So, at almost the end of his two-term presidency, "W" finally does something really good - he decided to give GM and Chrysler a "bailout." The terms were quite similar to what the House had passed and the Senate Repubs had stopped a little over a week before. It remains infuriating to listen to right wing pundits pontificate on how the U.S. car companies are already bankrupt, why couldn't they have just been allowed to go into Chapter 11?, the foreign car companies are doing great, who needs Detroit and their $70 per hour union workers?? LIE LIE LIE LIE!!!! Of course, it does remain to be seen 1) how much GM and Chrysler can actually do between now and the deal's March 31, 2009 deadline and 2) how Obama is going to change or keep the same the terms and conditions of the deal.
Anyway, the knot in my stomach finally went away, as of 9:30 am, Friday, December 19, 2008. Have to give props to George W., at long last.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Will calmer heads prevail?
The UAW did not buckle under to the Southern Repubs, seeking to break them and to make unilateral wage/benefit concessions without collective bargaining. So the Congressional bailout failed - and NOW it looks as though Bush will relent and allow some "loans" out of the $700 billion TARP. Enough to keep GM and Chrysler from declaring bankruptcy. This is what should have happened already, weeks ago.
Perhaps no Michigander is far removed from the automaker crisis but I'm reasonably well insulated from it. Yet, it has been causing me troubled sleep and anxious waking hours. How much more so all those thousands of hourly and salaried auto workers and all the suppliers, dealers, etc. etc. I just hope there isn't any further political game-playing and up-the-ante-ing. Unfortunately, that is probably too much to hope for . . .
Perhaps no Michigander is far removed from the automaker crisis but I'm reasonably well insulated from it. Yet, it has been causing me troubled sleep and anxious waking hours. How much more so all those thousands of hourly and salaried auto workers and all the suppliers, dealers, etc. etc. I just hope there isn't any further political game-playing and up-the-ante-ing. Unfortunately, that is probably too much to hope for . . .
Thursday, December 11, 2008
*Bleep* the Auto Bailout!
Well, I have been anxiously reading and watching news reports about the progress of the GM-Chrysler bailout and all the unfair and stupid requirements being foisted on the companies - IF they get any money at all from this Congress - looks increasingly unlikely.
I read Fair's favorite blogger on the topic: http://www.autoextremist.com/ and now I have decided - in all MY infinite wisdom - that the companies would be better off in Chapter 11 than to take the $14 billion with all of it's restrictions, efforts to break the UAW, a stupid car czar, etc. etc.
I know this will leave a terrible burden on Obama's doorstep, not to mention the pain and suffering of untold thousands of workers and dependents - but I don't think the current efforts are going to result in the "loans" and if they did, it would mean additional concessions to the union-hating Southern Repubs.
The timing of all this had to do with the economic crisis that began a few weeks before the presidential election. Had there been no economic crisis and of the magnitude it quickly attained, maybe Obama would not have been elected. So, the economic crisis was the price to pay for President-Elect Obama and now there will be additional, heavy, heavy collateral damage in the form of GM, especially, bankruptcy. I want GM's dire predictions of millions of jobs lost to be wrong - for the sake of all those people - but if GM is right - IT IS ALL ON THE HEADS OF THE SOUTHERN REPUBS! Is there a lower place in Hell than is reserved for them??? (they're all Bible-thumping believers in Hell, so one hopes their places are reserved).
I read Fair's favorite blogger on the topic: http://www.autoextremist.com/ and now I have decided - in all MY infinite wisdom - that the companies would be better off in Chapter 11 than to take the $14 billion with all of it's restrictions, efforts to break the UAW, a stupid car czar, etc. etc.
I know this will leave a terrible burden on Obama's doorstep, not to mention the pain and suffering of untold thousands of workers and dependents - but I don't think the current efforts are going to result in the "loans" and if they did, it would mean additional concessions to the union-hating Southern Repubs.
The timing of all this had to do with the economic crisis that began a few weeks before the presidential election. Had there been no economic crisis and of the magnitude it quickly attained, maybe Obama would not have been elected. So, the economic crisis was the price to pay for President-Elect Obama and now there will be additional, heavy, heavy collateral damage in the form of GM, especially, bankruptcy. I want GM's dire predictions of millions of jobs lost to be wrong - for the sake of all those people - but if GM is right - IT IS ALL ON THE HEADS OF THE SOUTHERN REPUBS! Is there a lower place in Hell than is reserved for them??? (they're all Bible-thumping believers in Hell, so one hopes their places are reserved).
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Saxby Chambliss Silver Lining
Obama, by his words and actions (cabinet appointments) is trying to send out a post-partisan message. How successful this will be remains to be seen. But post-partisanship may have been harder to achieve had the Democrats attained a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. This would have enabled them to roll over Repubs, without seeking consensus or compromise. This would have also allowed them to force Obama into territory more leftward than he desires.
Seeking consensus and compromise among both parties is exactly NOT what the Bush administration did and is exactly the CHANGE WE NEED!
Seeking consensus and compromise among both parties is exactly NOT what the Bush administration did and is exactly the CHANGE WE NEED!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Of course it's CHANGE we need
I'm sick of those bloggers and pundits, critiquing Obama's cabinet and staff picks, and his pronouncements to date as president-elect - they point out that he or she is from the Clinton administration - that's not the CHANGE I was expecting. Duh! The CHANGE we need, the CHANGE we can believe in is CHANGE from eight years of George W. Bush/Dick Cheney. It's not as if Obama pretended he would invent something never seen before in governance, that every appointee was going to be someone who had never governed before or been in an administration - just not from THAT administration, with THAT governing philosophy.
And now - I hate to broach the subject, but have you seen Obama's mini-press conferences lately (today, yesterday)? Does it seem to you that he is just a teensy bit too eager to please the press corps, with his calling on them by name? Or that maybe it is supposed to demonstrate his command of the room, when he does not yet have the authority that inauguration will convey? I just kept thinking to myself - he's trying too hard. I don't want to think it, I don't want to have the slightest negative thought in my mind about him, but . . .
And now - I hate to broach the subject, but have you seen Obama's mini-press conferences lately (today, yesterday)? Does it seem to you that he is just a teensy bit too eager to please the press corps, with his calling on them by name? Or that maybe it is supposed to demonstrate his command of the room, when he does not yet have the authority that inauguration will convey? I just kept thinking to myself - he's trying too hard. I don't want to think it, I don't want to have the slightest negative thought in my mind about him, but . . .
Friday, November 21, 2008
Exchanges: November 3 - November 20
I think the silver lining will be that it will force Mich/autos to get as green as possible knowing we have no allies on powerful House committees (thankfully we still have Carl Levin on the Senate side).
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
There is a ton of idiocy out there in the media on this subject. I know the Dingell thing is bad for Michigan/auto makers - but I'm trying to find a silver lining.
Yes - Terry will watch the game, but I doubt that I will - hope MSU wins of course.
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
But baaaaddddd for today's Michigan and the domestic auto industry. Some idiot on CNN last night noted that he doesn't see Toyota or Honda in D.C. with their hands out. MAYBE THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE JAPANESE COMPANIES WITH LOTS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FROM THE JAPANEESE GOV'T!
I'm off tomorrow. I am driving to Cincinnati. Bummed to miss the MSU/Penn St. game here in D.C. Go Green. Have a good weekend.
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
You probably heard about Dingell from other news sources - Waxman winning is characterized as good for Obama's global warming initiatives.
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
You're right - thanks for the commiseration!
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
Hang in there. We all would have those types of issues to work out. My family too. Even if Chrysler went out that would, I suspect, still impact so many of us.
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
Now I have something new to keep me awake at night - whether or not GM will declare bankruptcy. Besides all the awful macro-impacts, this would have serious impacts within my family due to the potential loss to my mom of my dad's GM pension. She's aware of the possibility and thinks she would be alright -- I don't think I'd be in a position to help, but then what . . .
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
I did get the survey invite, but I have to complete it at home. Blocked at work.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
right - because the Bill story is pointing forward and the Stevens story is pointing backward, in time. I can't remember - would you be okay with Hillary as SOS? Ever since the Primary has been over, I accept her - if Obama wants her, that's good enough for me.
Did you get a survey form to fill out from myobama? Mostly had to do with how one viewed the volunteer experience . . .
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
YPT is still still working through some growing pains. I've met some great friends and contacts.
I find it funny that the Washington Post website has the title "Bill Clinton Opens His Records" in much larger font and in a better location than "Stevens Looses Battle for Alaska Senate Seat."
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
You did take a nice picture with your friends, but you always do. YPT must be a good organization for networking and socializing, as you had hoped? expected?
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
There is no age definition :)
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
But, by appearances, he is not young :)
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
Mr. Downey is one of our advisors. I am on the Exec. Committee of YPT (Communications). What are the odds. He attends most of our meetings.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
Note the name in the message below (Mort Downey) and his relationship to YPT.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
Subject: Obama Picks DOT Transition Team
Importance: High
Obama Picks DOT Transition Teamhttp://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/government.asp?id=48628Category > Opportunity: November 19, 2008 (U.S. DOT)
Mortimer Downey, a transportation consultant who served eight years as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under former President Clinton, will lead President-elect Obama's transition team review of the Department of Transportation. Obama's Transportation Department transition team also includes Jane Garvey, who served as Federal Aviation Administration administrator under President Clinton, and now works for JPMorgan's infrastructure investment group, as well as Michael Huerta, who has served as Associate Deputy Secretary of Transportation under Secretary Federico Peña. Other members of the transition team include: John Cullather, a former member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who will be in charge of reviewing the Federal Maritime Commission and Carol Carmody, who will oversee the National Transportation Safety Board.
Posted by Fair, November 19, 2008
I'm not addicted to my 'Crackberry' yet. I don't mind not using it other than to read the paper on the Metro while in the non-tunnel sections. Perhaps that was overplayed on purpose to draw more attention to McCain's lack of tech understanding in general and no so much of reality. Of course someone is checking a ton of e-mails during a Presidential campaign - esp. the candidate that wants to win.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
oooh - I didn't know you have a Blackberry - can you relate to Obama having Blackberry withdrawal pangs, if, as discussed in the media, he will have to give it up due to privacy, open government, security concerns?
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
A non-stop run of B-day gifts for you... I was surprised to hear that as well! I read in on the Metro this morning. I can read the paper on my Blackberry.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
WOW - Senator Ted Stevens, R-AK, is defeated! Goodbye to the NO! guy, the internet-as-a-series-of-tubes guy, and also, to the hopes of those who wanted both Al Franken and Sarah Palin in the Senate at the same time (of course, we are still waiting for recount re Al Franken and it wasn't a done deal Sarah would have taken Ted's seat, had he won and then been expelled.)
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
And having Lieberman keep that position keeps republicans as happy as they can be given their minority status (so they don't too combative from the start). Imagine if Obama named Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the Homeland Security Comm chairmanship. A costal liberal elite from SAN FRANCISCO! The horror. It would set off a dust up not necessary given the work needed to be done.
- - Fair, November 18, 2008
I'm just about ready to take off - was reading DailyKos - ooohh - he and many posting are not happy about Lieberman retaining his Homeland Security Committee chairmanship and think the Dems have caved AGAIN. I view it quite differently - he's willing to forgive and forget, but Lieberman will have to come through on votes for him - since the Senate will likely not end up with 60 REAL Democrats in office.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
I am still quite baffled by Facebook. But thanks for the regards - and how old am I? - of course you are too polite to ask - 54 - one year away from regular early retirement (as opposed to "early out" retirement-age, which was 50 when T. took advantage of it).
HA HA HA - NOW I've looked at Faxham. Very nice. On the weekend, I tend to go online while I'm doing laundry. I couldn't think of anything I really wanted to post - that would have been on Sunday. I did save a bunch of Obama images from Google Images and I put them in a folder so I could view them as a slideshow. It was kind of fun to do - like an old-time scrapbook would have been decades ago. Did you see "the one" and his wife on Sixty Minutes? We thought he was pretty funny at times, the way he got all poker-face when Steve Croft was trying to get him to make news about his cabinet, and also when discussing the possibility of his mother-in-law moving into the White House.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
Have you been to the Faxham site lately? Hope you are feeling better given it is your bday. Happy birthday, by the way. A reminder for me was on Facebook.
The media coverage and general tone on "Detroit" upsets me too. If only these people knew how important it is for the US to have a strong (maybe not big, but definitely strong) manufacturing sector. The Detroit 3 buy ads from all the NY ad agencies; designs come from Calif., lobbying in DC, steel from the Midwest and Appalachian states, petroleum (plastics) from Texas............. and on and on. Why the hell was it OK to bail out NY City?
- - Fair, November 18, 2008
I was a bit under the weather, so I was off yesterday. I'm disappointed in the news media - I had hoped that once Obama won, it would be clear sailing, as far as watching news items about the transition, cabinet picks, etc. Even the economic news was okay - until - it came time for Big 3 Auto/Detroit bashing! The things that are said, by otherwise smart and sensible people, are so outdated, so cliche-ridden - Detroit can't make cars people want, Detroit only makes big trucks and SUVs, all of the Detroit's vehicles are gas-guzzlers - I just have to change the channel. And all this blithe - let them go under, they should go under - oh, those pundits and politicians will rue the day if any of them really do go under.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
I'm very interested to know how it all works out for you - feel free to use my gmail account - I usually check it at work throughout the day and once or twice on weekends . . . Although it really is not a big deal for me, I do have a birthday this coming Tuesday. Probably the dinner out I like to have will be delayed because of the expenses of our U.P. trip. I'm worried about our personal budget and the economy. What a bunch of non sequiturs!
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
No. I did say a few things in our e-mails. The Blog I'm not too worried about because my name isn't really associated with it (although I would want the Obama team to see that!). Some of the republican bashing could be portrayed as "childish" or immature. You're probably right.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
well, I don't think any of our communications have been embarrassing, so it must be something about your other associations :)
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
I didn't know that. I'm toast I guess (and aren't they smart!).
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
I suppose you have read or heard that those who apply for Obama jobs have to state whether they have any writings out there that would be considered embarrassing - including books, mag. articles, BLOGS, and E-MAILS.
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
Thanks... of course I was blocked from the site. Gaaaa. First I've heard of Emil Jones this far along as a replacement. I've only read of Jarrett being the replacement that was also a mentor. Should be interesting.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
Oops - there is that blog name in the URL - so here is the gist:
One candidate, Obama confidante Valerie Jarrett, who served as Mayor Daley’s staff chief and headed up the powerful Transit Board in Chicago, is a long time friend of both Michelle Obama (who she hired for the Mayor Daley’s staff years ago) and Barack. But she has apparently removed her name from consideration because as one of Obama’s top campaign aides, she is destined for the national stage, either in a prominent role in the White House or one of the departments. She is currently busy as co-chair of the Obama transition effort.
The other major African American contender is Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., son of former presidential candidate Reverend Jesse Jackson and a power in Chicago politics. If Blagojevich wanted to open a can of worms, he could do no better than select the younger Jackson to replace Obama. It would tick off Mayor Daley, anger a rival faction of African Americans in the city, and worry many downstate Democrats who feel Jackson would be a millstone around their necks in 2010.
Jackson carries a lot of political baggage. He once disrespected Mayor Daley’s father, the former Mayor Richard M. Daley, very publicly. He has opposed Daley in his efforts to expand O’Hare airport, desiring that the government build a new airport in his district. He has also clashed with Governor Blagojevich on several issues and railed against the corruption of his administration. A congressman since 1995, Jackson ran an abortive campaign for mayor in 2006, smartly dropping out when the Democrats achieved a majority in the House of Representatives. It would have been an uphill fight to pull enough liberal white, African American, and Hispanic votes to beat Daley who is very popular with many minority groups, especially Hispanics.
Jackson wants to replace Obama badly. He was first out of the box, making it known in October that he would be “honored and humbled” to take Obama’s seat. He actually commissioned a Zogby poll showing him in the lead among all candidates who had been mentioned.
He is also very liberal — a fact not lost on downstate Democrats who have figured out how to run in previously Republican territory and believe that having Jackson at the top of the ticket in 2010 might very well set them back and allow the Republicans to retake control of one or both houses in the legislature.
Given all this, it appears that Jackson would only have an outside shot at being chosen. That leaves two potential candidates — one not very well known and another known all too well as one of the more colorful characters in Illinois politics.
At age 73, state Senate leader Emil Jones has had a long career as a Chicago Machine politician. Starting as a sewer inspector, Jones worked his way up the ranks and is now one of the most powerful politicians in the state. His own campaign kitty funds dozens of Democratic senators in their runs for office, making him a force not only on the Senate floor where he rules with an iron fist, but also in the corridors and cloakrooms where his legendary powers of persuasion are put to use in service to what some see as his own agenda.
Jones, who is retiring from the state Senate in 2010, has said he wouldn’t turn the job down. In fact, some observers believe he would make a perfect replacement for Obama. He almost certainly wouldn’t run for re-election, thus clearing the way for a battle royal among all the current crop of Senate hopefuls in a free for all primary in two years. African Americans would be happy. Daley would be happy. Obama might even like to see his former mentor get a nice reward at the end of his career. And Governor Blagojevich could breathe a sigh of relief — temporarily — as he would have avoided a bruising fight.
But Jones, as Roger Simon of Politico points out, has some major drawbacks:
He was one of Obama’s political patrons, is close to the governor and is an African-American, yet I got snorts of derision when I ran his name past some other Illinois sources of mine. That’s because Jones is from the old school — he started out as a sewer inspector, which is not bad training for a life in politics — and is not a modern, ready-for-TV candidate, possessing an orator’s tongue. He is a Chicago pol — the ring tone on his cell phone is the theme from The Godfather — but he would be a “place holder” only and would not run in 2010.
So Jones would appear to be out of contention. The other dark horse candidate from the African American community is Congressman Danny Davis. But Davis has many of the same problems that Jones has. He is 67, a former Chicago alderman, and while he is well spoken and knowledgeable, he may have too much baggage to be a good choice to run in 2010. He once accepted a trip to Sri Lanka paid for by the Tamil Tigers, a terrorist group. He is also a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America. If downstaters thought they might have problems with Rep. Jackson in 2010, Davis might be their worst nightmare.
Other candidates include the lieutenant governor, longtime Democratic office holder Pat Quinn. However, Quinn may be busy moving into the governor’s mansion if Blagojevich is booted out or if he resigns. Then there’s Congressman Jan Schakowsky, a popular Democrat from Chicago’s near north side. If Blagojevich wants to choose a woman, she would be one option.
The other female option open to Blagojevich is one of the more compelling figures in Illinois politics. Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran who lost both her legs in combat and ran a spirited campaign in 2006 against Peter Roskam, who was vying to replace 16-term Congressman Henry Hyde. Although losing that race, the Asian-American won national attention both for her heroism and her anti-war advocacy.
Now serving as Blagojevich’s veterans affairs chief, Duckworth has made known her desire to be selected to be Obama’s replacement. And Obama himself may have sent a signal of who he might be favoring. When the president-elect laid a wreath at a soldier’s memorial in Chicago this past Veterans Day, at his side was Tammy Duckworth. Now it is true that Duckworth is head of veterans’ affairs for the state. But Obama didn’t have to have anyone by his side. The fact that he chose Duckworth may give us some sense of who he might wish to see in his Senate chair next January.
Duckworth also has a stellar list of supporters including Illinois’ other senator, Dick Durbin, who recruited her to run for Congress in 2006. Her campaign that year was managed by Rahm Emanuel, and she had David Axelrod as a media advisor.
A female war veteran, an up and coming star of the Democratic party in Illinois, a young (40), intense campaigner with a compelling personal story, a choice that would please the new president, and someone who could run very well downstate — Tammy Duckworth would seem to solve a lot of Governor Blagojevich’s headaches.
But this is Illinois. And if there is anything about politics in this state that is consistently true it is to expect the unexpected and take nothing for granted.
Posted by Ing, November 14, 2008
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-battle-for-obamas-illinois-senate-seat/
I think it is Emil Jones I heard about, not Val Jarrett. I didn't connect her with Transit - I saw her identified on Meet the Press and other outlets as a Senior Obama Advisor.
Anyway - it will be a Democrat. If Obama can make peace with Joe Lieberman after all the s%&t that guy said about him during the campaign, any Dem. from Illinois should be fine.
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
That someone labeled as Obama's mentor is Val Jarrett. So we are hearing the same things... good. I heard that the Ill. Gov. could resign is position and appoint himself to the US Senate.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
Let's see - what's a good nickname - Shaming-Palin? She shames her gender and her party (hard as that is to do) with her stupid antics. I hope the Dem. wins outright in AK so she has no chance to go to the Senate and try to have a big megaphone there.
At this point, Obama can truly do no wrong in my eyes. But I know there are plenty less awestruck out there . . .
I heard that Obama resigned his Senate seat relatively early so that the gov. would appoint someone quickly and that person would therefore have more seniority than some brand-new electees. I heard Jesse Jackson Jr., the double-amputee gal - Duckworth? and someone labeled as Obama's mentor. I suppose Obama should have plenty of pull with the gov. on this matter.
Don't have strong feelings either way about Gates - perhaps the easiest bipartisan pick? Terry Mc. - now that Clinton has lost, long time ago, I just smile thinking of his enthusiasm. Would you like him as a governor? Aren't you going to be a permanent Virginian eventually?
I hope we can arrange our D.C. visit to coincide with you being there and Obama's first term - if I were in the same town the same time as President Obama - what a swoon!
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
I'm not thinking much of it. If that's his way... fine with me. If we need celebrity pols we have the Clinton's and the new Britney Spears... Sarah Palin. What are your thoughts?
I did hear the Obama was recommending (not sure if it is an exclusive recommendation to Ill. Gov. or just one of several) Val Jarrett be named to his Senate seat. Ms. Jarrett is the former Chicago Transit Authority board chair!
I wouldn't mind of Obama kept Robert Gates on staff either. The no news news out of Iraq must be helping.
Terry McAuliffe (sp?) for Va. Gov... not that is a stretch here in the Old Dominion. Dem. Gov's Warner and Kaine are fairly conservative for Dems. - esp. with gun rights.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
So what do you think of Obama holing up in Chicago for his transition, resigning his Senate seat, etc. Is it feeding too much into his "remote" persona?
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama met with his former rival Sen. Hillary Clinton to see if she would be interested in a role in his administration, two sources told CNN Friday.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Obama also will meet with the man he defeated in the general election, Republican Sen. John McCain, on Monday, the Obama transition team announced Friday.
On Friday, Clinton responded to the latest rumors at a transit policy speech in Albany, New York.
"I'm very happy there is so much press attention and interest in transit," Clinton said to laughs.
"In the off chance that you're not here for this important issue and are here for some other reason, let me just say that I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration."
She added: "I'm going to respect his process and any inquiries should be directed to his transition team."
Clinton went to the meeting Thursday with Obama because "she knew Obama wanted to talk about whether she would have a role in the administration," one of the sources knowledgeable about the meeting said.
Obama and Clinton met in Chicago, Illinois, at the request of the president-elect, the sources told CNN.
Posted by Fair, November 14, 2008
Trouble with Andy is I think he was pretty bruised by the way the budget battle went in 2007 and the subsequent recall effort against him - I'm not sure how ambitious he is - haven't read anything about it.
Yes - GO GREEN! Even if they don't beat Penn. State, they have sure exceeded expectations this season.
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
I did read about Geo. Perless. [By the way, MSU is doing great this season! Go Green.] Andy Dillon would be a good choice - business owner, former CFO (or something similar), Democrat (not a nut job republican). More of a Chamber of Commerce Democrat instead of far left Dem.
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
Let's see - who has charisma on the Dem. side of things - Andy Dillon, perhaps? Did you hear that George Perless is interested? I'm sure Cherry has good experience and skills, but he's probably lacking in the charisma area.
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
Hooray for Dick DeVos not running for gov in 2010. That leaves Candice Miller, Mike Cox, and a few other lesser-knowns. The problem: who from the Dems. side would run? John Cherry? I'm not sure about him - I don't even know much about him after all of my years in Lansing!
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
There are cable news shows I like to watch, like Morning Joe on MSNBC, but in the past they weren't pro-Obama enough for me. After the election - JUST LAST WEEK - I thought, great, I can just watch them whatever the topic. But now they are all bashing the auto industry and saying Detroit makes bad cars that no one wants. Okay, sales have slid in recent years but the big three still have sold plenty of cars and trucks that people wanted. Also, recently, it is the credit crunch affecting all car-sellers. So QUIT BASHING DETROIT. Quit saying we don't need to help out those stupid CEOs - okay, maybe mistakes have been made. But it isn't about the CEOs - it is about the millions of current workers, suppliers and dependent businesses plus all the retirees - I could go on and on - grrrrrr.
I would be ecstatic for you to work for the transition team - it seems as though you are in the right place at the right time!
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
I am too focused on the auto industry right now. The Bush Administration and its lack of consistency - we can "bail out" Wall Street banks because we can't let them fail; but not old economy industry. I'd rather my tax dollars went to support the Detroit automakers rather than wealthy Wall Street folks. I applied to be part of the Obama transition team (change.gov). What an experience that would be...
I'm with you on Palin! Palin Palin Palin. Makes me long for the days when Hillary ruled the news :) Be sure to watch Bill-O-the-Clown on the Daily Show tonight (or via TiVO).
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
I'm feeling Obama letdown. I understand he wants to be low key and under the radar as he works with his transition teams, because "there is only one President at a time." But that intellectual understanding does nothing for my feelings. Tuesday's Daily Show played into this wonderfully - "we need to see him we need to see him he should be in a wonder woman (see-through) plane so we can always see him." It's weird to find it so funny, but yet at the same time to feel the "loss" of him on TV all the time.
Meanwhile, it is Palin Palin Palin - ugh! Her and her, if God wants me to run for President, then by golly, I'll run! - UGH!
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
Given the gloomy sales reports as of late (even Honda... Honda! had a sales decline) I am thinking that the automakers, especially the Detroit 3, are NOT crying wolf. With the coastal Dems. having so much power, I bet any aid to the Detroit 3 will come with lots of regulations about increasing fuel efficiency.
My friend M. and I went to museums downtown. Between museums we had lunch (after the Portrait Gallery) and headed to downtown spots for happy hour drinks. We only made it to four museums :)
- - Fair, November 12, 2008
Thanks for the M reports - haven't gotten G reports yet.
What if GM et al are not crying wolf and they really will go under if they don't get the bridge loans by the end of the year? What if Bush won't go along and the whole disaster comes about because of the stupid, lengthy transition period between election and inauguration?
I was very thrifty and productive on my day off - I mended some garments, thus expanding my meager wardrobe without spending any dollars! I'm so proud of myself ;-> I'm pretty worried about our household budget - it is okay for now, but there's no room for any unexpected expense or loss of income (say, things get so bad here that we have some furlough days).
- - Ing, November 12, 2008
T. said we ate out plenty on our U.P. trip and also were together for hours - so why go out to eat again soon? :) But I do have a birthday coming up (next week) and I'm going to keep lobbying for a dinner out. I'd love to go to Chelsea again - it's been quite a while since I no longer go down there for hair cuts.
- - Ing, November 10, 2008
Ahhhh, yes... January 20th. So long away - esp. with George Bush still around until that day. Weren't you planning to head to Chelsea or some other closer restaurant to celebrate the win? That's what I recall.
My weekend was great. Same as you for the most part, catching up on sleep that is. DC was fairly quiet.
Thanks for posting the NY Times facts to Faxham and updating the description. Off to a meeting for the rest of today. I hope to send M reports later this afternoon or tomorrow AM.
- - Fair, November 10, 2008
Hope you had a great weekend. I caught up on some rest and also did a lot of extra laundry from having our trip up north . . . sometimes I just catch myself smiling as I think, Obama won, Obama won, McCain-Palin lost, they lost. I personally don't care about high expectations - I'm sure there will be some who become disappointed or disillusioned, but it's difficult for me to imagine any circumstances in which that would happen to me. The only problem now? How long it is till January 20 . . . it seems a rather archaic schedule of events.
- - Ing, November 10, 2008
You have a great weekend too! What a week it's been!!!
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Thanks. I mentioned source data... all I had to do was click on the link! Have a good wknd. I'm taking off now.
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Since you asked so nicely ;-> it's done. Plus I slightly changed the blog text to expand beyond the 2008 campaign.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
If you do post this to the blog (I really wouldn't mind) just let me know.
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Yes - or I can - wish I could go back to being not so busy, plus tired . . .
That small town "real America" just isn't much of a demographic, any more.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Subject: Re: From the NY Times
Maybe I will post this to the blog... I wish I had more source info, but I got this as a forward.
NY Times exit poll data highlights:
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Oh - I didn't know about Ruth Johnson being in on that suppress-vote thing, but it figures - she is a county clerk - and of THE county of Michigan.
We may as well keep up Faxham if we want - I mean, no one bothers to take down websites like that. When I have a chance I'll change the little synopsis to be more broad than the 2008 campaign.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Hi. I've been tired myself - - all the late night TV watching, helping my friend paint a condo in DC, busy at work...
Mike Bishop was another (Ruth Johnson too) that made every effort to suppress college students' votes. I think Cox would, still, be a good republican candidate. He would for sure be more popular than Money-bags Dick DeVos.
I haven't been to the blog since Election Day. I wonder what we can do with Faxham? I guess the Gov's race and entire Mich. Senate is up in two years - haha. May be a stretch. I think the republicans already lashing out agains the soon-to-be Obama administration are walking toward political suicide - especially those representing suburban areas; not so much those in blood red rural areas and the great Country of Texas.
- - Fair. November 7, 2008
I'm all tired out from not sleeping too well and then coming in here. Anyway, I miss "wasting time" on Spider and the web . . .
Whoever runs against Cox, if he is the repub candidate for guv in 2010, will have many things to pick apart but for sure they should go after him over his efforts to suppress the student vote this year (the absentee ballot/first time voter thing).
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
I'm happy for you on the rep thing. I'm sorry to say I haven't followed the local results and/or exit polls that much. I think there was too much build up to electing Obama, and now I am election news-out. I'm interested in transition news however.
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
Brandenburg (R) LOST to Sara Roberts (D) in the state House district 24. Close, but he still lost. Jack Brandenburg is termed out after this term. I wish the Oakland Co. Commission would have swung to the Dems. Did you see how all the Reagan Dems. in Macomb Co. came home this election? Took long enough! Chesterfield Twp. had a Dem. sweep even in the local Twp. races. That's northern Macomb County!
- - Fair, November 6, 2008
Subject: Report - election table
You probably already have this information. Who was the state rep candidate in your home town you didn't want to win - did he?
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
Hi. Today will be busy for me so I'll catch up tomorrow. I hope to send today's M report when I get it. From my old roommate. The Facebook friend thing is just as you describe. Some people have hundreds of friends but who really is that close in person to hundreds of people outside of online.
- - Fair, November 6, 2008
Thanks for the M report - who are you getting those from (just curious).
I haven't taken the time to look into my Facebook account very much and don't really know what to do with it. I just registered because I was looking for someone, and then I checked out your page, and it seems sort of interesting, but mostly I'm not social enough to enjoy or benefit from all the networking features. What does it mean exactly to ask to be someone's friend? Just that you can view their profile and pictures and things? I didn't ask to be your friend because I wasn't sure if that would be intrusive - but it was fine that you asked me. Really, writing about this seems silly - I must really sound old!
New Obama World Order - I hope Rahm Emanuel becomes Chief of Staff - I wonder why that was leaked before it was a sure thing? Not Obama's style. I'm still amazed that both Florida and Indiana went to Obama.
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeCd8KKVyyJQ&refer=home
Good synopsis of cabinet possibilities.
- - Ing, November 5, 2008
Still at home myself - took the AM off. I see you posted your headline. I was saving that Arial/Helvetica font experience.
Not sure what happened in Va... NC is still too close. Erring on the side of caution, perhaps. Turn out in Fairfax was extremely high. Percentage-wise, higher than Arlington Co. I believe.
- - Fair, November 5, 2008
Subject: Re: A gift from who? GIFT FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!
Thanks for blogging - I posted this morning - I was quite emotional at the moment that the race was called, at 11:00 pm, ET. I just wish Virginia could have been called sooner than it was, so that it wouldn't be anti-climatic.The trip was fine - except for some stretches of driving in the dark and fog, both on Sunday night going into Ironwood, and Monday night, going into Escanaba. On Sunday we drove the "whole thing" - Onondaga to Ironwood - in one day. For the trip back, we broke it up into two days - Wakefield to Escanaba and the rest on Tuesday. We had voted absentee last Thursday, but we actually would have had time to vote yesterday - theoretically. We were both bone-tired - I don't know why driving is so tiring - it doesn't really use up that much physical effort.Well, I think I'm going into work in a while, a bit late . . .
- - Ing, November, November 5, 2008
Christmas began on Nov. 1 for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Vice President Dick Cheney was captured on camera endorsing John McCain, noting "he's [McCain] earned our support and confidence, and the time is now to make him commander-in-chief. I'm delighted to support John McCain and I'm pleased that he's chosen a running mate with executive talent, toughness and common sense, our next vice president in Sarah Palin."All I can say is thanks, Vice Pres. Cheney, for that wonderful gift.I hope the trip is going well.
- - Fair, November 3, 2008
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
There is a ton of idiocy out there in the media on this subject. I know the Dingell thing is bad for Michigan/auto makers - but I'm trying to find a silver lining.
Yes - Terry will watch the game, but I doubt that I will - hope MSU wins of course.
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
But baaaaddddd for today's Michigan and the domestic auto industry. Some idiot on CNN last night noted that he doesn't see Toyota or Honda in D.C. with their hands out. MAYBE THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE JAPANESE COMPANIES WITH LOTS OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FROM THE JAPANEESE GOV'T!
I'm off tomorrow. I am driving to Cincinnati. Bummed to miss the MSU/Penn St. game here in D.C. Go Green. Have a good weekend.
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
You probably heard about Dingell from other news sources - Waxman winning is characterized as good for Obama's global warming initiatives.
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
You're right - thanks for the commiseration!
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
Hang in there. We all would have those types of issues to work out. My family too. Even if Chrysler went out that would, I suspect, still impact so many of us.
- - Fair, November 20, 2008
Now I have something new to keep me awake at night - whether or not GM will declare bankruptcy. Besides all the awful macro-impacts, this would have serious impacts within my family due to the potential loss to my mom of my dad's GM pension. She's aware of the possibility and thinks she would be alright -- I don't think I'd be in a position to help, but then what . . .
- - Ing, November 20, 2008
I did get the survey invite, but I have to complete it at home. Blocked at work.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
right - because the Bill story is pointing forward and the Stevens story is pointing backward, in time. I can't remember - would you be okay with Hillary as SOS? Ever since the Primary has been over, I accept her - if Obama wants her, that's good enough for me.
Did you get a survey form to fill out from myobama? Mostly had to do with how one viewed the volunteer experience . . .
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
YPT is still still working through some growing pains. I've met some great friends and contacts.
I find it funny that the Washington Post website has the title "Bill Clinton Opens His Records" in much larger font and in a better location than "Stevens Looses Battle for Alaska Senate Seat."
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
You did take a nice picture with your friends, but you always do. YPT must be a good organization for networking and socializing, as you had hoped? expected?
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
There is no age definition :)
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
But, by appearances, he is not young :)
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
Mr. Downey is one of our advisors. I am on the Exec. Committee of YPT (Communications). What are the odds. He attends most of our meetings.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
Note the name in the message below (Mort Downey) and his relationship to YPT.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
Subject: Obama Picks DOT Transition Team
Importance: High
Obama Picks DOT Transition Teamhttp://www.trafficworld.com/newssection/government.asp?id=48628Category > Opportunity: November 19, 2008 (U.S. DOT)
Mortimer Downey, a transportation consultant who served eight years as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under former President Clinton, will lead President-elect Obama's transition team review of the Department of Transportation. Obama's Transportation Department transition team also includes Jane Garvey, who served as Federal Aviation Administration administrator under President Clinton, and now works for JPMorgan's infrastructure investment group, as well as Michael Huerta, who has served as Associate Deputy Secretary of Transportation under Secretary Federico Peña. Other members of the transition team include: John Cullather, a former member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who will be in charge of reviewing the Federal Maritime Commission and Carol Carmody, who will oversee the National Transportation Safety Board.
Posted by Fair, November 19, 2008
I'm not addicted to my 'Crackberry' yet. I don't mind not using it other than to read the paper on the Metro while in the non-tunnel sections. Perhaps that was overplayed on purpose to draw more attention to McCain's lack of tech understanding in general and no so much of reality. Of course someone is checking a ton of e-mails during a Presidential campaign - esp. the candidate that wants to win.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
oooh - I didn't know you have a Blackberry - can you relate to Obama having Blackberry withdrawal pangs, if, as discussed in the media, he will have to give it up due to privacy, open government, security concerns?
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
A non-stop run of B-day gifts for you... I was surprised to hear that as well! I read in on the Metro this morning. I can read the paper on my Blackberry.
- - Fair, November 19, 2008
WOW - Senator Ted Stevens, R-AK, is defeated! Goodbye to the NO! guy, the internet-as-a-series-of-tubes guy, and also, to the hopes of those who wanted both Al Franken and Sarah Palin in the Senate at the same time (of course, we are still waiting for recount re Al Franken and it wasn't a done deal Sarah would have taken Ted's seat, had he won and then been expelled.)
- - Ing, November 19, 2008
And having Lieberman keep that position keeps republicans as happy as they can be given their minority status (so they don't too combative from the start). Imagine if Obama named Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the Homeland Security Comm chairmanship. A costal liberal elite from SAN FRANCISCO! The horror. It would set off a dust up not necessary given the work needed to be done.
- - Fair, November 18, 2008
I'm just about ready to take off - was reading DailyKos - ooohh - he and many posting are not happy about Lieberman retaining his Homeland Security Committee chairmanship and think the Dems have caved AGAIN. I view it quite differently - he's willing to forgive and forget, but Lieberman will have to come through on votes for him - since the Senate will likely not end up with 60 REAL Democrats in office.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
I am still quite baffled by Facebook. But thanks for the regards - and how old am I? - of course you are too polite to ask - 54 - one year away from regular early retirement (as opposed to "early out" retirement-age, which was 50 when T. took advantage of it).
HA HA HA - NOW I've looked at Faxham. Very nice. On the weekend, I tend to go online while I'm doing laundry. I couldn't think of anything I really wanted to post - that would have been on Sunday. I did save a bunch of Obama images from Google Images and I put them in a folder so I could view them as a slideshow. It was kind of fun to do - like an old-time scrapbook would have been decades ago. Did you see "the one" and his wife on Sixty Minutes? We thought he was pretty funny at times, the way he got all poker-face when Steve Croft was trying to get him to make news about his cabinet, and also when discussing the possibility of his mother-in-law moving into the White House.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
Have you been to the Faxham site lately? Hope you are feeling better given it is your bday. Happy birthday, by the way. A reminder for me was on Facebook.
The media coverage and general tone on "Detroit" upsets me too. If only these people knew how important it is for the US to have a strong (maybe not big, but definitely strong) manufacturing sector. The Detroit 3 buy ads from all the NY ad agencies; designs come from Calif., lobbying in DC, steel from the Midwest and Appalachian states, petroleum (plastics) from Texas............. and on and on. Why the hell was it OK to bail out NY City?
- - Fair, November 18, 2008
I was a bit under the weather, so I was off yesterday. I'm disappointed in the news media - I had hoped that once Obama won, it would be clear sailing, as far as watching news items about the transition, cabinet picks, etc. Even the economic news was okay - until - it came time for Big 3 Auto/Detroit bashing! The things that are said, by otherwise smart and sensible people, are so outdated, so cliche-ridden - Detroit can't make cars people want, Detroit only makes big trucks and SUVs, all of the Detroit's vehicles are gas-guzzlers - I just have to change the channel. And all this blithe - let them go under, they should go under - oh, those pundits and politicians will rue the day if any of them really do go under.
- - Ing, November 18, 2008
I'm very interested to know how it all works out for you - feel free to use my gmail account - I usually check it at work throughout the day and once or twice on weekends . . . Although it really is not a big deal for me, I do have a birthday this coming Tuesday. Probably the dinner out I like to have will be delayed because of the expenses of our U.P. trip. I'm worried about our personal budget and the economy. What a bunch of non sequiturs!
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
No. I did say a few things in our e-mails. The Blog I'm not too worried about because my name isn't really associated with it (although I would want the Obama team to see that!). Some of the republican bashing could be portrayed as "childish" or immature. You're probably right.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
well, I don't think any of our communications have been embarrassing, so it must be something about your other associations :)
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
I didn't know that. I'm toast I guess (and aren't they smart!).
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
I suppose you have read or heard that those who apply for Obama jobs have to state whether they have any writings out there that would be considered embarrassing - including books, mag. articles, BLOGS, and E-MAILS.
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
Thanks... of course I was blocked from the site. Gaaaa. First I've heard of Emil Jones this far along as a replacement. I've only read of Jarrett being the replacement that was also a mentor. Should be interesting.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
Oops - there is that blog name in the URL - so here is the gist:
One candidate, Obama confidante Valerie Jarrett, who served as Mayor Daley’s staff chief and headed up the powerful Transit Board in Chicago, is a long time friend of both Michelle Obama (who she hired for the Mayor Daley’s staff years ago) and Barack. But she has apparently removed her name from consideration because as one of Obama’s top campaign aides, she is destined for the national stage, either in a prominent role in the White House or one of the departments. She is currently busy as co-chair of the Obama transition effort.
The other major African American contender is Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., son of former presidential candidate Reverend Jesse Jackson and a power in Chicago politics. If Blagojevich wanted to open a can of worms, he could do no better than select the younger Jackson to replace Obama. It would tick off Mayor Daley, anger a rival faction of African Americans in the city, and worry many downstate Democrats who feel Jackson would be a millstone around their necks in 2010.
Jackson carries a lot of political baggage. He once disrespected Mayor Daley’s father, the former Mayor Richard M. Daley, very publicly. He has opposed Daley in his efforts to expand O’Hare airport, desiring that the government build a new airport in his district. He has also clashed with Governor Blagojevich on several issues and railed against the corruption of his administration. A congressman since 1995, Jackson ran an abortive campaign for mayor in 2006, smartly dropping out when the Democrats achieved a majority in the House of Representatives. It would have been an uphill fight to pull enough liberal white, African American, and Hispanic votes to beat Daley who is very popular with many minority groups, especially Hispanics.
Jackson wants to replace Obama badly. He was first out of the box, making it known in October that he would be “honored and humbled” to take Obama’s seat. He actually commissioned a Zogby poll showing him in the lead among all candidates who had been mentioned.
He is also very liberal — a fact not lost on downstate Democrats who have figured out how to run in previously Republican territory and believe that having Jackson at the top of the ticket in 2010 might very well set them back and allow the Republicans to retake control of one or both houses in the legislature.
Given all this, it appears that Jackson would only have an outside shot at being chosen. That leaves two potential candidates — one not very well known and another known all too well as one of the more colorful characters in Illinois politics.
At age 73, state Senate leader Emil Jones has had a long career as a Chicago Machine politician. Starting as a sewer inspector, Jones worked his way up the ranks and is now one of the most powerful politicians in the state. His own campaign kitty funds dozens of Democratic senators in their runs for office, making him a force not only on the Senate floor where he rules with an iron fist, but also in the corridors and cloakrooms where his legendary powers of persuasion are put to use in service to what some see as his own agenda.
Jones, who is retiring from the state Senate in 2010, has said he wouldn’t turn the job down. In fact, some observers believe he would make a perfect replacement for Obama. He almost certainly wouldn’t run for re-election, thus clearing the way for a battle royal among all the current crop of Senate hopefuls in a free for all primary in two years. African Americans would be happy. Daley would be happy. Obama might even like to see his former mentor get a nice reward at the end of his career. And Governor Blagojevich could breathe a sigh of relief — temporarily — as he would have avoided a bruising fight.
But Jones, as Roger Simon of Politico points out, has some major drawbacks:
He was one of Obama’s political patrons, is close to the governor and is an African-American, yet I got snorts of derision when I ran his name past some other Illinois sources of mine. That’s because Jones is from the old school — he started out as a sewer inspector, which is not bad training for a life in politics — and is not a modern, ready-for-TV candidate, possessing an orator’s tongue. He is a Chicago pol — the ring tone on his cell phone is the theme from The Godfather — but he would be a “place holder” only and would not run in 2010.
So Jones would appear to be out of contention. The other dark horse candidate from the African American community is Congressman Danny Davis. But Davis has many of the same problems that Jones has. He is 67, a former Chicago alderman, and while he is well spoken and knowledgeable, he may have too much baggage to be a good choice to run in 2010. He once accepted a trip to Sri Lanka paid for by the Tamil Tigers, a terrorist group. He is also a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America. If downstaters thought they might have problems with Rep. Jackson in 2010, Davis might be their worst nightmare.
Other candidates include the lieutenant governor, longtime Democratic office holder Pat Quinn. However, Quinn may be busy moving into the governor’s mansion if Blagojevich is booted out or if he resigns. Then there’s Congressman Jan Schakowsky, a popular Democrat from Chicago’s near north side. If Blagojevich wants to choose a woman, she would be one option.
The other female option open to Blagojevich is one of the more compelling figures in Illinois politics. Tammy Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran who lost both her legs in combat and ran a spirited campaign in 2006 against Peter Roskam, who was vying to replace 16-term Congressman Henry Hyde. Although losing that race, the Asian-American won national attention both for her heroism and her anti-war advocacy.
Now serving as Blagojevich’s veterans affairs chief, Duckworth has made known her desire to be selected to be Obama’s replacement. And Obama himself may have sent a signal of who he might be favoring. When the president-elect laid a wreath at a soldier’s memorial in Chicago this past Veterans Day, at his side was Tammy Duckworth. Now it is true that Duckworth is head of veterans’ affairs for the state. But Obama didn’t have to have anyone by his side. The fact that he chose Duckworth may give us some sense of who he might wish to see in his Senate chair next January.
Duckworth also has a stellar list of supporters including Illinois’ other senator, Dick Durbin, who recruited her to run for Congress in 2006. Her campaign that year was managed by Rahm Emanuel, and she had David Axelrod as a media advisor.
A female war veteran, an up and coming star of the Democratic party in Illinois, a young (40), intense campaigner with a compelling personal story, a choice that would please the new president, and someone who could run very well downstate — Tammy Duckworth would seem to solve a lot of Governor Blagojevich’s headaches.
But this is Illinois. And if there is anything about politics in this state that is consistently true it is to expect the unexpected and take nothing for granted.
Posted by Ing, November 14, 2008
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-battle-for-obamas-illinois-senate-seat/
I think it is Emil Jones I heard about, not Val Jarrett. I didn't connect her with Transit - I saw her identified on Meet the Press and other outlets as a Senior Obama Advisor.
Anyway - it will be a Democrat. If Obama can make peace with Joe Lieberman after all the s%&t that guy said about him during the campaign, any Dem. from Illinois should be fine.
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
That someone labeled as Obama's mentor is Val Jarrett. So we are hearing the same things... good. I heard that the Ill. Gov. could resign is position and appoint himself to the US Senate.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
Let's see - what's a good nickname - Shaming-Palin? She shames her gender and her party (hard as that is to do) with her stupid antics. I hope the Dem. wins outright in AK so she has no chance to go to the Senate and try to have a big megaphone there.
At this point, Obama can truly do no wrong in my eyes. But I know there are plenty less awestruck out there . . .
I heard that Obama resigned his Senate seat relatively early so that the gov. would appoint someone quickly and that person would therefore have more seniority than some brand-new electees. I heard Jesse Jackson Jr., the double-amputee gal - Duckworth? and someone labeled as Obama's mentor. I suppose Obama should have plenty of pull with the gov. on this matter.
Don't have strong feelings either way about Gates - perhaps the easiest bipartisan pick? Terry Mc. - now that Clinton has lost, long time ago, I just smile thinking of his enthusiasm. Would you like him as a governor? Aren't you going to be a permanent Virginian eventually?
I hope we can arrange our D.C. visit to coincide with you being there and Obama's first term - if I were in the same town the same time as President Obama - what a swoon!
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
I'm not thinking much of it. If that's his way... fine with me. If we need celebrity pols we have the Clinton's and the new Britney Spears... Sarah Palin. What are your thoughts?
I did hear the Obama was recommending (not sure if it is an exclusive recommendation to Ill. Gov. or just one of several) Val Jarrett be named to his Senate seat. Ms. Jarrett is the former Chicago Transit Authority board chair!
I wouldn't mind of Obama kept Robert Gates on staff either. The no news news out of Iraq must be helping.
Terry McAuliffe (sp?) for Va. Gov... not that is a stretch here in the Old Dominion. Dem. Gov's Warner and Kaine are fairly conservative for Dems. - esp. with gun rights.
- - Fair, November 14, 2008
So what do you think of Obama holing up in Chicago for his transition, resigning his Senate seat, etc. Is it feeding too much into his "remote" persona?
- - Ing, November 14, 2008
(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama met with his former rival Sen. Hillary Clinton to see if she would be interested in a role in his administration, two sources told CNN Friday.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Obama also will meet with the man he defeated in the general election, Republican Sen. John McCain, on Monday, the Obama transition team announced Friday.
On Friday, Clinton responded to the latest rumors at a transit policy speech in Albany, New York.
"I'm very happy there is so much press attention and interest in transit," Clinton said to laughs.
"In the off chance that you're not here for this important issue and are here for some other reason, let me just say that I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration."
She added: "I'm going to respect his process and any inquiries should be directed to his transition team."
Clinton went to the meeting Thursday with Obama because "she knew Obama wanted to talk about whether she would have a role in the administration," one of the sources knowledgeable about the meeting said.
Obama and Clinton met in Chicago, Illinois, at the request of the president-elect, the sources told CNN.
Posted by Fair, November 14, 2008
Trouble with Andy is I think he was pretty bruised by the way the budget battle went in 2007 and the subsequent recall effort against him - I'm not sure how ambitious he is - haven't read anything about it.
Yes - GO GREEN! Even if they don't beat Penn. State, they have sure exceeded expectations this season.
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
I did read about Geo. Perless. [By the way, MSU is doing great this season! Go Green.] Andy Dillon would be a good choice - business owner, former CFO (or something similar), Democrat (not a nut job republican). More of a Chamber of Commerce Democrat instead of far left Dem.
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
Let's see - who has charisma on the Dem. side of things - Andy Dillon, perhaps? Did you hear that George Perless is interested? I'm sure Cherry has good experience and skills, but he's probably lacking in the charisma area.
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
Hooray for Dick DeVos not running for gov in 2010. That leaves Candice Miller, Mike Cox, and a few other lesser-knowns. The problem: who from the Dems. side would run? John Cherry? I'm not sure about him - I don't even know much about him after all of my years in Lansing!
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
There are cable news shows I like to watch, like Morning Joe on MSNBC, but in the past they weren't pro-Obama enough for me. After the election - JUST LAST WEEK - I thought, great, I can just watch them whatever the topic. But now they are all bashing the auto industry and saying Detroit makes bad cars that no one wants. Okay, sales have slid in recent years but the big three still have sold plenty of cars and trucks that people wanted. Also, recently, it is the credit crunch affecting all car-sellers. So QUIT BASHING DETROIT. Quit saying we don't need to help out those stupid CEOs - okay, maybe mistakes have been made. But it isn't about the CEOs - it is about the millions of current workers, suppliers and dependent businesses plus all the retirees - I could go on and on - grrrrrr.
I would be ecstatic for you to work for the transition team - it seems as though you are in the right place at the right time!
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
I am too focused on the auto industry right now. The Bush Administration and its lack of consistency - we can "bail out" Wall Street banks because we can't let them fail; but not old economy industry. I'd rather my tax dollars went to support the Detroit automakers rather than wealthy Wall Street folks. I applied to be part of the Obama transition team (change.gov). What an experience that would be...
I'm with you on Palin! Palin Palin Palin. Makes me long for the days when Hillary ruled the news :) Be sure to watch Bill-O-the-Clown on the Daily Show tonight (or via TiVO).
- - Fair, November 13, 2008
I'm feeling Obama letdown. I understand he wants to be low key and under the radar as he works with his transition teams, because "there is only one President at a time." But that intellectual understanding does nothing for my feelings. Tuesday's Daily Show played into this wonderfully - "we need to see him we need to see him he should be in a wonder woman (see-through) plane so we can always see him." It's weird to find it so funny, but yet at the same time to feel the "loss" of him on TV all the time.
Meanwhile, it is Palin Palin Palin - ugh! Her and her, if God wants me to run for President, then by golly, I'll run! - UGH!
- - Ing, November 13, 2008
Given the gloomy sales reports as of late (even Honda... Honda! had a sales decline) I am thinking that the automakers, especially the Detroit 3, are NOT crying wolf. With the coastal Dems. having so much power, I bet any aid to the Detroit 3 will come with lots of regulations about increasing fuel efficiency.
My friend M. and I went to museums downtown. Between museums we had lunch (after the Portrait Gallery) and headed to downtown spots for happy hour drinks. We only made it to four museums :)
- - Fair, November 12, 2008
Thanks for the M reports - haven't gotten G reports yet.
What if GM et al are not crying wolf and they really will go under if they don't get the bridge loans by the end of the year? What if Bush won't go along and the whole disaster comes about because of the stupid, lengthy transition period between election and inauguration?
I was very thrifty and productive on my day off - I mended some garments, thus expanding my meager wardrobe without spending any dollars! I'm so proud of myself ;-> I'm pretty worried about our household budget - it is okay for now, but there's no room for any unexpected expense or loss of income (say, things get so bad here that we have some furlough days).
- - Ing, November 12, 2008
T. said we ate out plenty on our U.P. trip and also were together for hours - so why go out to eat again soon? :) But I do have a birthday coming up (next week) and I'm going to keep lobbying for a dinner out. I'd love to go to Chelsea again - it's been quite a while since I no longer go down there for hair cuts.
- - Ing, November 10, 2008
Ahhhh, yes... January 20th. So long away - esp. with George Bush still around until that day. Weren't you planning to head to Chelsea or some other closer restaurant to celebrate the win? That's what I recall.
My weekend was great. Same as you for the most part, catching up on sleep that is. DC was fairly quiet.
Thanks for posting the NY Times facts to Faxham and updating the description. Off to a meeting for the rest of today. I hope to send M reports later this afternoon or tomorrow AM.
- - Fair, November 10, 2008
Hope you had a great weekend. I caught up on some rest and also did a lot of extra laundry from having our trip up north . . . sometimes I just catch myself smiling as I think, Obama won, Obama won, McCain-Palin lost, they lost. I personally don't care about high expectations - I'm sure there will be some who become disappointed or disillusioned, but it's difficult for me to imagine any circumstances in which that would happen to me. The only problem now? How long it is till January 20 . . . it seems a rather archaic schedule of events.
- - Ing, November 10, 2008
You have a great weekend too! What a week it's been!!!
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Thanks. I mentioned source data... all I had to do was click on the link! Have a good wknd. I'm taking off now.
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Since you asked so nicely ;-> it's done. Plus I slightly changed the blog text to expand beyond the 2008 campaign.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
If you do post this to the blog (I really wouldn't mind) just let me know.
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Yes - or I can - wish I could go back to being not so busy, plus tired . . .
That small town "real America" just isn't much of a demographic, any more.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Subject: Re: From the NY Times
Maybe I will post this to the blog... I wish I had more source info, but I got this as a forward.
NY Times exit poll data highlights:
Obama barely won among men (49% to 48%)
Strongly among women (56% to 43%)
Overwhelmingly among blacks (95% to 5%)
Convincingly among Latinos (66% to 31%) and Asians (62% to 35%)
Obama lost among whites (43% to 55%) as Democrats normally do; he did progressively worse with age, winning the 18-29 year-olds 66% to 31% but losing seniors 52% to 46%; he swept every educational category as well as Catholics and Jews but lost Protestants 54% to 45%; he won people living in big cities, small cities, and suburbs, but lost in small towns and rural areas.
- - Fair, November 7, 2008
Oh - I didn't know about Ruth Johnson being in on that suppress-vote thing, but it figures - she is a county clerk - and of THE county of Michigan.
We may as well keep up Faxham if we want - I mean, no one bothers to take down websites like that. When I have a chance I'll change the little synopsis to be more broad than the 2008 campaign.
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
Hi. I've been tired myself - - all the late night TV watching, helping my friend paint a condo in DC, busy at work...
Mike Bishop was another (Ruth Johnson too) that made every effort to suppress college students' votes. I think Cox would, still, be a good republican candidate. He would for sure be more popular than Money-bags Dick DeVos.
I haven't been to the blog since Election Day. I wonder what we can do with Faxham? I guess the Gov's race and entire Mich. Senate is up in two years - haha. May be a stretch. I think the republicans already lashing out agains the soon-to-be Obama administration are walking toward political suicide - especially those representing suburban areas; not so much those in blood red rural areas and the great Country of Texas.
- - Fair. November 7, 2008
I'm all tired out from not sleeping too well and then coming in here. Anyway, I miss "wasting time" on Spider and the web . . .
Whoever runs against Cox, if he is the repub candidate for guv in 2010, will have many things to pick apart but for sure they should go after him over his efforts to suppress the student vote this year (the absentee ballot/first time voter thing).
- - Ing, November 7, 2008
I'm happy for you on the rep thing. I'm sorry to say I haven't followed the local results and/or exit polls that much. I think there was too much build up to electing Obama, and now I am election news-out. I'm interested in transition news however.
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
Brandenburg (R) LOST to Sara Roberts (D) in the state House district 24. Close, but he still lost. Jack Brandenburg is termed out after this term. I wish the Oakland Co. Commission would have swung to the Dems. Did you see how all the Reagan Dems. in Macomb Co. came home this election? Took long enough! Chesterfield Twp. had a Dem. sweep even in the local Twp. races. That's northern Macomb County!
- - Fair, November 6, 2008
Subject: Report - election table
You probably already have this information. Who was the state rep candidate in your home town you didn't want to win - did he?
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
Hi. Today will be busy for me so I'll catch up tomorrow. I hope to send today's M report when I get it. From my old roommate. The Facebook friend thing is just as you describe. Some people have hundreds of friends but who really is that close in person to hundreds of people outside of online.
- - Fair, November 6, 2008
Thanks for the M report - who are you getting those from (just curious).
I haven't taken the time to look into my Facebook account very much and don't really know what to do with it. I just registered because I was looking for someone, and then I checked out your page, and it seems sort of interesting, but mostly I'm not social enough to enjoy or benefit from all the networking features. What does it mean exactly to ask to be someone's friend? Just that you can view their profile and pictures and things? I didn't ask to be your friend because I wasn't sure if that would be intrusive - but it was fine that you asked me. Really, writing about this seems silly - I must really sound old!
New Obama World Order - I hope Rahm Emanuel becomes Chief of Staff - I wonder why that was leaked before it was a sure thing? Not Obama's style. I'm still amazed that both Florida and Indiana went to Obama.
- - Ing, November 6, 2008
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aeCd8KKVyyJQ&refer=home
Good synopsis of cabinet possibilities.
- - Ing, November 5, 2008
Still at home myself - took the AM off. I see you posted your headline. I was saving that Arial/Helvetica font experience.
Not sure what happened in Va... NC is still too close. Erring on the side of caution, perhaps. Turn out in Fairfax was extremely high. Percentage-wise, higher than Arlington Co. I believe.
- - Fair, November 5, 2008
Subject: Re: A gift from who? GIFT FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!
Thanks for blogging - I posted this morning - I was quite emotional at the moment that the race was called, at 11:00 pm, ET. I just wish Virginia could have been called sooner than it was, so that it wouldn't be anti-climatic.The trip was fine - except for some stretches of driving in the dark and fog, both on Sunday night going into Ironwood, and Monday night, going into Escanaba. On Sunday we drove the "whole thing" - Onondaga to Ironwood - in one day. For the trip back, we broke it up into two days - Wakefield to Escanaba and the rest on Tuesday. We had voted absentee last Thursday, but we actually would have had time to vote yesterday - theoretically. We were both bone-tired - I don't know why driving is so tiring - it doesn't really use up that much physical effort.Well, I think I'm going into work in a while, a bit late . . .
- - Ing, November, November 5, 2008
Christmas began on Nov. 1 for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Vice President Dick Cheney was captured on camera endorsing John McCain, noting "he's [McCain] earned our support and confidence, and the time is now to make him commander-in-chief. I'm delighted to support John McCain and I'm pleased that he's chosen a running mate with executive talent, toughness and common sense, our next vice president in Sarah Palin."All I can say is thanks, Vice Pres. Cheney, for that wonderful gift.I hope the trip is going well.
- - Fair, November 3, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Hoping for Detroit's 'Hail Mary'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-tucker/journalist-to-gop-youre-1_b_144481.html?view=print
The Huffington Post
Diane Tucker
Posted November 18, 2008 | 03:22 PM (EST)
Journalist to GOP: You're 100 Percent Wrong About U.S. Automakers
The Huffington Post
Diane Tucker
Posted November 18, 2008 | 03:22 PM (EST)
Journalist to GOP: You're 100 Percent Wrong About U.S. Automakers
This week U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R) of Alabama told Meet The Press and CNN that the U.S. auto industry is a dinosaur whose demise would only be postponed by a bailout. In response, automotive journalist Peter M. DeLorenzo told Huffington Post today that Shelby is 100 percent wrong.
"Detroit has an image problem that is just killing them with Congress and the general public. The perception is that Detroit isn't building fuel-efficient, high-quality cars and trucks with great design. But it isn't true. An entire industry is being written-off by a combination of bad previous experiences and a reluctance to delve deeper into the issue. Dick Shelby is a classic example. His comments are flat-out false," said DeLorenzo.
To further this conversation, Huffington Post invited DeLorenzo, founder of the Auto Extremist internet magazine and author of The United States of Toyota, to share his views.
HuffPost: Senator Shelby said Detroit has good workers, but not good management, and that GM's Rick Wagoner, among other executives, should go. Do you agree?
Peter M. DeLorenzo: CEO Alan Mulally has done a superb job at Ford Motor Co. He quickly assessed the reality of Ford's position in the U.S. market, and made some immediate decisions that are proving to be positively brilliant today. Ford's financial position is healthier than any other U.S. automaker, and its future product plan is scintillating.
As for General Motors, CEO Rick Wagoner isn't the culprit. Did GM stink up the joint between 1979 and 1999? Yes. Are we talking about the same GM today? No, not even close. Under Wagoner, GM has extended its global reach, a strategy that is keeping the company alive today. Much to the surprise of critics who say GM is stuck in 1985, the company has designed dazzling new products like the Chevrolet Malibu, which is the best mainstream American car of the last 35 years, and equal to the vaunted Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Buick Enclave is the finest luxury crossover available. And the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is one of the finest sports cars in the world, at any price.
Then why is there a lack of respect for U.S. vehicles? Is it due to poor fuel efficiency?
Do the critics mention that GM offers more than 30 vehicles that get over 30 mpg? No. Do they mention that more fuel-efficient vehicles are on the way with each passing quarter? No.
Currently GM is developing an extended-range electric vehicle -- the Chevrolet Volt -- that will be a game changer for the entire industry. Bad management isn't the problem. The problem is America's crushing financial crisis that has decimated the credit industry, the lifeblood of the car business.
In addition to the financial crisis, isn't there a perception problem?
A suffocatingly negative perception gap exists, one that paints a picture of Detroit that was obsolete years ago. I can just see Washington "helping" Detroit by putting a bunch of a managers in place who are ill-qualified for the job. There's no time for on-the-job training in this business. U.S. automakers simply need a bridge loan -- not a bailout -- until their new products reach the marketplace.
Shelby accused Detroit of not being able to innovate. Are foreign engineers really coming up with all the new ideas?
People who say the U.S. doesn't innovate are woefully out of touch with Detroit's standing in this business. For example, the most significant anti-pollution device in the history of the automobile is the catalytic converter. Every car and truck has one. Can you guess which Japanese or German company invented it? None of them. It was General Motors.
Some of the most dramatic innovations in safety, drivability, and durability have come from Detroit. Why people want to shut down this crucial part of America's manufacturing base is a mystery to me. In Dick Shelby's case, maybe it's because he helped Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz open plants in his state. His comments are regional and self-serving.
A Buick LaCrosse costs $30,000 in the U.S, but nearly $50,000 in Tokyo. That's not a level playing field.
That's true. The Japanese government protects its home grown industries with an unofficial government policy of currency manipulation. Japanese cars built abroad arrive in the U.S. with a $1500 cost advantage before they even hit the showrooms. Add the pension and health care costs that Detroit has to deal with, and we start out with a disadvantage of $3,000 to $10,000 per car, depending on the cost of the vehicle.
Is it fair? I don't think so. Want to rectify the situation overnight? Require foreign automakers to comply with the same standards, tariffs and duties applied to U.S. vehicles imported in their countries. Back in 1983, the U.S. International Trade Commission imposed a 45 percent tariff on imported motorcycles to protect Harley-Davidson. It saved that iconic American company. Today, a fundamental part of the fabric of this great nation is about to go down the drain, and we -- as a nation and a government -- are acting like it's no big deal. But how can an industry that either directly or indirectly affects 1 out of every 10 jobs be no big deal?
Why not put a sliding scale of import tariffs in effect immediately for two years, and watch as the Detroit automakers unleash a series of innovative, efficient, safe, reliable cars? These machines are already in the works, by the way.
Is bankruptcy a viable option for GM?
Theoretically, GM could eliminate a lot of problems by filing Chapter 11. Dealer agreements, labor agreements, and pensions could all be dealt with in a brutally efficient manner.
But there's more to it than that. The car business isn't like the airline business when it comes to Chapter 11. We've all flown airlines that are in bankruptcy. However, when a consumer spends $10,000 to $50,000 on a new car or truck, they want to be sure the auto company in question is going to be around for service and parts. If GM files for bankruptcy, it's naive to think people are going to crowd into the showrooms.
The UAW is calling for "no concessions." Isn't that the wrong signal to send to Washington?
The UAW already agreed to new contracts that eliminated years of accumulated gains. UAW president Ron Gettelfinger thinks the concessions should stop right there, but I doubt he'll get much sympathy for his position. It may all come down to one simple question: Do you want jobs with additional reductions in benefits and wages, or no jobs at all?
If the U.S. goes deeper into a recession due to the loss of nearly three million auto-related jobs, it will affect everyone. Why is this issue splitting along party lines?
The GOP is trying to flex their muscles one last time before the new administration takes over. They're putting their own interests ahead of the greater good of the country, even though that attitude cost John McCain the election. How else do you explain Dick Shelby, who slams an essential American industry, smug with the knowledge that his state of Alabama has basically opened its doors to the import manufacturers, tax free?
President Bush doesn't appear to appreciate the complexities of the automobile industry. Does Barack Obama have a better grasp?
I think President-elect Obama understands that the domestic automobile industry's health and well being is inexorably tied to the health and well being of the nation as a whole. I wish his advisers knew more about what Detroit has already done in terms of developing high-efficiency and advanced-technology vehicles. They'd be amazed at what Detroit has coming down the pike.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Thanks! Also - on the Big Three and Health Care
Thank you, Fair. Nice of you to remember! (I guess I mentioned it, plus Facebook gives a notification - I'm still learning about Facebook, old lady that I am).
I think I may have mentioned this before, but I wish the pundits/experts on TV or online would make this connection: the cost of health care insurance for everyone AND the cost of health care for workers and retirees that adds $1000 or so to the cost of every U.S. car manufactured in a union shop. It is no coincidence that one reason domestic auto manufacturers are in such dire straits is that they have health care commitments to honor. Oh, I have seen plenty of "experts" spout off - before I switch the channel in disgust - that it would be great to see GM, Ford or Chrysler go into bankruptcy - for, among other reasons, the chance to BREAK THE UNIONS! Get rid of those awful, bloated contracts, which include health care insurance. But wait a minute - since when is health care insurance such a luxury, to be made available only to the most well-off, rather than to the rank-and-file union members working at an auto factory?
The point is - if affordable health care insurance was available to everyone, perhaps it wouldn't have to be included as part of the UAW contracts. Thus, the cost of domestic autos could be brought down, more on par with those produced in non-Union shops. The unions may be responsible for some things, but don't blame them for wanting their members to have health care benefits - benefits that should really be available to everyone, regardless of work status.
Welcome back to the Senate, Sen. Kennedy - hope you have better success with health care reform than your predecessors.
I think I may have mentioned this before, but I wish the pundits/experts on TV or online would make this connection: the cost of health care insurance for everyone AND the cost of health care for workers and retirees that adds $1000 or so to the cost of every U.S. car manufactured in a union shop. It is no coincidence that one reason domestic auto manufacturers are in such dire straits is that they have health care commitments to honor. Oh, I have seen plenty of "experts" spout off - before I switch the channel in disgust - that it would be great to see GM, Ford or Chrysler go into bankruptcy - for, among other reasons, the chance to BREAK THE UNIONS! Get rid of those awful, bloated contracts, which include health care insurance. But wait a minute - since when is health care insurance such a luxury, to be made available only to the most well-off, rather than to the rank-and-file union members working at an auto factory?
The point is - if affordable health care insurance was available to everyone, perhaps it wouldn't have to be included as part of the UAW contracts. Thus, the cost of domestic autos could be brought down, more on par with those produced in non-Union shops. The unions may be responsible for some things, but don't blame them for wanting their members to have health care benefits - benefits that should really be available to everyone, regardless of work status.
Welcome back to the Senate, Sen. Kennedy - hope you have better success with health care reform than your predecessors.
Monday, November 17, 2008
What would anyone want?
Happy birthday, Ing. Your gift: George W. Bush leaving office in about two months!
Friday, November 7, 2008
From the New York Times . . .
NY Times exit poll data highlights:
- Obama barely won among men (49% to 48%)
- Strongly among women (56% to 43%)
- Overwhelmingly among blacks (95% to 5%)
- Convincingly among Latinos (66% to 31%) and Asians (62% to 35%)
Obama lost among whites (43% to 55%) as Democrats normally do; he did progressively worse with age, winning the 18-29 year-olds 66% to 31% but losing seniors 52% to 46%; he swept every educational category as well as Catholics and Jews but lost Protestants 54% to 45%; he won people living in big cities, small cities, and suburbs, but lost in small towns and rural areas.
One is tempted to say McCain won in traditional 19th century America (what Sarah Palin would call "real America"): older white Protestant men living in small towns. Obama won everywhere else.
posted by Ing, on behalf of Fair
- Obama barely won among men (49% to 48%)
- Strongly among women (56% to 43%)
- Overwhelmingly among blacks (95% to 5%)
- Convincingly among Latinos (66% to 31%) and Asians (62% to 35%)
Obama lost among whites (43% to 55%) as Democrats normally do; he did progressively worse with age, winning the 18-29 year-olds 66% to 31% but losing seniors 52% to 46%; he swept every educational category as well as Catholics and Jews but lost Protestants 54% to 45%; he won people living in big cities, small cities, and suburbs, but lost in small towns and rural areas.
One is tempted to say McCain won in traditional 19th century America (what Sarah Palin would call "real America"): older white Protestant men living in small towns. Obama won everywhere else.
posted by Ing, on behalf of Fair
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
I was anxious at first . . .
AND THEN - - - OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!
When they called the race at 11:00 pm, as soon as California and the other west coast states were called, I sobbed and sobbed. That's just me - I cry with happiness lots of times. But this was one of the best moments ever. Thanks, Fair, for keeping up the blog while T. and I were on the road. Nothing like candidate travel, but still - nearly 1,200 miles driving, over three days. It was a "good" funeral - I teared up at the gravesite ceremony, with the "21 gun salute" due to my uncle being a Korean War vet. I saw relatives, some for the first time in maybe 40 years. And we saw plenty of campaign signs - maybe a little more for Obama-Biden. The U.P. has tradionally been Democrat, of course . . .
Wow - Wow - Wow - and here in Michigan - Schauer defeated Wahlberg in the Battle Creek area Congressional seat - that was a good one, locally. So what was with Fairfax County, VA - seemed like that area was slow getting results in - otherwise Virginia would have gone to Obama earlier in the night, instead of coming in after the west coast states and the call.
So, what now, Fair - shall we edit the "purpose" of Faxham to continue beyond yesterday's historic results?
p.s. McCain was gracious in defeat, I thought.
When they called the race at 11:00 pm, as soon as California and the other west coast states were called, I sobbed and sobbed. That's just me - I cry with happiness lots of times. But this was one of the best moments ever. Thanks, Fair, for keeping up the blog while T. and I were on the road. Nothing like candidate travel, but still - nearly 1,200 miles driving, over three days. It was a "good" funeral - I teared up at the gravesite ceremony, with the "21 gun salute" due to my uncle being a Korean War vet. I saw relatives, some for the first time in maybe 40 years. And we saw plenty of campaign signs - maybe a little more for Obama-Biden. The U.P. has tradionally been Democrat, of course . . .
Wow - Wow - Wow - and here in Michigan - Schauer defeated Wahlberg in the Battle Creek area Congressional seat - that was a good one, locally. So what was with Fairfax County, VA - seemed like that area was slow getting results in - otherwise Virginia would have gone to Obama earlier in the night, instead of coming in after the west coast states and the call.
So, what now, Fair - shall we edit the "purpose" of Faxham to continue beyond yesterday's historic results?
p.s. McCain was gracious in defeat, I thought.
Yes We Can; Yes We Did!
Seeing the results of the election unfold in the Washington, DC area was quite an experience. What a run we've had. My younger brother's dorm window view: Grant Park in Chicago - just across Michigan Ave.
You managed to divide our nation shortly after taking office (being appointed) in 2000; I hope we bring ourselves together before you're gone. So long Pres. Bush... Someone needs to let Dick Cheney know he can't stay in his undisclosed location at my expense for much longer.
You managed to divide our nation shortly after taking office (being appointed) in 2000; I hope we bring ourselves together before you're gone. So long Pres. Bush... Someone needs to let Dick Cheney know he can't stay in his undisclosed location at my expense for much longer.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thanks, Dixville Notch, NH
Not that I would want to jinx the campaign, but good news came shortly after 12 midnight (Eastern) out of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. Win #1 for Obama-Biden on Nov. 4.
Christmas in... November?
Christmas came early this year for the Obama-Biden campaign. What was under the tree, you ask?
Vice President Dick Cheney was on camera endorsing Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin on November 1, noting how Sen. McCain had 'earned' the endorsement from Cheney and the crowd he was addressing.
Now that's an endorsement I'm glad Sen. McCain received. Who's next to endorse... Donald Rumsfeld?
Vice President Dick Cheney was on camera endorsing Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin on November 1, noting how Sen. McCain had 'earned' the endorsement from Cheney and the crowd he was addressing.
Now that's an endorsement I'm glad Sen. McCain received. Who's next to endorse... Donald Rumsfeld?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vote OBAMA this Tuseday
Two days - - two long days. At this point voter turn out is most important. All votes count; everyone needs to be heard. The polls are looking good in Michigan (even L. Brooks Patterson, according to the Detroit News, has had to spend extra money on his Oakland Co. Executive campaign... something he shouldn't have to do but I'm happy to see him having to do... in his battle with Southfield mayor Brenda Lawrence. Good luck, Ms. Lawrence). I'm working to be sure the polls are just as good in Virginia.
VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN ON NOV. 4!
Our thoughts are with Ing as she and T. travel across Michigan to attend a relative's funeral. Here's to safe travels and hoping that you return to the Lansing area to friendly news Tuesday night.
VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN ON NOV. 4!
Our thoughts are with Ing as she and T. travel across Michigan to attend a relative's funeral. Here's to safe travels and hoping that you return to the Lansing area to friendly news Tuesday night.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Exchanges: October 24 - October 31
Funny!!! Ms. Palin sure is a piece of work - I REMEMBER! I bet you haven't seen this movie, but maybe our fictitious readership have heard of it -
Being There, 1979, starring Peter Sellers as Chance the Gardener. It is a total foreshadowing of Joe the Plumber! Chance has learned everything from watching TV and when his employer dies, he just trys to keep on gardening and saying things like, There will be growth in the spring. And everyone - Washington higher-ups, etc., treat him like he is a font of wisdom, going to him for advice. Satire in 1979 - reality in 2008!
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I'll be posting exchanges by this afternoon sometime. There was something else - some fallacy about something - I wanted to post about, but - :( senior moment, I can't remember. I'm doing other tasks, trying to let it percolate up - that often works for me.
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
The good news is that you will get to see some of the 'pro-American' portions of Michigan as opposed to the anti-American Lansing area cesspool. Be sure to enjoy that pro-American fresh air - especially the pro-American smell near Midland. That smell is not Dow Chemical; rather it is God letting you know you are in pro-America territory.
- - Fair, October 31, 2008
Don't mind - yes on all the proposals that we had. The judicial selections are always hardest for me to figure out - I did some online research and printed out the sample ballot we can get from the SOS site, and brought that in with me. Did I mention that our township clerk didn't have regular hours that worked for us, but we came to the Township Hall by appointment after my work hours? That made us feel special :)
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I'm assuming you voted for the two statewide ballot proposals as well... I provided a "YES" vote on both medical and stem. You don't have to indicate to me how you voted. I also supported Diane Hathaway for Sup. Ct. (and had my family to the same - they don't know anyone from the other in the judicial races for the most part).
- - Fair, October 31, 2008
Subject: We voted!
Straight Democratic ticket, the two of us. But I would have liked to be in line on Election Day. In a township with about 3,000 residents total, no way could the line have been super long. I would have liked to have been a part of the event!
Most likely on that Tuesday, we'll begin in Escanaba and drive back to Onondaga that day - about 400 miles, give or take. Once we get to the Mackinac Bridge, it will be I-75 and US-127, freeway nearly all the way. But for the U.P. part of our drive, we'll drive through some small towns here and there - I fantasize about seeing people lined up to vote all over the place. But then, it is the U.P. - I suppose if everyone turned out at once in some of these polling places, the line wouldn't be too visible.
On the TV hooked to headphones (i.e., no sound while I'll running around in the morning) I think I saw the anti-Barack ad you heard about. The graphics used the colors, fonts and style of an official Obama ad, with a twist on every slogan - beginning with "Hate we can believe in," then a picture of Reverend Wright, and in that same font, "God Damn America" - and so on in that vein. I was too far away to see the sponsor, but I think it was an independent group, not McCain or the RNC.
Lot of good it's going to do whomever, in Michigan. I am guardedly optimistic, and glad that for much of Monday, we'll be disconnected from the mainstream media. If I start to worry, I just tell myself, can't do anything about it now - what will be will be. . .
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I talked T. into going with me up north for the funeral . . . in Wakefield. . . I guess it will be good for me to get away from my obsessive/excessive interest in the election, both on TV and the internets (Jon and Steve have been really good lately). Both Terry and I will be voting absentee ballot - I didn't realize till now how late a person could do that.
- - Ing, October 30, 2008
"Polls tightening" - scares me. Plus - a personal problem has arisen.
- - Ing, October 30, 2008
Well - quite a mouthful. There are lots of problems with the Big Three right now, but I think high among them is the cost for current and retired employees to have pensions and health benefits. Once Obama is elected, affordable health care for all will be a priority - and hopefully will address the disparity in costs that accrue to employers who still offer insurance as a fringe. As for pensions, I don't know. There have been numerous articles about how the switch to 401k plans has failed as a pension replacement and people with pensions should consider themselves lucky. But I'm not seeing much offered in the way of a solution from anyone.
If GM goes bankrupt - heaven forbid - among all the macro disastrous effects will be the mini-micro impact on my mom - losing my dad's GM pension. I hope it doesn't come to that.
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
http://www.autoextremist.com
After the smoke clears, it's time for America, Inc.
By Peter M. De Lorenzo
Submitted by Fair, October 29, 2008
It's not like I won't be able to comment at all - I need to take breaks from "intense" work - I can't work solid for hours on something. Guess what - if he doesn't renege, T. said he would come with me canvassing on Saturday, to help me carry things, drive and such. He says it will be my birthday present.
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
I think you will do well as part of this team. Luckily the election is TUESDAY! How nice that management knows you can handle this task.
- - Fair, October 29, 2008
Hi - I got your other message, but I haven't time to get into it right now.
"Careful what you wish for" - how many times have you heard me say I don't have enough to do . . .Well, now management has asked me to work on blah blah blah. We need to be ready . . .
So - my comments on the election and so on may be more scarce :(
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
After I e-mailed you, I got a call from M., the coordinator, and asked her how canvassing would work, explaining I had some limitations on how much I could carry or how long I could walk. She said it would be fine, just try it out, and if in difficulty, I could phone bank. But she indicated they really needed the help canvassing. I'm not exactly sure why it is considered so much more important than phone banking - except - most people don't answer their phones any more. One thing she explained: this was all about GOTV of known supporters - no more persuasion of undecideds, etc.
The nice thing about my back trouble is that it is very settled - that is, how to treat any problem. I can sacrifice a little if it helps the cause, even a tiny bit!
Great about the proposals - that is how we are voting also. It's the non-partisan judicial part of the ballot I always know the least about. But I've been researching online.
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
Don't press your back too much. We both don't need to end up with an injury when we can do other work - such as phone calls or manning the staging sites for the GOTV efforts. Just because we're not walking around doesn't mean we're not helping. I like their idea of providing food and conversation to those stuck in long lines. Never thought of that activity.
This is not the time for split ticket voting. We need change and the ability to make change happen.
By the way, not sure if I mentioned this of if you're even interested, but I supported both of the statewide ballot questions (medical and stem).
- - Fair, October 28, 2008
Read your post (very thoughtful and well formatted) and posted my own, about the fallacy of voting for or against split government. Sorry your canvassing experience wasn't so wonderful and especially about your ankle. Hope the pain or discomfort goes away permanently soon.
I'm canvassing this Saturday and canvassing or something or other Election Day. Here's our calendar, in case it's interesting:
Wednesday: Final Team Meeting to finalize plans, call those last few volunteers, and make the large posters and signs we need for the Staging Location. I'm making pasta and red sauce with a vegetarian and meat-lover option, as well as salad. BYO Beverage. 6:00pm at Mason Look for the Obama pumpkins on the porch...
Thursday: Last phone bank. If we need more volunteer calls, I'll have that happening. Meet at 6:30pm
Friday: Halloween! Enjoy the day and get ready for GOTV!
Saturday: GOTV canvass to remind our supporters to vote. Shifts at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
Sunday: GOTV canvass to remind our supporters to vote. Shifts at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
Monday: GOTV door hanger literature drops, very little direct voter contact. Shifts starting promptly at 9am, 12pm, and 4pm.
Tuesday: GOTV Election Day. Reminding our supporters to get to the polls, helping them arrange rides to the polls, and at the end of the day helping people stuck in line at 8pm by bringing them food and conversation and making sure they don't leave or get locked out of the polling place. Critical that you are on time or arrange alternate times with me personally.
Shifts starting promptly at 9am, 12pm, and 4pm.
We've been keeping up with TiVo shows like Jon and Steve by running our soaps and funnies during the evening news - this is our two TVs side by side arrangement - on the set hooked to headphones, we have close captioning. So I can listen/watch one thing and shift to reading captions - you probably heard about the study - multi-tasking is somewhat of a myth. For two tasks like this that involve the same verbal processing, the brain is really switching back and forth - not doing both at the same time.
Yes, I've seen an ad or two like you describe. I think their punch line against Obama is "We can do better." I'm not too worried about that kind of stuff any more - it's worry about GOTV time!
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
Thankfully I'm not sick - busy this week. The canvassing was not as productive as I thought. Lots of folks either were not home, didn't answer their doors, or (and this is good!) were planning to support Obama-Biden before I showed up. Probably too much walking... all these fancy McMansions with ornate front walkways and porches... my ankle was killing me Sunday morning (only lasted a half day). Maybe I should just stick with another donation.
I was worried how things would turn without a 2008 version of Larry Craig, Mark Foley, that U.S. Rep from Florida that blamed lesbians for him not being able to find a woman (it was on the Daily Show - a piece w/ Samantha Bee)... this is more than good enough and didn't involve other people.
I hear that an "outside organization" is running Rev. Wright anti-Obama ads and their are other ads trying to tie Obama to former Mayor Kilpatrick. Have you seen these? Can't check YouTube here at work.
I posted content to Faxham re: the Detroit News' endorsement of McSame. I'm not quite sure how they consider it an endorsement given some of their statements. Not sure if you've been to the Blog.
How was your wknd? Did you catch up on your shows?
- - Fair, October 28, 2008
Every day that goes by without a true "October Surprise" is a good day for our team. And Senator Ted Stevens (AK) being found guilty on all seven felony counts - priceless!
Perhaps you were out of work yesterday due to illness? Not that you have to reply to my messages every day, but you're generally nice enough to do so, if you have time. So I'm assuming you were either sick or very very busy. If the former, hope you're feeling better today :)
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
I wonder if there is any possibility we'll be exchanging thoughts on a Bush-Gore 2000 type debacle on Wednesday, Nov. 5. I hope we are just congratulating each other on supporting the best candidate for this country at this time!
- - Ing, October 27, 2008
I wonder if there is any possibility we'll be exchanging thoughts on a Bush-Gore 2000 type debacle on Wednesday, Nov. 5. I hope we are just congratulating each other on supporting the best candidate for this country at this time!
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Being There, 1979, starring Peter Sellers as Chance the Gardener. It is a total foreshadowing of Joe the Plumber! Chance has learned everything from watching TV and when his employer dies, he just trys to keep on gardening and saying things like, There will be growth in the spring. And everyone - Washington higher-ups, etc., treat him like he is a font of wisdom, going to him for advice. Satire in 1979 - reality in 2008!
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I'll be posting exchanges by this afternoon sometime. There was something else - some fallacy about something - I wanted to post about, but - :( senior moment, I can't remember. I'm doing other tasks, trying to let it percolate up - that often works for me.
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
The good news is that you will get to see some of the 'pro-American' portions of Michigan as opposed to the anti-American Lansing area cesspool. Be sure to enjoy that pro-American fresh air - especially the pro-American smell near Midland. That smell is not Dow Chemical; rather it is God letting you know you are in pro-America territory.
- - Fair, October 31, 2008
Don't mind - yes on all the proposals that we had. The judicial selections are always hardest for me to figure out - I did some online research and printed out the sample ballot we can get from the SOS site, and brought that in with me. Did I mention that our township clerk didn't have regular hours that worked for us, but we came to the Township Hall by appointment after my work hours? That made us feel special :)
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I'm assuming you voted for the two statewide ballot proposals as well... I provided a "YES" vote on both medical and stem. You don't have to indicate to me how you voted. I also supported Diane Hathaway for Sup. Ct. (and had my family to the same - they don't know anyone from the other in the judicial races for the most part).
- - Fair, October 31, 2008
Subject: We voted!
Straight Democratic ticket, the two of us. But I would have liked to be in line on Election Day. In a township with about 3,000 residents total, no way could the line have been super long. I would have liked to have been a part of the event!
Most likely on that Tuesday, we'll begin in Escanaba and drive back to Onondaga that day - about 400 miles, give or take. Once we get to the Mackinac Bridge, it will be I-75 and US-127, freeway nearly all the way. But for the U.P. part of our drive, we'll drive through some small towns here and there - I fantasize about seeing people lined up to vote all over the place. But then, it is the U.P. - I suppose if everyone turned out at once in some of these polling places, the line wouldn't be too visible.
On the TV hooked to headphones (i.e., no sound while I'll running around in the morning) I think I saw the anti-Barack ad you heard about. The graphics used the colors, fonts and style of an official Obama ad, with a twist on every slogan - beginning with "Hate we can believe in," then a picture of Reverend Wright, and in that same font, "God Damn America" - and so on in that vein. I was too far away to see the sponsor, but I think it was an independent group, not McCain or the RNC.
Lot of good it's going to do whomever, in Michigan. I am guardedly optimistic, and glad that for much of Monday, we'll be disconnected from the mainstream media. If I start to worry, I just tell myself, can't do anything about it now - what will be will be. . .
- - Ing, October 31, 2008
I talked T. into going with me up north for the funeral . . . in Wakefield. . . I guess it will be good for me to get away from my obsessive/excessive interest in the election, both on TV and the internets (Jon and Steve have been really good lately). Both Terry and I will be voting absentee ballot - I didn't realize till now how late a person could do that.
- - Ing, October 30, 2008
"Polls tightening" - scares me. Plus - a personal problem has arisen.
- - Ing, October 30, 2008
Well - quite a mouthful. There are lots of problems with the Big Three right now, but I think high among them is the cost for current and retired employees to have pensions and health benefits. Once Obama is elected, affordable health care for all will be a priority - and hopefully will address the disparity in costs that accrue to employers who still offer insurance as a fringe. As for pensions, I don't know. There have been numerous articles about how the switch to 401k plans has failed as a pension replacement and people with pensions should consider themselves lucky. But I'm not seeing much offered in the way of a solution from anyone.
If GM goes bankrupt - heaven forbid - among all the macro disastrous effects will be the mini-micro impact on my mom - losing my dad's GM pension. I hope it doesn't come to that.
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
http://www.autoextremist.com
After the smoke clears, it's time for America, Inc.
By Peter M. De Lorenzo
Submitted by Fair, October 29, 2008
It's not like I won't be able to comment at all - I need to take breaks from "intense" work - I can't work solid for hours on something. Guess what - if he doesn't renege, T. said he would come with me canvassing on Saturday, to help me carry things, drive and such. He says it will be my birthday present.
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
I think you will do well as part of this team. Luckily the election is TUESDAY! How nice that management knows you can handle this task.
- - Fair, October 29, 2008
Hi - I got your other message, but I haven't time to get into it right now.
"Careful what you wish for" - how many times have you heard me say I don't have enough to do . . .Well, now management has asked me to work on blah blah blah. We need to be ready . . .
So - my comments on the election and so on may be more scarce :(
- - Ing, October 29, 2008
After I e-mailed you, I got a call from M., the coordinator, and asked her how canvassing would work, explaining I had some limitations on how much I could carry or how long I could walk. She said it would be fine, just try it out, and if in difficulty, I could phone bank. But she indicated they really needed the help canvassing. I'm not exactly sure why it is considered so much more important than phone banking - except - most people don't answer their phones any more. One thing she explained: this was all about GOTV of known supporters - no more persuasion of undecideds, etc.
The nice thing about my back trouble is that it is very settled - that is, how to treat any problem. I can sacrifice a little if it helps the cause, even a tiny bit!
Great about the proposals - that is how we are voting also. It's the non-partisan judicial part of the ballot I always know the least about. But I've been researching online.
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
Don't press your back too much. We both don't need to end up with an injury when we can do other work - such as phone calls or manning the staging sites for the GOTV efforts. Just because we're not walking around doesn't mean we're not helping. I like their idea of providing food and conversation to those stuck in long lines. Never thought of that activity.
This is not the time for split ticket voting. We need change and the ability to make change happen.
By the way, not sure if I mentioned this of if you're even interested, but I supported both of the statewide ballot questions (medical and stem).
- - Fair, October 28, 2008
Read your post (very thoughtful and well formatted) and posted my own, about the fallacy of voting for or against split government. Sorry your canvassing experience wasn't so wonderful and especially about your ankle. Hope the pain or discomfort goes away permanently soon.
I'm canvassing this Saturday and canvassing or something or other Election Day. Here's our calendar, in case it's interesting:
Wednesday: Final Team Meeting to finalize plans, call those last few volunteers, and make the large posters and signs we need for the Staging Location. I'm making pasta and red sauce with a vegetarian and meat-lover option, as well as salad. BYO Beverage. 6:00pm at Mason Look for the Obama pumpkins on the porch...
Thursday: Last phone bank. If we need more volunteer calls, I'll have that happening. Meet at 6:30pm
Friday: Halloween! Enjoy the day and get ready for GOTV!
Saturday: GOTV canvass to remind our supporters to vote. Shifts at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
Sunday: GOTV canvass to remind our supporters to vote. Shifts at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm.
Monday: GOTV door hanger literature drops, very little direct voter contact. Shifts starting promptly at 9am, 12pm, and 4pm.
Tuesday: GOTV Election Day. Reminding our supporters to get to the polls, helping them arrange rides to the polls, and at the end of the day helping people stuck in line at 8pm by bringing them food and conversation and making sure they don't leave or get locked out of the polling place. Critical that you are on time or arrange alternate times with me personally.
Shifts starting promptly at 9am, 12pm, and 4pm.
We've been keeping up with TiVo shows like Jon and Steve by running our soaps and funnies during the evening news - this is our two TVs side by side arrangement - on the set hooked to headphones, we have close captioning. So I can listen/watch one thing and shift to reading captions - you probably heard about the study - multi-tasking is somewhat of a myth. For two tasks like this that involve the same verbal processing, the brain is really switching back and forth - not doing both at the same time.
Yes, I've seen an ad or two like you describe. I think their punch line against Obama is "We can do better." I'm not too worried about that kind of stuff any more - it's worry about GOTV time!
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
Thankfully I'm not sick - busy this week. The canvassing was not as productive as I thought. Lots of folks either were not home, didn't answer their doors, or (and this is good!) were planning to support Obama-Biden before I showed up. Probably too much walking... all these fancy McMansions with ornate front walkways and porches... my ankle was killing me Sunday morning (only lasted a half day). Maybe I should just stick with another donation.
I was worried how things would turn without a 2008 version of Larry Craig, Mark Foley, that U.S. Rep from Florida that blamed lesbians for him not being able to find a woman (it was on the Daily Show - a piece w/ Samantha Bee)... this is more than good enough and didn't involve other people.
I hear that an "outside organization" is running Rev. Wright anti-Obama ads and their are other ads trying to tie Obama to former Mayor Kilpatrick. Have you seen these? Can't check YouTube here at work.
I posted content to Faxham re: the Detroit News' endorsement of McSame. I'm not quite sure how they consider it an endorsement given some of their statements. Not sure if you've been to the Blog.
How was your wknd? Did you catch up on your shows?
- - Fair, October 28, 2008
Every day that goes by without a true "October Surprise" is a good day for our team. And Senator Ted Stevens (AK) being found guilty on all seven felony counts - priceless!
Perhaps you were out of work yesterday due to illness? Not that you have to reply to my messages every day, but you're generally nice enough to do so, if you have time. So I'm assuming you were either sick or very very busy. If the former, hope you're feeling better today :)
- - Ing, October 28, 2008
I wonder if there is any possibility we'll be exchanging thoughts on a Bush-Gore 2000 type debacle on Wednesday, Nov. 5. I hope we are just congratulating each other on supporting the best candidate for this country at this time!
- - Ing, October 27, 2008
I wonder if there is any possibility we'll be exchanging thoughts on a Bush-Gore 2000 type debacle on Wednesday, Nov. 5. I hope we are just congratulating each other on supporting the best candidate for this country at this time!
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Joe the Plumber and Chance the Gardener
I wish that Keith Olbermann would bring up this analogy on Countdown. Doing a Google search on "Joe the Plumber" "Chance the Gardener" I find that some other bloggers have already made the connection. But this deserves big play!
In the 1979 movie, Being There, Peter Sellers played Chance the Gardener. This is how he referred to himself. He had led a very sheltered life, learning about the world entirely from watching TV, and is at quite a loss when his employer dies. There's a memorable moment when he says, "I like to watch" - this and nearly everything he says is taken in the wrong context, as if his words reflect great depth of meaning and wisdom. Another saying is, there will be growth in the spring - he's just thinking about his garden, but it's taken to refer to the economy.
So now, plucked from obscurity by his lying and videoed conversation with Barack Obama, Joe the Plumber is going around with John McCain on the campaign trail, and being sought after for quotes - yes, Obama will mean death to Israel, yes Obama is a Socialist, and on and on.
Thus, 1979 satire becomes 2008 reality! Thanks for another great campaign memory, John!
In the 1979 movie, Being There, Peter Sellers played Chance the Gardener. This is how he referred to himself. He had led a very sheltered life, learning about the world entirely from watching TV, and is at quite a loss when his employer dies. There's a memorable moment when he says, "I like to watch" - this and nearly everything he says is taken in the wrong context, as if his words reflect great depth of meaning and wisdom. Another saying is, there will be growth in the spring - he's just thinking about his garden, but it's taken to refer to the economy.
So now, plucked from obscurity by his lying and videoed conversation with Barack Obama, Joe the Plumber is going around with John McCain on the campaign trail, and being sought after for quotes - yes, Obama will mean death to Israel, yes Obama is a Socialist, and on and on.
Thus, 1979 satire becomes 2008 reality! Thanks for another great campaign memory, John!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fallacy of Voting for or against Split Government
What a thoughtful post, Fair - and nice formatting and sourcing. I tend not to take the time . . .
It is appearing in Republican Congressional races here and there, and McSame makes reference to it with his unholy troika - Obama, Reid, Pelosi. "If the Democrats control the Presidency, the House and the Senate, then . . ." the world as we know it will end, your entire life will be taxed away, child molesters will run rampant, your children will be taught there is no god, etc. etc.
The answer: vote for me, the Republican, so that the Democratic front is less unified.
The fallacy: this tactic may make sense theoretically, but people really don't follow this logic in the voting booth. They vote for their local federal legislators based on local knowledge and needs. Maybe they're generally Republican, but they like their Democratic Senator; he's done well for the state. As for the President - few vote as a tactic - I think that vote is quite independent of any other.
Sure, Michigan is one of the few states with straight-ticket voting, and I will be using that feature, as I have in every other election I've voted in save one. But most states don't have that any longer, I hear. And if these last days in the campaign are all about swing voters and independents, I don't see them doing straight party voting anyway. I think their Congressional votes will be based on local input - and for President? Maybe a last minute decision in the voting booth. But trying to maintain divided government in Washington? I doubt it.
It is appearing in Republican Congressional races here and there, and McSame makes reference to it with his unholy troika - Obama, Reid, Pelosi. "If the Democrats control the Presidency, the House and the Senate, then . . ." the world as we know it will end, your entire life will be taxed away, child molesters will run rampant, your children will be taught there is no god, etc. etc.
The answer: vote for me, the Republican, so that the Democratic front is less unified.
The fallacy: this tactic may make sense theoretically, but people really don't follow this logic in the voting booth. They vote for their local federal legislators based on local knowledge and needs. Maybe they're generally Republican, but they like their Democratic Senator; he's done well for the state. As for the President - few vote as a tactic - I think that vote is quite independent of any other.
Sure, Michigan is one of the few states with straight-ticket voting, and I will be using that feature, as I have in every other election I've voted in save one. But most states don't have that any longer, I hear. And if these last days in the campaign are all about swing voters and independents, I don't see them doing straight party voting anyway. I think their Congressional votes will be based on local input - and for President? Maybe a last minute decision in the voting booth. But trying to maintain divided government in Washington? I doubt it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Detroit News' endorsement of an ineffective and unprepared team (they said it)
"McCain best choice for uncertain times" the editorial headline declares in the Oct. 23 edition of Detroit News. The contents within the endorsement, however, provide more questions than answers. What were they thinking?
"We [Detroit News editorial board] readily acknowledge that McCain has run a distressingly ineffective presidential campaign. He has failed to find his voice on the campaign trail, rarely revealing the appealing personal characteristics and refreshing political views that caused us to endorse him in Michigan's Republican primary in January."
If the Senator was not able to run an effective campaign, as the News' own board correctly notes, what makes them so sure something would be different for Sen. McCain within the White House?
"His selection of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin as his running-mate also gives us pause. Palin is a promising governor and has excited the Republican base, but she is clearly not prepared for the role she was chosen to play and is costing McCain support he might have expected from undecided voters who harbor doubts about the seasoning of Democrat Barack Obama."
I find it troubling that the News endorsed the McCain-Palin ticket after yet another correct assumption - - this one about Gov. Palin and the many "pauses" she has given to all types of voters. In my opinion, voters across the U.S. got a clear indication of Sen. Obama and his collective calm and "seasoning" with his relatively well-received reaction to the recent Wall St. melt-down, on top of the already slow economy. I wonder if the crisis-to-crisis, nonstrategic approach taken by the McCain campaign is what the News' leaders believe we as a nation need.
The closing sentence, "John McCain has what it takes to lead America in these very uncertain times," is most troubling to me. If by "has what it takes" means we will have a McCain administration as ineffective as the McCain-Palin campaign; on top of the ill-prepared, polarizing semi-celebrity that is Gov. Palin next-in-line leading us in these uncertain times - - I sure hope we as voters get find some certainty by Nov. 4 and support Sen. Obama for President.
Source: "Decision 2008: Endorsement." The Detroit News; Oct. 23, 2008. Available (as of 10-26-08): http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081023/OPINION01/810230337/1007/OPINION
Thanks, Ing, for posting the exchanges to Faxham...
"We [Detroit News editorial board] readily acknowledge that McCain has run a distressingly ineffective presidential campaign. He has failed to find his voice on the campaign trail, rarely revealing the appealing personal characteristics and refreshing political views that caused us to endorse him in Michigan's Republican primary in January."
If the Senator was not able to run an effective campaign, as the News' own board correctly notes, what makes them so sure something would be different for Sen. McCain within the White House?
"His selection of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin as his running-mate also gives us pause. Palin is a promising governor and has excited the Republican base, but she is clearly not prepared for the role she was chosen to play and is costing McCain support he might have expected from undecided voters who harbor doubts about the seasoning of Democrat Barack Obama."
I find it troubling that the News endorsed the McCain-Palin ticket after yet another correct assumption - - this one about Gov. Palin and the many "pauses" she has given to all types of voters. In my opinion, voters across the U.S. got a clear indication of Sen. Obama and his collective calm and "seasoning" with his relatively well-received reaction to the recent Wall St. melt-down, on top of the already slow economy. I wonder if the crisis-to-crisis, nonstrategic approach taken by the McCain campaign is what the News' leaders believe we as a nation need.
The closing sentence, "John McCain has what it takes to lead America in these very uncertain times," is most troubling to me. If by "has what it takes" means we will have a McCain administration as ineffective as the McCain-Palin campaign; on top of the ill-prepared, polarizing semi-celebrity that is Gov. Palin next-in-line leading us in these uncertain times - - I sure hope we as voters get find some certainty by Nov. 4 and support Sen. Obama for President.
Source: "Decision 2008: Endorsement." The Detroit News; Oct. 23, 2008. Available (as of 10-26-08): http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081023/OPINION01/810230337/1007/OPINION
Thanks, Ing, for posting the exchanges to Faxham...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Exchanges: September 26 - October 24
Just as the MSM predicted Hillary 'the inevitable' in 2008.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
They are a bunch of whining wieners, aren't they.
I guess the MSM isI think her ability level is similar to that of Sarah. ;-> already forecasting Palin in 2012.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Funny... but I don't feel the least bit sorry for any of them. Thanks for the link.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14891.html
This is a really good article.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Oh... forgot to mention that Saturday-day is when I'll be canvassing in the far SW portion of Fairfax County. My first time taking action other than donating.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
I certainly understand the impatience for it to be over with - all this, "If the polls were held today, Obama would win" stuff - it is definitely nerve-wracking. Hillary has been excellent when I've seen her, and I would like to see more of her. I believe she is busy helping to attain the 60-member "super majority" in the Senate - that would sure help out President Obama. I don't really believe in jinxes, I guess. I predict that the polls will hold or get wider and Obama will get a landslide and a mandate! And with long coattails!
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
I have faith in the team... I'm just getting impatient and want the vote to occur today while we are up. Who wouldn't want that while their side is up.
I am a sucker for the party 'celebs' to be on TV, especially when our party stars, such as the Clintons, Gov. Rendell, Maria Schriver, Colin Powell, etc... sound so put together as darlings of the media compared to the non-sense that is delivered from folks like Bay Buchanan, Pat Buchanan, Bill-O the Clown, Rush Limbaugh, Gov. Palin herself, etc... I'm sure the Obama-Biden team has the grassroots covered many times over compared to the McCain-Failin' campaign - - even in red states like Georgia and South Carolina.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
But you haven't answered my question - there is over a week left of campaigning - why don't you have faith in the team that they know what to do and when to do it? In other words, I'm sure Obama will be back in PA, as well as the Clintons and Rendell is there all the time of course. Why aren't you sure about the campaign's ability to plan the future out? I'm not trying to picky-picky - I am just curious about your thinking.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
None of those folks are out, at least not being covered in the media, on the trail. Gov. Rendell was on CNN or MSNBC (can't remember which) last night saying Obama needs to come back to Pa. Otherwise, I'm generally pleased with where we are as of last night.
Fair, October 24, 2008
What about the track record of the Obama team has you doubting that they will cover Pennsylvania as needed?
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
I'd add... "Let's quit! Enough already."
I hope things work out with his grandmother. I'm sure she would rather him succeed than have him worry about her. Why isn't Hillary all over Penna. and/or Ohio right now!?! Where is she, Bill, and people like Gov. Rendell? This is critical.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
New Slogan for McCain
This came to me in a dream last night - a new slogan within the McCain-Palin campaign: "Let's quit!"
Very brief [blog post] - I don't usually tell my dreams to anyone but T. - but this would too good not to share. Also, I know you're worrying about where Obama is going to campaign in the last days, like he's GOT to go to Pennsylvania. I'm sure he will - I have every faith in his campaign doing the optimal thing with people and money resources.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
It's a video - these are the same folks who did Paris Hilton's response to the Obama celebrity ads.
It's narrated by Ron Howard and includes Andy Griffith and Henry Winkler - you're not a boomer, but I still think you'd like it if you saw it on your home computer. The message from Ron is he has never revisited the Andy Griffith show and Happy Days show characters he played, but he puts on wigs and clothing and goes back - because he want s the country to be on the right track with Obama.
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
ACCESS DENIED! notice from our server filter. What was the content? Lots of blockage on my end.
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
Subject: Opie! Andy! the Fonz! - - for Obama - pretty funny!
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/cc65ed650d
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Only what makes the headlines on the Post website. I'm not too sure, even if found guilty, that the Dem. challenger could win in Alaska. I would personally like to see Sen. Stevens retire.
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
On another topic, are you following Senator Stevens (Alaska) corruption trial? There's been some trouble in the jury room:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1008/Trouble_at_the_Stevens_trial.html
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
I think her ability level is similar to that of Sarah. ;->
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Is Hasselbeck an able political commentator or just one of the very few conservative stars on TV daily so Palin is stuck with her?
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
We love everything Keith does, of course. I even watch him do football highlights on Sunday night on NBC.
Never have been a fan of the View. I know about the political battles they have. I remember Elizabeth from Survivor - I'm sure you didn't catch that!
Those text messages - OMG! Although, it was many pages through the .PDF to get to the - let's say - meat of the matter. Embarrassing up the wazoo!
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
In other news... your buddy Keith Olbermann did quite a story on Bill-o The Clown's contract extension amid Fox Noise's lowest ratings. Nicely done. I see Gov. Palin has requested Elizabeth Hasselbeck from The View to campaign with her in Fla. this weekend. I don't watch The View so I'm not too familiar with Hasselbeck. Do you TiVO The View by chance?
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
I'll be sure and check out the Freep.
I'm signed up for Nov. 1, Sat. morning, and Election Day morning. I am going to take Monday off, to have a four day weekend, and I can also be flexible about when best to volunteer. The online sign-up thing said canvassing door-to-door - highest priority - or phone banking. I still signed up for phones. I don't want to have a bad back along with all the stress I will be feeling!
I think the trust issue with Barack could be racial - perhaps unconsciously so. For example, he is so smooth and well-spoken. Maybe that goes contrary to an inner stereotype. And then, his name is so "funny" sounding. I think there is a big difference between the way political junkies view him and those who haven't followed the campaign so closely. All I can say is that I outright love the guy, and I'm glad my mom and husband feel pretty much the same way (without the "love" word, of course).
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Hi. I was just looking at the latest text messages between Kwame Kilpatrick and Christine Beatty released on the Free Press website. WOW! How embarrassing for both. I hope his kids don't read this until they are much older. His wife must be fuming.
I will be heading out to the southern portion of Fairfax County south of the Centreville area near Pr. William County's Manassas area (in short, I'll be walking Fairfax County, not Prince William) canvassing for the Obama ticket with at least three friends. Maybe more. Our work is to remind folks to vote - don't take the Obama-Biden leads in the Va. polls as a sign you can stay home. The "die hard" volunteers are the ones going to the more rural portions of Northern Va. By "die hard" I mean the folks that are experts at political discussion. Maybe next time for me.
Any more working the phone banks? You've done a lot I think.
I still am a bit nervous too. M., for example, will vote for Obama, but still doesn't think she "can trust him." What?!?!? I hear this a lot - my roommate said the same thing. What is he going to do? Come on... Again, I think this is a small factor of hidden or unintentional racism. I hope I just know a lot of ignorant people and others are not as, ummm, traditional...
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
I'm making progress on our latest exchanges compilation - should be posted by the end of the week.
Having trouble sleeping again - half due to cats - half due to worry over the election. Sure, Obama is doing well in the polls - I could be worrying way more - but stuff can happen in the time remaining. Oh, I'll be so happy when it is all over and the results are what we want! T. and I will need to celebrate, big time!
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Michelle will be filling in, I read.
Sure, Joe could have said what he said more clearly - as an Obama/Biden I understand what he meant to say, but I've also seen how these words have been twisted by the opposition. However, overall, I am letting myself feel cautiously optimistic - not "cocky," mind you - but, as I heard it explained on NPR just now, even the Gallop "Traditional" Poll (most reliance on past voters, who tend to be white and not young) is showing the 10% lead.
Hope you are better soon for whatever you're going to do for the campaign. I think I am going respond to one of the e-mails I got that could involve phone calls to states more battleground than Michigan. Our land line plan is unlimited domestic long distance . . .
- - Ing, October 22, 2008
I hope his grandmother gets well. I'm sure she wants nothing more than to see Nov. 4 through. Not sure what it means from the campaign's perspective. I would hope the Clintons "fill in" on those days. They still draw the media like Obama, just without the massive stadium crowds.
How about Biden's remarks re: testing the new President? Not what is needed right now.
- - Fair, October 22, 2008
How do you think the campaign will be affected by Obama taking Thurs. and Fri. off to go to Hawaii and be with his ailing grandmother?
- - Ing, October 21, 2008
From the brief experience I've had volunteering for the Obama campaign, I find it hard to believe you would go door to door randomly - unless by your choice. The volunteer I met in charge at Lansing said canvassers would have notebooks of names and addresses - the effort is called, Knock for Barack. Are you all hooked in with my.barackobama.com? If so, I'm confident they know what they're doing.
Maybe I'll do some canvassing this weekend to see how it goes - maybe it won't be so hard on my back after all . . .
- - Ing, October 21, 2008
Not sure yet if we are just going door-to-door randomly or if we are canvassing. I'll do either of the two. I'd compare Pr. William Co. to the far eastern edge of Livingston County along I-96 and how it interacts with, say, Southfield, Troy, Dearborn, and Detroit.
Those commuters needs two sets of radio stations for two radio markets - the Brighton/Lansing stations and the Detroit area stations. In NoVa, they have the same situation - two sets of radio stations in one commute - DC stations and the Fredericksburg area stations.
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
That's a much more detailed picture than the national media is presenting, about VA - obviously. I liked the characterization of "Patio Man." So will you be canvassing? I guess the campaign likes that better at this point because so few people answer their phones any more. I wonder if robocalls are also less effective now due to the changes in how people use their phones . . .
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
I'm sorry... yes, for the election :) I am trying to get too many e-mails out. A story I just read in today's Post - includes Fairfax and Pr. William counties:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/19/AR2008101901697.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2008101901797&s_pos=
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Final days? I think you mean the campaign, but it sounds ominous . . .
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
I believe Helvetica is available on Blogger (in the font pick list). If not, Arial for sure will be (one of the two). Helvetica is a Mac font; Arial is the Windows version - virtually the same.
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
You know there is a famous font, for newspaper headlines and advertising and such - Helvetica. I really haven't looked into the fonts available at Blogger so perhaps it is there.
I have a few tasks to do this week, so I should be able to get more upbeat, and paradoxically again, be fired up to do the compilation.
You're right about Sarah P. - from the clips I have seen, she isn't all that vibrant. Stock market up today - Ooops - will Obama lose a point or two in the polls?
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
You've talked me into it... I'll let you post the exchanges (thanks, I am busy this week).
I will be at work on Nov. 3 and now I have to come in Nov. 4. I just had a meeting scheduled for that day a few hours ago. Annoying. Oh well, it's not like I have to go vote in person or anything.
When I posted the image of the trains on Faxham I just used the simple cut and paste commands as if I was in MS Word. Which font did you want to use that isn't available? I prefer the Trebuchet font, but Blogger supports that font so I don't have any issues.
I think you should watch the SNL Palin performance. She really, in my opinion, let a good chance at 'looking good' get away from her - especially the spot during the fake news portion. From the look in her eyes it doesn't seem as if she is having fun (except for maybe a few moments in the opening segment).
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Good post on our little-read blog . . . I knew you were going to mention somewhere, sometime about doing the exchanges compilation. I think I should do it, because I - honestly - have so little to do here. Everyone I know around here seems busy enough - and you do, too. But the lack of things to do has the paradoxical effect of making me lazy - I guess it is sort of like being depressed and not wanting to do anything at all. So, I'll aim to do the compilation this week.
Since we have election day off and since I expect I will be preoccupied (and nervous) as hell in the lead-up, I think I will take Monday off, also. But, if you are going to be at work both days and e-mailing about election news, I'll log on at home (if I'm not involved with get out the vote efforts . . .and even if I am, it would only be for the mornings). I should research about how to embed images or special fonts in the blog - if Obama wins, if HEAVEN FORBID, he does not - I want to post in superbig font, etc.
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
How was your weekend? I will be traveling to Prince William County with some friends in the final days...
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Big weekend for Obama - reveals his campaign raised a record-breaking $150 mil in September, from hundreds of thousands of small donors (average donation: $86). Big money yes - but not from Big Monied Interests.
Then the Powell endorsement on Meet the Press - even better than the statement of support were the reasons given - Powell has been watching both candidates, how they did in the debates, how they handled the financial crisis - and he found McCain wanting and Obama superior. He questioned McCain's judgment on picking Sarah Palin, stating, she was NOT qualified to be President. And he questioned McCain campaign tactics with the Bill Ayers smears. Outside the NBC building he also answered the stupid "socialist" attacks - of course taxes redistribute funds, he said, of course no one wants to pay more taxes, but look at the state of infrastructure, and so on. . . Best performance by a Repub in support of Obama yet!
Sarah's performance on SNL, on the other hand - yes, we TiVo-ed it, but I'm going to boycott watching it. I've seen the clips and I like Tina Fey's Sarah better than Sarah's Sarah!
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
Tracking poll (Gallop) got tight again - Obama only up 2 points. Aaarrrgghhh! I don't WANT the race to tighten! I can't take it any more!
- - Ing, October 17, 2008
Good ones!
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
I found the entire "Joe the Plumber" lines to be a distraction. Of course McCain brought up "Joe." Another story from the repubs. I wonder if Lunch Bucket Bill, Pick-up Truck Pete, Kmart Kathy or Minivan Mary know Joe the Plumber?
- - Fair, October 16, 2008
The polls of viewers matter more than the pundits at this stage. I can't imagine that many undecideds will make up their mind based on cable TV commentators.
Did you see the Daily Show when John Oliver explained about undecideds with a pie chart? A big section of the pie was "Stupid" (there were also racist Democrats and other such). Then he had another pie breaking down the Stupids - it was truly hilarious.
Actually, most of the debate, I was in bed listening without watching - it was easier that way. I didn't see the gesture - it's probably on YouTube like everything else. Quote marks? Oh yes - that is offensive. That will eliminate any chance he has of getting disaffected Hillary undecideds.
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
While we seem to agree Obama won and the insta-polls reflect the same, I seem to get the feeling that the mainstream media, through their liberal lens, is saying that Obama only "held his own" while McCain was on the attack (or similar) - as if it were more of an even draw with only a slight slant toward an Obama win.
I can't see how that is the conclusion. Perhaps I am reading things the wrong way. Like you noted, Obama was able to answer all that was asked - both from Bob Schieffer AND Sen. McCain... right at the table.
Oh, I was meaning to ask, were you offended by McCain's use of the quotation gesture when he was describing for the "health" of a woman (or something like that)? The pundits on CNN (CNN had about nine of ten post-debate!) noted that may offend women.
- - Fair, October 16, 2008
Re Debates - bottom line - I'm glad they're over. If McCain keeps pretty much to the tone he had last night - and prevails upon Palin to do so as well - he'll be able to lose with his dignity and reputation essentially intact. And hopefully, Steve Schmidt - I believe the chief architect of the McCranky negative smear campaign tactics - will get his comeuppance!
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
Funny you ask, I just sent you an e-mail.
- - Fair, October, 16, 2008
So, what are your thoughts on the debate? how optimistic are you for victory on election day?
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
I watched most, but not all of the debate. I stayed up late enough to see that the instapolls gave the "win" to Obama. The "Today" show this morning focused on a Macomb County family named Ward - even if Michigan is pretty solid in the Obama camp, I guess we're still a good place to find undecided voters in distressed economic conditions (foreclosure, in the case of the Wards. I can't remember if they gave the community - running around getting ready for work, you know).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Calm and cool Obama - Cranky McCain [blog post]
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
GoBiden :) [blog post]
My favorite question posed so far was the one about why each candidate's VP selection would be ready to lead... **GOBIDEN**; no Palin!
Posted by Fair at 6:43 PM
The format of tonight's debate should make for more interesting viewing. First off, Bob Schieffer is not afraid to jump in and try to supercede another recitation of talking points. Second, all will be seated, so that will make for a different dynamic.
So, are you getting e-mail invites to do this or that for the campaign? Phone banking works out well for my "ailments" - I think you would be good at canvassing - not quite door-to-door - you have a list of names and addresses and you knock on doors just to ask and make sure they will vote for Obama, and to leave behind literature otherwise . . .
- - Ing, October 15, 2008
I enjoyed the phone bank more last night because it was in someone's home - it was homey and the hosts were fun to listen to. Terry was on my list! I had names from Onondaga, Holt, and Mason. My last call was also interesting - I recognized the name as the guy who prepared and graded our property. When I said my little spiel - can we count on you to support Obama? - he said, Obama - that's the black one, isn't it. Well I can't vote for him. But he felt they were both awful and both liars because it would take Congress to get anything passed. Although he was going to vote for McCain, he said he believed Obama was going to win.
Transit topic - I went to a Jackson Technical Committee meeting today and it was at JTA office/garages. They showed off 6 or 8 brand new buses they just got from California, painted vibrant colors like black, lime green and fuschia and with bold swooshes on them. Really cool - you would have liked to have seen them, I bet.
- - Ing, October 15, 2008
How did last night go? I'm nervous for tonight but still plan to watch the debate. While flipping through the news networks last night I noticed that Bill O'Reiley-the-clown didn't even talk election news... I guess he can't handle things that aren't going his way.
Now I am trying to prepare myself for Sarah "Nothing-to-Loose" Palin going full speed with Rev. Wright attack ads.
- - Fair, October 15, 2008
Fair: Sounds interesting. Must be nice to meet other supporters. Will you be attending the Frank Kelley luncheon tomorrow?
Ing: No, I'm taking off early today so I have time to do more phone banking tonight. Can't take off THAT much time.
Fair: Do you know if the telephone numbers you are calling are for a pre-selected demographic, such as "seniors with more than one registered snowmobile" or other such characteristic? I am amazed at the detail these polling companies know about voters.
Ing: I see the name, age, gender, likely absentee voter, the way they lean (Obama, undecided, McCain, with strong to lean to as flavors).
Fair: More good news for Obama. I just hope it holds. Let's hope Gov. Palin continues to get upset at her own supporters on camera and on stage. Did you hear about the hockey game booing in Philadelphia? (Go Wings!)
Ing: Yeah - I never miss stuff like that as long as catch Keith Olbermann,
Fair: We do not get Election Day off. I was hoping to take the day off work but the way things are going I may have to come in to the office. I mailed my absentee ballot this morning. Should be to Harrison Twp. in about four days. My last Michigan election...
Ing: No chance you're ever moving back someday??? ;->
- - Ing and Fair, October 14, 2008
Subject: I PHONEBANKED!
Yes - I put in about 4 hours doing afternoon calls to senior (AL from work). I made about 170 calls but the vast majority were answering machines or no answer. One lady said I was the first who called her and she was happy to say she would be supporting Obama - that was nice. Some old codgers just hung up - but that's okay.
Just a little training, to say something like, Hi - My name is Susan and I'm a volunteer with Senator Barack Obama's campaign in Lansing. We'd just like to know if we can count on your support on Election Day.
Then, depending on the response, there were some other things to say, including an invite to a luncheon tomorrow with former AG Frank Kelley.
I'm phonebanking again tonight for a few hours in someone's home in Mason, and I've signed up for Saturday morning, November 1 and Election Day morning. Sure assuages the guilt I have been having about the campaign!
- - Ing, October 14, 2008
I didn't forget - I know you have Columbus Day off. But I didn't want to get behind with the reports this time of year.
Poll numbers looking great for our candidate, but of course, we can't any of us supporters take anything for granted. I think I will visit my mom this coming Saturday and then look into volunteering either of the following two Saturdays. I suppose they start get-out-the-vote calling early . . . .
- - Ing, October 13, 2008
But that's just it... I may volunteer. Donating is much easier.
- - Fair, October 1-, 2008
Yeah - George Will hasn't gone quite so far as to endorse Obama, but he's none too happy with the McCain campaign. There is some baseball manager quote: Is this the best you've got?
I've gotten several e-mail invites from the Obama campaign to devote a day volunteering. Yesterday, I got something similar in the mail from SEIU. I have real approach-avoidance conflicts over this. I WANT to volunteer and do what I'm able - not door-to-door, but phone calling would work - but then I also WANT to stay home and relax and do pretty much nothing. There - I said it. This conflict makes me feel guilty - only donating $ makes it any better . . .
I'm glad you might volunteer - you'd be so good at whatever they need done, I'm sure!
- - Ing, October 10, 2008
George Will noted in his recent column that Obama is benefiting from a free campaign mailing - - the delivery of everyone's third quarter 401(k) and other similar retirement account statements. Folks see their tanked investments and wonder why the McCain campaign is worried about an alleged inappropriate association with a Chicago university professor...
We can thank Hillary Clinton for making the Ayers and Rev. Wright issues "old news."
It wasn't until Tuesday or Wednesday of this week until I remembered we have Monday off. What a great fall surprise - an unexpected Holiday off work. What is on your agenda? I am thinking of going to the Obama campaign's northern Va. HQ to see if there something I'd be interested in doing on election day. I would take the day off for sure :)
- - Fair, October 10, 2008
So McSame is really trying to get into the mud now - problem is, there isn't much there, there. Ayers, the Chicago real estate guy, Rev. Wright - all already addressed in the Primary season.
Again, the financial indicators - as they go down, repug "stock" goes down. But how much financial pain will we have to take to ensure Dem victories across the board and all the way to the top?
- - Ing, October 10, 2008
Even though the news has been good for "our boy" lately, I felt so stressed out about the election yesterday that I felt like I couldn't watch any news, broadcast or cable. But by the time Keith Olbermann was on at 8pm on MSNBC, I was over it. It's great having an hour news/opinion cast where I know I am going to hear nothing to upset me as an Obama supporter or as a Democrat, for that matter. Must be how repugs feel about FoxNews (as Keith calls it, FoxNoise or FauxNews).
- - Ing, October 9, 2008
The pundits say if the economy remains the focus, it will go to Obama, game over. I'm watching the DJIA again and it is down a bit - I'm torn - I want the economy to remain the focus so the Dow being down is good for that - but on the other hand, my 451/457 accounts? I'm starting to tell folks maybe I will still be working into 2011 or 2012 after all. . .
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
I've already made up my mind so I get to sweat the small stuff... Who, honestly, is still undecided. We need to make more kool-aid :)
- - Fair, October 8, 2008
Sigh . . . I'm disappointed when you are disappointed with Obama - I guess you haven't drunk the kool-aid, like me.
No, seriously, you evidently watched it all or most of it, so you could very well be right. But in my opinion, anyone who is still using these debate performances to make up their mind who to vote for - they're being ridiculous and totally out of touch with how politics and government really work.
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
I actually was not happy with either. Obama (and McCain) needs to start answering questions posed to him by the voters he needs most - those that were mostly supporters of Hillary Clinton and come from the industrial mid-west and Pa.
Neither Obama nor McCain managed to answer a question without a "lecture" and that disappointed me. I know nothing can be solved on the quick ("W" has proved that it can actually be more harmful than good), but at the same time I thought both were lecturing too much on the same issues. A lecture would have been fine if a question would have actually been answered as asked by one of the audience members.
I do agree that Obama won - but it wasn't as clear as in the first debate. McCain, in all honesty, simply looked tired and played the true politician while Obama looked like something new and fresh... someone that can CHANGE :)
- - Fair, October 8, 2008
I watched only the very beginning of the debate. But I saw a fair amount of the punditry and excerpts. OBAMA WON! OBAMA WON! It seemed to be quite unanimous - McCain needed a "game-changer" and he didn't get it. Possible sound bite to remember? - McCain, on an Energy Bill vote "loaded with pork" - "Who voted for it? That one." With a nod toward Obama. Pretty disdainful.
Still - I don't think anyone can fix the economic free fall we may be in, worldwide . . .
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
Somehow, I think THIS time we are not taking "it" from the Rovian types - we may not answer every single charge, but I think we are fighting back on enough of them - I don't think we are being John Kerry-style wimps.
I've been watching the DJIA all day - it was steady about 100 pts down for a long time - now it is 250 pts down - I hope it doesn't totally tank - both for the sake of my 401k/457 accounts and for Obama - what can he (or anyone) really do? But he'll be asked, what would he do.
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I'll take it! It is funny how many "East Coast Elite" republicans live here too. That's the Dem's fault for letting Karl Rove attach that Elite moniker to Dems. We should have fought back.
If East Coast Elite = Dems then Country Club Elite = republicans. At least East Coast cities are fun while country clubs tend to be stodgy and smell like cigars.
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
It's amazing to me how many people in this region associate things in relation to the Metrorail system. That's because you are all European-style East Coast Elites! ha ha ha ha
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I live in more of the northwest portion of Arlington County, the Ballston-Clarendon neighborhood (the Orange Line on the Metro map). John McCain's HQ and condo is in the Crystal City neighborhood, Arlington County, in the southeastern portion of the county near National Airport (the Blue/Yellow Lines on the Metro map). It's amazing to me how many people in this region associate things in relation to the Metrorail system.
I live above the Virginia Sq.-GMU station and work west of the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station. The rally/protest mentioned in the article was one station east of me at Clarendon, about 0.5 miles from my apt.
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
Very interesting. I hadn't even heard of a McCain brother, Joe, until the communist comment. So, did you live very close to the McCain condo/campaign HQ?
- - Ing, October, 7, 2008
Subject: Re: McCain/more on Washington's Metrorail system...McCain Pledge Sought For Dulles
Rail ProjectVote on Metro Funding Upset Va. Leaders
By Michael LarisWashington Post Staff WriterTuesday, October 7, 2008; A07
Virginia congressional leaders are lobbying Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to make a commitment, before next month's election, to support funding for extending Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, one of the Washington region's top transportation priorities.
Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) and Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va), both of whom are retiring, are appealing to their longtime colleague to publicly back the Metro expansion, which has a rocky history with Bush administration officials. This year, federal officials voiced concerns that nearly sank the project, the first phase of which would stretch through Tysons Corner. Federal officials have since given the project a series of approvals.
"It's the nation's subway," Davis said. "Hopefully, I can get the senator, when he comes back here, to commit."
McCain was also one of two dozen senators who voted last week against a bill that included Davis's proposal to authorize $1.5 billion in dedicated funding to Metro over 10 years. The provision was part of broader rail safety and Amtrak funding legislation.
Davis said that he was disappointed with McCain's vote but that he thinks McCain's opposition was directed more at Amtrak.
A statement from the McCain campaign, however, targeted the Metro funding as well as Amtrak. "Senator McCain strongly objects to earmarks in the bill such as a $1.5 billion earmark for the Washington . . . Metro system and questions if this money is warranted above the needs that may exist among other mass transit systems in our country," the statement says. "With the serious financial situation facing our nation, this [multibillion-dollar] commitment of taxpayers' dollars can [be] dedicated to addressing far more important national priorities." The Dulles rail issue was not addressed.
Yesterday, several Democratic officials from Northern Virginia, including Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, a member of the Metro board, and Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette, stood before a partisan crowd at the Clarendon Metro station to slam McCain for his vote.
One person in the crowd held a sign that said, "McCain = More Traffic." (A drive-by heckler yelled: "Don't believe them! Politicians lie like everyone else!")
"He doesn't understand the reality of the people who live here," Fisette said. "I'll meet him at his home in Crystal City, and we can take the Blue Line together."
McCain and his wife, Cindy, have a condominium apartment in Arlington, which is also home to his campaign headquarters.
Arlington Democrats said they were using the Metro vote to help spur a lopsided turnout for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who voted for the funding. Democratic leaders are seeking an 80 percent turnout for Obama in the county to make up for areas downstate that observers predict will break solidly for McCain.
Jim Dinegar, president and chief executive of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, said he, too, was disappointed with McCain's vote on dedicated funding, which requires matching funds from the District, Maryland and Virginia.
The District has set aside a portion of its sales tax revenue for its share, and Maryland's portion is included in the state's capital transportation budget. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has said Virginia will come up with its share, but officials have not indicated from where.
Dinegar said he was primarily focused on the rush of good news about Metro. "I was happy it passed, so I didn't follow up on the 'no' voters," he said.
He said he expects the new funding bill to replace years of "piecemeal" improvements to Metro with a more comprehensive approach. "Decisions can be made several years out. That's just good business," Dinegar said.
He also said both presidential candidates have a direct stake in Metro's future. "It is a transit system that moves more federal workers than any other transit system in the United States," Dinegar said. "Regardless of who wins, the majority of the next administration's workforce will be taking Metrobuses and Metrorail to work."
Fisette also blasted weekend comments by McCain's brother, Joe, who quipped Saturday that Arlington and Alexandria are "communist country." Fisette said he was disturbed by the remark.
"It's his brother, so it's not him. But it's offensive," he said, adding that, "too many times over the last eight years" Democrats have been called "unpatriotic" for opposing the Iraq war and taking other national security stands.
Quoted by Fair, October 7, 2008
So, I'm going to try and watch the debate tonight. After the things which McCain/Palin have been saying about Obama, I'd don't see how the presidential candidates can be civil to each other. It is obvious that the repub ticket has absolutely no respect for him, and don't mind outright lying about him, too.
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I am too scared to check on my 401(k) balance. I haven't looked in months...
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
Another day, another loss of many dollars . . .
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
That was great that you were able to post yesterday, and I just loved your train image from Kos. So, are you or your friends or family starting to get (or have already gotten) kind of panic-worried over the economy? NPR and the BBC have better world reports and the news ain't good. Over the past few years, whenever the stock market would go down a lot, I would say to T. - don't worry - not unless it goes under 10,000 - it's not going to do that - and then yesterday it did. I know this is not a good idea, but I've gotten into the habit of having a website up on my desktop all day that shows the DJIA ups and downs. In my emotional, irrational way, I think - if only Obama gets elected, all will be fine, all will be okay. But he really isn't a miracle-worker. . . .
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
Of course I know that song. It's on my iPod. I'll be substituting your update until November.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
Palin is really going to try and root around in the mud now - not only Ayers, but Rev. Wright.
Do you remember a song by Don Henley (also of the Eagles, but this was solo) called Dirty Laundry? There is a line that really makes me think of Sarah - the line in bold - substitute for bubble headed beach blond, topknot headed brunette - someone who relishes the bad, the dirt, etc.
I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry
Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I dont have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em all around
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
Its interesting when people die-Give us dirty laundry
Can we film the operation? Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet
Get the widow on the set!We need dirty laundry
You dont really need to find out whats going on
You dont really want to know just how far its gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre stiff
Kick em all around
Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybodys pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
We can do the innuendo
We can dance and sing
When its said and done we havent told you a thing
We all know that crap is king
Give us dirty laundry!
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Great points - you should post some of this at the blog - it's better in it's own post instead of being "buried" in the exchanges . . .
Mike Rogers is our Congressman - a repub who does the right thing once in a while.
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Your post hit it home with me - an Obama supporter. What we have to now worry about are the voters who gave Obama the surge in the polls when George Bush's economy came crashing down and that set the tone for the election. The voters who change their minds based on the latest breaking news (forgetting the important issues focused on Federal government).
I hope these "feelings voters" don't get tricked in to this 'Obama is a terrorist' nonsense and garbage - the same voters that fell for the "God wants' you to vote for George Bush"- type lines and other silly campaign fodder. I'm hoping and I'm actually cautiously confident this time.
Bye Bye Reps. Knollenberg and Walberg - with McCain out of Michigan, there goes your Top of the Ticket attraction. (Ing - aren't you in Tim Walberg's congressional district?)
Did you hear that McCain's brother referred to Northern Va. as "communist country" on some radio talk show? Specifically, he was referring to the city of Alexandria and Arlington County, but I'm sure if ticked off a few (a lot) in Fairfax County as well. Fairfax folks seem to WANT to be associated with Alex. and Arl. as opposed to the rest of Va. I'll keep you posted on where this is headed.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Is it just me??? [blog post]
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Where do you get to see donors over $200? Send me a link. Who knows, though, how fast the database is updated.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
I donated too! I'm over $200 now - so I should show up in the Freep (or is it DetNews) tool that allows one to see donors by zip code.
I'm watching the House revote on the Bailout - conventional wisdom says it will pass and the DOW will likely be up 200 pts or so by the end of the day (it's up 253 now but it has been fluctuating.
The pundits say Joe and Jane sixpack don't care that Sarah strayed off topic - they just look at her firm demeanor and hear her glib words of strength . . . I was very touched by Joe choking up - but it's a good thing he held together and didn't cry - you're way too wrong to remember Muskie, but men running for high political office and tears don't mix.
- - Ing, October 3, 2008
My favorite part of the debate was when Sen. Biden, in an appropriate manner, struck back at Palin by noting John McCain (attacking McCain, not Palin) is no maverick when it comes to issues that matter to everyday people (or some other similar statement). My second favorite part was when he reminded everyone in a non-tacky manner that he too is a parent, and a single parent at that.
By the way... the other part I likes was the part(s) when Biden actually answered the questions posed by Gwen Ifill ;) Ha-ha.
I donated via the website today.
- - Fair, October 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
I watched the whole thing! [blog post]
- - Ing, October 3, 2008
I'm sure you're right. I can almost let myself feel happy and carefree about the future - but not quite, of course. The pressure will be on Joe, tonight, big time! I didn't look at it, but I hear there is a repug web ad that is a Joe Biden's greatest hits - gaffe edition.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
WOW! I hope this means Hillary, Bill, and Joe Biden really work Penna., Ohio, Colo., Nevada, Va., and Fla.! Maybe an Oakland/Macomb County rally just to be sure hosted by Hillary... but that should be it.
One of the polls, although it is hard to believe, had Obama up nine percentage points in Virginia either yesterday or the day prior. I think obama would have an easier time with Colorado than Virginia.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
Subject: AP: McCain giving up on Michigan
McCain giving up on Michigan
By NEDRA PICKLER – 43 minutes ago
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate John McCain is giving up on winning Michigan.
Republican officials with knowledge of the strategy said the GOP candidate is shifting resources to other states. Democrat John Kerry won here in 2004, but McCain had tried to make it a target to switch parties this year amid economic problems in the state.
The news came as Barack Obama campaigned in the state Wednesday.
The Arizona senator canceled a trip to the state next week, he won't run ads on TV after this week and is dispatching staffers to states that show him in stronger position.
The Republican National Committee also just went on TV in Michigan, but there appears to be no plans for that buy to continue either.
I watched some of the MSU rally on CNN.com - he wasn't rained out - I heard something like a crowd size of about 20,000. Apparently someone fainted. They gave him a Magic Johnson MSU jersey.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
I don't do a lot off work except watch TV and play with the cats. So, I am a big believer in not scheduling much activity. T. will watch the debate for sure - on one of the two sets - I think there is play-off MLB tonight? That will be competing for his attention. I will definitely start off watching, but if she "has her confidence back" and looks like she is making points against Joe, and/or if he does something stupid - I may fall to old patterns and wait for the punditry, afterward.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
I will be watching. With my calendar being so "open" I've noticed that I feel less stressed out. Maybe I schedule too much on to my plate and this was my way to make that discovery.
I'm assuming you and T. will be watching it as well.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
P. said no go, also. Watching the Joe and Sarah show tonight?
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
Will P. be attending? I'll be sure to keep an eye on CNN or other coverage for shots of campus.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
No, don't think I'm going to make it to East Lansing today for Obama - too chilly, too much chance of rain (and no umbrellas allowed!), and too much standing around waiting. Now if YOU were here, we could go together, plus others of similar persuasion - I get energized being around "young people"!
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
You know, I wouldn't be surprised if, after the debate, in the spin room, if it is obvious that Joe "went easy on" Sarah, the McCain camp will spin that as sexism! (they took it easy on the girl - how sexist of them!)
- - Ing, October 1, 2008
Ha-ha! Now don't start sending money to the republicans :)
Bay Buchanan was on CNN last night again lowering the expectations for Gov. Palin. I believe she said something like 'votes will want to see a real person up on the podium' as if Joe Biden is some fake being.
- - Fair, October 1, 2008
Obama is up in the polls but I of course don't want to take anything for granted at this stage.
Weird experience driving into work today - I tuned in to NPR/Morning Edition in progress and listened to an obviously older, Republican Senator being interviewed about the bailout program, how the Senate would vote for it, how he had discussed it with Repub House colleagues - I didn't recognize the voice, didn't know who it was, but I thought - that guy sounds reasonable, glad to hear a Repub sound that way -only to find out it was McCain! And then he launched into his anti-Obama diatribe, how Obama has no experience and knows nothing, unlike Gov. Palin . . . weird!
- - Ing, October 1, 2008
It's still going to be tricky for Joe - I like the guy a lot, but he does have that tendency to spout off or to engage mouth before brain. He's bound to be on his best behavior - but maybe that will make him oddly stiff and unnatural - the spin-meisters go after every little mouth muscle twitch and eyelid flick in their "analysis."
Most important of all - he has to make sure there is no condescension toward Sarah, nor anything thing that can in the slightest be construed as sexism.
I'm going to try and watch more of this one myself . . . .
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
Oh how the republicans are lowering the bar for Gov. Palin's debate with Sen. Biden. 'Sarah Palin does not have the years' experience that Sen. Biden has with his many years in Washington...'
- - Fair, September 30, 2008
I keep track of my deferred comp. fairly closely - I check at least once a month and sometimes more often. When the Dow went down 500 points earlier in the month, my combined value (me and T., although his contribution to this is small) went down $7000. Then, this morning when I checked, we "lost" another $7000. Both drops were less than 4% of our total value. I'm taking it in good stead - the market goes up and down. I'm the MOST worried about how this will all come out for Barack, It could help or hurt him, ultimately. I just want to see him get elected so bad it hurts (I know - emotional response, again).
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
If the weather outlook changes I can see you heading out to campus. I am scared to look at the value of the 401(k) from the state of Michigan - I haven't been to the Citistreet website for six months or so. I guess time is on my side seeing how I'll be working a few more years! Good to hear you and everyone else at MDOT will be getting paid :)
- - Fair, September 30, 2008
In response to Wall Street woes, I made changes to my future contributions to my 401K and 457 plan - favoring stable value and bond funds. Not huge changes - just what seems prudent to me.
Obama is coming to MSU this Thursday afternoon! Adams Field - which is where the marching band practices, off West Circle Drive. You probably know that. But - - weather doesn't look good: 40% chance of showers. I think I will skip it - and be a fair-weather fan, I know . . . .
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
Yes - Repubs can't count. Also, all McCain did was "phone" people - that was his way of leading. Barack "phoned" people too. Phoning is what politicians do when they are working on persuading their fellows.
I heard that Barack is going to propose that the FDIC insured bank account limit go from $100,000 per person to $250,000. This will help some individuals as well as small businesses (payroll). There are other things I've heard about that would good ideas for Barack to suggest but if any backfire - the consequences are great. On the other hand, the consequences to the world economy of doing nothing . . .
- - Ing, September 29, 2008
From a story on CNN.com:
Republicans and Democrats blamed each other for the failure of the bill, which President Bush had urged Congress to approve.
The bill failed by a vote of 205 to 228, with 140 Democrats and 65 Republicans voting in favor and 95 Democrats joining 133 Republicans against.
"Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain and refused to even say if he supported the final bill. ... This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country," he [Doug Holtz-Eakin] said.
Last I checked, and even in this story, the Dems seem to support this compromise rescue plan.
- - Fair, September 29, 2008
Did you watch the debate? I tuned in off and on, mostly on when Barack was talking. I watched a lot of the punditry afterward. So Barack said he agreed with John a lot - I totally agree with the spin that he looked nicely deferential to the older McCain (who in turn DISSED him by never looking him the eye) and that he showed you could disagree on many important things but still find agreement here and there. The spin is that to undecideds, this sort of demeanor is preferable - they don't want to see the never-say-die partisanship all the time. I also agree that Barack missed some opportunities but overall he did well.
Katie Couric's interview with Sarah Palin keeps coming out in devastating pieces - SNL had Tina Fey on again and totally nailed Sarah's incomprehensible level of incompetence. For part of the bit, they didn't even alter Sarah's own words! I sure hope that our Jennifer does a good job schooling Joe in the art of putting down a woman without seeming to do so - or at least without coming off as a condescending know-it-all!
- - Ing, September 26, 2008
It has given me a stomach-ache (I'm just one ache after another - like an old lady ;-> ) worrying about the bail out , that McCain would take credit for something unfairly if a deal comes about - from what I read, that is not the case - folks are saying it was a ploy, it was a mistake, etc. But the truth simply does not matter to that campaign. Neither does the liberal media. He can still claim he acted boldly and Obama did not . . . anyway, the debate should be more interesting than usual . .
- - Ing, September 26, 2008
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
They are a bunch of whining wieners, aren't they.
I guess the MSM isI think her ability level is similar to that of Sarah. ;-> already forecasting Palin in 2012.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Funny... but I don't feel the least bit sorry for any of them. Thanks for the link.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14891.html
This is a really good article.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
Oh... forgot to mention that Saturday-day is when I'll be canvassing in the far SW portion of Fairfax County. My first time taking action other than donating.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
I certainly understand the impatience for it to be over with - all this, "If the polls were held today, Obama would win" stuff - it is definitely nerve-wracking. Hillary has been excellent when I've seen her, and I would like to see more of her. I believe she is busy helping to attain the 60-member "super majority" in the Senate - that would sure help out President Obama. I don't really believe in jinxes, I guess. I predict that the polls will hold or get wider and Obama will get a landslide and a mandate! And with long coattails!
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
I have faith in the team... I'm just getting impatient and want the vote to occur today while we are up. Who wouldn't want that while their side is up.
I am a sucker for the party 'celebs' to be on TV, especially when our party stars, such as the Clintons, Gov. Rendell, Maria Schriver, Colin Powell, etc... sound so put together as darlings of the media compared to the non-sense that is delivered from folks like Bay Buchanan, Pat Buchanan, Bill-O the Clown, Rush Limbaugh, Gov. Palin herself, etc... I'm sure the Obama-Biden team has the grassroots covered many times over compared to the McCain-Failin' campaign - - even in red states like Georgia and South Carolina.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
But you haven't answered my question - there is over a week left of campaigning - why don't you have faith in the team that they know what to do and when to do it? In other words, I'm sure Obama will be back in PA, as well as the Clintons and Rendell is there all the time of course. Why aren't you sure about the campaign's ability to plan the future out? I'm not trying to picky-picky - I am just curious about your thinking.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
None of those folks are out, at least not being covered in the media, on the trail. Gov. Rendell was on CNN or MSNBC (can't remember which) last night saying Obama needs to come back to Pa. Otherwise, I'm generally pleased with where we are as of last night.
Fair, October 24, 2008
What about the track record of the Obama team has you doubting that they will cover Pennsylvania as needed?
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
I'd add... "Let's quit! Enough already."
I hope things work out with his grandmother. I'm sure she would rather him succeed than have him worry about her. Why isn't Hillary all over Penna. and/or Ohio right now!?! Where is she, Bill, and people like Gov. Rendell? This is critical.
- - Fair, October 24, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
New Slogan for McCain
This came to me in a dream last night - a new slogan within the McCain-Palin campaign: "Let's quit!"
Very brief [blog post] - I don't usually tell my dreams to anyone but T. - but this would too good not to share. Also, I know you're worrying about where Obama is going to campaign in the last days, like he's GOT to go to Pennsylvania. I'm sure he will - I have every faith in his campaign doing the optimal thing with people and money resources.
- - Ing, October 24, 2008
It's a video - these are the same folks who did Paris Hilton's response to the Obama celebrity ads.
It's narrated by Ron Howard and includes Andy Griffith and Henry Winkler - you're not a boomer, but I still think you'd like it if you saw it on your home computer. The message from Ron is he has never revisited the Andy Griffith show and Happy Days show characters he played, but he puts on wigs and clothing and goes back - because he want s the country to be on the right track with Obama.
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
ACCESS DENIED! notice from our server filter. What was the content? Lots of blockage on my end.
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
Subject: Opie! Andy! the Fonz! - - for Obama - pretty funny!
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/cc65ed650d
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Only what makes the headlines on the Post website. I'm not too sure, even if found guilty, that the Dem. challenger could win in Alaska. I would personally like to see Sen. Stevens retire.
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
On another topic, are you following Senator Stevens (Alaska) corruption trial? There's been some trouble in the jury room:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1008/Trouble_at_the_Stevens_trial.html
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
I think her ability level is similar to that of Sarah. ;->
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Is Hasselbeck an able political commentator or just one of the very few conservative stars on TV daily so Palin is stuck with her?
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
We love everything Keith does, of course. I even watch him do football highlights on Sunday night on NBC.
Never have been a fan of the View. I know about the political battles they have. I remember Elizabeth from Survivor - I'm sure you didn't catch that!
Those text messages - OMG! Although, it was many pages through the .PDF to get to the - let's say - meat of the matter. Embarrassing up the wazoo!
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
In other news... your buddy Keith Olbermann did quite a story on Bill-o The Clown's contract extension amid Fox Noise's lowest ratings. Nicely done. I see Gov. Palin has requested Elizabeth Hasselbeck from The View to campaign with her in Fla. this weekend. I don't watch The View so I'm not too familiar with Hasselbeck. Do you TiVO The View by chance?
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
I'll be sure and check out the Freep.
I'm signed up for Nov. 1, Sat. morning, and Election Day morning. I am going to take Monday off, to have a four day weekend, and I can also be flexible about when best to volunteer. The online sign-up thing said canvassing door-to-door - highest priority - or phone banking. I still signed up for phones. I don't want to have a bad back along with all the stress I will be feeling!
I think the trust issue with Barack could be racial - perhaps unconsciously so. For example, he is so smooth and well-spoken. Maybe that goes contrary to an inner stereotype. And then, his name is so "funny" sounding. I think there is a big difference between the way political junkies view him and those who haven't followed the campaign so closely. All I can say is that I outright love the guy, and I'm glad my mom and husband feel pretty much the same way (without the "love" word, of course).
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Hi. I was just looking at the latest text messages between Kwame Kilpatrick and Christine Beatty released on the Free Press website. WOW! How embarrassing for both. I hope his kids don't read this until they are much older. His wife must be fuming.
I will be heading out to the southern portion of Fairfax County south of the Centreville area near Pr. William County's Manassas area (in short, I'll be walking Fairfax County, not Prince William) canvassing for the Obama ticket with at least three friends. Maybe more. Our work is to remind folks to vote - don't take the Obama-Biden leads in the Va. polls as a sign you can stay home. The "die hard" volunteers are the ones going to the more rural portions of Northern Va. By "die hard" I mean the folks that are experts at political discussion. Maybe next time for me.
Any more working the phone banks? You've done a lot I think.
I still am a bit nervous too. M., for example, will vote for Obama, but still doesn't think she "can trust him." What?!?!? I hear this a lot - my roommate said the same thing. What is he going to do? Come on... Again, I think this is a small factor of hidden or unintentional racism. I hope I just know a lot of ignorant people and others are not as, ummm, traditional...
- - Fair, October 23, 2008
I'm making progress on our latest exchanges compilation - should be posted by the end of the week.
Having trouble sleeping again - half due to cats - half due to worry over the election. Sure, Obama is doing well in the polls - I could be worrying way more - but stuff can happen in the time remaining. Oh, I'll be so happy when it is all over and the results are what we want! T. and I will need to celebrate, big time!
- - Ing, October 23, 2008
Michelle will be filling in, I read.
Sure, Joe could have said what he said more clearly - as an Obama/Biden I understand what he meant to say, but I've also seen how these words have been twisted by the opposition. However, overall, I am letting myself feel cautiously optimistic - not "cocky," mind you - but, as I heard it explained on NPR just now, even the Gallop "Traditional" Poll (most reliance on past voters, who tend to be white and not young) is showing the 10% lead.
Hope you are better soon for whatever you're going to do for the campaign. I think I am going respond to one of the e-mails I got that could involve phone calls to states more battleground than Michigan. Our land line plan is unlimited domestic long distance . . .
- - Ing, October 22, 2008
I hope his grandmother gets well. I'm sure she wants nothing more than to see Nov. 4 through. Not sure what it means from the campaign's perspective. I would hope the Clintons "fill in" on those days. They still draw the media like Obama, just without the massive stadium crowds.
How about Biden's remarks re: testing the new President? Not what is needed right now.
- - Fair, October 22, 2008
How do you think the campaign will be affected by Obama taking Thurs. and Fri. off to go to Hawaii and be with his ailing grandmother?
- - Ing, October 21, 2008
From the brief experience I've had volunteering for the Obama campaign, I find it hard to believe you would go door to door randomly - unless by your choice. The volunteer I met in charge at Lansing said canvassers would have notebooks of names and addresses - the effort is called, Knock for Barack. Are you all hooked in with my.barackobama.com? If so, I'm confident they know what they're doing.
Maybe I'll do some canvassing this weekend to see how it goes - maybe it won't be so hard on my back after all . . .
- - Ing, October 21, 2008
Not sure yet if we are just going door-to-door randomly or if we are canvassing. I'll do either of the two. I'd compare Pr. William Co. to the far eastern edge of Livingston County along I-96 and how it interacts with, say, Southfield, Troy, Dearborn, and Detroit.
Those commuters needs two sets of radio stations for two radio markets - the Brighton/Lansing stations and the Detroit area stations. In NoVa, they have the same situation - two sets of radio stations in one commute - DC stations and the Fredericksburg area stations.
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
That's a much more detailed picture than the national media is presenting, about VA - obviously. I liked the characterization of "Patio Man." So will you be canvassing? I guess the campaign likes that better at this point because so few people answer their phones any more. I wonder if robocalls are also less effective now due to the changes in how people use their phones . . .
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
I'm sorry... yes, for the election :) I am trying to get too many e-mails out. A story I just read in today's Post - includes Fairfax and Pr. William counties:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/19/AR2008101901697.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2008101901797&s_pos=
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Final days? I think you mean the campaign, but it sounds ominous . . .
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
I believe Helvetica is available on Blogger (in the font pick list). If not, Arial for sure will be (one of the two). Helvetica is a Mac font; Arial is the Windows version - virtually the same.
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
You know there is a famous font, for newspaper headlines and advertising and such - Helvetica. I really haven't looked into the fonts available at Blogger so perhaps it is there.
I have a few tasks to do this week, so I should be able to get more upbeat, and paradoxically again, be fired up to do the compilation.
You're right about Sarah P. - from the clips I have seen, she isn't all that vibrant. Stock market up today - Ooops - will Obama lose a point or two in the polls?
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
You've talked me into it... I'll let you post the exchanges (thanks, I am busy this week).
I will be at work on Nov. 3 and now I have to come in Nov. 4. I just had a meeting scheduled for that day a few hours ago. Annoying. Oh well, it's not like I have to go vote in person or anything.
When I posted the image of the trains on Faxham I just used the simple cut and paste commands as if I was in MS Word. Which font did you want to use that isn't available? I prefer the Trebuchet font, but Blogger supports that font so I don't have any issues.
I think you should watch the SNL Palin performance. She really, in my opinion, let a good chance at 'looking good' get away from her - especially the spot during the fake news portion. From the look in her eyes it doesn't seem as if she is having fun (except for maybe a few moments in the opening segment).
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Good post on our little-read blog . . . I knew you were going to mention somewhere, sometime about doing the exchanges compilation. I think I should do it, because I - honestly - have so little to do here. Everyone I know around here seems busy enough - and you do, too. But the lack of things to do has the paradoxical effect of making me lazy - I guess it is sort of like being depressed and not wanting to do anything at all. So, I'll aim to do the compilation this week.
Since we have election day off and since I expect I will be preoccupied (and nervous) as hell in the lead-up, I think I will take Monday off, also. But, if you are going to be at work both days and e-mailing about election news, I'll log on at home (if I'm not involved with get out the vote efforts . . .and even if I am, it would only be for the mornings). I should research about how to embed images or special fonts in the blog - if Obama wins, if HEAVEN FORBID, he does not - I want to post in superbig font, etc.
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
How was your weekend? I will be traveling to Prince William County with some friends in the final days...
- - Fair, October 20, 2008
Big weekend for Obama - reveals his campaign raised a record-breaking $150 mil in September, from hundreds of thousands of small donors (average donation: $86). Big money yes - but not from Big Monied Interests.
Then the Powell endorsement on Meet the Press - even better than the statement of support were the reasons given - Powell has been watching both candidates, how they did in the debates, how they handled the financial crisis - and he found McCain wanting and Obama superior. He questioned McCain's judgment on picking Sarah Palin, stating, she was NOT qualified to be President. And he questioned McCain campaign tactics with the Bill Ayers smears. Outside the NBC building he also answered the stupid "socialist" attacks - of course taxes redistribute funds, he said, of course no one wants to pay more taxes, but look at the state of infrastructure, and so on. . . Best performance by a Repub in support of Obama yet!
Sarah's performance on SNL, on the other hand - yes, we TiVo-ed it, but I'm going to boycott watching it. I've seen the clips and I like Tina Fey's Sarah better than Sarah's Sarah!
- - Ing, October 20, 2008
Tracking poll (Gallop) got tight again - Obama only up 2 points. Aaarrrgghhh! I don't WANT the race to tighten! I can't take it any more!
- - Ing, October 17, 2008
Good ones!
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
I found the entire "Joe the Plumber" lines to be a distraction. Of course McCain brought up "Joe." Another story from the repubs. I wonder if Lunch Bucket Bill, Pick-up Truck Pete, Kmart Kathy or Minivan Mary know Joe the Plumber?
- - Fair, October 16, 2008
The polls of viewers matter more than the pundits at this stage. I can't imagine that many undecideds will make up their mind based on cable TV commentators.
Did you see the Daily Show when John Oliver explained about undecideds with a pie chart? A big section of the pie was "Stupid" (there were also racist Democrats and other such). Then he had another pie breaking down the Stupids - it was truly hilarious.
Actually, most of the debate, I was in bed listening without watching - it was easier that way. I didn't see the gesture - it's probably on YouTube like everything else. Quote marks? Oh yes - that is offensive. That will eliminate any chance he has of getting disaffected Hillary undecideds.
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
While we seem to agree Obama won and the insta-polls reflect the same, I seem to get the feeling that the mainstream media, through their liberal lens, is saying that Obama only "held his own" while McCain was on the attack (or similar) - as if it were more of an even draw with only a slight slant toward an Obama win.
I can't see how that is the conclusion. Perhaps I am reading things the wrong way. Like you noted, Obama was able to answer all that was asked - both from Bob Schieffer AND Sen. McCain... right at the table.
Oh, I was meaning to ask, were you offended by McCain's use of the quotation gesture when he was describing for the "health" of a woman (or something like that)? The pundits on CNN (CNN had about nine of ten post-debate!) noted that may offend women.
- - Fair, October 16, 2008
Re Debates - bottom line - I'm glad they're over. If McCain keeps pretty much to the tone he had last night - and prevails upon Palin to do so as well - he'll be able to lose with his dignity and reputation essentially intact. And hopefully, Steve Schmidt - I believe the chief architect of the McCranky negative smear campaign tactics - will get his comeuppance!
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
Funny you ask, I just sent you an e-mail.
- - Fair, October, 16, 2008
So, what are your thoughts on the debate? how optimistic are you for victory on election day?
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
I watched most, but not all of the debate. I stayed up late enough to see that the instapolls gave the "win" to Obama. The "Today" show this morning focused on a Macomb County family named Ward - even if Michigan is pretty solid in the Obama camp, I guess we're still a good place to find undecided voters in distressed economic conditions (foreclosure, in the case of the Wards. I can't remember if they gave the community - running around getting ready for work, you know).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Calm and cool Obama - Cranky McCain [blog post]
- - Ing, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
GoBiden :) [blog post]
My favorite question posed so far was the one about why each candidate's VP selection would be ready to lead... **GOBIDEN**; no Palin!
Posted by Fair at 6:43 PM
The format of tonight's debate should make for more interesting viewing. First off, Bob Schieffer is not afraid to jump in and try to supercede another recitation of talking points. Second, all will be seated, so that will make for a different dynamic.
So, are you getting e-mail invites to do this or that for the campaign? Phone banking works out well for my "ailments" - I think you would be good at canvassing - not quite door-to-door - you have a list of names and addresses and you knock on doors just to ask and make sure they will vote for Obama, and to leave behind literature otherwise . . .
- - Ing, October 15, 2008
I enjoyed the phone bank more last night because it was in someone's home - it was homey and the hosts were fun to listen to. Terry was on my list! I had names from Onondaga, Holt, and Mason. My last call was also interesting - I recognized the name as the guy who prepared and graded our property. When I said my little spiel - can we count on you to support Obama? - he said, Obama - that's the black one, isn't it. Well I can't vote for him. But he felt they were both awful and both liars because it would take Congress to get anything passed. Although he was going to vote for McCain, he said he believed Obama was going to win.
Transit topic - I went to a Jackson Technical Committee meeting today and it was at JTA office/garages. They showed off 6 or 8 brand new buses they just got from California, painted vibrant colors like black, lime green and fuschia and with bold swooshes on them. Really cool - you would have liked to have seen them, I bet.
- - Ing, October 15, 2008
How did last night go? I'm nervous for tonight but still plan to watch the debate. While flipping through the news networks last night I noticed that Bill O'Reiley-the-clown didn't even talk election news... I guess he can't handle things that aren't going his way.
Now I am trying to prepare myself for Sarah "Nothing-to-Loose" Palin going full speed with Rev. Wright attack ads.
- - Fair, October 15, 2008
Fair: Sounds interesting. Must be nice to meet other supporters. Will you be attending the Frank Kelley luncheon tomorrow?
Ing: No, I'm taking off early today so I have time to do more phone banking tonight. Can't take off THAT much time.
Fair: Do you know if the telephone numbers you are calling are for a pre-selected demographic, such as "seniors with more than one registered snowmobile" or other such characteristic? I am amazed at the detail these polling companies know about voters.
Ing: I see the name, age, gender, likely absentee voter, the way they lean (Obama, undecided, McCain, with strong to lean to as flavors).
Fair: More good news for Obama. I just hope it holds. Let's hope Gov. Palin continues to get upset at her own supporters on camera and on stage. Did you hear about the hockey game booing in Philadelphia? (Go Wings!)
Ing: Yeah - I never miss stuff like that as long as catch Keith Olbermann,
Fair: We do not get Election Day off. I was hoping to take the day off work but the way things are going I may have to come in to the office. I mailed my absentee ballot this morning. Should be to Harrison Twp. in about four days. My last Michigan election...
Ing: No chance you're ever moving back someday??? ;->
- - Ing and Fair, October 14, 2008
Subject: I PHONEBANKED!
Yes - I put in about 4 hours doing afternoon calls to senior (AL from work). I made about 170 calls but the vast majority were answering machines or no answer. One lady said I was the first who called her and she was happy to say she would be supporting Obama - that was nice. Some old codgers just hung up - but that's okay.
Just a little training, to say something like, Hi - My name is Susan and I'm a volunteer with Senator Barack Obama's campaign in Lansing. We'd just like to know if we can count on your support on Election Day.
Then, depending on the response, there were some other things to say, including an invite to a luncheon tomorrow with former AG Frank Kelley.
I'm phonebanking again tonight for a few hours in someone's home in Mason, and I've signed up for Saturday morning, November 1 and Election Day morning. Sure assuages the guilt I have been having about the campaign!
- - Ing, October 14, 2008
I didn't forget - I know you have Columbus Day off. But I didn't want to get behind with the reports this time of year.
Poll numbers looking great for our candidate, but of course, we can't any of us supporters take anything for granted. I think I will visit my mom this coming Saturday and then look into volunteering either of the following two Saturdays. I suppose they start get-out-the-vote calling early . . . .
- - Ing, October 13, 2008
But that's just it... I may volunteer. Donating is much easier.
- - Fair, October 1-, 2008
Yeah - George Will hasn't gone quite so far as to endorse Obama, but he's none too happy with the McCain campaign. There is some baseball manager quote: Is this the best you've got?
I've gotten several e-mail invites from the Obama campaign to devote a day volunteering. Yesterday, I got something similar in the mail from SEIU. I have real approach-avoidance conflicts over this. I WANT to volunteer and do what I'm able - not door-to-door, but phone calling would work - but then I also WANT to stay home and relax and do pretty much nothing. There - I said it. This conflict makes me feel guilty - only donating $ makes it any better . . .
I'm glad you might volunteer - you'd be so good at whatever they need done, I'm sure!
- - Ing, October 10, 2008
George Will noted in his recent column that Obama is benefiting from a free campaign mailing - - the delivery of everyone's third quarter 401(k) and other similar retirement account statements. Folks see their tanked investments and wonder why the McCain campaign is worried about an alleged inappropriate association with a Chicago university professor...
We can thank Hillary Clinton for making the Ayers and Rev. Wright issues "old news."
It wasn't until Tuesday or Wednesday of this week until I remembered we have Monday off. What a great fall surprise - an unexpected Holiday off work. What is on your agenda? I am thinking of going to the Obama campaign's northern Va. HQ to see if there something I'd be interested in doing on election day. I would take the day off for sure :)
- - Fair, October 10, 2008
So McSame is really trying to get into the mud now - problem is, there isn't much there, there. Ayers, the Chicago real estate guy, Rev. Wright - all already addressed in the Primary season.
Again, the financial indicators - as they go down, repug "stock" goes down. But how much financial pain will we have to take to ensure Dem victories across the board and all the way to the top?
- - Ing, October 10, 2008
Even though the news has been good for "our boy" lately, I felt so stressed out about the election yesterday that I felt like I couldn't watch any news, broadcast or cable. But by the time Keith Olbermann was on at 8pm on MSNBC, I was over it. It's great having an hour news/opinion cast where I know I am going to hear nothing to upset me as an Obama supporter or as a Democrat, for that matter. Must be how repugs feel about FoxNews (as Keith calls it, FoxNoise or FauxNews).
- - Ing, October 9, 2008
The pundits say if the economy remains the focus, it will go to Obama, game over. I'm watching the DJIA again and it is down a bit - I'm torn - I want the economy to remain the focus so the Dow being down is good for that - but on the other hand, my 451/457 accounts? I'm starting to tell folks maybe I will still be working into 2011 or 2012 after all. . .
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
I've already made up my mind so I get to sweat the small stuff... Who, honestly, is still undecided. We need to make more kool-aid :)
- - Fair, October 8, 2008
Sigh . . . I'm disappointed when you are disappointed with Obama - I guess you haven't drunk the kool-aid, like me.
No, seriously, you evidently watched it all or most of it, so you could very well be right. But in my opinion, anyone who is still using these debate performances to make up their mind who to vote for - they're being ridiculous and totally out of touch with how politics and government really work.
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
I actually was not happy with either. Obama (and McCain) needs to start answering questions posed to him by the voters he needs most - those that were mostly supporters of Hillary Clinton and come from the industrial mid-west and Pa.
Neither Obama nor McCain managed to answer a question without a "lecture" and that disappointed me. I know nothing can be solved on the quick ("W" has proved that it can actually be more harmful than good), but at the same time I thought both were lecturing too much on the same issues. A lecture would have been fine if a question would have actually been answered as asked by one of the audience members.
I do agree that Obama won - but it wasn't as clear as in the first debate. McCain, in all honesty, simply looked tired and played the true politician while Obama looked like something new and fresh... someone that can CHANGE :)
- - Fair, October 8, 2008
I watched only the very beginning of the debate. But I saw a fair amount of the punditry and excerpts. OBAMA WON! OBAMA WON! It seemed to be quite unanimous - McCain needed a "game-changer" and he didn't get it. Possible sound bite to remember? - McCain, on an Energy Bill vote "loaded with pork" - "Who voted for it? That one." With a nod toward Obama. Pretty disdainful.
Still - I don't think anyone can fix the economic free fall we may be in, worldwide . . .
- - Ing, October 8, 2008
Somehow, I think THIS time we are not taking "it" from the Rovian types - we may not answer every single charge, but I think we are fighting back on enough of them - I don't think we are being John Kerry-style wimps.
I've been watching the DJIA all day - it was steady about 100 pts down for a long time - now it is 250 pts down - I hope it doesn't totally tank - both for the sake of my 401k/457 accounts and for Obama - what can he (or anyone) really do? But he'll be asked, what would he do.
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I'll take it! It is funny how many "East Coast Elite" republicans live here too. That's the Dem's fault for letting Karl Rove attach that Elite moniker to Dems. We should have fought back.
If East Coast Elite = Dems then Country Club Elite = republicans. At least East Coast cities are fun while country clubs tend to be stodgy and smell like cigars.
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
It's amazing to me how many people in this region associate things in relation to the Metrorail system. That's because you are all European-style East Coast Elites! ha ha ha ha
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I live in more of the northwest portion of Arlington County, the Ballston-Clarendon neighborhood (the Orange Line on the Metro map). John McCain's HQ and condo is in the Crystal City neighborhood, Arlington County, in the southeastern portion of the county near National Airport (the Blue/Yellow Lines on the Metro map). It's amazing to me how many people in this region associate things in relation to the Metrorail system.
I live above the Virginia Sq.-GMU station and work west of the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station. The rally/protest mentioned in the article was one station east of me at Clarendon, about 0.5 miles from my apt.
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
Very interesting. I hadn't even heard of a McCain brother, Joe, until the communist comment. So, did you live very close to the McCain condo/campaign HQ?
- - Ing, October, 7, 2008
Subject: Re: McCain/more on Washington's Metrorail system...McCain Pledge Sought For Dulles
Rail ProjectVote on Metro Funding Upset Va. Leaders
By Michael LarisWashington Post Staff WriterTuesday, October 7, 2008; A07
Virginia congressional leaders are lobbying Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to make a commitment, before next month's election, to support funding for extending Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, one of the Washington region's top transportation priorities.
Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) and Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va), both of whom are retiring, are appealing to their longtime colleague to publicly back the Metro expansion, which has a rocky history with Bush administration officials. This year, federal officials voiced concerns that nearly sank the project, the first phase of which would stretch through Tysons Corner. Federal officials have since given the project a series of approvals.
"It's the nation's subway," Davis said. "Hopefully, I can get the senator, when he comes back here, to commit."
McCain was also one of two dozen senators who voted last week against a bill that included Davis's proposal to authorize $1.5 billion in dedicated funding to Metro over 10 years. The provision was part of broader rail safety and Amtrak funding legislation.
Davis said that he was disappointed with McCain's vote but that he thinks McCain's opposition was directed more at Amtrak.
A statement from the McCain campaign, however, targeted the Metro funding as well as Amtrak. "Senator McCain strongly objects to earmarks in the bill such as a $1.5 billion earmark for the Washington . . . Metro system and questions if this money is warranted above the needs that may exist among other mass transit systems in our country," the statement says. "With the serious financial situation facing our nation, this [multibillion-dollar] commitment of taxpayers' dollars can [be] dedicated to addressing far more important national priorities." The Dulles rail issue was not addressed.
Yesterday, several Democratic officials from Northern Virginia, including Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, a member of the Metro board, and Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette, stood before a partisan crowd at the Clarendon Metro station to slam McCain for his vote.
One person in the crowd held a sign that said, "McCain = More Traffic." (A drive-by heckler yelled: "Don't believe them! Politicians lie like everyone else!")
"He doesn't understand the reality of the people who live here," Fisette said. "I'll meet him at his home in Crystal City, and we can take the Blue Line together."
McCain and his wife, Cindy, have a condominium apartment in Arlington, which is also home to his campaign headquarters.
Arlington Democrats said they were using the Metro vote to help spur a lopsided turnout for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), who voted for the funding. Democratic leaders are seeking an 80 percent turnout for Obama in the county to make up for areas downstate that observers predict will break solidly for McCain.
Jim Dinegar, president and chief executive of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, said he, too, was disappointed with McCain's vote on dedicated funding, which requires matching funds from the District, Maryland and Virginia.
The District has set aside a portion of its sales tax revenue for its share, and Maryland's portion is included in the state's capital transportation budget. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has said Virginia will come up with its share, but officials have not indicated from where.
Dinegar said he was primarily focused on the rush of good news about Metro. "I was happy it passed, so I didn't follow up on the 'no' voters," he said.
He said he expects the new funding bill to replace years of "piecemeal" improvements to Metro with a more comprehensive approach. "Decisions can be made several years out. That's just good business," Dinegar said.
He also said both presidential candidates have a direct stake in Metro's future. "It is a transit system that moves more federal workers than any other transit system in the United States," Dinegar said. "Regardless of who wins, the majority of the next administration's workforce will be taking Metrobuses and Metrorail to work."
Fisette also blasted weekend comments by McCain's brother, Joe, who quipped Saturday that Arlington and Alexandria are "communist country." Fisette said he was disturbed by the remark.
"It's his brother, so it's not him. But it's offensive," he said, adding that, "too many times over the last eight years" Democrats have been called "unpatriotic" for opposing the Iraq war and taking other national security stands.
Quoted by Fair, October 7, 2008
So, I'm going to try and watch the debate tonight. After the things which McCain/Palin have been saying about Obama, I'd don't see how the presidential candidates can be civil to each other. It is obvious that the repub ticket has absolutely no respect for him, and don't mind outright lying about him, too.
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
I am too scared to check on my 401(k) balance. I haven't looked in months...
- - Fair, October 7, 2008
Another day, another loss of many dollars . . .
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
That was great that you were able to post yesterday, and I just loved your train image from Kos. So, are you or your friends or family starting to get (or have already gotten) kind of panic-worried over the economy? NPR and the BBC have better world reports and the news ain't good. Over the past few years, whenever the stock market would go down a lot, I would say to T. - don't worry - not unless it goes under 10,000 - it's not going to do that - and then yesterday it did. I know this is not a good idea, but I've gotten into the habit of having a website up on my desktop all day that shows the DJIA ups and downs. In my emotional, irrational way, I think - if only Obama gets elected, all will be fine, all will be okay. But he really isn't a miracle-worker. . . .
- - Ing, October 7, 2008
Of course I know that song. It's on my iPod. I'll be substituting your update until November.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
Palin is really going to try and root around in the mud now - not only Ayers, but Rev. Wright.
Do you remember a song by Don Henley (also of the Eagles, but this was solo) called Dirty Laundry? There is a line that really makes me think of Sarah - the line in bold - substitute for bubble headed beach blond, topknot headed brunette - someone who relishes the bad, the dirt, etc.
I make my living off the evening news
Just give me something-something I can use
People love it when you lose,
They love dirty laundry
Well, I coulda been an actor, but I wound up here
I just have to look good, I dont have to be clear
Come and whisper in my ear
Give us dirty laundry
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em all around
We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
Its interesting when people die-Give us dirty laundry
Can we film the operation? Is the head dead yet?
You know, the boys in the newsroom got a
Running bet
Get the widow on the set!We need dirty laundry
You dont really need to find out whats going on
You dont really want to know just how far its gone
Just leave well enough alone
Eat your dirty laundry
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre up
Kick em when theyre down
Kick em when theyre stiff
Kick em all around
Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybodys pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry
We can do the innuendo
We can dance and sing
When its said and done we havent told you a thing
We all know that crap is king
Give us dirty laundry!
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Great points - you should post some of this at the blog - it's better in it's own post instead of being "buried" in the exchanges . . .
Mike Rogers is our Congressman - a repub who does the right thing once in a while.
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Your post hit it home with me - an Obama supporter. What we have to now worry about are the voters who gave Obama the surge in the polls when George Bush's economy came crashing down and that set the tone for the election. The voters who change their minds based on the latest breaking news (forgetting the important issues focused on Federal government).
I hope these "feelings voters" don't get tricked in to this 'Obama is a terrorist' nonsense and garbage - the same voters that fell for the "God wants' you to vote for George Bush"- type lines and other silly campaign fodder. I'm hoping and I'm actually cautiously confident this time.
Bye Bye Reps. Knollenberg and Walberg - with McCain out of Michigan, there goes your Top of the Ticket attraction. (Ing - aren't you in Tim Walberg's congressional district?)
Did you hear that McCain's brother referred to Northern Va. as "communist country" on some radio talk show? Specifically, he was referring to the city of Alexandria and Arlington County, but I'm sure if ticked off a few (a lot) in Fairfax County as well. Fairfax folks seem to WANT to be associated with Alex. and Arl. as opposed to the rest of Va. I'll keep you posted on where this is headed.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Is it just me??? [blog post]
- - Ing, October 6, 2008
Where do you get to see donors over $200? Send me a link. Who knows, though, how fast the database is updated.
- - Fair, October 6, 2008
I donated too! I'm over $200 now - so I should show up in the Freep (or is it DetNews) tool that allows one to see donors by zip code.
I'm watching the House revote on the Bailout - conventional wisdom says it will pass and the DOW will likely be up 200 pts or so by the end of the day (it's up 253 now but it has been fluctuating.
The pundits say Joe and Jane sixpack don't care that Sarah strayed off topic - they just look at her firm demeanor and hear her glib words of strength . . . I was very touched by Joe choking up - but it's a good thing he held together and didn't cry - you're way too wrong to remember Muskie, but men running for high political office and tears don't mix.
- - Ing, October 3, 2008
My favorite part of the debate was when Sen. Biden, in an appropriate manner, struck back at Palin by noting John McCain (attacking McCain, not Palin) is no maverick when it comes to issues that matter to everyday people (or some other similar statement). My second favorite part was when he reminded everyone in a non-tacky manner that he too is a parent, and a single parent at that.
By the way... the other part I likes was the part(s) when Biden actually answered the questions posed by Gwen Ifill ;) Ha-ha.
I donated via the website today.
- - Fair, October 3, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
I watched the whole thing! [blog post]
- - Ing, October 3, 2008
I'm sure you're right. I can almost let myself feel happy and carefree about the future - but not quite, of course. The pressure will be on Joe, tonight, big time! I didn't look at it, but I hear there is a repug web ad that is a Joe Biden's greatest hits - gaffe edition.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
WOW! I hope this means Hillary, Bill, and Joe Biden really work Penna., Ohio, Colo., Nevada, Va., and Fla.! Maybe an Oakland/Macomb County rally just to be sure hosted by Hillary... but that should be it.
One of the polls, although it is hard to believe, had Obama up nine percentage points in Virginia either yesterday or the day prior. I think obama would have an easier time with Colorado than Virginia.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
Subject: AP: McCain giving up on Michigan
McCain giving up on Michigan
By NEDRA PICKLER – 43 minutes ago
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate John McCain is giving up on winning Michigan.
Republican officials with knowledge of the strategy said the GOP candidate is shifting resources to other states. Democrat John Kerry won here in 2004, but McCain had tried to make it a target to switch parties this year amid economic problems in the state.
The news came as Barack Obama campaigned in the state Wednesday.
The Arizona senator canceled a trip to the state next week, he won't run ads on TV after this week and is dispatching staffers to states that show him in stronger position.
The Republican National Committee also just went on TV in Michigan, but there appears to be no plans for that buy to continue either.
I watched some of the MSU rally on CNN.com - he wasn't rained out - I heard something like a crowd size of about 20,000. Apparently someone fainted. They gave him a Magic Johnson MSU jersey.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
I don't do a lot off work except watch TV and play with the cats. So, I am a big believer in not scheduling much activity. T. will watch the debate for sure - on one of the two sets - I think there is play-off MLB tonight? That will be competing for his attention. I will definitely start off watching, but if she "has her confidence back" and looks like she is making points against Joe, and/or if he does something stupid - I may fall to old patterns and wait for the punditry, afterward.
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
I will be watching. With my calendar being so "open" I've noticed that I feel less stressed out. Maybe I schedule too much on to my plate and this was my way to make that discovery.
I'm assuming you and T. will be watching it as well.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
P. said no go, also. Watching the Joe and Sarah show tonight?
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
Will P. be attending? I'll be sure to keep an eye on CNN or other coverage for shots of campus.
- - Fair, October 2, 2008
No, don't think I'm going to make it to East Lansing today for Obama - too chilly, too much chance of rain (and no umbrellas allowed!), and too much standing around waiting. Now if YOU were here, we could go together, plus others of similar persuasion - I get energized being around "young people"!
- - Ing, October 2, 2008
You know, I wouldn't be surprised if, after the debate, in the spin room, if it is obvious that Joe "went easy on" Sarah, the McCain camp will spin that as sexism! (they took it easy on the girl - how sexist of them!)
- - Ing, October 1, 2008
Ha-ha! Now don't start sending money to the republicans :)
Bay Buchanan was on CNN last night again lowering the expectations for Gov. Palin. I believe she said something like 'votes will want to see a real person up on the podium' as if Joe Biden is some fake being.
- - Fair, October 1, 2008
Obama is up in the polls but I of course don't want to take anything for granted at this stage.
Weird experience driving into work today - I tuned in to NPR/Morning Edition in progress and listened to an obviously older, Republican Senator being interviewed about the bailout program, how the Senate would vote for it, how he had discussed it with Repub House colleagues - I didn't recognize the voice, didn't know who it was, but I thought - that guy sounds reasonable, glad to hear a Repub sound that way -only to find out it was McCain! And then he launched into his anti-Obama diatribe, how Obama has no experience and knows nothing, unlike Gov. Palin . . . weird!
- - Ing, October 1, 2008
It's still going to be tricky for Joe - I like the guy a lot, but he does have that tendency to spout off or to engage mouth before brain. He's bound to be on his best behavior - but maybe that will make him oddly stiff and unnatural - the spin-meisters go after every little mouth muscle twitch and eyelid flick in their "analysis."
Most important of all - he has to make sure there is no condescension toward Sarah, nor anything thing that can in the slightest be construed as sexism.
I'm going to try and watch more of this one myself . . . .
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
Oh how the republicans are lowering the bar for Gov. Palin's debate with Sen. Biden. 'Sarah Palin does not have the years' experience that Sen. Biden has with his many years in Washington...'
- - Fair, September 30, 2008
I keep track of my deferred comp. fairly closely - I check at least once a month and sometimes more often. When the Dow went down 500 points earlier in the month, my combined value (me and T., although his contribution to this is small) went down $7000. Then, this morning when I checked, we "lost" another $7000. Both drops were less than 4% of our total value. I'm taking it in good stead - the market goes up and down. I'm the MOST worried about how this will all come out for Barack, It could help or hurt him, ultimately. I just want to see him get elected so bad it hurts (I know - emotional response, again).
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
If the weather outlook changes I can see you heading out to campus. I am scared to look at the value of the 401(k) from the state of Michigan - I haven't been to the Citistreet website for six months or so. I guess time is on my side seeing how I'll be working a few more years! Good to hear you and everyone else at MDOT will be getting paid :)
- - Fair, September 30, 2008
In response to Wall Street woes, I made changes to my future contributions to my 401K and 457 plan - favoring stable value and bond funds. Not huge changes - just what seems prudent to me.
Obama is coming to MSU this Thursday afternoon! Adams Field - which is where the marching band practices, off West Circle Drive. You probably know that. But - - weather doesn't look good: 40% chance of showers. I think I will skip it - and be a fair-weather fan, I know . . . .
- - Ing, September 30, 2008
Yes - Repubs can't count. Also, all McCain did was "phone" people - that was his way of leading. Barack "phoned" people too. Phoning is what politicians do when they are working on persuading their fellows.
I heard that Barack is going to propose that the FDIC insured bank account limit go from $100,000 per person to $250,000. This will help some individuals as well as small businesses (payroll). There are other things I've heard about that would good ideas for Barack to suggest but if any backfire - the consequences are great. On the other hand, the consequences to the world economy of doing nothing . . .
- - Ing, September 29, 2008
From a story on CNN.com:
Republicans and Democrats blamed each other for the failure of the bill, which President Bush had urged Congress to approve.
The bill failed by a vote of 205 to 228, with 140 Democrats and 65 Republicans voting in favor and 95 Democrats joining 133 Republicans against.
"Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain and refused to even say if he supported the final bill. ... This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country," he [Doug Holtz-Eakin] said.
Last I checked, and even in this story, the Dems seem to support this compromise rescue plan.
- - Fair, September 29, 2008
Did you watch the debate? I tuned in off and on, mostly on when Barack was talking. I watched a lot of the punditry afterward. So Barack said he agreed with John a lot - I totally agree with the spin that he looked nicely deferential to the older McCain (who in turn DISSED him by never looking him the eye) and that he showed you could disagree on many important things but still find agreement here and there. The spin is that to undecideds, this sort of demeanor is preferable - they don't want to see the never-say-die partisanship all the time. I also agree that Barack missed some opportunities but overall he did well.
Katie Couric's interview with Sarah Palin keeps coming out in devastating pieces - SNL had Tina Fey on again and totally nailed Sarah's incomprehensible level of incompetence. For part of the bit, they didn't even alter Sarah's own words! I sure hope that our Jennifer does a good job schooling Joe in the art of putting down a woman without seeming to do so - or at least without coming off as a condescending know-it-all!
- - Ing, September 26, 2008
It has given me a stomach-ache (I'm just one ache after another - like an old lady ;-> ) worrying about the bail out , that McCain would take credit for something unfairly if a deal comes about - from what I read, that is not the case - folks are saying it was a ploy, it was a mistake, etc. But the truth simply does not matter to that campaign. Neither does the liberal media. He can still claim he acted boldly and Obama did not . . . anyway, the debate should be more interesting than usual . .
- - Ing, September 26, 2008
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