Friday, October 31, 2008

Ann Coulter on Bruce Lunsford

Ann Coulter called Bruce Lunsford a "pinhead." Even worse, Coulter alluded to Lunsford as the guy Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is running against. It's like Lunsford doesn't even have a name. Now, however, he has a nickname: "pinhead."

PolitickerKy caught Coulter's comments on Fox:

Calling McConnell one of the two "smartest Republicans in the United States Senate," Coulter said the incumbent could be "hurt because Republicans are discouraged and don't go out to vote."

"If I could just say to voters of New Hampshire and Kentucky, please do not get rid of two of the smartest United States Senators - [New Hampshire Republican John] Sununu and McConnell," said Coulter to Fox anchor "And both of them are running against Democratic pinheads - vote for the smart Democrats, not these. Please. Please."

Shortly after those remarks were broadcast, the Lunsford campaign targeted Coulter's sentiment in an e-mail to supporters.

As Jake at PageOne notes, if Lunsford's campaign "hadn’t brought it up [Coulter's remark], no one would be laughing about it at this very moment."

Thanks, Bruce!

Trick or Treat

We have decided to implement a new procedure for trick or treaters this year. When they come to the door, we are going to ask them if they support McCain or Obama. If they say McCain, we will give them candy. If they say Obama, we will take candy out of their basket. This will not be done in a mean hearted or partisan spirit, but to illustrate to the little tikes what life will be like if Obama is elected.

Race Over: Moveon.Org Campaigns For Boswell

In his bid to represent Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District, Democrat David Boswell has tried mightily to portray himself as a conservative. That ruse is over -- the race is over -- now that Moveon.org has sent an email to voters on Boswell's behalf.

Boswell trailed Brett Guthrie in the race by 10 points. But with Moveon.org meddling in a race for the Congressional district that encompasses Fort Knox, Guthrie's lead will continue to widen until he wins next Tuesday. The only thing that could make Boswell lose by a wider margin is for Cindy Sheehan to campaign for him (Cindy is busy losing her own race.)

Here's the email from Moveon.org:

Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:34:34 -0700From: moveon-help@list.moveon.orgSubject: David Boswell needs your help Dear MoveOn member, Progressives have a big job next Tuesday. Not only do we need to elect Barack Obama, but we also have to give him a solid majority in Congress to enact the sweeping changes America needs. In Kentucky, that means pulling out all the stops to help Democrat David Boswell and other candidates.

Right now, David Boswell needs volunteers to win, and Obama needs David Boswell in office. Your help in these last few days is critical.Can you volunteer with the Boswell campaign to help get out the vote? Click here to sign up:http://www.moveon.org/r?r=31310
Or call the campaign at (270) 684-5800.Thank you for all you do.

–Adam, Matt, Andrea, Daniel and the rest of the teamWant to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 4.2 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to kmod on October 31, 2008. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Brett Guthrie has called on Boswell to renounce Moveon.org:

“Kentucky’s Second District is home to Ft. Knox. It is home to the families of men and women serving in combat. It is home to widows and widowers, parents of fallen soldiers, and families that have been touched by the War on Terror in terrible ways. David Boswell invited the liberal Democratic establishment into our communities, and he has taken money from them and now support from their mouthpiece. The people funding Boswell’s campaign, in fact, say they want to cut our military by 25%.

“I call on David Boswell to renounce moveon.org’s tactics, and to apologize to the military families in Kentucky’s Second District for inviting this trash in to our state. And I promise to all voters that I will stand up for the military, for Ft. Knox, and for the families of the fallen. And, unlike my opponent, I will never disrespect our commanders and armed forces that fight to keep us safe.”


The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee must be regretting the money it wasted backing Boswell. That's the challenge for the DNC and its committees: it can't control the crazies on the left fringe.

Bruce's Hound Dogs Turn On Him

Here's the latest McConnell ad. I like the dogs, but I'm betting my boys will prefer the shots of Bruce's private jets and fancy cars.

Martian or RINO?

Republican In Name Only Warren Stone has endorsed Democrat Michael Kelley, who is running in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District against Republican Rep. Geoff Davis.

Stone sought the Republican nomination but lost to Davis in the primary this past May.

In 1979, Stone reported to UFO Evidence that a flying saucer landed in his yard in Independence. Space aliens emerged and took him for a 90 minute ride.

In his own words,

The craft was round, shiny and bright. A hatch opened that formed a ramp down to the ground. The alien was a male human, long blond hair and very mild mannered, his name was Alan or Adam, I can't remember. There was a female with dark hair, but I didn't talk to her. He asked me if I would like to go for a ride, and I agreed. I could remember seeing my house from above, then all the houses in the area, then the blackness of space. Before I knew it we had returned. It felt strange to know how things looked from above because at that time I had never flown.

Stone explains his decision to endorse Kelley by analogizing to Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Barak Obama. We await the next installment of UFO Evidence to learn whether Powell has had any "close encounters."

DSCC Spreads Wealth to Kentucky TV Stations

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is still sulking about Tom Daschle's defeat four years ago to Sen. John Thune (R-S.D); that's why the DSCC has dumped $2 million in Kentucky in a vain attempt to defeat Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, according to The Hill.

That looks downright stingy compared to the $ 18.5 million that the DSCC has spent on television advertising against Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) Bruce Lunsford should call his buddy Chuck Schumer and complain.

The Hill notes that Democrats

have been waiting to give Republicans a taste of their own medicine after then-Republican leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) broke an unwritten rule of Senate civility and targeted Daschle for defeat. Frist took it a step further by traveling to South Dakota to campaign against Daschle - a shock to some of his Senate colleagues.

Democrats were denied the opportunity to directly retaliate against Frist, who retired from the chamber in 2006, but now appear to be settling for McConnell, instead.

DSCC chairman Charles Schumer told reporters Wednesday that he had no qualms about targeting McConnell because of Daschle’s experience.

Schumer's lie of the day: "Schumer insisted, however, that he had not targeted McConnell because of his leadership position." Right, and tonight the Great Pumpkin will rise out of the pumpkin patch and bring toys to all the good children.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Palin Supporters Have A Message For The LA Times; Do You Have A Message For Laura Ingraham?


What is it on that tape of Barack Obama at Rashid Khalidi's party that the Los Angeles Times does not want us to see? If you know, Laura Ingraham has posted a way for you to get out the word:

HELP US LOCATE THE LA TIMES' TERRORIST PARTY TAPE! We have set up a toll-free hotline--(877) 684-1371--that you can call to leave a message if you have any information on the videotape the LA Times refuses to release of Obama attending a 2003 party for Rashid Khalidi, former racist/terrorist hack for Palestinian president Yasser Arafat, along with other assorted terror nuts like Bill Ayers. You can also mail any evidence to:Talk Radio 1314 B Center Drive Medford, OR 97501 Anyone who leaves a voicemail or mails a package will remain anonymous.

More Observations From The Palin Rally

I too went to the Palin rally. After spending two and a half hours in traffic to an event that our Courier stated had plenty of seats left we arrived just in the nick of time. Yes, as Eric mentioned, the crowd was very pleasant. My wife kept inviting people from the back to come forward and get a look. Of course they would have to look through two guys' shoulders and necks and wait until someone further up moved either left or right and then you could see her.
I especially like the diversity of the crowd. Young, old, businessman, country folk. Children in tow etc.

Can you believe it started with Sarah leading us with the Pledge of Alligence followed by Hank Williams Jr. singing our national anthem? Sung loudly by the crowd. I don't hear the national anthem sung at sports events unless there is a singer. Can anyone report that the Allegence and National Anthem are sung at Obama/Biden rallies? Not being mean spirited just wondering.

Attending gave me great faith that we can still win this event. Nixon spoke of the silent majority and from what I observed yesterday the silent majority will come through for us again along with the undecided.

I still have a great feeling about this election.

Guthrie Leads By 10 In KY-2

Brett Guthrie leads Dave Boswell by ten points (53-43) in the battle to replace Congressman Ron Lewis. According to a poll commissioned by Roll Call and WHAS, Guthrie leads in all groups except seniors, where the two candidates are tied.

The district, which encompasses Fort Knox, gives President Bush a 39 percent approval rating. That's how conservative it is.

Now, will the DCCC take its money and its ads elsewhere so we can watch TV again in peace? It's not happening for Boswell, no matter how many visits the Clintons pay us.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Sarah Palinizes Barack Before 15,000 Adoring Supporters In Southern Indiana


Sarah Palin Addresses Rally In Jeffersonville, Indiana


Hoosiers Welcome Sarah


Country Comes First At Palin Rally




The crowd cheered to the country beat of Hank Williams, Jr.

Sarah Palin Is Everyone's Favorite Running Mate


Sarah Delivers It Straight



After Sarah arrived on the Straight Talk Express, she lived up to the name.

The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend


And The Sign Said . . .



Sarah Palin fans express themselves through their homemade signs.



Palin Wins Hearts Of Those Too Young To Vote


Sarah Palin Rally

The following is a guest blog by Eric Bush:

Tonight I went to a Sarah Palin Rally. As a ten year old, this had been the first major political event I have attended. Most of the time, my fiend Jacob and I were wandering around trying to get images and footage for this blog. On the way to the rally, there was obviously a traffic delay, so I was one of the thousands of people who barely made it on time and didn't get a seat. In fact, I could barley even see Sarah, so I was looking at a projection screen. I was not alllowed to go inside the stage area, only secret service members were, because it was all filled up. But a nice lady took a picture for me. One thing I noticed was the kindness of the audience. I could make my way to the front without on complaint. I finally persuaded a security guard to let me in to film some, but only for about two minutes. There was a good turnout (15,000) including a surprisingly large percent of friends and neighbors. The conclusion of tonight was that out of all the events I've been to, (from football games to rock concerts) this was the friendliest crowd I've ever seen.

Lunsford's Race Baiting

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has dropped a reference to Secretary of State Elaine Chao and her Chinese ancestry from its website republication of a memo from Bruce Lunsford's campaign. The Lunsford campaign memo dated October 27, 2008 complains of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's alleged ties to China. McConnell is married to Chao, who emigrated to America from China with her family at age eight.

The memo attacks McConnell for, in essence, selling out America to China, supposedly because he has a conflict of interest. A screen capture of the original shows that as of 2:00 Monday afternoon, the original Lunsford memo posted on the DSCC website contained a sentence that read,

1. McConnell is married to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, a prominent Chinese-American, and said that her connections were instrumental in raising money from Chinese-Americans.

That sentence is no longer on the website. The sanitized memo, as currently posted on the DSCC web site, reads:

McConnell has a Major Conflict of Interest When it Comes to China.

1. McConnell received contributions from donors with ties to Chinese intelligence agencies.

2. McConnell’s father-in-law was a schoolmate and close friend of the former head of the Communist Party in China, with whom McConnell worked to expand trade with China.


3. McConnell’s family owns a Chinese shipping company and profits from trade with China.

Note that there is no longer any reference to Chao. As originally posted on the DSCC web site, the memo contained four points under the "conflict of interest heading." The DSCC dropped point number one (regarding Chao, "the prominent Chinese-American") and renumbered the points two through four as two through three.

The Democrats rise up in outrage whenever anyone uses Sen. Barack Obama's middle name, Hussein. We are told that the country has "turned a page" and that we must not demonize Obama for having an "exotic-sounding name" and "not looking like" the Dead White Guys on our currency. We are reassured that just because Obama has a Muslim name, that is no basis to question his patriotism or portray him as Muslim or a Muslim sympathisizer.

It is equally despicable to campaign against McConnell for being married to a woman of Chinese ancestry, and to accuse him of casting votes because Communist China bought for or otherwise influenced his vote. In fact, the reference to Chao is even worse, because it calls to mind the statutes that criminalized intermarriage between races.

So the DSCC was correct to edit the reference to Chao from the memo; it's good to know that even the DSCC has its limits. The Lunsford campaign, on the other hand, is so desperate to win and so bereft of ideas that it has appealed to racisim as a basis for voting against McConnell.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Missing Audio

Here's the recovered audio that Bruce Lunsford's campaign erased from the tape recorder Lunsford stole. Lunsford clearly said -- twice -- "Don't give it back to him." That belies Lunsford's previous claim that he picked up the tape recorder by mistake.

Calling Gloria Steinem

Still waiting for the feminists to rise up in outrage over the Sarah Palin mannequin hanging from a noose outside a West Hollywood home.

If the effigy were of Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem et al would demand the Justice Department to launch an investigation into the hate crime. But once again, feminists demonstrate that the freedom they would bestow on women does not include the freedom to disagree with feminist orthodoxy.

How about Joe "I Wrote the Violence Against Women Act" Biden -- surely he will denounce lynching Sarah Palin in effigy. Just as soon as he peels off the duct tape.

Steve Calabresi on Judges, Obama-style

Federalist Society founder Steve Calabresis hits hard on an issue that Sen. John McCain has dropped: the sort of judges that Sen. Barack Obama will nominate if he is elected.

Obama does not think that a judge is a neutral umpire who enforces the rules of the contract, statute or constitution at issue. To the contrary, Obama wants judges who can empathise, but only with the plaintiff:

Speaking in July 2007 at a conference of Planned Parenthood, he said: "[W]e need somebody who's got the heart, the empathy, to recognize what it's like to be a young teenage mom. The empathy to understand what it's like to be poor, or African-American, or gay, or disabled, or old. And that's the criteria by which I'm going to be selecting my judges."

He thinks that the Warren Court did not go far enough because it failed to create a positive right to "economic justice," that is, a constitutional right to the redistribution of wealth.

Here's the upshot of what we can expect from Obama judges:

a federal constitutional right to welfare; a federal constitutional mandate of affirmative action wherever there are racial disparities, without regard to proof of discriminatory intent; a right for government-financed abortions through the third trimester of pregnancy; the abolition of capital punishment and the mass freeing of criminal defendants; ruinous shareholder suits against corporate officers and directors; and approval of huge punitive damage awards, like those imposed against tobacco companies, against many legitimate businesses such as those selling fattening food.

If he is elected, Barry can serve for eight years, max. Judges, on the other hand, have life tenure. That's what's at stake next Tuesday.

See Bruce Get Trounced

Bruce Lunsford whined about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell not debating him, and even had a supporter dress as a chicken at McConnell events. The inconvenient truth, however, is that McConnell debated Lunsford three times.

The only dispute was whether McConnell should rearrange his schedule to do an extra debate for KET, which had failed to film the earlier debates. McConnell was otherwise occupied doing the job he was elected to do, including negotiating the financial rescue that Lunsford has yet to take a position on, to schedule a make-up debate for KET.

In any event, notwithstanding KET's curious editorial policy, C-SPAN-2 will televise last Thursday's debate tonight at 9:50. That's the debate in which Lunsford swiped the tape recorder. (If Lunsford was so keen to let the public judge the candidates' performances in the debates, why did he steal the tape recorder and erase the record of the debate?) All three debates can be viewed at any time on http://www.kysenatedebate.com/.

Watch Bruce argue that the U.S. constitution should apply to people who are not U.S. citizens, including terrorists. Watch Bruce say that he wants the U.S. to become energy independent, but then oppose the construction of nuclear power plants, which even France allows. This is the same guy who flies around the country to his seven homes in his private jet. Bruce's judgment on energy may be colored, just not the color green.

Monday, October 27, 2008

David Boswell Misrepresents Brett Guthrie's Position on Social Security

Democratic Congressional candidate David Boswell is running a new ad that accuses Republican Brett Guthrie of wanting to privatize social security.

However, Guthrie said not once but twice that he opposes privatizing social security; he was clear and unequivocal. Boswell well knows Guthrie's position because Boswell was there (at debates in Bowling Green and Elizabethtown) and even said that he and Guthrie appear to be "on the same page" on the issue.

In a season of ads that have twisted words and records, Boswell's latest ad appears to be the most dishonest.

See Bruce's Temper

Bruce Lunsford seems like such an affable guy in his ads -- much different from the businessman with the sharp elbows loathed by so many. WHAS 11 caught Lunsford's ugly side when asking the candidate about the tape recorder he stole. It reveals that Lunsford does not have the temperament to serve in the world's greatest deliberative body. On the other hand, he'd make a pretty good dog catcher as long as you're not a dog person.

Obama Explains "Spread The Wealth Around"

Biden tried to explain away Obama's "spread the wealth around" comment by flatly that this is Obama's objective.

Why is the Obama-Biden campaign so furiously backpedaling from Obama's wealth redistribution views? Because as Americans seriously think through what Obama is saying, they will realize that if he is elected, he will be the most leftist president this country has ever had.

Need more proof? Here is a video that features an Obama interview from 2001 which gives a glimpse of what prompted him to say he wants to "spread the wealth around."
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part XI)

Like the tortoise, McCain is catching up inch by inch on the hare. From today's Zogby's poll:

The race now stands at 49.9% to 45.1% in favor of Obama. Obama now leads McCain by 4.8 points, compared to 5.3 points in yesterday's report.

With McCain's numbers progressing at the current rate, the candidates will essentially be tied in the Zogby poll on the day of the election.

Larry Sabato Predicts McConnell Win

The Courier-Journal reports that Professor Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia believes Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell will defeat Bruce Lunsford. Sabato, who was in Louisville yesterday, "just might be the most heavily quoted political scientist on the planet," according to the C-J. He accurately "predicted how every state would vote in the [2004] presidential election and called every House seat and Senate races."

So what are the reasons he gives for an anticipated McConnell victory? Sabato offers principally two. First, McConnell -- like any champion -- knows how to win the close contests:

McConnell understands the dynamics of a difficult race. He had a difficult one in 1984 and a difficult one in 1990. He hasn't had one since then, but as minority leader he's lived through quite a number of the close campaigns of his colleagues.

Second, Bruce Lunsford is, as Sabato observes with studied understatement, "well-funded, but not necessarily universally loved."
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Palin Knows Constitutional Law Better Than Does Biden

If I hear anyone in the media claim again that Palin is an inferior vice presidential candidate to Biden, I will just scream. The fact of the matter is that, time after time, Palin has demosntrated herself far more worthy to be next-in-line to the president than Joe the Gaffer. Vincent Carroll of the Rocky Mountain News today provides another example of where Palin beats Biden hands down: knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. And the funny thing is that Palin, the journalism major, knows more about the law than Biden, who graduated from law school:

Now that the Rocky Mountain News has devoted a page-and-a-half spread to dissecting Sarah Palin's answer to a third-grader regarding the duties of the vice president - concluding she "bobble(d)" the query and her answer was "shaky" in terms of accuracy - let's stop for a moment and look in the other direction. In the spirit of fairness, let's recall Joe Biden's description of the same job during the vice presidential debate at the beginning of this month.

According to Biden, "Article I of the Constitution defines the role of the vice president of the United States, that's the executive branch. He works in the executive branch. . . . And the primary role of the vice president of the United States of America is to support the president of the United States of America (and) . . . to preside over the Senate, only in a time when in fact there's a tie vote. The Constitution is explicit.

"The only authority the vice president has from the legislative standpoint is the vote, only when there is a tie vote."

Shaky? No, worse. To begin with, Article I concerns the legislative branch. For the establishment of the executive branch, you have to go to Article II. As it happens, both articles mention the vice president, but Article I is where the relationship to the Senate is laid out: "The Vice President of the United States shall be the President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided."

Biden was also misleading, you'll notice, in saying the vice president presides over the Senate "only when there is a tie vote." The Constitution clearly says he is Senate president, period. But modern vice presidents don't often choose to preside because it's so rare that their vote is needed.

Palin, in answering a child, slightly overstated the power of the vice president vis a vis the Senate by using the words "in charge." (Her answer at the debate was hardly a model of clarity, either.) Biden's answer at the debate mischaracterized Article I and the vice president's status as Senate president. And this is a fellow who moonlights teaching constitutional law.

Is it likely that neither has actually read the relevant passage of Article I or reviewed the history of vice presidential duties? Of course not. They both know what the vice president does. But since Palin's response is deemed worthy of close inspection, we certainly wouldn't want to neglect the imprecision of the other side.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama The Wealth Spreader


Hotair.com has a revealing analysis of the velocity with which Obama is spreading his campaign's vast wealth:

You can buy the presidency. But it’ll cost you.

OBAMA’S OCT 1-15 SPENDING = $105,599,963.76
That’s more than $293,000 an hour.


It’s also 49% of EVERYTHING McCain has spent the entire time he has been running for president ($216,769,840).

By contrast, McCain’s Oct. 1-15 spending was $9,246,618.70 (or $26,000/hr).

Obama must be practicing for when he gets his hands on the taxpayers' money.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part X)

Here is the Zogby poll, and here is what Zogby had to say about it:

There is no question that this race continues to tighten and that McCain is finding his message again,” said Pollster John Zogby. “It is after all about the economy and that is how McCain tightened it up the last time. I have said over and over again, when he focuses on extraneous issues, he screws up. In today's single day of polling, it was 49% to 46% in favor of Obama. McCain has moved his own numbers each of the three days and Obama has gone down from 54% to 50% to 49%. I have alluded before to this strange, magnetic pull that brings Obama down to 48% or 49%, a danger zone for him. McCain's gains are among white voters, where he now leads by 12 points, and with men, where he again has a healthy lead. There is still a lot of campaign to go. A lot of campaign to go.”
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

To Spread Or Not To Spread The Wealth Around: That is The Question

In a hard-hitting satellite interview conducted by WFTV-Channel 9's Barbara West on Thursday, Senator Joe Biden flatly denied that Obama's economic philosophy is akin to Karl Marx's ideas because Obama "is not spreading the wealth around." But that is exactly what Obama told Joe the Plumber should happen. So who are we suppose to believe: Biden or Obama?
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part IX)

From Drudge: "ZOGBY SUNDAY: Single day of polling, 49% to 46% in favor of Obama... Developing..."
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Kenya, Speak Up!

Yesterday, a visitor from Kenya spent over 14 minutes reading this blog. We are beginning to suspect it is one of Barack Obama's relatives. Will the Kenyan please identify himself or herself?
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Awaiting Feminist Outrage

Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez revealed himself to be a male chauvinist pig when it comes to Gov. Sarah Palin, but no feminists have denounced his hate speech.

Chavez characterized Palin as: "poor thing;" "beauty queen;" "figurehead;" "she knows not what she's saying."

Venezuela depends on its oil income, which means it depends on foreign countries to import its oil; Venezuela supplies 11 percent of America's oil.

Sarah Palin has made clear that she would drill now to make America energy independent while renewable fuel technologies become commercially available. In fact, Palin would go further than Sen. John McCain on domestic drilling by allowing drilling in ANWR, the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge. Palin therefore poses a bigger threat to Venezuela's oil market and Chavez's stronghold than anyone else on either ticket.

Sen. Joe Biden opposes drilling in ANWR but boasts that he is the champion of women because of his role in the Violence Against Women Act. It would follow that Joe the Gaffer will denounce Chavez's sexist comments about Palin. But first, his staff will have to rescue Veep wannabe from his undisclosed location and peel the duct tape off his mouth.

Barney Frank Tells Us What To Expect

Rep. Barney Frank has been less than truthful about his role in the collapse of Freddie and Fannie. However, he has been very forthcoming about what America should expect from an Obama administration enabled by a Democratic Congress.

  • another stimulus package will increase the deficit
  • higher taxes

-- and this is new --

The Democrats will not only destroy our economy's chance of a recovery, they will not only end capitalism as we know it, they will appease the bullies of the world by disarming.

The prospect of a 25 percent cut in spending must bring great joy to the likes of Hugo Chavez, Kim Jong Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. When Barry rides his donkey in to negotiate without precondition, the worlds' tyrants will greet him by throwing palms before him.

Defense spending when we are fighting two wars: that sounds like something George Bush would do.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Prescient Words...

Robert Heinlein was a prominent writer of science fiction during the 20th century. He was a free thinker whose political views were prominent in many of his writings. He is hard to categorize politically, as he had views that would alternatively appeal to and appall those on the left and the right. That being said, one of his notable quotes bears repeating in this highly charged political climate. These words were written in the middle part of the last century, unfortunately they are even more relevant today. We can only hope, pray and vote that they do not become a prophecy fully realized:

"The America of my time line is a laboratory example of what can happen to democracies, what has eventually happened to all perfect democracies throughout all histories. A perfect democracy, a "warm body" democracy in which every adult may vote and all votes count equally, has not internal feedback for self-correction... Once a state extends the franchise to every warm body, be he producer or parasite, that day marks the beginning of the end of the state. For when the plebs discover that they can vote themselves bread and circuses without limit and that the productive members of the body politic cannot stop them, they will do so, until the state bleeds to death, or in its weakened condition the state succumbs to the invader -- the barbarians enter Rome."

From To Sail Beyond the Sunset, by Robert A. Heinlein

Bubba Email Blast Targets McConnell

Fox News is reporting that former President Bill Clinton has sent an email blast to supporters, urging them to give Sen. Barack Obama a filibuster-proof Senate by defeating Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Norm Coleman and others (link of email to follow).

I doubt that either Bill or Hillary Clinton will even vote for Obama; if Obama wins, Hillary will be too old to run for president in 2012.

Clinton's aim is not to elect Obama but rather to help Hillary become Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, regardless of who is president. She might well be more duplicitous than Harry Reid.

The thought of Obama untethered -- with no filibuster to serve as a check and balance on the socialist agenda he wants to enact -- is almost too frightening to comprehend.

Kentuckians hold an historic opportunity to preserve the firewall in the U.S. Senate by returning McConnell for another term.

Hypocrisy Watch: Lefties Finance Campaign Finance Ads Against McConnell, McCain, But Ignore Obama's Disdain For Spending Limits And Regulations

We knew this was coming: Moveon.org and its friends are pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new ad campaign against Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, on the heels of a similar ad attacking Senator John McCain. The LA Times blog reports:

Campaign Money Watch, the group that bills itself as a nonpartisan advocate for campaign finance reform, is attacking Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

The Washington-based group is spending almost $400,000 on the attack, which includes a tough new television ad and website.

In filing with the Federal Election Commission, Campaign Money Watch disclosed a new batch of donors paying for the attack on the Kentucky senator. Its biggest contributor was the liberal online advocacy group, MoveOn.org, which gave $400,000.

Campaign Money Watch received $130,000 from billionaire Jerome Kohlberg, a founder of the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., and $30,000 from Communication Workers of America.

Campaign Money Watch's parent group describes itself as a "nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving America’s campaign finance laws."

Previously, Campaign Money Watch attacked John McCain, who co-wrote the current campaign McCain-Feingold finance law.

Isn't it ironic that McCain -- the one member of Congress whom so-called "campaign finance reformers" should love -- was attacked on this issue?

We are not holding our breath waiting for this so-called "nonpartisan organization" to launch an ad campaign against Senator Obama for willfully breaking his pledge to comply with public financing requirements and fundraising limitations. No doubt the money men from Moveon.org, KKR and the union would object.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

So-called Paper of Record Continues To Slide

Surprise! The New York Times endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today. The suspense is finally over, like the paper's future.

The Times third quarter profits plummeted 51. percent. It may have to cut dividends, has written down its assets and has seen its credit rating cut.

The problem is not the Times editorial page but rather its refusal to distinguish between news and editorial. Readers are fed up with the Times undisguised hatred of conservative ideals, Republican politicians and the little people formerly known as subscribers.

Moonbat Alert

The Democrat who is challenging Rep. Ed Whitfield in Kentucky's 1st Congressional District is trying to explain the following, according to the headline from Page One: Did Heather Ryan Fake Her Own Death to Avoid Paying Rent?

Ryan moved out of her apartment before the lease ended and the landlord subsequently sued her to recover what she owed on the lease:

On September 20, 2006, her landlord sent a letter that claimed she wasn’t returning cell phone messages and that her local phone was disconnected. They promised legal action for the debt she owed.

Shortly after that letter was sent, the landlord received a letter signed by “Helena Ryan Spencer” - who claimed to be Heather’s sister. The letter claimed that Heather moved out because of her mother’s cancer. Aaaaaand… wait for it… claimed that Heather herself was killed in an automobile accident just hours after her mother died.

So, according to this report, Heather Ryan allegedly faked her death to get out of paying her rent.

In March 2007 her landlord discovered she was alive and took her to court. She lost a small claims case and paid over $1,900 to settle.

When Page One asked Ryan to explain, she admitted that she'd moved out early and owed the landlord money and intended to pay the debt. According to Ryan,

Anyway, several months later, I received a letter from the court in Paducah stating that the landlords were taking me to small claims court for breaking the lease. I didn’t dispute this - I signed the lease and I agreed that I needed to pay the additional rent. No dispute, I didn’t even contest the charges. Apparently this was my major mistake because I have no idea what they brought to court as “evidence”. I don’t know if they submitted paperwork from a “sister” (I have two brothers, no sisters, not sure where this came from). I don’t know if the Republican Party came up with this “letter from the dead sister” - I just don’t know. [Emphasis added.]

The charge that the Republicans faked the letter two years before she ran for Congress and inserted it into the court docket is about as realistic as Dennis Kucinich talking to space aliens.

Even assuming for argument's sake that the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy forged the letter, note Ryan's admission that she did not bother to read the court papers. If she won't read papers when she's the defendant, it's hard to imagine her pouring through a thousand page piece of legislation.

Lunsford's Wealth Blinds His Sense of Reality

Bruce Lunsford's wealth is so vast that he cannot fathom the good that Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has done for Kentucky by procuring a half a trillion dollars in federal funding that would have gone to other states but for McConnell. Lunsford dismissed the federal money that McConnell won for Kentucky as the "little bit of money that Kentucky gets back," according to Politickerky. (Emphasis added.)

Only a really, really rich guy would call this scale of federal appropriations a "little bit of money."

Take just one Kentucky county as an example. McConnell's bus tour stopped in Christian County yesterday. McConnell directed to that county, according to his campaign:

• $214 million for projects at Fort Campbell.

• $800,000 for the completion of the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway.

• $200,000 for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force.

• $500,000 to assist St. Luke’s Free Clinic in Hopkinsville.

• Over $60 million in tobacco buyout funds for farmers.

And that's just for one county. But to Bruce Lunsford, it's chump change.

In addition to having no sense of what a half a trillion dollars of federal money means to a poor state, Lunsford makes the simplistic argument that earmarks are evil.

It is beyond dispute that the earmark process needs reform, and in particular needs more transparency. Any such reform, however, is best led by the executive branch, which has no dog in the hunt for earmarks. Sen. John. McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin are in the best position to take on the issue of earmarks because they have done so before.

Until the system is changed, whoever represents Kentucky has an obligation to do as much good for our state as possible. That's part of the job of representing us in Congress. Even Rep. John Yarmuth gets that, and therefore boasted on the Francene show about the amount of "directed funding" he has directed to Kentucky.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Palinizing The Democratic Pair

Sarah Palin today gave a speech that absolutely skewers Biden and Obama for their "world testing" and "rhetorical flourish" remarks. Hotair.com has a video of her speech posted here. Watching her barbeque the Democratic pair leaves no doubt that Palin is head and shoulders above both of them in her abilities as a campaigner.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part VIII)

Investor's Business Daily reports the following regarding the new IBD/TIPP poll:

McCain has cut into Obama's lead for a second day and is now just 1.1 points behind. The spread was 3.7 Wednesday and 6.0 Tuesday. The Republican is making headway with middle- and working- class voters, and has surged 10 points in two days among those earning between $30,000 and $75,000. He has also gone from an 11-point deficit to a 9-point lead among Catholics.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Dancing With The Enemy (Part II)

Hotair.com has posted a video (produced by Minimovie.com) of the ultimate dance-off between Obama and McCain, with a surprise visit from Palin, but nothing from Biden, who apparently is still hiding in a cave somewhere. The video is hilarious.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Lunsford's Tape Escapade

An update on the tape recorder that Bruce Lunsford pinched this morning after debating Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, from Pol Watchers:

A Republican campaign aide for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has filed a criminal complaint against Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford and his top consultant [Achim Bergmann] alleging that the two stole a digital recorder and intentionally erased it after a debate Thursday morning in Western Kentucky.
. . .

Bergmann said Lunsford had handed off his papers with the recorder among them after the debate to an aide and campaign staffers tracked down the recorder as soon as deputies approached them.

"We tried to find the tape recorder so we could give it back," Bergmann said. He said he didn't know the recorder was erased and "would never" tell anyone to erase it.

Note Bergmann's contradiction:

Bergmann said he never actually touched the digital recorder so it was absurd to charge him. Later, after the charges were filed, Bergmann admitted that the staff had erased the debate but said it was done because it was against debate rules to have campaign material on the podium. Bergmann said the staff felt that the Republicans were intentionally trying to record comments Lunsford made under his breath during the debate.

So what did Lunsford say that his staff felt compelled to erase while the sheriff was looking for the tape recorder?

Biden Needs A Pit Stop

Joe the Gaffer is at it again. As reported by AP from a campaign appearance in Charlotte, Biden said:

"John McClain. John McClain. Excuse me, John McCain. John McCain — I don't recognize him anymore," Biden said to laughter from several hundred supporters in attendance.

Biden then rattled along with this one:

Campaigning in NASCAR country, Biden employed car racing terminology for bumping to describe the contentious final days of the campaign. He told supporters in Charlotte that he's worried about how the Republicans have been acting as the two campaigns have been "trading a little paint" recently.

"What worries me most is the McCain campaign seems to have gotten a little loose," Biden said. "John's getting a little loose. He doesn't have much of a steady hand these days. Now's the time we most need a steady hand."

With Obama headed to Hawaii away from media attention, maybe Biden should take a pit stop of his own for some tightening of his lips, which seem to have "gotten a little loose".
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama Asks Supporters: Can You Spare Another $10 To Spread The Wealth Around?

This is getting ridiculous. Obama has already raised a record $605 million in campaign donations, and now he has the audacity to hope each of his supporters will shell out another $10, as the LA Times blog reports:

Having hauled in a record $208,333 every hour of every day last month -- $150 million in all -- plus a few more unreported millions so far this month, Barack Obama is worried that he might come up short in the political money war with the John McCain-Sarah Palin ticket.

Just to relieve himself of that $150 million before the polls open, Obama will have to spend $12.5 million a day.
But he needs some more.

And, according to an e-mail plea to supporters, tonight's the absolute deadline to donate $10 more and receive your special edition Official Obama-Biden car magnet.

This is just a preview of the nickle-and-diming to come if Obama is elected president -- only the "change" (Obamaspeak for "increase") in Americans' tax bill will far more than merely nickles and dimes, or even ten-dollar bills.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Lunsford's Sticky Fingers and the Missing Debate Tape

Bruce Lunsford whines about Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell not debating him -- even though the two have debated already. Then today, at the third and final debate, Lunsford pinches a tape recorder that belongs to a Republican operative. Politickerky reportsLink,

A tape recorder left near Lunsford during the debate at Kentucky Dam Village by an National Republican Senatorial Committee staffer was allegedly picked up by the candidate after the debate, according to state Sen. President David Williams (R-Burkesville) and the NRSC staffer.
The staffer says he asked for it back, but Lunsford allegedly gave it to someone from his own campaign.

"He said 'No, you will not be getting this back,'" said Richard St. Onge, the NRSC tracker in question, of Lunsford's reaction for the request for the device.

The recorder was retrieved from the Lunsford camp shortly thereafter, and given to a Marshall County Sheriff, according to Lunsford consultant Achim Bergmann.

Bergmann said a staffer had the recorder and returned it to a police officer.
Marshall County Sheriff R.K. Byars confirmed he was given the device by the Lunsford camp and returned it to St. Onge.


The McConnell camp reports a substantial amount of recordings from the device were erased, but Bergmann said he was unaware of that fact and said no one from the campaign would have erased the device.

Williams wielded the returned recorder in front of reporters and called the incident "a criminal action."

"Mr. Lunsford will be lucky if someone doesn't swear a warrant out for him today in district court," added Williams, alleging the supposed activity was "theft.

"How is that theft?" asked Bergmann when told of Williams' comments.


The Democratic consultant said he couldn't see how the incident constituted a crime.

McConnell's camp said they were considering how to proceed.


Lunsford pinches the tape of the debate and then returns it partially erased -- and his campaign sees nothing wrong with this. It's the sort of ethical standards that former Lunsford investors have come to expect.

Lunsford had a supporter dress as a chicken and stalk McConnell because McConnell refused to debate Lunsford yet a fourth time. Maybe a McConnell supporter should follow Lunsford dressed as Richard Nixon.

"I Am Joe"

We are all Joe the Plumber, and a new McCain-Palin campaign ad drives that point home effectively.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Does Obama Need A Righteous Wind Ventilator?

The ABC News blog reports these remarks by Senator Obama in Leesburg, Virginia yesterday:

"If you'll stand with me, then I know that we can win Virginia and we can win this election and we can finally bring the change we need to Washington," Obama told the estimated crowd of 35,000. "I feel like we got a righteous wind at our backs here."


That ventilator looks like a crown fit for Obama's coronation.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

"Rhetorical Flourishes": Obama-speak For Joe Biden's Gaffes

The Obama campaign must have stayed up late trying to come up for some explanation for Biden's "world testing" commentary. The best they could do is this, as reported by CBS News:

“You know I think that Joe sometimes engages in rhetorical flourishes,” Obama said. “But I think that his core point was that the next administration is going to be tested regardless of who it is.”

Meanwhile, Biden decided to practice being Dick Cheney by moving to an undisclosed location away from the press -- just in case there is world testing between now and the election, of course.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part VII)

The just-released Associated Press-GfK poll has Obama and McCain "essentially running even among likely voters" -- with "Obama at 44 percent and McCain at 43 percent." Meanwhile, "[c]ontrary to other polls, some of which show Obama ahead by double digits, the IBD/TIPP Poll shows a sudden tightening of Obama's lead to 3.7 from 6.0," according to Investor's Business Daily.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Bubba's Schedule Takes Shape

Former President Bill Clinton will be in town Friday to campaign with Bruce Lunsford. Joe Gerth has a tentative schedule for appearances in Bowling Green and Paducah. No visits to high school football games are slated, so Kentucky cheerleaders are safe at this point.

Epstein On Obama

University of Chicago Law Professor Richard Epstein, the libertarian who pioneered the law and economics movement, knows Sen. Barack Obama professionally and socially. Yet Epstein writes for Forbes that there is a disconnect between Obama's moderate demeanor and his far left voting record:

Obama's vague calls for change that "you can believe in" are, to my thinking, wholly retrograde in their implications. At heart, he is an unreconstructed New Dealer who can see, and articulate, both sides on every question--but only as a prelude to championing the old corporatist agenda with a vengeance.

That program has three key components, which, taken together, can convert a shaky financial situation into a global depression. The first of these is his anti-free trade attitude that loomed so large in the primaries. But even Obama cannot repeal the principle of comparative advantage. Any efforts to scuttle NAFTA, deny fast-track approval to other agreements, or limit outsourcing will not be as dramatic as the Smoot-Hawley tariff. But combined, they would act as a depressant on general economic growth. Everyone would suffer.

Second, Obama is committed to strengthening unions by his endorsement of the Employer Free Choice Act, a misnamed statute that forces union recognition without elections and employment contracts through mandatory arbitration thereafter. That one-two punch could tie up the very small businesses that Obama seems determined to help. Tax relief won't work for firms that won't get formed because a labor fight is not in their initial budget.

And third, he is in favor of progressive individual taxes and high corporate taxes. It is as though the U.S. does not have to compete for labor and capital in global markets. My fear is that with his strong egalitarian bent, he has not internalized the lesson that high rates do not offset declining revenues.

Without the moderating influence of a filibuster-proof Senate, Obama will make the New Deal look like the high water mark of capitalism

H/t: Redstate

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Jim Webb: Obama's A Mountain Man Whose Folks Hail From Kentucky!

A substantial number of Democrats in Kentucky and other southern States will be voting for McCain, and how does a member of the French media explain it? They are all racists, of course.

France24.com "reports" that "Racist Democrats abandon Obama for McCain" and "Barack Obama's skin colour is turning small-town America Democrat voters towards his Republican rival, despite efforts from the Obama team to prortray him as an average American."

But Virginia Senator Jim Webb has just the argument for why the "racists" should support Obama: why, he's a mountain man just like you!

Virginia Senator Jim Webb, a "blue dog" conservative Democrat who wears his Scots-Irish heritage proudly, went to new lengths to belay the doubters when he introduced Obama at a rally in the state's rural southwest on Friday.

"We know Barack Obama's father was born in Kenya," he said in Roanoke, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Kentucky and West Virginia. Webb added: "Barack Obama's mother was born in Kansas, by way of Kentucky.

"We're going to see the election of the 14th president whose ancestry goes back to the mountain areas of this area," he said. "Barack Obama understands you. Barack Obama is like you. He knows what it's like to struggle."

Next they will say Obama is a rail splitter and grew up in a log cabin. Anything to win an election.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Kentucky Union Boss Becomes The Face Of Card Check

Kentucky AFL-CIO union president Bill Londrigan was caught on camera assaulting the cameraman at a family parade earlier this summer; the footage aired as an NRSC ad here. Londrigan is a big supporter of Bruce Lunsford in his race against Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and has criticized McConnell for opposing legislation that would strip employees of private ballots in union elections.

Now, according to Hotair, footage of Londrigan -- "Union Boss Bill" -- may pop up in other states to put a quasi-human face on the "card check" issue.

Minnesotans are hoping that U.S. Chamber of Commerce will air a Londrigan ad there, where Republican Senator Norm Coleman is in a tight race against Al Franken. Not surprisingly, Coleman opposes "card check" as anti-democratic, whereas Franken supports it.

Kentuckians are renowned for our horses and our Bourbon, but our union bosses, not so much. Who would have guessed that of all the union heads around the entire country, Londrigan would become the face of "card check," the guy who wants to look over a worker's shoulder when she votes on whether the company should unionize. Personally, I'm prouder of our horses and Bourbon.

Newsweek: DSCC Ad "Not True"

Newsweek -- not exactly part of the "vast, right-wing conspiracy" -- checked the facts in the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's ad against Mitch McConnell and concluded that the ad is "not true."

Newsweek focused on the DSCC's "wild west" ad against the Senate Republican Leader:

Announcer:Some places it would be considered a crime, but not in Washington. Wall Street's big banks gave Mitch McConnell $4.4 million for his campaigns, and he fought for less regulation of Wall Street. McConnell opened the gate and Wall Street went wild. And now, our entire economy is at risk. Maybe it's time we bring Mitch McConnell back to the corral. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.

The DSCC "takes liberty with the facts" in trying to blame McConnell for the mess on Wall Street, according to Newsweek:

One such ad tells us that "Wall Street's big banks gave Mitch McConnell $4.4 million for his campaigns." But that's not true. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Sen. McConnell of Kentucky has received $4.4 million in contributions from the financial, insurance and real estate sectors – a much broader group than "Wall Street's big banks."

As evidence for its claim that McConnell "fought for less regulation of Wall Street" and that he "opened the gate and Wall Street went wild," the ad cites McConnell's vote for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. But that law wasn't what caused the meltdown. We examined that legislation in our previous report, ultimately noting that "economists on both sides of the political spectrum have suggested that the act has probably made the crisis less severe than it might otherwise have been."

As for the ad's assertions that in "some places" McConnell's acceptance of campaign contributions from the financial industry and his actions in the Senate "would be considered a crime": Perhaps so, but by that standard practically any House or Senate member of either party could be called a criminal just for taking donations from groups whose interests they support. In the U.S., that's perfectly legal. (Emphasis added.)

Good for Newsweek for speaking the truth in an election cycle in which the overwhelming majority of coverage consists of a series of love sonnets to the One.

Dancing With The Enemy

The forty-somethings practice for some world testing on the dance floor.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

100% tax on those earning less than $250K

Obama has said that he will only increase taxes on those individuals that earn over $250K a year, the "rich". This will effectively work out to a 100% tax on many that earn less than $250K per year. I refer to it as a 100% tax because if you do not have a job, your take home pay is the same as if you have a job and are taxed at a rate of 100%.

What Obama's constituents cannot seem to understand is that when you increase taxes on "the rich", they cut back on their consumption of all sorts of goods, and services. And guess who builds, transports, sells and maintains all those products or provides all those services? Answer: Mostly people making far less than $250K a year! As the demand for these goods and services decreases, so does the demand for the people involved in providing them, thus job losses, and in an Obama world, potentially massive ones.

If you earn less than $250K per year, the last person you want to vote for is Barack Obama. It is like Obama voters are happily drifting down a gentle stream and cannot see the huge waterfall around the bend. Only as they plunge over the falls (a metaphorical pink slip) will they realize their mistake.

Rush Limbaugh calls Obama's economic plan "trickle up poverty". The master has hit the nail on the head yet again!

Joe Biden's "World Testing" Comment May Be The October Surprise

The more one considers Biden's statement that Obama will be subject to "world testing" within the first six months if he is elected president, the scarier the comment seems, particularly in light of what Biden said next:

"I can give you at least four or five scenarios from where it might originate," Biden said to Emerald City supporters, mentioning the Middle East and Russia as possibilities. "And he's gonna need help. And the kind of help he's gonna need is, he's gonna need you - not financially to help him - we're gonna need you to use your influence, your influence within the community, to stand with him. Because it's not gonna be apparent initially, it's not gonna be apparent that we're right."

"It's not gonna be apparent that we're right" -- Wow! As in, when Iran attacks Israel and the Obama-Biden administration has no military response but instead wants to sit at the negotiation table and make peace (ala Munich Agreement of 1938) with Ahmadinejad?

Today, Madeleine Albright agreed with Biden's observation, saying that "[i]t's just a statement of fact, frankly" that Obama will be tested.

So why should American run the risk of the potentially dire consequences from such a test?

Is it time for McCain-Palin to run a Daisy Girl commercial against Obama?

Joe Biden's words may be the October surprise that gets McCain elected.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Obama's Incredible Shrinking Lead (Part VI): The Nickelodean Poll

Drudge reports that the Nickelodean "Kids Vote" poll has Obama up by only two percent: 51% (1,167,087) to 49% (1,129,945). (Is the Obama-Biden campaign's plagiarism of Bob the Builder's slogan the reason?) But McCain can easily close this narrow gap, as evidenced by the same poll in 2004, which picked the ultimate loser Senator John Kerry to win the election with 57% of the vote.

Update: Another hopeful poll for McCain, which has him down by only one point. But for those wanting something really scary this Halloween season, check out the New York Times/CBS poll, which has McCain down by an unlucky 13% -- which Hotair.com attributes to more trick than treat in the polling methodology.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Tucker Carlson Explains the Democratic Mindset

Tucker Carlson finds Washington Democrats incapable of comprehending the thought of victory. Just because their party has only reelected one Democratic president in the last 64 years, they're all superstitious. They still haven't recovered from Sen. John "Depends" Kerry "reporting for duty" in '04.

"Democrats are losers," says one former Democratic campaign operative with sadness. "Don't underestimate the capacity of Democrats to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory," Obama himself told supporters last week. "Don't underestimate our ability to screw things up."

Give them a few drinks and many Democrats make remarkably self-loathing noises: we're disorganized, our interest groups are out of control, the rest of the country hates us. To these Democrats, Obama isn't really winning; the Republicans are losing. They fear fate could intervene at the last minute to change the course of the election.

It's the nightmare scenario, says Jay Rouse. "They're worried that Osama bin Laden is going to say, 'I want to have sex with Barack Obama.'"

If that happens, Karl Rove will get all the credit, at least in Democratic circles. Rove’s too busy giving speeches and doing TV to pick up his dry cleaning, yet Democrats imagine he's having breakfast with Satan every Thursday at the Four Seasons to chart strategy.

I believe in the Democratic capacity to still screw things up. This election is theirs to lose. They can do it; they've done it before (time and time again). Unfortunately, if they don't screw up the election, they will screw up the country.

A Little Perspective On Colin Powell

Remember back in 1996, when Republicans flirted with the idea of nominating Colin Powell to be the vice presidential nominee?

Laura Ingraham wrote then that Powell is liberal on issue after issue -- affirmative action, the second amendment, school prayer, abortion and the Contract With America. The man led a distinguished military career, but the notion that he embraces conservative tenets was as flat out wrong in 1996 as it is today.

His endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama, therefore was entirely predictable, and inconsequential.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Father Knows Best? Michael Powell Doesn't Think So

Michael Powell is not following his father when it comes to presidential endorsements. As TheHill.com reports:

Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, has put him at odds with his own son, former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Michael Powell.

Michael Powell, who served as a policy adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, is a surrogate for John McCain and represents the GOP nominee on the campaign trail.
He endorsed McCain early in the Republican primary in January, and said the Arizona senator was the best candidate to “calm the turbulent economic waters and to steer the new economy in a direction that will bring growth, opportunity and prosperity to all Americans.”

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

McCain: "We Don't Want A President Who Invites Testing From The World"

The ABC News blog reports that, in response to Senator Biden's concession that the foreign policy inexperience of a President Obama would invite "world testing", Senator McCain will deliver these remarks later today in Belton, Missouri:

"The next President won’t have time to get used to the office. We face many challenges here at home, and many enemies abroad in this dangerous world. Just last night, Senator Biden guaranteed that if Senator Obama is elected, we will have an international crisis to test America’s new President. We don’t want a President who invites testing from the world at a time when our economy is in crisis and Americans are already fighting in two wars.

"What is more troubling is that Senator Biden told their campaign donors that when that crisis hits, they would have to stand with them because it wouldn't be apparent Senator Obama would have the right response.

"Forget apparent. Senator Obama won’t have the right response, and we know that because we’ve seen the wrong response from him over and over during this campaign. He opposed the surge strategy that is bringing us victory in Iraq and will bring us victory in Afghanistan. He said he would sit down unconditionally with the world's worst dictators. When Russia invaded Georgia, Sen. Obama said the invaded country should show restraint.

"We cannot spend the next four years as we have spent much of the last eight: hoping for our luck to change at home and abroad. We have to act. We need a new direction, and we have to fight for it."

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.