U.S. Elections 2008: General Elections -- Analysis and Commentary

[CrossLOPER]

Why do the Russians or Osama bin Ladin need to own the US?

[KarlXII]

Are you implying he isn't?

I seem to have forgot.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Why do the Russians or Osama bin Ladin need to own the US?

It's a "keeping up with the Joneses" thing. After all, they see China buying up the US in great big chunks and they figure those Chinese must know something....

[PanzerJaeger]

PanzerJaeger it is very clear that you despise Obama. Your hatred of Obama is based on him as a person and not his political position. You can only spew out lies you find on the internet, and bring up issues from the mass media which it seems you only half understand. You even argued for the fact that Obama is not really black, and said his wife looks like a monkey. Are you going to attack his children next?

We can always take this here if you would like to move this away from the Org. There we will not have to play nice!

Despise? Hate? Hardly. I wouldn't waste the energy.

A politician who long ago sold out to the MoveOn crowd, relies on image over substance, harbors deep seeded racist and elitist beliefs, peddles in gloom and defeat for his own gain, and would need twice the national budget to pay for everything he's promising us just isn't my cup of tea.

Is that ok, or do I have to be clinging to some sort of underlying racist motives along with my guns and religion?



Edit: Do I really need to join another forum to tell you exactly what I’ve been saying throughout this thread? I’m not a fan of the ultra-left wing in America and that’s as deep as it gets.

If, on the other hand, you feel the need to play dirty, I’ve found the org can be quite accommodating, so long as you expand your vocabulary just a bit. If you put a little effort into it, there are plenty of ways to call me a without actually calling me a .

[m52nickerson]

Despise? Hate? Hardly. I wouldn't waste the energy.

A politician who long ago sold out to the MoveOn crowd, relies on image over substance, harbors deep seeded racist and elitist beliefs, peddles in gloom and defeat for his own gain, and would need twice the national budget to pay for everything he's promising us just isn't my cup of tea.

The MoveOn crowd represents the way a large portion of the population feels and there beliefs are inline with Obama's. One of the reasons he is so popular.

Yes, he has a good image. As far as substance, he has a more detailed plan then McCain, what more do you want?

I ask again, do you have any proof he is racist, or an elitist? It's funny that he is called an elitist when much of his plans would help the poor, while taking money and power from the rich.

Gloom and defeat? Are you referring to him being wrong about the surge?

Yes, he will be hard pressed to come up with the funds for all his plans, but since when have we not had a politician set the bar higher then they can reach.

Is that ok, or do I have to be clinging to some sort of underlying racist motives along with my guns and religion?

Well if the shoe fits.

Edit: Do I really need to join another forum to tell you exactly what I’ve been saying throughout this thread? I’m not a fan of the ultra-left wing in America and that’s as deep as it gets.

That's fine.

I'm fine with the fact that you do not like left wing thinking. It's that fact that you are attacking that man and not his policies is the problem.

[Redleg]

The MoveOn crowd represents the way a large portion of the population feels and there beliefs are inline with Obama's. One of the reasons he is so popular.

I do believe you have just overstated the size of the MoveOn crowd. I haven't looked into the actual numbers but the MoveOn crowd is still a minority of the overall percentage of American Voters.

Yes, he has a good image. As far as substance, he has a more detailed plan then McCain, what more do you want?

Neither candidate has a detailed plan. Why do you think Obama is refusing to hold town hall type debates?

Yes, he will be hard pressed to come up with the funds for all his plans, but since when have we not had a politician set the bar higher then they can reach.

When one makes campaign promises that they know they can not keep - I normally begin to think very little of that candidate. So are you claiming that Obama knows he can not even come close to meeting the goals that he is promising the American People? Does that not make you question the sincerity of the candidate?

Not that I think McCain is any better, but at least I don't get the feeling that he is making promises he knows he wont attempt to keep. Now I am not sure on what Obama really means but such statements that you have made here would indicate that he is the worse candidate of the two. Pandering to the voters without any intention of following through once he is elected - is this truely what you wish readers to have an understanding of?

[CountArach]

I do believe you have just overstated the size of the MoveOn crowd. I haven't looked into the actual numbers but the MoveOn crowd is still a minority of the overall percentage of American Voters.

Without putting words in nickerson's mouth, I believe that he means that the views MoveOn espouse are broadly in line with much of America, which is true in some cases.

[m52nickerson]

I do believe you have just overstated the size of the MoveOn crowd. I haven't looked into the actual numbers but the MoveOn crowd is still a minority of the overall percentage of American Voters.

CounterArach hit it.

Neither candidate has a detailed plan. Why do you think Obama is refusing to hold town hall type debates?

Have you looked at the their websites? How much more detailed do you want.

When one makes campaign promises that they know they can not keep - I normally begin to think very little of that candidate. So are you claiming that Obama knows he can not even come close to meeting the goals that he is promising the American People? Does that not make you question the sincerity of the candidate?

Not that I think McCain is any better, but at least I don't get the feeling that he is making promises he knows he wont attempt to keep. Now I am not sure on what Obama really means but such statements that you have made here would indicate that he is the worse candidate of the two. Pandering to the voters without any intention of following through once he is elected - is this truely what you wish readers to have an understanding of?

I stated that Obama would be hard pressed to come up with the funds needed, not that is was impossible. Now a promise and a plan is two different things. If a politician states that he plans to do X but then later when elected can't find the funding or cannot get it passed that is not his fault. I what people to have an understanding that politicians do not operate in a vacuum. So times they have to make compromises, and sometimes "gasp" they have to change their minds.

I would rather have politicians that reach as high as possible then ones that say it is impossible.

[PanzerJaeger]

The MoveOn crowd represents the way a large portion of the population feels and there beliefs are inline with Obama's. One of the reasons he is so popular.

I don't think a large portion of the nation fall in line with MoveOn, and I haven't seen any affiliation polls that correspond with that claim. If that is true, however, this nation deserves Obama and much more..

Yes, he has a good image. As far as substance, he has a more detailed plan then McCain, what more do you want?

I'm sorry, a plan is not a bunch of empty promises with no way of fulfilling them. That is what is commonly referred to as a lie.

I ask again, do you have any proof he is racist, or an elitist? It's funny that he is called an elitist when much of his plans would help the poor, while taking money and power from the rich.

I believe that you are defined, at least in part, by the company you keep. Obama, for example, chose to join and participate for 20 years in the real life equivalent of StormFront for Black People.

(And lets not forget the part-time-gospel-singer-full-time-gay-basher he sought out in South Carolina.)

Of course there was one other plausible excuse floated by the Obama lackeys when the Rev. Wright story broke; that he joined the church for political advancement.

I'm giving Barack the benefit of the doubt on this one, though. At least a black man in America has some past societal injustices to base his racism on, however misguided. However, God help us all if we elect a man so morally deficient and lacking in character as to throw his lot in with hate mongers for pure political ambition, and then to submit his family - small children included - to the sort of frenzied hatred, lies, and "black liberation" that Trinity specializes in. No, I cannot accept that Obama is that contemptible.


The elitism speaks for itself.

Gloom and defeat? Are you referring to him being wrong about the surge?

That and so much more. Obama decided against the path of patriotic opposition and chose to align himself with the "General Betrayus" crowd - the same people who have been banking on American deaths and defeat for years to score cheap political points.

Yes, he will be hard pressed to come up with the funds for all his plans, but since when have we not had a politician set the bar higher then they can reach.

If they cannot be paid for, how then, are they plans?

If I told you that I was running for President and I wanted to give every American a Prius to solve the energy issue, would that really be a plan or simply a pipe dream?

Well if the shoe fits.

I could say the same about Obama, but with far more support than you have against me.

It's that fact that you are attacking that man and not his policies is the problem.

I've criticized his "policies" fairly consistently. Character is just important though, and he seems decidedly lacking in that department as well.

I would rather have politicians that reach as high as possible then ones that say it is impossible.

Sorry to nip a bit from your other post but I wanted to comment.

What Obama is doing is not "reaching" a la Kennedy and the moon, he's just lying. Promising people a load of crap to get votes with absolutely no way of delivering is not a noble aspiration.

[m52nickerson]

I don't think a large portion of the nation fall in line with MoveOn, and I haven't seen any affiliation polls that correspond with that claim. If that is true, however, this nation deserves Obama and much more..

Well since Bush's rating is in the tanks, and Republicans have been losing elections to Democrats left and right, I would say that a large part of the nation is moving to the left were most of the Dems beliefs lie. Plus the number of people who identify them selfs as Democrats rather then Republicans has been increasing.

.......and yes this country deserves more then the Conservative Republics have given us.

I'm sorry, a plan is not a bunch of empty promises with no way of fulfilling them. That is what is commonly referred to as a lie.

Can you show that he has absolutely no way of enacting his plan overtime. Or are you just going by what you heard.

I believe that you are defined, at least in part, by the company you keep. Obama, for example, chose to join and participate for 20 years in the real life equivalent of StormFront for Black People. (And lets not forget the part-time-gospel-singer-full-time-gay-basher he sought out in South Carolina.)

Perhaps in part, but the actions of the man should count for more then who he has associated with. I believe Jesus (if you believe) hung out with the prostitutes, tax collector, Liars and other dregs of society.

Note - I'm not trying to say that Obama is Jesus.

Of course there was one other plausible excuse floated by the Obama lackeys when the Rev. Wright story broke; that he joined the church for political advancement.

I will give you that this was spin.

I'm giving Barack the benefit of the doubt on this one, though. At least a black man in America has some past societal injustices to base his racism on, however misguided. However, God help us all if we elect a man so morally deficient and lacking in character as to throw his lot in with hate mongers for pure political ambition, and then to submit his family - small children included - to the sort of frenzied hatred, lies, and "black liberation" that Trinity specializes in. No, I cannot accept that Obama is that contemptible.

Damn, you did surprise me. I had to read this a few times.

The elitism speaks for itself.

Perhaps I'm slow, but could you point out how he is an elitist.

That and so much more. Obama decided against the path of patriotic opposition and chose to align himself with the "General Betrayus" crowd - the same people who have been banking on American deaths and defeat for years to score cheap political points.

So speaking out against a war in which we were lead into based solely on lies is unpatriotic and was done for political points. That is hard to believe since Obama has opposed the war since the beginning when it was unpopular to do so.

If they cannot be paid for, how then, are they plans?

If I told you that I was running for President and I wanted to give every American a Prius to solve the energy issue, would that really be a plan or simply a pipe dream?

That would be a pipe dream. These are far cries from Obama's plan.

How about you give some specific examples of things that he could not possible get done.

I could say the same about Obama, but with far more support than you have against me.

All you have against Obama is his associates, I have statements you have made that can easily be construed as racist. If you like we can revisit these.

I've criticized his "policies" fairly consistently. Character is just important though, and he seems decidedly lacking in that department as well.

I don't seem to remember you really doing that, please post some examples.

Sorry to nip a bit from your other post but I wanted to comment.

What Obama is doing is not "reaching" a la Kennedy and the moon, he's just lying. Promising people a load of crap to get votes with absolutely no way of delivering is not a noble aspiration.

Again could you give specific examples of things he would have on way of doing.


By the way FactCheck.org thinks that McCain's latest commercial criticizing Obama for not visiting US troops is misleading at best. It happens to also blow holes in your previous statements as well, enjoy!

Real Clear Politics still shows Obama with a sizable lead. I give you the MAP!

[Lemur]

Finally someone addresses the real issue: Which candidate would handle an alien invasion better? (We'll hold off on discussing who would cope with the zombie apocalypse, since there is no leader who can.)

[Ronin]

I’m not a fan of the ultra-left wing in America and that’s as deep as it gets.

I´m seriously considering paying for you to travel over here so that you can meet face-to-face with a real life commy-pinko leftist....it might be worth it just for the entertainment value of watching your head explode...

there is no such thing as ultra-left in mainstream US politics....I know you people like the label but it´s just silly.

[CountArach]

there is no such thing as ultra-left in mainstream US politics....I know you people like the label but it´s just silly.

Took the words right out of my mouth . Even Ralph Nader is only moderately-left by European standards.

[Redleg]

CounterArach hit it.

Well then you will have to provide more evidence that a majority of the population have a broadly excepted the views of MoveOn. Now while change in some things is always to be desired and often happens after 8 years of one party in the White House, I just don't see it in the news that the majority of the people want what the MoveOn crowd espouse.

Have you looked at the their websites? How much more detailed do you want.

Yep, hince my statement. Both only have very broad stroke campaigns right now. Nothing that one can hold their feet to the fire on, as the election cycle develops more detailed plans of what they wish to accomplish in office is something the American People should demand. Half baked plans without detail are not adequate plans for who I desire to elect to the highest office.

I stated that Obama would be hard pressed to come up with the funds needed, not that is was impossible. Now a promise and a plan is two different things. If a politician states that he plans to do X but then later when elected can't find the funding or cannot get it passed that is not his fault. I what people to have an understanding that politicians do not operate in a vacuum. So times they have to make compromises, and sometimes "gasp" they have to change their minds.

Careful now - you might want to look at some of the things Obama has been saying - he might have crossed the line into the promise versus the plan - not that interested in what he has stated during the primaries - I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and waiting for the actual election sequence. This is why debates are important between the two candidates. Why do you think Obama steers away from town hall style debates with McCain?

I would rather have politicians that reach as high as possible then ones that say it is impossible.

Nothing wrong with that view - I prefer candidates who will discuss the issues and debate each other so I can determine who I believe has the best course of action plans for the nation. A failure to be willing to debate is a tell against Obama.

[Kralizec]

I'm not that familiar with Moveon.org, but it does seem that they're extremely partisan left-wingers.

The reason that they appear in line with the moderates is that most of the time they espouse messages that a large part of the population can get behind, while occasionally slipping in those bits wich make them stand out.

Here's a Moveon add comparing Bush to Hitler, wich was endorsed by them until it provoked outrage after wich they withdrew it.

[KarlXII]

Obama decided against the path of patriotic opposition

Is it all of a sudden unpatriotic to not support a war, especially one that was caused by lies? PJ, maybe you need to stop blindly follow the Republican Party. You seem to be a sufferer of Sheeple Syndrome.

[PanzerJaeger]

Is it all of a sudden unpatriotic to not support a war, especially one that was caused by lies? PJ, maybe you need to stop blindly follow the Republican Party. You seem to be a sufferer of Sheeple Syndrome.

The issue is not his opposition, but the people he associates with. There are plenty of people in this country that oppose the war who do not deal in the gutter tactics MoveOn and others that form the core of Barack's base subscribe to.

I´m seriously considering paying for you to travel over here so that you can meet face-to-face with a real life commy-pinko leftist....it might be worth it just for the entertainment value of watching your head explode...

there is no such thing as ultra-left in mainstream US politics....I know you people like the label but it´s just silly.

The ultra-left in America. That would be a caveat. I would love to come visit, though!



Nickerson deserves a proper response which will be forthcoming.....

[KarlXII]

The issue is not his opposition, but the people he associates with. There are plenty of people in this country that oppose the war who do not deal in the gutter tactics MoveOn and others that form the core of Barack's base subscribe to.

The Bush Administration associates itself with Pakistan, a nation that has had a very bad rep, are we guilty by association? The US has been responsible for many dictatorships and terrorists in the world, are we terrorists by association?

[PanzerJaeger]

The Bush Administration associates itself with Pakistan, a nation that has had a very bad rep, are we guilty by association? The US has been responsible for many dictatorships and terrorists in the world, are we terrorists by association?

I assume you're in Sweden, so I think you're ok.

Anyway, apple to apple comparisons are more helpful. The point being that you don't have to support hit jobs on US soldiers and such to oppose the war.

[KarlXII]

I assume you're in Sweden, so I think you're ok.

Anyway, apple to apple comparisons are more helpful. The point being that you don't have to support hit jobs on US soldiers and such to oppose the war.

I live in the US. Is Obama calling hits on soldiers now?

[LittleGrizzly]

I live in the US.

I always figured you were swedish as well, if my name was american grizzly you'd get confused too!

Obama decided against the path of patriotic opposition

I never understood this unpatriotic charge that is laid at people who don't support wars, unless your actively working against your own army, how can it be unpatrioitic opposition, surely seeing the mess we got ourselves into in iraq all opposition was very patriotically trying to save you, whereas the goverment was unpatrioitically heading you towards disaster...

could you define obamas unpatriotic opposition ?

[PanzerJaeger]

Obama decided against the path of patriotic opposition

I never understood this unpatriotic charge that is laid at people who don't support wars, unless your actively working against your own army, how can it be unpatrioitic opposition, surely seeing the mess we got ourselves into in iraq all opposition was very patriotically trying to save you, whereas the goverment was unpatrioitically heading you towards disaster...

could you define obamas unpatriotic opposition ?

This is the point I am trying to make. You can be patriotic and be against the war. Stand on the steps of Congress and yell it for all I care. Just don't associate yourself with this kind of thing...



...and thats just the tip of the iceberg. MoveOn varies between portraying our soldiers as mindless puppies who can't think for themselves and vicious, bloodthirsty baby killers depending on who their advertising to.

[KarlXII]

This is the point I am trying to make. You can be patriotic and be against the war. Stand on the steps of Congress and yell it for all I care. Just don't associate yourself with this kind of thing...



...and thats just the tip of the iceberg. MoveOn varies between portraying our soldiers as mindless puppies who can't think for themselves and vicious, bloodthirsty baby killers depending on who their advertising to.

And Obama has stated that General Betrayus is a baby killing madman and all US troops should burn in hell, right?

[m52nickerson]

This is the point I am trying to make. You can be patriotic and be against the war. Stand on the steps of Congress and yell it for all I care. Just don't associate yourself with this kind of thing...



...and thats just the tip of the iceberg. MoveOn varies between portraying our soldiers as mindless puppies who can't think for themselves and vicious, bloodthirsty baby killers depending on who their advertising to.

With all the things you have said about Obama, you have a problem with that picture?

Could you provide links to were MoveOn portraying our soldiers as mindless puppies who can't think for themselves and/or vicious, bloodthirsty baby killers.

Well then you will have to provide more evidence that a majority of the population have a broadly excepted the views of MoveOn. Now while change in some things is always to be desired and often happens after 8 years of one party in the White House, I just don't see it in the news that the majority of the people want what the MoveOn crowd espouse.

So you don't see how a change to support more liberal views supports that the opinion that a majority of the people what the same thing as a liberal web site? The fact that Republics have been losing to Democrats, all most all polls indicate that a majority of people do not support the war, the presidents rating is in the tank, Obama is leading in most polls and so on.

Yep, hince my statement. Both only have very broad stroke campaigns right now. Nothing that one can hold their feet to the fire on, as the election cycle develops more detailed plans of what they wish to accomplish in office is something the American People should demand. Half baked plans without detail are not adequate plans for who I desire to elect to the highest office.

Again how much more detail do you want? How about this, tell me what more do you what in Obama's health care plan.

Careful now - you might want to look at some of the things Obama has been saying - he might have crossed the line into the promise versus the plan - not that interested in what he has stated during the primaries - I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and waiting for the actual election sequence. This is why debates are important between the two candidates. Why do you think Obama steers away from town hall style debates with McCain?

What things would those be? Links would be nice.

I don't know why Obama is steering away. There is at least one planned. Don't put to much emphasis on debating, a good debater a leader does not make.

Nothing wrong with that view - I prefer candidates who will discuss the issues and debate each other so I can determine who I believe has the best course of action plans for the nation. A failure to be willing to debate is a tell against Obama.

I agree if Obama fails to showup for any debates it is a tell, but I doubt it will happen.

[Redleg]

So you don't see how a change to support more liberal views supports that the opinion that a majority of the people what the same thing as a liberal web site? The fact that Republics have been losing to Democrats, all most all polls indicate that a majority of people do not support the war, the presidents rating is in the tank, Obama is leading in most polls and so on.

Supporting more liberial moderate functions of government does not equate to the MoveOn.org crowd is what I am saying. America has always primarily been a moderate/Centerist population with minor swings to the left or to the right. Equating this normal process that happens during the election cycles to the MoveOn.Org philisophy is an extreme reach in logical. Historically after a party has been in power for 8 years the other party often gets the opporunity to get in office. This also happened after the Clinton Adminstration. One of the few Presidents besides FDR to break that norm was Reagan.

[quote]
Again how much more detail do you want? How about this, tell me what more do you what in Obama's health care plan.

I would like a debate that finds out what the details are with both candidates discussing the issue. This looks very similiar to the one posted two monthes ago - still don't see how he plans to implement and pay for the plan. But then I am at work and only browsing the article

What things would those be? Links would be nice.

Primarily being the news links that state that Obama has not signed up for Town Hall debates with McCain as McCain has been asking for.

I don't know why Obama is steering away. There is at least one planned. Don't put to much emphasis on debating, a good debater a leader does not make.

The debate has nothing to do with leadership - it has to do with understanding what the Candidate's plan is. If you just want to blindly vote for a candidate that is your choice, however I am an independent voter who steers toward the candidate that upholds the values of the Constitution more then the other. I am always basically voting for the man I believe will do the least damage to the constitution. Was right for two of them, wrong on one. Now we got two individuals running who its hard to determine which one will create more damage to the nation - because neither have a good record on upholding the constitution.

I agree if Obama fails to showup for any debates it is a tell, but I doubt it will happen.

And a man unwilling to have open discussion with citizens about his plans for the government is a man I do not trust at all. Until Obama develops a desire to have these discussions outside of the controled environment of his handlers - I only see him as the same bad politican that we have voted into office over and over again. Nothing new with him at all.

[LittleGrizzly]

And a man unwilling to have open discussion with citizens about his plans for the government is a man I do not trust at all. Until Obama develops a desire to have these discussions outside of the controled environment of his handlers - I only see him as the same bad politican that we have voted into office over and over again. Nothing new with him at all.

If as i have heard, Obama is not so good at non scripted speaking, debates or question and answer events, then maybe avioding them is simply a good political move for him, as in not letting his weaknesses come to the fore.

Of course it could be one of a hundred bad reasons but i wouldn't count ^ out

[m52nickerson]

Supporting more liberial moderate functions of government does not equate to the MoveOn.org crowd is what I am saying. America has always primarily been a moderate/Centerist population with minor swings to the left or to the right. Equating this normal process that happens during the election cycles to the MoveOn.Org philisophy is an extreme reach in logical. Historically after a party has been in power for 8 years the other party often gets the opporunity to get in office. This also happened after the Clinton Adminstration. One of the few Presidents besides FDR to break that norm was Reagan.

MoveOn wants change, and supports more liberal views.
There is a natural swing at present to the left, which is a more liberal view.

So......the swing is inline with MoveOn. I'm not trying to say that this has been caused bt MoveOn.

I would like a debate that finds out what the details are with both candidates discussing the issue. This looks very similiar to the one posted two monthes ago - still don't see how he plans to implement and pay for the plan. But then I am at work and only browsing the article

Implementation would be a change in regulations and laws. Do you want them to write the Bills now.

......and a debate will not necessarily bring up greater details, it may point out which plan will work better.

Primarily being the news links that state that Obama has not signed up for Town Hall debates with McCain as McCain has been asking for.

Obama has said he would meet for a town hall debate, just not 10.

The debate has nothing to do with leadership - it has to do with understanding what the Candidate's plan is. If you just want to blindly vote for a candidate that is your choice, however I am an independent voter who steers toward the candidate that upholds the values of the Constitution more then the other. I am always basically voting for the man I believe will do the least damage to the constitution. Was right for two of them, wrong on one. Now we got two individuals running who its hard to determine which one will create more damage to the nation - because neither have a good record on upholding the constitution.

.......and how would a debate do this better then a written plan or a simple interview?

And a man unwilling to have open discussion with citizens about his plans for the government is a man I do not trust at all. Until Obama develops a desire to have these discussions outside of the controled environment of his handlers - I only see him as the same bad politican that we have voted into office over and over again. Nothing new with him at all.

Obama has agreed to debates, just not as many town hall style. A controlled debate with a moderator is normally a better debate.

[Redleg]

MoveOn wants change, and supports more liberal views.
There is a natural swing at present to the left, which is a more liberal view.

This is normal the case after any president is in office for 8 years. After Clinton the Republicans came into power.

So......the swing is inline with MoveOn. I'm not trying to say that this has been caused bt MoveOn.

And it would still be incorrect - that is like saying that the swing to the right after Clinton's term in office is in-line with the United States going facsist.

Implementation would be a change in regulations and laws. Do you want them to write the Bills now.

Incorrect - how he plans to implemented these programs means what regulations and bills is he going to pursue to implement his plan. Again read what is written not what you think I wrote, what is his plan?

......and a debate will not necessarily bring up greater details, it may point out which plan will work better.

Bingo you have just hit on the point why Obama should particapate in any debates

Obama has said he would meet for a town hall debate, just not 10.

Which if I remember the news correctly he has not committed to even that one's date.

.......and how would a debate do this better then a written plan or a simple interview?

Because I want to hear the passion for the plan in his voice, I want to know how much of it is his plan and how much he supports such a plan. Mannerisms during a debate helps one understand the person's postion.

Obama has agreed to debates, just not as many town hall style. A controlled debate with a moderator is normally a better debate.

Controlled debates only ask the questions the political pundits want the candidates to take. A town hall debate allows us citizens to determine what questions the candidates will be asked. Because citizens will ask more broad base questions - the candidate's own ideas will be what comes out of the debate versus what his party or his handlers have prepared for him. I alreadly know the party positions for both main parties - I want to know what the candidate's emotion and feelings are on the issue. A town hall debate gives us the best picture of that.

Controlled debates are just media events.

[Lemur]

An ad is put out to counter the McCain media bias piece. Most interestingly, it also features Chris Matthews. I guess I'm going to have to pay attention to this guy, since everybody's using him as a touchstone. Enjoy.

[drone]

One very good reason to vote McCain. His policies? His stance on abortion? No. That idiot Sen. Ted "Series of Tubes" Stevens (R-Alaska) got himself indicted, giving the Dems a very good chance of controlling 60 seats in the Senate after the election. Good riddance to him hopefully, but there is the downside.

President Obama + large Dem majority in Congress = disaster.

I hadn't really looked at which Senator seats were up for reelection this year, but it looks like a bad case of timing for the GOP. 23 GOP seats against 12 Dems, with a lot of the old guard retiring and no money for the campaigns.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=topnews