man, John McCain:

 

True Living American Hero.  Lifelong servant of his country.  Comes from military blood.  Beaten and broken, yet he gets up to keep on fighting.  And, he has never stopped fighting for what he believes in. 

 

And, Joe Biden:   

 

Ummm...old white guy from Deleware.  Oh well...you can't win them all.  (For the record, I like Joe B.  Even though I disagree with him a lot, I think he's got class.  Just a boring story.)

 

God Bless America.  These stories only happen here. 

I've heard the story before.  I've read his book.  I can't get enough. 

 

"We've heard a lot lately about hope.  John McCain knows about Hope.  Hope was all he had."   -  Fred Thompson

 

It doesn't matter what your politics are.  It doesn't matter who you will be voting for.  John McCain is a true living hero.   

 

That is all.  

Credit to Eric Devericks of the Seattle Times:

 

I was just fiddling around the news and can't stay away from this.

 

The coverage is genuinely making me angry.

 

Remember when Al Gore's son was picked up for smoking pot in 2000?  It was quick news and it then went away.  Why...because candidates families, especially their minor children, should be off limits.

 

The coverage of Bristol Palin's pregnancy is disgusting. 

 

Issues being brought up:

1) Conservative Palin can't keep her family in check.

     -  It's not like she is the first Christian, celibacy before marriage, with a child having pre-marital sex.  If nothing else, it shows how truly pro-life this family is.

2)  McCain didn't properly vet her as a VP.

     - Why not?  Because her daughter is pregnant, she shouldn't be Vice President?  This is such an insult, not only to Palin, but to all parents, especially mothers.

3)  Trig Palin is actually Bristol's child.

     - It's disgusting that the media is even covering this crap.  Since when do we follow a blog for news?  It took them forever to pick up the John Edwards story because it was being reported by the Enquirer.  However, now, when a Liberal blog posts rumors, we're going to run it all over the place?  Hypocrites!

 

This story is awful.  Not only because it involves a private family issue that has nothing to do with one's abilities to be Vice President, but because it brings a 17 year old child, who is not running for anything, into the prime-time spotlight.  This is a girl who hasn't graduated high school, yet.  Do you know how impressionable a 17 year old girl can be?  Remember when the Bush campaign ran the ads about McCain's "illegitimate black child?"  Anyone who has heard what Cindy McCain had to say about that will know how it feels to a young person when they are unwittingly thrown into the spotlight. 

 

Kudos to Barak Obama for, with a lot of class, condemning the coverage.  I believe him when he says this isn't coming from his campaign.  You will not hear me accusing otherwise. 

 

But, this is a smear campaign, regardless.  Even if Obama isn't involved.  It's the same as the swift boaters.  It's the same as the people claiming Obama is a Muslim.  Only, it's worse, because Bristol Palin and Trig Palin (who, thank God, is too young to know what's going on) are innocents who have nothing to do with their mother's policies. 

 

I hope this dies, quickly.  Let me rephrase...I hope the media gets over this quickly.  It's a non-issue and it should be a non-story.    

 

 

But, so little time to do it.

 

Should I entertain the political diarrhea about how Sarah Palin's daughter is really the mother of little Trig Palin?

 

Should I whoop about how I am glad MSNBC pulled the rabid Keith Olbermann off of the RNC convention coverage?

 

Should I bitch and moan about the Bellevue teachers, who average a salary of $58k/year, starting their illegal strike, today?

 

Let's talk, instead, about the protests in St. Paul. 

 

Does anyone else see the irony in anti-war protests turning violent? 

 

Look, the Constitution gives you the right to assemble and do your thing.  Protest all you want.  Call names, shout chants, expose your ignorance...whatever.

 

What it doesn't give you the right to do is damage vehicles or buildings, hurt other people, or get in the way of police. 

 

There were about 10,000 people protesting in St. Paul that followed the rules.  Unfortunately, their actions were largely overshadowed by those that decided to slash tires and start fires, instead.

 

Grow up, you freakin' hippies.  Do you really think you are going to inspire anyone to see things your way by acting like a belligerent child?