text:
McCain Campaign Disputes Post Poll
UPDATE, 2:30 pm: A new Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll shows Obama leading McCain 45 percent to 39 percent, a shift from a similar survey earlier this month that had McCain up three points.
On the heels of a new Washington Post-ABC News poll that showed Barack Obama leading John McCain 52 percent to 43 percent nationally, the Arizona senator's campaign convened a conference call today insisting that the survey was an "outlier".
Bill McInturff, the lead pollster for McCain, insisted that the campaign's internal data showed none of the "volatility" present in recent public polling, arguing that the race has been within the margin of error for the last several weeks.
At the crux of McInturff's argument was the fact that the Democratic party identification in the Post poll was 16 points higher than the Republican identification -- a far larger margin than the Democratic ID edge in other recent public polling.
Jon Cohen, the Post's polling director, explained that the actual party ID numbers among likely voters had Democrats plus six points. It was only when people who offer no original party ID were asked whether they leaned one direction or the other that the number jumped to Democrats +16. (ABC's polling director has more here.)
Despite that difference of opinion, McInturff did acknowledge that in the last week he had seen a double-digit increase in the number of voters citing the economy as the most pressing issue facing the country -- the result of the ongoing financial crisis on Wall Street.
That jibes with the new Post data that shows 50 percent of all voters now calling the economy/jobs the "single most important issue" in deciding their vote; just two weeks ago, the same Post polling showed 37 percent of voters calling the economy the most important issue.
The increased importance of the economy as a voting issue is primarily responsible for Obama's rise from a two-point deficit in an early September Post survey to his current nine-point bulge, according to a story penned by Cohen and Post senior political reporter Dan Balz. (The full poll is also available if you want to dig deeper.)
The duo writes:
"More voters trust Obama to deal with the economy, and he currently has a big edge as the candidate who is more in tune with the economic problems Americans now face. He also has a double-digit advantage on handling the current problems on Wall Street, and as a result, there has been a rise in his overall support."
A new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll produced similar results with 48 percent of the sample saying Obama would do a better job handling the financial crisis as president while 35 percent said the same of McCain.
At issue is whether the Post poll (and, to a lesser extent, the L.A. Times survey) represent an outlier in the race or the leading edge of an Obama boomlet caused by people's growing concern about the troubled economy.
If McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate dominated the first two weeks of September, the continuing chaos on Wall Street has been the dominant campaign narrative for at least the last nine days. And, with the bailout debate continuing this week in Congress, it doesn't seem likely that the economic story line is going anywhere any time soon.
Neither McCain nor Obama have distinguished themselves on the issue to date.
McCain committed a major unforced error last week when he repeated his "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" line as Wall Street was collapsing around him.
Obama has been more circumspect, playing a bit of wait and see out of deference, his campaign has said, to the people in Congress and the White House trying to sort of the terms of the proposed $700 billion bailout of the major financial entities in the country.
Obama, at least for the moment, appears to have been more successful in his attempts to frame the economic crisis as yet another example of why change is needed in Washington. McCain's campaign has met with a tougher sell when presenting the current economic problems as an example of why leadership and experience are so important in times of crisis.
Chris Cillizza
September 24, 2008; 12:28 PM ET
Categories: Eye on 2008
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An answer for you SKY Post Sept. 24 11:07 PM
Barack Obama sweetheart is a low key, low profile type of person. He does not need STUNT like McStupid just pulled on all of us about not going to the debate because he has "need" to have something to do with the Bailout Plan. HE KNOWS SH** If he really was concern about this economic chaos he should have not gone to that UN conference with world leaders. He could have just sent stupid no brain Sarah Palin in his place. Oh but he can not unleash her out there because the woman does not know SH** about world affairs.
FYI - Barack Obama from the very second the Senate & House meeting started with Paulson, Bernanke, Cox hearing, Barack Obama was in constant touch and meeting with the three key personnel, Paulson, Bernanke,Cox and President Bush. Obama was being brief every step of the way about the hearing. He was also an active participant to the negotiation of the Bailout with Paulson, Bernanke, & Cox considering he is well versed in matters of the law. The Democratic party was acting in one consonance with Barack Obama. Everyone seem to be forgetting that Mr. Obama is a high power Attorney and a brilliant Harvardian being that he was the past President of the world renowned Harvard Law Review. Mr. Obama's limited power on this hearing is out of his hand. He is not President yet. But Paulson, Bernanke & Cox are giving him the complete scenario of USA World Economic Problem so that when he becomes president as they expect him to be, there will be a continuance of the Bailout Plan and the Economic solution to USA's domestic economic problem. While McStupid is shaking hands with the leaders of the world at the UN, Barack Obama's attention was on the economic bailout solution. He was a contributing spine to the bailout.
Paulson, Bernanke, & Cox was not communicating with McStupid because McStupid to them is a lost cause, being he has no understanding whatsoever of economic issue and the devastating ramification of our grievious economic problem here at home affecting the world market.
Mr. Obama can multi task sweetheart. His gifted intellect for public speaking comes out natural to him. He has no need to perfect that. During this time in our economic disaster Barack Obama's concentration were mostly focus on reading tons of economic proposals of the hearing for the bailout, and providing legal advices as to how Paulson, Bernanke, Cox & President Bush need to proceed to put together an agreement that will get us out of this economic mess. Baracks Obama's barganing position on the bailout plan was his main concern about protecting the rights of the citizens & limiting the severance pay of the CEO's and many other reason with the same effect.
I hope I answered your question about what Barack Obama was doing during the emergency hearing of the Senate & House of Representative with Paulson, Bernanke, and Cox. Barack Obama at this point of time already has a complete understanding of our economic situation and its solution.
JOHN MCSTUPID DOES NOT KNOW SH** ABOUT WHAT HAD ALREADY TRANSPIRED DURING THE ECONOMIC BAILOUT HEARING. The very reason why he is so chicken to face the American people and more so to face Barack Obama himself. I would love to see him BS his way out in the debate.
Posted by: prudencerussell | September 26, 2008 6:33 AM | Report abuse
To MA......
Yes I agree with you. Maybe Sarah (no brain) Palin need to bring John McStupid to her Pastor Thomas Muthee, the witch doctor who perform a ritual for Sarah (DingDing) Palin to remove witchcraft from her. Maybe the Witch Doctor Muthee can ward off the sliding number in the poll for John McMoron. Maybe, witch Doctor Muthee can say the same prayers for McAncient to have more money and get McAncient in offce as President...maybe the cancer of John McImbecile can be cured by witch doctor Muthee..... maybe....maybe... Oh my gad! this can not be true. the witch doctor was invoking the name of Jesus Christ in his ritual of Sarah (no brain) Palin to remove the witchraft. How many more stupidity will we expect to come out of Palin-McCain campaign?
Posted by: prudencerussell | September 26, 2008 5:22 AM | Report abuse
McCain (AKA McStupid) need to retire. Senator Obama is right. The President is expected to multi-task. If I am applying for a job, almost always this question pop up during the interview. Our answer to this question must be yes. I wonder what answer would McCain (AKA McMoron) will give to this question?
He is applying for the highest position in the land. We the voters are the interviewer. Any prudent interviewer by the action shown by McStupid yesterday, requesting postponement of the debate, tells the interviewer that he can not do the job he aspires to be hired for.
The position of President requires quickness of action, split second decision, immediate solution to every phase of problem & responsibility that will present itself. The position of President requires equal attention, equal priority to any task as assigned. McCain (AKA McIdiot) I believe does not have the capacity to be able to do the job as President of the United States of America. If Mr. McCain (AKA McAncient) has need to "prioritize" his decision and responsibilities, it would be safe for me to assume, that when it comes to us, the citizen of this country, he probably will put us down at the bottom of the list among his priorities. Am I right?
His alibi that his first and foremost priority was the bailout plan, it is so poor excuse to get out of the debate. Yes, the debate, his initial interview with the citizen of this nation. Does he really believe that he can just ignore us? Like saying to us...later for you guys? Seriously, McCain (AKA McImbecile) probably think everybody in this country is stupid like him. Does he want the job or does he not want the job? If he does, he better be there in this important appointment (scheduled debate) of his lifetime.
Posted by: prudencerussell | September 26, 2008 4:56 AM | Report abuse
Posted by: Test | September 25, 2008 1:58 PM | Report abuse
What is wrong with John McCain's left eye? The eyelid is at half-mast these days while the right eye is unnaturally open and raised. Is this the sign of a minor stroke or a cancer-related nerve damage?
Or maybe he is just lying again.
Posted by: delta | September 25, 2008 12:25 PM | Report abuse
That would be voter stupidity MA.
Posted by: MA | September 25, 2008 11:32 AM | Report abuse
"However, I think most independent voters will react either by saying, 'I don't get it' or 'does he think we're stupid?'"
Voter stupididty is exactly what McCain is counting on. In fact, his entire campaign pretty much depends on it at this point.
The other problem with this scheme is it puts McCain back in the same "frame" as Bush.
Granted it does Obama too, but Obama doesn't have that most famous of photos, the one where McCain has his nose in Bush's armpit, hanging around his neck like an anchor. Not to mention McCain's own statement that he supported Bush 90 % of the time.
Posted by: MA | September 25, 2008 11:30 AM | Report abuse
Maybe Palin can hook McCain up with Thomas Muthee.
Muthee will ward off those evil poll taker spirits !
Posted by: MA | September 25, 2008 11:26 AM | Report abuse
McCain's move is a great piece of stagecraft. He notes he can't influence the bailout directly, but he can appear as a messiah. Plus, even the blind knows his polls are sagging and he's at a money disadvantage. However, I think most independent voters will react either by saying, 'I don't get it' or 'does he think we're stupid?'
Posted by: LES | September 25, 2008 10:18 AM | Report abuse
Look. The McCain campaign's dispute over that poll has to do with McCain's vast ego more than anything else. Like Bush, McCain does not have the sort of temperament that accepts a reality that does not comport with his outsized image of himself. His near manic efforts to demonize the media is also a reflection of this almost paranoid, delusional fixation that everything negative about his campaign and him is a creation by the media and not actually reflective of the state of mind of the public, which--again, according to his ego--adores him and wants him to be President.
Posted by: Jaxas | September 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Report abuse
McCain-Palin have nowhere to go now but down, and I will tell you exactly how this will happen. They can run away from President Bush, but they can't run away from the Republican Party. The Republicans will be regarded from now on as "the party that wrecked America." Over the weeks ahead, as carnage in the economy and the financial markets ramps up, it will become increasingly clear. It is important that this meme be spread through the internet. I urge all commentators to adopt and spread the idea that the Republicans are "the party that wrecked America." It will work because it is the truth. Use it freely. Just spread the word. Get the meme going.
Posted by: George | September 25, 2008 8:58 AM | Report abuse
I guess the truth hurts. I'm sure the McCain camp's internal numbers show this falling away from them.. Why else suspend your campaign and duck the debate with Obama to head back to Washington where he will just be in the way....
Posted by: Rick J | September 25, 2008 4:13 AM | Report abuse
I do not agree with what you wrote really....
please explain further a bit more for me :D
Posted by: zodiaclove | September 25, 2008 3:39 AM | Report abuse
More constant than bitter~
"On or about October 5, when Joseph Biden Jr drop out of the race for health reasons..."
It looks as though McCain may have beaten Joe to the punch, sucka!
Posted by: more honest than stupid | September 25, 2008 2:59 AM | Report abuse
5qЗаставляет задуматься!.0h Буду рад, если посетите мой сайт.!
Сайдинг - это материал, предназначенный для отделки фасадов жилых ?домов.Появился Сайдинг в 60-х годах прошлого века, и надежно ?зарекомендовал себя
Сайдинг Вологда 9z
Ламинат Kronostar 0q
Posted by: ламинат | September 25, 2008 2:55 AM | Report abuse
What is going on with McCain's eye in this pic. There are rumors going around that there is something up with his eye, and this may be the cause of the campaign being suspended and the debate delayed. Bell's Palsy?
I hope he is ok!
Posted by: What'supwiththeeye? | September 25, 2008 2:52 AM | Report abuse
Mccain has a spot on his blue dress.
Posted by: farscaper | September 25, 2008 2:16 AM | Report abuse
Posted by: nmurthy | September 25, 2008 1:03 AM | Report abuse
The wanta b Messiah needs the time to study and after all that's about he has ever done...Well, except vote present. Where's that birth certificate Senator Obama?
On or about October 5, when Joseph Biden Jr drop out of the race for health reasons and Obama selects Hilary maybe some of you will open the blind eyes and deaf ears. We voted her out once. Comon
Posted by: More constant than bitter | September 24, 2008 11:50 PM | Report abuse
HoosierDaddy, If you're going to attempt to quote scripture... GET IT RIGHT!!! The bibles is clear on "the love of money" however. It reads, For the LOVE of money is the root of ALL evil.
The scriptures also reads we cannot serve GOD & MAN..... We should serve NO MAN, only GOD. Get it?
Posted by: More constant than bitter | September 24, 2008 11:43 PM | Report abuse
If you look at those that use large samples, the margin is +2 to +3. As we all know polls with large samples are more accurate.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 11:22 PM | Report abuse
How come Obama can only do one thing at a time like getting ready for the debate..It's the usual thing..McCain did something and Obama gave a speech...Obama did absolutely nothing during his administration in the Senate. Obama can only do one thing at a time which is focusing on his speech making...I'm sick of all this Obama bias media hype too. John McCain is a great man and shows character..is dealing with 8 things at once, answers the call from the president...&.. Obama is a media hype fictional character that doesnt exist. He just doesnt exist except to makes speeches...but that's all he does...lol
Posted by: sky | September 24, 2008 11:07 PM | Report abuse
From the words of the Lord Jesus Christ:"You cannot serve both God and money."
Republicans:You are the new Sanhedrin;the Pharisees and the Sadducees that are condemned by the Truth.
Hell is real,isn't it?
Posted by: HoosierDaddy | September 24, 2008 9:44 PM | Report abuse
I can't believe how many in the closet racists there are posting here. Stop making up false connections between Barack Obama and Osama bin Laden and stop promulgating vicious untruths about Senator Obama. This county and all of you scared, white, gun-toting, bible-thumping hicks should be ashamed.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 8:14 PM | Report abuse
I am a loathsome, hateful, rich person who lives to deny opportunity to others who were not born Christian, white, or wealthy. I want everyone to vote for McCain so that I may continue to comfortably order my world according to these prejudices.
Posted by: Dianne72 | September 24, 2008 7:13 PM | Report abuse
THE ONE AND ONLY believes that, because he's running for president, he is no longer a senator. So, instead of working with his colleges in the senate to discuss a solution to this "crisis", as McCain is doing, The messiah wants to continue with his campaign.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 6:45 PM | Report abuse
mccain can run but he cant hide... he cancelled his campain to stop the debate because he is running scared... its his own fault picking palin, he can only blame himself.. americans are not stupid.
Posted by: david | September 24, 2008 6:29 PM | Report abuse
same policies
same policies
Posted by: Jonathan | September 24, 2008 6:18 PM | Report abuse
The Democrats DID NOT WANT to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.
It was the Democrats who pushed for deregulation.
A vote for the Democrats is a vote for continued disaster.
Posted by: Mark | September 24, 2008 4:46 PM
One vote on one bill proves nothing - except that they did not approve of that particular bill.
Deregulation has been a Republican project for 28 years - dismantling government oversight of food and drug standards, environmental protection, and the financial markets.
Ronald Reagan called for "smaller government" - and thanks to his followers, like McCain, we can agree that we now have a big disaster.
Posted by: ArmyBrat68 | September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Report abuse
5jСпасибо за интересную информацию!.4z Буду признателен, если посетите мой сайт.!
Сайдинг, металлочерепица, медная кровля
Сайдинг - это облицовочные панели, чаще всего выполненные из ПВХ.
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Ламинат подложка 4b
Posted by: ламинат | September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Report abuse
Now, why would i trust a Wapo/ ABC News poll?
We know they have consistently lied and refused to investigate Obama's link with Rezko and Ayers. Wapo has being on the Obama's campaign payroll for a long time.
That Wapo manipulates the poll's results is taken for granted.
No difference between them and the Wall Street crooks.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 5:51 PM | Report abuse
the blame game democrats
are treating you like children.
they will run your life for you,
their congress is a beacon of
reason and productivity.
nancy pelosi harry reid
bitter do nothing's
just like
our boy
Posted by: usa3 | September 24, 2008 5:46 PM | Report abuse
Watch out said:
Obama won't change much overseas, but his policies at home of trade renegotiation, higher taxes, more government spending, strategic-arms cuts, billions invested in subsidies to unproven energy sources, and less fossil fuel production are reminiscent of the Carter administration. They would make us weaker, and thus ultimately even less liked abroad — disdain being the stronger emotion than envy.
I beg to differ, my friend. While the rest of the industrialized world is making great strides in energy efficiency and alternative fuel choices, we here in America are sitting on our hands and staring at our toes. It is not envy that the world feels towards us- at least, not anymore. It is disdain that we can't get our act together and be sensible for once. All of this screaming about drilling, drilling, drilling for more oil obscures one immutable fact: there is only so much oil, and one day it will run out. Bet you won't be so ambivalent about your "unproven" alternatives then, will you?
Obama/Biden '08
Posted by: Sara | September 24, 2008 5:13 PM | Report abuse
Congressional leaders are already working for a bipartisan stand on the Wall Street rescue mission. If McCain goes to Washington and starts trying to manage things, the fact that he is a candidate for president will inevitably cause this effort to split up along party lines, thus defeating his announced purpose. Surely McCain realizes this, and the fact that he intends to go ahead with such an ill-considered idea reflects very badly on him.
Posted by: Carlos B | September 24, 2008 4:57 PM | Report abuse
Fox Poll? This has to be the first time liberals gave credence to anything from Fox.
The latest Gallup tracking poll has McCain cutting Obama's margin to 3% from a 6% lead just a few days ago. The latest Rasmussen tracking poll shows Obama with a 3% lead.
Posted by: Wylie | September 24, 2008 4:52 PM | Report abuse
The Democrats created this mess!
In 2003, the Bush administration wanted to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac... and the Democrats refused!
See this New York Times article from September 11, 2003...
There you have it.
The Democrats DID NOT WANT to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.
It was the Democrats who pushed for deregulation.
A vote for the Democrats is a vote for continued disaster.
Posted by: Mark | September 24, 2008 4:46 PM | Report abuse
McCain is clearly weak.
He also looks more criminal than just dishonest with his mortgage dereg, and his campaign manager ducking the press.
The press may not be reporting what they _think_ of the McCain campaign.
Obama should win the media over 100%
Posted by: Rtqii | September 24, 2008 4:23 PM | Report abuse
Barack Obama is one smart cookie. Obama people are out smarting Karl Rove plots.
Posted by: pay dirt | September 24, 2008 4:06 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 4:03 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: FREDDIE MAC | September 24, 2008 4:01 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: BOZO | September 24, 2008 3:53 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: WALL STREET | September 24, 2008 3:51 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: SITTING BULL | September 24, 2008 3:47 PM | Report abuse
McCain can dispute all the polls he wants; he's losing and he knows it. His gimmicky running mate is losing her luster and it's beginning to shine less and less.
Her 'debut' in New York got the "Bronx cheer' and didn't fool New Yorkers. Her handlers kept the Press out of the loop and she met in bubbles with world leaders who must be having a hard time from laughing outloud. But Pres. Karzai understood whom he was dealing with and showed her his baby's pictures. Pictures do tell a thousand words!
Trickster McCain, looking at the polls, decides to postpone the Friday debate. Does that mean that, should he become president, he would suspend his Presidency in order to attend to some particular crisis in order to show leadersip? Leadersip implies also the ability to multi-task several issues and problems at the same time.
He wants the time to help solve the $700 billion problem. But he only spoke for eleven minutes when he had the opportunity to address the problem at length.
Also, he has been touting deregulation for the 26 years he's been in Washington. He also helped banker Keating to bankrupt thousands of people of their life savings in the Savings and Loan debacle. Google "The Keating Five Scandal" and find out for yourself if you're too young to remember.
Obama's eloquence and grasp of economics afforded him to explain with clarity what is going on and show his support to the American people with the appropriate length of time required by the circumstances.
He is not needed in Washington now or ever!
Posted by: JoeG. | September 24, 2008 3:47 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: ME | September 24, 2008 3:39 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: MEDIA | September 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Report abuse
I teach an area called "International Political Economy," which covers this area of the local and global economy very well. I too would concur the issue is about de-regulation. I would however start with Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush II in terms of where it began and continued. The grand mother of these ideas is of course Maggie Thatcher.
You would be correct in thinking I am on balance more interested in regulation, even if it cost a bit of growth. I think of regulation as the brake that holds a runaway truck of capitalism. Without its forward momentum, there is no growth, but when it is out of control, it wrecks.
The correct way to assess these two Presidential candidates is on what they did do as policy makers.
I did a bit of this in February, 2008 as I tried to understand the two Democrats in terms of regulation, knowing most are really not reliable as they think of the market not as a major danger, but as a panacea. (I already know the positions of the Republicans on this as being anti-regulation.)
To my earlier analysis, I would add that Obama is showing signs of wanting to go with Paulson, but then without the re-regulation, I doubt that he can vote for the bill under consideration. That explains his stance. His hesitation is a good one, in my view. That kind of leader is one who will listen to experts.
To be fair, a three page bill that says in fine print that it is a blank check is a shocker for anyone! Even the people read this one, as we see the flood of protest letter being faced into SOB Hart, Dirksen, etc.
As a political economist, I would stake my reputation to say that the US Congress needs to debate this issue much more. Cancel recess, and get the experts in. It is way too important for a fly-by-night, under the radar policy, as it cannot be repealed: once the money is spent, that is it.
At least in the other areas, such as the Patriot Act, we can debate it after the fact, and try to correct the excesses. But when you spend tax payer money down a black hole, it is not possible to get it back.
The reason I have real name here, etc., is that I am concerned about US power very much. That is what I do professionally. Without effective US power the world is toast. Imagine the Chinese running it? Ha! Sure errors were made in Vietnam, Iraq, etc., but that is why we have elections, and that is why democracy is good. In 50 years the Chinese have never left Tibet, and 20 years from now they will have taken Taiwan and Kazakstan. (Eh, you say. Look up Kazakstan's people and resources—they country is not what only appeared in Borat the movie.)
Posted by: J. Jayman | September 24, 2008 3:32 PM | Report abuse
So McCain will actually show up for his day job. Wouldn't a possible vote be the second roll call vote McCain will have been available for this year?
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 3:24 PM | Report abuse
Mccains handlers hve said Mccain is sleeping too much and they don't know why he will not rehearse for the debate. I think he wants out of it if he can find a way.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 3:18 PM
Posted by: pop a smoke | September 24, 2008 3:23 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: DR. PHIL | September 24, 2008 3:22 PM | Report abuse
Nice try McCain. You don't draw all this media attention to an "outlier". You ignore it and move on.
Between pushing this poll, running from the debates and hiding Sarah Palin away in a tower like Rapunzel...what exactly is the McCain strategy again? Go to sleep and wake up Nov 5?
Posted by: Cal | September 24, 2008 3:21 PM | Report abuse
This administration has cost each American about $10,000 but instead of taxing us they borrowed the money from places like China.
another clueless Lib weighs in on economics.
first, about half of americans don't pay federal taxes at all and for the most part the upper 10% pay all of them.
second, borrowing money is an economic decision. It is understood (not by Libs I will grant you) that the borrower has a better purpose for the money and needs it now. they are willing to pay the interest. If you don't want it, don't borrow. But, to give one quick example, borrowing for the war results in a safer America, one that your children can inhabit and work in without the threat of getting blown up at the office. how much is that worth to you?
Posted by: kingofzouk | September 24, 2008 3:21 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: DR. PHIL | September 24, 2008 3:20 PM | Report abuse
Debate this issue, John, like a presumptive president. America needs to see what you are truly made of. Now, I think we see. John McCain is a coward. Run away, John.
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 3:18 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 3:18 PM | Report abuse
Nice try, George in Cincy. Those are contributions by individual employees. If you look at the donations from the OFFICERS and LOBBYISTS of Freddie/Fannie, you'll note that McCain received at least double the highest amount of any Democrat. I know facts are troublesome things for the right wing, but we're sick of you people running this country into the ground with your BS.
Posted by: bluegrasser | September 24, 2008 3:15 PM | Report abuse
"You people aren't really that stupid are you? "AsperGirl" is obviously a right-wing troll. "
You obviously don't hang around these comment boards much huh? :P
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 3:14 PM | Report abuse
You people aren't really that stupid are you? "AsperGirl" is obviously a right-wing troll.
Posted by: bluegrasser | September 24, 2008 3:12 PM | Report abuse
My internal poll of the Monopoly Guy, a bank president, and the Keating Five, shows that McCain will surely win and $700 Billion of taxpayer money will cheer up Wall Street.
Meanwhile, we should argue about whether reporters are "biased" or FDR went on TV in 1929 because ANYTHING IS BETTER FOR MCCAIN THAN LOOKING AT THE ECONOMY.
Posted by: zorg | September 24, 2008 3:11 PM | Report abuse
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Democrats
Published by Lindsay Renick Mayer on July 16, 2008 5:27 PM
The federal government recently announced that it will come to the rescue of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, two embattled mortgage buyers that for years have pursued a lobbying strategy to get lawmakers on their side. Both companies have poured money into lobbying and campaign contributions to federal candidates, parties and committees as a general tactic, but they've also directed those contributions strategically. In the 2006 election cycle, Fannie Mae was giving 53 percent of its total $1.3 million in contributions to Republicans, who controlled Congress at that time. This cycle, with Democrats in control, they've reversed course, giving the party 56 percent of their total $1.1 million in contributions. Similarly, Freddie Mac has given 53 percent of its $555,700 in contributions to Democrats this cycle, compared to the 44 percent it gave during 2006.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have also strategically given more contributions to lawmakers currently sitting on committees that primarily regulate their industry. Fifteen of the 25 lawmakers who have received the most from the two companies combined since the 1990 election sit on either the House Financial Services Committee; the Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee; or the Senate Finance Committee. The others have seats on the powerful Appropriations or Ways & Means committees, are members of the congressional leadership or have run for president. Sen.Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) chairman of the Senate banking committee, has received the most from Fannie and Freddie's PACs and employees ($133,900 since 1989). Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) has received $65,500. Kanjorski chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, and Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs.
Top Recipients of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Campaign Contributions, 1989-2008
Name Office Party/State Total
1. Dodd, Christopher J S D-CT $133,900
2. Kerry, John S D-MA $111,000
3. Obama, Barack S D-IL $105,849
4. Clinton, Hillary S D-NY $75,550
5. Kanjorski, Paul E H D-PA $65,500
6. Bennett, Robert F S R-UT $61,499
7. Johnson, Tim S D-SD $61,000
8. Conrad, Kent S D-ND $58,991
9. Davis, Tom H R-VA $55,499
10. Bond, Christopher S 'Kit' S R-MO $55,400
11. Bachus, Spencer H R-AL $55,300
12. Shelby, Richard C S R-AL $55,000
13. Emanuel, Rahm H D-IL $51,750
14. Reed, Jack S D-RI $50,750
15. Carper, Tom S D-DE $44,389
16. Frank, Barney H D-MA $40,100
17. Maloney, Carolyn B H D-NY $38,750
18. Bean, Melissa H D-IL $37,249
19. Blunt, Roy H R-MO $36,500
20. Pryce, Deborah H R-OH $34,750
21. Miller, Gary H R-CA $33,000
22. Pelosi, Nancy H D-CA $32,750
23. Reynolds, Tom H R-NY $32,700
24. Hoyer, Steny H H D-MD $30,500
25. Hooley, Darlene H D-OR $28,750
Includes contributions from PACs and individuals.
2008 cycle totals based on data downloaded from the
Federal Election Commission on June 30, 2008.
Posted by: George in Cincy | September 24, 2008 3:11 PM | Report abuse
No, I am not saying lesbians are a race. I am saying she is like every other democrat who uses something to try to benefit them, an example is race.
Hope this clarifies that for you
Posted by: Mike | September 24, 2008 3:11 PM | Report abuse
I was strongly behind Sarah Palin (because she's hot and has a lesbian movie from a long time ago). But now since I heard McCain has dementia it's a little scary. It's Obama for me and my life partner now.
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 3:11 PM | Report abuse
"I suppose the Obama lead will melt away the day after the debate. um, uh, well, like, you know, come on, is not going to go over well with thinking voters. the Lib base will not care. they will continue to chant: "big Government, High taxes" Rah, rah."
Posted by: king of zouk
You know king, every American is about to be "taxed" for this mess to the tune of about $2500 per person, not to mention the tax for the Iraq war, about $3000, not to mention all the borrowing republicans have done to make the government bigger, like DHS. This administration has cost each American about $10,000 but instead of taxing us they borrowed the money from places like China.
So while Democrats tax and spend, republicans borrow and spend. They just pass the cost onto your children so you feel rich while being heavily in debt, a debt your children will inherit. Democrats think that is a lousy way to run a country. Do you agree or are you a borrow and spend republican?
The republicans had control of this country for 6 years, all houses, and still spent more than the craziest democrat. So just stop with the tax and spend label. Its so worn out, not to mention, a lie.
Posted by: Fate | September 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Report abuse
OMG, McCain is going back to Washington to "fix" the economy? Please, no, don't let him near it. He and Phil Gramm have done enough already. I don't think we could survive any more of McCain's "help" on the economy.
Posted by: bluegrasser | September 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Report abuse
I too can spend every penny I get my hands on:
If a candidate for high office does a spectacularly poor job in managing his own family's finances, why on earth should we trust him in a national leadership position at a time of acute economic crisis?
Senator Joe Biden's recently disclosed tax returns display a consistent pattern of poor judgment and shabby values that ought to disqualify him for the vice presidency or any other post of significant responsibility.
Over the course of ten years (1998 through 2007) the Bidens averaged an adjusted gross income of $245,000 – placing them uncomfortably close to that threshold of $250,000 a year that Senator Obama considers "wealthy" and deserving of sharply increased taxes. In several years during the last decade Biden and his educator wife Jill definitely entered into that privileged territory, reporting income of $319,853 last year (and even more in 2005).
Despite this impressive revenue stream (including a recent six-figure advance for his unreadable—and unread – memoir "Promises to Keep"), Senator Biden has managed to save almost nothing for his own retirement of to benefit his children and grandchildren. In 2007, when announcing his second presidential bid, he reported a total net worth of $100,000 to $150,000, making him the least prosperous member of the U.S. Senate. As the Washington Post sympathetically observed: "Biden has spent virtually his whole life in public service and does not have much else aside from a small array of mutual funds and cash accounts." In June of 2008, he even listed significant liabilities including a loan up to $50,000 against his life insurance policy and line of credit indebtedness of more than $100,000 to the Wilmington Savings Fund Society.
I promise to do pretty much the same to the entire countries finances.
Posted by: Joe Biden | September 24, 2008 3:09 PM | Report abuse
"Why would you feel it necessary to say your a lesbian? Sounds like other democrats using race as a wildcard"
Ok, maybe I'm misinterpreting this, but are you saying that lesbians are a race?
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 3:08 PM | Report abuse
I agree Mike - seems like Aspergirl is trying to use her status to get ahead, like everyother democrat.
Maybe she has a secret crush on Palin and doesn't want to admit to it
Posted by: ruralgirl | September 24, 2008 3:08 PM | Report abuse
Fox now has Obama up by six. So, if the poll is off, it's unlikely off by much.
McCain needs to stop complaining and stop spewing socialism, or all is lost.
Now, there's a report that he wants to postpone the first debate. Does this man want to lose that badly?
Posted by: info | September 24, 2008 3:08 PM | Report abuse
I disagree with you Aspergirl - I think you will be very suprised in November when McCain is elected.
Why would you feel it necessary to say your a lesbian? Sounds like other democrats using race as a wildcard
Posted by: Mike | September 24, 2008 3:07 PM | Report abuse
I think McCain is smart and honorable to try to fix the problems of Wall Street that effect everyday Main Street. Why campaign and spend millions of dollars each day when the country is in financial shambles. I wish Obama would smarten up and think about the country before himself
Posted by: Tom | September 24, 2008 3:05 PM | Report abuse
Obama will never be president - he has no experience - people of America are smarter than that!
Posted by: Michael | September 24, 2008 3:01 PM
Sorry, you are wrong. The polls show how wrong you are. Lesbians like me will be proud to put this country back on the right course. No way No How No McCain!!!
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 3:04 PM | Report abuse
The response of the McCain campaign (and knuckleheaded posters here) to the decline in the polls is instructive. Rather than discuss the real issues that concern Americans, the McCain camp wants to focus on "personality" which they define as faux-sexism, lipstick, and bogus charges of Chicago cronyism.
Fortunately, the American people are much smarter than the duds employed by McCain. We want to hear from the candidates about the financial crisis, about how to fix the mortgage meltdown, about how to raise America's standing in the world community, about how to get our troops out of Iraq.
Obama is talking about all of these issues in a way that is calm, sensible, fact-based, confident and intelligent. In a word, he seems presidential.
McCain, bless his little brain, is so consumed by visions of revenge, retaliation, aggression, and attack, that he is unable to think clearly. His true deregulator's soul is troubled with the lies that are daily spurting from his mouth about being FOR government regulation of Wall Street. He is lying and he knows it and we know it.
Posted by: dee | September 24, 2008 3:03 PM | Report abuse
"Obama will never be president - he has no experience - people of America are smarter than that!"
Actually, you would think that after the countless amounts of energy put forth into showing his experience time and time again, that people such as yourself would start to catch on that this lie is no longer valid. But then again, watching the GOP spout the same lies over and over even after proven to be false, I can't say I'm extremely surprised.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 3:03 PM | Report abuse
John McCain has said he is suspending his campaign to devote all his efforts to work on bailout
He has called on Obama to do the same
you can bet Obama will talk nice but never act. same as it ever was.
Posted by: news flash | September 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Report abuse
I see now that McCain has suspended his campaign and called off the debate on Friday -- translation: he doesn't have the slightest idea of what to do and figures Obama is going to just nail him for his past support of the policies that created this mess.
Posted by: mibrooks27 | September 24, 2008 3:02 PM | Report abuse
Obama will never be president - he has no experience - people of America are smarter than that!
Posted by: Michael | September 24, 2008 3:01 PM | Report abuse
My life partner and I are now voting for Barak Obama and NOT John McCain. Too bad my Mom (who died from a lifetime of alcoholism and drug abuse) isn't here to see this.
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Report abuse
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 1:46 PM
Holding Barak responsible for the comments of his pastor is like holding a the mother responsible for her teenage daughters pregnancy.
That is about the dumbest analogy I have ever read.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Report abuse
I have been to conventions and state parties - the democratic party is not united and most are ashamed of the candidate - it truly is sad
Posted by: Unhappy Democrat | September 24, 2008 3:00 PM | Report abuse
I suppose the Obama lead will melt away the day after the debate. um, uh, well, like, you know, come on, is not going to go over well with thinking voters. the Lib base will not care. they will continue to chant: "big Government, High taxes" Rah, rah.
Posted by: king of zouk | September 24, 2008 2:59 PM | Report abuse
The Republicans rant on and on about deregulation for 8 years, deregulating everything they can get their hands on, and after they get the Wild-West markets they so wanted, the markets fail.
So what do they do? Refuse to take the blame, and tell us that we need their "experience" to right the problem THEY created.
The American public is not that stupid, and we don't appreciate being treated like a bunch of suckers. This is a Republican mess - and it's going to result in a Democratic Congress and Democratic as President....
Posted by: edsbowlingshoe | September 24, 2008 2:59 PM | Report abuse
Of course McCain does not agree with polls showing him down. He's a republican, to whom reality is only accepted if it is good, and if it is not good, fantasy is substituted. That's how we got WMD that did not exist, Iraqis attacking on 911 that did not exist, no global warming when the evidence was clear, and a "no thank you to that bridge to nowhere" that was never spoken.
Republicans speak lies when truth is inconvenient. McCain is a life-long republican. Why is McCain's problem with reality and truth so hard to understand?
The real problem is the 30% of brainless Americans who swallow the lies completely. I mean, they still think Bush is doing a great job! What will it take? No job, no home and a vanished nest egg to get their attention? Well, its on its way thanks to your friendly no-fat-cat-left-behind republicans.
Posted by: Fate | September 24, 2008 2:58 PM | Report abuse
Uh Oh, McBush just soiled his depends reading the latest poll results.
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 2:56 PM | Report abuse
"Unless THE ONE can pull ahead by at least five points, color him gone."
Since the new Faux News poll has him up six, I'll color him president.
Posted by: Sarah Palin is Harriett Miers with a nice rack | September 24, 2008 2:55 PM | Report abuse
I'm fed up with John McSame and those nasty republicans. They destroyed our economy and lied us into war. No to a Bush third term!!!!
Posted by: AsperGirl | September 24, 2008 2:55 PM | Report abuse
Get ready you krazy Krackers!!! Hail to the Chief: Barack Obama!!!
Maybe you should move.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:52 PM | Report abuse
Obama is too smart to believe he is in the clear. He hasn't done enough to convince the American electorate that he will provide an effective way out of the mess. On the other hand, McCain seems to be trying to "thread the needle" with a populist oriented message. He might pull it off, but my guess is that he will be sunk by the inherent contradiction between populist rhetoric and "reformer" instincts (e.g., railing against lobbyists and corporate welfare, when his core advisers are lobbyists; asking for more regulation when he is a Reagan deregulator and budget-cutter; lambasting Bush and his administration, when he voted with them 90%, etc, etc.)
Posted by: Time after time | September 24, 2008 2:51 PM | Report abuse
For "anonymous" Georgetown = ECPI Technical College.
What a moron!
Posted by: Morons are fun! | September 24, 2008 2:50 PM | Report abuse
"I have a PhD from Georgetown and I doubt you got past a secondary trade school. Michelle Shaniqua Obama got where she is today because of affirmative action. She has "whitey" to thank for that."
Flashing your "qualifications" around does nothing but show me that you're trying to inflate yourself. Sad to say, I could care less what degrees you may have earned. Although, if you care to tell me your name, I would be glad to check your qualifications right now, seeing as that is my job. ;)
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Report abuse
Dianne72 has been posting racist comments about Michelle Obama on The Fix.
I really think Chris ought to block her.
Or maybe another member of the KKK should post.
Posted by: Dianne71 | September 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Report abuse
CC - the national polls are irrelevant. so what if every last liberal in CA and NY support THE ONE. they still only get those two states. It means that McCain has a better broad support in the other states. when an election is this close all the way down to the wire, count on a lot of undecided voters to pull the lever for Mccain - the dependable one, when they face god in the booth. and then there is the Bradley effect among Dems. add another point or five to McCains advantage. and the well established Lib poll bias, adds another 3-5 points.
Unless THE ONE can pull ahead by at least five points, color him gone.
Posted by: kingofzouk | September 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Report abuse
Palin's popularity is dropping like a rock in Alaska.
A significant poll just came out last night. Pollster Ivan Moore released survey results from Sept. 20-22 of 500 likely Alaskan voters. Palin's favorable/unfavorable ratings are now 68/27.
On Aug. 30-Sept. 2, they were 82-13.
So, since she was named a VP candidate, her unfavorable ratings in her own state have DOUBLED. I'm sure this is largely due to her stonewalling on Troopergate, numerous lies repeated publicly, and the way she turned our state over to McCain's lawyers.
National voters, take note. If she's tanking with her own constituents, what does that tell you?
You can read more on the Politics Blog at the Anchorage Daily News, www.adn.com.
Posted by: Bluedog AK | September 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Report abuse
emily please do something about your overlapping fleshy folds. they are unsightly at best.
Posted by: Dianne72 | September 24, 2008 2:47 PM | Report abuse
It's exciting to see Senator Obama taking the lead. He will be a GREAT president. This won't be a surprise though because - He's already a talented senator, good father, intelligent lawyer, excellent teacher, gifted speaker, beautiful writer, caring community leader, thoughtful husband and strong campaigner. President Obama will be one of the best leaders this world has ever seen. I invite you to help the campaign - by visiting his website - http://www.BarackObama.com - and join us on the road to change. Yes We Can!
Obama-Biden '08!
Posted by: Allen | September 24, 2008 2:47 PM | Report abuse
Dear Xander,
I have a PhD from Georgetown and I doubt you got past a secondary trade school. Michelle Shaniqua Obama got where she is today because of affirmative action. She has "whitey" to thank for that.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:46 PM | Report abuse
Hey "Unhappy Democrat"
..I left the party because of the racists and and misandrists pushing the party dinasaurs.
Democratic Party Members are the most excited and energized they have been since Kennedy now that Obama is the nominee and leading in the polls.
If Obama can push the weak dinasaurs like Reid, Pelosi, and Jesse Jackson to the back benches in favor of new, younger, pro-active, and modern leaders I might even join the party again.
Posted by: JBE | September 24, 2008 2:45 PM | Report abuse
"Palin has energized so many - watch out in November when every vote counts (except where the democrats try to block votes or in Florida where the machines probably won't work)"
Yes, because the debacle in Ohio and Florida the last 8 years was obviously not the fault of the Republicans. /end sarcasm
The Republicans have already been busted for caging. They have been sending out absentee voter registration forms with incorrect return addresses to thousands. In some states it's been shown as only being sent to Democrats and Independent voters. Maybe you should look at your own party's faults before trying to blame someone else.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:44 PM | Report abuse
Wow...McCain sure is getting HAMMERED in the polls! Guess all you racist pos better try harder.
That Palin lesbi an video probably won't help either.
Posted by: Palin gives great head | September 24, 2008 2:43 PM | Report abuse
The only poll that counts is on election day:
McCain 49%
Obama 44%
Posted by: Sarah | September 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Report abuse
Shut up you stupid bigot. Michelle Obama has 2 ivy league degrees and I'll bet you had to get a GED. Your racism and your envy is showing.
Obama-Biden 08!
Posted by: emily | September 24, 2008 2:39 PM | Report abuse
There is no reason to argue with Dianne72. She has continuously proved her prejudice against the black community.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:38 PM | Report abuse
Polls are never accurate - look at history! I am glad we have a real choice this year and can vote for change!
McCain is a man that can lead this country through the difficult times we are enduring.
Palin has energized so many - watch out in November when every vote counts (except where the democrats try to block votes or in Florida where the machines probably won't work)
Posted by: American Mom | September 24, 2008 2:37 PM | Report abuse
"I disagree - Why has McCain continually been elected? He is the best thing that has happened to our state. He makes us proud!"
He may have been a great Senator. I agree that until around 10 years ago he was a good man. But he has changed. He has gone against everything he used to stand for and has become his party's lapdog. This is not the McCain that was such a powerful force in Washington. This is the reinvented John "Mr. GOP" McCain.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:36 PM | Report abuse
McCain's campaign insists 'The election is about personality, not issues'.
..Then McCain's deregulated chickens came home to roost... Just like they did when he was personally responsible for the "Keating 5" scandal that caused the first Savings and Loan disaster/bailout in the 1980's.
Oops. Now it happens again, and again McCain's "hands-off" de-regulation policy votes are to blame...along with greedy business leaders.
"Issues" AKA "REALITY" matters more than the personality of a vapid, if sexy NEO-CON who forces victims of rape and incest to keep their unwanted pregnancy.
Posted by: JBE | September 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Report abuse
Dianne72 wrote:
"[I]was listening to NPR yesterday and this black show called "Tell Me More" was on. The woman who is the host is very ghetto and pro reparations for slavery. She says she is in agreement with Michelle Shaniqua Obama's stance on the matter and that blacks "will get what is owed to them" when Mr. Obama is in the White House. I would like to see that happen. It will never get through congress and besides that, the country will be almost broke trying bail out Wall Street."
Just because you don't like someone or their politics, you don't have the right to slur them and call them unsavory names. Shame on you.
Michele Obama is a world class and smart wife/mother who i may say is better than your mother because you mother failed to teach you some basic lessons growing up.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:35 PM | Report abuse
I have never been so glued to the TV watching this election!
Go McCain/Palin!
Posted by: Jake | September 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Report abuse
I disagree - Why has McCain continually been elected? He is the best thing that has happened to our state. He makes us proud!
Posted by: Arizona for McCain | September 24, 2008 2:31 PM | Report abuse
McCain for USA: Glad you liked the joke.
I received it this morning from a GOP stalwart in of all places - NY! I've already told him we libs have NY locked up so we've effectively disenfranchised him!
He gets even with the joke du'jure.
Posted by: toritto | September 24, 2008 2:31 PM | Report abuse
It's a forgone conclusion that this mess was created by the GOP, beginning with the deregulation of the S&Ls and the Keating 5 (which included John McCain).
Posted by: Phxflyer | September 24, 2008 2:20 PM
You wacky Libs really don't understand anything about economics, but you seem to have the chanting thing down.
deregulation actually spread the risk around and made this problem better then it could have been. the mess stems from the Lib congress insisting that loans be made to bad risk individuals, a typical Lib approach that the market would never endorse. It was called the commuinity reinvenstment act and was speaheaded by ACORN, a radical rascist and criminal group with memebrs of, you guessed it, Obama's cohort in the lead. This was his first job out of college.
so if anyone is to blame, it is the big government approach to interfering with markets and the liberal goal of supporting the unsuccessful. the Obama policy will bring us all down into the mud so we can feel better about being equal.
Posted by: kingofzouk | September 24, 2008 2:30 PM | Report abuse
Sarah Palin believes we're in the End of Days? Wow...I didn't know that. I'm not ready for Armageddon yet! I was going to vote for McCain but looks like Obama it's going to be.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:28 PM
You have to watch this, she is actually nuts.
Pray for sarah
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:30 PM | Report abuse
The period in your first sentence is the only outlier I see. C'mon, Chris, keep it inside the quotation marks!
I kid because I love.
Posted by: John in Mpls | September 24, 2008 2:30 PM | Report abuse
You missed one:
DCMOM sucks next door neighbor's dick while husband's at work
Posted by: John | September 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Report abuse
Regarding the poll, the Republican's have demonstrated again that they are whiners. Rather than take real responsibility, they always blame others for their failings.
And to Mort: loved your "transcript" of the Kissinger and Palin meeting. Might even be true. Life is really tough when you have determine where two Georgia's are located instead of just one.
Posted by: Peter | September 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Report abuse
I agree - I have never seen such unhappiness with a candidate as there is in the democrat party with Obama.
Posted by: Unhappy Democrat | September 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Report abuse
McCain knows all about bailing out rich bankers and screwing over middle class and poor people, he's been doing it for years.
*McCain - Founding Member of the Keating Five:
McCain was one of the "Keating Five," congressmen investigated on ethics charges for strenuously helping convicted racketeer Charles Keating after he gave them large campaign contributions and vacation trips.
Charles Keating was convicted of racketeering and fraud in both state and federal court after his Lincoln Savings & Loan collapsed, costing the taxpayers $3.4 billion. His convictions were overturned on technicalities; for example, the federal conviction was overturned because jurors had heard about his state conviction, and his state charges because Judge Lance Ito (yes, that judge) screwed up jury instructions. Neither court cleared him, and he faces new trials in both courts.)
Though he was not convicted of anything, McCain intervened on behalf of Charles Keating after Keating gave McCain at least $112,00 in contributions. In the mid-1980s, McCain made at least 9 trips on Keating's airplanes, and 3 of those were to Keating's luxurious retreat in the Bahamas. McCain's wife and father-in-law also were the largest investors (at $350,000) in a Keating shopping center; the Phoenix New Times called it a "sweetheart deal."
Here's some more Keating 5 straight-talk, my friends:
Posted by: ZappoDave | September 24, 2008 2:29 PM | Report abuse
Are they going to dispute today's Fox News poll which has Obama up 6?
Posted by: RollaMO | September 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Report abuse
Sarah Palin believes we're in the End of Days? Wow...I didn't know that. I'm not ready for Armageddon yet! I was going to vote for McCain but looks like Obama it's going to be.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Report abuse
What's new with OBLAMA today?
Recent Posts
Unbelievable: Bill Clinton Endorsed McCain with Style on "The View"
Anti-Iran Rally Turns Into Anti-Obama Rally
Obama Yells at an Elderly Woman Questioning Him About National Security.
Obama staff leaves North Dakota
Palin draws crowd of 60,000 in The Villages
Posted by: DCMOM | September 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Report abuse
Obama Junkie asks
"I am not into polls. Let me get this right, sampling of 300 to 900 people represents a voting electorate that numbers in the 110 million to 130 million range?!"
Yes, statistically speaking, a sample of 400 or so people will reliably represent what the electorate as a whole are feeling 95% of the time. As the McCain campaign notes, 5% of the time (give or take), polls will produce non-representative results - i.e. the 'outlier'.
Posted by: bsimon | September 24, 2008 2:28 PM | Report abuse
what!! macaine is boning a gay guy me no vote for that even if palling is super hottie with beehive and sexie welding glasses. no macaine homo im not voting
sined- a lifelong republican
Posted by: d miner | September 24, 2008 2:27 PM | Report abuse
as an Arizonian let me say to all those who are voting for McCain on experience...oh please.
For 26 years he has been our Senator and done almost nothing but pose and call himself Maverick.
His experience is strictly focused on getting re-elected not actually governing
Posted by: tinat | September 24, 2008 2:27 PM | Report abuse
My family is all democrats. My dad has served as the chairman of the county party - we are all fed up with the poor representation that Obama is giving us. We agree, sometimes you need to vote for the best candidate, thats why we are joining many independents and democrats and voting McCain, who seems to have a clue
Posted by: Sausha | September 24, 2008 2:27 PM | Report abuse
McCain doesn't understand that many voters are leery of electing a 72-year-old President whose erratic behavior and off-the-wall pronouncements ("The economy is fundamentally sound!")("Bomb bomb bomb Iran")("Chelsea Clinton is so ugly because she is the love child of Hilary and Janet Reno") may well be the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Especially if the VP is a religous fanatic who thinks that dinosaurs walked the earth 6000 years ago, and who never set foot outside of North America until just last year!
Posted by: Hugh Briss | September 24, 2008 2:27 PM | Report abuse
snOjob - The reason becomes clear if you look at the amount being raised and spent by the Republican party & McCain. The RNC has a tens of millions advantage over the DNC and is co-sponsoring advertisement. McCain is effectively spending a lot more than $84 million.
Posted by: Fairlington Blade | September 24, 2008 2:25 PM | Report abuse
Why is John McCain's Cheif of Staff a bone smoking gay guy? As an Evangelical I could never vote for a candidate who condoned that sort of activity. Looks like it's Obama for me!
Posted by: Nate | September 24, 2008 2:25 PM | Report abuse
Kinda scary that Leiberman keeps showing up with McCain. Who is it that didn't get the message that his presence doesn't send a good message? Creepy.
Posted by: George | September 24, 2008 2:23 PM | Report abuse
McCain sucks. I'm voting for Obama and so are most of my republican friends. McCain, and especially Palin, are just an embarrasment.
Posted by: Unhappy Republican | September 24, 2008 2:23 PM | Report abuse
toritto ,
I loved the joke - so true of democrats sitting around for 4 years saying lots of stuff, but doing nothing!
Posted by: McCain for US! | September 24, 2008 2:23 PM | Report abuse
As a lifelong Republican I was all for voting for John McCain. But after picking the most unqualified candidate in US history as well as the latest scandals involving Rick Davis (proven to be a crook) and Mark Buse (Gay) I feel I have no choice but to pull the lever for Barack Obama now.
Posted by: Sam | September 24, 2008 2:23 PM | Report abuse
Kissinger: It is a pleasure to meet you, Governor Palin.
Palin: Right back atcha, Hank.
Kissinger: I usually prefer people to call me "Henry" but you may call me "Hank."
Palin: Well, that's mighty white of you, Hank. Say, are you one of them Jews?
Kissinger: I beg your pardon?
Palin: You know, one of them Jews. Are you a Jew?
Kissinger: I was the last time I checked.
Palin: Oh, that's wonderful. I love the work your people do, but I must admit I am not happy with your control of the media.
Kissinger: Would you like to discuss the crisis in Georgia?
Palin: You betcha. I am ready to lead. I always wanted to go to Georgia, but I hear there are a lot of Negroes there. And Mexicans.
Kissinger: Georgia the Country, not Georgia the State.
Palin: I'm sorry, I didn't get that. To be honest, I can't stop thinking about killing a moose. It is SO much fun.
Posted by: Mort | September 24, 2008 2:22 PM | Report abuse
was listening to NPR yesterday and this black show called "Tell Me More" was on. The woman who is the host is very ghetto and pro reparations for slavery. She says she is in agreement with Michelle Shaniqua Obama's stance on the matter and that blacks "will get what is owed to them" when Mr. Obama is in the White House. I would like to see that happen. It will never get through congress and besides that, the country will be almost broke trying bail out Wall Street.
Posted by: Dianne72 | September 24, 2008 2:22 PM | Report abuse
Wonder if it is true that the actual candidate that bumps off mutual opponent will win in November regardless of issues and poll numbers?
Will GOP use Guiliani-like mob ties like the ones used by his protege Bernard Kerik, ex-NYPD commissioner who may be jailed up to 140 years to do the dirty work? According to above article, does it appear that Kerik is already getting a sweetheart exchange deal where his charges may be dropped in exchange for his bumping off mutual opponent while real culprits go unsuspected? Or will Gotti, Jr. be offered the same deal as he too is trying to get his conspiracy and murder charges dropped too?
Will Dems use an OJ Simpson-like, black convict with jail time? It is reported that OJ is trying to get his robbery and kidnapping charges in Vegas dropped against him too yesterday so he may be available also.
Given this information, will we have to worry about our personal safety too? For example, will our car be tampered? Are we safe in the middle of the night inside our home as our habits and plans are known in advanced due to bugging devices?
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Report abuse
As A lifelong Republican I was all for voting for John McCain. But after picking the most unqualified candidate in US history as well as the latest scandals involving Rick Davis (proven to be a crook) and Mark Buse (Gay) I feel I have no choice but to pull the lever for Barack Obama now.
Posted by: Sam | September 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Report abuse
The Fix writes
"[The McCain] campaign convened a conference call today insisting that the survey was an "outlier". ... Bill McInturff, the lead pollster for McCain, insisted that the campaign's internal data showed none of the "volatility" present in recent public polling, arguing that the race has been within the margin of error for the last several weeks."
Is it normal to hold a conference call in order to argue a poll is an outlier? It seems to me they are risking another "the economy is fundamentally strong" moment, if other polls subsequently confirm a trend.
I think Senator McCain is going to need to shake up his campaign, again.
Posted by: bsimon | September 24, 2008 2:21 PM | Report abuse
NH is very much a swing state - always has been - that is why both parties have been up here campaigning so hard.
I agree with the others, this democrat is also voting republican - McCain has the experience and can lead us better. Sometimes you have to vote for the best candidate, not by your party selection
Posted by: NH Democrat | September 24, 2008 2:20 PM | Report abuse
Democrat Barack Obama's campaign has budgeted $39 million to win Florida, and that's just one of several "robust" set asides for swing states, campaign manager David Plouffe told supporters in a fundraising appeal this month.
That figure alone explains why Barack Obama decided to forgo taxpayer money for his general election campaign.
Simply put: His strategy for winning requires a bigger budget than public money would allow.
I have finally found something I can actually call an accomplishment of mine - spending your money like crazy. I am very proud to finally have something. Look forward to more of the same if you elect me.
Posted by: snObama | September 24, 2008 2:20 PM | Report abuse
Nice try factchecker, but you can't re-write history. It's a forgone conclusion that this mess was created by the GOP, beginning with the deregulation of the S&Ls and the Keating 5 (which included John McCain).
Posted by: Phxflyer | September 24, 2008 2:20 PM | Report abuse
Wow i counted 95 posts, and 52 were supporting Obama and 43 supported Mccain.
Just like the Polls! How about the recent poll in greenville cty va that showed Obama in the lead?
Posted by: pvogel88 | September 24, 2008 2:19 PM | Report abuse
Poppycock. If the results were in their favor the McCain campaign would be touting the same metrics they are underlining as a bias. The simple fact is that this poll demonstrates conclusively that Democratic membership has been increasing. Their are more Democrats in the poll because the Obama campaign has prompted Republicans to flee their part in droves. In the last month studies demonstrate that 33% of voters registered as Republicans have switched their registration to the Democrats. Common sense indicates that this would show up in the poll exactly the way it did.
Posted by: Nick Collins III | September 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Report abuse
Joke Time!!
Received this one from one of my Republican friends (yes - some of my best friends are Republican)
A woman married three times walked into a bridal shop one day and told the sales clerk that she was looking for a wedding gown for her fourth wedding.
'Of course, madam,' replied the sales clerk, 'exactly what type and color are you looking for?' The bride-to-be said: 'A long frilly white dress with a veil.'
The sales clerk hesitated a bit, then said, 'Please don't take this the wrong way, but gowns of that nature are considered more appropriate for brides who are being married the first time - for those who are a bit more innocent, if you know what I mean? Perhaps ivory or sky blue would be nice?'
'Well,' replied the customer, a little peeved at the clerk's directness, 'I can assure you that a white gown would be quite appropriate. Believe it or not, despite all my marriages, I remain as innocent as a first-time bride. You see, my first husband was so excited about our wedding, he died as we were checking into our hotel. My second husband and I got into such a terrible fight in the limo on our way to our honeymoon that we had that wedding annulled immediately and never spoke to each other again.'
'What about your third husband?' asked the sales clerk.
'That one was a Democrat,' said the woman, 'and every night for four years, he just sat on the edge of the bed and told me how good it was going to be, but nothing ever happened.'
Posted by: toritto | September 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Report abuse
I am not into polls. Let me get this right, sampling of 300 to 900 people represents a voting electorate that numbers in the 110 million to 130 million range?!
The real story is behind the number of new voters registering in this election in the traditional swing states. For example in Virginia alone, more than 200,000 people are newly registered.
The Obama campaign has truly been a grassroots campaign aimed at driving up voter registration.
Advantage Obama!
Posted by: Obama-Junkie | September 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Report abuse
I am tired of the negative ads and BS that the Obama team has done - I agree, this democrat is voting republican also
Posted by: Unhappy Democrat | September 24, 2008 2:18 PM | Report abuse
New Hampshire is not a swing state. Never has ben, never will be. It has always been solidly republican . . . once again proving that you cannot account for stupid.
Posted by: Phxflyer | September 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Report abuse
OF COURSE there is something wrong with The Post Poll showing a nine-point difference between McCain and Obama. All the other polls show a continued tight race. If one poll shows a radically different number (The Post poll), that is the one that must be wrong. It's simple logic.
Posted by: James Barlow | September 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Report abuse
Yea well even I(an Obama supporter)thought this poll was (slang)wack.
Posted by: eaglechik | September 24, 2008 2:17 PM | Report abuse
How the Democrats Created the Financial Crisis: Kevin Hassett
Enough cards on this table have been turned over that the story is now clear. The economic history books will describe this episode in simple and understandable terms: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exploded, and many bystanders were injured in the blast, some fatally.
Fannie and Freddie did this by becoming a key enabler of the mortgage crisis. They fueled Wall Street's efforts to securitize subprime loans by becoming the primary customer of all AAA-rated subprime-mortgage pools. In addition, they held an enormous portfolio of mortgages themselves.
Take away Fannie and Freddie, or regulate them more wisely, and it's hard to imagine how these highly liquid markets would ever have emerged. This whole mess would never have happened.
It is easy to identify the historical turning point that marked the beginning of the end.
Back in 2005, Fannie and Freddie were, after years of dominating Washington, on the ropes. They were enmeshed in accounting scandals that led to turnover at the top. At one telling moment in late 2004, captured in an article by my American Enterprise Institute colleague Peter Wallison, the Securities and Exchange Comiission's chief accountant told disgraced Fannie Mae chief Franklin Raines that Fannie's position on the relevant accounting issue was not even ``on the page'' of allowable interpretations.
Then legislative momentum emerged for an attempt to create a ``world-class regulator'' that would oversee the pair more like banks, imposing strict requirements on their ability to take excessive risks. Politicians who previously had associated themselves proudly with the two accounting miscreants were less eager to be associated with them. The time was ripe.
The clear gravity of the situation pushed the legislation forward. Some might say the current mess couldn't be foreseen, yet in 2005 Alan Greenspan told Congress how urgent it was for it to act in the clearest possible terms: If Fannie and Freddie ``continue to grow, continue to have the low capital that they have, continue to engage in the dynamic hedging of their portfolios, which they need to do for interest rate risk aversion, they potentially create ever-growing potential systemic risk down the road,'' he said. ``We are placing the total financial system of the future at a substantial risk.''
What happened next was extraordinary. For the first time in history, a serious Fannie and Freddie reform bill was passed by the Senate Banking Committee. The bill gave a regulator power to crack down, and would have required the companies to eliminate their investments in risky assets.
Different World
If that bill had become law, then the world today would be different. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, a blizzard of terrible mortgage paper fluttered out of the Fannie and Freddie clouds, burying many of our oldest and most venerable institutions. Without their checkbooks keeping the market liquid and buying up excess supply, the market would likely have not existed.
But the bill didn't become law, for a simple reason: Democrats opposed it on a party-line vote in the committee, signaling that this would be a partisan issue. Republicans, tied in knots by the tight Democratic opposition, couldn't even get the Senate to vote on the matter.
That such a reckless political stand could have been taken by the Democrats was obscene even then. Wallison wrote at the time: ``It is a classic case of socializing the risk while privatizing the profit. The Democrats and the few Republicans who oppose portfolio limitations could not possibly do so if their constituents understood what they were doing.''
Mounds of Materials
Now that the collapse has occurred, the roadblock built by Senate Democrats in 2005 is unforgivable. Many who opposed the bill doubtlessly did so for honorable reasons. Fannie and Freddie provided mounds of materials defending their practices. Perhaps some found their propaganda convincing.
But we now know that many of the senators who protected Fannie and Freddie, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Christopher Dodd, have received mind-boggling levels of financial support from them over the years.
Throughout his political career, Obama has gotten more than $125,000 in campaign contributions from employees and political action committees of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, second only to Dodd, the Senate Banking Committee chairman, who received more than $165,000.
Oh, and there is one little footnote to the story that's worth keeping in mind while Democrats point fingers between now and Nov. 4:
Senator John McCain was one of the three cosponsors of S.190, the bill that would have averted this mess.
Posted by: factchecker | September 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Report abuse
I am so disqusted by the democratic party - I have been a democrat since I was a kid - now we have this junior senator with no experience who thinks he can run the country - he has no experience at all - I am very disappointed it has gotten to this, but I must vote for McCain-Palin, they seem to understand what is going on
Posted by: Michael | September 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Report abuse
John McCain has gained ground for the third straight month and now holds a slight two-point advantage over Barack Obama in the swing state of New Hampshire. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the Granite State finds McCain attracting 49% of the vote while Obama earns 47%. A month ago, it was Obama by a point. (Snip) The Democrat's support has steadily decreased in the Granite State since he clinched the nomination
Posted by: slip sliding away | September 24, 2008 2:15 PM | Report abuse
vote for hottie palling or osama will come nocking on your door democratic dummies . you got to vot for such a hottie or you sexist pig with lipstick. macaine is bad but he pick hottie miss america so he wins in landslide you gotta love her welding goggles i read they cost 5000 dollars only bad thing her voice like creepy nerd talk thru nose maybe keep away from democratic press but obama bad he went to harvard so is elitist even though macaine has more houses
Posted by: d miner | September 24, 2008 2:15 PM | Report abuse
I was listening to NPR yesterday and this black show called "Tell Me More" was on. The woman who is the host is very ghetto and pro reparations for slavery. She says she is in agreement with Michelle Shaniqua Obama's stance on the matter and that blacks "will get what is owed to them" when Mr. Obama is in the White House. I would like to see that happen. It will never get through congress and besides that, the country will be almost broke trying bail out Wall Street.
Posted by: Dianne72 | September 24, 2008 2:15 PM | Report abuse
Outsiders familiar with the proper workings of science have long known that modern Climate Science is dysfunctional. Now a prominent insider, MIT Meteorology Professor Richard S. Lindzen, confirms how Al Gore and his minions used Stalinist tactics to subvert, suborn and corrupt a whole branch of science, citing chapter and verse in his report entitled ''Climate Science: Is it currently designed to answer questions?'' His answer: A resounding ''NO!''
Posted by: al gore - times up, Obama is next | September 24, 2008 2:15 PM | Report abuse
These are the people who dispute the facts of evolution, so what do you expect???
Posted by: taconicracer | September 24, 2008 1:39 PM
You WILL meet God the Creator and you'll be sorry that you believed the LIES OF EVOLUTION. Enjoy your life now.
Posted by: D | September 24, 2008 1:57 PM
Great god ya got there, D. Not just a liar, but a thug to boot! Show me where I sign my name in blood and I'm in.
Posted by: james | September 24, 2008 2:12 PM | Report abuse
Are they screaming Waaaaaaaaaaaaambulance yet? What are they going to do on November 5th when the election results come in Obama 54% to McLiars 44% and Barrs 2% are they going to claim the elction results are outliers too? Will they go crying to the Supreme Court screaming the election was stolen from them or will they send the moose hunter out with the first dude and a few shotguns?
Posted by: Mikey30919 | September 24, 2008 2:11 PM | Report abuse
OUCH. McShame the truth is finally catching up with you. Now is the time to head on back to the Senate, that is if they will have you back. KEATING 5 NOW THE 700B wall street bail out.
Posted by: jac66 | September 24, 2008 2:09 PM | Report abuse
"Sources say FBI investigating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers and AIG." "
Who didn't see that one coming. Suddenly all these financial giants go down at nearly the same time? That is beyond fishy. And I have a feeling that there was some laws broken during these breakdowns.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:09 PM | Report abuse
Chris: I have the solution to the economic crisis. I've gone back and reviewed all of the emails that i've received over the last year from Nigeria and London telling me of all this money I have inherited and in 10 month's time, I have inherited over 800 billion dollars. Now I don't have a debit account number to give them, so perhaps we can use one from Mr. Paulson; perhaps Mr. Bush?
Posted by: manopeace54 | September 24, 2008 2:07 PM | Report abuse
If McCain loses the election, his advisers plan to call a press conference on November 5 arguing that the election results are just an "outlier."
Posted by: Sarah | September 24, 2008 2:07 PM | Report abuse
"If I have any problems with russia, I will seek the UN security council to overcome that.
Posted by: snObama"
Where's the "Cowboy" in that? Glass 'em all, baby! God said so. Or did He?
Well, no He didn't. What is this "Peace" stuff doing in The Bible?
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 2:07 PM | Report abuse
My friends and associates. Please continue to stay out of sight until after the election. the willing yellow jackels of the press have disguised my past sufficiently that the gullible left voters are ignorant as usual.
Even my wife is in an undisclosed location. the last thing I need is for the truth about me to emerge right before we vote. After I glide into office, you can all come out of hiding again and we will remake amerika according to our heroes Lenin and Marx.
Posted by: snObama | September 24, 2008 2:06 PM | Report abuse
Media Exposes Another McCain Lie: Davis Took $15k LAST MONTH from Freddie Mac (Under FBI Investigation)!
The first rule of American Politics, Don't Lie to the Media:
"On Sunday, in an interview with CNBC and the New York Times, Mr. McCain responded to a question about Mr. Davis's role in the advocacy group by saying that his campaign manager "has had nothing to do with it since, and I'll be glad to have his record examined by anybody who wants to look at it."
Rule Two: Don't lie to the Media:
"One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the credit crisis paid $15,000 a month to a firm owned by Senator John McCain's campaign manager from the end of 2005 through last month, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement. The disclosure contradicts a statement Sunday night by Mr. McCain that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, had no involvement with the company for the last several years"
Rule Three: Don't Lie to the Media:
"They said Mr. Davis's his firm, Davis & Manafort, was kept on the payroll because of Mr. Davis's close ties to Mr. McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, who was widely expected by 2006 to run again for the White House...."
"Freddie Mac's roughly $500,000 in payments to Davis & Manafort began immediately after Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in late 2005 disbanded an advocacy coalition that they had set up and hired Mr. Davis to run, the people familiar with the arrangement said...."
Rule Four: Don't Lie to the media:
"After the Homeownership Alliance was dissolved, Mr. Davis asked to stay on a retainer, the people familiar with the deal said. Hollis McLoughlin, who was chief of staff to Richard F. Syron, Freddie Mac's chief executive, arranged for a new contract with Davis & Manafort, at the reduced rate of $15,000 a month..."
"No one at Davis & Manafort other than Mr. Davis was involved in efforts on Freddie Mac's behalf, the people familiar with the arrangement said."
And Oh BTW, Freddie Mac is now under investigation by the FBI...
"Sources say FBI investigating Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers and AIG."
Posted by: McCain = Bush's third term | September 24, 2008 2:05 PM | Report abuse
O.K. . .O.K. . .Sen. Biden made a "gaffe" about the T.V. . .hahahahaaaaa OH OH HAHAHAA
So, tell me. . .is this as big of a flub as John McCain saying that "Carly Fiorina" is a ROLE MODEL to american women? A ROLL MODEL? This woman who litterally RAN HP INTO THE GROUND. . .and ESCAPED WITH A GOLDEN PARACHUTE . . .And this is a person that Americans whould be emulating?
This makes me question what John McCain's meaning of "inspiration" and "integrity" are!
So. . .lets look at Biden's remark. . .do you really think that Joe Biden did not kow that there were not T.V's in 1929?
I don't think that the McCain camp should be pointing fingers at ANYONE's mental capacities. . .do you? After all. . .wasn't it John McCain. . .who thinks that Pakistan borders Iraq. . .and who forgot that Iran HATES Sunni's. . .or that Checzoslovakia has not been a country since the early 1990's . . .or that ol' Joe Lieberman had to "remind" John McCain that the Iranians were NOT training "al Queda". . .see. . .I would not start pointing out people mental flubs . . .just like I would not start pointing out the "weak" connections that Obama has to fannie and Freddie. . .because what happens is. . .the scrutiny seems to come back at you. . .and when you are trying to hide as much truth as possible. . .you usually end up getting caught. . .and this seems to be happening again and again with Johnny Mac!
Posted by: Jeff G | September 24, 2008 2:05 PM | Report abuse
McCain's toast and his handlers know it.
Posted by: nerdoff | September 24, 2008 2:04 PM | Report abuse
"You WILL meet God the Creator and you'll be sorry that you believed the LIES OF EVOLUTION. Enjoy your life now."
Well considering I'm Atheist, I doubt I will be meeting God. Feel free to keep your bible thumping to yourself. It's a little thing called Freedom of Religion. Look into it.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:03 PM | Report abuse
"Come on John,
Lose that famous temper of yours and go after these Marxist b*st*rds!"
Would that be the Marxists that are going to bail out corporate CEO's?
Conservatism has met a messy end. I hope our nation survives what it has already done to us.
Posted by: lipreader | September 24, 2008 2:02 PM | Report abuse
Does anyone else think that picture of McCain up top is just creepy?
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 2:02 PM | Report abuse
i reject your reality and substitute my own
Posted by: matt | September 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Report abuse
Come on John,
Lose that famous temper of yours and go after these Marxist b*st*rds! I for one do not want to see Tom Hayden as the Secretary of State and Bill Ayres as Education (indoctrination) Secretary. They can all sit around the oval next year and reminisce about how much fun they had in the old days trying to bring down the government. Who knew it would be so easy to just take over?
Posted by: fixfan | September 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Report abuse
Now we see a new stategy from the McCain campaign -- the Rabidly Paranoid Gambit.
Everyone is out to get us, including all the polling firms, and those who were polled. Not to mention the corporate media.
Does anyone else sense that this is wearing more than a little thin?
Posted by: Phxflyer | September 24, 2008 2:00 PM | Report abuse
As George Bush would say:
Denial is not just a river in the Amazon.
Posted by: Bulwinkle J. Moose | September 24, 2008 1:59 PM | Report abuse
If I have any problems with russia, I will seek the UN security council to overcome that.
Posted by: snObama | September 24, 2008 1:58 PM | Report abuse
These are the people who dispute the facts of evolution, so what do you expect???
Posted by: taconicracer | September 24, 2008 1:39 PM
You WILL meet God the Creator and you'll be sorry that you believed the LIES OF EVOLUTION. Enjoy your life now.
Posted by: D | September 24, 2008 1:57 PM | Report abuse
Looks like a photo of a bunch of losers especially Joe Lieberman.
Posted by: Savage10 | September 24, 2008 1:56 PM | Report abuse
So far the Obama foreign policy has been whatever George W. Bush does, it must be inherently wrong — without realizing that the current administration is simply doing abroad what any sane president, liberal or conservative, would do in similar circumstances. Obama won't change much overseas, but his policies at home of trade renegotiation, higher taxes, more government spending, strategic-arms cuts, billions invested in subsidies to unproven energy sources, and less fossil fuel production are reminiscent of the Carter administration. They would make us weaker, and thus ultimately even less liked abroad — disdain being the stronger emotion than envy.
— Victor Davis Hanson is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and a recipient of the 2007 National Humanities Medal and the 2008 Bradley Prize.
Posted by: watch out | September 24, 2008 1:56 PM | Report abuse
"Wounded Russian pride and the soaring price of oil have honed Russian foreign policy into whatever the U.S. is for, they are against. We should understand that to expect any Russian help in Iran or the Middle East, or full integration with European countries, we would probably either have to see true democracy emerge in Russia — or, barring that, our own acquiescence to Russian attempts to subvert the proud democratic republics on its borders. Neither is likely. "
You speak of Obama in context to Russia? What about McCain and Palin basically preparing us for war with Russia over Georgia? Do you honestly think that we would get ANY support from Russia if they were elected, after the statements that they have made?
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 1:55 PM | Report abuse
You can tell when the Washington Post and New York Times are lying. Either their lips are moving, or their fingers are hitting the typewriter keys!
Posted by: cbtole2 | September 24, 2008 1:55 PM | Report abuse
Obama for years has been talking grandly of curbing anti-Americanism. But reciting myths to screaming Berliners — that the world, rather than the U.S. Air Force, once saved Berlin from the Russians — or citing our own misdemeanors to applause, is not a remedy. Mobs in Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt may scream, "Death to America!" But each of those countries — all recipients of billions of American aid — is undergoing Islamic fundamentalist challenges that transcend what we say or do. Their former furor was spurred on by the idea we had invaded Iraq and failed, and is subsiding as we are restoring calm and sponsoring reform.
The truth is that much of Africa, India, and Japan are pro-American. So are the governments of Britain, France, Germany, and Italy. It is easy to cite the old acrimony of 2003 over Iraq. But privately, disarmed Europeans these days are terrified of an energy-rich bullying Russia, Islamic terrorism and their own demographic nightmares, a nuclear Iran, and a carbon-spewing, commercial China — and look for "unilateral" U.S. leadership.
In the war against terror, Obama may dismantle Guantánamo in deference to global furor. But he will then be presented with a dilemma of what to do with captured insurgents. He will earn new problems of his own, either having to let jihadists go, set up Guantánamo-like prisons out of sight in Afghanistan, or to conduct costly trials — as if a killer without a uniform caught in combat on the Pakistani border shares the same Miranda rights as a teenager pulled over for an open beer container.
For all the rhetoric about a shredded Constitution, Obama will do nothing about the FISA laws. He won't repeal the Patriot Act. Homeland Security will stay as it is. A President Obama won't overhaul domestic security because we all privately assume that we have stopped hundreds of planned terrorist operations through vigilance here and fighting abroad over the last seven years. Even as a President Obama does nothing differently, watch the talk of America as a police state among his loud supporters suddenly cease.
Posted by: don't read my purple lips | September 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Report abuse
Beginning of the end for McCorpse. He is the corpse of the Reagan/Bush era of skryocketing debt, ironically accrued when supposedly "conservative" people were "downsizing" guvmint. Well, didn't happen. Government-as-Trough is just too tempting. Just ask Tom DeLay, Jack Abramoff, Hastert, Cheney/Halliburton, Blackwater, etc. Ironically, it was a Dem who last practiced fiscal responsibility. The tide is turning, turning, away from the Republican Liars (and sidekick Lieberman), but boy, they won't go down easy. It's just been too much fun running the U.S. into the sewerhole so that contractors and the other plutocrats can have a good ole time.
Posted by: Plutonium57 | September 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Report abuse
It is no surprise that Obama is ahead in the polls. It was just a matter of time. McCain was ranked 894 out of 899 at the Naval Academy. It says a lot about his analytical abilities. His reading abilities. His listening and reasoning. Would you hire a guy for a job, one who graduated at 894 out of 899? He should not be in the Whitehouse. He is even worse than Bush. I am surprised that the polls are even this close.
Posted by: vjnair2 | September 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Report abuse
New independent add with a disabled vet asking why Obama is attacking fellow vet John McCain. This quotes Biden about how terrible the Obama add was.
Feel free to post this anywhere and link it.
Posted by: Razorback | September 24, 2008 1:54 PM | Report abuse
Wounded Russian pride and the soaring price of oil have honed Russian foreign policy into whatever the U.S. is for, they are against. We should understand that to expect any Russian help in Iran or the Middle East, or full integration with European countries, we would probably either have to see true democracy emerge in Russia — or, barring that, our own acquiescence to Russian attempts to subvert the proud democratic republics on its borders. Neither is likely. Obama's past sermonizing about dismantling nuclear weapons, stopping weapons development, high-level talks with Russia to reduce strategic arms, ending anti-ballistic missile development, and cutting the Pentagon sounded like glitzy "hope and change" on the eve of the Iowa caucus, but is embarrassing to listen to a near year later.
Posted by: vdh | September 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Report abuse
"FOX news is clearly in the tank for Obama. How dare they say Obama is up by 6%?
Spin away, GOPers."
Comments like these are gonna get me fired, I swear. It made me laugh loud enough for people to notice...
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Report abuse
A moron with lipstick is still a moron.
Posted by: The Rodentman | September 24, 2008 1:52 PM | Report abuse
FOX news is clearly in the tank for Obama. How dare they say Obama is up by 6%?
Spin away, GOPers.
Posted by: lipreader | September 24, 2008 1:51 PM | Report abuse
After the Palin bump, it's over. The Republicans have nothing to offer America but division, fear, distortions and distraction. Their friends have sucked hundreds of billions of dollars out of the American economy. Everyone knows it. The increasingly desperate former Bush campaign managers will spray slime at unprecedented levels to try to take Obama down but the American public won't fall for it.
January 20, 2009. The End of an ERROR!!
Posted by: thebob.bob | September 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Report abuse
How does McCain feel about the FOX news polls showing Obama up by 6 points?
Posted by: lipreader | September 24, 2008 1:47 PM | Report abuse
McCain is a LIAR!...again.
Another day, another lie revealed. Turns out Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager, was involved with Freddie Mac. Quite recently.
"One of the giant mortgage companies at the heart of the credit crisis paid $15,000 a month from the end of 2005 through last month to a firm owned by Senator John McCain's campaign manager, according to two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement."
"The disclosure undercuts a statement by Mr. McCain on Sunday night that the campaign manager, Rick Davis, had had no involvement with the company for the last several years."
The issue is that, indeed, on Sunday McCain said that Davis had "nothing to do with" with Freddie Mac since 2005, and invited reporters to check up on it. Well, it turns out reporters did, and Davis was involved after that point, and even right up to the present -- having Davis's company be receiving payments from Freddie Mac as of last month hardly counts as "no involvement." Worse yet, it seems those payments were made specifically because of Davis's "close ties" to McCain.
There's even a little bit of schadenfreude involved, here, in that it was McCain's flagrant lie on the matter that compelled parties to come forward, just to make sure people knew that "not involved" meant "involved, and still taking their money."
"Mr. Davis took a leave from Davis & Manafort for the presidential campaign, but as a partner and equity-holder continues to benefit from its income. No one at Davis & Manafort other than Mr. Davis was involved in efforts on Freddie Mac's behalf, the people familiar with the arrangement said." [...]
"On Sunday, in an interview with CNBC and The New York Times, Mr. McCain responded to a question about Mr. Davis's role in the advocacy group through 2005 by saying that his campaign manager "has had nothing to do with it since, and I'll be glad to have his record examined by anybody who wants to look at it."
"Such assertions, along with McCain campaign television ads tying Mr. Obama to former Fannie Mae chiefs, have riled current and former officials of the two companies and provoked them to volunteer rebuttals. The two officials with direct knowledge of Freddie Mac's post-2005 contract with Mr. Davis spoke on condition of anonymity. Four other outside consultants, three Democrats and a Republican also speaking on condition of anonymity, said the arrangement was widely known among people involved in Freddie Mac's lobbying efforts."
If the McCain campaign is so ticked off at being called liars, they might try, well... not lying. I know, I know, that's so "pre-Bushian" of me.
Posted by: McCain is a Liar! | September 24, 2008 1:47 PM | Report abuse
Holding Barak responsible for the comments of his pastor is like holding a the mother responsible for her teenage daughters pregnancy.
Only in America...would people go around trying to say a biracial man raised by his white mother and having a globe trotting childhood is racist
For that one finger you point at someone three point back at yourself
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 1:46 PM | Report abuse
Keep Palin under wraps. Great strategy. Keep her from the "liberal" press. Only give informercial interviews to Faux News. Pretty soon people, other than the Repugnicant faithful, will be saying Sarah who? Dems have already moved on. Nothing to see.
Posted by: DougH1 | September 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Report abuse
MCCain worries more about polls the white house and Barak Obama that he worries about the real problems.Like how Americans will survive today.
Why would even make conference about polls instead of talking about the real issues?
That shows exactly the type of person Mr McCain is and the type of politics Mr McCain will conduct if he was elected.
Consider this:
His own advisor was still getting quick backs from Fredie Mac and Fanny Mae last month $15000 a month while so many Americans are struggling with their mortgage.......
Are you people starting to understand clearly what McCain is all about?!
Himself the corporations the American people very last on his list that s what Mr McCain is all about...Its called GREED
Posted by: rob | September 24, 2008 1:45 PM | Report abuse
"Difference of opinion"???
That's awfully polite. McCain misstated the facts. That'snotg a difference of opinion. It's a lie.
Posted by: Pragmatist | September 24, 2008 1:44 PM | Report abuse
The GOP has certainly become the party of victims lately - I thought they espoused the virtues of personal responsibility...
Posted by: Chris | September 24, 2008 1:43 PM | Report abuse
"Today is a red-letter day for the New York Times. For the first time, the paper has reported in its news section that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright once uttered the phrase "God damn America." Wright's comments were widely reported and widely discussed beginning with an ABC News report six months ago. Barack Obama even had to give a much-publicized speech because of those words, and others. But the newspaper of record has never seen fit to publish Wright's quote in its news pages. Until today."
So you think that because the New York Times has used a quote from well over 2 months ago from someone that is no longer affiliated with Obama in any way redeems themselves? I never knew it was that easy to sell something to people.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 1:43 PM | Report abuse
Not Buying the ABC/Washington Post Poll [Greg Pollowitz]
Kathryn linked to the latest ABC/Washington Post poll that has Obama up 9 percent. Guess what? Even Team Obama thinks it's wrong:
UPDATE: McCain and Obama agree! In response to this post, Dan Pfeiffer of the Obama campaign emailed to say: "When the Post poll had us down 2 a few weeks ago, Plouffe went on the record and said the poll was wrong. We also think that this poll is wrong." He went on to say that although they aren't conducting national polls for the campaign, they believe an 11-point swing in two weeks is unrealistic in such a divided electorate.
Definition of an outlier - not in line with the other data points, likely to be inaccurate.
Posted by: silly Wacompost | September 24, 2008 1:43 PM | Report abuse
Conan O'Brien on MSNBC [Greg Pollowitz]
It's funny because it's true:
"Yesterday the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, challenged John McCain to a debate. McCain says if he wanted to be attacked by an extremist in an unfair environment, he'd appear on MSNBC."
Posted by: too funny | September 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Report abuse
Today In History [Byron York]
Today is a red-letter day for the New York Times. For the first time, the paper has reported in its news section that the Rev. Jeremiah Wright once uttered the phrase "God damn America." Wright's comments were widely reported and widely discussed beginning with an ABC News report six months ago. Barack Obama even had to give a much-publicized speech because of those words, and others. But the newspaper of record has never seen fit to publish Wright's quote in its news pages. Until today.
Maybe by his second term that can get around to his qualifications. by then he will actually have some.
Posted by: NYSlimes | September 24, 2008 1:41 PM | Report abuse
Comments related to Fannie May & such are not relevant.
The collapse of the US Dollar is clearly associated with the Bush administration's budget handling. Reducing taxes on his blue-blood wealthy friends, which resulted in huge deficits, which were exacerbated by an oil-seeking war, which killed the dollar's value, which also killed the housing market.
The deficits of the current administration killed the 'golden goose'. We certainly don't need anyone to continue those policies (and McCain is on the wrong side).
Posted by: TonyJazz | September 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Report abuse
There are only two polls people should bother looking at Rasmussen Tracking and Gallup Tracking. Each uses a 3000 person sample continuously updated over a 3 day period. All these other polls take <1000 person sample over several days and don't do it continuously.
Rasmussen and Gallup have Obama up 2-3 pts. That's probably accurate, unless you believe all this stuff about racists lying about who they'll vote for in which case McCain may be up 2-3 pts.
Posted by: Normalman | September 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Report abuse
i thought the WaPo had argued that it wasn't reliable, when it dismissed previous quotes from its own pages...
Posted by: mark | September 24, 2008 1:39 PM | Report abuse
These are the people who dispute the facts of evolution, so what do you expect???
Posted by: taconicracer | September 24, 2008 1:39 PM | Report abuse
If I were in the McCain camp I'd be more cautious about repeated attacks on the press.
Its like having a pitbull try to naw off the hand that is feeding it.
Most journalists have a bias whether or not the realize it. What I do most times when I read an political article is actual research on it.He could suggest that his voters do that, but I have a feeling he isn't going for "doogie houser" vote
The McCain camp is a platform of whiners.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 1:38 PM | Report abuse
Stop being a Monday morning quarterback who doesn't even watch the game. Chances are the regulation that you are talking about, had side admendments that out weighed the positives. But you wouldn,'t care about that, you just want a catchy headline.
Posted by: Tim | September 24, 2008 1:38 PM | Report abuse
Bush seems to think people who disagree with him are wrong. Glad McCain isn't another Bush...
Posted by: Walt69 | September 24, 2008 1:37 PM | Report abuse
Neither McCain nor Obama have distinguished themselves on the issue to date. I agree. Niether have the skills or understanding. Bush & Cheney are mostly responsible and congres for lack of oversight. CEO's and wall street greed.
There ahs been poor planing for a global economy. We need the Clintons more than ever.
Posted by: Bob | September 24, 2008 1:37 PM | Report abuse
"you'll know how desperation turns to panic when they start disputing foxnews - "
Even FoxNews is starting to turn. It's a very slow process, but they've been starting to question Palin, and to a lesser extent McCain on certain issues. They've even outted a couple of lies that were being used by the GOP. Needless to say my jaw hit the floor when I saw that.
Posted by: Xander | September 24, 2008 1:35 PM | Report abuse
first, bash the media;
then, bash the NY Times,
now, discredit the polls.
Mr. Schmidt and company are running out of people and institutions to blame for their campaign's problems.
Maybe the next culprit will Mr. McCain himself? Not likely when it is easier to shift the blame and continue the misdirection.
Posted by: robert bell | September 24, 2008 1:34 PM | Report abuse
The campaign of whiners.
Posted by: Matt | September 24, 2008 1:33 PM | Report abuse
Did he really think his relentless lying wouldn't catch up with him?
Posted by: lisa | September 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Report abuse
I agree with Spectator. When Obama had a bad week, lost his convention bounce and was behind I never heard a peep that the polls where wrong. No complaining he just trudged and stayed on que. McCain would like some cheese to go with that whine?
Posted by: Andrea | September 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Report abuse
monday the mccain camp was disputing the nytimes - today the washington post -
the two mainstays of corporate media turned liberal (LOL) -
you'll know how desperation turns to panic when they start disputing foxnews -
Posted by: muslit | September 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Report abuse
you work to hard to get on drudge.
try leaving the office once in awhile buddy.
Posted by: greg | September 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Report abuse
democratic dummies macaine has palling his secret wepon who is hottie with beehive and welding goggles and has experience as cheif of alaska with palling you have to vote macaine what smart move vote macaine or you sexist plus she major hottie and can shoot mooses and attack russia close to home whose laffing now democratic idiots!!! vote for palling or something bad mite happen dont vot obama he part black and no hottie as vice pres dont be sexist vote palling
Posted by: d miner | September 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Report abuse
"Mr. Davis separated from his consulting firm, Davis Manafort, in 2006. As has been previously reported, Mr. Davis has seen no income from Davis Manafort since 2006. Zero. Mr. Davis has received no salary or compensation since 2006."
This man is one of the owners of the company, right? It doesn't matter if he is getting paid currently or not. His company is getting money from Freddie Mac, without doing any work for them, because Rick Davis has ties to McCain. If a company you own makes money, your ownership stake is worth more.
Posted by: DMoore | September 24, 2008 1:31 PM | Report abuse
Let's see the "out and out liars" of the McCain campaign are calling the Post poll an "outlier". That's funny !
Posted by: jmsbh | September 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Report abuse
The whole conservative movement is in denial--whether it's the polls, the debacle in Iraq, the hunt for bin Laden, the economy, energy, or Katrina. Time to grow up and get real.
Posted by: fivecard | September 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Report abuse
McC's campaign convened a conference call just to dispute the polling numbers? They didn't have anything better to talk about? It's not like ABC/WaPo are going to retract their poll and say "oops, we messed up".
But, I guess that's what our politics has become. Campaigns end up responding to every little bit of bad news. Whatever.
Posted by: mnteng | September 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Report abuse
The Democrats created this mess!
In 2003, the Bush administration wanted to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac... and the Democrats refused!
See this New York Times article from September 11, 2003...
There you have it.
The Democrats DID NOT WANT to regulate Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.
It was the Democrats who pushed for deregulation.
A vote for the Democrats is a vote for continued disaster.
Posted by: Mark | September 24, 2008 1:29 PM | Report abuse
Come on, what respect I had for McCain is not gone. Please its a Poll, there are Thousands of more issues then a stupid poll!
Posted by: KW | September 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Report abuse
By the way, based on the primary polls and actual results, www.fivethirtyeight.com gave ratings for the pollsters. Washington Post was slightly less accurate than the average poll.
Posted by: DDAWD | September 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Report abuse
Polls polls you magical coot
the more you believe the more I hoot
the less I hoot the better you feel
so don't believe polls they are NOT REAL.
- by diebold
Posted by: Nick | September 24, 2008 1:27 PM | Report abuse
"Obama is slipping in wisconsin. that is the death knell of the campaign that should have never been."
Well, the last poll conducted there had Obama leading by 7 points.
Just because you WANT something to be true doesn't mean it IS true.
Posted by: DDAWD | September 24, 2008 1:27 PM | Report abuse
McCain is now arguing with polls?
Soon he'll be doing a full Dole off of a platform.
Posted by: Henster | September 24, 2008 1:22 PM
That's funny. A "full Dole". LMAO!
Posted by: Hilarious... | September 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Report abuse
McCain continues to blame everyone and everything except his campaign for being behind in the polls.
Lipstick on a pig! Sexism! Media bias!
The rightwing is sure shrill these days.
Maybe, if he'd chosen a running mate who had some gravity--say, Kay Bailey Hutchison, or Tim Pawlenty--and who actually gave press conferences and had a good grasp of why the economy is on the downturn and what we can do about it, he'd have demonstrated his wisdom to Americans.
He chose a know-nothing running mate, though, and he is deservedly paying the price.
Posted by: castanea | September 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Report abuse
McCain is now arguing with polls?
Soon he'll be doing a full Dole off of a platform.
Posted by: Henster | September 24, 2008 1:22 PM | Report abuse
Would the McCain campaign please stop whining about everything?
Posted by: Southern Girl | September 24, 2008 1:22 PM | Report abuse
"wHEN Obama was down in the polls--i did not remember a rush to judgment or criticism of the polls. He kept his cool and stayed on message. So, why is the McCain campaign behaving like a bunch of chickens with their heads cutt-off"
The McCain campaign is a knee-jerk campaign of the highest order.
Posted by: Spectator2 | September 24, 2008 1:21 PM | Report abuse
Read and weep Dems.
A Partisan Paper of Record
Today the New York Times launched its latest attack on this campaign in its capacity as an Obama advocacy organization. Let us be clear about what this story alleges: The New York Times charges that McCain-Palin 2008 campaign manager Rick Davis was paid by Freddie Mac until last month, contrary to previous reporting, as well as statements by this campaign and by Mr. Davis himself.
In fact, the allegation is demonstrably false. As has been previously reported, Mr. Davis separated from his consulting firm, Davis Manafort, in 2006. As has been previously reported, Mr. Davis has seen no income from Davis Manafort since 2006. Zero. Mr. Davis has received no salary or compensation since 2006. Mr. Davis has received no profit or partner distributions from that firm on any basis -- weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual -- since 2006. Again, zero. Neither has Mr. Davis received any equity in the firm based on profits derived since his financial separation from Davis Manafort in 2006.
Further, and missing from the Times' reporting, Mr. Davis has never -- never -- been a lobbyist for either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Mr. Davis has not served as a registered lobbyist since 2005.
Though these facts are a matter of public record, the New York Times, in what can only be explained as a willful disregard of the truth, failed to research this story or present any semblance of a fairminded treatment of the facts closely at hand. The paper did manage to report one interesting but irrelevant fact: Mr. Davis did participate in a roundtable discussion on the political scene with...Paul Begala.
Again, let us be clear: The New York Times -- in the absence of any supporting evidence -- has insinuated some kind of impropriety on the part of Senator McCain and Rick Davis. But entirely missing from the story is any significant mention of Senator McCain's long advocacy for, and co-sponsorship of legislation to enact, stricter oversight and regulation of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- dating back to 2006. Please see the attached floor statement on this issue by Senator McCain from 2006.
To the central point our campaign has made in the last 48 hours: The New York Times has never published a single investigative piece, factually correct or otherwise, examining the relationship between Obama campaign chief strategist David Axelrod, his consulting and lobbying clients, and Senator Obama. Likewise, the New York Times never published an investigative report, factually correct or otherwise, examining the relationship between Former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson and Senator Obama, who appointed Johnson head of his VP search committee, until the writing was on the wall and Johnson was under fire following reports from actual news organizations that he had received preferential loans from predatory mortgage lender Countrywide.
Therefore this "report" from the New York Times must be evaluated in the context of its intent and purpose. It is a partisan attack falsely labeled as objective news. And its most serious allegations are based entirely on the claims of anonymous sources, a familiar yet regretful tactic for the paper.
We all understand that partisan attacks are part of the political process in this country. The debate that stems from these grand and sometimes unruly conversations is what makes this country so exceptional. Indeed, our nation has a long and proud tradition of news organizations that are ideological and partisan in nature, the Huffington Post and the New York Times being two such publications. We celebrate their contribution to the political fabric of America. But while the Huffington Post is utterly transparent, the New York Times obscures its true intentions -- to undermine the candidacy of John McCain and boost the candidacy of Barack Obama -- under the cloak of objective journalism.
The New York Times is trying to fill an ideological niche. It is a business decision, and one made under economic duress, as the New York Times is a failing business. But the paper's reporting on Senator McCain, his campaign, and his staff should be clearly understood by the American people for what it is: a partisan assault aimed at promoting that paper's preferred candidate, Barack Obama.
Statement by Senator John McCain, May 25, 2006:
Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.
The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.
For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac--known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs--and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.
I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation.
Posted by: John | September 24, 2008 1:21 PM | Report abuse
wHEN Obama was down in the polls--i did not remember a rush to judgment or criticism of the polls. He kept his cool and stayed on message. So, why is the McCain campaign behaving like a bunch of chickens with their heads cutt-off
Posted by: Allen | September 24, 2008 1:18 PM | Report abuse
Yeah Johnny, the poll is wrong and Rick Davis hasn't been taking $15 grand a month for the last two years from Freddy Mac. The truth is going to clean your clock.
Posted by: eeitreim | September 24, 2008 1:14 PM | Report abuse
so if we discount the 16 point Dem bias then we get back to 48-47. Same as its ever been.
So what.
Obama is slipping in wisconsin. that is the death knell of the campaign that should have never been.
Posted by: kingofzouk | September 24, 2008 1:12 PM | Report abuse
This poll poll is great news for Obama but we should not get complacent.
Everyone should watch Obama and McCain on last Sunday's 60 Minutes - Obama was fantastic and very presidential when he was asked whether he thought racism was a factor in the campaign.
Obama avoided the blame game even when it was handed to him on a silver platter.
Go Obama/ Biden
Posted by: Doug M | September 24, 2008 1:11 PM | Report abuse
NoOneImportant, you are wrong. Cell phones are not routinely used in political polling. If you have some evidence to the contrary, please share with us, but everything I can find on the topic indicates that cell-only voters are not included in polling.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 24, 2008 1:11 PM | Report abuse
Considering there are WAY more registered Democrats then Republicans I would say that this poll is probably the first one that has gotten close to reality.
Posted by: Becky | September 24, 2008 1:11 PM | Report abuse
If htere is a sense of unease in the nation about Wall Street and DC it will make for unpredictability in the electorate.
I remember 1980.
Iran held hostages in our Embassy in Tehran.
Interest rates were well into double digits.
Financing for business was drying up.
The Prez was indecisive and the challenger was a movie actor turned Gov.
I voted for an independent R named John Anderson.
The actor beat the Prez. No one had an accurate poll until the weekend before the election. We were very uneasy then and while TX is still going strong, I am reading that most of the country is uneasy, now.
FWIW, Gallup confirms a double digit spread in favor of the Ds in self-identification among voters.
Posted by: MarkInAustin | September 24, 2008 1:10 PM | Report abuse
Yea, and the polling people only use land-lines and so miss a lot of cell-only Obama youngsters. (Not true).
Government spending to rescue Wall Street? Oh that's going to go over well.
700 billion ?? We used to think the Iraq war was over-the-top Republican pork-barrell spending.
Ok so that's $2,300 bucks for each American (I thought it was $2,100) - and you want to debate another Biden mouth-brain-disengagement? Feel free. I'll buy you the air-time to do it.
Gotta news flash: $2,300 bucks of your own money going to Wall Street trumps any spoken word seven days a week and twice on Sunday. And it might has a teeney weeney influence in one's popularity. Keep telling yourself it's a statistical fluke if it makes you feel better.
Posted by: NoOneImportant | September 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Report abuse
This is a foolish stance for the McCain campaign to take. I'm all for rallying the troops, but isn't denial the very thing that has gotten John McCain in trouble all along? McCain must accept the realities of this meltdown and recognize that this is going to get worse before November 4 without a complete break with the neocons who are currently controlling his campaign.
Sadly, McCain is currently Bush 44.
Posted by: joneshn | September 24, 2008 1:05 PM | Report abuse
"At the crux of McInturff's argument was the fact that the Democratic party identification in the Post poll was 16 points higher than the Republican identification -- a far larger margin than the Democratic ID edge in other recent public polling."
McInturff (real name?) might really be dreading the reality that Republican rats are jumping ship or too ashamed to admit their genuine party preference.
Virtually every poll taken since the Republican convention has shown a short-lived McPalin bounce to +5, and a speedy return to earth thereafter, and the WaPost poll is the same. Is McInturff saying that everyone is wrong except the McCain pollsters? If the WaPost is wrong, why the hand-wringing?
Posted by: bondjedi | September 24, 2008 1:00 PM | Report abuse
Chris, please read asap:
It's simply the BEST, most common sense based analysis I've yet read on the Paulson bailout. (Be informed.)
Posted by: Carmen C. | September 24, 2008 12:56 PM | Report abuse
Does anyone remember that there is a debate on Friday?? Or are we saving ourselves up for that?
Polls are interesting right now, but the ones that interest me more than national numbers are battleground polls. I am interested, particularly in the Senate races (and more than just VA, Chris!)
For instance, Friday's debate will be held at the University of Mississippi... and Miss. is a senatorial battleground. I wonder how the campaigns will use the candidates' presence to advance their party's bid for a Miss. Senate seat?
Posted by: Julia Kelly | September 24, 2008 12:55 PM | Report abuse
I think the party I.D. differential is more reflective of the reality I see at ground-level than the 5-8 margin normally used. For instance, my husband and I were life-long Republicans until 2004 when we switched party affiliation formally (AFTER the election).
So, too, have MANY of our white, southern, over-50 friends.
That's why I think McCain and McInturff are in for a real surprise at how close this is to the new reality for Republicans.
And the state of the economy has just ensured that this will be a bottom-up electoral groundswell unlike anything else we've seen in my lifetime (even Reagan).
Posted by: Carmen Cameron | September 24, 2008 12:53 PM | Report abuse
It is true that the Repubs under Bush have become the party of big government. and hence the handover of congress to the ineffective Libs.
but that does not alter the fact that the Democrats are the party of EVEN BIGGER government. Expect a Soviet style five year plan from Obama soon.
Posted by: kingofzouk | September 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Report abuse
The problem with the McCain campaign is that they've become a campaign of whiners.
This is just a mental drop in the poll numbers.
Posted by: Phil Grampa | September 24, 2008 12:50 PM | Report abuse
"McCain Campaign Disputes Post Poll"
Now you've done it. After McCain fires the head of the" FEC" (sic), he will fire the head of the Washington Toast for bungling his poll.
Posted by: Sunshine | September 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Report abuse
Steve -- If Americans are always able to see when something isn't working, how do you explain 1988 and 2004?
Helen -- OK, so Biden got confused between the Wall Street collapse in 1929 and the banking holiday of 1933. How do you explain McCain getting confused between Palin taking tens of millions in earmarks and not taking any earmarks at all -- THIS YEAR?
snObama -- funny that you are attacking the Democrat for "more government" when it is your Republican President and cabinet that proposed the deal, and the Democrats who are walking it back.
scrivener -- why are you upset at Obama for the Republican President's plan? There is, by the way, a difference between "broad authority" and a "blank check." That said, I agree this bailout is a crock.
Posted by: Nope | September 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Report abuse
Obama still hasn't closed the deal on those who fear his over-riding policy formulations reflect vacillation and compromise, as opposed to standing on principle.
Example: How Obama at first said Paulson deserves "broad authority" over the bailout, and then, seeing the reaction to an autocratic proposal, reversed course and argued against giving Paulson a "blank check."
Will Obama assume the mantle of a "people's champion," or will he give in to the demands of the Wall Street crowd that wants to socialize risk in the capital markets?
Another question: Will Obama insist that any solution addresses the root causes -- and targets those TRULY responsible? Consider the following...
Once again, Congress is being asked to rush through emergency legislation -- to cede effective control of the economy to the government.
Officials continue to blame lax lending policies on the part of the mortgage industry for spawning this crisis.
But were lenders ORDERED to offer "easy credit" to people "targeted" by government agencies?
Is government "targeting" of American citizens a root cause of the mortgage meltdown that spawned the broader financial crisis?
For more:
http://www.nowpublic.com/world/targeting-u-s-citizens-govt-agencies-root-cause-wall-street-financial-crisis OR
Posted by: scrivener | September 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Report abuse
Since government has caused this financial problem, the only solution I can see is, as always for me - MORE GOVERNMENT.
Posted by: snObama | September 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Report abuse
The Post's poll is the most logical that has come out yet. Americans have always been intelligent enough to realize when something isn't working and, as the economy descends further and further into the abyss, it would make sense that people would want to change direction. Senator McCain has not helped his cause. His admission about having a lack of fiscal acumen only hastened his candidacy's decline. If voters look solely at the issues and the people running for the highest office in the land, this becomes a landslide. But, if the ancillary factors come into play (i.e.- race, mudslinging, mistruths) then the margin dissipates.
Posted by: Steve | September 24, 2008 12:36 PM | Report abuse
Bonus Quote of the Day
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed. He said, 'look, here's what happened.'"
-- Sen. Joe Biden, in an interview with CBS News.
Of course, as Reason points out, Roosevelt wasn't president in 1929 and televisions were still experimental.
Posted by: Helen | September 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Report abuse
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