There you go.  Everyone happy now?

Popularity: 3% [?]

So there’s a big to-do going on about the words of one of McCain’s (now former I’d assume) financial advisers.  This cat Phil Gramm said in an interview with the Washinton Times that ours is a “nation of whiners” and that the current recession is all in our heads.  Well done Mr. Gramm, perfect timing for such remarks when McCain himself is hanging in Detroit Michigan, a place that’s been struggling under job loss and market collapse for some time now, mostly as a result of the failed economic programs and policies that McCain still to this day clings to.

Right now the two big government backed mortgage managing institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are continuing to post losses and the stock market is reflecting the downturn with drops in stock prices anywhere from 10-20%.  There’s talk of the Treasury needing to step in and bail them out to the tune of roughly $1 trillion of the tax payer’s money, but such a thing is unlikely to happen either with this President, or the next due to the highly charged political climate.  The collapse of these two institutions could prove to be worse than the fall of any investment bank. 

Now I don’t know that Obama would prove to be any better when it comes to fixing our broken economy, but I know for a fact that McCain is stuck behind the times and clinging to a past that doesn’t exist, total reform is going to be needed to remedy our current troubles.  Sadly I don’t think anyone in our government has the brass to step up and try to implement those changes.

Popularity: 4% [?]

*note the sarcasm*  This isn’t news.  Hasn’t been news for quite some time.  Ever since the “Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran” sung to the tune of the Beach Boys “Barbara Ann” it’s been clear that McCain is openly willing to speak (sing?) his mind, and what’s often on his mind is fighting Iran.  So now he’s made another off-handed quip…

When asked by a reporter to comment on how despite the U.S.’s apparent negative stance against Iran, our exports to Iran have increased tenfold with cigarettes as the #1 export, McCain had this to say- “Maybe that’s a way of killing them.”  Which he then attempted to cover himself with the addendum, “I meant that as a joke, as a person who hasn’t had a cigarette in 28 years.”

Ah, well.  That’s good.  We need another president who makes offhanded comments about war, death, violence, and the like clearly painting the world as “us vs them”… it’s worked so well for us thus far.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate someone being candid and open about their views, too many politicians are scripted by committee (looking at you Barack) but I also don’t want another sociopathic cowboy fantasy dweller using his role in the White House as a way to drag us into another war that we can’t afford, or staff.

It was a joke, true, but it’s also quite revealing as a pattern of behavior, that’s just my opinion.

Popularity: 2% [?]

It’s something I’ve made mention of on more than a few occations here.  The economy sucks.  In a big way.

And it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse.  Increases in cost of imported good, Decreases in the value of the dollar, Continued massive spending in Iraq, our country’s debt grows at an astronomical rate. 

Unemployment continues to grow as jobs are outsourced to other countries and businesses cut employees (or just their number of hours spent working) to save money (not seeming to decrease the bonuses their CEOs recieve at the end of the day… but that’s another rant for another time).

So which of the two Candidates proposes a better way for us to get out of it?

Here’s the tax plan each Candidate is proposing (note that just because they’re proposing these plans doesn’t mean they’ll happen, every plan would have to be voted upon by Congress)

The tax plans                                                   Obama                           McCain
$227,000 - a year - plus                                $23,000 more               $15,000 less
$112,000 - $227,000 (15% of population)  $2,300 less                    $3,200 less
$66,000 - $112,000 (20% of population)   $1,290 less                     $1,009 less
$38,000 - $66,000 (20% of population)     $1,042 less                     $319 less
$19,000 - $38,000 (20% of population)     $892 less                        $113 less
$0 - $19,000 (20% of population)               $567 less                         $19 less
Impact of tax changes on federal budget:   Returns $700 billion     Costs $600 billion
Source: Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. Numbers are estimates and averages.

So there you have it, McCain gives big breaks to the top 1%, and smaller breaks to the middle class and below- basically keeping the Bush tax cuts intact, Obama aims to give the middle class and below a bigger break- but make up the difference by taking it out of the top 1%.

Under McCain’s plan the deficit will continue to grow.  Of course, neither of these plans take into account the spending that could be occuring in our various overseas endeavors (ie: continued occupations in Middle East countries and picking fights with others) so it’s quite likely that neither candidate’s plan will rectify the cash bleed as it stands.

Anyone scared yet?  Well don’t even think of trying to run for the border, while we’re fighting to keep the illegals out of the country, there’s a new provision that was added to the Heroes Act of 2008 which was primarily touted as the bill that increased benefits for veterans- if you want to leave the country, you will be taxed on all of your assets as though you were selling them.  Think of it as a moving tax.  Everything you own will cost you.

So with the deficit rocketing towards a record $400 billion for the year, $9 trillion total, we’re all tied in to this wonderfully sinking ship.  One thing is clear, it’s not going to matter what Candidate takes the wheel- it’s not going to be a matter of steering to change the course, it’s going to be a matter of fixing the hole in the bottom.  Something that’s going to require an overhaul in how we as a nation do business.

I’m not a smart enough man to have the answers, but I think it’s time we stop looking for soundbites and flag pins, and start looking for the folks who might actually have the knowledge to apply to fixing the problems we face.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Barack Obama, a candidate widely recognized for his bi-racial background, beat out white men and a white woman to earn the Dem nomination.  A large step in racial equality some would think (no comment on what it may say about gender equality- I’ll leave that commentary for Nancy Pelosi) but how does the average white American feel about voting for a non-white candidate?

Over half of white Americans still think he is a risky choice. A Washington Post and ABC News survey has reportedly termed Republican John McCain as a safe pick.

Over 40 per cent of white Americans believe Obama has the experience to make a good president but they raise concerns over him over-representing the interests of African-Americans.

However, the good news for him is that nine out of ten people are open to the idea of electing an African-American president.

But the criticisms don’t stop with worries that he’ll be too focused on issues that face African-Americans.  Actually, now there are criticisms being put forth that worry he’s not focusing enough on those issues in a bid to play it safe in order to appeal to white America.  And they’re coming from an unlikely source…

“There’s only one thing different about Barack Obama when it comes to being a Democratic presidential candidate. He’s half African-American,” (Presidential Candidate Ralph) Nader said. “Whether that will make any difference, I don’t know. I haven’t heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What’s keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white? He doesn’t want to appear like Jesse Jackson? We’ll see all that play out in the next few months and if he gets elected afterwards.”

Seems like a damned if you do, damned if you don’t scenario.  Of course, I could make a comment about Nader’s history of “taking votes away from Democrats” but really by this point… there is no point.  I am disgusted with the 2 party system, but we’ve really yet to have any reasonable 3rd party candidates, so… what can you do?

Popularity: 3% [?]

Or if not them, the folks they surround themselves with. 

Hillary Clinton (who’s resignation I missed due to being away for a 3 week military engagement, but I still delighted in the knowledge once I received it) is obviously no longer in the race- but staying in as long as she did, she destroyed herself financially to the tune of nearly $10 million in debt.  So now she’s asking all her supporters that gave up their money for her failed campaign bid to pony up some more dough, because she’s now drowning in her own over-spending.  Well Hill, on behalf of the American public, welcome to how the rest of us are feeling in the current financial state of the union: debt as a way of life.

Barack Obama has made his own minor political gaffe in the past few days by using a mock-up of the Presidential Seal as an emblem on his lecternduring a meeting between himself and Dem. state Governors which drew some criticisms over the weekend.  The Obama campaign has said it was a one time only appearance for the emblem, with some members saying Obama himself felt a little embarrassed by the whole thing.  The emblem was comprised of the same eagle holding arrows and olive branch that denote war and piece as seen on the Presidential Seal, and also carried the words “Vero possumus” or loosely translated from latin: “Yes, we can”.  Presumptuous?  Perhaps, but really a very minor snafu in the great context of things. 

The Republicans are not off the hook in terms of embarrassment, as one of John McCain’s aides made a statement that McCain has found himself apologizing for, and that his opponent Obama’s campaign has already jumped on.  The statement in question being made by Charlie Black, a top advisor to McCain, said that the McCain campaign would benefit greatly from another terror attack taking place on American soil.  McCain went into damage control, telling reporters “I cannot imagine why he would say it. It’s not true. I’ve worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prevent another attack on the United States of America. My record is very clear.”  However, one has to look at the validity of the statement, with McCain’s major platform being his aggressive stance against “global terror”, he’d probably do well to have some of that terror brought back to the front of people’s minds, leading to the same style of voting that saw George W. Bush re-elected (or just plain elected depending on who you ask) in ‘04, thinking only a “War President” could carry us through the strife of a continued war against “threats to our way of life”. 

But that’s just me riffing…

Popularity: 4% [?]

The easiest answer would be- seek out the backing of one who has been there in your stead.  And that may well be what Dem Presidential Candidate Barack Obama is doing at present moment.  In this time of consistent military action in the Middle East, and with the ever looming threat of escalation always casting a shadow on the future, Obama has a mighty disadvantage against a far more experienced war vet such as Rep Presidential Candidate John McCain.

North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad told The Associated Press said the team asked him about potential candidates from three broad categories — current top elected officials, former top elected officials, and former top military leaders.

Conrad would not disclose which names they discussed, and the Obama campaign has been keeping the process a closely guarded secret.

‘‘We talked about many names,’’ Conrad said, including ‘‘some that are out of the box but I think would be very well received by the American people, including former top military leaders.’’

Many former military leaders have been involved in the 2008 Democratic presidential campaign. Some of Obama’s most prominent campaign advisers have been Gen. Tony McPeak, who was Air Force chief of staff during Operation Desert Storm; Maj. Gen. Scott Gration, who flew repeated combat missions and has worked with Obama on a range of military issues since before he began his presidential campaign; and Richard Danzig, who was secretary of the Navy under President Clinton.

He might also look at some of former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton’s top military advisers in a gesture of unity, retired generals who include Hugh Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; or Wesley Clark, who led the war in Kosovo and ran in the presidential primary four years ago. Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, who served as Navy secretary under President Reagan, has also been frequently mentioned as a possible running mate.

In an area where Obama has been seen lacking, picking up a veteran could bring a great hand to the table.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Don’t take those gloves off just yet.

“Sex-it-up” Obama vs. “Old-as-dirt” McCain. Let’s keep it clean gentleman.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Two weeks ago Cindy McCain swore she would never release her tax return even if her husband became President.

Reneging their words must be a McCain family trait. She’s decided to release them anyway.

Cindy McCain 2006 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF Part 1 and Part 2

Also enjoy Senator McCain’s 2006 and 2007 returns.

John McCain 2007 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF here.

John McCain 2006 Federal Tax Return 1040 PDF here.

Popularity: 4% [?]

That’s right gang, the time in the election process where the Presidential Candidates begin to hunt down their 4-8 year soulmates. The yin to their yang, the Ed to their Johnny, the Triscuit to their Easy Cheese…

You get the idea.

So while Obama does but doesn’t have someone hunting for possible running mates (he’s keeping mum about the whole ordeal), McCain is using his hunt in a more savvy a way… as an election tool with battle ground state Florida providing the home for at least one contender for the next best thing.

Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, and Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts and a onetime rival for the Republican nomination, have all accepted invitations to visit Mr. McCain at his ranch in Sedona, Republicans said.

Mr. McCain himself has said his choice of a running mate would draw particular scrutiny from voters given Mr. McCain’s age; he is now 71, or “as old as dirt,” as he likes to joke, while quickly adding that he is in good health. More than that, with Mr. Obama’s selection as his party’s nominee now almost assured, Mr. McCain is contemplating a contest against an energized Democratic electorate after a campaign that has highlighted race and gender issues.

Mr. Crist, a fairly popular first-term governor, has been included on various lists of potential running mates for Mr. McCain, whom he endorsed shortly before Florida’s January primary, which effectively helped Mr. McCain claim the nomination. Mr. Crist said Wednesday that he and Mr. McCain had not discussed the prospect, not even at a fund-raiser in Miami that the two attended Tuesday night.

As governor of Florida, Mr. Crist, 51, would bring obvious assets to the Republican ticket, beginning with his popularity in a state that is almost always an electoral battleground — and where Mr. Obama appears to be struggling. Mr. Crist’s relative youth could also be an asset for Mr. McCain, who has made clear that age will be a consideration in his search for a running mate.

In Florida, Mr. Crist has long been known for his affability and a campaign skills. Instantly recognizable because of his perpetual tan and striking white hair, Mr. Crist, who was Florida’s attorney general before being elected governor in 2006, has also acquired a reputation as something of a hard-liner on law and order issues.

He supports the death penalty, largely opposes restrictions on the rights of gun owners, early on earned the nickname “Chain Gang Charlie” because he favored allowing convicts to be used in road work, and has described himself as a “pro-life and pro-family” candidate.

Mr. Romney, the former chief executive who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in 2008 and who was born in Michigan, has made no secret of his desire to join Mr. McCain’s presidential ticket. Mr. Romney’s M.B.A. skills, and business background — including running the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games — could address concerns about Mr. McCain’s ability to manage a struggling economy.

Mr. Jindal, who was born in Baton Rouge, La., to a family that had just arrived there from the Punjab area of India, took office in January after serving three years in the House of Representatives. In a race with four candidates, Mr. Jindal, who was born a Hindu but converted to Roman Catholicism as a teenager, won 54 percent of the vote after campaigning as a social conservative, opposing human embryonic stem cell research and abortion in any form, and favoring teaching “intelligent design” in schools as an alternative to evolution.

So we’re looking at “Chain Gang Charlie”, Romney (the guy who failed at getting the nomination because of party distrust an inability to connect with voters and record of flip flopping on issues), and the guy who (prepping for backlash now) believes in magical tales of how we came to be against evidence that would prove the contrary, and wants all our kids to learn it that way too, regardless of whether they follow the same beliefs or not (and I won’t even further the shit storm I could be earning here by getting into abortion or stem cell research).

Those all sound like solid arguments to keep from voting on the Republican ticket, and here I thought I’d already had enough reasons.

As of this moment there’s no word on who Hillary Clinton in her alternate universe version of the elections is going to choose for her running mate.

Popularity: 3% [?]