Friday, August 29, 2008
Late Nite Jokes
Jay Leno
Barack Obama has accepted the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. He gave his acceptance speech on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. And just two days after Hillary Clinton gave her “I Had a Dream!” speech.
They had a Mount Olympus backdrop with columns on it . . . a little over the top. Like when they introduced him as “Barack — son of Zeus!” That seemed over the top.
Last night, during his speech, Bill Clinton promised to do everything he could to help Barack Obama win the election. Hillary said, “That’s nice — but you know Bill . . . keeping promises is not his strong suit.”
According to the New York Post, a delegate at the convention received information packets with three separate warmings not to drink too much, because alcohol has a much greater effect at higher altitudes. I guess they didn’t want anyone getting drunk and accidentally sleeping with John Edwards again.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Surprises in Barack Obama's Democratic National Convention Address
10. Delivered speech in a bright orange pantsuit
9. Wants to change October to "Barack-tober"
8. Most of speech was devoted to his Labor Day barbecue cole slaw recipe
7. Outlined plan for America, then took calls about the Broncos defense
6. Kept saying to John Kerry, "Hey, why the long face?"
5. Twelve-and-a-half minutes of, "Testing-one-two"
4. Performed hilarious ventriloquist act with Dennis Kucinich on his lap
3. Promised to make Pluto a state
2. Plans to bring peace to Lo and Audrina on "The Hills"
1. Also pronounces "nuclear," "nucular"
David Letterman
Last night Barack Obama was officially nominated Democratic candidate for president of the United States. I think things are starting to look bad for Hillary.
Bill Clinton spoke last night. He’s a powerful orator. But this was sort of sad . . . in the middle of Clinton’s speech, wandering out on stage, was John McCain in his bathrobe.
I like John McCain. He looks like the guy who turns his business over to his son, but still shows up once a week.
John McCain has finally decided on his choice for vice president. The only question now is, from which house will he make the announcement?
Conan O'Brien
Political experts says that John McCain is going to try to steal attention away from the Democrats tonight by leaking the name of his running mate. Experts say there’s a pretty good chance McCain will leak something else too.
Last night at the convention, Bill and Hillary Clinton were in the elevator together when it got struck between floors for five minutes. A spokesman called it a minor technical glitch, while Bill Clinton called it, “My own personal hell.”
Today, both John McCain and Michael Jackson will celebrate their birthday. So it will be the birthday of an old white guy and John McCain.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Democratic National Convention is over. Oprah was there. She actually owns Colorado. She bought it a couple of months ago.
I guess she was able to take a couple of days off from her job.
Al Gore was there, too. It was good to see Al Gore. With all this talk about global warming, and all he does for the environment, I’d forgotten how boring he is.
The night’s big event was Obama’s speech, in front of 75,000 enthusiastic supporters and eight confused Broncos season ticket holders. They thought maybe the football season started early.
Jay Leno
Barack Obama has accepted the Democratic nomination for president of the United States. He gave his acceptance speech on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a Dream” speech. And just two days after Hillary Clinton gave her “I Had a Dream!” speech.
They had a Mount Olympus backdrop with columns on it . . . a little over the top. Like when they introduced him as “Barack — son of Zeus!” That seemed over the top.
Last night, during his speech, Bill Clinton promised to do everything he could to help Barack Obama win the election. Hillary said, “That’s nice — but you know Bill . . . keeping promises is not his strong suit.”
According to the New York Post, a delegate at the convention received information packets with three separate warmings not to drink too much, because alcohol has a much greater effect at higher altitudes. I guess they didn’t want anyone getting drunk and accidentally sleeping with John Edwards again.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Surprises in Barack Obama's Democratic National Convention Address
10. Delivered speech in a bright orange pantsuit
9. Wants to change October to "Barack-tober"
8. Most of speech was devoted to his Labor Day barbecue cole slaw recipe
7. Outlined plan for America, then took calls about the Broncos defense
6. Kept saying to John Kerry, "Hey, why the long face?"
5. Twelve-and-a-half minutes of, "Testing-one-two"
4. Performed hilarious ventriloquist act with Dennis Kucinich on his lap
3. Promised to make Pluto a state
2. Plans to bring peace to Lo and Audrina on "The Hills"
1. Also pronounces "nuclear," "nucular"
David Letterman
Last night Barack Obama was officially nominated Democratic candidate for president of the United States. I think things are starting to look bad for Hillary.
Bill Clinton spoke last night. He’s a powerful orator. But this was sort of sad . . . in the middle of Clinton’s speech, wandering out on stage, was John McCain in his bathrobe.
I like John McCain. He looks like the guy who turns his business over to his son, but still shows up once a week.
John McCain has finally decided on his choice for vice president. The only question now is, from which house will he make the announcement?
Conan O'Brien
Political experts says that John McCain is going to try to steal attention away from the Democrats tonight by leaking the name of his running mate. Experts say there’s a pretty good chance McCain will leak something else too.
Last night at the convention, Bill and Hillary Clinton were in the elevator together when it got struck between floors for five minutes. A spokesman called it a minor technical glitch, while Bill Clinton called it, “My own personal hell.”
Today, both John McCain and Michael Jackson will celebrate their birthday. So it will be the birthday of an old white guy and John McCain.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Democratic National Convention is over. Oprah was there. She actually owns Colorado. She bought it a couple of months ago.
I guess she was able to take a couple of days off from her job.
Al Gore was there, too. It was good to see Al Gore. With all this talk about global warming, and all he does for the environment, I’d forgotten how boring he is.
The night’s big event was Obama’s speech, in front of 75,000 enthusiastic supporters and eight confused Broncos season ticket holders. They thought maybe the football season started early.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Late Nite Jokes
Jay Leno
There’s now talk that John McCain may choose a woman running mate — so there’s hope for Hillary yet.
Earlier today, Hillary Clinton released her delegates, making Barack Obama officially the Democratic nominee. I wonder how many people thought Hillary should have kept her delegates and released Bill.
Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi praised Biden, calling him the “full package.” Now he’s getting phone calls from Sen. Larry Craig.
You can tell the Olympics are over in China. That stadium they called the bird’s nest? It was converted into a giant coal-burning, lead toy factory.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Democratic National Convention Pickup Lines
10. Wanna form a more perfect union?
9. Something's rising and it's not the national debt
8. I'm stiffer than John Kerry
7. Let's go someplace and release our delegates
6. Care to join the wife and me for a little "bipartisanship?"
5. I'll make you scream like Howard Dean
4. Now that's what I call a stimulus package
3. I'm gonna Barack your world
2. Wanna pretend we're Republicans and have gay bathroom sex?
1. Hi, I'm John Edwards
David Letterman
Tonight’s speakers at the Democratic National Convention: Sen. Harry Reid, former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, and Charles Schumer. Fire up the TiVo!
Hillary Clinton wore a bright orange pantsuit at the convention last night. She looked like a Caltrans worker on the Hollywood freeway.
She gave a rousing speech — so passionate, so emotional. Nancy Pelosi’s face almost moved.
Earlier, her husband Bill spoke at the convention. He got four standing ovations and five phone numbers.
Conan O'Brien
During the Democratic Convention, delegates are being warned not to drink too much. When asked why, Democratic officials said, “Last time we got drunk at our convention, we ended up nominating Walter Mondale.”
The publisher Simon & Schuster came out with a children’s book about Barack Obama. They also came out with a book about John McCain — “Horton Gets a Hearing Aid.”
A woman in Illinois discovered that her Jeep Cherokee used to be owned by Barack Obama. She could tell it used to be Obama’s because Hillary keeps trying to get into the driver’s seat.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
After all the naming problems this campaign has had, why Obama would pick a running mate with the last name Biden is beyond me. Obama-Biden — it’s like they’re trying to sound as much like Osama bin Laden as possible. They found the two guys in America that sound most closely with the person we hate more than anyone in the world.
I would have gone with an Obama-Valderrama ticket.
The inside word is that Obama went back and forth with Biden and Virginia Gov. Tim Kane. Ultimately, it came down to a game of Barack-paper-scissors.
For her speech at the convention, Hillary wore a very smart saffron pantsuit. Before she picked the pantsuit, they actually tested some on the stage. The tried to see which one would look best on camera. When it comes to pantsuits, is there ever really a right choice?
Jay Leno
There’s now talk that John McCain may choose a woman running mate — so there’s hope for Hillary yet.
Earlier today, Hillary Clinton released her delegates, making Barack Obama officially the Democratic nominee. I wonder how many people thought Hillary should have kept her delegates and released Bill.
Obama chose Joe Biden as his running mate. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi praised Biden, calling him the “full package.” Now he’s getting phone calls from Sen. Larry Craig.
You can tell the Olympics are over in China. That stadium they called the bird’s nest? It was converted into a giant coal-burning, lead toy factory.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Democratic National Convention Pickup Lines
10. Wanna form a more perfect union?
9. Something's rising and it's not the national debt
8. I'm stiffer than John Kerry
7. Let's go someplace and release our delegates
6. Care to join the wife and me for a little "bipartisanship?"
5. I'll make you scream like Howard Dean
4. Now that's what I call a stimulus package
3. I'm gonna Barack your world
2. Wanna pretend we're Republicans and have gay bathroom sex?
1. Hi, I'm John Edwards
David Letterman
Tonight’s speakers at the Democratic National Convention: Sen. Harry Reid, former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, and Charles Schumer. Fire up the TiVo!
Hillary Clinton wore a bright orange pantsuit at the convention last night. She looked like a Caltrans worker on the Hollywood freeway.
She gave a rousing speech — so passionate, so emotional. Nancy Pelosi’s face almost moved.
Earlier, her husband Bill spoke at the convention. He got four standing ovations and five phone numbers.
Conan O'Brien
During the Democratic Convention, delegates are being warned not to drink too much. When asked why, Democratic officials said, “Last time we got drunk at our convention, we ended up nominating Walter Mondale.”
The publisher Simon & Schuster came out with a children’s book about Barack Obama. They also came out with a book about John McCain — “Horton Gets a Hearing Aid.”
A woman in Illinois discovered that her Jeep Cherokee used to be owned by Barack Obama. She could tell it used to be Obama’s because Hillary keeps trying to get into the driver’s seat.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
After all the naming problems this campaign has had, why Obama would pick a running mate with the last name Biden is beyond me. Obama-Biden — it’s like they’re trying to sound as much like Osama bin Laden as possible. They found the two guys in America that sound most closely with the person we hate more than anyone in the world.
I would have gone with an Obama-Valderrama ticket.
The inside word is that Obama went back and forth with Biden and Virginia Gov. Tim Kane. Ultimately, it came down to a game of Barack-paper-scissors.
For her speech at the convention, Hillary wore a very smart saffron pantsuit. Before she picked the pantsuit, they actually tested some on the stage. The tried to see which one would look best on camera. When it comes to pantsuits, is there ever really a right choice?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Clinton Says Election Isn't About Her Anymore
DENVER -- Hillary Rodham Clinton had a simple message Tuesday for her still loyal supporters: This election isn't about her any more.
The former first lady ceded the nomination that was almost hers in a prime-time speech to Democratic delegates, closing another chapter in a long, improbable political career that took her from supportive spouse to political powerhouse.
She was warmly embraced by delegates split between herself and Barack Obama in the primary. Any who were still angry over her loss were drowned out in applause when she opened her speech by declaring herself "a proud supporter of Barack Obama."
She exhorted her backers to remember who was most important in this campaign.
"I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me?" she said. She urged them instead to remember Marines who have served their country, single mothers, families barely getting by on minimum wage and other struggling Americans.
All the Clintons, a longtime royal family of Democratic politics, were on hand to pass the torch to Obama. Clinton was introduced by her daughter Chelsea, while her husband watched from a box seat above the Arkansas delegation.
Clinton spoke on the eve of the delegate roll call in which both she and Obama will be nominated for president. But under a deal between the two camps, only some delegates will get the opportunity to cast a historic vote for either a woman or a black man before the split decision will be cut off in favor of unanimous consent for Obama.
But at the 11th hour, many details were unclear _ which states would get a chance to vote, whether Clinton herself would cut it off in acclamation for Obama and if floor demonstrations would be tolerated.
The dealmaking and lack of direction left Clinton supporters frustrated.
"Just tell me what you want me to do," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said, throwing up his hands and rolling his eyes in an Associated Press interview. Nutter, who had campaigned for Clinton during the Pennsylvania primary, later said he would support Obama in a roll call vote.
Even some of Clinton's most loyal allies -- New York Democrats -- are increasingly frustrated by the silence from her and her advisers on how to proceed. New York delegates would likely play a key role in the roll call salute to Clinton but they still have no idea what it is they are supposed to do, according to several Democrats who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are supposed to be publicly backing Clinton.
Clinton fueled confusion by refusing to publicly instruct her delegates how to vote, though she said she'll back Obama when the time comes. She planned to meet with her delegates Wednesday.
The convention hall was filled with delegates wearing their Clinton gear. There were Hillary T-shirts, buttons and stickers. Some delegates brought signs promoting Clinton for president. Many wore white shirts to mark the 88th anniversary of women's suffrage.
The Obama campaign gave Clinton her due. Before she took the stage Tuesday night, Obama's campaign distributed "Hillary" signs throughout the Pepsi Center. But only sentences into Clinton's speech, those signs were quickly swapped out for others proclaiming either "Obama" or "Hillary" on one side, and "Unity" on the other.
Some Clinton delegates weren't ready for so quick a pivot.
"We love you Hillary!" some shouted.
DENVER -- Hillary Rodham Clinton had a simple message Tuesday for her still loyal supporters: This election isn't about her any more.
The former first lady ceded the nomination that was almost hers in a prime-time speech to Democratic delegates, closing another chapter in a long, improbable political career that took her from supportive spouse to political powerhouse.
She was warmly embraced by delegates split between herself and Barack Obama in the primary. Any who were still angry over her loss were drowned out in applause when she opened her speech by declaring herself "a proud supporter of Barack Obama."
She exhorted her backers to remember who was most important in this campaign.
"I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me?" she said. She urged them instead to remember Marines who have served their country, single mothers, families barely getting by on minimum wage and other struggling Americans.
All the Clintons, a longtime royal family of Democratic politics, were on hand to pass the torch to Obama. Clinton was introduced by her daughter Chelsea, while her husband watched from a box seat above the Arkansas delegation.
Clinton spoke on the eve of the delegate roll call in which both she and Obama will be nominated for president. But under a deal between the two camps, only some delegates will get the opportunity to cast a historic vote for either a woman or a black man before the split decision will be cut off in favor of unanimous consent for Obama.
But at the 11th hour, many details were unclear _ which states would get a chance to vote, whether Clinton herself would cut it off in acclamation for Obama and if floor demonstrations would be tolerated.
The dealmaking and lack of direction left Clinton supporters frustrated.
"Just tell me what you want me to do," Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said, throwing up his hands and rolling his eyes in an Associated Press interview. Nutter, who had campaigned for Clinton during the Pennsylvania primary, later said he would support Obama in a roll call vote.
Even some of Clinton's most loyal allies -- New York Democrats -- are increasingly frustrated by the silence from her and her advisers on how to proceed. New York delegates would likely play a key role in the roll call salute to Clinton but they still have no idea what it is they are supposed to do, according to several Democrats who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are supposed to be publicly backing Clinton.
Clinton fueled confusion by refusing to publicly instruct her delegates how to vote, though she said she'll back Obama when the time comes. She planned to meet with her delegates Wednesday.
The convention hall was filled with delegates wearing their Clinton gear. There were Hillary T-shirts, buttons and stickers. Some delegates brought signs promoting Clinton for president. Many wore white shirts to mark the 88th anniversary of women's suffrage.
The Obama campaign gave Clinton her due. Before she took the stage Tuesday night, Obama's campaign distributed "Hillary" signs throughout the Pepsi Center. But only sentences into Clinton's speech, those signs were quickly swapped out for others proclaiming either "Obama" or "Hillary" on one side, and "Unity" on the other.
Some Clinton delegates weren't ready for so quick a pivot.
"We love you Hillary!" some shouted.
Late Nite Jokes
Jay Leno
Earlier today, Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention. She gave the entire speech while biting her tongue.
Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joseph Biden to be his vice presidential running mate. Biden has 35 years’ experience in Washington. So, between the two of them? That’s almost 36 years of experience.
Yesterday was the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It seems like just yesterday FEMA was heading down to New Orleans . . . actually, it was just yesterday.
Hallmark has announced that they are coming out with a line of same-sex wedding cards. I think that’s fair . . . why should only straight guys be forced to pay five bucks for a stupid card?
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Things Overheard At The Democratic National Convention
10. "Check it out — Bill Clinton and John Edwards are hitting on the same woman"
9. "The decorations are made from 'John Kerry 2004' bumper stickers"
8. "I think the Chinese delegates are underage"
7. "No, Mr. President, you belong at the Republican Convention"
6. "Senator Biden, do you think you'll shoot an old guy in the face?"
5. "Shut up! I'm trying to listen to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle"
4. No number 4 — writer at screening of "The House Bunny"
3. "Coming up next, a look at Democratic candidates' greatest concession speeches"
2. "Yes, at midnight they're going to tase Andy Dick"
1. "Hey, it's a giant Al Gore balloon! Oh, wait. That's Al Gore"
David Letterman
It was so nice today in New York City, John McCain is buying a house here.
Last week, they asked John McCain, “How many houses do you own?” and he said, “I’ll have to get back to you.” I have two houses . . . three if you count the champagne room with flashdancers.
How about that Michael Phelps? Eight Olympic gold medals. To me, that’s not the most impressive thing. The guy is actually swimming home from China.
Today, Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Bill was there, and he cheered and applauded . . . and so did his date.
Conan O'Brien
Tonight, at the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton gave a big speech in favor of Barack Obama. Experts say it was the longest speech ever delivered entirely through clenched teeth.
Michelle Obama gave a great speech. She said she has been in love with Barack Obama ever since he took her on their first date and bought her ice cream. Meanwhile, John McCain’s wife Cindy says she’s been in love with John McCain ever since he hit her over the head with a club and dragged her back to his cave.
At the Democratic Convention, Trojan Condoms has set up a pavilion where they are giving out thousands of free condoms. They’re doing it in case John Edwards shows up.
The Republican Convention starts next week. John McCain’s campaign told President Bush that despite his low popularity, he will be allowed to speak at the first night of the convention. They told Bush that the convention starts in December.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Democratic Convention is underway in Denver. Thousands of pounds of confetti, hats, and hookers have been shipped in.
Since this is the first DNC to feature an African-American candidate, some are calling it the Run-DNC.
Sen. Hillary Clinton addressed the convention. It was a highly anticipated speech. People were curious as to how strongly she would endorse her former foe. She endorsed him strongly. She said this country needs change, and whatever your feelings about the primaries, now is the time for the Democrats to put aside their differences and rally behind Mr. Potato Ears.
Jay Leno
Earlier today, Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention. She gave the entire speech while biting her tongue.
Barack Obama has chosen Sen. Joseph Biden to be his vice presidential running mate. Biden has 35 years’ experience in Washington. So, between the two of them? That’s almost 36 years of experience.
Yesterday was the three-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. It seems like just yesterday FEMA was heading down to New Orleans . . . actually, it was just yesterday.
Hallmark has announced that they are coming out with a line of same-sex wedding cards. I think that’s fair . . . why should only straight guys be forced to pay five bucks for a stupid card?
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Things Overheard At The Democratic National Convention
10. "Check it out — Bill Clinton and John Edwards are hitting on the same woman"
9. "The decorations are made from 'John Kerry 2004' bumper stickers"
8. "I think the Chinese delegates are underage"
7. "No, Mr. President, you belong at the Republican Convention"
6. "Senator Biden, do you think you'll shoot an old guy in the face?"
5. "Shut up! I'm trying to listen to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle"
4. No number 4 — writer at screening of "The House Bunny"
3. "Coming up next, a look at Democratic candidates' greatest concession speeches"
2. "Yes, at midnight they're going to tase Andy Dick"
1. "Hey, it's a giant Al Gore balloon! Oh, wait. That's Al Gore"
David Letterman
It was so nice today in New York City, John McCain is buying a house here.
Last week, they asked John McCain, “How many houses do you own?” and he said, “I’ll have to get back to you.” I have two houses . . . three if you count the champagne room with flashdancers.
How about that Michael Phelps? Eight Olympic gold medals. To me, that’s not the most impressive thing. The guy is actually swimming home from China.
Today, Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Bill was there, and he cheered and applauded . . . and so did his date.
Conan O'Brien
Tonight, at the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton gave a big speech in favor of Barack Obama. Experts say it was the longest speech ever delivered entirely through clenched teeth.
Michelle Obama gave a great speech. She said she has been in love with Barack Obama ever since he took her on their first date and bought her ice cream. Meanwhile, John McCain’s wife Cindy says she’s been in love with John McCain ever since he hit her over the head with a club and dragged her back to his cave.
At the Democratic Convention, Trojan Condoms has set up a pavilion where they are giving out thousands of free condoms. They’re doing it in case John Edwards shows up.
The Republican Convention starts next week. John McCain’s campaign told President Bush that despite his low popularity, he will be allowed to speak at the first night of the convention. They told Bush that the convention starts in December.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Democratic Convention is underway in Denver. Thousands of pounds of confetti, hats, and hookers have been shipped in.
Since this is the first DNC to feature an African-American candidate, some are calling it the Run-DNC.
Sen. Hillary Clinton addressed the convention. It was a highly anticipated speech. People were curious as to how strongly she would endorse her former foe. She endorsed him strongly. She said this country needs change, and whatever your feelings about the primaries, now is the time for the Democrats to put aside their differences and rally behind Mr. Potato Ears.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Catholic Bishops Slam Pelosi On Abortion
DENVER — Two prominent Roman Catholic archbishops say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic Democrat, misstated church teachings about abortion in a recent television appearance, the latest sign that the U.S. Catholic hierarchy will not stay silent about politics this election year.
In an appearance Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," Pelosi said "doctors of the church" have not been able to define when life begins and that "over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy."
Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, citing the teaching responsibility entrusted to bishops, issued a statement late Monday that read, in part: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable."
Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput and his auxiliary bishop, James Conley, said in a statement posted on the archdiocesan Web site: "Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is a gifted public servant of strong convictions and many professional skills. Regrettably, knowledge of Catholic history and teaching does not seem to be one of them."
Abortion "is always gravely evil, and so are the evasions employed to justify it," the statement continued.
Over the weekend, Chaput said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that Democratic vice presidential nominee-in-waiting Sen. Joseph Biden should refrain from receiving Communion because of his abortion stance.
A Pelosi spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
DENVER — Two prominent Roman Catholic archbishops say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic Democrat, misstated church teachings about abortion in a recent television appearance, the latest sign that the U.S. Catholic hierarchy will not stay silent about politics this election year.
In an appearance Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," Pelosi said "doctors of the church" have not been able to define when life begins and that "over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy."
Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, citing the teaching responsibility entrusted to bishops, issued a statement late Monday that read, in part: "Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable."
Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput and his auxiliary bishop, James Conley, said in a statement posted on the archdiocesan Web site: "Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is a gifted public servant of strong convictions and many professional skills. Regrettably, knowledge of Catholic history and teaching does not seem to be one of them."
Abortion "is always gravely evil, and so are the evasions employed to justify it," the statement continued.
Over the weekend, Chaput said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that Democratic vice presidential nominee-in-waiting Sen. Joseph Biden should refrain from receiving Communion because of his abortion stance.
A Pelosi spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Late Nite Jokes
Jay Leno
The Olympics on NBC was the most watched TV show in the history of television. The least watched shows on television? Anything on NBC after the Olympics.
How about that one American female competitor who got robbed of her silver medal? What was her name? Oh — Hillary Clinton.
At the Democratic Convention in Denver, both Bill and Hillary Clinton will be speaking . . . not to each other, of course . . .
Barack Obama sent out a text message for his vice president choice at 3 a.m. He told everyone he picked Joe Biden. How do you think that made Hillary Clinton feel? She finally gets that 3 a.m. call — and it’s to tell her they picked Joe Biden.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Ways to Make the Democratic National Convention More Fun
10. Offer John McCain $1 million if he correctly guesses how many homes he owns
9. Every night, one lucky lady gets to go home with John Edwards
8. In honor of party mascot, serve assortment of delicious donkey and mule treats
7. Each delegate gets a kitty . . . superdelegates get a super kitty!
6. Special appearance by the exhumed remains of Lyndon Johnson
5. Call the Pepsi Center something crazy like the Bird's Nest or the Water Cube
4. Give John Kerry's crazy wife five minutes to say whatever she wants
3. Kick things off with a song from Dennis Kucinich
2. Five words: hot volleyball babes in bikinis
1. Try to squeeze Al Gore into the same suit he wore at the 2000 convention
David Letterman
During the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, Michael Phelps won two more gold medals.
From the Olympics on to the Democratic Convention in Denver. The theme of this year’s convention is unity. Unfortunately they can’t agree on how it works . . .
The Democratic National Convention is in Denver, and security is tight. It’s very tight. It is tighter than Nancy Pelosi’s face.
Joe Biden is Barack Obama’s running mate. Nothing says change like a guy who’s been in the Senate for 35 years.
Conan O'Brien
This week, Barack Obama is going to give his acceptance speech, and reportedly, it will include performances by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen . . . and they say Obama isn’t black enough.
Tomorrow night at the convention, to show support of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton is going to give a speech. Hillary’s speech is entitled, “Forget All Those Things I Said During the Primaries.”
The current issue of Newsweek magazine has a picture of President Bush on the cover with the headline, “What Bush Got Right.” Newsweek says “What Bush Got Right” is the shortest cover story since January’s issue on famous Korean rabbis.
Jay Leno
The Olympics on NBC was the most watched TV show in the history of television. The least watched shows on television? Anything on NBC after the Olympics.
How about that one American female competitor who got robbed of her silver medal? What was her name? Oh — Hillary Clinton.
At the Democratic Convention in Denver, both Bill and Hillary Clinton will be speaking . . . not to each other, of course . . .
Barack Obama sent out a text message for his vice president choice at 3 a.m. He told everyone he picked Joe Biden. How do you think that made Hillary Clinton feel? She finally gets that 3 a.m. call — and it’s to tell her they picked Joe Biden.
Late Show Top Ten
Top Ten Ways to Make the Democratic National Convention More Fun
10. Offer John McCain $1 million if he correctly guesses how many homes he owns
9. Every night, one lucky lady gets to go home with John Edwards
8. In honor of party mascot, serve assortment of delicious donkey and mule treats
7. Each delegate gets a kitty . . . superdelegates get a super kitty!
6. Special appearance by the exhumed remains of Lyndon Johnson
5. Call the Pepsi Center something crazy like the Bird's Nest or the Water Cube
4. Give John Kerry's crazy wife five minutes to say whatever she wants
3. Kick things off with a song from Dennis Kucinich
2. Five words: hot volleyball babes in bikinis
1. Try to squeeze Al Gore into the same suit he wore at the 2000 convention
David Letterman
During the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, Michael Phelps won two more gold medals.
From the Olympics on to the Democratic Convention in Denver. The theme of this year’s convention is unity. Unfortunately they can’t agree on how it works . . .
The Democratic National Convention is in Denver, and security is tight. It’s very tight. It is tighter than Nancy Pelosi’s face.
Joe Biden is Barack Obama’s running mate. Nothing says change like a guy who’s been in the Senate for 35 years.
Conan O'Brien
This week, Barack Obama is going to give his acceptance speech, and reportedly, it will include performances by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen . . . and they say Obama isn’t black enough.
Tomorrow night at the convention, to show support of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton is going to give a speech. Hillary’s speech is entitled, “Forget All Those Things I Said During the Primaries.”
The current issue of Newsweek magazine has a picture of President Bush on the cover with the headline, “What Bush Got Right.” Newsweek says “What Bush Got Right” is the shortest cover story since January’s issue on famous Korean rabbis.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Critics Slam Elizabeth Edwards for Silence on Affair
RALEIGH, N.C. — Two weeks after a devastating revelation sent her husband into political exile, Elizabeth Edwards isn't getting the steady sympathy usually afforded to a woman scorned.
Instead, she's faced criticism from dedicated Democrats who think she was too willing to keep the affair a secret to help John Edwards' political ambitions, as well as her own.
At a time when she was expected to hold a prominent role in pushing an agenda of improved health care for Americans, she stands silent. While fellow Democrats converge in Denver to nominate Barack Obama for president, Edwards remains in seclusion in North Carolina.
It seems an odd way to treat a woman with incurable cancer wronged by a cheating husband, the latest in a series of deep hardships in life that includes the death of a teenage son.
But some former followers have questioned the recklessness of keeping the affair under wraps even though her husband — a former U.S. senator, two-time presidential candidate and the 2004 vice presidential nominee — said he confessed the affair in 2006, before the campaign began in earnest the next year.
"I think she's complicit," said Brad Crone, a Raleigh-based Democratic consultant. "Obviously, she knew. While she's the victim, she clearly didn't stand in the way of the cover-up."
It wasn't until earlier this month that John Edwards acknowledged publicly he'd had an affair with Rielle Hunter, a rookie filmmaker hired by his political action committee.
On a liberal blog that Elizabeth Edwards frequents, she explained why she stayed silent after her husband told her of the affair: "This was our private matter, and I frankly wanted it to be private because as painful as it was I did not want to have to play it out on a public stage as well."
Many people have come to know Elizabeth Edwards, 59, as a more forthright, revealing woman.
She wrote a memoir in 2007 that brought readers into the most wrenching moments of her life — the death of the couple's 16-year-old son and her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis. An attorney who worked in private practice and also taught at the University of North Carolina's law school, she first found out about the cancer the day after her husband and John Kerry lost their bid for the White House four years ago.
She has always had a passion for politics. Known for routinely writing about health care policy on the Internet, she has served as a visiting fellow at Harvard, where she held discussions with students and gave a speech after her husband dropped from the presidential race earlier this year. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said in June he would be "partnering" with her on health care policy, and she was expected to serve as a campaign voice to challenge Republican candidate John McCain on the issue.
Yet during a visit to North Carolina two weeks after Edwards admitted to cheating on his wife, Obama didn't mention Elizabeth Edwards — or her husband.
"It's a setback for both of them," said Chris Lehane, a Democratic consultant who helped President Clinton through his cheating scandal. "The question for her — as well as for him — is what is their foundation? What gives them a platform to engage in public issues?
"Their big challenge is convincing people that they will continue to be active in politics and they're going to continue to have a voice."
In a post on the liberal blog Daily Kos, where Edwards has her own diary, she pleaded for privacy and later seemed to explain why she stuck by her spouse and his presidential ambitions.
"An imperfect man with a truly progressive vision who spoke to and for those whom others ignored? Yes, that is who I supported," she wrote. "An imperfect man who had come to face his own imperfections and was seeking to redeem himself to those closest to him? Yes, that is who I supported."
Some responded to the affair with words of kindness, while others angrily suggested that keeping the secret was no less a sin that the one committed by her philandering husband.
"She knew she should not have participated in him running for president with this bomb waiting to go off. She did. She kinda loses my sympathy," wrote one poster.
"I believe we are all owed a huge apology, not self-serving claims for pity by both John and Elizabeth Edwards, who both knew about the affair and both decided to go forward and seek the Democratic candidacy, regardless of the Titanic risk," wrote another.
Elizabeth Edwards is famously a denizen of the Internet. But she has not posted under her own name at Daily Kos since that day, nor has she posted anything on the Web site of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington where she writes about health care.
A spokeswoman for the center, Andrea Purse, said Elizabeth Edwards still has a job there, but declined to comment further about her future role. Both Elizabeth and John Edwards have refused several requests for an interview.
Since her husband's admission, the only window into what Elizabeth Edwards has been thinking came from a People magazine interview with her brother and a close friend. They said she decided not to leave her husband, in part, because she is a mother of two young children fighting a cancer that has spread to her bone and cannot be cured.
"There was anguish — excruciating anguish — for her in dealing with this," Hargrave McElroy, a friend, told the magazine. "She was angry and furious and everything, but at one point she had to make a choice: Do I kick him out, or do we have a 30-year marriage that can be rebuilt."
If the story was engineered to defend Edwards' decision, it has failed to create an outpouring of understanding.
"I thought it was very naive on both their parts," said Betsy Wells, who was an Edwards delegate at the Democratic convention four years ago and worked for each of his three campaigns for office. "It would be very sad if he were the nominee of our party right now."
RALEIGH, N.C. — Two weeks after a devastating revelation sent her husband into political exile, Elizabeth Edwards isn't getting the steady sympathy usually afforded to a woman scorned.
Instead, she's faced criticism from dedicated Democrats who think she was too willing to keep the affair a secret to help John Edwards' political ambitions, as well as her own.
At a time when she was expected to hold a prominent role in pushing an agenda of improved health care for Americans, she stands silent. While fellow Democrats converge in Denver to nominate Barack Obama for president, Edwards remains in seclusion in North Carolina.
It seems an odd way to treat a woman with incurable cancer wronged by a cheating husband, the latest in a series of deep hardships in life that includes the death of a teenage son.
But some former followers have questioned the recklessness of keeping the affair under wraps even though her husband — a former U.S. senator, two-time presidential candidate and the 2004 vice presidential nominee — said he confessed the affair in 2006, before the campaign began in earnest the next year.
"I think she's complicit," said Brad Crone, a Raleigh-based Democratic consultant. "Obviously, she knew. While she's the victim, she clearly didn't stand in the way of the cover-up."
It wasn't until earlier this month that John Edwards acknowledged publicly he'd had an affair with Rielle Hunter, a rookie filmmaker hired by his political action committee.
On a liberal blog that Elizabeth Edwards frequents, she explained why she stayed silent after her husband told her of the affair: "This was our private matter, and I frankly wanted it to be private because as painful as it was I did not want to have to play it out on a public stage as well."
Many people have come to know Elizabeth Edwards, 59, as a more forthright, revealing woman.
She wrote a memoir in 2007 that brought readers into the most wrenching moments of her life — the death of the couple's 16-year-old son and her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis. An attorney who worked in private practice and also taught at the University of North Carolina's law school, she first found out about the cancer the day after her husband and John Kerry lost their bid for the White House four years ago.
She has always had a passion for politics. Known for routinely writing about health care policy on the Internet, she has served as a visiting fellow at Harvard, where she held discussions with students and gave a speech after her husband dropped from the presidential race earlier this year. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said in June he would be "partnering" with her on health care policy, and she was expected to serve as a campaign voice to challenge Republican candidate John McCain on the issue.
Yet during a visit to North Carolina two weeks after Edwards admitted to cheating on his wife, Obama didn't mention Elizabeth Edwards — or her husband.
"It's a setback for both of them," said Chris Lehane, a Democratic consultant who helped President Clinton through his cheating scandal. "The question for her — as well as for him — is what is their foundation? What gives them a platform to engage in public issues?
"Their big challenge is convincing people that they will continue to be active in politics and they're going to continue to have a voice."
In a post on the liberal blog Daily Kos, where Edwards has her own diary, she pleaded for privacy and later seemed to explain why she stuck by her spouse and his presidential ambitions.
"An imperfect man with a truly progressive vision who spoke to and for those whom others ignored? Yes, that is who I supported," she wrote. "An imperfect man who had come to face his own imperfections and was seeking to redeem himself to those closest to him? Yes, that is who I supported."
Some responded to the affair with words of kindness, while others angrily suggested that keeping the secret was no less a sin that the one committed by her philandering husband.
"She knew she should not have participated in him running for president with this bomb waiting to go off. She did. She kinda loses my sympathy," wrote one poster.
"I believe we are all owed a huge apology, not self-serving claims for pity by both John and Elizabeth Edwards, who both knew about the affair and both decided to go forward and seek the Democratic candidacy, regardless of the Titanic risk," wrote another.
Elizabeth Edwards is famously a denizen of the Internet. But she has not posted under her own name at Daily Kos since that day, nor has she posted anything on the Web site of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington where she writes about health care.
A spokeswoman for the center, Andrea Purse, said Elizabeth Edwards still has a job there, but declined to comment further about her future role. Both Elizabeth and John Edwards have refused several requests for an interview.
Since her husband's admission, the only window into what Elizabeth Edwards has been thinking came from a People magazine interview with her brother and a close friend. They said she decided not to leave her husband, in part, because she is a mother of two young children fighting a cancer that has spread to her bone and cannot be cured.
"There was anguish — excruciating anguish — for her in dealing with this," Hargrave McElroy, a friend, told the magazine. "She was angry and furious and everything, but at one point she had to make a choice: Do I kick him out, or do we have a 30-year marriage that can be rebuilt."
If the story was engineered to defend Edwards' decision, it has failed to create an outpouring of understanding.
"I thought it was very naive on both their parts," said Betsy Wells, who was an Edwards delegate at the Democratic convention four years ago and worked for each of his three campaigns for office. "It would be very sad if he were the nominee of our party right now."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Obama Camp Downplays Clinton Backers at Convention
DENVER -- Barack Obama's campaign dismissed concerns about the impact of die-hard supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton on the choreographed show of unity Democrats were opening Monday at their nominating convention.
Opening night at the Pepsi Center, the main venue for the four-day Democratic National Convention, aimed to tell the Illinois senator's personal story to the millions of voters nationwide who will begin tuning in to the presidential campaign. Obama's wife, Michelle, was the evening's keynote speaker.
An emotional highlight was expected to come with a video tribute to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. The liberal stalwart was diagnosed in May with a malignant brain tumor and has had surgery and a six-week course of chemotherapy and radiation.
Behind the scenes, however, polls showing significant Clinton support still being denied to Obama and pro-Clinton demonstrations at offsite venues were creating a different kind of anticipation. Clinton has backed Obama and was scheduled to speak Tuesday night.
"There are a lot of delegates here who had passionate choices in an extended primary season," Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs told "Today" on NBC. "We feel confidant that if we can demonstrate a record of change, a record of vision ... a team of Barack Obama and Joe Biden can convince Democrats, Republicans and independents to support a ticket of change in November."
Republican candidate John McCain tried to widen any schism remaining between primary-season rivals with a TV ad featuring a Clinton supporter who now backs McCain over Obama.
"She had the experience and judgment to be president," says Debra Bartoshevich, identified by the McCain campaign as a former Clinton delegate. Of McCain, she says: "I respect his maverick and independent streak, and now he's the one with the experience and judgment. A lot of Democrats will vote McCain. It's OK, really!"
Most Democratic delegates were putting the rough-and-tumble primary contest behind them and focusing on electing the first black presidential nominee of a major political party. The night was turned over to Michelle Obama, the candidate's wife of nearly 16 years, to allow the potential first lady a prime-time speech meant to serve a dual purpose: humanize Obama and show up her own critics before her largest audience yet.
With Democrats and convention delegates streaming to the Mile High City, party officials worked to assure a harmonious week.
Clinton was expected by midweek to release the delegates she won in primaries and caucuses and encourage them to support her former rival.
And by unanimous vote, the party's credentials committee restored full voting rights to delegates from Florida and Michigan. The party had stripped both states of their voting rights for holding primaries before the rules said they could. The committee vote was taken at Obama's behest, and Democrats hope the goodwill gesture will help improve their standing in two important states.
Obama, slowly making his way to Denver via a tour of battleground states, said Sunday that one of his goals is for voters to come away from the convention thinking he is one of them. His uncommon name and family background still concern some voters.
"I think what you'll conclude is, 'He's sort of like us,'" Obama said in Eau Claire, Wis. "'He comes from a middle-class background. He went to school on scholarships. He had to pay off student loans. He and his wife had to worry about child care. They had to figure out how to start a college fund for their kids."
Republicans seek to portray Obama as an Ivy-league-educated elitist. His background _ white mother from Kansas, black father from Kenya, raised in Hawaii and Indonesia _ has been grist for the rumor mill, leading some voters to believe he is a Muslim or unpatriotic.
Obama closes the convention Thursday night when the action shifts to Invesco Field at Mile High stadium, where the 47-year-old, first-term senator will give his speech accepting the nomination from the 50-yard line. He said Sunday he was "still tooling around with my speech a little bit."
He is scheduled to campaign Monday in Iowa.
McCain, meanwhile, wasn't disappearing from the campaign trail entirely. He was using an appearance Monday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and newspaper interviews to stay in touch with voters. And, there's continued interest in his choice of a running mate.
Inside the Pepsi Center, sound technicians made final preparations to the high-tech stage and conducted one final rehearsal after working six days a week for seven weeks to set everything up. Up in the rafters behind the stage were large plastic bags stuffed with signs mounted on white cardboard tube handles that spelled "M-I-C-H-E-L-L-E" vertically in white against a blue background.
Besides Michelle Obama, other speakers Monday night include Barack Obama's sister, Maya Soetero-Ng, and Craig Robinson, his brother-in-law. The schedule includes a surprise speaker, former Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa, a Republican moderate who broke ranks with his party this month and endorsed Obama.
DENVER -- Barack Obama's campaign dismissed concerns about the impact of die-hard supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton on the choreographed show of unity Democrats were opening Monday at their nominating convention.
Opening night at the Pepsi Center, the main venue for the four-day Democratic National Convention, aimed to tell the Illinois senator's personal story to the millions of voters nationwide who will begin tuning in to the presidential campaign. Obama's wife, Michelle, was the evening's keynote speaker.
An emotional highlight was expected to come with a video tribute to Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. The liberal stalwart was diagnosed in May with a malignant brain tumor and has had surgery and a six-week course of chemotherapy and radiation.
Behind the scenes, however, polls showing significant Clinton support still being denied to Obama and pro-Clinton demonstrations at offsite venues were creating a different kind of anticipation. Clinton has backed Obama and was scheduled to speak Tuesday night.
"There are a lot of delegates here who had passionate choices in an extended primary season," Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs told "Today" on NBC. "We feel confidant that if we can demonstrate a record of change, a record of vision ... a team of Barack Obama and Joe Biden can convince Democrats, Republicans and independents to support a ticket of change in November."
Republican candidate John McCain tried to widen any schism remaining between primary-season rivals with a TV ad featuring a Clinton supporter who now backs McCain over Obama.
"She had the experience and judgment to be president," says Debra Bartoshevich, identified by the McCain campaign as a former Clinton delegate. Of McCain, she says: "I respect his maverick and independent streak, and now he's the one with the experience and judgment. A lot of Democrats will vote McCain. It's OK, really!"
Most Democratic delegates were putting the rough-and-tumble primary contest behind them and focusing on electing the first black presidential nominee of a major political party. The night was turned over to Michelle Obama, the candidate's wife of nearly 16 years, to allow the potential first lady a prime-time speech meant to serve a dual purpose: humanize Obama and show up her own critics before her largest audience yet.
With Democrats and convention delegates streaming to the Mile High City, party officials worked to assure a harmonious week.
Clinton was expected by midweek to release the delegates she won in primaries and caucuses and encourage them to support her former rival.
And by unanimous vote, the party's credentials committee restored full voting rights to delegates from Florida and Michigan. The party had stripped both states of their voting rights for holding primaries before the rules said they could. The committee vote was taken at Obama's behest, and Democrats hope the goodwill gesture will help improve their standing in two important states.
Obama, slowly making his way to Denver via a tour of battleground states, said Sunday that one of his goals is for voters to come away from the convention thinking he is one of them. His uncommon name and family background still concern some voters.
"I think what you'll conclude is, 'He's sort of like us,'" Obama said in Eau Claire, Wis. "'He comes from a middle-class background. He went to school on scholarships. He had to pay off student loans. He and his wife had to worry about child care. They had to figure out how to start a college fund for their kids."
Republicans seek to portray Obama as an Ivy-league-educated elitist. His background _ white mother from Kansas, black father from Kenya, raised in Hawaii and Indonesia _ has been grist for the rumor mill, leading some voters to believe he is a Muslim or unpatriotic.
Obama closes the convention Thursday night when the action shifts to Invesco Field at Mile High stadium, where the 47-year-old, first-term senator will give his speech accepting the nomination from the 50-yard line. He said Sunday he was "still tooling around with my speech a little bit."
He is scheduled to campaign Monday in Iowa.
McCain, meanwhile, wasn't disappearing from the campaign trail entirely. He was using an appearance Monday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and newspaper interviews to stay in touch with voters. And, there's continued interest in his choice of a running mate.
Inside the Pepsi Center, sound technicians made final preparations to the high-tech stage and conducted one final rehearsal after working six days a week for seven weeks to set everything up. Up in the rafters behind the stage were large plastic bags stuffed with signs mounted on white cardboard tube handles that spelled "M-I-C-H-E-L-L-E" vertically in white against a blue background.
Besides Michelle Obama, other speakers Monday night include Barack Obama's sister, Maya Soetero-Ng, and Craig Robinson, his brother-in-law. The schedule includes a surprise speaker, former Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa, a Republican moderate who broke ranks with his party this month and endorsed Obama.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Obama Taps Biden to Be Running Mate
WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate early Saturday, balancing his ticket with a seasoned congressional veteran well-versed in foreign policy and defense issues.
Obama made an announced his decision on his website and moments later in a text message to supporters.
"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee," the text message said.
WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vice presidential running mate early Saturday, balancing his ticket with a seasoned congressional veteran well-versed in foreign policy and defense issues.
Obama made an announced his decision on his website and moments later in a text message to supporters.
"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee," the text message said.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Obama Raps McCain for Ignorance of His Own Houses
John McCain may have created his own housing crisis. Hours after a report that the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting didn't know how many homes he and his multimillionaire wife own, Democratic rival Barack Obama launched a national TV ad and a series of campaign stops aimed at portraying McCain as wealthy and out of touch.
With the economy the top issue in the race, Obama sought to turn McCain's gaffe into one of those symbolic moments that stick in voters' minds.
Think John Kerry sailboarding or the first President Bush wowed by a grocery store checkout scanner, Michael Dukakis riding in a tank or Gerald Ford eating a tamale with the husk still on.
"I think — I'll have my staff get to you," McCain told Politico when asked Wednesday how many houses he owns. "It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."
Later, the McCain campaign told Politico that McCain and his wife, Cindy, have at least four in three states — Arizona, California and Virginia.
Property records reviewed by The Associated Press show McCain and his family appear to own at least eight homes: A ranch and two condos in Arizona; three condos in Coronado, Calif.; a condo in La Jolla, Calif.; and another in Arlington, Va. The number of houses is a bit trickier to determine since the ranch has at least four houses and a two-story cabin on it.
Last week McCain cracked that being rich in the U.S. meant earning at least $5 million a year. His latest comments gave Democrats an opportunity to suggest that McCain cannot relate to ordinary voters.
Campaigning in Chester, Va., Obama said: "I guess if you think being rich means you've got to make $5 million and if you don't know how many houses you have, it's not surprising you might think the economy is fundamentally strong." He returned to the McCain remark later, saying of teachers: "Most teachers hold themselves accountable. They didn't go into teaching to make money. They don't have seven houses."
The Obama campaign also announced 16 campaign events across the country to highlight the comment and try to turn the tables on McCain's effort to cast him as an elitist. In the battleground state of Michigan, Obama's campaign asked volunteers to guess how many houses McCain owns, a contest dubbed, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: McCain Edition."
While both sides are trying cast the other as too rich to understand the working class, the truth is neither candidate is hurting for money.
McCain's tax returns showed a total income of $405,409 in 2007. According to her 2006 tax returns, Cindy McCain had a total income of $6 million. Her wealth is estimated by some at $100 million, based on her late father's Arizona beer distributorship. She has not released her 2007 returns, which she files separately from her husband.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, reported making $4.2 million in 2007.
In the 2004 campaign, Republicans tried to use wealth against Kerry even though President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were multimillionaires themselves. In 2005, Kerry reported a net worth between $165 million and $235 million, most of it controlled by his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Underscoring how seriously the McCain campaign takes the house controversy, the Republican National Committee responded with a Web site highlighting Obama's ties to Chicago businessman Antonin "Tony" Rezko, a friend and contributor who was convicted in June on more than a dozen felonies in a corruption scandal.
Obama and his wife bought their home in Chicago in 2005 for $1.6 million after getting advice from Rezko. The corruption case had no connection to Obama, and Obama has said it was a mistake to work with Rezko on buying the house.
"Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses?" asked McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers.
However, the campaign got one thing wrong: Hawaii has no private beaches. Obama, who was born in Hawaii and spent most of his youth there, visited relatives during a recent vacation and joined the public swimming and surfing in the ocean.
In a forum last week with the Rev. Rick Warren, McCain was asked to define the word "rich" and to give a figure. After promoting his tax policies, McCain said: "I think if you are just talking about income, how about $5 million?" The audience laughed, and he added: "But seriously, I don't think you can — I don't think seriously that — the point is that I'm trying to make here, seriously — and I'm sure that comment will be distorted — but the point is that we want to keep people's taxes low and increase revenues."
Asked the same question at the forum, Obama said those making $250,000 and higher are in the top 3 to 4 percent and "doing well."
John McCain may have created his own housing crisis. Hours after a report that the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting didn't know how many homes he and his multimillionaire wife own, Democratic rival Barack Obama launched a national TV ad and a series of campaign stops aimed at portraying McCain as wealthy and out of touch.
With the economy the top issue in the race, Obama sought to turn McCain's gaffe into one of those symbolic moments that stick in voters' minds.
Think John Kerry sailboarding or the first President Bush wowed by a grocery store checkout scanner, Michael Dukakis riding in a tank or Gerald Ford eating a tamale with the husk still on.
"I think — I'll have my staff get to you," McCain told Politico when asked Wednesday how many houses he owns. "It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."
Later, the McCain campaign told Politico that McCain and his wife, Cindy, have at least four in three states — Arizona, California and Virginia.
Property records reviewed by The Associated Press show McCain and his family appear to own at least eight homes: A ranch and two condos in Arizona; three condos in Coronado, Calif.; a condo in La Jolla, Calif.; and another in Arlington, Va. The number of houses is a bit trickier to determine since the ranch has at least four houses and a two-story cabin on it.
Last week McCain cracked that being rich in the U.S. meant earning at least $5 million a year. His latest comments gave Democrats an opportunity to suggest that McCain cannot relate to ordinary voters.
Campaigning in Chester, Va., Obama said: "I guess if you think being rich means you've got to make $5 million and if you don't know how many houses you have, it's not surprising you might think the economy is fundamentally strong." He returned to the McCain remark later, saying of teachers: "Most teachers hold themselves accountable. They didn't go into teaching to make money. They don't have seven houses."
The Obama campaign also announced 16 campaign events across the country to highlight the comment and try to turn the tables on McCain's effort to cast him as an elitist. In the battleground state of Michigan, Obama's campaign asked volunteers to guess how many houses McCain owns, a contest dubbed, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: McCain Edition."
While both sides are trying cast the other as too rich to understand the working class, the truth is neither candidate is hurting for money.
McCain's tax returns showed a total income of $405,409 in 2007. According to her 2006 tax returns, Cindy McCain had a total income of $6 million. Her wealth is estimated by some at $100 million, based on her late father's Arizona beer distributorship. She has not released her 2007 returns, which she files separately from her husband.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, reported making $4.2 million in 2007.
In the 2004 campaign, Republicans tried to use wealth against Kerry even though President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were multimillionaires themselves. In 2005, Kerry reported a net worth between $165 million and $235 million, most of it controlled by his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Underscoring how seriously the McCain campaign takes the house controversy, the Republican National Committee responded with a Web site highlighting Obama's ties to Chicago businessman Antonin "Tony" Rezko, a friend and contributor who was convicted in June on more than a dozen felonies in a corruption scandal.
Obama and his wife bought their home in Chicago in 2005 for $1.6 million after getting advice from Rezko. The corruption case had no connection to Obama, and Obama has said it was a mistake to work with Rezko on buying the house.
"Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses?" asked McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers.
However, the campaign got one thing wrong: Hawaii has no private beaches. Obama, who was born in Hawaii and spent most of his youth there, visited relatives during a recent vacation and joined the public swimming and surfing in the ocean.
In a forum last week with the Rev. Rick Warren, McCain was asked to define the word "rich" and to give a figure. After promoting his tax policies, McCain said: "I think if you are just talking about income, how about $5 million?" The audience laughed, and he added: "But seriously, I don't think you can — I don't think seriously that — the point is that I'm trying to make here, seriously — and I'm sure that comment will be distorted — but the point is that we want to keep people's taxes low and increase revenues."
Asked the same question at the forum, Obama said those making $250,000 and higher are in the top 3 to 4 percent and "doing well."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Biden Is Democratic Favorite for Obama's No. 2
CHICAGO -- Sen. Joe Biden has emerged as the favorite among Democrats to be Barack Obama's running mate for his understanding of foreign policy in grave global times and his fighting spirit against the rival Republican ticket.
Obama is keeping his decision quiet, but his staff in Chicago and party activists who await a decision are buzzing about Biden in large part because he can address two of Obama's biggest weaknesses _ his lack of experience, especially on world affairs, and his reluctance to go on the attack. The speculation is less of an indicator of whether Biden will ultimately be Obama's pick, and more of a recognition of the challenges their candidate faces at this pivotal moment in the race.
Obama plans to appear with his newly selected running mate Saturday, with the pick announced via text message to supporters. Obama also is widely thought to be considering Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana.
Biden, 65, was first elected to represent Delaware in 1972, when Obama was 11 years old and half the people living in the United States today weren't born yet. He is a curious front-runner for running mate for a candidate who won the primary by arguing he would be a fresh outsider who could bring change to Washington.
Biden is a charismatic and hard-charging campaigner with a compelling personal story _ his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident a few weeks after he was first elected, but two sons survived serious injuries in the same crash. Biden commuted home to Wilmington from each day in the Senate to care for them, a practice he still continues to this day. The oldest son, Beau, is now Delaware's attorney general and a National Guard member whose unit is being deployed to Iraq in October.
Biden got another scare 10 years ago, when two brain aneurysms kept him out of the Senate for several months.
Biden returned Monday from a trip to Georgia at the invitation of the embattled country's president, a well-timed reminder of the value he could bring to Obama's ticket.
Fighting between Georgia and Russia has only increased the sense that Americans will turn to a leader who will be a strong international leader. McCain brings a military background and leadership on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Obama only has served three years in Washington, but Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he has served on for 33 years.
Also, polls show the race between Obama and GOP rival John McCain tightening, and Obama is responding by stepping up his attacks in speeches and commercials targeted to key states. Obama has never been entirely comfortable going negative, a move that threatens his call for civility in politics, but Biden has never shied from a fight.
"He's passionate, he's articulate and he's persuasive," said Democratic consultant Steve McMahon, among those who consider Biden Obama's smartest pick. "I think he would do for Senator Obama what Lyndon Johnson did for John Kennedy. He's got serious foreign policy experience, a long and distinguished Senate resume and he is one of the most effective surrogates that Senator Obama has right now who can go toe-to-toe with any Republican on any issue at any time."
Obama could have been describing Biden when he said in a speech Tuesday that he wants his running mate to be "somebody who is mad right now" about the state of the economy, an independent who will speak out when he's wrong and help him through major issues.
During the Democratic primary when he also ran for the presidential nomination, Biden often made the most memorable impression in debates even though he was barely registering in the polls. He got big laughs for accusing Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani for mentioning three things in every sentence _ "a noun, a verb, and 9/11" _ and also leveled barbs at Obama.
He said he didn't think Obama was ready to be president yet, saying it's "not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." He offended some blacks when on the first day as an official presidential candidate he tried to compliment Obama as "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean." He dropped out of the race after a poor showing in Iowa.
Republicans would be sure to revive Biden's criticisms of Obama and already envision a line of attack that says Obama is so inexperienced he needs a running mate who has been in Washington longer than McCain.
Biden is famous for being able to talk at length _ sometimes a mind-numbing length _ on any topic, but he has enhanced his standing in the vice presidential race by avoiding discussion of it.
Obama's running mate contenders have been instructed to be mum _ a trait that is not considered Biden's strong suit. But he has played by Obama's rules, denying that he was being vetted when he most likely was. He bluntly acknowledged he'd take the job if asked, while jokingly warning Obama might not want him.
"I made it clear to him and everybody else, I never worked for anybody in my life," he told reporters last month. "I got here when I was 29. I never had a boss. I don't know how I'd handle it."
He gave nothing away Wednesday, as reporters staked out his home in anticipation of the pick. The senator took a load of brush in the bed of a white Ford pickup truck to the dump. He returned about 2 1/2 hours later, saying he was going to be working on his property throughout the day and would have no further comment.
CHICAGO -- Sen. Joe Biden has emerged as the favorite among Democrats to be Barack Obama's running mate for his understanding of foreign policy in grave global times and his fighting spirit against the rival Republican ticket.
Obama is keeping his decision quiet, but his staff in Chicago and party activists who await a decision are buzzing about Biden in large part because he can address two of Obama's biggest weaknesses _ his lack of experience, especially on world affairs, and his reluctance to go on the attack. The speculation is less of an indicator of whether Biden will ultimately be Obama's pick, and more of a recognition of the challenges their candidate faces at this pivotal moment in the race.
Obama plans to appear with his newly selected running mate Saturday, with the pick announced via text message to supporters. Obama also is widely thought to be considering Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana.
Biden, 65, was first elected to represent Delaware in 1972, when Obama was 11 years old and half the people living in the United States today weren't born yet. He is a curious front-runner for running mate for a candidate who won the primary by arguing he would be a fresh outsider who could bring change to Washington.
Biden is a charismatic and hard-charging campaigner with a compelling personal story _ his wife and daughter were killed in a car accident a few weeks after he was first elected, but two sons survived serious injuries in the same crash. Biden commuted home to Wilmington from each day in the Senate to care for them, a practice he still continues to this day. The oldest son, Beau, is now Delaware's attorney general and a National Guard member whose unit is being deployed to Iraq in October.
Biden got another scare 10 years ago, when two brain aneurysms kept him out of the Senate for several months.
Biden returned Monday from a trip to Georgia at the invitation of the embattled country's president, a well-timed reminder of the value he could bring to Obama's ticket.
Fighting between Georgia and Russia has only increased the sense that Americans will turn to a leader who will be a strong international leader. McCain brings a military background and leadership on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Obama only has served three years in Washington, but Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he has served on for 33 years.
Also, polls show the race between Obama and GOP rival John McCain tightening, and Obama is responding by stepping up his attacks in speeches and commercials targeted to key states. Obama has never been entirely comfortable going negative, a move that threatens his call for civility in politics, but Biden has never shied from a fight.
"He's passionate, he's articulate and he's persuasive," said Democratic consultant Steve McMahon, among those who consider Biden Obama's smartest pick. "I think he would do for Senator Obama what Lyndon Johnson did for John Kennedy. He's got serious foreign policy experience, a long and distinguished Senate resume and he is one of the most effective surrogates that Senator Obama has right now who can go toe-to-toe with any Republican on any issue at any time."
Obama could have been describing Biden when he said in a speech Tuesday that he wants his running mate to be "somebody who is mad right now" about the state of the economy, an independent who will speak out when he's wrong and help him through major issues.
During the Democratic primary when he also ran for the presidential nomination, Biden often made the most memorable impression in debates even though he was barely registering in the polls. He got big laughs for accusing Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani for mentioning three things in every sentence _ "a noun, a verb, and 9/11" _ and also leveled barbs at Obama.
He said he didn't think Obama was ready to be president yet, saying it's "not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." He offended some blacks when on the first day as an official presidential candidate he tried to compliment Obama as "the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean." He dropped out of the race after a poor showing in Iowa.
Republicans would be sure to revive Biden's criticisms of Obama and already envision a line of attack that says Obama is so inexperienced he needs a running mate who has been in Washington longer than McCain.
Biden is famous for being able to talk at length _ sometimes a mind-numbing length _ on any topic, but he has enhanced his standing in the vice presidential race by avoiding discussion of it.
Obama's running mate contenders have been instructed to be mum _ a trait that is not considered Biden's strong suit. But he has played by Obama's rules, denying that he was being vetted when he most likely was. He bluntly acknowledged he'd take the job if asked, while jokingly warning Obama might not want him.
"I made it clear to him and everybody else, I never worked for anybody in my life," he told reporters last month. "I got here when I was 29. I never had a boss. I don't know how I'd handle it."
He gave nothing away Wednesday, as reporters staked out his home in anticipation of the pick. The senator took a load of brush in the bed of a white Ford pickup truck to the dump. He returned about 2 1/2 hours later, saying he was going to be working on his property throughout the day and would have no further comment.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Obama: McCain Should Stop Questioning Character
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Democrat Barack Obama challenged his Republican opponent John McCain on Tuesday to stop questioning his "character and patriotism."
Addressing the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, Obama reaffirmed his early opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and said the so-called "surge" strategy of sending 30,000 additional troops to Iraq last year had not produced the political reconciliation necessary to achieve lasting peace in the country. McCain supported the Iraq invasion and was an early champion of the surge.
"These are the judgments I've made and the policies that we have to debate, because we do have differences in this election," Obama said. "One of the things that we have to change in this country is the idea that people can't disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism. I have never suggested that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition. I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now, it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.
"Let me be clear: I will let no one question my love of this country," Obama said to applause.
McCain stood before the same audience a day earlier and said Obama "tried to legislate failure" in the Iraq war and had put his ambition to be president above the interests of the United States. He said the Illinois senator did this by pushing for a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq and by voting in the Senate against a major appropriations bill to help fund the troop increase.
A decorated Vietnam war veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Arizona senator has sharply questioned whether the 47-year old Obama has the experience and character necessary to serve as commander in chief.
McCain has also spoken out strongly against Russia's invasion of the Republic of Georgia, using Obama's absence from the campaign trail last week when he was on vacation in Hawaii to take a hard line against the Russian government. His tough talk led some of Obama's foreign policy advisers to suggest McCain may have complicated the conflict.
Obama strongly condemned Russia's actions Tuesday but said the U.S. involvement in Iraq had imperiled U.S. ability to take a leadership role in the matter.
"We failed to head off this conflict and lost leverage in our ability to contain it because our leaders have been distracted, our resources overstretched, and our alliances frayed," Obama said.
The Illinois senator also praised Joseph Biden, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman thought to be among the top contenders to be Obama's running mate, for calling for an additional $1 billion for reconstruction projects in Georgia.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Democrat Barack Obama challenged his Republican opponent John McCain on Tuesday to stop questioning his "character and patriotism."
Addressing the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, Obama reaffirmed his early opposition to the U.S. invasion of Iraq and said the so-called "surge" strategy of sending 30,000 additional troops to Iraq last year had not produced the political reconciliation necessary to achieve lasting peace in the country. McCain supported the Iraq invasion and was an early champion of the surge.
"These are the judgments I've made and the policies that we have to debate, because we do have differences in this election," Obama said. "One of the things that we have to change in this country is the idea that people can't disagree without challenging each other's character and patriotism. I have never suggested that Sen. McCain picks his positions on national security based on politics or personal ambition. I have not suggested it because I believe that he genuinely wants to serve America's national interest. Now, it's time for him to acknowledge that I want to do the same.
"Let me be clear: I will let no one question my love of this country," Obama said to applause.
McCain stood before the same audience a day earlier and said Obama "tried to legislate failure" in the Iraq war and had put his ambition to be president above the interests of the United States. He said the Illinois senator did this by pushing for a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq and by voting in the Senate against a major appropriations bill to help fund the troop increase.
A decorated Vietnam war veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Arizona senator has sharply questioned whether the 47-year old Obama has the experience and character necessary to serve as commander in chief.
McCain has also spoken out strongly against Russia's invasion of the Republic of Georgia, using Obama's absence from the campaign trail last week when he was on vacation in Hawaii to take a hard line against the Russian government. His tough talk led some of Obama's foreign policy advisers to suggest McCain may have complicated the conflict.
Obama strongly condemned Russia's actions Tuesday but said the U.S. involvement in Iraq had imperiled U.S. ability to take a leadership role in the matter.
"We failed to head off this conflict and lost leverage in our ability to contain it because our leaders have been distracted, our resources overstretched, and our alliances frayed," Obama said.
The Illinois senator also praised Joseph Biden, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman thought to be among the top contenders to be Obama's running mate, for calling for an additional $1 billion for reconstruction projects in Georgia.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
McCain Touts Drilling Agenda From Oil Platform
ABOARD THE CHEVRON GENESIS -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited this oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday to call for increased offshore drilling that he claims would lower the cost of food and heating homes.
McCain traveled 130 miles by helicopter to tour the massive facility, which produces 10,000 barrels of oil each day. He criticized his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, for not supporting such a plan.
"He says it won't solve our problem and that it's, quote, not real. He's wrong and the American people know it," McCain told reporters.
Obama's campaign, meanwhile, called the four-hour excursion nothing more than a stunt. Obama supporter and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack compared McCain's position to the "Beverly Hillbillies" television program where the main character _ Jed Clampett _ stumbles onto an oil gusher. McCain, he said, has "a Jed Clampett energy policy."
McCain and his aides believe the pocketbook approach can connect with voters _ and, in turn, suggest that Obama wants people to pay more for gas, food and heating.
"Americans across our country are hurting, as we all know, because of the cost of energy," McCain said aboard the rig. "Gas prices are through the roof. Energy costs have seeped into our grocery bills, making it more expensive to feed our families. Now as we prepare for the winter, it's time for us to be more serious about our home heating oil needs. ... And that means we need to start drilling offshore, at advanced oil rigs like this one."
As gas prices approached $4 a gallon, both McCain and Obama tempered their past opposition to increased offshore drilling. McCain cited high prices for the turnabout, and Obama said he would consider more offshore drilling only if it were part of a comprehensive energy package.
During an hourlong tour that took him up and down the mobile factory, McCain visited with workers and was shown how it collects fuel, separates the natural gas from the oil, and ships it back to the mainland through pipes.
"We need to drill offshore and we need to do it now. If I were president, I would call Congress back into session and tell them to get to work," he said.
Congress left the latest version of its energy bill hanging before taking its summer vacation.
New domestic oil and gas production has been the mantra of the McCain and congressional Republican energy agenda. McCain has called repeatedly for lifting the drilling bans covering the federal Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the eastern Gulf of Mexico for the past 27 years.
Experts note that lifting the offshore drilling bans, even if accomplished early in a McCain presidency, would not produce any oil for five to seven years.
McCain himself acknowledged drilling "will not solve this problem alone." He also emphasized need for other technologies, such as nuclear, wind and clean coal.
McCain's visit came a day ahead of the Minerals Management Service's lease sale in New Orleans to auction off 18 million acres of the western Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas drilling. The tracts could potentially yield as much as 400 million barrels of oil, but that amount would only meet the nation's oil needs for about 19 days, and it would be at least seven to 10 years until oil started flowing.
Democrats, meanwhile, used the visit to return a snipe. After Obama suggested drivers inflate their tires to increase gas mileage, the Republican National Committee sent reporters tire gauges. The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday sent reporters stress balls in the shape of oil barrels and bumper stickers touting Exxon-McCain.
And liberal MoveOn.org's political action committee announced a $500,000 television ad buy in North Carolina to link Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina with McCain, noting both received donations from those in the energy sector.
ABOARD THE CHEVRON GENESIS -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain visited this oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday to call for increased offshore drilling that he claims would lower the cost of food and heating homes.
McCain traveled 130 miles by helicopter to tour the massive facility, which produces 10,000 barrels of oil each day. He criticized his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, for not supporting such a plan.
"He says it won't solve our problem and that it's, quote, not real. He's wrong and the American people know it," McCain told reporters.
Obama's campaign, meanwhile, called the four-hour excursion nothing more than a stunt. Obama supporter and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack compared McCain's position to the "Beverly Hillbillies" television program where the main character _ Jed Clampett _ stumbles onto an oil gusher. McCain, he said, has "a Jed Clampett energy policy."
McCain and his aides believe the pocketbook approach can connect with voters _ and, in turn, suggest that Obama wants people to pay more for gas, food and heating.
"Americans across our country are hurting, as we all know, because of the cost of energy," McCain said aboard the rig. "Gas prices are through the roof. Energy costs have seeped into our grocery bills, making it more expensive to feed our families. Now as we prepare for the winter, it's time for us to be more serious about our home heating oil needs. ... And that means we need to start drilling offshore, at advanced oil rigs like this one."
As gas prices approached $4 a gallon, both McCain and Obama tempered their past opposition to increased offshore drilling. McCain cited high prices for the turnabout, and Obama said he would consider more offshore drilling only if it were part of a comprehensive energy package.
During an hourlong tour that took him up and down the mobile factory, McCain visited with workers and was shown how it collects fuel, separates the natural gas from the oil, and ships it back to the mainland through pipes.
"We need to drill offshore and we need to do it now. If I were president, I would call Congress back into session and tell them to get to work," he said.
Congress left the latest version of its energy bill hanging before taking its summer vacation.
New domestic oil and gas production has been the mantra of the McCain and congressional Republican energy agenda. McCain has called repeatedly for lifting the drilling bans covering the federal Outer Continental Shelf off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the eastern Gulf of Mexico for the past 27 years.
Experts note that lifting the offshore drilling bans, even if accomplished early in a McCain presidency, would not produce any oil for five to seven years.
McCain himself acknowledged drilling "will not solve this problem alone." He also emphasized need for other technologies, such as nuclear, wind and clean coal.
McCain's visit came a day ahead of the Minerals Management Service's lease sale in New Orleans to auction off 18 million acres of the western Gulf of Mexico for oil and gas drilling. The tracts could potentially yield as much as 400 million barrels of oil, but that amount would only meet the nation's oil needs for about 19 days, and it would be at least seven to 10 years until oil started flowing.
Democrats, meanwhile, used the visit to return a snipe. After Obama suggested drivers inflate their tires to increase gas mileage, the Republican National Committee sent reporters tire gauges. The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday sent reporters stress balls in the shape of oil barrels and bumper stickers touting Exxon-McCain.
And liberal MoveOn.org's political action committee announced a $500,000 television ad buy in North Carolina to link Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina with McCain, noting both received donations from those in the energy sector.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Group Wants to Attack Obama On Abortion
RICHMOND, Va. — A group purporting to tell the "real truth" about Barack Obama's views on abortion wants a judge to rule it is not subject to federal election restrictions on fundraising and advertising.
The Real Truth About Obama Inc., a group formed by anti-abortion activists, is trying to establish a Web site and air radio ads. But the group's attorney says his clients fear they will be prosecuted for breaking federal rules that restrict fundraising and advertising by political action committees, or PACs.
The Richmond-based group argues it is not a PAC because it would be talking about an issue, not advocating Obama's defeat or election.
U.S. District Judge James Spencer has scheduled a Sept. 10 hearing on a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Federal Election Commission and Justice Department from imposing the restrictions.
"The Supreme Court has recently reaffirmed that you are free to discuss the petitions of candidates on issues and how officials have voted in office without being subject to campaign finance restrictions," said the organization's attorney, James Bopp Jr. of Terre Haute, Ind.
The high court, in a 5-4 decision last year, upheld a lower court's ruling that a Wisconsin anti-abortion group should have been allowed to air ads during the final two months before the 2004 election.
The Real Truth About Obama wants to post ads on its Web site and on the Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity talk shows in key states during the "electioneering communication" blackout period 60 days before the general election. The ad features an "Obama-like voice" saying he would make taxpayers pay for all abortions, ensure minors' abortions are concealed from their parents, appoint more liberal Supreme Court justices and legalize the late-term procedure that abortion opponents call "partial-birth" abortion.
A spokeswoman for Obama's campaign declined to respond to the organization's proposed ad. Obama supports abortion rights.
RICHMOND, Va. — A group purporting to tell the "real truth" about Barack Obama's views on abortion wants a judge to rule it is not subject to federal election restrictions on fundraising and advertising.
The Real Truth About Obama Inc., a group formed by anti-abortion activists, is trying to establish a Web site and air radio ads. But the group's attorney says his clients fear they will be prosecuted for breaking federal rules that restrict fundraising and advertising by political action committees, or PACs.
The Richmond-based group argues it is not a PAC because it would be talking about an issue, not advocating Obama's defeat or election.
U.S. District Judge James Spencer has scheduled a Sept. 10 hearing on a motion seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the Federal Election Commission and Justice Department from imposing the restrictions.
"The Supreme Court has recently reaffirmed that you are free to discuss the petitions of candidates on issues and how officials have voted in office without being subject to campaign finance restrictions," said the organization's attorney, James Bopp Jr. of Terre Haute, Ind.
The high court, in a 5-4 decision last year, upheld a lower court's ruling that a Wisconsin anti-abortion group should have been allowed to air ads during the final two months before the 2004 election.
The Real Truth About Obama wants to post ads on its Web site and on the Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity talk shows in key states during the "electioneering communication" blackout period 60 days before the general election. The ad features an "Obama-like voice" saying he would make taxpayers pay for all abortions, ensure minors' abortions are concealed from their parents, appoint more liberal Supreme Court justices and legalize the late-term procedure that abortion opponents call "partial-birth" abortion.
A spokeswoman for Obama's campaign declined to respond to the organization's proposed ad. Obama supports abortion rights.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sharing Stage, Obama and McCain Split on Abortion
LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- Presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain differed on abortion Saturday, with McCain saying a baby's human rights begin "at conception," while Obama restated his support for legalized abortion.
Appearing on the same stage for the first time in months, although they overlapped only briefly, the two men shared their views on a range of moral, foreign and domestic issues.
Obama said he would limit abortions in the late stages of pregnancy if there are exceptions for the mother's health. He said he knew that people who consider themselves pro-life will find his stance "inadequate."
He said the government should do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help women who give birth, such as provide needed resources to the poor, as well as better adoption services.
McCain expressed his anti-abortion stand simply and quickly, saying human rights begin the instant that a human egg is fertilized. McCain, who adopted a daughter from Bangladesh, also called for making adoption easier.
Their comments came at a two-hour forum on faith hosted by the minister Rick Warren at his megachurch in Orange County, Calif. Obama joined Warren for the first hour, and Obama for the second. The two men briefly shook hands and hugged each other during the switch.
Warren asked both men the same questions. McCain said he did not see or hear Obama's session, which might have given him an advantage.
Obama said America's greatest moral failure is its insufficient help to the disadvantaged. He noted that the Bible quotes Jesus as saying "whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." He said the maxim should apply to victims of poverty, sexism and racism.
McCain said the nation's greatest moral shortcoming is its failure to "devote ourselves to causes greater than our self-interests."
After the September 2001 terrorist attacks, McCain said, there should have been a national push for joining the Peace Corps and other volunteer organizations. His comment seemed an indirect criticism of President Bush, who had urged tax cuts and more shopping to stimulate the economy at the time.
He also said he would pursue Osama bin Laden "to the gates of Hell," another goal that might be seen as a swipe at Bush's administration.
Both men said marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Obama added that he supports civil unions for gay partners, giving them rights such as hospital visits with one another.
In several cases, Obama gave a Christian interpretation to his generally liberal political views. He showed some familiarity with the Scripture, and said Jesus died for his sins.
McCain tended to give shorter, less complex answers. On domestic matters, he restated his call to "drill now" in U.S. lands and waters for oil and natural gas.
When Warren asked Obama to define the word "rich," the Illinois senator teased him about the mammoth sales of his book, "The Purpose Driven Life." He noted his plan to add a Social Security payroll tax to incomes above $250,000 a year.
McCain said, "some of the richest people I've ever known in my life are the most unhappy."
He said being rich should be defined by having a home and a prosperous and safe world. Without mentioning Obama, he said some want to increase taxes.
"I don't want to take any money from the rich. I want everybody to get rich," McCain said. "I don't want to raise anybody's taxes. I really don't."
When pushed on an exact number, he turned to his humor. "If you're just talking about income, how about five million?" he joked, before pivoting to clarify: "I'm sure that comment will be distorted."
Asked to name three wise people they would listen to, Obama named his wife, Michelle; his maternal grandmother, who lives in Hawaii; and, not limiting himself to only a third, named several Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
McCain named Gen. David Petreaus, head of U.S. troops in Iraq; U.S. Rep. and veteran civil rights leader John Lewis, D-Ga.; and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, a top adviser to his campaign.
He lauded her as a woman who took a five-person business into a billion-dollar piece of the economy. "It's one of these great economic success stories," McCain said.
Obama, asked his most significant policy shift in the last 10 years, cited welfare reform. As an Illinois state senator, he worked to mitigate what he thought could be "disastrous" effects of President Clinton's welfare reform effort, but over time came to embrace Clinton's approach.
"We have to have work as a centerpiece of any social policy," Obama said.
The forum carried opportunities and risks for both candidates. It gave Obama a chance to discuss his Christian faith and counter inaccurate beliefs that he is a Muslim. But it also may have highlighted his positions on issues such as supporting abortion rights, which Warren and many other evangelicals oppose.
McCain's positions are more in line with evangelical Christians. But he often seems uncomfortable talking about his faith and other personal beliefs, and the Christian right shows less enthusiasm for him than for past GOP contenders.
According to Saddleback Church officials, there are 2,200 people in the main room and a total of 4,200 including those watching from satellite locations.
LAKE FOREST, Calif. -- Presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain differed on abortion Saturday, with McCain saying a baby's human rights begin "at conception," while Obama restated his support for legalized abortion.
Appearing on the same stage for the first time in months, although they overlapped only briefly, the two men shared their views on a range of moral, foreign and domestic issues.
Obama said he would limit abortions in the late stages of pregnancy if there are exceptions for the mother's health. He said he knew that people who consider themselves pro-life will find his stance "inadequate."
He said the government should do more to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to help women who give birth, such as provide needed resources to the poor, as well as better adoption services.
McCain expressed his anti-abortion stand simply and quickly, saying human rights begin the instant that a human egg is fertilized. McCain, who adopted a daughter from Bangladesh, also called for making adoption easier.
Their comments came at a two-hour forum on faith hosted by the minister Rick Warren at his megachurch in Orange County, Calif. Obama joined Warren for the first hour, and Obama for the second. The two men briefly shook hands and hugged each other during the switch.
Warren asked both men the same questions. McCain said he did not see or hear Obama's session, which might have given him an advantage.
Obama said America's greatest moral failure is its insufficient help to the disadvantaged. He noted that the Bible quotes Jesus as saying "whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me." He said the maxim should apply to victims of poverty, sexism and racism.
McCain said the nation's greatest moral shortcoming is its failure to "devote ourselves to causes greater than our self-interests."
After the September 2001 terrorist attacks, McCain said, there should have been a national push for joining the Peace Corps and other volunteer organizations. His comment seemed an indirect criticism of President Bush, who had urged tax cuts and more shopping to stimulate the economy at the time.
He also said he would pursue Osama bin Laden "to the gates of Hell," another goal that might be seen as a swipe at Bush's administration.
Both men said marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Obama added that he supports civil unions for gay partners, giving them rights such as hospital visits with one another.
In several cases, Obama gave a Christian interpretation to his generally liberal political views. He showed some familiarity with the Scripture, and said Jesus died for his sins.
McCain tended to give shorter, less complex answers. On domestic matters, he restated his call to "drill now" in U.S. lands and waters for oil and natural gas.
When Warren asked Obama to define the word "rich," the Illinois senator teased him about the mammoth sales of his book, "The Purpose Driven Life." He noted his plan to add a Social Security payroll tax to incomes above $250,000 a year.
McCain said, "some of the richest people I've ever known in my life are the most unhappy."
He said being rich should be defined by having a home and a prosperous and safe world. Without mentioning Obama, he said some want to increase taxes.
"I don't want to take any money from the rich. I want everybody to get rich," McCain said. "I don't want to raise anybody's taxes. I really don't."
When pushed on an exact number, he turned to his humor. "If you're just talking about income, how about five million?" he joked, before pivoting to clarify: "I'm sure that comment will be distorted."
Asked to name three wise people they would listen to, Obama named his wife, Michelle; his maternal grandmother, who lives in Hawaii; and, not limiting himself to only a third, named several Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
McCain named Gen. David Petreaus, head of U.S. troops in Iraq; U.S. Rep. and veteran civil rights leader John Lewis, D-Ga.; and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, a top adviser to his campaign.
He lauded her as a woman who took a five-person business into a billion-dollar piece of the economy. "It's one of these great economic success stories," McCain said.
Obama, asked his most significant policy shift in the last 10 years, cited welfare reform. As an Illinois state senator, he worked to mitigate what he thought could be "disastrous" effects of President Clinton's welfare reform effort, but over time came to embrace Clinton's approach.
"We have to have work as a centerpiece of any social policy," Obama said.
The forum carried opportunities and risks for both candidates. It gave Obama a chance to discuss his Christian faith and counter inaccurate beliefs that he is a Muslim. But it also may have highlighted his positions on issues such as supporting abortion rights, which Warren and many other evangelicals oppose.
McCain's positions are more in line with evangelical Christians. But he often seems uncomfortable talking about his faith and other personal beliefs, and the Christian right shows less enthusiasm for him than for past GOP contenders.
According to Saddleback Church officials, there are 2,200 people in the main room and a total of 4,200 including those watching from satellite locations.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
McCain Has No Comment on Anti-Obama Book
ASPEN, Colo. -- John McCain's presidential campaign had no comment Friday about a controversial book that attacks Barack Obama and many say is riddled with errors.
Jerome Corsi's book, "The Obama Nation," depicts the Democratic candidate as a dangerous, radical figure filled with "black rage." It repeats numerous falsehoods, such as the claim that Obama, who is a Christian, is a Muslim.
The Obama campaign and its allies have criticized the book forcefully, citing dozens of assertions that they say are inaccurate. Corsi has espoused a number of unorthodox views, including claims that the federal government was untruthful about what caused New York City's Twin Towers to collapse after being struck by hijacked jets on Sept. 11, 2001.
Some independent groups, including Catholics United, also have called on McCain to condemn Corsi's book.
An Associated Press reporter tried to ask McCain for a comment Friday in Aspen as journalists were being escorted from a brief photo opportunity. McCain smiled and said, "gotta keep your sense of humor."
Campaign spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said McCain did not hear the question, and the campaign had no comment.
Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement, "What does John McCain think is funny about an intolerant smear artist who called Pope John Paul II senile and claims the government lied about 9/11?"
ASPEN, Colo. -- John McCain's presidential campaign had no comment Friday about a controversial book that attacks Barack Obama and many say is riddled with errors.
Jerome Corsi's book, "The Obama Nation," depicts the Democratic candidate as a dangerous, radical figure filled with "black rage." It repeats numerous falsehoods, such as the claim that Obama, who is a Christian, is a Muslim.
The Obama campaign and its allies have criticized the book forcefully, citing dozens of assertions that they say are inaccurate. Corsi has espoused a number of unorthodox views, including claims that the federal government was untruthful about what caused New York City's Twin Towers to collapse after being struck by hijacked jets on Sept. 11, 2001.
Some independent groups, including Catholics United, also have called on McCain to condemn Corsi's book.
An Associated Press reporter tried to ask McCain for a comment Friday in Aspen as journalists were being escorted from a brief photo opportunity. McCain smiled and said, "gotta keep your sense of humor."
Campaign spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said McCain did not hear the question, and the campaign had no comment.
Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement, "What does John McCain think is funny about an intolerant smear artist who called Pope John Paul II senile and claims the government lied about 9/11?"
Late Nite Jokes
Craig Ferguson
Police in Denver are getting ready for the Democratic Convention in Denver. They’re ordering the stun guns, the barbed wire, the plastic handcuffs . . . and that’s just for Bill Clinton’s room.
It’s day five of my Olympic boycott. But I’ve been watching it every night.
"Tropic Thunder" opens today. It makes fun of the war movies and all the actors that take themselves seriously. Some actors have even said to me, “You know Craig, making a movie is like going to war.” No, it’s not. It’s not even like a bitch slap.
Craig Ferguson
Police in Denver are getting ready for the Democratic Convention in Denver. They’re ordering the stun guns, the barbed wire, the plastic handcuffs . . . and that’s just for Bill Clinton’s room.
It’s day five of my Olympic boycott. But I’ve been watching it every night.
"Tropic Thunder" opens today. It makes fun of the war movies and all the actors that take themselves seriously. Some actors have even said to me, “You know Craig, making a movie is like going to war.” No, it’s not. It’s not even like a bitch slap.
Friday, August 15, 2008
McCain, RNC Report $96 Million Cash on Hand
WASHINGTON -- John McCain and the Republican National Committee started August with a hefty $96 million, financially flush and strongly positioned to compete with prolific fundraiser Barack Obama and the Democrats.
Republicans have been trying to even out the financial playing field after trailing Democrats in overall fundraising for most of the election cycle.
McCain has been a subpar fundraiser and has lagged the much-more adept Obama in monthly campaign tallies. But the RNC, with big-draw President Bush helping, has trounced its Democratic counterpart in collections. That has helped McCain and the GOP stay competitive financially with Obama and the Democratic National Committee.
The July numbers reflect how far McCain and the Republicans have come.
McCain raised $27 million in July, his largest one-month fundraising haul since clinching the GOP presidential nomination, and had $21 million available to spend, while the RNC brought in nearly $26 million, and had $75 million on hand to compete with the Democrats.
McCain, himself, now has 600,000 donors, while the party announced it had reached 1 million.
By comparison, Obama alone recently surpassed 2 million contributors, giving him a larger pool of donors to hit up for money again. He and the DNC have not yet disclosed their monthly takes.
"Our fundraising continues to be very healthy," Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager, said in a conference call with reporters, noting that July was the fifth-straight month McCain has improved his cash flow.
Despite lackluster fundraising earlier this year, the campaign's improved money situation has allowed the GOP nominee-in-waiting to keep pace with _ if not exceed _ his Democratic rival in advertising, including $6 million during the ultra-expensive Olympics and three straight months of multimillions for commercials in 11 battleground states.
McCain's overall advertising budget for August is expected to exceed $20 million, and, by the convention in early September, Davis said McCain is on track to spend some $60 million on TV expenditures.
He released a new TV ad on Friday in key states that criticizes Obama on taxes.
"Celebrity? Yes. Ready to lead? No," the ad says, with the Democrats' name chanted in the background and pictures of him before adoring crowds. The commercial claims that "Obama's new taxes could break your family budget," mean "higher prices at the pump," and are a "recipe for economic disaster".
For the general election, McCain and Obama are operating under different financial scenarios of their own choosing.
McCain has agreed to accept $84 million in public financing for the general election and the spending restraints that come with it.
Though the party committee can raise and spend as much as it wants to help him, the taxpayer money is the only cash that McCain can spend after accepting his party's nomination at the convention next month. He essentially needs to drain down his privately funded campaign bank account this month _ and that helps explain the heavy TV spending.
Davis put the budget for September, October and the first few days of November at more than $100 million _ including the taxpayer money and accounts the RNC shares with the campaign _ and said: "We will start the general election fully flush."
Obama, emboldened by record-shattering collections in the primary, decided to forgo public financing for the general election and became the first major-party presidential candidate in three decades to do so. That means he needs to rely on his significant fundraising capabilities to build up his cash reserves going into the fall, whereas McCain needs to deplete his.
McCain's last month total exceeded his $21 million June collection, at that point his best fundraising month; Obama raised more than twice that at $52 million.
Not counting July, Obama overall has raised about $340 million to McCain's nearly $140 million.
WASHINGTON -- John McCain and the Republican National Committee started August with a hefty $96 million, financially flush and strongly positioned to compete with prolific fundraiser Barack Obama and the Democrats.
Republicans have been trying to even out the financial playing field after trailing Democrats in overall fundraising for most of the election cycle.
McCain has been a subpar fundraiser and has lagged the much-more adept Obama in monthly campaign tallies. But the RNC, with big-draw President Bush helping, has trounced its Democratic counterpart in collections. That has helped McCain and the GOP stay competitive financially with Obama and the Democratic National Committee.
The July numbers reflect how far McCain and the Republicans have come.
McCain raised $27 million in July, his largest one-month fundraising haul since clinching the GOP presidential nomination, and had $21 million available to spend, while the RNC brought in nearly $26 million, and had $75 million on hand to compete with the Democrats.
McCain, himself, now has 600,000 donors, while the party announced it had reached 1 million.
By comparison, Obama alone recently surpassed 2 million contributors, giving him a larger pool of donors to hit up for money again. He and the DNC have not yet disclosed their monthly takes.
"Our fundraising continues to be very healthy," Rick Davis, McCain's campaign manager, said in a conference call with reporters, noting that July was the fifth-straight month McCain has improved his cash flow.
Despite lackluster fundraising earlier this year, the campaign's improved money situation has allowed the GOP nominee-in-waiting to keep pace with _ if not exceed _ his Democratic rival in advertising, including $6 million during the ultra-expensive Olympics and three straight months of multimillions for commercials in 11 battleground states.
McCain's overall advertising budget for August is expected to exceed $20 million, and, by the convention in early September, Davis said McCain is on track to spend some $60 million on TV expenditures.
He released a new TV ad on Friday in key states that criticizes Obama on taxes.
"Celebrity? Yes. Ready to lead? No," the ad says, with the Democrats' name chanted in the background and pictures of him before adoring crowds. The commercial claims that "Obama's new taxes could break your family budget," mean "higher prices at the pump," and are a "recipe for economic disaster".
For the general election, McCain and Obama are operating under different financial scenarios of their own choosing.
McCain has agreed to accept $84 million in public financing for the general election and the spending restraints that come with it.
Though the party committee can raise and spend as much as it wants to help him, the taxpayer money is the only cash that McCain can spend after accepting his party's nomination at the convention next month. He essentially needs to drain down his privately funded campaign bank account this month _ and that helps explain the heavy TV spending.
Davis put the budget for September, October and the first few days of November at more than $100 million _ including the taxpayer money and accounts the RNC shares with the campaign _ and said: "We will start the general election fully flush."
Obama, emboldened by record-shattering collections in the primary, decided to forgo public financing for the general election and became the first major-party presidential candidate in three decades to do so. That means he needs to rely on his significant fundraising capabilities to build up his cash reserves going into the fall, whereas McCain needs to deplete his.
McCain's last month total exceeded his $21 million June collection, at that point his best fundraising month; Obama raised more than twice that at $52 million.
Not counting July, Obama overall has raised about $340 million to McCain's nearly $140 million.
Late Nite Jokes
Craig Ferguson
Sources say Colin Powell is getting ready to endorse Barack Obama. Bad news for John McCain, but at his age, you’ve got to expect colon problems.
Cindy McCain sprained her wrist. Doctors say it’s nothing serious — she probably did it cutting John McCain’s meat into little tiny pieces.
Newly declassified documents show that Julia Childs, a famous chef, was a spy. I like to spy on things in my kitchen . . . then I interrogate them in my tummy.
Craig Ferguson
Sources say Colin Powell is getting ready to endorse Barack Obama. Bad news for John McCain, but at his age, you’ve got to expect colon problems.
Cindy McCain sprained her wrist. Doctors say it’s nothing serious — she probably did it cutting John McCain’s meat into little tiny pieces.
Newly declassified documents show that Julia Childs, a famous chef, was a spy. I like to spy on things in my kitchen . . . then I interrogate them in my tummy.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Clinton Backers Aren't Buying the Unity Theme
WASHINGTON — Still sore from an epic primary battle, some of Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters aren't buying the unity theme planned for the Democratic National Convention.
They weren't mollified when nominee-in-waiting Barack Obama gave prime-time speaking slots to Clinton and her husband, the former president. Instead, they're itching for a fight and plan to wage one in Denver.
One group intends to paper the city with fliers, promote a video detailing what they contend were irregularities in the nominating process and unleash bloggers to give their take on the proceedings. Another group has purchased newspaper advertisements demanding that Clinton be included in a roll-call vote for the nomination.
"I am a very realistic woman," said Diane Mantouvalos, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition. "I don't think that anything is going to change, but I do think it is important to be heard, and this is our way of doing it."
Some of the disaffected Clinton supporters are open to supporting Obama; many are not.
Obama needs Clinton's supporters to beat Republican John McCain. Polls show that he has won over most of them. But some simply don't like Obama or still feel Clinton was treated unfairly during the primaries.
These groups are not affiliated with Clinton, who has endorsed Obama and campaigned for him. Representatives from the Clinton and Obama campaigns said they are working to unify the party because Obama will champion issues important to Clinton supporters, such as reforming health care, improving the economy and ending the war in Iraq.
"Senator Clinton understands and appreciates that there are supporters who remain passionate, but she has repeatedly urged her supporters to vote for Senator Obama," Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took a swipe at the Clinton die-hards Wednesday.
"I think Hillary Clinton has been very gracious," the San Francisco Democrat told Bay Area talk show host Ronn Owens. "I think some of her supporters have been less than gracious."
Nevertheless, many Clinton activists plan to voice their discontent in Denver.
Mantouvalos, a Miami public relations consultant, said her network is renting a 5,000-square-foot loft in Denver for its bloggers. Another outfit called The Denver Group is planning a reception the evening Hillary Clinton speaks at the convention. The group, which is pushing for Clinton's name to be placed in nomination, also hopes to raise enough money for a TV ad.
The Clinton and Obama campaigns have pledged in a joint statement to "ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected" at the convention.
They have not, however, decided whether Clinton's name will be placed in nomination.
"The only way a Democratic Party will have the credibility to elect a Democrat in November is if the party uses a legitimate process to choose its nominee," said Heidi Li Feldman, co-founder of The Denver Group. "We are not per se a Clinton support group, we are a Democratic Party get-your-act-together support group."
Some of the activists complain the Obama campaign manipulated party caucuses; others feel the media treated Clinton unfairly. Nearly all are still angry over how the party divvied up delegates from the Florida and Michigan primaries.
With the agreement of all Democratic candidates, the states were initially stripped of all their delegates for violating party rules by holding early primaries. None of the candidates campaigned in the two states, but Clinton won the two primaries and thereafter tried to get all the delegates seated.
The national party reinstated the delegates in May, but gave each a half vote. And it awarded Obama some Michigan delegates, although he had taken his name off that ballot because of the party's initial decision.
With the nomination clinched, Obama said this month that he would seek to give both delegations full voting rights.
At the very least, the activists want Clinton's name put in nomination, with a full roll-call vote. Some won't be satisfied unless Clinton is declared the nominee — an unlikely prospect. Others would be happy if Clinton were asked to run for vice president — also unlikely.
Feldman, a Georgetown University law professor, said she is a loyal Democrat who won't vote for McCain, but Obama hasn't won her support. Will Bower, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition, said he would only support the Democratic candidate if her name is Clinton.
"I have been voting Democratic for 18 years. I only voted for Democrats, from dog catcher to president and everything in between," said Bower, who lives in Washington. "I will be voting for someone other than Barack Obama come November."
WASHINGTON — Still sore from an epic primary battle, some of Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters aren't buying the unity theme planned for the Democratic National Convention.
They weren't mollified when nominee-in-waiting Barack Obama gave prime-time speaking slots to Clinton and her husband, the former president. Instead, they're itching for a fight and plan to wage one in Denver.
One group intends to paper the city with fliers, promote a video detailing what they contend were irregularities in the nominating process and unleash bloggers to give their take on the proceedings. Another group has purchased newspaper advertisements demanding that Clinton be included in a roll-call vote for the nomination.
"I am a very realistic woman," said Diane Mantouvalos, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition. "I don't think that anything is going to change, but I do think it is important to be heard, and this is our way of doing it."
Some of the disaffected Clinton supporters are open to supporting Obama; many are not.
Obama needs Clinton's supporters to beat Republican John McCain. Polls show that he has won over most of them. But some simply don't like Obama or still feel Clinton was treated unfairly during the primaries.
These groups are not affiliated with Clinton, who has endorsed Obama and campaigned for him. Representatives from the Clinton and Obama campaigns said they are working to unify the party because Obama will champion issues important to Clinton supporters, such as reforming health care, improving the economy and ending the war in Iraq.
"Senator Clinton understands and appreciates that there are supporters who remain passionate, but she has repeatedly urged her supporters to vote for Senator Obama," Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took a swipe at the Clinton die-hards Wednesday.
"I think Hillary Clinton has been very gracious," the San Francisco Democrat told Bay Area talk show host Ronn Owens. "I think some of her supporters have been less than gracious."
Nevertheless, many Clinton activists plan to voice their discontent in Denver.
Mantouvalos, a Miami public relations consultant, said her network is renting a 5,000-square-foot loft in Denver for its bloggers. Another outfit called The Denver Group is planning a reception the evening Hillary Clinton speaks at the convention. The group, which is pushing for Clinton's name to be placed in nomination, also hopes to raise enough money for a TV ad.
The Clinton and Obama campaigns have pledged in a joint statement to "ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected" at the convention.
They have not, however, decided whether Clinton's name will be placed in nomination.
"The only way a Democratic Party will have the credibility to elect a Democrat in November is if the party uses a legitimate process to choose its nominee," said Heidi Li Feldman, co-founder of The Denver Group. "We are not per se a Clinton support group, we are a Democratic Party get-your-act-together support group."
Some of the activists complain the Obama campaign manipulated party caucuses; others feel the media treated Clinton unfairly. Nearly all are still angry over how the party divvied up delegates from the Florida and Michigan primaries.
With the agreement of all Democratic candidates, the states were initially stripped of all their delegates for violating party rules by holding early primaries. None of the candidates campaigned in the two states, but Clinton won the two primaries and thereafter tried to get all the delegates seated.
The national party reinstated the delegates in May, but gave each a half vote. And it awarded Obama some Michigan delegates, although he had taken his name off that ballot because of the party's initial decision.
With the nomination clinched, Obama said this month that he would seek to give both delegations full voting rights.
At the very least, the activists want Clinton's name put in nomination, with a full roll-call vote. Some won't be satisfied unless Clinton is declared the nominee — an unlikely prospect. Others would be happy if Clinton were asked to run for vice president — also unlikely.
Feldman, a Georgetown University law professor, said she is a loyal Democrat who won't vote for McCain, but Obama hasn't won her support. Will Bower, co-founder of the Just Say No Deal Coalition, said he would only support the Democratic candidate if her name is Clinton.
"I have been voting Democratic for 18 years. I only voted for Democrats, from dog catcher to president and everything in between," said Bower, who lives in Washington. "I will be voting for someone other than Barack Obama come November."
Late Nite Jokes
Craig Ferguson
It’s Fidel Castro’s birthday today. It’s Danny Bonaduce’s birthday too. Both very different, of course. One’s an aging tyrant that many consider to be the red menace that threatens America. And the other is Fidel Castro.
A Republican politician form Idaho has endorsed Barack Obama. The last time a Republican switched sides was in an airport men's room.
The Unibomber, Ted Kaczynski, wrote a letter from jail saying he’s angry that his cabin is now on display in a museum. Well, they think that’s what the letter says . . . everyone’s afraid to open it.
Craig Ferguson
It’s Fidel Castro’s birthday today. It’s Danny Bonaduce’s birthday too. Both very different, of course. One’s an aging tyrant that many consider to be the red menace that threatens America. And the other is Fidel Castro.
A Republican politician form Idaho has endorsed Barack Obama. The last time a Republican switched sides was in an airport men's room.
The Unibomber, Ted Kaczynski, wrote a letter from jail saying he’s angry that his cabin is now on display in a museum. Well, they think that’s what the letter says . . . everyone’s afraid to open it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Pelosi Now Open to Vote on Offshore Drilling
WASHINGTON — House Republican Leader John Boehner on Tuesday urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to call lawmakers back into session to pass a bill expanding drilling in federal waters, now that she was willing to permit a vote on such a measure.
Reversing her position, Pelosi said she was willing to schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on legislation to expand offshore drilling, if the bill addressed other energy issues, such as extending tax credits for solar and wind energy and releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
"They (Republican lawmakers and President George W. Bush) have this thing that says drill offshore in the protected areas," Pelosi said Monday night in an interview on "Larry King Live."
"Well, we can do that. We can have a vote on that. But it has to be part of something that says we want to bring immediate relief to the public and not just a hoax on them," she said.
Pelosi says expanding offshore drilling alone is not a solution, because it would take years to develop the supplies and bring them to market.
"If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote" on such a bill, Boehner said.
House Republicans have been pushing for a vote on offshore drilling, but Pelosi has blocked their efforts. To press their point, Republicans objected to the House adjourning for its 5-week summer recess and have returned to the chamber almost daily to make speeches with the TV cameras off on the need for drilling legislation.
Pelosi's new position mirrors that of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who says he now could support legislation boosting offshore drilling, if the bill helped solve other U.S. energy problems.
As the November election approaches, Democrats are moving closer to the views of the American public on expanded offshore drilling, which polls show a majority of voters favor.
Bush on Tuesday again called on Congress to end its offshore drilling ban, which has been in place since the early 1980s. Bush lifted a similar presidential prohibition last month.
A bipartisan Senate bill, which could become the vehicle for moving several energy initiatives through Congress when lawmakers return September 8 from their summer vacation, would only allow drilling 50 miles beyond the shorelines of Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
WASHINGTON — House Republican Leader John Boehner on Tuesday urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to call lawmakers back into session to pass a bill expanding drilling in federal waters, now that she was willing to permit a vote on such a measure.
Reversing her position, Pelosi said she was willing to schedule a vote in the House of Representatives on legislation to expand offshore drilling, if the bill addressed other energy issues, such as extending tax credits for solar and wind energy and releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
"They (Republican lawmakers and President George W. Bush) have this thing that says drill offshore in the protected areas," Pelosi said Monday night in an interview on "Larry King Live."
"Well, we can do that. We can have a vote on that. But it has to be part of something that says we want to bring immediate relief to the public and not just a hoax on them," she said.
Pelosi says expanding offshore drilling alone is not a solution, because it would take years to develop the supplies and bring them to market.
"If Speaker Pelosi is truly sincere about having a vote on deep ocean oil and gas drilling to help bring down fuel costs, she should use her power as Speaker to call Congress back into session immediately and schedule a vote" on such a bill, Boehner said.
House Republicans have been pushing for a vote on offshore drilling, but Pelosi has blocked their efforts. To press their point, Republicans objected to the House adjourning for its 5-week summer recess and have returned to the chamber almost daily to make speeches with the TV cameras off on the need for drilling legislation.
Pelosi's new position mirrors that of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who says he now could support legislation boosting offshore drilling, if the bill helped solve other U.S. energy problems.
As the November election approaches, Democrats are moving closer to the views of the American public on expanded offshore drilling, which polls show a majority of voters favor.
Bush on Tuesday again called on Congress to end its offshore drilling ban, which has been in place since the early 1980s. Bush lifted a similar presidential prohibition last month.
A bipartisan Senate bill, which could become the vehicle for moving several energy initiatives through Congress when lawmakers return September 8 from their summer vacation, would only allow drilling 50 miles beyond the shorelines of Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Late Nite Jokes
Craig Ferguson
Not such a great day for Tom Cruise. He has been replaced in a movie by Angelina Jolie. Producers decided to go after a star that men lust after . . . rather than a star that men lust after.
John McCain has been accused of stealing policy ideas from Wikipedia. That’s ridiculous — everyone knows John McCain doesn’t know how to use the Internet.
Barack Obama said today he wouldn’t raise taxes on anyone over 70 . . . and McCain said Obama was just pandering to the youth vote.
Craig Ferguson
Not such a great day for Tom Cruise. He has been replaced in a movie by Angelina Jolie. Producers decided to go after a star that men lust after . . . rather than a star that men lust after.
John McCain has been accused of stealing policy ideas from Wikipedia. That’s ridiculous — everyone knows John McCain doesn’t know how to use the Internet.
Barack Obama said today he wouldn’t raise taxes on anyone over 70 . . . and McCain said Obama was just pandering to the youth vote.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Race Questions Cast Doubt on Presidential Polls
The year was 1984, and the state was Iowa. A white man who had just voted walked out of his precinct caucus and saw the Rev. Jesse Jackson standing outside.
"I did all I could," the man told Jackson ruefully, "but I just couldn't bring myself to pull the lever and vote for you."
L. Douglas Wilder laughs as he relates the story Jackson once told him, the sting eased by time and Wilder's vantage point as the nation's first elected black governor.
Now it's a quarter of a century later, and the man everyone's talking about is Barack Obama, the Illinois senator holding a slim lead in many polls. But can the polls be trusted? A central question about race and politics hasn't changed since 1984: Do white people lie — to pollsters or even to themselves — about their willingness to vote for black candidates?
In the not-so-distant past, the consensus was a clear yes. Today, however, there is widespread disagreement about whether Obama is subject to the predicament known as the Wilder or Bradley Effect — whether in the privacy of the voting booth, white people will actually pull the lever for the first black man to come within shouting distance of the presidency.
Given that surveys can have trouble uncovering the truth about many things besides race, plus the massive technological, demographic and cultural changes in play, this question is contributing to an almost unprecedented air of uncertainty surrounding this year's polls.
In 1989, Wilder polled as many as 15 points ahead in the days before the election for Virginia governor, but squeaked into office by a minuscule 6,700 votes. David Dinkins had a similar experience that year, when he became New York City's first black mayor. And the phenomenon was first noted in 1982, when Tom Bradley endured a stunning defeat in the California governor's race after exit polls indicated he was the winner.
The reason for these disparities? A significant amount of white people did not admit that race played a role in their voting decision, pollsters and academics say. Another factor: When the person asking the questions was black, respondents were more likely to say they favored the black candidate.
In the recent Democratic primary, exit polls in 28 states overstated Obama's actual share of the final vote.
Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center, doesn't think people are lying to pollsters today about their support for Obama, "because I don't think there's a lot of stigma in saying you're voting for John McCain." Kohut said it's not like polls are asking, "Do you want to vote for the white guy or the black guy?"
But he did see potential for error based on the people who decline to participate in polls, whom he describes as largely lower-income whites more likely than the population at large to have racially intolerant views.
"The real frailty of our polls is that we get very high refusal rates, and we survive because the people who we interview are like the people who we don't interview on most things," Kohut said. "(Racism) is not one of them."
So are current polls accurate? "I don't know," Kohut said, "and to be honest with you, this is something every pollster I know is concerned about."
Wilder, now the mayor of Richmond, Va., said his internal polls during the governor's race showed it to be much closer than most people thought. "It was clear that people were having the first opportunity to vote for an African-American, and there was uncertainty," he said. "You know, 'Is he going to be fair, is he just going to look out for his own people. And who are his own people?' I think we've come a great distance from that. I've seen the progress."
So is Wilder ready to bury the Wilder Effect?
"No, I won't say that," he said with a laugh. "I won't go that far."
Daniel J. Hopkins will. The Harvard University postdoctoral fellow examined data from 133 gubernatorial and Senate elections from 1986 to 2006 and concluded that the effect vanished in the early 1990s as racially divisive issues such as crime and welfare reform receded from the national stage.
Hopkins said that race could play a larger role if it is injected into the campaign _ as it often is in the waning days of close contests involving black candidates.
Days before the 2006 Senate election in Tennessee, with polls showing the race almost deadlocked, Republicans released an ad featuring a ditzy blond actress saying she met Harold Ford Jr. at the Playboy Club and asking the black Democrat to "call me." Ford lost.
In 1990's tight North Carolina Senate contest. Republican Jesse Helms was running about even with Democrat Harvey Gantt when he released an ad showing white hands crumpling a job rejection letter as a narrator mentioned racial quotas. Helms won.
Blacks, too, have sought to use race to their political advantage: In a congressional primary this month in Memphis, a black challenger tried to link the incumbent, Steve Cohen, to the Ku Klux Klan. Cohen won easily.
While Obama may face some of these historical hurdles, there are other, unprecedented factors at work: a presidential instead of statewide election, a spike in black voters and the increase in young voters who are more racially tolerant, watch more YouTube than television and eschew the land telephone lines used by most polls.
The racial pendulum may even have swung back the other way, said Anthony G. Greenwald, a psychology professor at the University of Washington, citing a "reverse Bradley Effect" during the Democratic primary: In states with larger black populations, such as Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia, Obama got more votes than polls predicted.
Like Kohut, Greenwald doesn't think people are deliberately lying in polls. But he does see potential for polling errors due to undecided white voters overstating their support for Obama or choosing McCain at the last minute, and the influence of "racial attitudes and stereotypes that people in many cases are not aware they have."
Many pollsters are trying to adjust their methods to account for these unprecedented variables. It's not easy, however, to solve these new problems in the heat of a tight presidential race.
"I don't think anyone is correct or incorrect, including me," Greenwald said of the current poll numbers. "To get to the heart of that, you'd have to do the kinds of research that haven't been done."
The Obama campaign declined to comment on how it conducts its polling. The McCain campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Matthew Dowd, an ABC News commentator and former chief strategist for President Bush's 2004 campaign, expects the Wilder Effect to be a "small factor" in November. "I wouldn't want to be Barack Obama and up two points going into Election Day," he said.
"My guess is that (the Obama campaign) understands that and they know it's not enough to be ahead," Dowd said. "They have to be ahead by a lot."
The year was 1984, and the state was Iowa. A white man who had just voted walked out of his precinct caucus and saw the Rev. Jesse Jackson standing outside.
"I did all I could," the man told Jackson ruefully, "but I just couldn't bring myself to pull the lever and vote for you."
L. Douglas Wilder laughs as he relates the story Jackson once told him, the sting eased by time and Wilder's vantage point as the nation's first elected black governor.
Now it's a quarter of a century later, and the man everyone's talking about is Barack Obama, the Illinois senator holding a slim lead in many polls. But can the polls be trusted? A central question about race and politics hasn't changed since 1984: Do white people lie — to pollsters or even to themselves — about their willingness to vote for black candidates?
In the not-so-distant past, the consensus was a clear yes. Today, however, there is widespread disagreement about whether Obama is subject to the predicament known as the Wilder or Bradley Effect — whether in the privacy of the voting booth, white people will actually pull the lever for the first black man to come within shouting distance of the presidency.
Given that surveys can have trouble uncovering the truth about many things besides race, plus the massive technological, demographic and cultural changes in play, this question is contributing to an almost unprecedented air of uncertainty surrounding this year's polls.
In 1989, Wilder polled as many as 15 points ahead in the days before the election for Virginia governor, but squeaked into office by a minuscule 6,700 votes. David Dinkins had a similar experience that year, when he became New York City's first black mayor. And the phenomenon was first noted in 1982, when Tom Bradley endured a stunning defeat in the California governor's race after exit polls indicated he was the winner.
The reason for these disparities? A significant amount of white people did not admit that race played a role in their voting decision, pollsters and academics say. Another factor: When the person asking the questions was black, respondents were more likely to say they favored the black candidate.
In the recent Democratic primary, exit polls in 28 states overstated Obama's actual share of the final vote.
Andrew Kohut, president of the Pew Research Center, doesn't think people are lying to pollsters today about their support for Obama, "because I don't think there's a lot of stigma in saying you're voting for John McCain." Kohut said it's not like polls are asking, "Do you want to vote for the white guy or the black guy?"
But he did see potential for error based on the people who decline to participate in polls, whom he describes as largely lower-income whites more likely than the population at large to have racially intolerant views.
"The real frailty of our polls is that we get very high refusal rates, and we survive because the people who we interview are like the people who we don't interview on most things," Kohut said. "(Racism) is not one of them."
So are current polls accurate? "I don't know," Kohut said, "and to be honest with you, this is something every pollster I know is concerned about."
Wilder, now the mayor of Richmond, Va., said his internal polls during the governor's race showed it to be much closer than most people thought. "It was clear that people were having the first opportunity to vote for an African-American, and there was uncertainty," he said. "You know, 'Is he going to be fair, is he just going to look out for his own people. And who are his own people?' I think we've come a great distance from that. I've seen the progress."
So is Wilder ready to bury the Wilder Effect?
"No, I won't say that," he said with a laugh. "I won't go that far."
Daniel J. Hopkins will. The Harvard University postdoctoral fellow examined data from 133 gubernatorial and Senate elections from 1986 to 2006 and concluded that the effect vanished in the early 1990s as racially divisive issues such as crime and welfare reform receded from the national stage.
Hopkins said that race could play a larger role if it is injected into the campaign _ as it often is in the waning days of close contests involving black candidates.
Days before the 2006 Senate election in Tennessee, with polls showing the race almost deadlocked, Republicans released an ad featuring a ditzy blond actress saying she met Harold Ford Jr. at the Playboy Club and asking the black Democrat to "call me." Ford lost.
In 1990's tight North Carolina Senate contest. Republican Jesse Helms was running about even with Democrat Harvey Gantt when he released an ad showing white hands crumpling a job rejection letter as a narrator mentioned racial quotas. Helms won.
Blacks, too, have sought to use race to their political advantage: In a congressional primary this month in Memphis, a black challenger tried to link the incumbent, Steve Cohen, to the Ku Klux Klan. Cohen won easily.
While Obama may face some of these historical hurdles, there are other, unprecedented factors at work: a presidential instead of statewide election, a spike in black voters and the increase in young voters who are more racially tolerant, watch more YouTube than television and eschew the land telephone lines used by most polls.
The racial pendulum may even have swung back the other way, said Anthony G. Greenwald, a psychology professor at the University of Washington, citing a "reverse Bradley Effect" during the Democratic primary: In states with larger black populations, such as Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia, Obama got more votes than polls predicted.
Like Kohut, Greenwald doesn't think people are deliberately lying in polls. But he does see potential for polling errors due to undecided white voters overstating their support for Obama or choosing McCain at the last minute, and the influence of "racial attitudes and stereotypes that people in many cases are not aware they have."
Many pollsters are trying to adjust their methods to account for these unprecedented variables. It's not easy, however, to solve these new problems in the heat of a tight presidential race.
"I don't think anyone is correct or incorrect, including me," Greenwald said of the current poll numbers. "To get to the heart of that, you'd have to do the kinds of research that haven't been done."
The Obama campaign declined to comment on how it conducts its polling. The McCain campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Matthew Dowd, an ABC News commentator and former chief strategist for President Bush's 2004 campaign, expects the Wilder Effect to be a "small factor" in November. "I wouldn't want to be Barack Obama and up two points going into Election Day," he said.
"My guess is that (the Obama campaign) understands that and they know it's not enough to be ahead," Dowd said. "They have to be ahead by a lot."
Late Nite Jokes
Craig Ferguson
The Olympics has started. There are some sports in the Olympics that there never used to be. Beach volleyball? How is that a sport? Beach volleyball used to be a few girls playing volleyball and the boys would say, "Hey — there's some girls playing volleyball . . . wanna go over there?"
Then they break the swimming up into different strokes. Can’t you just swim as fast as you can?
It turns out the Chinese faked part of the opening ceremonies. They made the fireworks look more lively. It’s the same technology they use for John McCain.
According to rumors, John McCain and Barack Obama are both trying to get Angelina Jolie’s endorsement. John Edwards is just trying to get her number.
Craig Ferguson
The Olympics has started. There are some sports in the Olympics that there never used to be. Beach volleyball? How is that a sport? Beach volleyball used to be a few girls playing volleyball and the boys would say, "Hey — there's some girls playing volleyball . . . wanna go over there?"
Then they break the swimming up into different strokes. Can’t you just swim as fast as you can?
It turns out the Chinese faked part of the opening ceremonies. They made the fireworks look more lively. It’s the same technology they use for John McCain.
According to rumors, John McCain and Barack Obama are both trying to get Angelina Jolie’s endorsement. John Edwards is just trying to get her number.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Obama's 'No Income Taxes on Seniors' Draws Critics
WASHINGTON — If you're a senior citizen and earn less than $50,000 a year, Barack Obama has a deal for you: a life free of federal income tax.
Sounds appealing, right? Maybe to many seniors. But tax policy experts in Washington are giving it bad reviews. They see it as another subsidy for senior citizens, who already get federal help through Social Security and Medicare and often have economic advantages over other demographic groups.
Seniors typically have paid off their mortgages, many have investments and usually don't pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. The kids are usually grown, so they're not saddled with day care or college costs.
"The odds are the retired folks _ they're getting pensions, they're getting Social Security, they have investment assets, they own a house _ so ... they're better off than somebody who is 30 or 40 years younger who's trying to buy a house (and) trying to start saving," said Clint Stretch, managing principal of tax policy for Deloitte Tax.
The Obama campaign says the idea would give tax cuts averaging about $1,400 to 7 million seniors who are battling inflation with mostly fixed incomes. The campaign also says the plan would relieve millions of older people from having to file complicated tax returns.
"If you work hard and pay into the system, you've earned the right to a secure retirement," says a description of the plan on the Obama campaign's web site. "But too many seniors aren't getting that security, even though they've held up their end of the bargain. Lower and middle income seniors are struggling as their expenses on health and energy skyrocket while their incomes do not keep pace."
Some of Obama's allies in Washington think he's onto a bad idea.
"Most low- and moderate-income seniors already owe no income tax. Among seniors with incomes below $50,000 who do owe income tax, a significant number have modest incomes because they are retired but possess substantial assets," said Robert Greenstein, who heads the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank. "Given all the problems and needs the nation faces, targeting relief to this group isn't a priority."
The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, gave the idea bad grades in a recent study of the two presidential candidates' tax plans.
Seniors already get preferential treatment in the tax code. They can claim an additional standard deduction and only a portion of their Social Security benefits are taxed. Many don't pay payroll taxes because their income is from investments rather than wages.
"The proposal would exempt comparatively well off, though not affluent, senior citizens from taxes and give them a benefit not generally available to working Americans," said the Tax Policy Center paper. It "helps only those low-income seniors who currently pay income taxes. Those too poor to owe any tax — arguably those most in need — would get no benefit."
Even the powerful seniors' lobby doesn't seem excited about Obama's idea. An AARP bulletin on the presidential candidates' tax plans barely mentions it, noting that Obama's proposal could partly offset additional taxes that Obama would impose on seniors through higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains.
Tax experts across the spectrum also fault the Obama plan's abrupt $50,000 per year threshold. As described by the campaign, seniors making $48,000, for example, would pay no income tax, while someone with income slightly more than $50,000 could pay several thousand dollars in income taxes. Seniors nearing the $50,000 threshold would have an incentive to quit working.
Lawmakers would likely add a phaseout, according to tax experts. "Everyone knows there would never be this $50,000 cliff," said Ben Harris, a senior research associate at Brookings.
The proposed new tax break for seniors is one of about a dozen tax changes proposed by Obama, including raising rates on people making more than $250,000 a year, extending most of the rest of President Bush's tax cuts, subsidizing Social Security and payroll taxes for low-income workers and boosting income and child care tax credits for low-income workers.
WASHINGTON — If you're a senior citizen and earn less than $50,000 a year, Barack Obama has a deal for you: a life free of federal income tax.
Sounds appealing, right? Maybe to many seniors. But tax policy experts in Washington are giving it bad reviews. They see it as another subsidy for senior citizens, who already get federal help through Social Security and Medicare and often have economic advantages over other demographic groups.
Seniors typically have paid off their mortgages, many have investments and usually don't pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. The kids are usually grown, so they're not saddled with day care or college costs.
"The odds are the retired folks _ they're getting pensions, they're getting Social Security, they have investment assets, they own a house _ so ... they're better off than somebody who is 30 or 40 years younger who's trying to buy a house (and) trying to start saving," said Clint Stretch, managing principal of tax policy for Deloitte Tax.
The Obama campaign says the idea would give tax cuts averaging about $1,400 to 7 million seniors who are battling inflation with mostly fixed incomes. The campaign also says the plan would relieve millions of older people from having to file complicated tax returns.
"If you work hard and pay into the system, you've earned the right to a secure retirement," says a description of the plan on the Obama campaign's web site. "But too many seniors aren't getting that security, even though they've held up their end of the bargain. Lower and middle income seniors are struggling as their expenses on health and energy skyrocket while their incomes do not keep pace."
Some of Obama's allies in Washington think he's onto a bad idea.
"Most low- and moderate-income seniors already owe no income tax. Among seniors with incomes below $50,000 who do owe income tax, a significant number have modest incomes because they are retired but possess substantial assets," said Robert Greenstein, who heads the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank. "Given all the problems and needs the nation faces, targeting relief to this group isn't a priority."
The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, gave the idea bad grades in a recent study of the two presidential candidates' tax plans.
Seniors already get preferential treatment in the tax code. They can claim an additional standard deduction and only a portion of their Social Security benefits are taxed. Many don't pay payroll taxes because their income is from investments rather than wages.
"The proposal would exempt comparatively well off, though not affluent, senior citizens from taxes and give them a benefit not generally available to working Americans," said the Tax Policy Center paper. It "helps only those low-income seniors who currently pay income taxes. Those too poor to owe any tax — arguably those most in need — would get no benefit."
Even the powerful seniors' lobby doesn't seem excited about Obama's idea. An AARP bulletin on the presidential candidates' tax plans barely mentions it, noting that Obama's proposal could partly offset additional taxes that Obama would impose on seniors through higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains.
Tax experts across the spectrum also fault the Obama plan's abrupt $50,000 per year threshold. As described by the campaign, seniors making $48,000, for example, would pay no income tax, while someone with income slightly more than $50,000 could pay several thousand dollars in income taxes. Seniors nearing the $50,000 threshold would have an incentive to quit working.
Lawmakers would likely add a phaseout, according to tax experts. "Everyone knows there would never be this $50,000 cliff," said Ben Harris, a senior research associate at Brookings.
The proposed new tax break for seniors is one of about a dozen tax changes proposed by Obama, including raising rates on people making more than $250,000 a year, extending most of the rest of President Bush's tax cuts, subsidizing Social Security and payroll taxes for low-income workers and boosting income and child care tax credits for low-income workers.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
McCain Faults Obama on the War in Iraq
LAS VEGAS -- Republican John McCain on Saturday issued a scathing critique of Barack Obama's judgment and readiness to be commander in chief, telling a veterans' group his Democratic rival had tried to "legislate failure" in Iraq and placed his own ambition ahead of military success there.
Addressing the Disabled American Veterans convention here, McCain mocked what he called Obama's varying positions on the Bush administration's decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq last year. The GOP hopeful supported the so-called "surge" strategy, even as polls showed most voters opposed sending more troops into combat at the time.
Obama spoke out against the original invasion as an Illinois state senator and strongly opposed the subsequent troop increase in the U.S. Senate and on the campaign trail.
Since then, the surge has been credited with helping stabilize Iraq and reduce violence there. Obama has argued that it has not brought about the political reconciliation between rival Sunni and Shia factions needed to create lasting peace in the country.
But in a tacit acknowledgment that his original assessment of the troop increase may have proven incorrect, Obama's campaign removed criticisms of the strategy from its Web site last month.
Narrowly trailing Obama in national and many battleground state polls, McCain, a 71-year old decorated Navy veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services committee, has increasingly tried to portray the 47-year old Obama as lacking the experience and judgment to lead the country in a dangerous world.
Obama, in turn, has criticized McCain for supporting the original Iraq invasion which polls show many voters now consider a mistake. Recently, Obama, who has made Afghanistan a centerpiece of his anti-terrorism strategy, has said the protracted Iraq conflict has drawn needed resources away from Afghanistan where al-Qaeda and Taliban forces have shown a resurgence.
In his speech, McCain said Obama had not only predicted the troop increase would not succeed but had taken steps to ensure its failure, saying Obama had tried to prevent needed funding for it.
"Not content to merely predict failure in Iraq, my opponent tried to legislate failure," McCain said.
Obama voted against one major military appropriations bill in May 2007, but otherwise has voted consistently for funding to support the war.
McCain also renewed his criticism of Obama's call for a timeline to remove troops from Iraq, even as the U.S. and Iraq are near an agreement to pull American combat troops from the country by October 2010.
"Both candidates in this election pledge to end this war and bring our troops home. The great difference is that I intend to win it first," McCain said.
LAS VEGAS -- Republican John McCain on Saturday issued a scathing critique of Barack Obama's judgment and readiness to be commander in chief, telling a veterans' group his Democratic rival had tried to "legislate failure" in Iraq and placed his own ambition ahead of military success there.
Addressing the Disabled American Veterans convention here, McCain mocked what he called Obama's varying positions on the Bush administration's decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Iraq last year. The GOP hopeful supported the so-called "surge" strategy, even as polls showed most voters opposed sending more troops into combat at the time.
Obama spoke out against the original invasion as an Illinois state senator and strongly opposed the subsequent troop increase in the U.S. Senate and on the campaign trail.
Since then, the surge has been credited with helping stabilize Iraq and reduce violence there. Obama has argued that it has not brought about the political reconciliation between rival Sunni and Shia factions needed to create lasting peace in the country.
But in a tacit acknowledgment that his original assessment of the troop increase may have proven incorrect, Obama's campaign removed criticisms of the strategy from its Web site last month.
Narrowly trailing Obama in national and many battleground state polls, McCain, a 71-year old decorated Navy veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services committee, has increasingly tried to portray the 47-year old Obama as lacking the experience and judgment to lead the country in a dangerous world.
Obama, in turn, has criticized McCain for supporting the original Iraq invasion which polls show many voters now consider a mistake. Recently, Obama, who has made Afghanistan a centerpiece of his anti-terrorism strategy, has said the protracted Iraq conflict has drawn needed resources away from Afghanistan where al-Qaeda and Taliban forces have shown a resurgence.
In his speech, McCain said Obama had not only predicted the troop increase would not succeed but had taken steps to ensure its failure, saying Obama had tried to prevent needed funding for it.
"Not content to merely predict failure in Iraq, my opponent tried to legislate failure," McCain said.
Obama voted against one major military appropriations bill in May 2007, but otherwise has voted consistently for funding to support the war.
McCain also renewed his criticism of Obama's call for a timeline to remove troops from Iraq, even as the U.S. and Iraq are near an agreement to pull American combat troops from the country by October 2010.
"Both candidates in this election pledge to end this war and bring our troops home. The great difference is that I intend to win it first," McCain said.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Party Platform Seeks to Please Obama and Clinton
PITTSBURGH -- Democrats debated a platform Saturday that seeks to rally the party behind Barack Obama's policies and satisfy supporters of his vanquished rival for the nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
A draft of the platform was taken up by the party's 186-member platform committee for debate, amendments and adoption. The Democratic National Convention will vote on it in Denver later this month.
"We can rise together and form a new kind of government," Democratic Chairman Howard Dean told the committee. "We will pledge to return to core moral principles like stewardship, service to others, personal responsibility, shared sacrifice and shared opportunity for everybody."
Presidential candidates are not bound by platforms and tend to give them little regard once they are approved.
Still, careful work goes into drawing up the statement of principles and ensuring it doesn't drift from the nominee's own positions, yet keeps party activists and defeated candidates in line.
That usually means haggling over distinctions in words and phrases that may mean little to the average voter but carry great import with party loyalists.
On Iraq, the draft states that Democrats "expect to complete redeployment within 16 months," reflecting Obama's time frame but not the tone of certainty he brought to it when he was running in the primaries.
Similarly, on health care, the draft aims for universal coverage without promising it.
"We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right," the preamble states, using words often heard from Clinton.
Later, it asserts: "We believe that covering all is not just a moral imperative, but is necessary to making our health system workable and affordable."
Obama proposes to make health insurance mandatory for children and affordable for all. Unlike Clinton's plan in the primaries, his would not require everyone to have it.
The 51-page draft shows the influence of Clinton's supporters not only in the extensive section on health care but in its assertions about the treatment of women. Some of her backers believed sexism dogged her campaign for the nomination.
"We believe that standing up for our country means standing up against sexism and all intolerance," the document states. "Demeaning portrayals of women cheapen our debates, dampen the dreams of our daughters and deny us the contributions of too many. Responsibility lies with us all."
Even so, the proposed platform is thoroughly tuned to Obama's proposals.
It reasserts his promise of energy rebates to struggling families, pension subsidies, a crackdown on predatory lenders, higher taxes for families earning over $250,000, tax breaks for others, billions for economic stimulus and "direct high-level diplomacy, without preconditions," in the case of Iran.
The draft was prepared after more than 1,600 hearings around the country.
On trade, it promises a multilateral approach to improving the North American Free Trade Agreement, without saying specifically what those changes should be. Obama criticized NAFTA when campaigning in states that felt disadvantaged by it, but the platform offers no suggestion he would take unilateral action against the deal.
Instead, it says: "We will work with Canada and Mexico to amend the North American Free Trade Agreement so that it works better for all three North American countries."
Four years ago, when John Kerry held the reins going into the convention that affirmed his nomination, the party resisted efforts by some Democrats to have the platform declare the Iraq war a mistake.
Now, under the influence of a candidate who opposed the invasion from the start, the draft calls the war "ill-considered" and "unnecessary."
Republicans will go through a similar platform process just ahead of their convention and, if the past is any guide, argue over abortion and other social issues without making substantial changes to the GOP's core beliefs.
The Democratic draft:
_Promises "tough, practical, and humane immigration reform in the first year of the next administration."
_Favors restoration of the ban on assault-type weapons and other "reasonable regulation" that recognizes the constitutional right to own and use firearms.
_Favors helping religious groups provide social services as long as "public funds are not used to proselytize or discriminate."
_Promises to close the Guantanamo detention center.
_Promises to double the Peace Corps.
PITTSBURGH -- Democrats debated a platform Saturday that seeks to rally the party behind Barack Obama's policies and satisfy supporters of his vanquished rival for the nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton.
A draft of the platform was taken up by the party's 186-member platform committee for debate, amendments and adoption. The Democratic National Convention will vote on it in Denver later this month.
"We can rise together and form a new kind of government," Democratic Chairman Howard Dean told the committee. "We will pledge to return to core moral principles like stewardship, service to others, personal responsibility, shared sacrifice and shared opportunity for everybody."
Presidential candidates are not bound by platforms and tend to give them little regard once they are approved.
Still, careful work goes into drawing up the statement of principles and ensuring it doesn't drift from the nominee's own positions, yet keeps party activists and defeated candidates in line.
That usually means haggling over distinctions in words and phrases that may mean little to the average voter but carry great import with party loyalists.
On Iraq, the draft states that Democrats "expect to complete redeployment within 16 months," reflecting Obama's time frame but not the tone of certainty he brought to it when he was running in the primaries.
Similarly, on health care, the draft aims for universal coverage without promising it.
"We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right," the preamble states, using words often heard from Clinton.
Later, it asserts: "We believe that covering all is not just a moral imperative, but is necessary to making our health system workable and affordable."
Obama proposes to make health insurance mandatory for children and affordable for all. Unlike Clinton's plan in the primaries, his would not require everyone to have it.
The 51-page draft shows the influence of Clinton's supporters not only in the extensive section on health care but in its assertions about the treatment of women. Some of her backers believed sexism dogged her campaign for the nomination.
"We believe that standing up for our country means standing up against sexism and all intolerance," the document states. "Demeaning portrayals of women cheapen our debates, dampen the dreams of our daughters and deny us the contributions of too many. Responsibility lies with us all."
Even so, the proposed platform is thoroughly tuned to Obama's proposals.
It reasserts his promise of energy rebates to struggling families, pension subsidies, a crackdown on predatory lenders, higher taxes for families earning over $250,000, tax breaks for others, billions for economic stimulus and "direct high-level diplomacy, without preconditions," in the case of Iran.
The draft was prepared after more than 1,600 hearings around the country.
On trade, it promises a multilateral approach to improving the North American Free Trade Agreement, without saying specifically what those changes should be. Obama criticized NAFTA when campaigning in states that felt disadvantaged by it, but the platform offers no suggestion he would take unilateral action against the deal.
Instead, it says: "We will work with Canada and Mexico to amend the North American Free Trade Agreement so that it works better for all three North American countries."
Four years ago, when John Kerry held the reins going into the convention that affirmed his nomination, the party resisted efforts by some Democrats to have the platform declare the Iraq war a mistake.
Now, under the influence of a candidate who opposed the invasion from the start, the draft calls the war "ill-considered" and "unnecessary."
Republicans will go through a similar platform process just ahead of their convention and, if the past is any guide, argue over abortion and other social issues without making substantial changes to the GOP's core beliefs.
The Democratic draft:
_Promises "tough, practical, and humane immigration reform in the first year of the next administration."
_Favors restoration of the ban on assault-type weapons and other "reasonable regulation" that recognizes the constitutional right to own and use firearms.
_Favors helping religious groups provide social services as long as "public funds are not used to proselytize or discriminate."
_Promises to close the Guantanamo detention center.
_Promises to double the Peace Corps.
Late Nite Jokes
Jay Leno
President Bush arrived in China for the Games. He spent most of the day driving around looking for a Panda Express.
A lot of people don’t realize this is a first for President Bush — entering a foreign country where he was invited.
I think President Bush was trying too hard to impress the Chinese president with his knowledge of the Chinese culture. Like when they met, he said, “Snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper.”
After vigorously denying it, John Edwards has finally admitted his affair. The National Enquirer was the only publication writing about it. You know what this means? Elvis is alive! Bigfoot is real!
David Letterman
Here’s something to be aware of in August: Psychiatrists usually take the month off for vacation. So that means there’s nobody around to write a prescription for Andy Dick.
The Beijing Olympics — two weeks of competition to see which country has the best pharmacists.
Sometimes I feel President Bush is in over his head. He’s at the opening ceremonies, and he’s trying to pretend he knows what he’s doing. So he turns to the president of China and he says, “I love your Chicken, Gen. Tsao.”
Craig Ferguson
The Olympics started today. They’ve got the pollution problem in China, and in an effort to improve the air quality, the Chinese government is firing anti-smog pellets into the sky. The pellets are made up of ground up political dissidents.
Barack Obama has been emphasizing that Americans can save gas by properly inflating their tires. John McCain has been encouraging his supporters to change the tennis balls on their walkers.
Stoners everywhere will be happy this weekend. “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” comes out. Actually, "Pineapple Express" comes out.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
President Bush has become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Olympics in a foreign country. He said he‘s been looking forward to it ever since he learned that in China people are not allowed rto make fun of political leaders.
Today is the 8th day of the 8th month. It is no coincidence that the Chinese started the Olympics today — and at exactly 8:08 p.m., Beijing time. The y believe that the number 8 is lucky. Of course, they also pay $6,000 a plate to eat tiger penis.
For China, the Olympics are an opportunity to try to change the world’s perception of them. They put on quite an opening ceremony. They say it cost $300 million to produce . . . and it might have been even more expensive if they didn’t have slaves.
China has ordered restasurants to remove dog from their menus for the duration of the Olympics. That’s not good news for some fast food restaurants like Dog O Bell . . . McDognalds . . . and Ken-Puppy Fried Chicken.
Jay Leno
President Bush arrived in China for the Games. He spent most of the day driving around looking for a Panda Express.
A lot of people don’t realize this is a first for President Bush — entering a foreign country where he was invited.
I think President Bush was trying too hard to impress the Chinese president with his knowledge of the Chinese culture. Like when they met, he said, “Snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper.”
After vigorously denying it, John Edwards has finally admitted his affair. The National Enquirer was the only publication writing about it. You know what this means? Elvis is alive! Bigfoot is real!
David Letterman
Here’s something to be aware of in August: Psychiatrists usually take the month off for vacation. So that means there’s nobody around to write a prescription for Andy Dick.
The Beijing Olympics — two weeks of competition to see which country has the best pharmacists.
Sometimes I feel President Bush is in over his head. He’s at the opening ceremonies, and he’s trying to pretend he knows what he’s doing. So he turns to the president of China and he says, “I love your Chicken, Gen. Tsao.”
Craig Ferguson
The Olympics started today. They’ve got the pollution problem in China, and in an effort to improve the air quality, the Chinese government is firing anti-smog pellets into the sky. The pellets are made up of ground up political dissidents.
Barack Obama has been emphasizing that Americans can save gas by properly inflating their tires. John McCain has been encouraging his supporters to change the tennis balls on their walkers.
Stoners everywhere will be happy this weekend. “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” comes out. Actually, "Pineapple Express" comes out.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
President Bush has become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Olympics in a foreign country. He said he‘s been looking forward to it ever since he learned that in China people are not allowed rto make fun of political leaders.
Today is the 8th day of the 8th month. It is no coincidence that the Chinese started the Olympics today — and at exactly 8:08 p.m., Beijing time. The y believe that the number 8 is lucky. Of course, they also pay $6,000 a plate to eat tiger penis.
For China, the Olympics are an opportunity to try to change the world’s perception of them. They put on quite an opening ceremony. They say it cost $300 million to produce . . . and it might have been even more expensive if they didn’t have slaves.
China has ordered restasurants to remove dog from their menus for the duration of the Olympics. That’s not good news for some fast food restaurants like Dog O Bell . . . McDognalds . . . and Ken-Puppy Fried Chicken.
Friday, August 8, 2008
McCain Says Obama Wants to Forfeit War in Iraq
LIMA, Ohio -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who has contended that Barack Obama is willing to lose in Iraq to win the election, on Thursday said his rival would forfeit the war as part of an agenda that also promotes big government and high taxes.
McCain told those gathered for a town hall meeting that Obama is a talented orator with an agenda that could be boiled down to simple policies the Arizona Republican opposes.
"Government is too big, he wants to grow it. Taxes are to high, he wants to raise them," McCain said. "Congress spends too much and he proposes more. We need more energy and he's against producing it. We're finally winning in Iraq, and he wants to forfeit."
McCain's criticism came before he was to travel to Wilmington to discuss possible job losses, as many as 8,000, from the proposed closure of a DHL shipping site, the result of a corporate merger aided by his campaign manager during his work as a lobbyist.
In 2003, McCain campaign manager Rick Davis lobbied Congress to accept a proposal by German-owned DHL to buy Airborne Express, which kept its domestic hub in Wilmington in southwest Ohio.
In announcing a restructuring plan in May, DHL said it planned to hire United Parcel Service to move some of its air packages, sending them through an airport in Louisville, Ky., and putting the Wilmington Air Park out of business.
Davis took a leave of absence from his lobbying practice to work for McCain, a self-styled reformer who asked his campaign staff to disclose all previous lobbying ties and make certain they were no longer registered as lobbyists or foreign agents.
The economy and job losses are important issues in Ohio, a critical swing state that gave President Bush the electoral votes needed for re-election in 2004.
McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said Wednesday that Davis had not worked with DHL since 2005, long before DHL announced plans to move its work out of Wilmington. The companies merged in 2003.
"At the time of the merger, no one anticipated an impact on jobs in Wilmington," Rogers said.
McCain, as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, had a role in the deal, too. He urged then-Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens to abandon proposed legislation that would have prohibited foreign-owned carriers from flying U.S. military equipment or troops, which Airborne Express said was aimed at torpedoing its merger with DHL.
Rogers said McCain opposed the bill because it could have hurt the military's airlift capabilities in a time of war.
The DHL-Airborne deal ultimately went through, despite opposition from competitors UPS and FedEx, which argued that it would violate a ban on foreign control of domestic airlines. DHL is the U.S.-based shipping unit of German postal service Deutsche Post AG.
On Wednesday, Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat and Obama supporter, called on McCain and Davis to use their past ties to DHL to urge the company not to move jobs out of Wilmington.
"John McCain through this whole thing has said zero about his connection to DHL," Brown said. "We need their help. I'm accusing them of indifference."
A task force of local and federal elected officials as well as business and labor leaders has been working to save the jobs.
"This is worthy of every presidential candidate's attention," Wilmington Mayor David Raizk said. "Whether it's a vote-changing issue or not, I think it might be a little too early to tell. It's a matter of making sure our situation here stays on the front burner."
During a campaign visit last month, Obama discussed the situation with Raizk and other officials and pledged to help if elected.
In a statement Wednesday, Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich called the situation "one of the worst job catastrophes that any community in this nation is facing" and said the involvement of both McCain and Obama indicated it merited global attention.
"We are going to need some involvement by the German government," Voinovich said.
DHL declined to comment.
Ohio is a general election battleground state, and rural southwest Ohio, where Wilmington is located, is a Republican stronghold. In 2004, Clinton County _ which includes Wilmington _ voted for Bush over Democrat John Kerry by more than 2-to-1, even though Bush narrowly won the state.
LIMA, Ohio -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain, who has contended that Barack Obama is willing to lose in Iraq to win the election, on Thursday said his rival would forfeit the war as part of an agenda that also promotes big government and high taxes.
McCain told those gathered for a town hall meeting that Obama is a talented orator with an agenda that could be boiled down to simple policies the Arizona Republican opposes.
"Government is too big, he wants to grow it. Taxes are to high, he wants to raise them," McCain said. "Congress spends too much and he proposes more. We need more energy and he's against producing it. We're finally winning in Iraq, and he wants to forfeit."
McCain's criticism came before he was to travel to Wilmington to discuss possible job losses, as many as 8,000, from the proposed closure of a DHL shipping site, the result of a corporate merger aided by his campaign manager during his work as a lobbyist.
In 2003, McCain campaign manager Rick Davis lobbied Congress to accept a proposal by German-owned DHL to buy Airborne Express, which kept its domestic hub in Wilmington in southwest Ohio.
In announcing a restructuring plan in May, DHL said it planned to hire United Parcel Service to move some of its air packages, sending them through an airport in Louisville, Ky., and putting the Wilmington Air Park out of business.
Davis took a leave of absence from his lobbying practice to work for McCain, a self-styled reformer who asked his campaign staff to disclose all previous lobbying ties and make certain they were no longer registered as lobbyists or foreign agents.
The economy and job losses are important issues in Ohio, a critical swing state that gave President Bush the electoral votes needed for re-election in 2004.
McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said Wednesday that Davis had not worked with DHL since 2005, long before DHL announced plans to move its work out of Wilmington. The companies merged in 2003.
"At the time of the merger, no one anticipated an impact on jobs in Wilmington," Rogers said.
McCain, as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, had a role in the deal, too. He urged then-Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens to abandon proposed legislation that would have prohibited foreign-owned carriers from flying U.S. military equipment or troops, which Airborne Express said was aimed at torpedoing its merger with DHL.
Rogers said McCain opposed the bill because it could have hurt the military's airlift capabilities in a time of war.
The DHL-Airborne deal ultimately went through, despite opposition from competitors UPS and FedEx, which argued that it would violate a ban on foreign control of domestic airlines. DHL is the U.S.-based shipping unit of German postal service Deutsche Post AG.
On Wednesday, Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat and Obama supporter, called on McCain and Davis to use their past ties to DHL to urge the company not to move jobs out of Wilmington.
"John McCain through this whole thing has said zero about his connection to DHL," Brown said. "We need their help. I'm accusing them of indifference."
A task force of local and federal elected officials as well as business and labor leaders has been working to save the jobs.
"This is worthy of every presidential candidate's attention," Wilmington Mayor David Raizk said. "Whether it's a vote-changing issue or not, I think it might be a little too early to tell. It's a matter of making sure our situation here stays on the front burner."
During a campaign visit last month, Obama discussed the situation with Raizk and other officials and pledged to help if elected.
In a statement Wednesday, Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich called the situation "one of the worst job catastrophes that any community in this nation is facing" and said the involvement of both McCain and Obama indicated it merited global attention.
"We are going to need some involvement by the German government," Voinovich said.
DHL declined to comment.
Ohio is a general election battleground state, and rural southwest Ohio, where Wilmington is located, is a Republican stronghold. In 2004, Clinton County _ which includes Wilmington _ voted for Bush over Democrat John Kerry by more than 2-to-1, even though Bush narrowly won the state.
