Anatomy of a Tight Race

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  • Posted By: bmacmill @ 08/22/2008 7:18:07 PM

    I thought that the introduction to your last paragraph said it all, "Obama's ground game is key."

    I firmly believe that this election will be settled by the ground game in the nineteen (!!!) swing states.

    i am intrigued to hear reports that states like Alaska and Georgia are currently not covered by the Reps. It makes me realize that there is a whole other aspect to this campaign aside from Saturday night tv debates (who has tv anymore!)

  • Posted By: Gladdys2008 @ 08/22/2008 7:06:32 PM

    It's funny when I see conservative people start to run scared. They don't really make sound arguments and begin with the ad-hominem attacks. On the other hand, when liberal people start running scared, they gush incredulously about the positives of their candidate. It is simple. If people want to follow in the footsteps of Bush, then they will vote McCain. If they want to re-evaluate the direction of the country, then they will vote for Obama. But come on, posts like ???Bitter much!??? and the whining like, ???Obama said this and he may do something different???...pffft...you probably think you???re a good driver too; and, let me see, ???gee, the Obama needs help orating problem. I don???t believe that will be a problem, but keep believing it. No wonder people can???t get anything from their government; they have no idea how to use information to solve your problems.

  • Posted By: Gladdys2008 @ 08/22/2008 7:03:32 PM

    It's funny when I see conservative people start to run scared. They don't really make sound arguments and begin with the ad-hominem attacks. On the other hand, when liberal people start running scared, they gush incredulously about the positives of their candidate. It is simple. If people want to follow in the footsteps of Bush, then they will vote McCain. If they want to re-evaluate the direction of the country, then they will vote for Obama. But come on, ihavehadit ???Bitter much!??? Definitely a sound argument there you sound like you have had it and it is time to pack it in. Then we have cobalt6 whining, ???Obama said this and he may do something different???...pffft...you probably think you???re a good driver too; and, let me see, Sojourner-PA???gee, I don't know did you need a teleprompter to come up with the witty repartee???no???well maybe next time you should use one. Why not use facts posit a claim and defend your stance with a good argument. No wonder you guys can???t get anything from your government, you have no idea how to use information to solve your problems.

  • Posted By: Deefromtexas @ 08/22/2008 2:44:12 PM

    What has happened to the Reagan Republicans? Remember them...those who represented decency and respect for the human race, family values and morals. Who are these new Republicans? Why have loyal Republicans allowed an ugly and unfaamiliar decay and decadence an opportunity to destroy the once pride and sturdy foundation of the Republican Party. The REPUBLICAN PARTY is being reduced to the lowest level of a vile and contaminated type of politics! The REPUBLICAN PARTY as chosen mockery over decency as the party continues to use slimy, disgusting and nauseous tactics to destory those who disagree with them.

    The new Republican Party has adapted the Rush Limbaugh mentality! How can anyone approve of someone that would suggest that John Edward's wife talks too much, and was unwilling to use her mouth to make her husband sexually happy! According to Rush, when that happens, it's OK to have an affair. Is this an example of what members of the New Republican Party stands for, approves of and laugh at because you have to have a little humor in politics! Unfortunately, many respectable and honorable Republican senators, state representatives, and governors could be voted out of office because of the distasteful reprsentation and image of a few bitter and deceitful political figures that's trying to shape the New Republican Party.

    I am but one voice, but can clearly state I really don't care for the McCain-Rove - Bush-Rush Republicans, and will not vote the ticket until it is willing to return to the principles and ideology that once was the cornerstone of the Republican Party!

    May God have mercy on us if people continue to allow the New Republican Party to replace what was once the "Republican Party of the United States of America"!

    • Posted By: judithod @ 08/22/2008 5:11:31 PM

      Last I checked, Limbaugh is not a candidate for president, and I believe he has more MSM attention than listeners. At least McCain has a track record versus the trackless Obama, and we desperately need a Republican White House to counteract the self-serving shenanigans of Pelosi and Reid.

      • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 6:55:30 PM

        So you believe that one party rule is the way to go?
        That there is no Democrat who is fit to be POTUS.
        Do you really think that this is what the founding fathers had in mind when they crafted the Constitution of the United States.
        Listen to that word The United States, that what this country should be about. It should be about valuing the opinions and the contribution of it's citizens, without thinking the other person is wrong, and you are the only one that is right.
        That even people from the other party have good ideas and are capable to lead this country, and to be tolerant of others even is they disagree with you, because maybe just maybe you are wrong.To believe that Reagan wasn't the only good president, but that the other men before him that were elected to the office were good presidents to. Men who help to free the world from Hitler's tyranny, who decided that slavery was wrong and gave his life to correct it. A president who gave us Social Security which gave dignigtty and assistance to people who were at the end of their careers, but were still valuable and only wanted to live out their lives in dignity. Men who formed this country, and left for unknown lands to be free from royal rule, and in the process created this great country of ours. And to all of the presidents since Reagan who have served this country well. Reagan may have left a legacy, but it might not be a legacy that everyone agrees with, and eventhough you have the right to admire whomever you choose, respect the fact that so does every citizen in this country have the right to admire the president of their choice.
        What is missing is the fact that so many on this blog and in the country in general, is that there is a lack of respect for each other, and if this election does anything, I hope that it at least starts to erode the divisions of the past and bring our country back to what it's supposed to represent, and the person who resembles those qualities the most, should be our next POTUS. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

    • Posted By: klebrun @ 08/22/2008 2:51:40 PM

      Your post pretty much says it all.

      Well stated!!!

  • Posted By: cerrojim @ 08/22/2008 6:28:55 PM

    Hmmmmmm, I know alot of people with years of experience that I wouldn't let wash my dog ... take King George for example.

    I find the arguement that experience automatically makes for the best President almost childlike. It would mean we should elect the oldest person possible every time. Ridiculous.

    My Dad's frame of reference for the world is the 40's and 50's. Mine and McCain's is the 60's and 70's (when McCain should have been a candidate!). Sorry folks, but it is now 2008 and its time for the younger folks.

  • Posted By: Groucho Marx CG @ 08/22/2008 6:19:05 PM

    Compare the years of federal service of these two candidates:

    [McCain 54, Obama 3]

    Oh, all right, compare the total years of government service (including the state senate)

    [McCain 54, Obama 11]

    If that was the scoreboard at a football game and you were rooting for Obama, you'd be heading for your car before the third quarter was over. Obama has three years of Senate experience, eight years of State Senate experience, a big cheesy grin, a very slick speaking style, a magna *** laude degree from Harvard Law, a $1.6 million home, a closet full of $2000 suits, ZERO foreign policy experience, ZERO military experience, a wife who cannot hide her loathing for another race, a rabid preacher who cheerfully brags about his hatred for another race, a pair of unrepentant terrorists who launched his political career at a meet and greet in their living room, and a key fundraiser who was convicted on 16 felony counts related to political fuindraising. Let's be honest, Democrats. If the Republicans had nominated a candidate with that resume, you would never stop laughing. Daily Kos and Talking Points Memo would be on it like white on rice. Please. Let's be realistic.

  • Posted By: Loden Green @ 08/22/2008 3:05:16 PM

    Just another article telling us how great McCain is and why Obama is going to lose. The media has clearly cast its vote for Jingo John. Obama cannot win with a fawning and compliant media backing ol' John. This race is over. Nice work, media.I hope you guys love ol'John as much when he gets in the White House.

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 08/22/2008 3:22:44 PM

      Did you read the article at all?

      • Posted By: Loden Green @ 08/22/2008 4:39:34 PM

        No, I just read some tea leaves (sarcasm intended). The media is now behind ol' John with full steam. The $64,000 question is why.

        • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 08/22/2008 6:18:42 PM

          I'm just really perplexed how you can come away thinking that Clift is a McCain supporter that's all.

  • Posted By: jeanie3 @ 08/22/2008 3:07:35 PM

    You former Clinton supporters who will not vote for Obama are IDIOTS! They stand for the same things and if you were true Democrats you would support him like a true team player. You are trouble makers..maybe Republicans. Obama won the pimary FAIR & Square so get over it!! I have supported Obama from the beginning but I have to admit that by the end of the primary I did respect Hilary for her grit and I respect her eeven more now for supporting Obama. If you can't stand with Hilary next to Obama than you never did in the first place. As I said YOU ARE TROUBLE MAKERS!!!!!

    • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 08/22/2008 3:22:24 PM

      Well with such a compelling argument as that....

      • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:34:36 PM

        You are not having faith in your faith based candidate and his faith based programs. Repent sinner!

        • Posted By: Zombiehero @ 08/22/2008 6:17:46 PM

          Repent what? I'm an Atheist.

    • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:42:50 PM

      Ooooh...I bet all Hillary's supporters are shaking in their boots right now.

  • Posted By: LDS2484 @ 08/22/2008 6:12:41 PM

    Don't forget that he only cheated on and divorced his first wife because she got into a car accident and became disfigured. AFTER she took care of him when he came back from POW camp. Sleeping around with a million dollar beer heiress because your wife got injured? Thats almost as disgusting as stealing a cross in the sand story and making up lies about while you were a POW because you've lost what patriotism you had.

  • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:38:16 PM

    This campaign is a fight to the finish. Until SOMEONE focuses on Obama's many failings. If the press would accurately cover some of the stories out there; Obama wouldn't even be in consideration.

    Point of fact; anyone of the following should have been a showstopper for his campaign:
    Rezko and his support (bribes) to Obama
    W. Ayers
    Rev Wright (not the man; Obama's support of the theology)
    M Obama's America hatred
    Ill. voting record
    Ill. live baby bill - and votes
    lack of experience
    lack of success as anything but a slick tongue.

    • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:41:33 PM

      Add: Supporting the corrupt Daley Machine to the end of the earth.
      Opposing reform and change in Illinois in every way.
      Voting for huge corporate oild and farm giveaways.
      Getting his opponents thrown off the ballot.
      Stapling his name to bills he didn't write.

      • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:43:30 PM

        :-) Thank you.

        • Posted By: wvampryi @ 08/22/2008 3:49:32 PM

          keating 5
          stealing the cross in the sand story
          adultry
          does not know what he owns, but his staff does
          thinks someone has to make over 5 Million per year to be rich
          got a marriage license for his new wife while still married to his old wife
          Wants to start up the Draft so we can chase BinLaden to the gates of Hell

          • Posted By: LDS2484 @ 08/22/2008 6:12:27 PM

            Don't forget that he only cheated on and divorced his first wife because she got into a car accident and became disfigured. AFTER she took care of him when he came back from POW camp. Sleeping around with a million dollar beer heiress because your wife got injured? Thats almost as disgusting as stealing a cross in the sand story and making up lies about while you were a POW because you've lost what patriotism you had.

          • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:54:54 PM

            Let's see: Cross story debunked. Doesn't care about material possessions. Had a bad marriage, got divorced. Has an opinion on wealth. No evidence he will restart draft.

            Compelling stuff.

            • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:58:50 PM

              Morgo - what wvampryi posts is tantamount to the "Obama is a muslim" story. No amount of truthfulness and fiction debunking will convince the "holy seers" that Obama is not the Messiah. Unfortunately, for the kool-aid drinkers, no amount of logic will sway their "thrall".

  • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 4:56:22 PM

    I tend to believe that these polls may not be all they're cracked up to be.
    For one, I've never polled nor do I know anyone who has.
    A two, you don't know what the question are, and how they're posed by the pollsters. Peple talk about how many people voted for Hillary, well you have to remember that Obama received the 2nd highest amount of votes than any other candidate in history, and I don't believe that all of a sudden these people who were so passionate during the primaries, have all of a sudden changed their minds especially to vote for someone like McCain. As Gertrude Stein once said "there is no there, there"

    • Posted By: dominicangman @ 08/22/2008 6:09:50 PM

      Obama and Hillary split the popular vote. He did not come in 2nd. Of course let Hillary supporters tell it he stole the election. Sour grapes! If they want to vote for Mcsame Bush, go right ahead. Im sure you will get the universal health care Hillary championed. Im sure you will get middle class tax cuts that Hillary championed. Because Hillary and John Mcsame Bush have so many policy issues in common. Dummies!

  • Posted By: cltoriola @ 08/22/2008 5:05:52 PM

    i would vote for mcCain rather than barack hussein obama, americans would be save under mcCain's watch no doubt.

    • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 6:03:58 PM

      Don't you mean safe?

    • Posted By: Gobama! @ 08/22/2008 5:57:34 PM

      Yes, all of our soldier will be safely in a war zone.

  • Posted By: Perception @ 08/22/2008 3:46:06 PM

    Obama is still a "big hate, no cattle" kind of candidate. If he didn't change that from 26 to 46 what chance does he have in about 70 days. I am a democrat and sick of hearing about him.

  • Posted By: timcollins00 @ 08/22/2008 3:47:00 PM

    I take comfort that Obama will be able to take all the negative crud the Repubs throw at him and voters will be disgusted. I think Obama will be a landslide winner. I agree that the thought of McCain for 4 years would be a train wreck and I am confident voters will come to that realization when they start to get serious about the upcoming election. I also take great delight in hoping the negative campaign and Bush disatisfaction will result in a Democratic landslide unseen in my lifetime! It will be fun to see the fallen jaws of my Repub friends after Obama wins, similar to mine after Bush won both times- a travesty! But this change will be a good one and I think Obama will show in short order he was the right man at the right time!

    • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:50:20 PM

      Tim - IF that happens (may God prevent it) we will see the biggest tax hikes in history since Carter. We will then see the biggest economic hit in decades. We will THEN see a conservative landslide victory in 2010 and the dispensing of any Democrat's hope of the White House for years to come. Either way, conservatives (and America as a whole) win.

      • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 5:56:51 PM

        You say may god prevent him from winning. What happens if he wins, does that mean that God wants him to be president? Or does it mean that God has better things to do than to listen to answer prayers that make no sense whatsoever? Things like comforting the poor, or feeding the hungry. Or maybe he is healing the sick or helping the oppressed, things that really matter and not childish prayers from vindictive and immature people?

    • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:51:42 PM

      And you base this on...magic beans? Certainly not polls or electoral maps. Guessing you started following politics on a Wednesday in November, 200o and that's where your knowledge begins and ends.

      • Posted By: allisongayle @ 08/22/2008 5:07:37 PM

        Perhaps Obama will win. I hope not. We're not quite safe in the world yet. Senator Obama hasn't faced a lot of bad guys before. I'm not comfortable that he'll know what to do when it's time to do it. Perhaps in four years, the world will be right for an Obama presidency. Although he is a good man, he's just not ready for our world today.

      • Posted By: timcollins00 @ 08/22/2008 4:19:45 PM

        Prediction for Moron, I'm sorry, thats Morgo. 337 Electoral votes Obama, 201 McCain. Take it to the bank buddy. I wish I could see your jaw on election night when its all over and Obama is the next President of the US. I think the people who are so viral in their comments are hateful in life and luckily most of these kind of people don't take time to vote they are so busy hating. I'll toast you around 11 PM CDT Election nite!

  • Posted By: kswan5 @ 08/22/2008 4:00:59 PM

    Wow kas_wolf....it's amazing how many people are STILL so ignorant when it comes to Obama. The bitterness and pointing fingers show such a lack of open mindedness and understanding the diversity Obama has come from. The "hatred" of Michelle Obama...really? I don't think you've done your fair share of homework.

    • Posted By: judithod @ 08/22/2008 4:48:48 PM

      If you do your fair share of homework on Obama's economic policies, you won't be ignorant. He wants to roll back the Bush tax cuts for those in the top 5% of incomes (e.g., about $145,000 annually), and he voted for the Democrats' 2009 budget resolution, which would raise taxes on individuals earning $42,000 or more. Get ready to tighten your belt if Obama is elected!

      • Posted By: Rational Poster @ 08/22/2008 5:48:51 PM

        Based upon 2006 data, the Top 5% of returns accounted for 36.66% of AGI and 60.14% of taxes from 6,786,000 returns. That means nearly 7 million "returns" averaged paying nearly $91,000 in federal taxes. With state tax, the total per return easily exceeded $100,000 in income tax.

        The bottom 50% averaged $448 in taxes per return.

        How much more do we want the top 5% to pay?

  • Posted By: stpblk @ 08/22/2008 3:49:41 PM

    Elea,once again you in the MSM still DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON.No matter what any of you say,or in that matter HRC,I,personaly amot going to vote for Barrack Hussein Obara.He is a wonderfull guy but he does not have a clue about leadership let alone being the leader of the complicated,powerfull country on earth.Once someone is invested with that power,we can not take it back until 4 years later,and only God knows what someone like him can do with that power.e in mind his associations,his votes/no vote,his lack oxperiences,his background and mutch more things we do not know about him.Do not get me wrong he is closer to me than any African americans who are dying to vote for him;I am a naturilized us citizen from.............Africa!

    • Posted By: marksgershenson @ 08/22/2008 5:29:31 PM

      you forgot one thing, there is a process called impeachment if something the prez was doing so outright dangerous. Remember there is a Congress and Supreme Court to add to the checks and balances.

    • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 5:07:10 PM

      Go back to school and take some grammar courses please. I don't understand a word you are trying to say, and I believe that reading your post has actually made me dumber for having done so.

  • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:29:39 PM

    The more people know him, the less they like him. All downhill since New Hampshire, narrowly escaped the primaries. Bye, bye Barry.

    • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 5:09:57 PM

      You need to stop getting your material from Bill O'Reilly.

      • Posted By: allisongayle @ 08/22/2008 5:19:41 PM

        I resemble that remark! Sincerely, Bill O.

  • Posted By: dmholler @ 08/22/2008 3:00:52 PM

    I am soo happy the Legislative branch will be run by the Democrats because it is inevitable that the Executive Branch will once again be Republican. I am a life long Democrat but can not believe that the Party leadership (or lack thereof) pushed such an inexperienced candidater at the Party. I am very saddened but my GOOD JUDGEMENT will not allow me to vote for such inexperiencesas Senator Obama displays.

    • Posted By: ihavehadit @ 08/22/2008 5:16:16 PM

      Yeah right. You're a life long Democrat.
      No what you are is a lieing Republican posing as a Democrat.
      This is a typical childish game that the Republicans play. Call or write in and pretend that you are a Democrat. Grow up. If you are so sure of your candidate then why are you playing this sad sad game. I guess I should be angry, but instead I feel sorry for you. This is coming from a true life long Democrat.

  • Posted By: celested9 @ 08/22/2008 5:12:30 PM

    Obama's ground game is key. The campaign has 150 paid people in North Carolina, a state normally out of reach for Democrats, and 14 offices in the Republican stronghold of Alaska, where McCain currently has none.
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Yes Eleanor, Obbama will have to try to buy the election.

  • Posted By: telan @ 08/22/2008 3:06:04 PM

    So, we've attained majority age and our emotions still not under our direct control. I thought when I grew up I would be able to look at things in a cool, calm, calculated and controlled way. I have yet to succeed at such a lofty goal. I seem to have plenty of company though. It is amazing so many people sabotage themselves and their families because of irrational emotions. You get what you vote for. You got 8 years of the oil-tax, war-tax, mortgage fraud, republican machine tanning your backside, wanna make it sixteen?

    Obama for President 2008

    • Posted By: judithod @ 08/22/2008 5:05:09 PM

      Your candidate has had plenty of opportunites in his 47 years, but what has he actually accomplished given those opportunities? A wise person once said: "Make something of yourself, not for yourself." Obama epitomizes the reverse of this maxim; everything he's done has been for his personal glory and political gain. Even his 2 books are all about himself.

    • Posted By: Morgo @ 08/22/2008 3:33:22 PM

      I would define irrationality as voting for the puppet of the most corrupt political machine in U.S. history hwo has no record of changing anything, and expecting hope and change. Mayor Shortshanks of Chicago is laughing at you. Forty years ago, his dad's police beat anti-war protesters silly. Now you can't wait to worship his son's stooge. You have been PUNKED!

      • Posted By: kas_wolf @ 08/22/2008 3:45:37 PM

        :-) But.... he makes such good speeches.....

        LOL. Keep pulling the curtain back Morgo - it seems to be working....

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