Monday, October 25, 2010

Links for the Month

The web is full of sites and pages worthy of viewing of those intended for pets, people, pols, and more. These featured sites are worth a click.

Independent Thinker hot spots dogs canine arthtitis Stop Acne Breakouts stool repel um dog gas cracked paw pads

catnip micepuppy treat McCain supporter Local Republicans Circle web purple shift Broad Side New Hampshire Independent

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Matthew Falls Flat in Pidgeonholing the Right



Video unreliable, also available at Newsbusters -> http://newsbusters.org/people/dana-loesch

Finally, someone succinctly makes the point that both sides of the political spectrum have their crazies, and that pigeonholing all the people that have problems with the health care legislation as radical or racist is intellectually dishonest. Best moment of the interview is when Chris Matthews mutters under his breath "this isn't working."


Dana Loesch Owns Chris Matthews in Debate About Tea Party Protests

Monday, March 29, 2010

Letter From Senator McCain

My Friend,

This weekend, I was honored to have Governor Sarah Palin join me on the campaign trail in Arizona for rallies in Tucson and Mesa. The crowds and energy were tremendous and I'm thankful Governor Palin was able to take time out of her busy schedule to support my reelection campaign.

Since President Obama's signing the health care takeover bill into law, I have continued to serve as a vocal opponent of the President, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi's flawed legislation. Governor Palin and I both support a repeal of the bill, and I know that we are not alone. Millions of citizens are angry at the Democrats for ramming through a government took over of health care.

I assure you that I am fighting each and every day to repeal this bill in order to get our country back on the right course. This is why it is more vital than ever that I continue my service to the people of Arizona and our country in the U.S. Senate. But I write to you today with an urgent request because my service to our country could be in jeopardy.

As I have told you, I am facing a tough reelection battle. My opponent has set out to raise $1 million in the month of March to defeat me. He launched his campaign with a tirade of false accusations in an attempt to distort my record of conservative action. And he's used these to raise funds to launch even more attacks.

I need your immediate support to communicate my conservative voting record to the people of Arizona. Please follow this link to make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign.

My friend, this is a vicious cycle and the only way to stop it is to win reelection. I am fighting back against these attacks, and friends like Governor Palin are helping me, but I also need your support.

We have a fundraising deadline approaching on March 31st so any amount you can give in the final 72 hours is appreciated. An immediate online donation is the best way to ensure the money we raise is deposited before Wednesday at midnight, so please give right away.

I appreciate your support and pledge to continue fighting for a repeal of this disastrous health care law.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. In the wake of the Democrats' passage of their health care overhaul, I have recommitted my work in the U.S. Senate to our shared values. But this work is in jeopardy as I am in the middle of the toughest reelection campaign I have ever faced. I am thankful for friends like Governor Palin who have pledged their support to me. Today, I ask you to join her and make a donation of $25 or more in advance of our March 31st deadline. Your immediate support is greatly appreciated.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

CBS Poll Says American Unhappy with Health Reform



While CBS's Poll: Most Want GOP to Keep Fighting on Health Bill speaks for itself, seems pertinent to point out that there is a significant number of Democrats that want the Republicans to keep fighting this bill. It seems the only thing bipartisan about this bill is the opposition to it.


CBS Poll: Dem’s Health Care Reforms Unwanted by American People

McCain Discusses Terrible Health Bill on Hannity

Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Courageous Up or Down Vote: Nah Just Kidding

There are so many major problems with health care bill that it's a challenge to list them all. There's the budgetary gimmick of paying for health care for four years prior to bill taking effect. There is the myriad of state specific deals added in order to gain votes. However, the craziest and most brazen example of political double talk was when President Obama at a town hall meeting proclaimed that Representatives should have courage and vote ones conscience in a straight forward up or down vote. This was almost immediately followed by the Democratic leadership calling for 'deem and pass.' A vote that would allow Congressmen to officially not go on record with a health care vote, while still passing the bill. This basically allows someone to vote 'present' on health care reform. While the method is controversial and angers many, what's crazy about it is that it is the exact opposite of what President Obama had just passionately requested just hours prior - courage and transparency. This left Secretary Gibbs in the unenviable position of trying to answer questions about this blatant hypocrisy...

McCain Urges People to Contact Their Representatives To Oppose Health Care

In a letter to supporters Senator McCain urges supporters to call their representatives in a last minute push to defeat the health care bill that he describes as a "disastrous piece of legislation."

My Friend,

This morning, the Congressional Budget Office released their final numbers on the Democrats' health care bill. They estimate this unprecedented takeover of our health care system will cost taxpayers $940 billion. This bill is full of kickbacks and back room deals, and exceeds the $900 billion ceiling President Obama set last September.

We must do everything in our power to defeat this bill from becoming law. The work we do in the final hours before the vote will make all the difference. Speaker Pelosi wants the House to vote for this bill on Sunday - less than 72 hours from the time I write this email. We have very little time to act.

I urge you to immediately call your Member of Congress to tell him or her to vote "No" on this disastrous piece of legislation. You can find your representative's office phone number at House.gov or by calling the House of Representatives main switchboard at (202) 224-3121.

The telephone lines in many Washington, DC offices are being flooded with calls from people like you who oppose this bill. If you are unable to get through to the Washington office, please call your representative's district office or contact them through the email contact form on their website.

Each poll that has been conducted shows an overwhelming majority of Americans are against the Obama Administration's attempt to impose government-run health care. Yet the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats are doing everything trying to ram this bill through Congress this weekend.

Your representative in Congress needs to know you oppose this bill, so once again, I ask that you take a few minutes right now to call your representative and ask them to vote "No" on government-run health care.

After making the call, I ask that you consider making a donation to my reelection campaign. As you may have heard, I am facing a tough reelection battle and your support is needed so that I may continue my service on your behalf and fight for the things that you and I believe in.

I thank you for your time and generosity. Your involvement will make all the difference.

Sincerely,

John McCain

Saturday, March 13, 2010

McCain Stumps for Ayotte - Health Care and Spending are Hot Topics

Senator McCain came to New Hampshire this weekend to co-host a town hall meeting with Kelly Ayotte the former New Hampshire AG. Senator McCain is supporting Ayotte's bid to fill the empty Senate seat being vacated by Senate Republican Judd Gregg. The first question was to Kelly Ayotte about her recent trip to the VA. Ayotte, whose husband is an Iraq war veteran, voiced her support for a VA hospital in New Hampshire. The second question was to Senator McCain asking if the current health care bill was passed could it be repealed. While Senator McCain said that the passage of the bill would trigger a nationwide movement to repeal the bill, he also stated that defeating the current bill was far better option. He urged people speak up and speak out against the bill as strong opposition by the American people (our representatives constituents) is now what is most likely to influence the House and Senate. The questions that followed were in large part about the either health care, the huge amount of government spending, the skyrocketting national deficit, or some combination of these issues.

Some of the points made by Ayotte and McCain included:

  • The health care bill will collect money from tax payers for four years before offering any benefits in a rather blatant budgetary gimmick.
  • The huge amount of government spending is an act of generational theft, leaving future generations with a massive debt to pay off.
  • Cuts in payroll and corporate tax rates would be far more effective in stimulating economic growth than government spending.
  • The process involved in formulating the health care bill has revealed the broken promises of the Obama adminstration in terms of transparency, bipartisanship, and backroom political dealings i.e. Cornhusker Kickback, Louisiana Purchase, Gator Aid, etc.

Senator McCain was back in his element hosting a town hall in New Hampshire, and Kelly Ayotte had a solid performance too stating that she would regularly conduct town hall meetings as a NH Senator. Representative Hodes, her likely Democratic competitor, has been highly reluctant to hold town hall meetings. For another take on the McCain Ayotte town hall NECN filed the report, McCain: Ayotte the 'next generation' of leadership

Sunday, March 7, 2010

McCain and Ayotte NH Town Hall

From AyotteforSenate.com, an invitation to a joint town hall with Kelly Ayotte and John McCain.

Please join

Senator John McCain
and
Former New Hampshire Attorney General

Kelly Ayotte


For a Town Hall Meeting

Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Pennichuck Middle School
207 Manchester Street
Nashua, NH 03064-8112
Room – Cafeteria

Please RSVP by Friday March 12th
RSVP@AyotteForSenate.com

Additional Information: For questions please call (603)-232-1162.
We welcome you to invite friends and family to this exciting event.

Monday, March 1, 2010

McCain Obama Helath Care Exchange Misrepresented

In the following CSPAN clip Senator McCain addresses the numerous back room deals and political favors included in the Health Care Bill. He goes on to explain that during the campaign both he and President Obama agreed to change the way things were done in Washington. That clearly there was no 'change' in the 'politics as usual' style that resulted in this bill with its numerous goodies for particular Senators and their respective states.

President Obama's response was to chastise Senator McCain for being in campaign mode. In reality, Senator McCain simply did what the main stream media has refused to do over the last year and a half. He called him out on blantantly breaking a campaign promise. Now the CSPAN clip below, is not the clip you likely saw on the news, as the media still refuses to show criticism of President Obama. What the media presented was President Obama's rebuke with out any of that pesky critique.



However, if one actually looks at the President's record and his statement, it is one of the most blatantly hypocritical remarks made in ages. President Obama is the consumate campaigner; neither side question's ability to campaign or make a speech. Campaigning is President Obama's 'go to' move. Real Clear Politics breaks down just how politically motivated the president's travel is, as one example of the Obama White House's perpetual campaign mode.

Presidential Travel Favors Blue, Purple States

President Obama's trip to Georgia tomorrow will be his first as president. According to data shared by the indispensable Mark Knoller of CBS News, it will mark the 31st state the president has traveled to since taking office last January.

Looking more closely at those numbers, a pattern emerges that is hard to ignore. Obama has visited 23 of the 28 states he carried in November 2008, but only six of the 22 states carried by Republican John McCain. Broken into three broad categories:

Obama has made 47 stops in the 19 states he carried by more than 10 points (including 16 in neighboring Maryland).
Obama has made 44 stops in the 16 states where the final result was within 10 points (including 19 in neighboring Virginia).
Obama has made 4 stops in the 15 states that McCain carried by more than 10 points.


Obama's Hypocritical 'We're not Campaigning Anymore' Statement

LA Times Reports on Resurgence on Moderate Republicans

Senator McCain's Country First Pac has supported three of the moderate Republicans discussed in the LA Times article
GOP moderates poised to gain ground in Congress


Reporting from Washington - With healthcare legislation mired in partisanship, "tea party" activists on the march and GOP leadership dominated by conservatives, Capitol Hill looks like a parched landscape for the withered moderate wing of the Republican Party.

But green shoots are sprouting in Washington and on the campaign trail. A small band of Republican moderates in the Senate broke a logjam on jobs legislation. They added to their ranks with the arrival of another New England Republican, Scott Brown. And several moderate Republicans are in a good position to win Senate seats in November.

Rep. Michael N. Castle, one of the most liberal Republicans in the House, is heavily favored to win an open Senate seat in Delaware.

Rep. Mark Steven Kirk, the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, handily won the party's primary despite opposition from conservatives.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Romney Endorses McCain Making for A Potentially Powerful Duo


Governor Romney endorsed Senator McCain's bid for re-election today. While it may have ticked off some disgruntled radio personalities, it also opens the door to what could potentially be a powerful dynamic duo...

From Time The Romney McCain Lovefest: Everybody Wins!

Times have changed. After gracefully exiting the primary, Romney became a cheerful warrior for McCain, He logged countless hours fundraising for his one-time opponent and appeared on the Senator’s behalf almost anywhere the campaign asked, including at the Democratic National Convention. His competence and dedication won him begrudging fans in McCain’s senior staff, who later freely admitted they’d misjudged him. McCain himself was deeply appreciative of Romney’s work, and was won over personally after spending time with Romney and his gracious wife Ann at the Senator’s Sedona ranch. Romney ended up in serious contention for McCain’s VP slot, and as the financial crisis took over the agenda, he became one of McCain's valued go-to sources of advice and perspective on economic issues.

So perhaps the news of Romney’s endorsement isn’t all that surprising. It's good for McCain to have someone with Romney's financial expertise and centrist appeal come out in his favor. It also helps McCain to appear connected with someone considered part the GOP's future. The question for Romney, who’s emerging as the GOP’s most serious contender for 2012, is what’s in it for him? For starters, a friendship with McCain has lots of benefits. McCain is still an excellent drawcard for fundraisers, and although Romney has vast personal wealth, having a name like McCain on board makes a big difference. McCain could also lend a Romney candidacy some foreign policy and national security credibility, particularly with Republican voters. Romney lacks it, McCain has it in spades. And McCain has always been popular in New Hampshire, a critical early state.

Moderate Brown Helps Pass Jobs Bill

Republican Scott Brown of Massachusetts is an interesting phenomenon. First, he's a Republican in a very 'blue' state. His election drew support from some unlikely allies such as Governor Romney, Senator McCain, and the tea party supporters. Yet what Brown ran on was relatively simple; kill the current health bill, reduce government spending, no NYC trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and a pledge to not behave in a highly partisan manner. Brown is already making good on two of these promises. The health care bill was denied (at least for a time) due to his election breaking the filibuster proof majority of the Democrats. Now Brown has shown that he is willing to work across the aisle as he has voted along with a handful of other moderate Republicans to support the new scaled-back jobs bill.

From Yahoo Brown revives GOP moderates' pivot role

"I came to Washington to be an independent voice, to put politics aside and to do everything in my power to help create jobs for Massachusetts families," said Brown, whose election last month gave Republicans the 41st vote that could sustain filibusters. "This Senate jobs bill is not perfect ... but I voted for it because it contains measures that will help put people back to work."

Monday's vote cleared the decks for a far larger favorable vote when the jobs legislation faces an up-or-down final tally Wednesday.

The bill features four provisions, including a $13 billion measure exempting businesses hiring the unemployed from the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax through December and giving them another $1,000 credit if new workers stay on the job a full year.

It's undeniably modest, especially in comparison with the $862 billion economic stimulus bill enacted a year ago. It's also significantly smaller than a rival bipartisan bill unveiled earlier this month by two senior senators.

The measure is centered on tax breaks for businesses that hire new workers this year and a renewal of highway programs through Dec. 31. Both ideas have wide support in both parties. Mark Zandi, an economist with Moody's Economy.com, estimates the tax credit could spur about 250,000 new jobs.



Brown and other Moderate Republicans Vote For Jobs Bill

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Common Sense Evaluations of Health Care and Stimulus Bills


Senator McCain makes several important points about the health care bill and the stimulus bill. First on the health care bill, the Obama campaign promise of transparency has clearly been broken. This has lead to some infamous deals to gain votes particularly in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Florida. THIS is what 'change we can believe in' was supposed to illiminate, yet this is the highest order of sleezy political dealings. On the stimulus bill, as Senator McCain correctly indicates that by the Obama administrations own projections this is a failed bill. The administration stated that passing the stimulus bill would keep unemployment from exceeding 8%. We've been hovering around 10% unemployment for months. Greta Van Sustren makes important points too about the cost of the 'jobs created.' As she notes in Arizona the cost of the 'jobs created' is over $400,000 per job. The math behind the stimulus bill is not adding up, and the administration's attempts to sell it as a success are looking silly to anyone who passed math class in elementary school.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Senator McCain Wins Endorsement of Police


From Phoenix Business Journal Fraternal Order of Police Backs McCain

“Senator John McCain has a clear record of support for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Lou Manganiello, President of Phoenix Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2.

Senator McCain has picked up another endorsement of a Arizona police organization continuing his trend of picking up endorsements from from a variety of prominent groups and individuals.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Carly Fiorina Finds Solid Support with Business People

Carly Fiorina in her run for Senate in California is finding support among business people. With a message of fiscal responsibility - less spending, lower taxes, and a pro-growth message many Californians are finding Fiorina well suited for a state that is facing serious fiscal problems...

Fiorina talks to businesspeople

PLEASANTON — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina was halfway around the conference table, greeting and shaking hands with local business owners Friday, when she reached Ross Blackburn.

"I sure hope you get in there and do something, throw all the bums out," Blackburn, owner of Lafayette-based Lenox Homes, told Fiorina as he shook her hand.

The former Hewlett-Packard CEO grinned and said, "Hold that thought."

That exchange set the tone of her 90-minute campaign event with businesspeople, hosted by high-tech marketing and public relations firm Trainer Communications. Spending most of the time answering questions from about 50 invited attendees, Fiorina pitched a classic Republican pro-business platform: lower and simpler taxes, fewer and more streamlined regulations, less government spending and immigration and environmental policies that favor business growth.


Carly for California, Fiorina's campaign website.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Everyone Loves Betty White

Betty White to Host SNL (please?)! is a fast growing grass roots campaign to get Saturday Night Live to ask Betty White to host. Betty White has stated that she would host if asked. What the people are finding out through this campaign that everyone loves Betty White. Odds are excellent that you like Betty White, that your dog likes Betty White, and fast approaching 400,000 people on Facebook also adore Betty White.

If you too are a Betty White fan and on Facebook here's where to go to join the Betty White to Host SNL (please?)! movement.

Mashable also addressed this phenomenon in the article 340,000 Facebook Fans Want Betty White to Host SNL
Facebook Movement for Betty White to Host SNL

Conservative Leader Sides with McCain as he rips Hayworth

Dick Army head of Freedom works and former House leader is clearly unimpressed by McCain challenger Hayworth, as he cites Hayworth's political record as undistibguished.

Armey: Hayworth had 'undistinguished' House career

As former Rep. J.D. Hayworth prepares to officially enter the Republican primary race against incumbent Sen. John McCain, he probably had better not count on any support from FreedomWorks, the national conservative group closely associated with the Tea Party movement.

In a telephone interview with The Arizona Republic, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, R-Texas, FreedomWorks' chairman, delivered a surprisingly harsh assessment of Hayworth, with whom he served on Capitol Hill:

"We're a small organization with a limited budget. There's an awful lot of places where our presence would be needed and can really make a difference. We don't see this Arizona race as one where we need to be actively involved. It's hard for us to believe that J.D. Hayworth could mount a credible challenge to John McCain
. Obviously, we'll watch the race. But J.D. had a fairly short, undistinguished congressional career with virtually no initiative on his part. I just don't see any reason why we should be concerned about that race."


Hayworth has other problems too as Little Green Footballs points out in their article McCain Primary Opponent Hayworth: a Birther with a Twist

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

McCain's Primary Challenger Makes Controversial Statements

Hayworth a (R) challenger for Senator McCain's Senate seat was called out by Chris Matthews as a 'birther' and Hayworth was unable to give an articulate reply...

"When Chris Matthews asked J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) whether he's "as far right as the birthers," the former Republican Congressman called on President Obama to produce his birth certificate for public inspection.

"Well, gosh, we all had to bring our birth certificates to show we were who we said we were, and we were the age we said we were, to play football in youth sports," said Hayworth, who is currently challenging John McCain (R-AZ) in Arizona's Senate primary. "Shouldn't we know exactly that anyone who wants to run for public office is a natural born citizen of the United States, and is who they say they are?"


J.D. Hayworth A Birther? McCain Challenger Calls For Obama's Birth Certificate

McCain Challenger Called On 'Nutty Right' Statements

Monday, February 15, 2010

McCain Called 'True Taxpayer Hero' by Citizens Against Governement Waste


As American citizen's frustration mounts with the incredible levels government spending and waste, 'Citizens Against Government Waste' cites Senator McCain's longstanding record of fighting waste and excessive government spending.

Dear Senator McCain,

On behalf of the more than 1.2 million members and supporters of the Council for Citizens Against
Government Waste (CCAGW), I want to thank you for your consistent dedication to fiscal conservatism.

The 111th Congress has passed a $787 billion economic stimulus package, a fiscal year 2009 Omnibus
Appropriations Act containing thousands of earmarks, and a $3.5 trillion budget resolution for fiscal year 2010.
Your steadfast opposition to these budget-busting pieces of legislation reaffirmed your long-standing status as a true
taxpayer hero.


CCAGW Letter to Senator McCain

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Lindsey Graham Discusses Military Tribunals

Senator Lindsey Graham shares his knowlege of military tribunals and how they're used to keep classified information out of the civil courts. He explains how in the past terrorists were able to gain information from civil trials that aided them in their persuits. Senator Graham is a JAG, and spent a recent congressional recess in Afghanistan as a member of the reservist. Also of note, Senator Graham was key in instituting the military tribunal system, which passed Congress with bipartisan support.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Protests in Iran Today

For those following the use of social media, particularly Twitter in regards to the protests in Iran, today is a good to be folowing the #iranelection tag on Twitter as large protests are scheduled. The government has renewed attempts to crackdown on its citizens internet use. Only time will tell how successful they have been in oppressing their own people.

From the Denver post Huge rally and protests mark Iran revolution
TEHRAN, Iran—Hundreds of thousands of Iranians massed Thursday in central Tehran to mark the anniversary of the revolution that created the country's Islamic republic, while a heavy security force fanned out across the city and moved quickly to snuff out opposition counter protests.
Police clashed with protesters in several sites around Tehran, firing tear gas to disperse them and paintballs to mark them for arrest. Dozens of hard-liners with batons and pepper spray attacked the convoy of a senior opposition leader, Mahdi Karroubi, smashing his car windows and forcing him to turn back as he tried to join the protests, his son Hossein Karroubi told The Associated Press.

The celebrations marking the revolution's 31st anniversary

An image made from video provided by Iranian State TV, pro-government demonstrators gather in the central square of Tehran to mark the 31st anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution Thursday Feb. 11, 2010 were an opportunity for Iran's clerical regime to tout its power in the face of the opposition movement, which has managed to keep up periodic street protests since the disputed June presidential elections despite a fierce crackdown.
The opposition turnout was dwarfed by the huge crowd at the state-run celebrations. Many were bused in to central Azadi, or Freedom, Square to hear an address by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who proclaimed a new success in Iran's uranium enrichment program and dismissed new U.S. sanctions.

And the massive security clampdown appeared to succeed in preventing protesters from converging into a cohesive demonstrations. Large numbers of riot police, members of the Revolutionary Guard and Basij militiamen, some on motorcycles, deployed in back streets near key squares and major avenues in the capital to move against protesters.

Opposition Web sites spoke of groups of protesters in the hundreds, compared to much larger crowds in past demonstrations

One protester told The Associated Press she had tried to join the demonstrations but soon left in disappointment. "There were 300 of us, maximum 500. Against 10,000 people," she told an AP reporter outside Iran. She said there were few

Female demonstrators wave Iranian flags, as a picture of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is held at center, during a rally commemorating the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, at the Azadi (freedom) Square in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010. Many thousands of pro-government demonstrators gathered in the central square of Tehran to mark the 31st anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the US-backed late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Read full article Huge rally and protests mark Iran revolution for more info...

Protests in Iran Today

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

New Poll Numbers

An ABC Washington Post Poll 2010 Elections: Republicans are in the Hunt shows how Republicans have recently gained a slight advantage over Democrats on both national topics, and in the upcoming Congressional races. One of the most stark examples of the Democrats decline of support on all major issues comes from a chart showing how just a year ago Obama and the Democrats, who had enjoyed a huge advantage evrything from health care to the economy, now have seen that lead has all but disappeared within a year's time...





ABC/WaPo Chart of Dem Advantage Starkly Shows Decline in Trust

Rubio and Crist and the Stimulus Money for Florida

Governor Crist and Senate challenger Marco Rubio are in an interesting race. One of the topics that Crist has taken heat for amongst many conservatives is taking federal stimulus dollars for Florida and meeting President Obama at a rally that basically supported the stimulus package. Yet the following clip shows that Mr. Rubio would have also accepted the stimulus money like all other state governors ended up doing. The action that is called into question isn't accepting stimulus money, but whether meeting with President Obama publicly was a politically correct decision.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

McCain Campaign Letter Cites His Role as 'Most Formidable' Opponent of Obama

My Friend,

The 2010 election offers all Americans - and especially Republicans - a critical choice. We can fight for the principles we believe in, or watch as Barack Obama and the Democrat-controlled Congress take our nation down a costly, destructive path.

I'm ready for that battle. And as one of my strongest supporters, I sincerely hope I can count on you to continue to stand with me as I work hard to win reelection in November.

President Obama and the Democrats in control of Congress have gone too far in their quest to "change" America. Their radical, far left policies are undermining America's founding principles and greatly threaten our nation's future economic health and national security.

It is truly disheartening that in their desire to advance their far left agenda, the Democrats are totally ignoring proven ways to create jobs and get our economy moving again. Our opponents' determined efforts to completely overhaul America's health care system, drive our federal deficit to historic levels, and do serious harm to Medicare - serves as a powerful lesson as to the lengths they will go to advance their radical liberal agenda.

The issues we face today call for real, positive, effective solutions. That is why I am determined to remain in the U.S. Senate.

Today, I ask that you reaffirm your support for our shared values by making an immediate contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more. If you are able to make a donation of $100 or more today, I will send you a personally autographed copy of my book, Faith of My Fathers in appreciation of your steadfast support.

In recent months, a reporter dubbed me the "most formidable opponent of the Obama agenda." For me, the bottom line is this: I will always put my country first and fight for what I believe is in the best interest of the American people.

However, if I am going to win in November and continue to fight for our country, I will need your help and support. Your generous donation will be used to help me continue fighting, and I appreciate any amount you can give today.

Inconceivably the Obama White House and Democratic Congressional leaders continue to tell the national media that they are carrying out the "will of the people" and those who are speaking up against their policies represent only a "small minority" of voters.

You and I know that is not true. Vast numbers of Americans oppose their policies and are saying "No" to more lost jobs, more wasteful spending, more government control, more taxes and more debt.

What the Democrats are advocating is not the kind of change that is good for America and our children's future. I'm proud to lead the fight against these policies and am honored to have you by my side.

Thank you for your ongoing and steadfast support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. I have always fought on the side of people who want better, more efficient government. Today, I need your help to make sure I can remain in the U.S. Senate to continue that fight, by following this link to make a generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more. Remember, if you are able to give $100 or more today, I will personally sign a copy of my book, Faith of My Fathers as a token of my appreciation for your generous support. Thank you.

Charlie Crist Endorsed by Florida Association of State Troopers

From TampaBay.com Another troopers' group backs Crist for Senate

Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday picked up the endorsement of the Florida Association of State Troopers in his Republican U.S. Senate primary battle with former House Speaker Marco Rubio. FAST, which claims to represent 1,700 "active, reserve, auxiliar and retired" troopers, joins the Police Benevolent Association and Fraternal Order of Police in backing the governor.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Rep John Murtha Passes

John Murtha passed away today at the age of 77.

From Fox News...

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the first veteran of the Vietnam war to enter Congress and one of the House's most powerful lawmakers, died Monday afternoon at Virginia Hospital Center after complications from gallbladder surgery. Murtha was 77.

"Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully this afternoon at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. At his bedside was his family," read a statement from his office.

A native of New Martinsville, W.Va., voters first elected Murtha to Congress in a 1974 special election that spelled impending doom for President Nixon and congressional Republicans. That fall, Democrats wrestled away 49 House seats from the GOP, reeling from the scourge of Watergate and a presidency in shambles.


Rep. Murtha Dead at 77

China Heavily Invested in the U.S.

China owns a huge amount the United State's debt. Now it is being reported that they are purchasing stock in major American companies too...

Flush with cash despite the global economic downturn, China’s sovereign wealth fund quietly snapped up more than $9 billion worth of shares last year in some of the biggest American corporations, including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America and Citigroup.

Although most of the stakes were small, China Investment Corp., the government’s $300 billion investment fund, now owns stock in some of the best-known American brands, including Apple, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Motorola and Visa, David Barboza and Keith Bradsher report in The New York Times.

The detailed list, which contained holdings totaling $9.6 billion as of Dec. 31, was disclosed Friday in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; it lists stakes only in companies traded in the United States.

The filing offers a glimpse of how China is trying to diversify its more than $2 trillion in foreign currency holdings with stock, rather than investing almost entirely in U.S. Treasury bonds and other debt securities issued by governments and by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of China and other officials have repeatedly expressed worry about how the country’s holdings of U.S. Treasury securities could be hurt by inflation or by mounting U.S. debt. By buying the securities of international companies, China is trying to spread its fast-growing wealth more widely. It is also seeking to acquire strategic stakes in companies that could feed its hungry economy with a wide range of commodities.


From NYT Buying Spree Nets China Stakes in Top U.S. Firms

Sunday, February 7, 2010

McCain Interview on Debt, Christmas Bomber and DADT

While I have no military background, and no real expertise to speak to millitary issues, I'd hope Senator McCain's mind could be changed about the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy. In particular, it seems unfortunate that service people that are outed can be forced out of the military.

On government spending/debt and the handling of the Christmas bomber, Senator McCain has some extremetly important and valid points to make...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Greta Inteviews McCain



A couple quick points. First, Senator McCain (and Greta) hit the nail on the head about the government spending money on a Super Bowl ad. That's simply money that could be much better spent. Second, you would be hard pressed to find two people like Senator McCain and Secretary Clinton who picked up and moved on any better/faster after a failed presidential bid. There are numerous of examples of politicians who fade into the background after losing the presidency. In this last election the defeated candidates moved on quicker than probably any others in American history.

Finallly, my favorite line paraphrased from the Republican convention was when Governor Palin said, 'Harry Reid said, he can't stand Senator McCain. What I think he meant to say was that he can't stand up to Senator McCain.' Having been their, I can say the crowd gasped then jumped to their feet and cheered, and for good reason.

JohnMcCain.com Re-Launched

Many who supported Senator McCain during his presidential run would have liked to see the features now present at the newly revamped John McCain Dot Com present on his old dark presidential candidate version of John McCain Dot Com, but hey, better late than never. Today the new and improved John McCain.com was launched with the following message...

We are proud to announce our brand new website for the 2010 campaign. This is the place to come for everything you want to know about what Senator McCain is doing, what the issues are that matter to you, and what others are saying as well.

President's and Vice President's Senate Seats Could Both Be Picked Off By Republicans

President Obama and Vice President Biden both come from very blue Democrat states, yet the seats they vacated upon entering the executive branch are leaning towards the Republican candidates in the latest polls. While Republicans are expected to pick up seats at the midterm elections some are now questioning whether they take control outright in what would a political shocker. CBS reports GOP Eyes 2010 Senate Takeover

Beyond Illinois and Indiana, Democratically-held Senate seats in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Arkansas and Nevada -- where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid faces a tough race -- could be very competitive, according to Salvanto's analysis.

Republicans cheered when North Dakota Democrat Byron Dorgan announced his surprise retirement, giving Republicans a good chance for another pick up. It was also good news for the GOP when Vice President Joe Biden's son Beau announced he would not run for his father's old Senate seat, leaving Republican Rep. Mike Castle the best-positioned candidate to win in Delaware. Democrats are now backingNew Castle County Executive Chris Coons to run against Castle.

"I predict to you that Chris Coons is going to surprise the devil out of them," Joe Biden told MSNBC. Castle, however, soundly beat Coons in the most recent polls, the Hill reports.

White House Worried About Senate Race in Illinois

Excerpt from the NYT Illinois Senate Race Worries Democrats Anew

CHICAGO — Alexi Giannoulias, the treasurer of Illinois and a basketball-playing friend of President Obama’s, won the Democratic primary here on Tuesday for the Senate seat once held by Mr. Obama. But his victory was hardly the free throw some had expected, setting off a new round of worrying among Democrats that the reliably Democratic seat might be picked off by Republicans in November.
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In an Illinois Primary Race, Victory Is Self-Declared (February 4, 2010)

With four others on the ballot, Mr. Giannoulias won 39 percent of the Democratic vote, or, as Republicans preferred to describe it on Wednesday, lost 61 percent of it. A little-known former federal prosecutor who had never run for office, David Hoffman, came within six percentage points of Mr. Giannoulias.

With much on the line here, including the symbolism of the president’s home state possibly slipping away, some Democrats were concerned that the party had played into the game plan of the Republicans, who chose Representative Mark Steven Kirk, a centrist-leaning suburbanite who hopes to appeal to the state’s independent voters and even some moderate Democrats.

Already Wednesday morning, the National Republican Senatorial Committee had issued a Web video mocking Mr. Giannoulias, 33, for what it described as questionable loans made by his family’s bank, his ties to Rod R. Blagojevich, the indicted former governor of Illinois, and more.

“Is this change we can believe in?” the video asks.

Mr. Obama called Mr. Giannoulias to congratulate him on his victory, aides said, but despite the friendship, the White House indicated in the past that it had reservations about his candidacy. At one point, White House officials tried without success to recruit another Democrat, Lisa Madigan, the state attorney general, even after Mr. Giannoulias had made his aspirations clear.

Mr. Obama, who endorsed no one in the primary, has pledged to party officials to do what he can to help keep the seat in Democratic hands. But aides said the president would invest his time and efforts in races across the country and not necessarily devote more attention to the contest for his former seat.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fight Brewing for Illinois Senate Seat

From Chicago Sun-Times Whole nation will be watching brutal campaign

"We all know that over the past year a quiet despair has descended on the State of Illinois," Kirk said. "A governor arrested, a senator seat disgraced, corruption rampant, unemployment rising and families struggling. The people of Illinois now see the arrogance of a one-party state."

On Tuesday night, the NRSC issued a Web ad highlighting Giannoulias' ties to Blagojevich and felon Tony Rezko titled, "Making Tony Soprano Proud."

Kirk is a five-term congressman from the north suburban 10th district with a Democratic tilt. Giannoulias started framing Kirk as a "Washington insider" Tuesday night and talking about job creation.

Giannoulias is the opponent the Republicans wanted. The Illinois Senate campaign will be unfolding at the same time Blagojevich's corruption trial starts this summer. Giannoulias starts the campaign against Kirk wounded by the primary.

Giannoulias, a basketball player -- he has shot hoops with Obama -- has the confidence of a jock and could needle Kirk. Kirk comes off like the smartest guy in the class and wants everyone to know it. Neither Giannoulias nor Kirk should be underestimated.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Senator Collins Upset About The Handling of The Christmas Bomber

Senator Collins does an excellent job in laying out the problems in the handling of the Attempted Christmas Day Bomber. There has been little reason given by those who want terrorists tried in civilian courts as to why military tribunals are not adequate. There is a media perception that military tribunals are 'less fair,' but that has not been backed up by evidence. The complaints under the Bush administration were legitimate because there was no timeline for detainees to be tried. That was rectified with the bipartisan vote to institute military tribunals. Those who want civilian trails would be wise to answer the questions, 'Why civilian courts?' and 'Why are military courts not suitable?'

Friday, January 29, 2010

McCain's Response to the State of the Union Address

Two Men Executed in Iran for Protests

Iran recently hung two men for participating in recent government protests. One was only 20 years old.

White House condemns Iran's execution of men accused of seeking to topple the state

White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton says the executions represent a new low in Iran's crackdown on peaceful dissent and will further isolate Tehran.

The executions mark an escalation in the Iranian government's crackdown on its opponents following last year's disputed presidential election.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

McCain and Bipartisan Group of Senators Press Holder on KSM Trial

Senators from both sides of the aisle have written a letter to AG Eric Holder protesting the civilian trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in New York City. More people are coming forward as viewing this trial as inappropriate, and Mayor Bloomberg has recently noted his concerns too. The complaints are two fold: the location, and that KSM is being tried in a civilian court instead of a military tribunal.

From the Hill - Senators press Holder on military trials for accused Sept. 11 terrorists
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and five other senators are urging the administration to reverse its decision to try in civilian courts terrorist suspects allegedly involved in the Sept. 11 attacks.

McCain and the bipartisan group of senators want the suspects tried in military commissions instead.

They made the demand in a letter sent Tuesday to Attorney General Eric Holder.

Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jim Webb (D-Va.) also signed the letter.

The group said Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-declared mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, should be tried by a military commission and not in a New York City courtroom.

“Today, those who subscribe to the same violent ideology as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed continue to plan and execute attacks against innocent civilians all over the world,” the senators wrote. “It is not in our national interest to provide them further publicity or additional advantage.”

Holding the trial in lower Manhattan, just blocks from where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers once stood, would provide “one of the most visible platforms in the world to exalt their past acts and rally others in support of future terrorism,” they argued.

“Such a trial would almost certainly become a recruitment and radicalization tool for those who wish us harm,” they wrote.

Health Care Clearly Unpopular

As President Obama clarified in last night's speech, he wants to push forward with health care reform. However, polls from RealClearPolitics show that the American people clearly don't want this version of health care reform. The polls from the last week are well over 10 points in opposition to the plan, one even breaks the 20 point mark. One would think the Scott Brown win in MA would be a clear enough sign that America does not want this version of health care reform, we'll have to see how Democrats and the administration deal these crystal clear signs that the American people don't like this plan

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dems Try to Ram Through Health Care

Since last week's MA election of Scott Brown to the Senate, the consensus on cable and network news is that the Democrats would need to redraw their health care plans as they are not interested in cramming the Senate health care bill through the House. RealClearPolitics.com is reporting that may be precisely what the Dems now plan to do with regards to health care.

Democratic congressional leaders are coalescing around their last, best hope for salvaging President Barack Obama's sweeping health care overhaul.

Their plan is to pass the Senate bill with some changes to accommodate House Democrats, senior Democratic aides said Monday. Leaders will present the idea to the rank and file this week, but it's unclear whether they have enough votes to carry it out.

Last week's victory by Republican Scott Brown in Massachusetts cost Democrats the 60th vote they need to maintain undisputed control of the Senate, jeopardizing the outcome of the health care bill just when Obama had brokered a final deal on most of the major issues.

"We've put so much effort into this, so much hard work, and we were so close to doing some significant things. Now we have to find the political path that brings us out. And it's not easy," the No. 2 Senate Democrat, Dick Durbin of Illinois, said Monday.

The new strategy is as politically risky as it is bold. There is widespread support for Obama's goals of expanding coverage to nearly all Americans while trying to slow costs. But polls show the public is deeply skeptical of the Democratic bills, and Republicans would certainly accuse Democrats of ignoring voters' wishes.

Obama initially voiced doubts last week that a comprehensive bill was still viable, but he now seems to be pushing for it. Asked Monday if the president was backing away from his pursuit of major changes, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs responded: "No."


Dem leaders coalesce on health care strategy