2012 Republican National Convention: Day Three Recap

Three (well, two) days down, one day left to go. The big day, the one where we finally get the "tall, somewhat charming" fellow that is the GOP nominee for President. I'm guessing for his senior staff, it couldn't be a day too soon, considering how Ryan and Christie did their best to overshadow him.

However, that recap is for tomorrow. Today is about yesterday, which was all about "We Can Change That".

(Paul Ryan tells another lie about Barack Obama and Medicare)

Hmm, it appears we were interrupted by Paul Ryan. Let's hope that doesn't happen again. Anyways, night three of the convention was a showcase for some senators, a few more governors (former and current), and two really annoying Attorneys General from Florida and Georgia. With Senator John "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran" McCain and former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice speaking, it was also a night for neoconning it up in regards to Foreign Affairs. They also finally recognized that the Bushes existed, with a short tribute video that we unfortunately missed. For a second there I thought the GOP had forgotten that there was a President from their party in office between Clinton and Obama. It appears they've still forgotten about NCLB, Cutting taxes while fighting two wars, and creating Medicare Part D, as well as turning those Clinton surpluses into deficits. You gotta feel sorry for the poor saps, don't ya?

(Paul Ryan blames the 30 Year War on Barack Obama, despite the fact that it started centuries before he was President)

Ugh, will he quit that? We're getting tired of all the interruptions, even more so because they are so damn full of lies. Well, where were we? Oh yeah, we were talking about Foreign Affairs night at the GOP. Condi Rice appears to be fairly intelligent, and I doubt she believes most of the crap her party spews. Were we facing a world of the Eisenhower or Kennedy administrations, she probably would be an excellent foreign affairs specialist. But like a lot of her peers in that field, they were trained for a world with the USSR, and just can't handle that it is gone. They can't work without that black hat to glare at. As we saw in Iraq and may yet see in Iran and/or Syria, this confusion and angst has caused us great problems. But hey, the speech was entertaining and probably the least offensive thing spewed forth by a professional political figure at the convention.

(Paul Ryan takes what was Republican obstruction over the debt ceiling, and blames it on President Obama)

GORRAMIT, PAUL RYAN! WILL YOU STOP INTERRUPTING US WITH THIS DRIVEL. CLEARLY IT WAS YOU AND YOUR ILK IN THE HOUSE THAT CAUSED OUR CREDIT RATING TO BE LOWERED. THE AGENCY EVEN SAID OBSTRUCTIONISM WAS THE SOURCE. AUGGHGHGHGHGARGLEBARGLEFOOFERAWBlahagoighewagpvhapgewgeagphewpgoewuepw9

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(SIGH)

OK, we're better now. We've muted any way Paul Ryan could interrupt us, and we've triple locked the doors, so he won't try to come in and interrupt as well. Now back to the coverage. Man, wasn't Pawlenty and Portman both boring and disingenuous. A real winning combination there, ain't it. And of course there was also Mike Huckabee, and the birther Attorney General from Georgia, and that governor of New Mexico who balanced her budget without raising taxes (in part with Federal monies, but she forgot to mention that). I'm sure she's working real hard to get that blue meth off of the streets of Albuquerque.

And now on to the centerpiece of the night, the speech by Paul Rya-

(Paul Ryan tells same lie about Barack Obama and Medicare from before)

GAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHSCREWCRSERPWWTWEPGUWPEWPTWPEOSPCREWPUPWPREWPUPSFPFPUPGWDJFPWEOUPWEOJGFPLGDPOGUWEPOUEPOR42FGPWOEWEU$#$$PGPDJGPWOUPTOEWUJVMppgoaugpoeuepwotapotewuoagpagaowtepwpagmagowewepwea

OK, enough of this crap, that's all for this recap. See you tomorrow for the recap of Mitt Romney's speech. I'm sure Chris Matthews will love it, then five minutes later hate it.

John McCain Threatens to Take his Ball and Go Home

John McCain and his "reasonable" GOP friends have decided to roll up the welcome mat on working with President Obama and the Democrats in Congress. Why? Because the Democratic majority in both houses, and the Democratic President used their constitutional prerogative to pass the largest health care reform bill since Medicare. I suppose passing a moderate, sensible bill that is chock full of ideas Republicans have liked and suggested in the past now counts as a thwarting of the will of the people (despite very mixed evidence at best). Therefore, despite some Democrats bending over backwards to appease some Republicans, the so called "maverick" is going to put petty politics above legitimate governing. I'm not surprised, considering his complete abandonment of his "maverickness" in 2008.

The fact is, time and time again, Democrats from Max Baucus to Harry Reid to President Obama have gladly shown a willingness to work with Republicans. Unfortunately, the Republicans decided back when Obama took office to be the party of "NO". They stomp their feet, spout heinous lies about death panels and socialist plots, and do everything in their power to spit on the other side. When the Democrats get wise, the GOP then bitches about a lack of "bipartisanship", and use their mouthpieces over at Fox to make them look like victims of an evil takeover by SOCIALISTCOMMUNOFASCIAMUSLIMTHUGGISHDEATHPANELERS.

I understand why Republicans wouldn't want the opposition party to be handed victories. I understand the politics of being obstructionist tools. I'm not saying they don't have a right to do that. I just wish they were honest about it. If only because so many people eat up their bullshit like it is cotton candy.

But of course they aren't honest about it, because that would spell doom come November. Like it or not, bipartisanship is a positive word to most people. Nevermind that the GOP flavor of compromise is "screw your beliefs, accept ours and maybe we won't kick you in the nuts". This momentous and sensible reform bill was passed without a single vote by a Republican in the Senate, and only one GOP vote on the initial House bill. Believe me, Obama and company will figure out a way to get other things done while McCain, Graham, and the rest pout like fat spoiled brats who didn't get that third scoop of ice cream.

Go ahead and not work with the Democrats on immigration reform, and get used to losing in New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. Go ahead and refuse to work on financial reform, and lose your already slipping hold in the rural Midwest. Continue to bitch and moan and not do a damn thing. Let the bible thumpers, the Randites, and the Palinbots run the asylum. Go ahead and force yourself into being the bigoted and pathetic regional party found only in the South. We'll continue working on fixing our problems, and will be glad to share our solutions with you. After all, its only neighborly.

Thoughts on the Last Debate

Overall, the debate was a good one for Obama, and not nearly enough for McCain to start any sort of rally. Senator McCain got a good line about Bush off, but Obama pivoted pretty well off of it. The William Ayers farce was handled well by Obama, and he just wailed on McCain on the health care and education topics.

Independent voters appear to agree with this, giving Obama a comfortable margin over McCain after the debate. CBS had Obama 53% to McCain 22%, and CNN had Obama over McCain 58-31.

Thus begins the last chapter of this election cycle, the last stretch to that high holy day of democracy, election day. I hope to see you along the way, adding my own thoughts as we head there.

Republicans: Just Frigging Nuts

This picture is of a Republican in a stupid squirrel suit attacking Harry Smith. Apparently it is part of the Republican strategy to take down Obama. Not by offering solutions or fielding reasonable candidates, but by bitching about ACORN. What is ACORN, you ask?


Yes folks, apparently the Republicans, the party who pretty much stole the election in 2000, and likely stole some votes in Ohio in 2004, are complaining about Mickey Mouse being registered to vote. I'm sure that a few errant registrations, many of which were marked as fraudulent by ACORN, explains why Obama has a sizable lead on John McCain.

Why, On a day where the Dow dropped another 700+ points, do the Republicans just want to talk about ACORN and Ayers? Because they have no other strategies to play. The Democrats consistently beat them on issues, so its up to Silly Season to take the opponent down. They figure if they stomp their feet hard enough about NOBAMA the TERRURIST, maybe they can reach the magic number of 270.

Hopefully people aren't buying it, are finally getting wise to the stupidity of the GOP's game. Hopefully people realize that the Republicans have lost touch with reality, and that it is time for real change.

My idealistic side hopes that this is correct. But my side that sat through 2004 and watched Karl Rove and his minions tear down John Kerry still makes me worried. Fortunately, Barack Obama is a much better candidate than Senator Kerry.

/Tumbleweeds Rolling By

Sorry for the gigantic lack over the summer and early fall. Unfortunately this exciting election season coincided with a move to a new job and state, and my posting has fallen down as a result. I can't promise anything, but I hope to have some stuff up on this election shortly.

Later,

Andrew

War & Peace 2: War Harder

The Evil Empire is Back! Yay!

I certainly can't wait until 2065, when the grandson of an early 21st century Russian plutocrat writes a sweeping epic about Emperor Vladimir the Soulful and his imperial struggles against Grumpoleon McCain. That is, assuming there is still a Russia, plutocrats, and humans in 2065.

The 2012 Overture will be pretty cool as well, only with baby nukes instead of cannons.

This is brought to you by WITF out of Harrisburg, PA. WITF indeed.

In all seriousness, the rollback of democratic reforms in Russia in the Putin years are disheartening, and Russia does seem interested in throwing its weight in the region. However, unless Putin plans on taking back Alaska from the U.S., restoring the house of Bourbon to the throne of France, or marrying off a daughter to Prince William, I really think the Soviet analogy works better. Calling upon Imperial Russia as a comparison makes you look old and confused, an impression that really does not help you out.

Up Next: McCain discusses the appalling auto-gyro service to Siam, and offers his personal memories of the War of the Spanish Succession.

An Open Letter to Middle America

Dear Middle America,

It's time to wake up and smell the coffee, good citizens of the area derisively called "fly-over country". The Republican power-brokers hold you in contempt, and find you to be ignorant trolls who eat whatever is fed to you.

Evidence Item A

Apparently people from other countries being interested in an American presidential candidate is a downside to electability. Because everybody knows the only good leader is one who pisses off the Germans.

McCain's camp is putting this shit out there to make them seem all "man of the people". That should be a hard thing to do for a man who is the son and grandson of admirals and married into one of the richest families in Arizona. I'm sure all of you can relate to his bargain-basement shoe selections (only $500!).

Please wake up, and realize that the Republicans don't give a shit about you, unless you have a trust fund, are a CEO, or have thousands of faithful Christians at your command. It might be true that the Democrats don't give a shit either, but they certainly have an economic plan much friendlier to you. Think about this the next time some asshole CEO closes down a factory in your rust belt town so he can cash another bonus check, or your aunt is denied treatment for her chronic medical condition.

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Tate

Brilliant Move, Senator McCain

Great move, Senator McCain. Challenging Senator Obama to make an international visit is working so well for you. It's not like the rest of the world loves the idea of President Obama.

Lovely move, scheduling that press conference on a oil rig, and canceling due to a freaking hurricane. You'll be such a wonderful President.

Seriously, why is this even close? McCain and his campaign is acting like they want to lose, and Obama is looking very Presidential on his trip. Yet the polls are still very close. This leads to a couple of possible theories.

1. We are a nation of ignorant morons.

2. Only die-hards and masochists pay attention to the campaigns prior to the conventions.

Although I won't discount theory #1, theory #2 is probably the biggest answer (and the less depressing). If this keeps up after Denver and St. Paul, McCain will likely go the way of Barry Goldwater.

Lord Cheney, your Shuttle Awaits

Ugghhh

Look, I'm not exactly what one would call a McCain supporter. Sure, I supported him against Dubya in the 2000 primary, but that was at a different time, with a different type of campaign. Then McCain decided to cozy up to crazy jackasses like Jerry Falwell and Bob Jones (the fundie, not the former mayor of Danville). His pandering to these sleazebags, combined with his dogged support of the mess in Iraq, ruined much of what lingering respect I had for him.

Of course as time has gone on, it appears that Senator McCain isn't much of a maverick. Sure, he played an excellent underdog in 2000, and he has taken some stances that are unpopular with the 3G (Guns, God, and teh Gayz) wing of the Republican party. But the vast majority of his votes right in step with the President's agenda, including issues where he previously had some integrity (torture).

Anybody who supports giving Dick Cheney any role in his administration should not be President. Cheney is nothing but a war profiteer with an overly powerful office, hell bent on bringing our nation back to the muck that was the Nixon administration. He has consistently abused his power as Vice President, and created an office that appears to be above the law. Granted, the absolutely disgusting lack of Congressional oversight by his GOP Senate buddies from 2001-2006, and a lack of mandate by the Democrats since then has helped him be so arrogant. However, he still has shown a serious contempt for the balance of powers, exerting to an extent that none of our other Administrations (Nixon excepted) dared to attempt.

If John McCain really was a maverick, a straight talker, he would say unconditionally that Dick Cheney should retire from public service. But he won't, because he is no maverick. Inexplicably, a large portion of the GOP base still considers this guy a hero, despite the fact that any Democrat who tried to exert his power would automatically be labeled a "Ruthless Traitor to Democracy" (and rightly so) by the right.

At least Cheney disagreed with McCain over his laughable "Gas Tax Holiday" idea. Even if Cheney is nothing but a close ally of the oil industry, he was right on that one. I guess it just goes to show even a broken watch is right twice a day.

NOTE: Yes I'm aware the article talks about the complicated issue that McCain has with Cheney. I'm also aware that the McCain quote is from 2006, although Cheney was just as foul in 2006 as 2008. My point is that McCain ain't the "liberal" the right wing claims him to be. Just another reminder for you confused Clinton supporters and indecisive Indepedent voters.

John McCain Steals from Obama

Looks like Senator McCain and his campaign can't help but steal from Senator Obama. First it was his slogan, replacing "Change you can believe in" with "A Leader we can believe in". Then he decided to change his website to be awfully similar to Senator Obama's. Finally, he decided that Senator Obama's logo would be a nice thing to copy.

Looks awfully similar (although admittedly different in other ways as well) to Senator Obama's:


They say copying is the sincerest form of flattery, but I would like it if McCain would go further. Maybe steal Obama's plan to restore America's foreign image, or his commitment to upholding Roe v. Wade. I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

McCain's Creepy Speech and South Dakota

A few things to learn from McCain's Speech

1. He loves Hillary Clinton. He has daughters, so naturally all you pro-choice women should allow him to put justices that consider Robert Bork a role model on the bench.

2. He loves change, but not like that tax and spend, lib-uh-rul appeaser Barack Obama.

3. His smile is incredibly fake, and the crowd feels reminiscent of some of those made for TV stunts the Nixon campaign would pull. 

4. He disagreed with Bush, except on some of the stuff that really mattered. He hates war, except for when it is pointless and started under false pretenses (unless he is calling his Iraq War Resolution a mistake)

5. Kenner isn't New Orleans, and a 95% agreeance with President Bush does not make a maverick.

6. "That isn't Change We Can Believe In"-Jeez, is that the best you can do?

Now, the opening of his speech clearly spoke to the moderates and independents unsure about Obama, while giving the rabid GOP base what it wants with the absolutism and oversimplification of Obama's role. It wasn't a bad speech that will certainly is better when read instead of heard.

Bring it on Senator McCain, bring it on. The GOP lucked into you, because Huckabee or Romney would have been a 1964 rehash. But Obama ain't no Mondale or Dukakis. The big show is here, and its time to suit up.

In other news, South Dakota is still considered too early to call, although it doesn't really matter. Clinton will win there, Obama will win in Montana, and Obama takes the big prize of the night.

Cheese & Pineapple Tuesday: WI for Obama and McCain

Wisconsin has been declared for Senators Obama and McCain. This makes Obama 9-0 since Super Tuesday, and keeps McCain on his path to the GOP nomination. This would be an early night, if Hawaii wasn't so rude by being way out to the west of California.

See you back at 1:00 EST or so Wednesday morning.

Why McCain?

John "Walnuts!" McCain has apparently all but wrapped up the GOP nomination. Why do you think he is the best candidate? If you wish, make your case for Senator McCain in the comments for this post.

For Shame, Senator McCain

Apparently Senator McCain has had a change of heart about the legality of waterboarding. One of the few areas where he seemed to not wish to pander to the torture-lovers on the GOP side, and now that seems gone.

I really don't want to get started on this issue, mainly because I try to keep myself from going off on expletive filled rants. However, I must say that it is embarrassing and depressing to me that we are even debating crap like waterboarding. Torture is cruel, undemocratic, and questionably effective. Someday people will look back on this era and shake their head, much as we do now about the Japanese internment during World War II, or the Alien & Sedition acts of John Adams. Sacrificing our nations principles for the expediency of war is not worth it, and should not be condoned. Yet President Bush has constantly pushed for it, and the complicit Republicans and weak-ass Democrats have done nothing to stop it.

But hey, anything to stop the big bad terrorists, right?

Chesapeake Tuesday: Obama takes MD, McCain sweeps as well

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain both swept to victory on Chesapeake Tuesday. Obama's victories were by large margins, almost 2-1 in MD and VA, and 3-1 in DC. Huckabee gave McCain a good fight in VA, but the winner-take-all nature of the state's primary means McCain took all of the delegates. Although still not official, it appears McCain will be the GOP nominee in November.

For Senator Clinton, it comes down to Texas and Ohio. She not only needs to win these states, she needs to win them big. If she doesn't, it will be very hard for her to overcome Obama in the delegate count. His goal isn't necessarily to win those states, but to keep it close. However, if he does win, it might be time for Hillary to gracefully exit the stage so the general campaign can begin.

The Children's Table: The (most likely) last GOP Debate

The second, and most likely last, GOP debate at the Reagan library was a very excruciating exercise. The four remaining men vying to lose to either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton simultaneously looked like giant children and codgers. It was not a pretty site.

For one thing, the setup of the debate was just awkward. They put Anderson Cooper and the two panelists perpendicular to the candidates, which created an odd looking angle. In addition, the desks the candidates were sitting at looked like kindergarten desks, adding to the childish atmosphere.

In addition, CNN didn't comport itself very professionally, deciding to minimize the participation of Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. Feeling that they, and not the viewers, were responsible for seeing who was the best candidate, they focused on the battle between Romney and McCain.

Mitt was his typical sleazy country club self, continuing to make me wonder why anybody who wasn't a robot would support this guy. His argument with McCain over what he said about timetables in Iraq seemed pointless. This was his last, best chance to make a mark to distinguish himself on Super Tuesday, and he failed.

Somehow, McCain was even worse. Every time he spoke, he almost put me to sleep. Apparently he was a foot-soldier, and not a leader, of the Reagan revolution. Because a follower is what we need for our Presidency, not a leader. How this man, who is a horrible debater, horrible speaker, and is despised by many portions of the GOP is the unfettered front-runner I have no idea.

When he got a chance to speak, Huckabee seemed like the best candidate of the bunch. Of course, he didn't get a chance to show off his biggest weakness, which is the belief in making the Constitution fit to "Gods Laws", a position that makes a lot of people, both Democrat and Republican, very nervous.

Ron Paul was his usual self, even managing to bring up the gold standard in one of his answers. His rant on Iraq was genuine, and his position was the most reasonable one to me. A note to all Republicans: If Ron Paul is looking reasonable, you need to look closer at yourself.

In the end, this was a pretty standard affair for the GOP. Chaotic, stupid, and full of too much arm wrestling and pointless chest thumping. The GOP has lost its way, and needs to reclaim its soul, a soul that speaks to conservatives, moderates, and liberals. Nevertheless, this mess might still pull off the victory in November. That thought is truly troubling.