On McCain's Negative Campaign, Or, Oh No You Didn't

Written by: fake consultant on Oct 6, 2008 12:03 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America, Young Democrats of IL, Quad Cities Trained Activists, Democracy for Illinois, DFA Night School

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

Apparently feeling there’s no other way to win, the McCain campaign is now trying to “go negative” in an effort to make Obama unelectable.

Obama has tried to stay above that sort of thing...and while Obama may be a better human being than that...I’m not.

We will divert away from the usual high minded conversation about issues today—and we will instead lay out a few unpleasant facts John McCain would rather you forget about.  

Some of today’s discussion reveals McCain’s financial corruption...then there’s McCain giving “aid and comfort to the enemy” back in his Vietnam days...and for those who may have forgotten, a few words about ugly divorces and near-bigamy and the ending of McCain’s friendship with Ronald Reagan.

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Work day Watercooler

Written by: DFA Community and you

DFA's home for a free form, open-ended discussion of what matters most to committed progressive activists.

what are you thinking?

Written by: Chris R on Oct 5, 2008 8:28 PM EDT

I believe Sarah Palin is sincere in her belief that she can be VP, however, I feel she is woefully UNDERqualified.  I don't know about the rest of the country, but I want my elected officials to be AT LEAST as smart as I am.  She just doesn't have the world view, the education, or the experience.  At least Obama, as a former constitutional law professor at the U of C, has at least READ the constitution.  Her response to Gwen Ifill's question about Cheney's perspective of the role of the VP was, frankly, very frightening.  The woman has no concept of the checks and balances of powers.

This is not the right person to be the 2nd in command.  And it's not because she's a woman... it's because she's just not qualified.

Anyone who plans to vote for the McCain/Palin ticket needs to re-think that choice.

And I'm very disappointed with the Republican Party.  I understand the strategy of selecting a woman as a VP candidate, especially when Obama didn't select Clinton (a tactical mistake, in my opinion) but please tell me that the Republican Party has more depth of talent than this.  Is Sarah Palin really the best they can do for a female candidate?  That's frightening all by itself.

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Monday articles...

Written by: Gerry L on Oct 6, 2008 8:48 AM EDT

 Monday~

***************round of articles about our domestic ‘issues’ ~ October 6th,  2008

 Computer troubles today.....

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Why is the NY Times continuing to ignore McCain's "own Bill Ayers"?

http://mediamatters.org/items/200810040004?f=h_top

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Thanks to John at DFC for this

A Pal Around McCain

If the McCain people want to talk associates, how about economic guru Phil Gramm?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/05/AR2008100501816.html?hpid%3Dopinionsbox1&sub=AR

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Stephen Views the News 10/5/08

Written by: Stephen Weinstein on Oct 5, 2008 8:18 AM EDT

Stephen Views the News  10/5/08

http://stephenviewsthenews.blogspot.com/

* Thanks But No Thanks – The much anticipated debate between vice presidential candidates Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin was enlightening. One candidate demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of a broad range of very serious issues facing our country and the ability to articulate his views to the public. The other candidate reincarnated her bid to become Miss Alaska with enough “being a Mom”, dogonnits and bless your hearts exhalations to sell a truckload of Girl Scout Cookies. The best that can be said about Ms. Palin is that she did not implode while repeating her tape recorder-like responses to questions. There may have actually been a time or two when her response somewhat coincided with the question. Aside from expressing her admiration for the over-reaching power of Vice President Dick Cheney we learned little about the woman who would be a heart beat away from the Oval Office. Do not despair. Help is on the way.

I have never met or spoken with Sue Katz, author of the intelligent and timely blog Consenting Adult. We crossed paths through the blogosphere and have exchanged emails discussing a potpourri of issues. As a result of this association I received an advance copy of her new book “Thanks But No Thanks: A Voters Guide to Sarah Palin” that will be released October 13, 2008. This well-written, informative and entertaining book is the first well-researched and comprehensive document available to voters and political junkies who want to know more about this little-known Republican instant star – information that in many cases the McCain campaign would prefer be kept in the dark.

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Understanding MSM Language

Written by: Jeff Morris-Saugerties, N.Y.- De on Oct 5, 2008 2:00 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Kingston Democracy for America

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

 We've been hearing for months now how the U.S. 2008 Presidential election seems to be a "Close Horse Race?" O'Really? Perhaps it's in our MSM's best interest that this Horse Race illusion continues for the remaining five weeks. It's all about ratings. Here's a little help in breaking down MSM language.

  Rescue Plan: =  WALL STREET BAILOUT
  Redistricting: = GERRYMANDERING
  Enhanced interrogation techniques: =  WATERBOARDING?...TORTURE?
  Ethnic Cleansing: =  MASS MURDER?...GENOCIDE?

   We're fortunate that here in America we have a "Free Press" Free from Corporate Parent Companies having influence over their Newscaster employees, and what they have to say.. 99% of all Americans opposed the Wall Street bailout. 64% of Americans have opposed (for over three years now) the Iraq War debauchle. Do we all like how our tax dollars are being spent? (Corporate bailouts, Iraq War, tax breaks for the wealthiest 2% of Americans) The core principle of a "Real Democracy" is that the majority wins out over the minority. Ain't Democracy great! We Americans are fortunate that we live in a true Democratic Republic. We are ruled by a President. We don't ever have to worry about a Monarchy/Theocracy form of Government here. We don't have to worry about if our President truly represents "We The People, or not." Or if we end up being ruled by a dim-witted Decider who dictates U.S. policy according to his own personal religious beliefs, or whether he has "Daddy Issues" or not. Or do we?........
 Anybody care to comment?

Jeff Morris-Saugerties, N.Y.-  DeJaVu57

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Lessons of a Hockey Mom

Written by: Mary Ann W on Oct 4, 2008 7:35 PM EDT

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

For years I put in my time on the sidelines of innumberable hockey/soccer/basketball/TBall/younameit games, cheering on my son and his friends. Here are some of the lessons I learned:

1. Learn the rules of the game and obey them. This teaches you to respect for the law and a fair playing field. When you are an adult, this should teach you to respect terms like "subpoena." Sarah Palin didn't learn this, and we are in for another four years of an administration flouting the legal system. Ooops.

2. Learn as much as you can about your position, and perform it as best as you possibly can. This ensures the team will work smoothly and efficiently--and win games. When questioned about the U.S. Vice Presidency, Governor Palin showed an unbelievable ignorance of the position. There is no official duty of the Vice President except to preside over the Senate in the event of a tie. The Vice Presidency is not a separate fiefdom. As the office has evolved, the Vice President counsels the President and can perform various tasks as requested. Despite what the Governor said in rambling answer, there IS NO FLEXIBILITY on this in the Constitution. The courts have slapped back all of Cheney's fantasies regarding this. Major ooops.

3. On every team there is a kid who thinks (s)he's God's gift to the sport. The hot dog. He's the kid whose father or mother makes life hell for a fair-minded coach. He hogs the ball (or puck), can't or won't work with the team, and makes splashy plays that sometimes work, but more often don't. These kids are quick to call foul and work the refs but nothing is ever their fault. Generally you hear the coach yell "No hot dogging!" at them, because ultimately they're no good for the team. Looks to me like both Palin and McCain qualify for this label. All ego. Think of hot dog McCain during the credit crisis and Sarah Barracuda in debate. Must be their coaches didn't train them young enough. Ooops again.

Though Governor Palin claims she's a hockey mom presumably like those of us at home, this hockey mom is NOT just like Sarah Palin. I don't want her even close to running the country and I'd just as soon she go back to Alaska.

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Most Important Election Since 1940

Written by: John T on Oct 4, 2008 6:09 PM EDT

The stakes are huge as John McCain begins the last month on the negative attempting to convince voters that Obama is the reincarnation of the Weather Underground. It's not going to work if the Obama campaign can keep focused on the economy and take the issue of national security as their own winning strategy. It will take both strategies to win.

In 1940, FDR faced both economic and national security issues as America was in the midst of the Great Depression and facing the prospect of World War II while running for an unprecedented third term. He never let his opponents breathe when it came to the legions of "America Firster's" that threatened to cede him the economic issues while advocating a new set of national security questions.

Obama needs to be equally as tough as FDR by calling into question the temperment and judgment of John McCain on national security issues like Iran, NATO expansion, cold war with Russia, the linkage of spending on Iraq and our own national security at home, first use of tactical nuclear weapons, how to capture bin Laden, improving relations with countries such as Cuba out of our own national interest and bringing new respect for America through vigorous diplomacy.

It is ironic that possibly the second most important election since 1940 was in 2004 when Americans had a chance to get it right after 41's appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court sealed a first term for 43. This time we have to get it right. 

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some Sunday articles

Written by: Gerry L on Oct 5, 2008 8:38 AM EDT

Sunday~

***************round of articles about our domestic ‘issues’ ~ October 5th,  2008

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NO EXIT

By Daniel Lazare

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20081020/lazare

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N.Y.TIMES Editorial

Meanwhile, in the Economy

After the Senate approved the $700 billion bank bailout, the majority leader, Harry Reid, tried to persuade his colleagues to address another economic calamity before they left town for the long election recess. He urged them to extend unemployment benefits for 800,000 jobless Americans.

In the face of Republican opposition, the measure failed. Benefits start expiring this week. So much for Main Street.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/opinion/05sun1.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

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No on Prop 8

Written by: DFA Staff on Oct 4, 2008 12:14 PM EDT

Democracy for America is part of the No on Prop 8 coalition to defeat the California ballot initiative written to overturn gay marriage.  Here is a Prop 8 news round up.  Thanks.

Danny
Communications Director 

CALIFORNIA NEWS ********************

As we see it: NO ON 8 – Equal Treatment Under the law – Santa Cruz Sentinel

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/opinion/ci_10627297?source=email

Mass display of Prop 8 support displayed – LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lawnsigns3-2008oct03,0,6791657.story

Gay marriage friends and foes clash at Legislative Hearing – CBS LA

http://www.cbs47.tv/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=39954fb4-8fa1-4526-ba6c-4db4f099d9d9

Gay marriage supporters and foes clash at LA hearing – SD Union Tribune

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20081002-1552-ca-gaymarriage-hearing.html

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DFA-Endorsed Candidates in the News

Written by: DFA Staff on Oct 4, 2008 12:19 PM EDT

Here is a news round-up of articles about DFA-endorsed candidates.  It was put together by Dave Volain, one of DFA's great interns.  Thanks.

Danny
Communications Director

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is running a new ad charging that Democratic candidate Jeff Merkley "wanted to give much of our tax refunds back to the government." 

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