While there is no arguing the fact Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin energized the Republican party, let’s all just settle down a bit.
Shoring up the Republican base is a big plus for McCain’s campaign, and I’m sure Karl Rove just can’t get enough of her, but it’s all about the guys at the top of each party’s ticket.
The selection of a vice-presidential running mate does not only reflect on a candidate’s judgment, but also on his campaign. In a nutshell, Obama’s choice of Joe Biden is lousy at best, illustrating his insecurity concerning whether or not he has enough experience.
On the other hand, Sen. McCain’s selection of Palin is an act of desperation. After only meeting her a few times, McCain concedes he’s old and slow and hoped a Barbie-doll will come through in the clutch.
At this point, it’s obvious: They’re both simply trying to get elected by any means necessary.
Frankly, Joe Biden appears to be a spineless, flip-flopping Democrat and a stereotypical Washington insider – something Obama is trying so hard not to be. As a person who leans left on many issues, weak-sauce Democratic politicians are something I don’t care for.
When voting, the man at the top of each ticket is who ultimately matters. Those who argue Palin is too inexperienced to be President should anything horrible happen have no leg to stand on. The most logical, rational and appropriate response would be, “Obama has even less executive experience and is actually running for president!”
The bottom line of this election comes down to whether you approve of the politics of the past eight years or not. While some say McCain has all the experience one could ever hope for, he has just as much executive experience as Obama – nada. McCain is mostly in line with President George Bush’s policies, and if you didn’t approve of those, then you’re not going to approve of McCain’s.
Obama brings a youthful exuberance to the political arena. While his voting record is crawling with present votes, which some say is smart politics, I find it to be cunning and pathetic. There is no ‘present’ vote or decision in the White House.
If you don’t approve of traditional American politics, Obama is your likely candidate. If you believe in American exceptionalism, or simply that a white dude should always be president, then McCain is your likely candidate.
All this ruckus of how many houses McCain and Obama have is preposterous. Biden’s disclosure of his tax records as an effort to pressure Palin to do the same is a bunch of malarkey. Or comparing Obama to Paris Hilton and other celebrities: I mean come on, how frivolous. Voters all know you guys have deep pockets. Unfortunately, we’ve conceded that point.
The Obama campaign can’t do anything about Palin, and if they decide to focus on her and take their eyes off of McCain and the issues, they’re doomed for sure.
Palin has captured the eye and imagination of the American public for a short interval; Obama is surely striving to steal back her thunder.
The News Record > Sections > Opinion
Palin's 15 minutes of fame boost GOP
Column: The Kareem Filling
Published: Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Obama is a brilliant visionary who has the analytical and organizational skills to get the job done. He inspires people to think beyond themselves. He is a self-made man who understands what it means to be part of the working poor and the middle class, trying to make a better life for his family. He is a natural born leader and surrounds himself with the best minds, calling on leaders and citizens alike to work together to build a better future for all of us. He built a grassroots movement of ordinary people that has swept across this country without the corruption of lobbyists and big corporate interests. He gives hope to ordinary people like me that I can make a difference. My voice is important. I trust him because he has my best interest at heart and that's why I'm so passionate about Obama. He is my hero!
Obama will provide tax cuts to 95% of working families. For those who make less than $250,000 per year, there will not be one dime of tax increases. For those above $250,000 the rate will return to that of the 1990s. He will provide secure jobs in new technology, alternative energy, and biomedical research for Americans like me. Obama will provide health care for all Americans, opportunities to go to college in exchange for community or military service, safeguard Social Security and Medicare, responsibly end the war in Iraq so dads and moms can be home with their kids where they belong. He will catch Osama bin Laden by providing more troops in Afghanistan. He will provide returning veterans with the health and medical care they need and mentoring programs to get them back on their feet so they can support their families and be productive members of their communities.
Barack Obama believes in a "pay as you go" budget not the Chinese VISA credit card, and will pay for his programs by eliminating the offshore tax haven loophole where thousands of US corporations avoid paying US income taxes. He will end Bush's Iraq War which costs you and me $10 billion every month for over seven years. He will end tax breaks to companies who ship jobs overseas and give them to those who provide jobs here in the US. He will end no bid contracts to companies like Halliburton and Blackwater. He will review current government programs to be sure they are cost efficient and effective. These are real and concrete reasons to vote for Obama.
Most of you have never been considered "working poor," without health insurance when you have a sick child, without hope of having a better life. Most Americans are 2 paychecks away from bankruptcy, so consider yourselves lucky. You need to find out about John McCain's voting record. I dare you to go to www.womenforbarackobama.com/McCain, where you can find McCain votes (including bill numbers and dates) on about a dozen different issues.
I decided this election is the most important of my life and for the future of my children and grandchildren, so I am volunteering every day to help Barack Obama become the next President of the United States of America.