Well, I was shocked and angered viewing this cover yesterday. Can you say, "every 'effin right wing, republican tainted, gop stankin' smear offered up on one cover?"
Ok, I understand that viewpoint, but this satire is for the sophisticate, not the regular joe who happens to pass by their teevee, while getting coffee and happen to view this cover being talked about.
Michelle a gun toutin', terrorist fist bumpin' woman? Barack dressed in muslim garb while the flag is being burned in the rear and good ol' Osama's picture hanging on the wall in the background?
I get the 'supposedly' satire, but the point is most people won't get it. And even if most people got it, I would still be offended.
This cover makes "way over the top", speechless. In fact, the Obama Campaign concurs with many people who have viewed this shite, as offensive, even the McCain Campaign is in agreement (for whatever that is worth).
"The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Sen. Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement, reported by Politico. "But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."
"We completely agree with the Obama campaign, it's tasteless and offensive," McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said in a statement.
Of course, since we are offended this just makes the magazine more viable and everyone want to look at it or read the story. And of course, everyone and their momma are busy hitting the "send button" to their friends, family members to reinforce their view on the Obamas, one way or another.
Through all of this it is still a "wait and see" moment. We don't know how this cover will play. It just may play for the Obamas, sympathetic to many independent voters who are not moved by racist or sextist viewpoints. Sure the New Yorker was trying to show all these internet rumors (because that is the point here) on one cover and make a statement, but again most people won't get it.
Visuals are powerful.
Will this cover influence voters? To be honest, I don't think so. Most bigots are not going to change their mind, it will over enhance one not to vote Obama, so he would not get those votes anyway. But the independent voter, with an independent mind, that vote is still out.
Vote here, the MSNBC poll if you think this cover is offensive or satire.
Rasmussen's Mood of America Poll; Obama Ties McCain Among Less-Educated Voters; PPP Missouri Poll; Rasmussen New Jersey Poll; Rasmussen Illinois and North Dakota Poll; Pew Poll National; Zogby Arizona Poll; Rasmussen Wisconsin Poll; Newsweek National Poll; Rasmussen Washington State Poll; Post Dispatch/R2000 Missouri Poll
See, here in Chicago we are used to Jackson's rhetoric. Whether you agree or not, you are used to it but this time it was different.
After watching and listening to Jackson's statements on the O'Reilley Factor, my conclusion was that this would not hurt Obama, but it would diminish Jackson in many eyes, especially in the African-American community.
Jackson's statements sent (eyerolls) all over the place. His statement that Barack is talking down to Black people is not only ridiculous but straight up crazy. And wanting to take Obama's manhood from him? What was THAT about? Barack Obama has been consistant in speaking about personal responsibility and men in the Black Community being committed fathers is nothing new here, in fact many agree with his position. So, there is a sure disconnect in what Jackson is angered about and what the public's agreement with Obama's is on this issue.
My take, Jackson, Sr. is from a different era. Many try to lump black folk in one bin, but we are not a monolithic group, as you heard from Jackson's lips himself. Though Jackson has done much for the civil rights, voters rights, women's rights in this country and is still doing so, his luster on his star has dimmed much.
Living in Chicago, many of us know that Jackson does not do anything without it benefiting Jesse Jackson, Sr. or family. Whether is it protesting Anhauser-Busch for all the liquor stores in African-American neighborhoods and then putting those picket signs away when the Beer Company gives your family a distribution deal. Or being vocal about parenting and father's being father's, but you had hidden your own indiscretion and fathered a baby on your wife.
So, to lump Barack Obama or even me, in the Jesse Jackson mode is well, ridiculous. Those examples above have moved many PAST Jesse Jackson. Again, we respect the good reverend and understand it is hard to move past the national stage when you have always been a player or had a hand in it, but your time is UP.
Thank you for paving a way and giving many generations hope, but it really time for you to take a seat and let the new generation, march on. Thank you.
Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan.
He managed to limit the mechanical hand chops and weirdly timed smiles that can often punctuate his speeches. He delivered his lines with an ease that suggested a momentary peace with his longtime nemesis, the teleprompter. (He relied on a belt-and-suspenders approach, with text scrolling down screens to his left and right, and on a big TV set in front of him.)
But when Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, came to the intended sound bite of his speech — the part about reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil — he hit a slick.
“I have set before the American people an energy plan, the Lex-eegton Project,” Mr. McCain said, drawing a quick breath and correcting himself. “The Lex-ing-ton Proj-ect,” he said slowly. “The Lexington Project,” he repeated. “Remember that name.”
In a town meeting in Cincinnati the next day, Mr. McCain would again slip up on the name of the Massachusetts town, where, he noted, “Americans asserted their independence once before.” He called it “the Lexiggdon Project” and twice tried to fix his error before flipping the name (“Project Lexington”) in subsequent references. NYT continue
Fellow Kossack Advice needed: my Obama grassroots problem by krwlngwthyou; Michelle Obama in Kansas City - photos by paradocs; If you read Frank Rich, you should demand impeachment hearings by teacherken; The "audacity" of fake friends. by The Field Negro; Beware of Clinton Opportunists! by B-Serious; LA Times: McCain's adultery may be a problem by Drdemocrat; Bush Pressures Berlin Over Obama Visit by psericks; 50 Flip Flops Of John McCain by davefromqueens; Barack Obama Slams McCain On Gramm! by slinkerwink; I just had breakfast with Barack and Hillary by casperr; McCain Aide Says U.S. is "Nation of Whiners" in a "Mental Recession" (w/VIDEO of Obama's response) by dansac; Campaign-ending McCain Quote: Social Security is a Disgrace by Upper West; What's $2300 Buy These Days? Not Much Unity. by wizinit
icebergslim's last word: birth control, viagra, and gaffes
This campaign season is mired under a microscope. Any little thing said on either side is diced, sliced, and put on a platter for the public to consume.
I state this because I see both campaigns running to the "safety net", really not being bold or challenging but just safe.
I guess that is fine. Both, Obama and McCain want to be elected, but it makes one wonder where is the fire, when we see a bunch of smoke.
This past week offered some funny "you know whats" on various levels. First, as I already commented on the Jesse Jackson remarks, which at the end of the day was some crazy crap. Now we move to McCain and his viagra moment.
There is something to say about surrogates. They have become the love/hate messenger of this campaign season. They either stay on topic or just snap and let it all hang out. We have witnessed it over and over again. And we have seen the denouncement like a broken record, with the usual surrogate getting kicked out of the limo as the candidate drives off.
Well, that is what happened to McCain on various levels this week. First, Carly Fiorina (and I will disclose I don't like her. never did like her. and knowing her history at hp, many will agree) and her stance or her stating McCain's stance on birth control.
This is a touchy subject on many levels. Why? It has displayed McCain voting against insurance companies covering birth control, while many companies cover, (cough, cough) viagra.
Now, this is truly a HELL TO THE NAW moment for women. And Fiorina supplies ample juice by stating: "There are many health insurance plans that will cover Viagra but won't cover birth control medication. Those women would like a choice."
Correct Fiorina, it is a woman's choice. Again, why any woman would vote for John McCain need to look this man's record up, which is horrific on women's issues.
Then we have the snide, snub, rollin' in the dough former senator from Texas, Phil Gramm. Whose notorious statement referring to the citizens of the United States of America as "whiners" have moved the McCain Campaign to slam the brakes and kick Gramm to the curb, as the candidate and limo proceed off to the continuous campaign clouds.
Gramm's statement which can be viewed here, truly the most outrageous gaffe I have heard in a very long time. Sure, McCain did not make the statements, but this is a man who is his trusted advisor for over 20 years. Which makes my assessment of "birds of a feather, flock together" very true about John McCain. Remember, McCain has been running around here, also, telling us that the recession and parts of it is psychological.
To insult the American Public that all this recession is a figment of our imaginations or psychological is truly over the top.
I wish Gramm, McCain and crew can go to South Bend, Indiana, Gary, Indiana, parts of Pennsylvania, parts of the West and Southside of Chicago, Los Angeles, etc. There are areas in this country hit hard and where communities are not only devastated but have been destroyed. Where folks are biting on their fingernails in Michigan for the job they have or wonder if they will keep.
No, this is the most elitist statement ever mentioned in this campaign.
Obama Campaign, this should be shoved down Americans throats until the words BUSH=MCCAIN=ENOUGH is recited off of every American's lips.
And some people have the audacity to want to vote for John McCain? What are you smoking? Because whatever it is, you need to stop now and wake the hell up.
Slide Show, Drum Roll, Please....
well, i am not going to lie. i am prejudice, because i am a woman and i don't like how the press is trying to slime michelle obama. yes, some of it is racist, but much of it is sextist. this is a woman who did not have a silver spoon in her mouth, a woman who made her accomplishments through hard work. isn't this supposed to be respected as the american way? she is a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister and the democratic nominee's wife. all democratic women should be outraged and if you have not gotten your rage up yet, view this, then get pissed. i am.
oh, look below. our hope dog. well, i guess i can call him something else, but he is a dog, standing on hope!! hope is nothing to belittle. you will be surprised and amazed how hope has gotten many of us to the point of where we are in this life. remember that. as always, remember to focus on obama and not the drama...
All of this came under a microscope by McCain's surrogate, Carly Fiorina who was speaking to women on McCain's behalf. This is what she stated:
"There are many health insurance plans that will cover Viagra but won't cover birth control medication. Those women would like a choice."
But NARAL Pro-Choice America quickly pointed out that McCain voted against measures that would have required insurance companies to cover birth control -- in 2003 and 2005. Then McCain quickly, or slowly can't remember if he did or didn't.
Oh, Fiorina also gave McCain another bombshell to clean up on regarding Roe v. Wade:
She also told women in Ohio that McCain "has never signed on to efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade." But "according to his campaign website: 'John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench.'"
My take, I believe a woman should have a choice for birth control, period. I also believe that insurance companies should cover it. If they can cover viagra, why not birth control?
Birth control is a woman's decision. You either take it or not. Just as viagra is an older, older mature man's decision if he will take it or not.
The government should remove itself from the decision of women in regards to birth control. I have noticed when picking an insurance plan in the past 10 years, that more insurance plans do not offer birth control options for women. This is not the government's business, as it is not the insurance companies business how a physician treats his/her patient. Which is why healthcare in this country is in shambles due to direct intervention of insurance companies making decisions on patients and not the physician.
This whole interaction of John McCain need to be a wakeup call for women. This man is no where near the side of women's issues and to think or even wonder if he is, needs to be looked at by women long and hard.
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is richardson being vetted?
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Obama radio ad, responding to the RNC
The following is a radio ad off the RNC against Obama regarding taxes:
Wall Street Journal released a story that Obama raised just 30M for the month of June.
This is a fall off. Why? Because, again Obama is not taking public finance money. He will not receive an 84M check, as McCain will after the convention. So, the burden of raising money is literally on all of us. Also, let us not forget that he has to also raise money for the DNC which has been in shambles on the money end and many down ballot races around this country NEED OBAMA standing next to them for their fundraisers.
Just keep all this in mind folks. Money is important.
“The Wall Street Journal report of our fundraising numbers is way off the mark. It appears that after 18 months, some in the press still haven’t realized that anyone who is talking about numbers doesn’t know what our numbers are.”
So, Obama raised more than 30M. McCain raised 22M. The RNC and McCain have been raising huge amounts of money. Obama and the DNC have been raising catch-up money, for the DNC.
Stay tuned.
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the veeps....
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Food Prices Eat Up School Lunch
Students at about three-quarters of American schools can expect to find higher prices in their cafeterias when they return this fall, according to a recent survey by the School Nutrition Association. The reason? Skyrocketing costs for nearly every basic food item schools rely on for meals - including a 17% increase in the price of milk and bread since last year. "You can only stretch the food dollar so far," the association's president-elect, Katie Wilson, told members of the House Education and Labor Committee Wednesday. "We simply don't have the funds to continue on with this."
U.S. schools served about 5 billion lunches last year with an average price tag of $2.58 per meal. That cost will likely jump $0.30 - or 12% - per meal in the coming year, SNA estimates, or about $1.5 billion nationwide. Most schools already lose money on free or reduced-price lunch and breakfast programs; nearly 18 million students qualify for these meals, which are subsidized by the federal government, but at a rate far below the actual cost of providing the food. To make ends meet, nearly 70% of schools told SNA that they would have to dip into "rainy day" funds, financial reserves that usually go to capital improvements. Some 62% said they are also considering cutting staff. continue
McCain and Cronies, Inc. wants the American public to know and recognize that the recession is a "psychological" apparatus upon us and that we are just a bunch of "whiners".
Sad, but true.
I wrote a diary that is over at daily kos and here. This diary was about my experience this past 4th of July weekend in Northwest Indiana. This region has been hit hard by the recession. So, why on earth would the McCain Campaign believe that when anyone's pocket is light and tight, and we are not getting what we used to get on the dollar, that we should fall for the "talking point" of "it is psychological".
This is the most out of touch candidate, I have witnessed in quite a long time besides Bush.
America, wake up. You either want change, or will continued to be shoved the same.
Former presidential adviser Karl Rove declined to appear before a U.S. congressional subcommittee Thursday, citing executive privilege and ignoring a subpoena.
Rove was to testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law about allegations of politicization of the Justice Department as they related to the firings of U.S. attorneys and the prosecution of a former Alabama governor. Subcommittee Chairwoman Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., and Committee Chairman John Coyners, D-Mich., previously said Rove wasn't immune from testifying.
Sanchez Thursday argued Rove's claim of immunity was invalid, saying, "Mr. Rove is required pursuant to the subpoena to be present at this hearing and to answer questions or to assert privilege with respect to specific questions." continue
And is anyone surprised at this??
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McCain dodges Viagra, contraceptives question
Republican John McCain prides himself on being a straight talker. But he resisted being dragged into a discussion Wednesday about insurance companies that cover Viagra but not birth control products.
"I certainly do not want to discuss that issue," the presidential candidate said when a reporter asked him about it on his campaign bus, the "Straight Talk Express." continue
That is what this election is about. The mission, if you accept, is to totally retire that phraseology and that image, FOR GOOD. If you don't understand that, I don't know how else to type this.
I posted some comments surrounding the bru-ha-ha of FISA. (And this is not about FISA, and don't post anything about it. If you think you must, write your own diary.) Now, my comments were about meeting a lot of people, families in NW Indiana over the 4th of July weekend. This area in the 60s, 70s, and 80s was a robust area during the steel mill boom. This area as I was growing up, I knew many guys who graduated from high school and ended up working at the mill. I knew many of my friends who had steel mill representatives in their high schools, recruiting, just like the military does/did back in the day. This area of Indiana was the Midwest version of Pennsylvania, Ohio that these die hard cable desks clerks constantly talk about, as if they grew up there. This is a diverse area, but more importantly hard core middle class.
After speaking to some families that afternoon the feeling is not much anymore. I got caught up in FISA and that was my mission while in Indiana to approach and widen the conversation on it, but I quickly learned that I was shot down and reduced to listening to reality stories of kitchen table economics.
One Hispanic family, I approached was open and blunt. The father of 6 kids has been back and forth from the mill, the wages have been cut, and he is laid off again. The family moved to Indiana with the promise from his boss that the job would turn permanent and it did, but he ended up laid off. As they moved to Indiana they purchased a home and now are trying to work with the bank on mortgage payments, while his wife is working a full-time job at minimum wage. What startled me was speaking to his wife, she has actually been tracking the cost of food for six months. The regular items that she purchases, she knew the pricing on these items cold. I was not only shocked, but humbled. It made me realize that this is what's really happening. We have people hurting, in need, this is no joke, this is nothing to laugh about. I felt sorry for this family, they have six kids, worrying about how they will pay their bills, but more importantly how they will survive.
I spoke to another family, Caucasian. This was a family who lost their mother. The kids are grown with their own families, but their father worked at LTV Steel Mill. This mill went through bankruptcy and reduced pension but more importantly health care to retirees. I remember this because my husband is from this area and this was the talk over in Northwest Indiana that a company can just slash your pension, healthcare to almost nothing and the courts can back it up.
Well, this family's mother had multiple health issues and was constantly sent home without fixing what was wrong. The son said they looked at the insurance, did what the insurance covered and kept sending her home, then she eventually died. I did not go into what her health issues were, diabetes and high blood pressure was mentioned, but the family was angry, visibly. Their anger is towards this country, but more so, towards how a person can work all their life, was promised something and it was taken away when they needed it the most.
Another person (African-American) I talked to was working 3 jobs, his wife one to support their three kids. They lost their home and are now living with his parents. They are making a little over minimum wage, but in the end, he said they are not getting ahead. He wore my ear out about there are no jobs that pay a living wage where you can take care of your family. He outright told me, he is not asking to be a millionaire, just want to be comfortable like many families in America and hope to send his kids to college.
I walked away from this park, totally touched. See, it is easy to write and talk about these issues when you got a good paying job, or you are lucky to have some money or trust fund, or you are economically safe. So, it is easy to say, "Oh the economy is bad, blah, blah, blah." If you were in my shoes, you would have walked away thinking we need to do something and do something fast to help these people.
That is why the difference of McCain vs. Obama is a no-brainer. While we have been caught up with our differences, McCain has been given a pass, practically. Not anymore.
What former Senator Phil Gramm said is what McCain actually believes. Calling Americans a "Nation of Whiners" about the economy is not only insulting but gives you a clear view of what they really think about Middle Class Americans.
Why would any Democrat or even Independent vote for John McCain? This is a man so far removed that he never had to experience the hardship of not having a job, not having to worry about his next pay check, no hardship on money, and never has been off the government payroll. This mental attitude is reserved for the most elitist of this country. These are the top 1% of the Bush thinkers who has gotten a free ride on tax breaks for practically the whole 8 years. So, why would anyone think that John McCain is different? Remember, "Birds of a feather, flock together". This is why McCain offers no difference. Finally, McCain even said that our economical problems are psychological. In other words, "America Get Over It." Is this who we want as the next president? Remember how the citizens and the country was treated by Katrina? People were treated with indifference and the attitude of "get over it", from this current administration. And you think McCain will be better? You better think hard and long about who should be the next president.
Did Obama respond?
The response was loud and clear. We don't need any of what McCain and Cronies are dishing out and have continued to dish out.
As we get closer to the convention and the general election, the difference is stark and clear. There is no way any democrat reading this blog can honestly put McCain in their column. Need more reason about the travesty of McCain? Read, McContradiction. If that is not enough, look at McCain's Litany of Flip-Flops. After reading this, there is no 'effin way John McCain should be the next President of the United States. That t-shirt says it all.
The McCain campaign announced today that they and the RNC have combined cash on hand of over $94 million -- an indication that they'll very much be able to compete with Barack Obama's fundraising machine.
I want everyone to remember, Obama is not accepting public financing. He will not receive an 84M check after the convention, as McCain will. Also, Obama is still in primary mode, he cannot touch any general election money until after he accepts the Democratic Nomination. Need more push? McCain just had his best fundraising month, June. Need a harder push? McCain Camp bragging they are outspending Obama on teevee ads 2-1.
From this point forward, he is relying on us. That is the reality. Now, we have a choice. To do nothing or try to win this thing in November.
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The Obama Campaign is registering folks to vote at an alarming rate. This is the key to success in November and we must continue. Want to work on a voter registration drive? Click here.
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Don't know what to do? New to volunteering? Start here.
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Want to go to Denver? Throw in $5.00 and you can be one of ten who get to meet Barack at Invesco/Mile High Stadium. Click here.
I don't know about you, but how can the major news networks think that the Barack Obama Acceptance Speech for the Democratic Nomination is non-news. The night of that speech is the very date that Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I have a Dream" speech. This night is history in that it is the first time that a man of African-American descent will accept the nomination of a major political party in the United States of America.
Now, I know these news networks are constantly complaining about their budget, but rest assured when Barack Obama goes on his European Tour that every single, major news outlet in the United States and internationally will be following along.
So, the news outlets site that since Obama moved his acceptance speech to the Invesco/Mile High Stadium, the logistics will be harder.
Obama’s decision “makes it enormously more expensive,” said Paul Friedman, senior vice president at CBS News. “It does add to the overall question of how the networks should cover what is a non-news event.”
Now CBS and others are getting piled on and rightfully so. I can gurantee you this, Obama's acceptance speech is Big Noise, ok CBS and others. I can also guarantee you this, this speech will be a huge hit on youtube. And I can guarantee, one million viewed, minimum.
These news organizations are crying and whining, when they have failed to perform the basics and that is tell the truth of the news. News organizations, especially the cable desk clerks, are entrenched with reading teleprompters, giving opinion based "newsy information" instead of telling the truth.
When was the last time we heard anything about Iraq? Yeah, thought so. That is because the news organizations are busy running after b.s. stories about Brittney, Christie, Madonna, A-Rod, instead of having journalists over there obtaining the real story. This is why the media and newspapers got caught up in their own gotcha by recanting Bush Administration talking points, as the TRUTH to the American public and why many Americans view these news organizations through a skeptical lens.
Now the news organizations can get their boxer shorts caught in a knot over Obama moving his speech to the Invesco/Mile High Stadium all they want, in the end their cameras BETTER BE THERE LIVE. WORD.
Obama Donors Told Fundraising A Bit Slow, Urged To Help Clinton
Major donors to Barack Obama's campaign were told Wednesday evening that fundraising efforts were "a little slow" and that they should help retire Hillary Clinton's campaign debt so that the New York Democrat's supporters would, in turn, give to Obama.
"There was no negativity about Hillary," said one Democrat. "In fact the opposite. Fundraising is a little slow and it is very important to ramp it up. Hillary donors are a major source of donor dollars. The message to the troops was 'Get your five checks for Hillary in so that you can ask her donors to give to Barack.'" continue
Make sure you donate to the Obama Campaign on the left.
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afl-cio ad hitting mccain on economy
According to the AFL-CIO's release, the ad "will run in targeted communities across the country hit the hardest by the bad economy and the Bush economic policies." More details of the buy when we get them.
Late Update: The AFL-CIO has informed us that the initial targeted states for the ad are Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
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MICHELLE OBAMA DECRIES SHORT-TERM FIXES
In response to a question about the economic stimulus checks administered by the U.S. government earlier this year, Michelle Obama said her husband believes that short-term fixes don't solve economic problems.
"You're getting $600," she told an audience of mostly African-American women here. "What can you do with that? Not to be ungrateful or anything. But maybe it pays down a bill, but it doesn't pay down every bill every month."
"Barack's approach is that the short-term quick fix kinda stuff sounds good," she continued. "And it may even feel good that first month when you get that check. And then you go out and you buy a pair of earrings," she joked.
The Obamas have been fighting Republican attacks painting the couple as elitist. Michelle Obama, who has been something of a lightning rod for the attacks, has fought those charges by highlighting the irony between the charges and her upbringing on the South side of Chicago. But her line on earrings could be red meat for some, particularly in making them in Pontiac. The satellite city south of Detroit was once a booming auto industry town, but now the per capita income is 40% below the national average and almost a quarter of the population is below the poverty line. continue
Jesse Jackson, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, unleashes on Fox News. Jackson was not aware that the microphone and camera was still running during break and let his loose lips, sink his ship.
For the record, O'Reilly said, yes this was on O'Reilly's show, that there was more negative statements that Jackson said, but that he was not there to sink or destroy Jesse Jackson.
My take, the only one hurt by this is Jesse Jackson, himself. I don't know about you, but if I am going on any show especially on FOX NEWS, when they say break I would have NOTHING TO SAY. I did watch the O'Reilly Factor's take on this and Bill O'Reilly tried to make this a rivalry thing, but after watching, it is a wash.
Lastly, if Jesse Jackson want any relevance he can start by keeping on message and drinking a cup of STFU.
This has been talked up and down the teevee by the cable desks clerks all day long. The crux of the article is that Obama donors are not thinking about Hillary Clinton or her debt. And should we? Really, should we?
Many from this article feel that they have no responsibility to help pay for a candidate's campaign debt, when she knew that she could not mathematically win the nomination in March. Then many are angered about how the Clinton Campaign was run and that much of the debt is owed to Mark Penn. Penn, if you did not know, is opening a firm with former Bush Aide, Karen Hughes. Ummm, yeah. And frankly, many are stating "why give to a campaign that knew it would not win, but purposely ran their debt up."
Ok, I understand all that, which is partly why Obama will not send a money email out on behalf of Clinton to his 2M donor base. Many probably, no will cut him a new hide, if he did. for real.
My take, Hillary Clinton is at the bottom of the totem pole for any money. The reality is this, we are still in primary mode (yes, primary mode until the general election), meaning we need to still raise money for Barack Obama through the general election. His campaign costs run around 1M a day, but probably less with the primaries over, but none the less we need to keep funding him. To me, the most important fundraising is for the Obama Campaign and the DNC, sorry Hillary, but it is, what it is. Especially when you have to read stuff like this.
Click on the link above to read the story, and if you have not given, please do.
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Oh, I love the interview with the Obama Girlz. Watching Miss Melia and Miss Sasha, you can just tell they were eager and LOVING IT, to death.
But, Barack Obama made a statement that he regretted putting his girls on television. Personally, I think this was one of the best laid back family interviews that I have seen in quite a while.
Now, I understand not making it a habit, but Barack, they made you look like a real family man. Yes, I said real family man, since some believe he lives under a rock. And it soften you up, plus the radiant look on Michelle's face with the girls is priceless.
My take, don't do it often, but I would like another family interview before November. Hey, they are the Obama Girlz!!!!
obama with los angeles mayor anthony villaraigosa at the lulac conference in washington, dc
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obama's response ad to the RNC on energy, running in wi, mi, oh, pa
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Well, a lot has been popping off. First, I wrote a diary in the thief of the night that is off the hook over on Daily Kos.
Now some Democrats are focusing on the ridiculous attitude of not funding Barack Obama because of Obama’s stance on the FISA Bill.
Look, I am not a one issue voter. In fact, I have not met a politician that fulfilled all of my needs. Have you? So, case in point, we have Barack Obama, he is the nominee.
I refuse to cut Obama off at the knees because some faction of the Democratic Party is angry about FISA and the rest of America could care less about it. Does it make FISA less important, no, but not the number one issue burning with Americans, which is the economy. Obama will not get an 84M check from public financing after the convention, he is depending on us. Yes, you and me. So, that wacked noise about not funding Obama is lost with me.
I have been a Democrat all my LIFE. My mother, from the old school in Chicago, a precinct captain taught me the trade of Democratic politics. I know how the rings are kissed, seen it many times, but one thing I am not going to do is have a nominee underfunded. I have held my nose for YEARS on some Democratic candidates that were not worth 2 minutes of anyones time, but I voted for them with a clothes pin on my nose because of the belief, for the good of the party. And I know MANY of you have had to do this, too.
We now have a moment in time to move full force to the White House, down to the local races and get the 'D' in those slots. Sorry, I don't like Obama's stance on FISA, but I will be DAMNED if I am going to sit on my laurels over a bill that most of America not only don't know about but could give a damn about. Should it be this way? No, but I have learned that you can not win this war, but you must pick the battles that you can win. This was not one of them, in my view.
Yes, I am that heated. Read it here on Daily Kos and donate to the Obama Campaign, here.
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obama in st. louis giving a speech on economic security
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Take the Wall Street Journal Poll on who is better equipt to handle the economy, here.
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Iraq PM wants the US out of Iraq, Timetable, please
raq said for the first time yesterday that it wanted to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from its territory.
President Bush has long resisted a schedule for pulling his 145,000 soldiers out, arguing that it would play into the hands of insurgents. Nouri al-Maliki, the Shia Prime Minister, who boasted last week that he had crushed terrorism in the country, suggested that it was time to start setting time-lines.
“The current trend is to reach an agreement on a memorandum of understanding either for the departure of the forces or to put a timetable on their withdrawal,” Mr al-Maliki said during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. He rejected efforts by Mr Bush to hurry through an agreement on vital issues such as the immunity of US troops in Iraq and use of the country’s airspace. Mr Bush had hoped to sign a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) by the end of July to establish the basis for a long-term presence of US troops in the country. continue
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obama girls on their parents
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this is where obama will accept the democratic nomination, wow...
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michelle obama's girlfriends, on michelle obama
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The Obama Campaign is asking for input from Americans for the Democratic Platform in Denver, next month.
Every four years, the Democratic Party assembles a “platform” that outlines the party’s position on a variety of issues. Traditionally, the platform is written by paid professionals and then presented to the American people.
This year, that’s going to change.
From July 19 to July 27, everyday people all across America will hold Platform Meetings in their own communities. From Atlanta, Georgia to Muncie, Indiana, from Bangor, Maine to Eugene, Oregon, Americans will meet to talk about what issues are most important to them and what should be at the heart of the Democratic platform for change.
The results of these Platform Meetings will be incorporated into the formal process that culminates in the adoption of the platform at the Democratic Convention in August. A few participants may even be invited to appear and testify at the National Hearing and at the Convention!
You can write the next chapter in the history of the Democratic Party. Host an event in your own community. We’ve prepared all the materials that you need to host. Or, if you’d prefer, find an event near you.
This is why Barack Obama needed to be independent.
The shit is going to hit the fan, while we argue about, "whatever".
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Last week, we wrote that despite the vast disparity between John McCain's and Barack Obama's overall fundraising total this cycle--$120 million to $287 million at last count--the Republican stands a surprisingly good chance of keeping up with his rival in the general election. One reason was the RNC. When you combine McCain's individual war chest with his party's bankroll, it turns out the Republican nominee has about $90 million currently burning a hole in his pocket, while Obama and the DNC weigh in at a relatively paltry $47 million, or half as much.
Yes, it is called funneling money through another channel to out wit, out smart and out raise money against your opponent.
While folks are screaming about Obama, the media darling called John McCain is just quietly and secretly running the Bush playbook in money raised.
Did we think this was going to be easy? If you did, shame on you. This is going to be hard and it won't help any if our candidate is underfunded in every way.
...McCain has agreed to an $84.1 spending limit by accepting public funds--a decision he likes to portray as a principled stand against the corrupting influence of money on politics--at least double that sum will be dropped on his behalf before Election Day thanks to loopholes in the law that allow outside groups to effectively skirt such limits...
I know there are people really concerned about Obama's issues, but there are others who don't give a shit and dump it continuously, right here. And all the while the bickering is being used, gathered by the McCain campaign so they can target those that are unhappy because this or that candidate did not win. They send their trolls over here to feed the fuel, to write divisive diaries, etc. If we can not see the forest before the trees, which is winning in November, what is the damn point?
McCain has joined forces with the RNC to start a heavy ad campaign against Barack Obama. While this is happening they (McCain and RNC) are funneling money to blanket 527s.
While we are bickering they are ponying up and I mean a plenty.
Meanwhile, McCain campaign is stepping around federal spending limits by funneling cash through the state and national party machinery--and potentially benefiting from donations to a non-RNC organization that could boost his chances in key states. As the Wall Street Journal reported last Thursday, the Republican Governors' Association, a GOP group unrestrained by federal spending limits because it's designed to elect governors, is now "marketing itself as a home for contributions of unlimited size to help Sen. McCain."
One of the most hateful, divisive and racist campaign tactics are in the midst of being unleashed. This is why Obama refused public financing and this is why the GOP is scared. How can it be that the GOP will go there? They have to run on their record, complicit with George W. Bush and it is one of the most shittiest records in presidential history. So, what do you do? Make this election about Barack Obama. Get ready, the ugly is a comin'.
According to the Journal, the group "has seen a "significant" increase in contributions from individual donors since [it] began mentioning the side effects for Sen. McCain's campaign," doubling its take in the first six months of 2008 to $14 million, compared with the same point in the 2004 election cycle. Currently, Team McCain is soliciting checks of up to $70,100 from each donor--$28,500 for the RNC, $40,000 for a quartet of state parties and $2,300 for the candidate himself. But if the Governors' Association actually works on a local level to boost McCain's bid,* even that ceiling on individual contributions--which is already high enough to ensure that the senator's publicly-financed campaign will raise about half of its money from private sources--would be shattered.
Understand that one? They are going to shatter us in fundraising, while we are being mad, withholding money, etc. Tisk, tisk, what a shame? And isn't this the Democratic year?
The National Rifle Association plans to spend about $40 million on this year’s presidential campaign, with $15 million of that devoted to portraying Obama as a threat to voters' Second Amendment rights. And just this morning the Christian Defense Coalition launched a new campaign called "Barack Obama: The Abortion President" designed to blunt Obama's attempts to make inroads with evangelicals. All of which boost McCain--without depleting his war chest.
Let's be frank here. If Barack Obama does not raise the kind of money in large numbers, there is going to be trouble. We are already behind the eight ball because of a long primary which was over in March, but was extended through June. It does not give Obama time to breathe or time for much of anything. I hope you understand, time is not our friend here.
Everyone has a choice and we all disagree with a position of Obama's. He is not god, but a man, in the meantime it does not mean that we need to stop donating to him or the DNC.
Here it is a Democratic year, when we can win the White House and advance seating in the congress but we get angered and give the right wing media talking points. Hell, I read in another diary that the god awful, Hannity was on his radio station quoting Markos for holding back his campaign donation. Sure, many will state, "so 'effin what, Hannity said this, that or the other", but I sure did not expect him to be quoting Markos or anyone who post here at dkos, against our own candidate. Sigh.
And how do I feel about Obama? Pissed at his FISA stance; not crazy about the religious program (just believe that church and state don't work, example, George W. Bush); abortion stance I am fine with; don't like his gun control position; his Iraq stance has not changed (and let's be real here, we don't know the real story on Iraq because the horserace is more important and cheaper than keeping journalists in Iraq to get the real story); but I am not going to be caught up in a pissing match to give the GOP points because in the end, I WANT TO WIN in November. That is the real picture, winning in November.
It sure has been a long time since we tasted the White House. At the pace we are going, it will be another long time, AGAIN. We need to get it together.
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Since, I am late posting "This Week" and just getting back in town, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. A few things first:
If you have not given to the DNC for the Convention or to the Obama Campaign, between arguing, please do so. The DNC is running on empty now, due to the ridiculously, long primary season and money mismangement, in my view. The money is low, don't believe it, read it all here. Barack is also in full fundraising mode. We all know what this is about. If you want to win, you need money to do that. Barack would not be able to run ads in almost 1/2 the country if he did not have the money to do so. Remember Kerry, and the swiftboat ads and the slow response because he did not have the money to combat the ads? Just sayin', don't let anger get in the way of winning this thing in November.
Right now funding the DNC and the Obama Campaign is top priority. It has to be, the primary ran too long, we got a very late start on everything and the Convention is right around the corner, as well as the General Election. You know not only what to do, but what this is about in November, WINNING.
Barack is accepting the nomination in front of over 75K people at the Invesco/Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Sorry, I am from the old school and refuse to process companies names on sport stadiums, so it will always be Mile High to me. Just as Cominsky Park will always be THAT to me, from the Southside of Chicago. Anyway moving on, for a donation as small as $5.00 your name just may be picked from one of ten to enjoy the convention up close and personal in Denver. This also includes meeting Barack Obama. More information is here.
Lastly, please give to the DNC. Donate to the DNC here.
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Double lastly, please give to the Obama Campaign, by DONATING HERE.
Thank You.
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obama with kids from east community ministry, zanesville, ohio
patriotism speech in independence, missouri, june 30, 2008
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Obama is live on ipod. You can retrieve and listen to all his speeches, townhall meetings, special events. You can get all the information, here.
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obama's laid back, enjoying his daughter's soccer game
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The Obama Girls (Melia and Sasha, respectively) were promised, come hell or high water, a dog after going through this grueling campaign season. The girls deserve it 360 percent. Anytime you take a parent away from their children it is tough. You are reducing the home to basically a one parent home, which is what happened. So, for all the strife of the Obama Girls there now is a pet poll for which dog the girls should get. I know the family is interested in a "shed free dog" and will like to turn their attention to this list.
And for personal experience, I have had two of the dogs on the list. The bichon frise and havanese. Both dogs don't shed, both are loyal to the owners, both are sweet, both are small dogs and both are fun to have around.
One caveat, the bichon frise is a breed that has been over bred. The havenese is still a newer breed to this country, originating in Cuba. The bichon is a stubborn dog, have not met one that is not. The havenese is extremely loyal, easy to train and totally fun. I love both breeds and hope the Obamas investigate well before picking the right dog for their family.
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call to service, colorado springs, colorado
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List of missed Obama speeches, talks, briefings and all of the et cetera...
obama with jerry orvin in colorado springs, colorado
shoutouts
The Long, Long List Of McFlip/Flops (McCain that is) by StuHunter; Unfit for duty: McCain physically assaulted foreign official in 1987 by Geekesque; Elizabeth Edwards to Headline $40 million Health Care Coalition. by GlowNZ; The Obamas, Mortgages and Creditworthiness by SusanG; John "I Didn't Say What I Said" McCain by Todd Beeton; Cool Obama Family Campaigns & Celebrates by maureen; John Edwards to Debate Karl Rove by MLDB; Judge Requires YouTube to Turn Over User IP Addresses by ohmproject; Countdown to $200 oil: International Energy Agency says current prices justified by Jerome a Paris; Cleaning Up After the Worst Presidency in History by mcjoan
the slideshow, drumroll please....
i will be back in form next sunday. remember to donate, volunteer and focus on obama, not the drama...
Well, the RNC is showing its armpits. Yes, expect them to stink up the joint for the 4th of July weekend, by going negative on Barack Obama.
If anyone does not understand why Obama has forgone public financing, this is the reason.
You do not want your opponent to have the opportunity to define you, period. Obama has exercised his money roll by putting up ads in 18 states across this country, meaning almost half of the country.
A good move. Why? Because many don't know Barack Obama and many are not even engaged in this campaign, and won't be until after Labor Day. In the meantime, you don't want the GOP defining you and define him they will try.
What is coming is the creation of a facade that Obama is scary, unfit, a boogey man, untested, and basically short of calling him a "black-so-and-so".
While many Dems are angry about Obama's run to the middle, remember this, he is our candidate and the funding of this campaign must not stop.
The ads will run in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and if you are not aware this is an expenditure or arm of the RNC, in other words a 527. Like that matters?
Lastly, my thought on running to the middle, I am still processing this. I don't like Obama's flip on FISA, my husband don't like Obama's flip on the gun issue, I am not crazy about his change on NAFTA, and I still have not embraced his religious policy. In stating this, Barack Obama is a politician, always has been. It has been the netroots who have put him on a pedestal and now are going through a shock withdrawal. Politicians, no matter who they are or what party, in the end want to win. So, watch John McCain change from "I am not running a negative campaign" to "I will say anything to destroy, discredit Barack Obama to win". Folks, it is coming.
UPDATE: McCain Campaign buying Ad Time in Virginia. Ummm, can we say, "worried".
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obama's speech in colorado springs, call to service
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This diary should shut the McCain Campaign up about who is really an elistist? Expect that word to vanish from the campaign and its surrogates mouths. Thanks, Cindy!!!
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Obama not running as movement
Barack Obama is a different kind of Democrat. He is one who actually intends to win.
I don’t know if he will or not, but I do know that he has made a key decision: He has decided to run as a candidate for president and not as the leader of a movement.
Movement candidates often fail when the demands of the movement come in conflict with the demands of politics.
The most recent example was Howard Dean’s (short-lived) campaign for president in 2004.
Dean was supposed to be leading a movement designed to “empower” citizens who felt locked out of the process. His slogan, and the title of one of his books, was “You Have the Power.”
Some in Dean’s own campaign were worried, however, that he was too conventional a politician for the task. Dean had been a six-term governor and former chairman of the Democratic Governors Association (and would go on to become chairman of the Democratic National Committee). The fights within the campaign were endless, and the “empowerment” side won, with Dean running a TV ad right before the Iowa caucuses featuring the candidate facing the camera and saying, “This election is about power. About who runs the country and who owns it.”
The empowerment movement loved the ad, but the Democratic voters of Iowa hated it and Dean came in a bad third, effectively ending his campaign. continue
Yes, this is why many are going through shock withdrawal. Obama is a politician.
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obama's speech on his faith based proposal
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If there is one common thread about John McCain it is his notorious temper.
So right now he is pissed that anyone would have the utter gall or nerve to question his military record.
McCain is demanding that Obama terminate Wes Clark:
"I think it’s up to Sen. Obama now not only to repudiate him but to cut him loose," McCain said.
Obama is not going there. Why should he? We played this game with Hillary since January, why would Obama cow-tow down to McCain?
McCain's service record is fair game. Why? Because he is running on being a POW, War Hero, that gives him gravitas to having experience with national security. Only Clark, along with Webb cut him down. They respected his service to the country, but that was about it. Again, McCain has as much executive experience on national security as Barack Obama and that is none.
Back to that temper, McCain almost lost it in front of the press corp:
McCain became visibly angry when I asked him to explain how his Vietnam experience prepared him for the Presidency.
"Please," he said, recoiling back in his seat in distaste at the very question.
McCain allies Sen. Lindsey Graham stepped in to rescue him. Graham expressed admiration for McCain’s stance on the treatment of detainees in US custody.
"That to me is a classic example of how his military experience helped him shape public policy in a way no other senator could have done,’’ Graham said.
Yes, it is all true and the story was put out by McCain's own Republican colleague, Mississippi Republican Senator Thad Cochran. Ain't love grand!!!
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Ball of Confusion
Again, John McCain can not remember that he stated that he is not knowledgeable on the economy. Of course, he shoveled his typical "you know what" on GMA:
but here, is the actual McCain that said he did not understand the economy:
The Washington Post is taking heat on a veiled, thin piece about the Obamas home loan. It attempts to try to weave Countrywide Financial in this, but it was not Countrywide that secured the loan.
Also, the piece hypes up the Obamas discount on the interest rate of 5.625 percent on a 30 yr fixed rate.
Read the piece, it is totally bogus. But it was poblano/nate over at 538 that busted the article down as follows:
So Obama's rate was 30 basis points better than the average. However, the amount of the loan and the nature of the property are not the only factors that determine a mortgage rate. Another major consideration is the creditworthiness of the borrower. According to current rate quotes from myFICO.com, a borrower with very good credit can expect a mortgage rate about 30 basis points better than someone with pretty good credit, and a borrower with excellent credit can expect about a 50 basis point discount.
Unless the Washington Post has access to Obama's FICO score -- and unless it has rented an apartment to him, it probably doesn't -- it is missing a pretty important piece of information on what Obama's mortgage rate ought to have been. What was Obama's FICO score? I don't know, but considering that... * Obama had just gotten a $2.27 million book deal from Random House -- about $1 million more than the value of the mortgage.
* The Obamas each had exceptionally secure jobs that paid them a combined annual salary of about $500,000 per year.
* The Obamas had just sold their condo, on which they had realized a $137,500 profit.
* The Obamas were prominent public figures whose political futures depended in part on maintaining a reputation for responsibility and trustworthiness.
* The Obamas are known to be relatively thrifty and have no credit card debt but substantial savings.
...I would think that the Obamas were exceptionally creditworthy. So indeed, Obama received a "discount" -- the same discount that any borrower in his position would have received.
The Washington Post need to get it together. Unless they have PROOF that the Obamas got preferential treatment or an "on the low DEAL", the piece reeks of utter bullshit.
UPDATE: CNN DEBUNKS THE WASHINGTON POST STORY
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Dan Qualye for Obama!!! Well, sorta...
"I have a lot of grudging respect for what he did because he beat the Clintons, something we couldn't do in 1992. The Clintons were very convincing in the campaign they ran. So I thought she would be the candidate,” said Quayle, who lost his bid for a second vice presidential term to the Democratic ticket of Bill Clinton and Al Gore in 1992.
"I think she made obviously some very tactical mistakes. One, underestimating Obama. And, two, the whole inevitability that `I am entitled to the nomination' ended up hurting her quite dramatically,” he said while acknowledging that "I don't think anyone saw, including myself, the Barack Obama movement."
As a Republican who lost to a Democratic ticket touting “change,” Quayle had some advice for this year’s presumptive GOP nominee: lay out a “clear vision” of what he’ll do when he reaches the White House.
"When 80 percent of the people think we are on the wrong track, you need to do that. It needs to be strategic,” said Quayle. “That's not been done yet. They may be waiting for the convention, but that needs to be done."
I ran across this laundry list of the GOP. Seriously, you will have to sit back and read it all. Also, don't be surprised to see one of your favorite GOP congresscritter on this list.
Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign has gone through its second shake-up in a year as Mr. McCain, responding to Republican concerns that his candidacy was faltering, put Steve Schmidt in charge of day-to-day operations and abandoned an effort to have the campaign run by 11 regional managers, the senator’s aides said Wednesday.
...The shift was approved by Mr. McCain after several aides, including Mr. Schmidt, warned him about 10 days ago that he was in danger of losing the presidential election unless he revamped his campaign operation, according to two officials close to the campaign. continue
Three military contractors, along with Ingrid Betancourt were released in Columbia today by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Why pay attention? Who is in Columbia right now? McCain. Will the freed hostages come back home with McCain? I would bet my paycheck on it. Why does this matter? Photo-op time for McCain, looking presidential. Why would McCain do this? Obama is about to go on a European tour and expect massive crowds, with blow-by-blow coverage. Oh, by the way, McCain has been to Europe and guess what? It was a snooze....
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