Politics 2008:The Caucuses and The Dem/Rep Conventions

[TonyB06]

Originally Posted by darling1

palin may pull clinton supporters (some white women)

When you look at her record, she's much more likely to help shore up McCain's Repub base, than pull any but the most ardent "it shoulda been HRC" supporters.

Also, it's being asked in some media circles, if McCain's chief criticism of Obama was lack of foreign policy bona fides, what is to be made of his own choice for VP?

I expected either Romney or Ridge, which would have made either Mich, or Pa a bit more interesting. I'm still trying to figure the political calculus behind this choice.

[darling1]

definitely--mccain has been critiqued on his views not being atypical republican but moderate leaning.

this is still speculation. according to cspan, romney is listed as being on the agenda to speak. whe i saw this, my first thought was that he was it. so we will have to see. either way, it is so necessary to get folks to the polls. i swear if the republican get re-elected, i am locking down my uterus, my daughter's uterus and we are moving out of the country..lol

Originally Posted by TonyB06

When you look at her record, she's much more likely to help shore up McCain's Repub base, than pull any but the most ardent "it shoulda been HRC" supporters.

Also, it's being asked in some media circles, if McCain's chief criticism of Obama was lack of foreign policy bona fides, what is to be made of his own choice for VP?

I expected either Romney or Ridge, which would have made either Mich, or Pa a bit more interesting. I'm still trying to figure the political calculus behind this choice.

[Little32]

I don't think that the calculus is that complicated. I think that the McCain camp thinks that a women veep will get them some leverage among fence HRC supporters, particularly those who supported HRC based on primarily on gender and not necessarily on politics.

I think this is in the same vein of the strategy that the RNC used in sending Keyes to run against Obama in 2004.

If I were the targets of this particular political strategy, I would feel more insulted than anything else.

[darling1]

Palin is the GOP VP choice

and

I REACHED MY 1000TH POST...lol--yea, its silly.

im watching C-SPAN now. Some of these folks calling in are not bright.

[jitterbug13]

On Obama--Last night was wonderful. He gave out what he is going to do if elected and showed us what to expect in the coming weeks. And I just saw JHud doing the national anthem. They need to sell that like they did with Whitney back in the day.

On McStiff--WHAT IN THE HELL IS HE THINKING???? Besides trying to get the HRC supporters, I don't see the benefit from this.

Originally Posted by WenD08

she was chosen to appeal to those disgruntled Hillary supporters. however, the McCain camp cannot talk about Obama's inexperience. reason being, this woman has only been the governor for less than 2 years, prior to that she was the mayor of a small town. she has no real foreign policy experience and she's under investigation for using her office in a rather shady manner (getting an in- now "out-" law fired).
we'll see how this plays out.

Don't forget she has a four-month old son that has Downs Syndrome. It's hard enough having a baby period, but having one with a major disablity is going to be difficult if you're going to be VPOTUS. I was taking to my friend about this a few minutes ago and she called her selfish for running.

Originally Posted by StarFish106

Everybody in my office was going around asking each other who is she, what is her background....If he was going to go for a woman was there anyone else with a little more name recognition that he could have picked in these last 67 days?

Maybe it's just me but a part of me feels like he is using her. If HRC didn't have such strong support or was never in the race to begin with, would he have still felt the need to get a woman? Don't get me wrong in theory it is about time that women are getting to play for the offices of POTUS and VP seriouosly. But do it because that's who you feel is best for you, not because you are scrambling trying to get another part of the demographic. If I wasn't voting for you on your own, why do you think just because you added someone who you think I should 'relate' to soley on basis of gender or race that I will now? Just MYO....(but I know there are those who will)

You're not alone. My friend and I both felt that she is getting pimped to get votes from Obama. And they talk about experience: Obama has been in the Senate longer than she's been governor. At least Bush had two terms as governor of Texas. I can't wait for the debates because Biden's going to eat her alive.

[WenD08]

the Pallin choice reminds of bush picking Harriet Myers for the Supreme Court. mccain's stated reason for picking Pallin pales in comparison as to the unstated reason(s).
another reason is Biden is a pit bull. if he pushes on Pallin, it will rile up women (at least in the minds of the mccain team). Biden cannot risk being seen as a bully.
i saw Pallin on C-Span and i thought of what my political buddy said. she said that if something happened to mccain, this woman would step in as president. that worries me. i don't see her as ready to step in vs. Biden.

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by jitterbug13

Don't forget she has a four-month old son that has Downs Syndrome. It's hard enough having a baby period, but having one with a major disablity is going to be difficult if you're going to be VPOTUS. I was taking to my friend about this a few minutes ago and she called her selfish for running.

I asked a question in the GL thread that is answered here. She is so IRRESPONSIBLE! First of all, she already had 4 children (some grown!) before she had this last child in her mid forties, a circumstance which greatly increases the chances of birth defect of this type. Secondly, she has decided to embark on a national political campaign with a special needs newborn at home!

Experience? NO
Judgment? NO

Sidney should be ashamed of himself.




Obama-Biden '08!

[mccoyred]

Originally Posted by jitterbug13

On Obama--Last night was wonderful. He gave out what he is going to do if elected and showed us what to expect in the coming weeks.

Obama scored a major touchdown last night! The media have been trying to play him as a weep...they just don't know! Obama seems to be a very complicated person. He tries to bridge divides and create mutual understanding but he will ju jitsu your behind, too! I can't wait to see him tear up McSame in those debates

[Ten/Four]

Originally Posted by StarFish106

Maybe it's just me but a part of me feels like he is using her. If HRC didn't have such strong support or was never in the race to begin with, would he have still felt the need to get a woman? Don't get me wrong in theory it is about time that women are getting to play for the offices of POTUS and VP seriouosly. But do it because that's who you feel is best for you, not because you are scrambling trying to get another part of the demographic. If I wasn't voting for you on your own, why do you think just because you added someone who you think I should 'relate' to soley on basis of gender or race that I will now? Just MYO....(but I know there are those who will)

I think so too. She wasn't even on the long list of people being considered for the VP spot. Like TonyB said she's very conservative, a lifetime member of the NRA, and against abortion. Those are the issues that matter to those who will never vote anything but Republican. I think McCain can no longer talk about inexperience or not knowing the candidates based on his picking Palin. Maybe she's known in Republican circles, but she's definately not known on a national scale. CNN even admitted on air they didn't have much info on her.

I just don't see HRC supporters now voting for McCain just because he has a woman on the ticket. And if they were really HRC supporters they need to listen to her speech again. She asked if they were in it only for her or the bigger picture. And McCain just looked uncomfortable standing on stage with her. I know he's usually stiff looking, but seeing him next to someone who is more animated just highlights it even more.

Originally Posted by jitterbug13

Don't forget she has a four-month old son that has Downs Syndrome. It's hard enough having a baby period, but having one with a major disablity is going to be difficult if you're going to be VPOTUS. I was taking to my friend about this a few minutes ago and she called her selfish for running.

You're not alone. My friend and I both felt that she is getting pimped to get votes from Obama. And they talk about experience: Obama has been in the Senate longer than she's been governor. At least Bush had two terms as governor of Texas. I can't wait for the debates because Biden's going to eat her alive.

I'm not a mother, but I can't say the decision to run is selfish. And it was already mentioned that her and hubby knew of the baby's condition before giving birth and decided to keep the pregnacy. So if it's going to be made a political issue that keeps with her anti-abortion stance.

All that being said, this will be an interesting election. I'm actually going to watch the RNC just to find out who Palin is. I wonder how quick she is on her feet. I think Biden is going to rip her in the debate.

[Liquid Soule]

Originally Posted by Ten/Four

I just don't see HRC supporters now voting for McCain just because he has a woman on the ticket. And if they were really HRC supporters they need to listen to her speech again. .

A good reason for HRC voters to vote for Mccain, is so HRC can run again in 2012, and to slap at Obama and the Dems for the alleged snubbing of her queenship of the travelling pants suits. If Obama wins then she can't run again as a Dem until 2020 then she'll be in Mccains old behind shoes. The old gaurd, the hard core femenist are going the way of the polar bear, they know HRC is the only female in a strong enough position to become POTUS, in their lifetime. Lets not forget politics is like chess not connect four.

And there is little fear that the Right will overturn roe v wade. it will more likely never happen they need it as a hot button issue for elections in order to hold tight to the religous right, and social conservatives. If they slay that dragon then most of their warriors will go home. And the moral moderates who have become the independent swing vote have a large number of pro-choice.

just my 2 cents

[BlessedOne04]

All I can say is that Obama did what he had to do last night.He is just an inspiring person with some dang good ideas.As for McCain I hope people see him for what he is and that is a fraud.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally Posted by Liquid Soule

A good reason for HRC voters to vote for Mccain, is so HRC can run again in 2012, and to slap at Obama and the Dems for the alleged snubbing of her queenship of the travelling pants suits. If Obama wins then she can't run again as a Dem until 2020 then she'll be in Mccains old behind shoes.

Does someone have dibs on 2016 already?

[Ten/Four]

Originally Posted by Liquid Soule

A good reason for HRC voters to vote for Mccain, is so HRC can run again in 2012, and to slap at Obama and the Dems for the alleged snubbing of her queenship of the travelling pants suits. If Obama wins then she can't run again as a Dem until 2020 then she'll be in Mccains old behind shoes. The old gaurd, the hard core femenist are going the way of the polar bear, they know HRC is the only female in a strong enough position to become POTUS, in their lifetime. Lets not forget politics is like chess not connect four.

And there is little fear that the Right will overturn roe v wade. it will more likely never happen they need it as a hot button issue for elections in order to hold tight to the religous right, and social conservatives. If they slay that dragon then most of their warriors will go home. And the moral moderates who have become the independent swing vote have a large number of pro-choice.

just my 2 cents

I hear what you're saying, but I really want to believe that people wouldn't make themselves unnecessarily suffer (4 yrs. of McCain) just so they can elect Hilary the next go round. So much can happen in 4 years. Bush's first term is a perfect example.

[TonyB06]

Originally Posted by Little32

I don't think that the calculus is that complicated. I think that the McCain camp thinks that a women veep will get them some leverage among fence HRC supporters, particularly those who supported HRC based on primarily on gender and not necessarily on politics.

I think this is in the same vein of the strategy that the RNC used in sending Keyes to run against Obama in 2004.

If I were the targets of this particular political strategy, I would feel more insulted than anything else.

Can you elaborate on the "dissaffected women's vote" aspect? The most recent poll I saw indicated that Obama was leading McCain overall among women 52 to 37 percent. Since HRC's first concession in June until now, the numbers of her supporers moving to Obama has been increasing.

I'm also confused as to what you mean regarding Keyes? Obama defeated him handliy in 2004.

[Little32]

Originally Posted by TonyB06

Can you elaborate on the "dissaffected women's vote" aspect? The most recent poll I saw indicated that Obama was leading McCain overall among women 52 to 37 percent. Since HRC's first concession in June until now, the numbers of her supporers moving to Obama has been increasing.

I'm also confused as to what you mean regarding Keyes? Obama defeated him handliy in 2004.

I don't mean to suggest that the Republican party's reasoning is at all reasonable. I just think that this is the reasoning for selecting her as a candidate. Just as they seemed to think that Alan Keyes, just by virtue of the fact that he is black, would somehow draw some black voters into the Republican fold. It smacks of presumption that the voters' investment in particular candidates is based solely on gender or race. It is insulting.