Best Buddies: During the U.S. presidential campaign, both Barack Obama and John McCain play the oneupsmanship game on how much they love Israel. Both vow continued military, economic and diplomatic support in efforts to win the Jewish vote stateside. But, is that mutual admiration actually shared by Israelis? Yes and no. They cherish the American people because of family ties and tourist revenue. They disdain our government, considering it leaderless. They view the presidential race as the angry old guy (McCain), the nitwit (Gov. Sarah Palin), versus the untried new guy (Obama) and the windbag (Sen. Joe Biden). Many Israelis question our system if this is the best we can muster. They are not impressed. In the narrow focus of Israelis, there major concerns are: Will Iran develop nuclear warheads; Should Israel attack those arsenals; Will Hamas take over the rest of the Palestinian territory; Will Hezbollah and Israel go back to war; Will Syria make peace with Israel, and will Israel and Fatah continue the Palestinian peace process? Martin Fletcher, NBC correspondent based in Tel Aviv, reports Israeli government leaders understand U.S. support is a given. But a loud minority believe unflinching American support is harmful to their country's future. Without such support, this minority opinion believes its leaders would be more inclined to compromise and reach accords with Palestinian leaders and Syria. Israel and its neighbors, Fletcher says from his Middle East sources, there is a need for strong, stable, smart American leadership. What it sees in the presidential campaigns and debates is mind-dulling talking points. "It appears to be a weak, dumb, uninvolved stumbling giant," he wrote, citing government officials and editorials and letters among the raucous newspaper accounts. Apparently, George Bush is as unpopular in Israel as he is at home. And the prospects of an Obama or McCain presidency is also unflattering in the land of shalom.
My Senior Moment: One of the most substantive issues in Tuesday's presidential debate fell below the radar in print and broadcast coverage. That was the question whether health insurance coverage was a right or a privilege. Obama said it was a right. McCain said it was a responsibility of the individual and family. Their answers reflect a fundamental gap between the two. Obama is correct on this one. In our society, we think nothing of paying taxes to our cities and counties for police and fire protection and other public services for the common good. Cops and firemen don't discriminate and drive away if you can't afford their assistance. They are guardians of our public welfare. Our welfare also includes our health. What is the difference between the cops chasing down a robber and a physician diagnosing and treating a disease? They're both the same in my book. The only difference is the former is accepted societal behavior and the latter not. Police and fire protection is constrained by budgets. Why not universal health care based on an individual's affordability to pay the premiums? It's the right thing to do.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Who Won? "That One"
Dysfunctional Debate: Voters who base their decision on whom does best in the presidential debates might be scrambling for a write-in choice today. Neither Democrat Barack Obama nor Republican John McCain strayed far from their campaign talking points Tuesday night. Neither offered reassurance how they would tackle the economic crises. Both fibbed on the other's record and policies. The debate's Town Hall forum and rules both campaigns agreed upon left voters to fend for themselves. It boiled down to which candidate appeared more presidential. In that regard, Obama won by a landslide except on foreign policy questions where they battled to a draw. Going into the debate, political junkies including both campaign zealots agreed McCain had to perform extraordinary to turn the tide of the election. He didn't. The CBS and CNN instant polls, although not all that reliable, crushed the notion that the debate would be a game changer. For one thing, Obama's efforts to explain questions from the audience were more direct and crisp than McCain's on how the financial markets crash would effect their pocketbooks. McCain's responses wandered the spectrum from vague to weird. If elected, McCain said he would order the Treasury Secretary to buy troubled home mortgages and renegotiate new loans reflecting the diminished value. "We're going to have to do something about home values," he said. "Is it expensive? Yes." He did not elaborate. The program is one favored by many Democrats in Congress and would cost an estimated $300 billion. Such proposals drive the conservative Republican base nuts. On energy issues, McCain posed a question to the audience. He asked which of the candidates voted in favor of the Bush/Cheney energy package "loaded with all kinds of goodies." Not me, he said, and then pointed to Obama. "That one." Post debate pundits who are Obama cheerleaders agreed the reference was weird. Howard Fineman of Newsweek compared it to a grandfather pointing out an offending grandchild as "that one" who spilled the cookie jar. Yes, on stage McCain appeared a grumpy old man compared to his younger, cooler and calculating opponent.
Fact Check: McCain repeated his assertion that the U.S. spends $700 billion to purchase foreign oil from countries who do not like us. Actually, a third of that expenditure goes to allies such as Canada and Mexico. Obama said Bush policies supported by McCain stripped regulations on the markets and consumers leading to the financial collapse. Although McCain supports deregulation, he advocated reforms for financial mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years before they were bailed out by the feds. McCain said the last time a president raised taxes -- a jab at Obama -- during an economic recession was Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression. Not true. Although the recessions were not as severe as during Hoover's presidency, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton raised taxes leading to economic recoveries. Obama said McCain's $5,000 tax credit in exchange for treating employers' health insurance contributions as taxable wages amounts to "what one hand giveth, the other taketh away." McCain's proposal in the first years of the system would amount to a savings since the credit would exceed the amount of the tax. Over 10 years as premiums rise, the costs would increase the federal deficit by $1.3 trillion mainly because it would mean less revenue and thereby a true tax break overall. Obama said the cuts in federal spending he envisions would cover the costs of his ambitious domestic spending agenda for such programs as education, renewable energy and health care. His specifics do not bear that out.
Sacrificial Lambs: Neither candidate enunciated the extreme sacrifices facing Americans in this time of economic chaos. They had their chance and blew it in a direct question from moderator Tom Brokaw. Hate to use this tired phrase, but they tried to apply lipstick to a pig. Well, the pig raised its ugly head today in a report from the International Monetary Fund that a global recession is near and likely to continue well into 2009. The IMF's projection came before the Federal Reserve joined by central banks around the world slashed interest rates to stall the financial meltdown. The U.S. bailout is aimed at thawing the credit freeze by buying mortgage-related bad debt from the financial institutions. It will work only if banks lend between themselves to keep businesses operating and consumers gain confidence in the economic future. Credit availability is likely to remain constrained through next year, the IMF said. The IMF projected growth down to 1.8% in Germany, o.8% in France, 1% in Great Britain, 0.7% in Canada and Japan and drops -- for the first time in five years -- to 9.7% in China and 7.9% in India. Bush, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke all have poorly articulated the severity of the crises that consumers can understand. The ball soon will shift to one of the candidate's court. One will inherit this mess. None of us has a clue how he will handle it. There is one more debate between Obama and McCain. It's time for both to stop playing defense and speak the truth. Fat chance.
Fact Check: McCain repeated his assertion that the U.S. spends $700 billion to purchase foreign oil from countries who do not like us. Actually, a third of that expenditure goes to allies such as Canada and Mexico. Obama said Bush policies supported by McCain stripped regulations on the markets and consumers leading to the financial collapse. Although McCain supports deregulation, he advocated reforms for financial mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac two years before they were bailed out by the feds. McCain said the last time a president raised taxes -- a jab at Obama -- during an economic recession was Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression. Not true. Although the recessions were not as severe as during Hoover's presidency, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton raised taxes leading to economic recoveries. Obama said McCain's $5,000 tax credit in exchange for treating employers' health insurance contributions as taxable wages amounts to "what one hand giveth, the other taketh away." McCain's proposal in the first years of the system would amount to a savings since the credit would exceed the amount of the tax. Over 10 years as premiums rise, the costs would increase the federal deficit by $1.3 trillion mainly because it would mean less revenue and thereby a true tax break overall. Obama said the cuts in federal spending he envisions would cover the costs of his ambitious domestic spending agenda for such programs as education, renewable energy and health care. His specifics do not bear that out.
Sacrificial Lambs: Neither candidate enunciated the extreme sacrifices facing Americans in this time of economic chaos. They had their chance and blew it in a direct question from moderator Tom Brokaw. Hate to use this tired phrase, but they tried to apply lipstick to a pig. Well, the pig raised its ugly head today in a report from the International Monetary Fund that a global recession is near and likely to continue well into 2009. The IMF's projection came before the Federal Reserve joined by central banks around the world slashed interest rates to stall the financial meltdown. The U.S. bailout is aimed at thawing the credit freeze by buying mortgage-related bad debt from the financial institutions. It will work only if banks lend between themselves to keep businesses operating and consumers gain confidence in the economic future. Credit availability is likely to remain constrained through next year, the IMF said. The IMF projected growth down to 1.8% in Germany, o.8% in France, 1% in Great Britain, 0.7% in Canada and Japan and drops -- for the first time in five years -- to 9.7% in China and 7.9% in India. Bush, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke all have poorly articulated the severity of the crises that consumers can understand. The ball soon will shift to one of the candidate's court. One will inherit this mess. None of us has a clue how he will handle it. There is one more debate between Obama and McCain. It's time for both to stop playing defense and speak the truth. Fat chance.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Articles of Mass Distraction
Issues vs. Character: Imagine you're in John McCain's $500 shoes. Less than a month from election day, polls tell you the discouraging news. You are losing to Barack Obama. In your heart, you know you're right. Tough on foreign policy. Faith in a free market system. Cut taxes. Lower spending. Country first. All ingredients for a successful recipe to win the White House in normal times. But, these are not normal times. Less than a third of the voters care Iran is building nuclear warheads. Most fear what's happening to their pocket books. The me first is paramount as fears of a prolonged recession begin strangling the life blood of our souls. So, for the umpteenth time, you succumb to your advisers and develop an offensive strategy that changes the subject from how to address the nation's economic problems to planting seeds of doubt in the character of your opponent. Against your better judgment, you and your surrogates go for the jugular. McCain delivered a speech Monday asking "Who is Barack Obama?" He elaborated: "Whatever the question, whatever the issue, there's always a back story with Sen. Obama... My opponent's touchiness every time he is questioned about his record should only make us more concerned." McCain then repeated the disputed claim Obama supports raising taxes for persons with $42,000 annual income. McCain's running mate Gov. Sarah Palin has taken a more direct attack by saying Obama "pals around with known terrorists" in reference to Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers whose underground group bombed the Pentagon when Obama was 8 years old. Now, Palin is drawing large crowds which are terrific for television audiences appearances but are misleading as hell. She's appearing only before the basest of the Republican base and providing them with red meat and absolutely no effort to win over undecided voters who will decide the outcome of the election. The Obama campaign has countered attack ads with some of their own while Obama himself has taken a higher road. "I can't imagine talking about anything more important than the economic crises," he said on the campaign trail in North Carolina Monday.
Voter Backlash? The McCain swiftboating approach could work as it did four years ago for George Bush against John Kerry. Hillary Clinton nearly beat Obama late in the primary campaign with a series of negative ads. Clinton started too late and McCain could experience the same results. Here's the canard: Voters tell pollsters they despise negative campaigning. Political pols know they work and have the data to prove it. But, these are not normal times. Imagine the serious voter trying to decide upon the candidates and hear no solutions to their problems but prattle about the evils of the other guy. There is considerable speculation that McCain will carry his personal attack message into tonight's debate. That should make an entertaining evening but is it too risky even for such an addicted gambler as McCain?
My Take: Both McCain and Obama share the same problem of becoming too specific on how to solve the economic crises. The groundwork is set in concrete with the $700 billion rescue bill signed into law last Friday by President Bush. They both are stuck with it and perhaps even Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson administering it. Remember President Clinton campaigned on a specific economic program in 1992. After looking at the books, he had to ditch his program and go a different route after taking office. Still, both candidates need to weigh in on the economic crises and not Obama's guilt by association relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers and McCain's hot temperament and involvement in the Keating savings and loan scandal. I want to hear more on the policy differences in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. More details on tax cuts and tax increases. More on differences in their health care reforms. More on what areas to cut spending. More on energy and clean air proposals. More on keeping Social Security solvent. More on the criteria needed for appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court. In short, cut the crap and go for the gold.
Voter Backlash? The McCain swiftboating approach could work as it did four years ago for George Bush against John Kerry. Hillary Clinton nearly beat Obama late in the primary campaign with a series of negative ads. Clinton started too late and McCain could experience the same results. Here's the canard: Voters tell pollsters they despise negative campaigning. Political pols know they work and have the data to prove it. But, these are not normal times. Imagine the serious voter trying to decide upon the candidates and hear no solutions to their problems but prattle about the evils of the other guy. There is considerable speculation that McCain will carry his personal attack message into tonight's debate. That should make an entertaining evening but is it too risky even for such an addicted gambler as McCain?
My Take: Both McCain and Obama share the same problem of becoming too specific on how to solve the economic crises. The groundwork is set in concrete with the $700 billion rescue bill signed into law last Friday by President Bush. They both are stuck with it and perhaps even Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson administering it. Remember President Clinton campaigned on a specific economic program in 1992. After looking at the books, he had to ditch his program and go a different route after taking office. Still, both candidates need to weigh in on the economic crises and not Obama's guilt by association relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers and McCain's hot temperament and involvement in the Keating savings and loan scandal. I want to hear more on the policy differences in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. More details on tax cuts and tax increases. More on differences in their health care reforms. More on what areas to cut spending. More on energy and clean air proposals. More on keeping Social Security solvent. More on the criteria needed for appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court. In short, cut the crap and go for the gold.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Monday Morning Blues
No Fun Day: Years ago teenager Brenda Spencer fired shots into a nearby school playground and while holed up in her home answered the telephone call from one of my colleagues on the San Diego Evening Tribune. "I hate Mondays, don't you?" she said. The quote made international news. A popular song was written based on that quotation from a very troubled girl. Today's news reminded me of Brenda Spencer's lament. The Dow Jones Industrial average dropped below 10,000 joined by double digit losses in the Nasdaq and S&P exchanges. The credit market remained frozen. Investors panicked searching for safe havens. President Bush's signing of the $700 billion market rescue plan may take a month to implement and many more to determine any impact on stalling or even stabilizing the home mortgage meltdown. Jobs fell. Factory orders continued to fade. More banks failed in Europe. Retirees saw their 401(k) retirement nest eggs dwindle. Working families saw their credit limits shrink. Even news in the fun and games department stunk. The jinxed Chicago Cubs, with 100 years of futility on their backs, saw their best chance in decades to reach the World Series evaporate by not winning a game in the first round of the playoffs. That was followed by my Chargers losing to Miami in the worst game they played this season. Of minor consequence, USC defeated Oregon in its 100-1 shot reaching a national championship BCS game.
A Ray of Hope: A search for positive news found only a Washington Post report on voter registration ranks swelled significantly that could change the Nov. 4 election in favor of the Democrats -- if they turn out to vote. In the past year, voter registration rolls have increased by 4 million in a dozen battleground states, 11 of which Barack Obama is targeting that President Bush won in 2004 and 2000. Democrats have attracted twice the number of new voters in Florida, outgained Republicans by a 4-1 margin in Colorado and Nevada and by a 6-1 cushion in North Carolina. Democratic registration in Florida now exceeds Republicans by a half-million. In North Carolina, Democrats have added 208,000 voters compared to 34,000 by the GOP. In Nevada, which Bush carried by 21,000 votes in 2004, Democrats have added 94,000 and Republicans 22,000. Republicans now trail Democrats by 81,000 in the Silver State. In Pennsylvania, a state John McCain is trying to snatch, Democrats have registered in the past year 474,000 new voters while the Republicans have lost 38,000. The Obama campaign projects that for every new voter they register, 80% will vote Democrat and 75% turn out. Although the voter registration drives may assist the Obama campaign, the overall impact of luring millions of new voters into our electoral process is good news. For all the chest-pounding Americans ballyhoo as champions of the democratic process, they are notoriously lax in exercising that right. A 50% voter turnout is considered good. Anything more than a 60% turnout in a presidential election is phenomenal. Such low expectations do not bode well in my book. If you don't vote, don't bitch.
Financing Fraud: Don't be surprised if the Federal Election Practices Commission launches an investigation into possible financial contribution irregularities involving the Obama campaign. Michael Isikoff in Newsweek reports thousands are contributing $200 each under phony names which indicates many may be exceeding the $2,300 maximum any one individual can contribute to a major political campaign. In one case, a donor identified himself as Good Will and place of employment at a Goodwill Charities branch in Georgia. The Obama campaign sent thank you notes to Goodwill Industries for months before the charity repsonded they were unaware of any contributions from its employees in addition to the fact such donations would be illegal from a non-profit group. The Obama campaign has raised the bulk of their contributions through the Internet from individual donors. Campaigns are not required to report donations $200 or less by names, addresses and occupations. Instead, they are lumped together for reporting purposes. Seems nothing escapes gaming the system.
A Ray of Hope: A search for positive news found only a Washington Post report on voter registration ranks swelled significantly that could change the Nov. 4 election in favor of the Democrats -- if they turn out to vote. In the past year, voter registration rolls have increased by 4 million in a dozen battleground states, 11 of which Barack Obama is targeting that President Bush won in 2004 and 2000. Democrats have attracted twice the number of new voters in Florida, outgained Republicans by a 4-1 margin in Colorado and Nevada and by a 6-1 cushion in North Carolina. Democratic registration in Florida now exceeds Republicans by a half-million. In North Carolina, Democrats have added 208,000 voters compared to 34,000 by the GOP. In Nevada, which Bush carried by 21,000 votes in 2004, Democrats have added 94,000 and Republicans 22,000. Republicans now trail Democrats by 81,000 in the Silver State. In Pennsylvania, a state John McCain is trying to snatch, Democrats have registered in the past year 474,000 new voters while the Republicans have lost 38,000. The Obama campaign projects that for every new voter they register, 80% will vote Democrat and 75% turn out. Although the voter registration drives may assist the Obama campaign, the overall impact of luring millions of new voters into our electoral process is good news. For all the chest-pounding Americans ballyhoo as champions of the democratic process, they are notoriously lax in exercising that right. A 50% voter turnout is considered good. Anything more than a 60% turnout in a presidential election is phenomenal. Such low expectations do not bode well in my book. If you don't vote, don't bitch.
Financing Fraud: Don't be surprised if the Federal Election Practices Commission launches an investigation into possible financial contribution irregularities involving the Obama campaign. Michael Isikoff in Newsweek reports thousands are contributing $200 each under phony names which indicates many may be exceeding the $2,300 maximum any one individual can contribute to a major political campaign. In one case, a donor identified himself as Good Will and place of employment at a Goodwill Charities branch in Georgia. The Obama campaign sent thank you notes to Goodwill Industries for months before the charity repsonded they were unaware of any contributions from its employees in addition to the fact such donations would be illegal from a non-profit group. The Obama campaign has raised the bulk of their contributions through the Internet from individual donors. Campaigns are not required to report donations $200 or less by names, addresses and occupations. Instead, they are lumped together for reporting purposes. Seems nothing escapes gaming the system.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Credit Palin With a Save
Raising The Bar: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin exceeded low expectations in her Thursday night debate with Sen. Joe Biden, providing Republican supporters a great sigh of relief. Her performance in the vice presidential face-off reignited the dying flames of the John McCain campaign after two weeks of stumbles and U-turns. "She hit it out of the park," gushed Sean Hannity and fellow Republican rooters. Not bad for a rookie .200 hitter. Palin came to the forum well prepared and coached and, most importantly, she delivered. Poor Joe Biden. A former Clinton campaign advisor declared Biden turned in his best debate performance ever. Yet, Palin stole the show. She won the expectations game spiced with two seminal zinging moments. One was Barack Obama's plan to withdraw combat troops from Iraq in 16 months she equated to "raising a white flag." She said Biden flip-flopped after initially supporting the Iraq war resolution. "It's so obvious I'm a Washington outsider and someone not used to the ways you guys operate because you voted for the war and then you voted against it," she said. Palin's performance benefited from the debate rules with time restrictions on answers and little chance of follow-up questions. It's those second and third questions that Palin floundered in recent television interviews. If Palin didn't like the question, she simply diverted it uncontested to a topic she was more comfortable with, usually energy. So much for expectations.
Veep Stakes: One of the more revealing segments of the debate focused on the role each would play as vice president. Biden said he would be Obama's front man driving the administration's programs through Congress as well as Obama's close confidant and advisor. Palin said she wished she had more constitutional and Senate institutional powers than simply on the rare occasions casting a tie-breaking vote. She said McCain has promised her a strong role in pushing his energy program, advocacy for women's equality and for parents of handicapped children.
Fact Check: Palin said Obama voted 94 times to increase taxes or against tax reductions. It was 11 times but only for those earning more than $1 million. Biden complained deregulation of the Bush administration led to the current financial market collapse. Biden voted for the 1999 deregulation bill. Palin said McCain led a movement to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel authored the bill which McCain sponsored but was killed in committee. Palin said she beat the oil industry in Alaska with a windfall profits tax that went directly to the state's citizens. At the same time, she sided with Big Oil on anti-environmental measures as well as supporting drilling in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge which McCain opposes. Biden said McCain supports an additional $4 billion tax cut for the oil industry. McCain's plan would provide tax cuts to all corporations, including Big Oil. Palin said Alaska is building a $40 billion natural gas pipeline through Canada to the states. A license for seed money was awarded to one contractor but construction won't start for six years. "It's not a done deal," Palin said in August. Bottom Line: No major hits, runs or errors.
My Take: Close your eyes, filter out the expectations game and return to the real world. Biden won the debate if not on points certainly on the reassurance of his experience. Instant polls by CNN reflects that edge. The debate was not a game changer. It may push McCain up a few points but only for several days. Hillary Rosen, a Democratic strategist, offered an analogy which matched mine while watching the debate. Rosen projected a scenario of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with Palin sitting in the war room forced to make life and death commander-in-chief decisions. Just can't see that happening. Palin's performance was programmed and borderline robotic. There's no there there. Like Mrs. Clinton told Obama: Wait your turn after you grow up.
No Control Zone: Did you see Bill O'Reilly go ballistic on Rep. Barney Frank? O'Reilly yelled, screamed, taunted, bullied and cast personal insults at Frank who heads the House Banking Committee and spearheaded the Congressional negotiations for a rescue plan of the financial markets. No matter what Frank tried to say about his role involving failed reforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, O'Reilly shouted him down. I think I know why. Bill's ego is the size of an inflated hot air balloon. When the segment began, Frank, who can be as nasty as a cornered bantam rooster, was reading the newspaper. His eyes down and continued reading while O'Reilly asked his first question. Finally, Frank slowly raised his head and faced the camera, telling O'Reilly he disagreed with Bill's assertion that Frank was to blame for the bailout of the two financial giants. Frank's demeanor dissed O'Reilly's pompous view of himself and Bill got pissed. The episode is a can't miss Number One on the U-Tube charts. O'Reilly's behavior was disgusting, even by entertainment standards let alone a thrashing of journalistic ethics. Yet, O'Reilly remains and will remain the top-rated news opinionator on cable television. Disgraceful, shameful but not shocking on all counts.
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Veep Stakes: One of the more revealing segments of the debate focused on the role each would play as vice president. Biden said he would be Obama's front man driving the administration's programs through Congress as well as Obama's close confidant and advisor. Palin said she wished she had more constitutional and Senate institutional powers than simply on the rare occasions casting a tie-breaking vote. She said McCain has promised her a strong role in pushing his energy program, advocacy for women's equality and for parents of handicapped children.
Fact Check: Palin said Obama voted 94 times to increase taxes or against tax reductions. It was 11 times but only for those earning more than $1 million. Biden complained deregulation of the Bush administration led to the current financial market collapse. Biden voted for the 1999 deregulation bill. Palin said McCain led a movement to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel authored the bill which McCain sponsored but was killed in committee. Palin said she beat the oil industry in Alaska with a windfall profits tax that went directly to the state's citizens. At the same time, she sided with Big Oil on anti-environmental measures as well as supporting drilling in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge which McCain opposes. Biden said McCain supports an additional $4 billion tax cut for the oil industry. McCain's plan would provide tax cuts to all corporations, including Big Oil. Palin said Alaska is building a $40 billion natural gas pipeline through Canada to the states. A license for seed money was awarded to one contractor but construction won't start for six years. "It's not a done deal," Palin said in August. Bottom Line: No major hits, runs or errors.
My Take: Close your eyes, filter out the expectations game and return to the real world. Biden won the debate if not on points certainly on the reassurance of his experience. Instant polls by CNN reflects that edge. The debate was not a game changer. It may push McCain up a few points but only for several days. Hillary Rosen, a Democratic strategist, offered an analogy which matched mine while watching the debate. Rosen projected a scenario of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with Palin sitting in the war room forced to make life and death commander-in-chief decisions. Just can't see that happening. Palin's performance was programmed and borderline robotic. There's no there there. Like Mrs. Clinton told Obama: Wait your turn after you grow up.
No Control Zone: Did you see Bill O'Reilly go ballistic on Rep. Barney Frank? O'Reilly yelled, screamed, taunted, bullied and cast personal insults at Frank who heads the House Banking Committee and spearheaded the Congressional negotiations for a rescue plan of the financial markets. No matter what Frank tried to say about his role involving failed reforms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, O'Reilly shouted him down. I think I know why. Bill's ego is the size of an inflated hot air balloon. When the segment began, Frank, who can be as nasty as a cornered bantam rooster, was reading the newspaper. His eyes down and continued reading while O'Reilly asked his first question. Finally, Frank slowly raised his head and faced the camera, telling O'Reilly he disagreed with Bill's assertion that Frank was to blame for the bailout of the two financial giants. Frank's demeanor dissed O'Reilly's pompous view of himself and Bill got pissed. The episode is a can't miss Number One on the U-Tube charts. O'Reilly's behavior was disgusting, even by entertainment standards let alone a thrashing of journalistic ethics. Yet, O'Reilly remains and will remain the top-rated news opinionator on cable television. Disgraceful, shameful but not shocking on all counts.
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Thursday, October 2, 2008
They Did WHAT?
Artificial Sweeteners: The Senate, in its infinite wisdom (Yuk Yuk), applied lipstick to the financial markets bailout (ah, pardon the profanity) rescue package that includes a series of tax credit incentives to businesses, nine of which manufacture toy bows and arrows. The bill which carried 75-29 was designed to add sweeteners to swing 12 votes in the House whose members voted down the $700 billion package by that margin Monday. Other beneficiaries in line for tax breaks include the film and television industry, motor speedways, horse thoroughbred owners, wool producers, charities, children, teachers and more. None of these sweeteners -- all shifted from Congress' tax provision bills -- would have an immediate impact on stabilizing the immediate crises in the financial, credit and housing markets. More important tax and credit extensions involved the R&D credit for states without income taxes to deduct various forms of state and local sales taxes, a deduction for higher education costs, charitable giving incentives and an expansion of child credits. Western states with large amounts of non-producing revenue of government lands would receive an extension of an additional $3.3 billion over 10 years paid directly to rural towns and counties. Still other provisions are targeted to help Alaskan fishermen who suffered losses as a result of the Exxon Valdez oil spill more than 20 years ago, American Samoa economic development and American Indian employment. The Senate approved most other features contained in the original House bill including raising FDIC insurance from $100,000 to $250,000 for individual accounts. Senate Republicans made it clear they would vote against any House bill that increased taxes. While Congress fiddles, the stock market remained volatile with continuing sour news. The financial sector lost 111,200 jobs in September and businesses laid off 95,000 workers. Factory orders dropped 4% between July and August, the highest two-month down scale in two years. Home mortgage applications continued to decrease, dropping 23% this past week from the previous one. Not only is the administration and Congress leaderless, they continue to march to a different drummer than the rest of us.
Gaffe Central: One can't help but chuckle over all the hype leading up to tonight's vice presidential debate. The Republicans have set such a low expectations standard for Gov. Sarah Palin that she wins just by showing up. They are even attacking Gwyn Iffel, the PBS debate moderator, for having a vested interest in an Obama victory because she has written a book scheduled for publication in November on the rising importance of blacks in American politics. Dennis Miller cracked Palin should pull out the book's galley sheet at the beginning of the debate and ask for Iffel's autograph. Democrats equally are squirmishing over the prospects of Sen. Joe Biden continuing his cavalcade of gaffes which have shadowed him his entire political career. How does he handle a woman, they ask. If he's too condescending, he's male chauvinistic toast, they fear. Viewers will watch with interest much like racecar fans hoping for a spectacular accident on the NASCAR tracks.
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Gaffe Central: One can't help but chuckle over all the hype leading up to tonight's vice presidential debate. The Republicans have set such a low expectations standard for Gov. Sarah Palin that she wins just by showing up. They are even attacking Gwyn Iffel, the PBS debate moderator, for having a vested interest in an Obama victory because she has written a book scheduled for publication in November on the rising importance of blacks in American politics. Dennis Miller cracked Palin should pull out the book's galley sheet at the beginning of the debate and ask for Iffel's autograph. Democrats equally are squirmishing over the prospects of Sen. Joe Biden continuing his cavalcade of gaffes which have shadowed him his entire political career. How does he handle a woman, they ask. If he's too condescending, he's male chauvinistic toast, they fear. Viewers will watch with interest much like racecar fans hoping for a spectacular accident on the NASCAR tracks.
Email subscribers Google search http://remmersreport.blogspot.com scroll to bottom of each post and click on "Comments" to join our discussion
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Call Him Mr. President
His To Lose: Call him Mr. Lucky. Call him Mr. Opportunity. Call him Mr. Cool. Call him Mr. Smart. Get used to the idea of calling him Mr. President. The political deck is stacked in favor of Barack Obama winning the presidential election. Obama is dealt a winning hand on so many political measuring rods only a bolt of lightening in the form of a major terrorist attack on our cities could change the landscape. Thirty days before a general election is an eternity in political years. A month out, only Ronald Reagan charged from behind and won going away. John McCain is not Ronald Reagan. Although a Reagan disciple, McCain lacks the charisma and charm of the Great Communicator. The struggling economy is the foremost topic in voters' minds. They are angry at the Republican administration for betraying them. No matter how hard McCain tries, Democrats believe he cannot distance himself from Mr. Bush and his administration's failed policies and deceptions of the past eight years. Obama from the birth of his candidacy in February 2006 has hammered away for change in Washington, nullifying lobbyists and transforming into a bottom-up people powered pipeline. It was vague enough where people could read into it anything they so desired. Fact is the change message was nothing more than the oldest ever political slogan -- Throw the Rascals Out. During the campaign, Obama has managed to fill in the holes of his blank resume. His biggest gap was experience. He's demonstrated enough knowledge on foreign policy issues to mildly comfort and close that margin somewhat. His domestic agenda is populist liberal and highly suspect how to pay for it. But, it sounds good and positive perceptions usually trump. Obama offers hope whatever that might be. McCain offers tried conservative principles unfortunately violated by excessive spending and corruption in the ranks of government elected and appointed officials that spread to executives in the financial markets. It's turned into an election for Obama to lose and the Democratic Party is remarkably adept at that.
The dynamics: The Obama campaign has demonstrated phenomenal success raising records amount of money, primarily tapping small donations from people through the Internet. They spent the money wisely, first through TV ads portraying his remarkable rise to prominence for voters who never heard of him. Then they targeted key battleground media markets with ads that countered the onslaught of opposition ads. The financing helped create an effective support group of volunteers and staff in all 50 states. They were better organized, smarter, outnumbered and outworked their opposition, first the Hillary Clinton campaign and now the McCain troops. To inflate his base, Obama spearheaded a voter registration drive bringing a few million new voters into the process. Registered Democrat Party voters now exceed the Republicans in the vast majority of states. Obama's success Nov. 4 rides on how skillful his campaign can get the new enrollees to the polls. The luck factor? Just look at Ohio, the swing state in so many elections past the Democrats narrowly lost. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld its Secretary of State's interpretation allowing same day registration and voting. This allows Obama to tap into his second strongest constituency, college students who notoriously are enthusiastic but seldom vote. There are 24 college campuses in Ohio with Obama expected to make a clean sweep. The latest polls indicate Obama leading or tied in the three largest swing states -- Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania. If he wins two of the three, he wins the election. These trends reflect a pattern difficult to turn around this late stage of the game. McCain is a touchdown behind with time running out and already thrown two hail Mary passes from his maverick arsenal. The last dynamic that needs to be addressed is the racial prejudice card among older white voters. The Yahoo/Ipsis Poll conducted by Stanford University researchers recently concluded that 6% of white voters would not vote for Obama because of cultural negatives they harbor against blacks. That's a significant handicap despite all the political negatives McCain must overcome. What's disconcerting is older whites outnumber Obama's base coalition of blacks, youth and the affluent by a comfortable margin and tend to vote in greater percentages. Not for Obama's sake but for America's, let racism turn into an ostrich and hide its head in the ground.
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The dynamics: The Obama campaign has demonstrated phenomenal success raising records amount of money, primarily tapping small donations from people through the Internet. They spent the money wisely, first through TV ads portraying his remarkable rise to prominence for voters who never heard of him. Then they targeted key battleground media markets with ads that countered the onslaught of opposition ads. The financing helped create an effective support group of volunteers and staff in all 50 states. They were better organized, smarter, outnumbered and outworked their opposition, first the Hillary Clinton campaign and now the McCain troops. To inflate his base, Obama spearheaded a voter registration drive bringing a few million new voters into the process. Registered Democrat Party voters now exceed the Republicans in the vast majority of states. Obama's success Nov. 4 rides on how skillful his campaign can get the new enrollees to the polls. The luck factor? Just look at Ohio, the swing state in so many elections past the Democrats narrowly lost. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld its Secretary of State's interpretation allowing same day registration and voting. This allows Obama to tap into his second strongest constituency, college students who notoriously are enthusiastic but seldom vote. There are 24 college campuses in Ohio with Obama expected to make a clean sweep. The latest polls indicate Obama leading or tied in the three largest swing states -- Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania. If he wins two of the three, he wins the election. These trends reflect a pattern difficult to turn around this late stage of the game. McCain is a touchdown behind with time running out and already thrown two hail Mary passes from his maverick arsenal. The last dynamic that needs to be addressed is the racial prejudice card among older white voters. The Yahoo/Ipsis Poll conducted by Stanford University researchers recently concluded that 6% of white voters would not vote for Obama because of cultural negatives they harbor against blacks. That's a significant handicap despite all the political negatives McCain must overcome. What's disconcerting is older whites outnumber Obama's base coalition of blacks, youth and the affluent by a comfortable margin and tend to vote in greater percentages. Not for Obama's sake but for America's, let racism turn into an ostrich and hide its head in the ground.
Email subscribers Google http://remmersreport.blogspot.com scroll to the end of each post and click "Comments" to join the discussion
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