I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight. Thanks a lot.

Richard...did you see the latest post-debate poll? Obama seems to have gotten a slight bounce since Friday.

Polls are going to take on more significance as we get closer to the November election. Here's the latest results, taken on Saturday, after the Friday debate:

"Two days after a presidential debate many commentators scored as a tie, it's beginning to look like the public saw things differently, as several polls show a small but significant post-debate boost for Barack Obama.

In the Sunday update to Gallup's daily tracking poll, Obama widened his lead over McCain to 50-42 percent. Friday, in polling that preceded the debate, Obama had a five-point, 49-44 percent advantage."

LINK

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"You can lead a Republican to the truth, but you can't make him think."

Your postings from Fox lack something... substance. All of the quotes where Obama said McCain was right are "the sky is blue" type of comments. Nobody on either side would say that any of the quotes were not true.

On Iraq: “Now, Senator McCain is also right that it’s difficult. This is not an easy situation.”

DUH.

This was McCain's best hope and virtually every poll this morning says it was Obama that was better. Think McCain is going to shine in the next two economic issues debate? Even if you think it was a tie it still goes to Obama. He looked Presidential and resolved that issue in people's minds. McCain needed a big win and he didn't get it. Not even close.

Now the focus turns to Palin. Will she drop out before the debate next week?

Better question is will Biden drop out (or fake out) so Obama can bring in the witch Hillary. It might get votes since Democrats are so dumb.

hen the right wingers like Kathleen Parker writing in National Review are calling for her to drop out its serious.

Parker says:

“As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem.”

“Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.”

“I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.”

“Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there’s not much content there.”

“If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing...”

That's from her friends.

Palin Problem

Palin was a disastrous choice. Her only apparent qualification was that she did not have an abortion. That is enough for the Republican base that McCain should have had in the tank but its thin gruel for thinking and undecided Americans.

But keep her! I can't wait till she debates.

"He looked Presidential....."

I kept saying all evening that he looked like a bobble-head or a cartoon character. Not that that isn't a Presidential look, I'm just saying...

"Never love anything that can't love you back."

You know, like a drinking game?

Everytime Barack said tax the rich, did you reach for a cup, pray to heaven it wasn't arsenic, and then kicked it back?

Or when Barack walked out with a Flag Pin on his lapel, did you get sick and throw up because of his wavering on "His" Principles?

Barack is a symbol. Nothing more, nothing less. Like my icon depicts, he is an empty chalkboard, and you can write anything up on that board that you want to believe in him.

A Couple questions that Barack should have been asked, and that deals with his lack of experience and arrogance.

1.) Pre-conditions to meeting with world Despots. I have to believe that Barack wasn't following your father's lead on this issue and instead just made a comment that really didn't come out the way he intended. Pre-conditions likely meant, we will have open discussions of any reasonable topic. But, and this is the kicker, his inexperience allowed him to say those words, but his arrogance refuses to back down and to reiterate what he really meant by that comment.

2.) Barack talks about how we need to go after Al-Queida in Afghanistan, since they are winning there because we have too few troops there. Okay, lets assume that is the case.

So Barry, lets just assume that your judgment from two years ago were to have come true. Instead of a surge, we would have already pulled out of Iraq. Do you really believe that Iraq could have been stable enough to have handled their country such to have prevented Al Queida from again moving back into Iraq and making it a huge base for future training and growth? Again, inexperience trumped his arrogance to admit he was wrong.

The answer is simple. The question is too, but I wonder why none of the main street liberal media isn't asking him this question?

That, of course, is rhetorical. We already know the answer to that question.

Again, symbolism over substance.

I'll pass over the fact that there was no al Qaeda in Iraq before the war and that the policies that you championed were responsible for their establishment there. And I recognize that your politics demands that all good came from the surge. But to answer your question, yes, without a doubt the Iraqis would have stopped them. Iraq is a Shiite country and al Qaeda was a tiny part of the tiny Sunni minority. The threat now from Iraq is that it will naturally align with Shiite Iran. Something that we've been telling you for years and years and which you neocons still don't seem to understand. Sadly, this is not surprising in hind sight with the knowledge we have now that Bush didn't know there were two main Muslim sects and McCain's continued inability to keep straight which is which.

Also, looking at the bigger picture, you have, again, completely distorted Obama's position which I understand that you have to do to argue with it; I'm just pointing out that fact (another fact, biased against you again, alas).

“Instead of a surge, we would have already pulled out of Iraq. Do you really believe that Iraq could have been stable enough to have handled...”

But Obama's position was to deploy the troops to Afghanistan to fight al Qaeda, a convenient omission on your part. He has had that position for years and now even the Bush administration and, finally, McCain have embraced it. Years too late but better late than never I guess.

So it was not that his, “inexperience trumped his arrogance to admit he was wrong.” It's that he was right all along and now Bush and McCain have adopted his position.

But the larger campaign question now is how are they possibly going to cancel or delay the Palin debate? Do you think she'll withdraw before next week? Maybe fall down the steps getting off her airplane and break a leg? Flu? What will it be? Gotta be something but what will it be?

Maybe Palin will announce that she's pregnant!!! That would work.

Graciousness is an intolerable trait for you I suppose. The most gracious aspect of Barak's presentation was not taking advantage of the seething irritability that John McCain was struggling to hold in check.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

You mean the NUMEROUS times that OB interrupted McCain during his time to speak? Or those childish glares when McCain got him on a point? McCain smiled more and made little jokes. He was relaxed. OB never looked relaxed and was almost always on the defense.

Well, now we know that there truly is an alternate universe that republicans dwell in. This makes it so abundantly clear! Mr. I won't look at you so I don't blow a fuse looked relaxed? What a joke! Usarmybrat, if you tell a lie about me on live television, EXPECT TO BE INTERRUPTED. Period! You can't just say "Barack will raise your taxes" or "the fundamentals of the economy are sound" and have it magically be true. McCain lies so easily that he doesn't even realize it! I only buy American cars. Sorry Dave, I've got to fly back to DC to fix this economic crisis I denied even existed yesterday. I picked Palin because she was the most qualified (Kay Bailey Hutchinson? Ann Richards? Olympia Snowe? Kay Buccannon?)

I love you "substance over style" folks who are rushing out for Palin glasses! OMG!

I don't believe it is "gracious", as I was saying before, to interrupt someone as he is speaking. Obama could have waited, as McCain did. You guys were SO hoping to have Obama get under his skin and it was just the opposite!

"Obama could have waited, as McCain did."

Yeah, really... Obama was acting like such an uppity negro by defending his position in the debate.

Did you catch the video of McGrumpy saying "horse doo doo" twice during the debate, under his breath but still audible, right after Obama mentioned that McCain wouldn't even meet with the Prez of Spain? McCain was so close to blowing his stack at that point - I guess it helps to say "horse %&$#" to relieve that bulging temper.

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"You can lead a Republican to the truth, but you can't make him think."

You could see the smoke coming out of McCain's ears while watching him grit his teeth. Not once looking at Obama even when they shook hands at the beginning. Never trust a man that doesn't look you in the eye comes to mind. McCain's temperament is not suited to be the President of this Great Nation. Maybe 10 years ago but not now, now this little man, just needs to retire a hero. Its time to move on.

Got a link to that, Main? LOL! I think I would have a hard time not using that expression myself, if I had to listen to the silly crap from BO. Didn't he use the expression "I warned the Administration" twice in the debate, in reference to the financial crisis? He's a clueless idiot.

Here is the link of John McCain dishonoring America by swearing on national TV.

VIDEO LINK

The fact that you say you would do the same thing on national TV proves to me how little class you have.

If only I had the "class" to stay in a "church" and have a "mentor" that says GOD-D---- AMERICA" and sells copies of it in the foyer. Wow, what a way to "honor America"!

I only remember John McCain warning us about our current crisis in 2005.

Here is a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tZc8oH--o

Part of the bailout agreement they came to last night says that our esteemed leaders in Washington lifted the ban on off-shore drilling...wasn't that ban due to expire on Oct. 1st anyway? I hate it when our elected officials play us for fools.

He did warn the administration and others about the mess---long ago.

Something no republican did! They all just hoped to get through the November election first!

Doesn't mean he should be President however.

Maybe you'll wake up one morning and discover that it was TINA FEY impersonating a vice presidential candidate. I love those glasses!!

The glasses are cool but a little pricey. On the other hand, the Sarah Palin Action Figure is wiping out my Christmas list. Don't tell 'em though. I want it to be a surprise.

I'll trade my last year's gift (Hillary toilet brush) for one of those cool action figures of Sarah. I promise it's NEVER been used! Even trade, ok?

That's the worst offer ever!

Get yours here:

HeroBuilders.com

Don't skimp, go for the one with the 45 strapped to her leg.

Just ordered six!!

Christmas should be a blast at your house. I'm glad they have a sense of humor.

With my family you've got too.

Looked like a flag pin to me. Guess he figured it is never too late.

Maybe it was his 20-year "perfect attendance" in Sunday School. Do they still give pins for that?

Thanks for the laugh!!! I could see where he would be proud to wear that pin since it his most significant accomplishment.

he was wearing and has been for several months now.

McCain he had NO pin -- knew all along he was Un American.

Months ago when he was called on for not wearing the flag pin he said something about not feeling he had to wear the pin to prove he supported the country. Or words to that effect. Now he is wearing one--is that a flip flop?

As for McCain being unAmerican for not wearing one--I think he proved what kind of American he was many, many years ago. And that outdoes wearing any pin on his lapel. I imagine there was some sarcasm there from you referring to people saying that Obama was unAmerican for not wearing a pin earlier--but McCain has nothing to prove to anyone in that arena.

Why the change for Barry? Is he now placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem as well?

you'd still give Barak no respect.

Let's see good student worked his way through college President of Harvard Law Review (ever read or see "The Paper Chase").

vs.

393 out of a class of 399 at Annapolis got in because father and grand father were Admirals. Crashed 3 training aircraft during qualification to be a Naval aviator.

I don't care what one does symbolically or not -- I want the best and the brightest as my President== we've had 8 years of a dunce in the white house being controlled like a puppet, now let's elect a leader.

Jackyldo,
I take it you'll be voting for McCain since you are looking for a leader. Just because black America has found a candidate that can read a teleprompter does not make Barry a leader. Let's stop dancing around the true Barry. You know the one who has during interviews used the term "typical white people". The Barry that has yet to have a job for any significant lenght of time. McCain spent longer living in a cell than Barry has maintained a job. The Barry that would not wear a flag pin but is now wearing one because his handlers told him to. The Barry that has been photographed not placing his hand over his heart during the national anthem. And if you want Jackyldo I would be more than happy to discuss Barry's muslim upbringing, black power remarks and lets not forget his spiritual advisor. Jackyldo, symbolism may mean nothing to you but Barry's obvious dislike for this country is important to me. So go ahead and vote for Barack Hussein Obama because I'll be in the booth next to you voting for a true American not a muslim trying to hide his views until elected. Barack Hussein Obama will destroy this country.

"Barack Hussein Obama will destroy this country."

Looks to me that we are going to find ought whose right, you or us Obama supporters. He's looking like a winner right now.

Neither could I. I would like to think he would wear what is proper. I'll study the re-run footage today.
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

The candidates schedule for Saturday 9/27:

Barack Obama & Joe Biden
Greensboro, North Carolina
Washington Street in front of J. Douglas Galyon Depot
12:15 pm (EDT)

Fredricksburg, Virginia
Ball Circle
University of Mary Washington
5:15 PM (EDT)

Michelle Obama & Jill Biden
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida A & M University
Quad Area
11:00 am (EDT)

John McCain
Columbus, Ohio
Aladdin Shrine Temple
5:30 pm (EDT)

Sarah Palin
Memorizing past statements by Henry Kissinger

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"You can lead a Republican to the truth, but you can't make him think."

Biden was on every network - Blitzer on CNN read an email you had Biden now be fair and have Palin - his reply.

"We've been getting some emails from views out there wondering why we spent some time interviewing Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee and not Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee. We would have loved to interview--we'd still love to interview Sarah Palin. Unfortunately we asked, we didn't get that interview...We're hoping that Sarah Palin will join us at some point down the road."

A sure way at this late date (39 days) to be defeated!

I liked and respected Sen. McCain, and if he had gotten elected in 2000 instead of George Bush, we would be in far better shape now than we are. But Sarah Palin is a female version of George Bush, only much less experienced. As Kathleen Parker said, Palin is way over her head. If something happened to McCain, Palin would be a total disaster as President. Given the sorry state that we are in, thanks to the current administration, we absolutely cannot afford to take that risk.

On a side note, I can't believe there are still hardcore right-wingers who still believe in "stay the course". Our economy is shot, banks are closing, millions of people are losing their homes, there are widespread gas shortages, and we are talking about trillions of dollars in new debt. Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating, Al Queda is stronger than ever, and our "friends" in Iraq keep accusing us of killing civilians. We are increasingly unwelcome in the middle east. If ever there was a time for a dramatic change in direction for this country, it is NOW.

So, I'm definitely supporting Obama for President.

How the heck are you and why?
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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

Thanks for asking! I moved to OK, and I have a teaching job. I think I got the job because my daughter used to teach there, and the principal was very impressed with her teaching ability. So now, I have to live up to that high standard.

Right now, I'm working on the October assignment calendar for my classes. I was amused to read the other thread about how teachers really only work 6 months a year--HA!! Try 14 hours a day on weekdays, and maybe another 12 hours or so on weekends. Ask any teacher you know--very few of us are able to squeeze it all into a 40-hour week; it's more like 60 hours a week for most of us.

Anyway, enough about me. I ranted about Sarah Palin and the hardcore right-wingers, but I'm glad that there are moderate conservatives like you and Muddle on this website. It's the moderates that hold this country together, not the extremists.

Well y'all take care! Sorry to hear about your gas shortages. Gas is selling as low as $3.19 here, and there's no shortage. I'm sure yours is just temporary.

See ya!

Thanks for being a teacher!!! It is a very hard but rewarding job. I thought I might do it part-time after I retire but I'm afraid I would end up spending all my salary on a child(s)that can't afford things. Only special people can be teachers.

Anyways, this election is most difficult for me. This bail-out is so troubling. I used to complain, even on this board, about the size of the federal budget; well, no more. Heck, I might be moving farther to the left that is, if my left-side friends will accept me.

Good to hear from you and don't be a stranger.

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Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.

Hi, River!

Well, I cannot say that the choice of Palin "tips" my vote elsewhere. I'll vote McCain in spite of Palin. And if he is elected, I will pray daily for his perfect, robust health.

I suppose she was chosen in order to garner the "evangelical vote." I have evangelical friends who think she is wonderful.

But it seems that, for them, as long as a candidate shares, or appears to share, their passionate Christian convictions, then little else matters. Never mind that the candidate is also, in nearly every other way, utterly unfit for the job.

Hey, maybe she'll actually debate Biden and surprise us all with her wealth of knowledge and her sharp analytic skills. Perhaps the calculated strategy is for the democrats radically to underestimate her. In truth, she is the secret weapon to be wheeled out at the critical moment. Maybe..... Nawwwwww.

____________________

"Puddleglum" by Weatherwax (one of the Muddlings).

Jeeves to the Rescue

Like you I have wondered why McCain picked Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, part of one term, as his Vice-Presidential, may be President, if McCain is unable to serve.

I don't think he did! He would never have thought of her!
Someone else sold him on her.

Why did they? I can not logically think that even evangelicals, even the most basic ones, could want to risk such a venture simply because she espouses to be someone who is a fundamentalist Christian--tongues, shoutiong, dancing in aisles, no abortion, no welfare, no pity, person. One who sins greatly but considers it normal.

Who would have picked her for consideration?

Rove maybe? Cheney maybe? Pat Robertson maybe? Limbaugh maybe?

Interesting!

Even more interesting is the acceptance, almost instantly by the republican party! No other thing to do, maybe?

I will vote for John also. He is my hero. I am an Independent. I voted for Clinton and he did a good job---I didn't even know if he had any religion- he was a politician!

My real question to you is this:
Do evangelical and other Christians want an evangelical in office so as to bolster their own beliefs, which they seem to need in abundance?

what happened was this. If you will remember McCain had no chance of getting the nomination for President, that is, until he met with the religious leaders a couple of years ago. I believe the Religious leaders(Pat Robertson etc.) told him they would get him the nomination, and yes they are powerful enough, but they would get to pick the Vice President. Who do they pick, Palin, a radical right wing, if ever there was one. McCain owed them big time he had no choice but to go along with their pick. She of course is a disaster for the moderate faction of the Republican party.

I believe McCain will be led by the nose by the Religious Radical Right(remember he owes them) that to this day still occupies the white house and still will if McCain is elected. I believe we need to clean the White House of this group of Radicals that have almost destroyed this country.

There is nothing wrong with Religion or being religious, but we have forgotten there should always be separation of Church and STATE, ALWAYS. Government just does not work properly when Religion occupies a majority of what goes on inside the government.
Just my thoughts.

who think someone is wonderful because they share the same Evangelical leanings, and therefore they are a good candidate to lead this Nation.

George Bush had words about finding Jesus in a dinner and that was all that was needed to garner their votes. Yet his administration and policies have been far from any Christian ideals.

The intellectual capacity of someone, has to be a major factor in their ability to lead. This woman has less intellect than many who blog on this board.

My guess is that she is actually quite bright and would be impressive in many contexts.

But for her to step into the position as VP is kind of like me taking a position as a neurosurgeon. I think I can hold my own in certain contexts, but I would be like Jeff Foxworthy in the operating room; "We're going to poke around your brain with a stick."

I'll bet she has an acute case of imposter syndrome--with a strong sense that people would be deeply disappointed and disgusted if they only knew the truth about her. I had it when I began my career, and I know the feeling. I feel for her. I really do.

____________________

"Puddleglum" by Weatherwax (one of the Muddlings).

Jeeves to the Rescue

I voted yesterday -- FOR MCCAIN -- in spite of Palin. If he wins, I don't know who the VP will be, but I have a feeling it won't be Palin.

The republican party is dead!
I am voting for John McCain however due to his being John McCain---I don't care what party claims him.

A new republican party will eventually emerge who are not so selfish and greedy and don't ignore their fellow man and downgrade them all of the time.

In my opinion, anyone who really likes John McCain will vote him into a comfortable retirement, and stop the shameless exploitation of a fellow American by the lunatic fringe.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

and the word leaking out is that she is dreadful
or as reported in the Washington Post from Politico

"Capitol Hill sources are telling me that senior McCain people are more than concerned about Palin. The campaign has held a mock debate and a mock press conference; both are being described as "disastrous." One senior McCain aide was quoted as saying, "What are we going to do?" The McCain people want to move this first debate to some later, undetermined date, possibly never. People on the inside are saying the Alaska Governor is "clueless."

Her aides in Alaska figure they can do a Karl Rove and Harriet Myers and ignore subpoena's a move that would get you or I thrown into jail.

Amazing how fast a "hot star" flames out.

MCain can trace the decline of his campaign from the day he picked her as his running mate.

"MCain can trace the decline of his campaign from the day he picked her as his running mate."

I like him!

Conservative columnist Kathleen Parker, admitting that until recently she was a vocal supporter of Sarah Palin, now says the vice presidential nominee should bow out:
As we've seen and heard more from John McCain's running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn't know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion.
Palin's recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League.

No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I've been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I've also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted.

Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage and there's not much content there.

Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.

You known Kathleen I'm a liberal (vote best person not party) and I read many columns from many points of view and I have to say - you got a point here that I agree with.

The best case scenario would be for BOTH VP candidates to remove themselves and let the Pres. candidates choose again, but much more wisely!

but Hillary and Bill are with ya Daisy....

MIDDLE CLASS

The best line of the night had to be Obama's. After McCain talked solemnly about wearing the bracelet for one of our fallen soldiers, the first thing Obama had to say was, "I've got a bracelet TOO!" He sounded so "me too, me too" that my entire family burst out laughing and we had to hit the remote to stop and replay it. It was funny as heck!

If Obama said that in that context then he is naive.
However, John also needs to quit saying, when I was a prisoner, I wasn't here then I was a guest of the Vietnamese, and on and on!
We know he is a hero, Has nothing to do with job at hand!

USArmybrat,

The Mrs. and I laughed at the same thing. He sounded just like our 5 year-old grandchild after his bigger brother shows us something.
The younger one has to say - "I have one too"!

That statement underscored Obamas immaturity, lack of confidence, and lack of independent, critical thought.

At last count about 4000 people are wearing bracelets for Iraq.

There are another 30 million with yellow plastic ribbons on their cars for just anybody.

That is all Obama was saying!

I'm not voting for Obama but I understand grandstanding on both sides!

The mother who gave McCain his bracelet wants more death and destruction in order to validate her son's sacrifice to her satisfaction, while the mother who gave Obama his bracelet wants the death and destruction to end for everyone. It is no surprise that Obama's counterpoint is counter to your own lack of empathy for the human race. In Iraq, a lack of war was not the problem, so more war is not the solution. Anyone who serves and sacrifices for their country has the highest honor, it is not a function of politics.

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

You can take your "uppity" attitude and stick it where the sun doesn't shine. I feel for both families that were represented on those armbands and I would NEVER state that either of them want "more death and destruction" for some selfish "validation". That was a very thoughtless comment, more like something you would read on the Daily Kos.

What is war, besides death and destruction?

WAR

"I can't wait until tomorrow, because I get more lovable every day."

I'm less than middle class, and it is because of the backlog of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office located in good old Decatur, Georgia. We've got a claim pending, the current one has been pending for two years, awaiting adjudication. SouthernBelle, GRACE is a VIRTUE

John you have voted against or missed every vote regarding more body armor, better protection against head wounds and every GI Bill,, so that your call for freeze for Vets care and benefits is HYPOCRISY.

Nixon, I think it was tried that for about two year on retail prices!
All it did wad cause the most awful sprint of inflation that the country had ever had and has had since when it was over.

One example:
dentists had about 2-4 prices before the "freeze":
Fill a tooth - $5.00 for any kind of fill.
Pull a tooth - $4.00 anywhere
Didn't do x-rays.
Bridge of any amount of teeth: about $75-100
Full set of artificial teeth - $75-100

After the freeze: a tooth suddenly had four sides!
They had all kinds of x-ray equipment at 20-30 a pop.
Bridges were by the tooth and if gold or not and and and.
Sent you to a specialist and they split the fee!

You really made me laugh with your last lines!

SouthernBelle, GRACE is a VIRTUE

Something you might find of interest from Time magazine last May:

"This is not the first time McCain, who has a proud history of opposing what he views as excessive government spending, has found himself at odds with his fellow veterans on legislation. He's voted for veterans funding bills only 30% of the time, according to a scorecard of roll-call votes put out by the nonpartisan Disabled Americans for America. Under the same system Obama has a 90% rating — though, of course, he has spent a much shorter time in Washington. "Senator McCain clearly needs to be recognized for his military service and in some respects that will play to his advantage, but when it actually comes to delivering health care and benefits during war, Senator McCain's going to have some explaining to do," said Paul Sullivan, director of the nonpartisan Veterans for Common Sense. "

LINK

I am a very aware voter. I know who has voted on what, I went to the House bills website, among others, for an unbiased look at who has voted for and against issues that matter to me. I have little faith in either candidate, and Senator McCain has shown his true colors by his voting practices, or lack of presence, while Obama has consistently voted to improve Veterans health, and benefits. At the same time, Senator Obama has little experience dealing with Veterans. I'd pay a good amount of money to watch one of them fumble through the VA system, apply for benefits, have them denied when the evidence that YOU yourself have gathered clearly states that this is because of military service, then, when you get a rating, it is lowballed. The VA thought they could get away with it with me, but they were sadly wrong. McCain doesn't have a clue about fighting the VA. None of them do. They have no idea what the stress it puts on Veterans to know that yes, the Veteran has healthcare, but his family, when he leaves the military, is simply left in the cold. Most people forget the fact that the VA only covers a Veterans' family if the Veteran is rated at 100% permanently and totally disabled. FEW get that rating. Even those that have lost limbs sometimes fail to meet the VA's requirements for 100% P & T. SO, my point in this long rant is that I have little faith in either candidate to really impose CHANGE at the VA, because they don't KNOW what it is like to fight the very organization created to help Veterans. They fight their own government after fighting the enemy. Unfortunate? Very; Changeable? Maybe, but I doubt it in MY lifetime. I spend my "free" time trying to get our own elected officials to do SOMETHING about the state of the VA. Often I'm told there's nothing they can REALLY do, they can just make inquiries, and ask a lot of questions. Tell me how that helps the Veteran who's mortgage is delinquint because the VA suddenly decided they needed a reduction in rating, no matter what the evidence to the contrary. And believe me, it happens all the time.

I'm going to get off this soapbox. I get all kinds of worked up about Veterans' Issues and the lack of support they actually get from not only our government, but the very people with the yellow ribbons on their cars.

Sorry for the rant.

SouthernBelle, GRACE is a VIRTUE

He is pronouncing it correctly.

SouthernBelle, GRACE is a VIRTUE

$225,000.00 if you make less you will NOT pay more in new taxes.

I personally don't find it a problem that Carly Fiorina will pay more on her $42 Million,, or Secretary Paulson might have to for over some more from his $500,000,000 he has invested in Goldman Sacks.

What the middle class has to realize is that the Republicans have never and certainly now do NOT care about you.

Someone linked the tax calculator to the blogs. I found it on Google. Independent economists linked it to the two candidate's tax plans. Under McCain's, people making less than 200k per year pay MORE taxes. Under Obama's, taxes went DOWN until 250k per year. Willingly not learning the facts of the matter is pretty sad.

So again, is he going to raise taxes? From your answer, I can assume yes is still the answer. We can't have close to 50% of this Country not paying taxes in my humble opinion. We are very close to that now. If they raise taxes on the so called "wealthy", more jobs will be lost.

SPENDING needs to be CUT. Did either candidate talk of what cuts they would make? I seriously doubt it.

It is clear from both candidates:

Obama will let the tax break for wealthy people and corporations expire, providing congress agrees. He will try to reduce middle income taxes by about $1000.

McCain will NOT let it expire and will reduce middle income taxes by 2-300 dollars.

Neither of these jokers is saying how they will pay for the 11 Trillion debt, all the people going on SS in about five-ten years, the war debt-still going, nor the additional 1-2 Trillion the wealthy want for Wall Street and Banks!

It is that simple and you know it!!!!!