Obama anxiety in California *

Despite the post-convention bounce for John McCain, it appears (for now) that California is still Barack Obama country. But Politico has an interesting story about one Democratic congressional candidate in Placer County, near Sacramento, who is not thrilled by his association with Obama:

Ask Charlie Brown if he supports Barack Obama, and he’ll tell you he hasn’t endorsed anyone yet. Ask him whether he plans to vote for Obama in November, and he says that “a lot’s going to happen” between now and then. Ask him if he’d want Obama to campaign for him, and he says, “I’d like to see both McCain and Obama come to the district and have a debate out here rather than ignore California." Charlie Brown is a Democrat, but you wouldn’t necessarily know it talking to him. Running in a district where Republicans enjoy a double-digit advantage in party registration, Brown is following the playbook the Democrats used to win special elections in heavily Republican districts in Illinois, Louisiana and Mississippi earlier this year: Keep the D on the down-low.

While over at Huffington Post, director Adam MaKay ("Anchorman," "Talladega Nights") shares a lament a lot of Obama supporters are feeling these days:

"Stop saying that!" my wife says to me. But this is not a high school football game and I'm not a cheerleader with a bad attitude. This is an election and as things stand now, we're gonna frickin' lose this thing. Obama and McCain at best are even in the polls nationally and in a recent Gallup poll  McCain is ahead by four points. Something is not right. We have a terrific candidate and a terrific VP candidate. We're coming off the worst eight years in our country's history.

Well, at least Obama has Babs.

-Shelby Grad

Photo: Carolyn Cole  Los Angeles Times

* Thanks to all who weighed in but, as the last batch of comments we received were too hate-filled to be published, the comments are now closed.

Comments

[L S]

As a devout Christian voter tired of the extreme Christian right pretending to speak for me, I am extremely disturbed by McCain/Palin (or should I say McCain/Ann Coulter). The extremely conservative views of Ms. Palin will not serve our country well (including teaching religion in public schools via intelligent design for God's sake?! C'mon who's going to teach what the curriculum, Rev. Phelps?!). Also, the fact that the extreme right is ecstatic at Palin suggests to me that the economy is going to be put on the back seat in favor or the latest social issue that social conservatives believe in.

It is time to heal this world, to help those in need, and narrow the gap between rich and poor. It is time to wake up and accept that we need to work together once and for all. While I do not think abortion is right, I also do not think that that is the worst problem plaguing our country. I think helping the poor (instead of more tax breaks for the rich), not risking the retirement of our seniors by privatizing social security, helping the environment, and ensuring we have insurance for all is extremely important. This is the true embodiment of Christian love.

God forbid something happens to McCain and she's our president?! She's so polarizing! I think Ms. Palin’s views on intelligent design, praying the gay away, funding of private Christian schools over public schools, and the like to see how she is very similar to Ann Coulter ideologically. McCain clearly showed poor decision-making in picking her--being pressured by the extreme right-wing. What we end up with is worse than even Bush/Cheney--we end up with a McCain/Coulter!

[Lucas]

I don't think Charlie Brown is from or in San Diego County.

[Terrified2]

The difference between GWB and Palin?- Lipstick

[jimbo]

As the news stations stop their love affair with Obama, more and more Americans are seeing the Pied Piper- follow me and listen to me and I;'ll give you rainbows and lucky charms. RHetoric is not enough ..Actions speak volumes and Obama has done nothing for Chicago or America while he has been in the Senate. so why should we follow a man who is associated with criminals, racists and terrorists. We arent going to do it..California may fall for him but the rest of the Nation is waking up. NO Bama not now not ever !!!

[JT]

Palin is polarizing?? Obama is the most polarizing candidate EVER! May the best man, uh, i mean woman, win!

[Terrified2]

The difference between GWB and Palin?- Lipstick

[John]

Well L.S...if you don't want right wing Christians speaking on your behalf..maybe you can put the doughnut down..have someone help you off that computer chair and go Outside and speak.

[treetracker]

L. S. - Thank you - I agree with you completely.

[TimL]

Nice post L S,

My thoughts are pretty much along those same lines. This woman and the ticket in general has not done anything but make empty promises with no real plan or strategy to outline how they will achieve their goals. Palin's extreme conservative views will set America back almost 100 years of progress.

Abortion and other wedge issues have no place in this specific election. We need intelligent, uppity, elitist leaders this time around who have the mental facilities to actually come up with strategies for our economy and to correct the damage sustained to America through mismanagement of our foreign resources.

Palin honestly makes me thinking of bush in high-heels. She is polarizing and likable much like the current Presidents goofy personality. Yet she has far from proven her whit, intelligence, and political ability through deed. In actuality her record as a Mayor and Governor is pretty bad.

I just hope the US citizens get over the shock of McCain's pick and get back to the real issues that are plaguing the country before it is to late.

[AZKMB]

L.S. Remember Rev Wright?

McCain/Palin 08/12

[Canbuhay]

For a "devout Christian", LS, that was a lot of hate.

By the way, why don't you like abortion? If abortion is bad because it kills babies, why do you support Obama who voted to keep infanticide legal? Government cannot force people out of poverty - it can help but we can't legislate that. But government CAN legally protect people whose lives are endangered.

If you truly follow the Christ of the Bible, how can you say you support an infanticide-supporter?

And frankly, according to the same Bible, the world was designed by someone intelligent. If you don't believe that , it is hard to believe anything else in the Christian Bible.

[PFJ]

I hear ya. I think its a disgrace that the extreme right "christians" think they speak for all christians and catholics. Its bad enough the bush admin ask that churches turn their voter rolls over to the republican party and even attacked churches that spoke against the war by trying to revoke thier tax free status. All why right wing churches are having politicians speak from thier pulpits and voter registration in the pews! these are indeed scary times

[TruAmerican]

As an ex-Democrat who voted for HIllary, I am going for Sarah for sure. My wife is the same. We feel McCain and Palin are patriotic and really look after the country's interests, while Obama is just looking after his own interests - winning the top office and glorify his blacks. We got to have somebody in the White House thinking about our country's security and national interests, not just some scum bag thinking his own agenda only.

[Excel]

the media cares for ratings, and a close race means ratings.

[fran fine]

I couldn't agree more.

[Lisa]

Better someone who believes in creation than one who believes live born babies should be left on a table to die to make sure the abortion is complete.

[E]

Sounds as though some are nervous about Palin and her strengths. It is not time to heel the world, we need to heel our COUNTRY.

[Christian Voter]

As a Christian, I am NOT supporting McCain/Palin. I am extremely disturbed by the clear effort to keep Palin away from hard hitting questioning about her record and beliefs. She should be forthright and not keep hiding behind the same speech lines she repeats over and over that someone else wrote for her. Obama and Biden are talking specifics about the economy, health care, education, unemployment, national infrastructure, etc. They have my vote.

[Jack Cox]

The big issue in the campaign is the economy and notably taxes. The media is too often just presented short sound bites and the not the kind of analysis that is needed to understand the impact of Obama's and McCain's policies. A grat resource is www.analysisonline.org. The site provides users with an indepth, down the middle summary of the issues on this and other vital topics. Check it out.

[GCF]

The term "Christian" is used so commonly nowadays, I wonder...

If you truly were a Christian, then why would you even worry about commentign on this election.

After all, it's in God's hands, anyway!

(And by the way, you need to stay away from those liberal blogs. Listen to interviews from people in Alaska. She doesn't push her views on people. She just doesn't hide from them.)

[Melissa Burke]

The American people and American mainstream media are a whimsical bunch. In a couple of weeks we’ll have long forgotten about the current poll numbers. Palin has just proven to be a “Trojan moose” – she keeps barking loudly like a sick dog in hopes of distracting the American people from the real issues surrounding this campaign like the major economic crisis we are facing. The media has fallen for the bait. Make no mistake, the American economy is on a downward spiral that will only continue with McPalin. The huge bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that will cost tax payers billions has gotten less media attention that Palin’s hairdo. Let’s also not forget the 3-trillion+ dollars McBush has spent in Iraq and that McPalin will continue to spend. I’m tired of my hard earned tax dollars being used to line the pockets of wealthy oil executives and John McCain’s other cronies who own more houses than they can count. Why don’t we spend some of that money domestically on things that directly benefit America?? John McCain cheated on his first wife (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html), so why wouldn’t he cheat the American people? In my mind the choice is clear – I am voting for the Obama-Biden ticket and am encouraging everyone I know to do the same.

[TP]

LS - I sincerely doubt that you are "devout Christian voter". Nice attempt to discredit her by posing as someone "from the Right".

The fact is that Palin has made no attempt compel others to abide by her beliefs and, in fact, has made sure she upheld the law and accommodated other person's perspectives when such situations arise.

That's probably what has you worried. She's no one's tool.

[Etienne4]

L.S. very well stated....you hit it right on the head.

[Norris Hall]

It's hard to believe that in the 21st century the United States is headed in the conservative religious direction.
It was, after all, religious intolerance and bigotry that drove our founding fathers to flee from Europe's shores onto our own.
But of course it's always been that way....young religions are persecuted, become strong, then persecute othes

[Brad]

Dear L S,

Let me get this straight...As a devout Christian, you have a problem with allowing ID be debated in school because you think it melds Church and State? But you think the State should "help those in need", "narrow the gap between rich and poor"...which (I might add) are religious values...not secular values.

I don't understand.

[John]

It's the right-wing propaganda, stupid.

Year after year, the reach of the right-wing propaganda effort expands farther and farther, allowing a greater and greater segment of our population to completely deny reality each year. Between the evangelicals, the dittoheads, and the Fox News moms, you have a growing number of people who are fed carefully talored propaganda each day, and can be led to believe basically anything you tell them. So to a large segment of the population, reality makes no difference to them. The reality of this country going down the tubes does not matter to these people. They are conditioned to blame everything bad on Democrats and "liberal elites" even if their problems are directly caused by Republican politicans and policy.

Much of this is not Obama's fault. The reich-wing propaganda empire has been building up for over two decades, now. A lot of them believe in the rapture, and that the world will end soon. Even more believe that the world was created some 7,000 years ago. Their first concern is not the condition of this country, it is the feeling of empowerment given to them through this propaganda. The feeling that they are "chosen" by God, the feeling that the right-wing is the political philosophy that is the exemplar of moral values, and thus bringing them closer to god by participating in right-wing politics, etc. Right-wing politics has morphed from a political platform to a form of cultism that searches out the people who feel powerless and wayward in the face of cultural change, and makes them feel powerful once again. Evangelical Christianity plays a big part in this, but so does race-baiting, fear-mongering, and stoking the culture war between "big city" culture and "small town" culture.

The more these people feel hopeless, the more the false hope of Evangelicalism and the right-wing's promise to fight what are purported to be weaker liberal ideals, the more these people flock to the propaganda of Machiavelian power politics.

The right-wing has gone to great lengths to simply create an alternate reality to believe in that is extremely attractive to the insecure and powerless. For this reason (and it's a reason Democrats still do not get -- reality matters to less and less of the population each year. This is why the election is so close this year, despite the fact that reality heavily favors a Democrat.

[Armando]

As a democrat and a Catholic I'm sick of seeing googly eyed journos interviewing so-called "theologans" and conservative priests beating up on Biden and Pelosi. Have they not heard about Catholic-Democrats dot org? If they would only do their job correctly they'd find out that there is plenty evidence that the Catholic Church is not endorsing McCain/Palin, as it might seem. Everyday I read neo-conservative comments calling for the excommunication of ALL democrats. Please do your job and on report this.

Don't worry about the bounce, con bounces fade quickly! :D

[MN]

I am not voting for Obama for one simple reason: he's a Socialist tool that the vast majority of Hollywood is backing.

Thats a good enough reason to send him packin' in November.

[Kevin]

Great. People who are good at singing, dancing, and pretending to be someone else are trying to tell us how to vote. What's next? Are movie studio execs going to lecture us on business ethics? Keep talking. McCain couldn't pay for better attacks on the Democrats.

[E C]

As a self-professed democrat tired of the extreme left pretending to speak for me, I am extremely disturbed by the socialist tendancies of Obama/Biden. Are they anti-capitalists? To redistribute wealth, don't they know it must first be created?

[B. M.]

L. S.

Wow, are you so incredibly off base or what?????? No where does Sarah Palin support the extreme views that you say. Unless you are reading the incredibly left wing blogs of untruths and lies. MaCain/Palin as a ticket are more in the middle than anyone in long time. You need to do your OWN research and not take the "held to no journalistic standards" blogosphere as gospel. She is for LESS govt spending, LIMITED federal govt, LESS taxes for ALL, LESS special interest/lobbyist interaction in govt policy and turning our government back over to where it belongs...... in the hands of the people it governs. Which is what it was intended be over 200 years ago. Do we need to limit the power big companies have in our govt, absolutely!!! That is the SOLE issue that our plagues economy. She and McCain have taken on big business and won and will do it when the win the Whitehouse. Unlike BO and Biden who have been and will continue to be in the pockets of special interests and lobbyists. Get a clue they want a socialist society and that has never and will never work, especially for the good of all citizens.

[SenorPlaid]

As a true Dem, I'd like to see Charlie Brown's butt handed to him on a platter by the GOP candidate this election. Better a real Republican in office than a Repub in Dem's clothing, because Brown's just going to vote with the rest of the Blue Dogs on the pro-GOP agenda anyway.

Actually, the Dem who won in Illinois embraced Obama and his Dem status and trounced the Republican anyway. We need more Dems not afraid of actually opposing the Republican right-wing agenda instead of currying favor from it.

[Jerome]

"As a devout Christian voter ..."
"...Ms. Palin’s views on intelligent design"

LS, perhaps your problem is your understanding of Christianity? God is intelligent, he designed everything... therefore, we have intelligent design. Read the Bible, not your newspaper.

[jeff777]

as a strong Obama supporter in the Bay Area, I too am anxious, and I know why. i figured it out while i was up all night after the media hit Palin and none of it stuck. here it is: every time we mention Palin, the 'experience' thing comes up and hits Barack in the butt. gotta hand it to the evil repubs on that tactic. part 2: she is, as Fineman observed last week, the perfect Exurbia candidate, especially for white women in SUV's and mcmansion communities. and her obnoxious screamy style will definitely appeal to the 'moms' out there who don't think any further than their own household budget.

grrr...

[Richard]

Now if it's true that Gordon Brown backs Barack Obama, one should feel very sorry for Barack, what has Brown done for anyone apart from himself -

[N S]

This whole thing is coming down on Barack Obama's head.

I am an athiest, so no dog in that fight, but just standing back as a casual observer, the tea leaves are never wrong.

[ML]

Dear LS,
God bless you! Your words are a balm to my soul in a seemingly world gone mad.
I am a registered Independent in Florida who will cast my vote for Obama/Biden!
Thanks for being a kind, loving Christian!
Mary L

[B]

L.S.

"As a devout Christian voter..." Yeah, right. The rest of your rant betrays this assertion. You're certainly welcome to your views, but please stop using Jesus as a means to see your candidate of choice elected. If you truly loved as Jesus loved, you'd show a little bit more of it here for those you clearly despise. After all, Jesus did say to love your enemies.

By the way, as a Christian (so-called) you should know that Intelligent Design is a rational, scientific premise built on the idea that the Big Bang was not a causeless accident that just magically happened out of a pure, absolute nothing (which in itself is a philosophical , religious argument if you want to go there), but the result of an intelligent cause that is undefined by science, though Christians claim that unidentified intelligence is God - you know, the same God you claim you believe in?

Anyway, Palin does not force Alaskans to teach ID nor will she do so in public schools should McCain somehow die in office. Besides there are checks and balances in govt. that will prevent the mass hysteria you're tossing around. That Palin wants to teach ID and the Creation account is a myth put forward by blogs like the Daily Kos. And for that matter, the rest of your hysteria, just doesn't align with the facts or reality.

B

[Frank D. Henderson]

L.S. complains about Palin's views on "intelligent design and praying the gay away," but as far as I can tell, Palin has not commented on those specific issues in the context of national politics, so how does ANYONE know what her position is? She has said that she believes intelligent design should be taught ALONGSIDE, not in place of, evolution. However, as governor, she has never tried to pressure the state board of education to change the policy regarding the teaching of evolution. As for judging her according to what her church teaches, then perhaps we should revisit Barack Obama's former minister's racist and anti-Semitic views. Oh, that's right - Sen. Obama said that he was never present when such views were preached in his church, and that he was unaware that his pastor held such extreme views. Can you imagine what Palin's critics would say if Palin claimed not to be aware that her church teaches intelligent design, or that gay people can be converted to heterosexuality? Let's apply the same standards of judgement to all candidates. Don't single out Palin for attending a church that holds what some liberals feel are unacceptable views, but then look the other way when Obama says he knew nothing about the irrational and hateful views espoused by his former pastor.

[Taay]

California & New York alone are above 100 electoral votes, when obama need 270 to be president.....time for big cities to rule and decide our president, we're tired of those small red-neck towns in the middle of nowhere who vote overwhelmengling republican and put him in office each time....

[James]

I'm writing this from San Diego, and I have to say, aside from military personnel, I know of NOBODY that is going to vote for McCain. I'm highly suspect of news polls of McCain gaining. Folks here generally like Arnold as gov., but generally do not think of themselves as GOP supporters. A line from a song I've recently heard about the GOP; "All the intellects have left the party, just a bunch of greedy #astards now".

[tommyz]

Liberal bloggers: Try to have something nice to say once in a while. The "old politics" is over, remember? Your leader has spoken. Play nice, zomboids.

[DougH]

L S - You said a mouthful. I'm Christian and this stuff scares me. The most mean-spirited people are supposed to be Christians? I don't get it. She seem to me like another politician willing to do what it takes to get elected. The ignorance of the American people will be our undoing again.

[Richard]

Now if it's true that Gordon Brown backs Barack Obama, one should feel very sorry for Barack, what has Brown done for anyone apart from himself -

[Eric in Mesa]

Sounds like L.S. here is a plant of the Dems - talking points straight out of their playbook. At least pretend you're a real person instead of a full time campaign worker for Obama.

Here's some counterpoints for you: I can't think of a more boring choice for VP than Biden. What was Obama thinking? McCain makes a brilliant and risky choice and now he's ahead. Looks like decision-making points go to McCain.

Palin is not extreme, she is very normal and so are her beliefs. Libs call her divisive but she is connecting like none of the males on the tickets. Ann Coulter is awesome and conservatives love to see someone kick the neolibs in the teeth every chance they get. She is one of two few willing to stand up to robots like LS.

Why do we want to narrow the gap between rich and poor? That is a very stupid statement I'm sure you've never questioned because libs don't question. I want the rich to get richer and the poor to get richer. You want Socialism, Americans don't. Move to Europe LS or Cuba and enjoy the socialism you so desire and leave us with our system. That is why Obama loses in Nov. Socialism never has nor never will work.

[Alex Mac Donald]

I hate the Republican Partei as much as the next guy, and I like to see get hit and get hit hard. It's a party led by treacherous, greedy,lawless, sneaky, lying and low kleptocrats. But I think that Obama has a pretty good instinct for the jugular. The Republicans will find that out before this is over. Be of good cheer, all ye who love your country.

[Witfal]

This election is slated to be a repeat of the last two, both of which were the Democrat candidates to lose.

You cannot go into a campaign with no core values or beliefs. The campaign is not a training seminar to develop what you should already possess. Remember Gore and his image consultant trying to portray him as an "alpha male"? Wardrobe changes do not a man make, nor will Obama's ducking questions as being above his "pay grade" suffice for a spine.

Ridicule the McCain/Palin ticket all you want. Their obvious difference is in neither of them being afraid to state their beliefs in public.

[Alex Mac Donald]

I hate the Republican Partei as much as the next guy, and I like to see get hit and get hit hard. It's a party led by treacherous, greedy,lawless, sneaky, lying and low kleptocrats. But I think that Obama has a pretty good instinct for the jugular. The Republicans will find that out before this is over. Be of good cheer, all ye who love your country.

[Mike]

"We're coming off the worst eight years in our country's history. " - Somebody needs to go read a history book.

[Mike]

Obama has the most liberal voting record in the Senate right now. That is not an opinion, there is analytic data proving it. He would be the most polarizing president in the history of the country.

[Richard]

Now if it's true that Gordon Brown backs Barack Obama, one should feel very sorry for Barack, what has Brown done for anyone apart from himself -

[dom]

It seems the majority of Obama supporters have something in common with the majority of professed Christians.

Hypocrisy.

That's why they can't stand each other. One looking at the other is like looking into a mirror. They don't like what they see in the mirror, but can't see the same in themselves.

[Cyrus Clarke]

Mr. McCain isn't going to win for one simple reason.....he is a much lousier liar than George W. Bush. There are so many holes in the repub story, you could strain spaghetti through it. I think Mrs. Clinton framed it very succinctly with her comment on the Titanic being saved by the iceberg.

Stop being afraid, America, and deal with the truth.....you are being lied to. What we are seeing now is the pride before the fall.

It takes intelligence, not belligerence to lead this nation.

[Cardiffian]

Charlie Brown is running in District 4 - Lake Tahoe. It's a stretch to say he's running in San Diego. Didn't you Google him?!?!

[Jody]

McCain/Palin are hardly "extreme right wing"! Gimme a break! How about "moderate". Just because they don't line up with your social gospel does not entitle you to wrongly place them to the edge of their party! What nonsense!

As for your personal claim that you are a "devout Christian" but elevate the economy over murdering millions of unborn babies-- claiming also "this is the true embodiment of Christian love.", you might want to re-visit the Bible and reconsider where you're getting your worldview and theology from. Abortion isn't simply "wrong"-- it is a curse on America and has led to the epidemic devaluing of human beings-- a primary cause of class warfare, poverty, prejudice, racism, and single-parent families, BTW.

If you believe Obama is a more healthy choice for America-- a man who is an ardent supporter of aboortion-- not just "the right to choose", but actual killing unborn and even mostly-born babies (check out his comments and voting record), and supports gay marriage (another bane on American families)-- then you have some serious learning to do!

I am appalled by your comments while claiming to be a follower of Jesus. Do you honestly think He'd be cool with your take on what's best for America? Do you think He'd be fine with your attack on Sara Palin, who by all definitions IS a devout and orthodox (adhering to scripture) Christian? Do you think Jesus would have no issue with your minimizing huge parts of His Word and focusing on the "social gospel" parts only? I think not. You might want to go find out for yourself.

Sorry if this offends you. Just calling it like I see it. We have no room for moral relativism here anymore. Life is short and America is in peril.

P.S. Lemme guess: you're an evolutionist, you believe in global warming, and that it's man-made.

"Shout anything loud enough and long enough and a liberal will eventually believe it."

[Donald Jacobs]

Devout Christian? Who are you Kidding?It sounds as though you don't know what that means.You liberals act as though you are talking with some moral authority when your Bashing President Bush's Decision to take the offensive against Islamo Facisim..But you fail to remember the 40+ million Babies that have been Killed in the Name of CHOICE! God will not forget..He Hates the Hands that Shed innocent Blood..If you were a Christian you would have Known that..Jesus said a friend of the World , is an enemy of God! Being a Christian is Having a personal relationship with Christ by asking him to forgive Your Sins and Come into Your heart as Lord and Savior.He said if anyone opens the door of their heart,I wil in and Sup with them.Then you will be a new creature and born again..he also said,If a man is not born again,he cannot See the Kingdom Of God..

[Lynn]

The Obama partisans are trying so hard to destroy Governor Palin, you'd think Obama was running for vice president! Factcheck.org clears up some of the lies and slime.
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_palin.html

Last year, Newsweek magazine had an article praising Governor Palin's "pragmatic, postpartisan approach to solving problems, a style that works especially well with the large numbers of independent voters." You can read it at: http://www.newsweek.com/id/42534/

[Independent]

Isn't it interesting: sagging economy, troubled world, stagnant home front and still Obama's having a hard time closing the deal. Makes you wish Hillary was still in the game, doesn't it. It's starting to look like that "good judgement" that was so central to Obama's campaigning eight or nine months ago continues to fall short time and time again.

[Taay]

it's very idiotic that someone vote for a candidate just because of one issue like abortion or guns....it's the total package...we voted bush because of abortion and guns and see what we got....the country powers diminshed and we're disrespected everywhere.....how about clinton period?...how was your income then? how was the stock market then?....now tell me about your house forclosure and your never ending bills, and being stuck in financing a never ending war?...now we have no clear vision about tomorrow...so you better think economy, think about cutting taxes on 95% of middle class families, and mortgage bailouts, and ending iraq war, and having a carismatic leader like obama who's loved worldwide and can bring our stance back

[Steve S]

It is sad how juvenile this has all become. "our team" "their team" etc, etc, etc. It is tiring trying to LEARN anything about any of these candidates or have a discourse on the direction the country should be moving. To the best of my knowledge neither B.O. or S.P have shot anyone (which is better than the current VP) and which church they attend shouldn't affect their decisions in office. Question is this: "Do we want someone who will tell us how to live or do we want someone to act on our behalf?" I haven't seen anything from any candidate truly seeking the public's input on where they would like to be lead.
Hang on, I'll join the club "rah rah ___ rah rah ____, ___ is better than ____ b/c they are (insert one) more/less religious than the other. Wake me up at the end of the mindless pep rally in November.

[Simple Calculations]

Why is it every time someone from Hollywood is interviewed they sound like a socialist extremist? Why is it hollywood people keep getting interviewed and quoted about things that aren't even related to movies and television? I'm not a socialist or a fascist, but frankly Obama is just a scary person who is too vague about everything from himself to his politics. He always sounds great and says nothing. Best case scenario he socializes medicine, gives the country to the unions, and raises taxes. Worst case scenario we join the EU and have to vote against Frenchmen over our own national policies. I'll take 8 more years of knowing exactly what to expect and continued American independence and the right to self-determination over handing the country over to who knows who. Either way it looks like all those people running across the border and stealing our identities get amnesty now. So keep on running across, you're welcome to commit any crime you want and get free medical and educational care on your path to citizenship, provided you don't come legally.

[Jim R]

McCain and Palin have shown they get it, Americans want real change.

[Robert]

Relax. Geeze....you would think that McSame and Bush with lipstick had already won the election. When in fact, we are still 2 months away and Barack is ahead in the electoral college count...which is all that matters. Palin will choke when she is interviewed and the truth comes out about her Alaskan scandals. Besides, Biden will make mince meat out of her when he debates her. Palin is a creation of the media...an empty image crafted by the Republicans. Having no platform of their own...notice how they "stole" the change message. The Republicans are about spin and shallow surface appearances....they have nothing else...being deeply entrenched in narcissism, guns, and religion. Obama Will Win.

[dan]

Truamerican writes
..."winning the top office and glorify his blacks"

Ouch. Division at it's best.

[SteveKelson]

haam a nama ah owwoo a saba owa haba
eieio

(i.e., Speaking in tongues for Sarah Palin to get divine punishment for
taking potshots at 'Squirrel & Moose' )

[Richard Gordon]

It was a stroke of genius for McCain to have chosen Sarah Palin to rescue his moribund presidential campaign. I don't even think he anticipated how brilliant his choice was when he chose her. How could he?

But, I cannot for the life of me understand why people support her. This woman's philosophy represents everything that has created problems in America today. Isn't it guns that have destroyed countless lives and familys? How dose Palin's NRA views square with her views about protecting the sanctity of life? And isn't it the Republican Lassier Faire ecconomic policies that have virtually destroyed the ecconomy. Haven't these people connected the dots regarding the increasing frequency of powerful hurricanes that are destroying the Southern United States with Global Warming? Don't they see the increasing snooping and reduction of civil liberties as a real threat to their freedom? In any other country, any political party that was responsible for the disasterous state of affairs would be thrown out of office. America really needs to sit down with a psychiatrist.

[Rob]

I am becoming increasingly tired of the "Extreme Christian Right" mantra that has been eminating from liberal blogs and democratic party leaders. It seems all that is necessary for someone to be labeled as such is if that person:
1) considers themselves Christian,
2) is opposed to morally abortion,
3) has an "R" in front of their name.

The combination of these three immediately qualifies them as the "extreme Christian right" in the eyes of liberals. I am all three of those things and have been labeled that way yet I rarely attend Church on a regular basis. And LS, you should be ashamed to compare Mrs. Palin to a cur ike Phelps, I have seen him in action and your comparison/association between the two shows you simply do not understand the infinite difference between them.

Palin doesn't want to take money away from the poor and give it to the rich. The poor in this country do not pay taxes to begin with and it is fairly difficult to make a number smaller than zero, unless you like socialism. The fact of the matter is, the wealthy in this country are the ones that employ the middle class. Ever have to deal with "Budget Cuts" in a company? It usually ends in the downsizing of staff members. Perhaps... an increased tax burden on companies and corporations have something to do with that.

Mr. McKay simply needs to understand that America simply does not hate itself enough to embrace liberalism. America does not feel guilty enough about its' success and wealth to embrace liberalism. And America is still too proud and too confident in itself to embrace Liberalism. Once these tenants of our society have been adequately corrupted, then, and only then Liberalism will succeed.

[P. Shelley G.]

It's not just Palin's ultra right-wing leanings, but it's her megalomaniacal behavior:
Like the queen of hearts, she seems to want to chop off everyone's head.
For example, there's the now famous "trooper gate." But she also wanted to fire a librarian in Wasilla who refused to ban books there. It's scandalous that the Bush administration got away with outing a CIA operative who wouldn't play ball with them, an act tantamount to treason. So, we don't need another President, President Palin if the elderly McCain doesn't make it through his term, making decisions based on ideological shooting from the hip. And if she wanted to see books banned from the library in Wasilla we can just imagine the changes she'll want to make nationally based on her other beliefs. The Obama campaign needs to call her on everything, beyond just her lies about the "Bridge to Nowhere."

[JAmes]

"for TruAmerican" Well, as a supposed TruAmerican, you definitely do not speek for this American. I'll bet you didn't support Hillary. Ignorant loyalist like you are a blight to democracy. I kinda feel sorry for you, because you are so mixed up. Fox News has got you believing being an ingorant loyalist is actually being patriotic, but actually in American history a loyalist is the opposite of a patriot. May God help us all if there are many more like you out there... Glorifying blacks, give me a friggen break... who do you think you are George Wallace? You should be embarrassed for yourself. TruAmerican... yea right...

[Roustabout]

It's getting kind of tiring to see the dems get so nervous. Even a dip in the national polling doesn't mean Obama can't win the election. Bush lost the popular vote and still won (definitely in 2000, likely in 2004.)

One excellent way to look at polling data is a state by state breakout which gives estimates of electoral college results, such as the one at
http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Pres/ec_graph-2008.html

The differences between 2004 and 2008 is striking: since Obama clinched the nomination, he's had a lead in electoral votes. Discounting the very close states, Obama's lead has been much stronger; none of the back and forth that was happening in 2004.

As Nick Cohen pointed out in the guardian this weekend, the dems getting all worked up about Palin - and attacking her, rather than arguing against McCain - is not going to help them win. It's more likely to energize the republicans than anything else.

The attacks I'm seeing are the worst possible examples of preaching to the choir.

And yes, a dem candidate in San Diego running away from the ticket? We're surprised why? Did the Pacific Fleet stop headquartering in San Diego?

[Stan]

Obama's economic plan in a nutshell = raise taxes

Anyone with a basic working knowledge of economics should be well aware that it is bad to raise taxes in a weak economic climate. With all of his elite ivy league schooling, one would think this guy took an economics class or two. Guess not.

Obama's energy plan in a nutshell = no drilling, no nuclear.

Guess we will have to rely on those cliche' abstract concepts "hope" and "change" to solve that little problem in an Obama administration. How anyone buys into this nonsense is beyond me. I guess if I hope really hard tonight while I toss and turn in bed my gas tank will magically fill itself by morning. If Obama can make that sort of thing a reality he's got my vote for sure.

[iamahab]

truamerican:
how many racists does it take to screw in a lightbulb? just one, but they usually resist being enlightened. Your use of language in insisting that he wishes to "glorify his blacks" points straight to the fact that you are not the kind of person that should even be allowed to vote. Why do blacks need to be glorified? they are people just like you and me. in fact, their struggle grants them more glory than you will ever see, strictly by the hardships hundreds of years of oppression have caused them (and i can see that you are set in still causing it) and why are they his blacks? is it because he is a black man? he must have some sort of allegiance to that "wicked other side"? what about his white heritage? perhaps you're wrong and he just want to take the office to glorify his "whites!" i mean, c'mon, those dirty, sneaky folks with thier pasty skin. don't trust 'em, they have shifty eyes!
I can't believe someone who actually knows how to spell glorify would consider making such a ridiculous statement and humiliate all us real, true american caucasians who would vote for McCain. Don't hold it against the rest of us, world, that there may be a bigot in our ranks. And yes. I'm a republican. And proud of it. McCain will save us all, but he better keep the far right idealist part of palin down. I agree with most of what the original poster said.

[Adolf the Obama]

Obama broke the law when he his house from criminal Rezko.Do we need the criminal president?

[Jane]

L.S., You're a breath of reasonable fresh air. Thank you. I've been reading a lot of blogs and seems that radical Christians are the least Jesus-like of any other people. Don't they understand that they can hold any belief that they want? Educate their children in any way they want? Have all the babies that they want? That's what churhes, Christian schools and families are for. Elected office is for the people, by the people - ALL the people of ALL religions and those who choose not to have any religion. That is America. We elect our officals in government to serve us not to preach to us. What is happening to our country? I am frightened, I truly am.

[Cyrus Clarke]

America is not in peril. That is fear speaking, my friends.

America just isn't dealing with the truth of things. Iraq is in peril; Georgia is in peril; North Korea is in peril, to name a few. We're just upset because we have to pay more money to move our unneccessary weight around in the form of planes, trains, and automobiles.

We are a great and vibrant nation, full of opportunities for all, including, apparently, folks who are here illegally.

Don't tell me we're in peril. During the Cold War we were in peril. During WWII we were in peril. There isn't one city any terrorist organization or group will ever hold in the US or it's Territories. Because, if that ever occured, those people wouldn't exist anymore.....and our enemies, who know us better than we do sometimes, know that.

[Three Things]

The Economy, The Economy, The Economy.

Roe V. Wade, Roe V. Wade, Roe V. Wade.

The War, The War, The War.

McCain/Palin '08 - 10% Maverick 90% Bush

100% Lies

[oy]

Bush had the benefit of a functional economy when Clinton left office.

McCain will apply Bush's failed policies, starting with an economy which, if not in a recession (defined by two consecutive quarters of negative growth), very close to one.

Unemployment keeps getting higher. Cost of living is going up with respect to salaries. The war continues to diminish us, financially and morally in the eyes of the world.

McCain says he intends to keep Bush's policies going. What I cannot figure out is why Obama scares the right wing so much. We have McCain, who will knowingly continue terrible policies that do not work. By definition, Obama will do better.

[Dr. Dave]

Obama's goin down with or without California.

[Keith]

Once again the Republican Party, including McCain/Palin, is using wedge politics and distractions to gain votes. I understand that people have different social beliefs, like abortion rights, but the last 8 years should have shown us that electing politicians should be about so much more. While abortion is an important issue, it is not one that everyone will ultimately agree on. Because this is America, the land of the free, I am in support of allowing people to chose for themselves. I cannot sit here and pass judgement on others or impose my personal beliefs on them. Barack Obama, in my opinion, shares my view on abortion rights. He believes abortion is an area in which government should stay out of our lives. He believes the best course of action is to educate people in an effort to reduce unwanted pregnancies. Face it, people will not stop having sex. It's a part of life, and it's a big part of relationships. With the right education and access to the right tools, the number of unwanted pregnancies can be significantly reduced- thereby significantly reducing the number of abortions. That's the common ground that Obama spoke about during the DNC.

We've had an anti-abortion President for the past 8 years, and abortion is still legal. On the other hand, the income gap between rich and poor has widened. The economy is in the tank. Unemployment is at its lowest level since 2003- a year and a half after 9/11. Our relationships with our allies are in jeapordy. We're fighting 2 wars with no end in sight. We're contemplating a 3rd war with Iran, simultaneously. Our dependence on foreign oil has climbed, as has the price of oil. The value of the US dollar has plunged. Our national deficit is astronomical, especially when the current administration began with a budget surplus.

If the above issues are irrelevant and abortion is the only issue, then I understand why some support McCain/Palin. I'm hopeful that most Americans will agree that Obama/McCain can turn the ship around on the vast majority of the problems listed above. And they are committed to doing what they can to reduce unwanted pregnancies, thereby reducing abortions. Shouldn't that be the ultimate goal? Simply banning abortions will not end the practice. It will drive it underground, making it unsafe for mothers. Reducing unwanted pregnancies, however, will keep it safe for those that make the unfortunate decision while reducing the overall numbers. Prohibition of nearly everything else we've tried to ban has failed- alcohol & drugs included.

[Bobe]

If I voted for a candidate who supports killing unborn babies, then I'd be just as guilty as that candidate is. No Christian would ever vote for a democrat because of their party's platform where it demands abortion of unborn babies. God will judge us all whether we believe in Him or not.

McCain-Palin are for uniting America, both have taken on their own parties. Obama selected the 'establishment' as VP. Where is the change Mr. Obama? Biden is just a few years younger than McCain.

The reason Obama did not select Clinton is because the Chicago Political Machine wanted to wrest control from the Clintons over the Democratic Party. Obama and Mayor Daley vote eye to eye on every platform plank. Mayor Daley would not let Obama choose Hillary. Maybe some day, some investigative reporter will dig into the workings of the "community orgainizer" Boss of Cook County.

[Lynn]

Taay at 2:51
Just FYI: California has 55 electors, New York has 31

[Blip]

A vote for McCain is a vote for war and recession.

[Ed]

First of all, I have to applaud LS for their comments. For far too long, certain members of the Republican party mask themselves as good Christians while behaving otherwise. Yes, abortion is a wedge issue that they should address if they feel the need, but let's see them also address the issues of poverty, war and many others which Christ would deal with in His way.

Secondly, I find it amusing that people call Obama and Biden socialists while in the next turn, harangue Biden for his embrace of the credit companies in Delaware. Barring that, people call them elitists. Hmmm, an elitist socialist...

Third, people have called on the Democrats to stop their namecalling and nasty politics. If I remember correctly, we had an entire night of namecalling and nastiness at the RNC and yet, this supposedly is okay because it is directed to the Democrats. Or as some would excuse it, the GOP calls it as it as. Or in Palin's case, "She's a maverick".

Finally, if you want to politicize your religious beliefs, go ahead and do so. But expect others, who don't follow those beliefs or who might feel threatened by them, to sit idly back and not do anything. Under Bush and many other Republicans, the separation of church and stare and gotten very thin and many don't want to see it get thinner, so much so that it impedes upon someone's life or civil liberties.

[Mike Nolley]

Focusing on the needs of the impoverished is not simply a Christian value, it's a *human* value which crosses religious and political divides. The deadly thing about the American mind, as it stands, is that it does not consider the needs of the rest of the world to matter, in comparison with its own. This has created an economic apocalypse which has almost destroyed the world, and WILL destroy it if we don't put better policies into practice. Mccain, Palin, Obama and the Amerian public must come to terms with the principle of Sharing. It is the one value which would save the American experiment, and the whole world, *more importantly*. We need Advocates for the principle of Sharing, and those willing to impliment it, not those skilled in attack politics.

[joseph]

Since Religion seems to be the subject for some majority I would like to ask a question:
If the Messiah would come here today who do you think he or she would vote for.

Who do you think would have a bigger interest to silence him again.

[js]

Uh, guys, when you're feeling spooked, take a look at http://www.electoral-vote.com/ or fivethirtyeight.com, which track the electoral college. National poll data isn't worth, well, a pile of blog comments.

[Tao Zen]

The difference between Palin and the Talibans? Burka.

[Tommy D]

Obama created this mess when he didn't choose Hillary Clinton for his VP. If he had chosen Hillary, this race would be over already. So much for Obama's good judgement.

[pENNY]

LS
I hear you, sister. I was called "the enemy" by my brothers at my church because I hold a different point of view. I was under the impression that as a Christain I am to help those that need help, to offer my hand to all the dependents in this world...whether they are deemed worthy by others or not. I especially love the men of God that go to the desert and put water out for those attempting to cross the border, because regardless of your view on immigration, a human being dying of thirst in the desert is not what Jesus would want us to do. Much like abortion, I believe that educating others and giving them access to prevention will help more than carrying a banner against the act. I am saddened by the rovian political strategy of demonizing our opponents. I don't consider any of the candidates to be evil. I actually consider them to be well qualified, interesting people. I just happen to want a different party in charge for a while. I don't think casting others as evil is what we should be doing. Can we not have discourse in this country without the lowblows and lies? Can we not call people out on their record without being called sexist or racist? I am saddened but not surprised by how filthy the race has gotten. It saddens me to no end that some will cast themselves as something other than who they are just to gain politically. Sad.

[PaulNY]

i do believe the republicans are trying to start a class war. dont we have enough war already. and out of the other side of their mouth's they say they want unity

[FRANK]

THIS RACE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ISSUES GIVE ME AND OTHER A BREAK THE REAL ISSUE IS BLACK AND WHITE YOUR STUPID IF YOU THINK ANYTHING ELSE.IF IT WASN'T IT WOULD BE A LAND SLIDE.THE PAST EIGHT YEARS DOESN'T MEAN A THING.BLACK AND WHITE MATTERS.

[kp]

Here in NC, I don't know any of my Democratic friends who are going to vote for Obama. I have only seen two signs for him. It is just as well. We do not have any great leaders right now, and it has ended very badly when we give either party control of both the legislative and executive branches.

[Relaxed and confident Dem]

Let's keep everything in perspective.

John Kerry received 59 million votes. Turnout will be greater by Democrats in 2008.

The Economy, The War, Women's rights all slant to the party not in power.

Creating a media event with a pro-life newbie is not going to gain any votes that Bush didn't already receive in 2004. It actually will have the opposite effect for fiscally responsible and socially moderate Republicans and Independents.

Let the circus come to town. Let the media hit their numbers.

And we'll all toast an Obama/Biden victory in November.

[Larry Rampenthal]

I am trying to figure out the lunacy of the left....take what we earn give it to government employees and the poor. Raise taxes to create healthcare that will be run like the border patrol. Throw more money at schools that are only teaching the gay agenda and other rediculous social agendas, and are not worth keeping open, fund higher education so people can graduate and work for burger king. Yea... you guys got it right! How about thinking clear? How about putting your brain back into your head and really think about your position. It is time to stop and pull it out.
How about doing somthing good for America, or at least try to do something.Turn off your widescreen, stop playing your computer games, and get into reality......
The left wing social experiment does not work...thinking about "Just You" disregards everyone else. If you want to live like Europe...go there and stay there...THIS IS NOT EUROPE. America was not built on giving YOU a free lunch...we have to work for it....Jump out of your Lazy Boy, lazy boy.

[lol]

these so-called "christian voters" are trolling.

don't feed the trolls.

[Jim R]

John McCain knows how to pick a star in Sarah Palin.
John and Sarah will shake up the do less than nothing Washington.

Voting present 160 times shows Barack Obama does not really have a record of change.

[s. chambers]

As a life long Democrat have to say that I have been totally embarrassed by our party. And today I 'opened my eyes', and thought about it.

As a Woman, I am so angry that I have wasted so many years working for this party, supporting the candidates, attending rallies, placing signs, sending checks. Our Party has proved once and for all that it is nothing but a Good Old Boy's elite club.

Please, hear me out about why I felt this way.

First, I really do not understand why we, as Democrats, would hire and pay entire groups of people to attend the Republican Convention to shout obscenity's, hold up banners containing misinformation and attempt to totally disrupt and dishonor the opposing candidates acceptance speech over, and over, and over again. What was the purpose?
Sadly, I have got to say that I almost never see this occur in our Democratic acceptance speeches by attacking Republicans. In fact, I remember Mr McCain actually having a commercial that said "job well done" during our own convention. However, for years now, I have seen this disruption and dishonor by bad mannered fellow Democrats occur during the Republican speeches, and they are hired to do so. This really truly portrays our party in a very bad light.

Everything that Joe Biden spurts out is either misinformation, disinformation, or sexist anger! How dare he say a "Woman's place should be in the home", and "Palin is obviously sacrificing her family values by running for Vice President. Biden is Washington elitist through and through. Change? Now that's a joke, Biden is as far from change as it is humanly possible to get. Just another Dick Chaney.

To tell the truth, it is very embarrassing for both me, our family, and our many Democratic friends.

Obama, (a once shining star), has even changed, he talks down to everyone. Either his personality has changed, or his true nature is coming out. He's coming across as really arrogant, elitest, and snobby. He talks about being on food stamps while living in Hawaii, but the when I searched it online the Punahu school he attended is the absolute most expensive private elitist school in the State. Something about the food stamps story and the exclusive private elite school really does not make sense to me. And to tell the truth, the statements like, "I am the one the World has been waiting for"....are kind of scary.

Also, the obvious Media slant, spin, and one sided focus towards our Party, and, 'against the republican party' has become so transparent that this too, (is insulting to me), on an ethical and moral basis. ( CNN, TIME magazine). Call me crazy, but I do not feel comfortable in having to 'cheat to win'. Seriously.... Is it just me?,... or does it feel that our once very proud Democratic Party seems to be losing it's sense of honor and values?

I hate to say it, but it makes me feel 'embarrassed to be a Democrat'. I am certainly finding it increasingly difficult to have to explain to my children that although this is unacceptable behavior, it IS the Party WE support?

Who is responsible for these dishonorable attacks, all this misinformation (like the stem cell research), personal attacks on women with children working, Do they not understand that this makes our party look like we have lost our values, of not our minds.? Don't preach to me about Family Values, then lie, deceive, vilify Woman with children for having a career, slander and attack a Woman who knowingly brought a disabled child into this world, AND SAY SHE DOES NOT HAVE COMPASSION FOR OTHER MOTHERS IN THE SAME SITUATION. How dare you Joe Biden! How dare you use a disabled child as an attack weapon! You should be ashamed! Obviously, you and Senator Obama have somewhere along the line lost your compassion, empathy, moral values and ethics. I never thought that we could have a Vice President as bad as Chaney in terms of values, but Mr. Biden, with your comments in the last week, I believe you just surpassed Mr.Chaney.

I have to say that from everything I've read, heard, and researched on Palin, she is one hell of a Woman, "a real person," and not a (slick elitist spin master like yourself). For me she is like "breath of fresh air in American Politics!". And you know what? After reading what she did to the good old boy politicians in Alaska (like yourself), I can't wait to see her clean up the Washington bunch. She will go in their like a tornado and shake up the system. And I believe that John McCain, who has never bought into the good old boy Washington cocktail set, will back her 100%.

Sadly Mr Biden, to win at all costs using unethical behavior to do so, I have to ask the question: Is this really a win for the American people? I don't think so! You know, we should have seen this coming during the Monica Lewinsky situation, where she was just a sex object in the Good Old Boys club.

Am I alone, or are there other Mothers out there in America who finds this behavior of our Party disturbing? What do you tell your young kids?, ... When everyone in society condones cheating, lying, stealing, societies totally collapse....remember that was the reason of the fall of the Roman Empire.

Seeing the attacks the Democratic Party did to Hillary Clinton, and seeing the attacks the Democratic Party has done to Palin really truly opened my eyes!

And I'm sure that Women all over America and the World are witnessing the same thing with amazement! As of today, I no longer will support a party of Women haters, good old boys, and cheaters.

I instead am switching my time, money and energies to getting involved with the Republican party. Yes, it's true that we have quite a bit of differences in opinions and causes,.... but by getting involved, but I know that as a Woman, my voice will be heard, and I will work to change that party for the better.

I know that if I stay with the Democratic party I am just seen as a worthless Woman in a skirt, to be seen and not heard, who is not part of the Elite Boys Club, and their Greek columns and mass California type extravaganza of a convention (which reminded me of the 1938 Olympic spectacle that Adolf Hitler produced to wow the world with.

Women of America....you are wasting your time if your working for the Boy's Club Democratic party! OPEN YOUR EYES! Today I did!
And I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE DECISION!!

As for Sara Palin, YOU GO GIRL!

Sincerely,

S. Chambers

[Liz in CA]

"Ridicule the McCain/Palin ticket all you want. Their obvious difference is in neither of them being afraid to state their beliefs in public."

Um, yeah. Lie of the Day. They forgot to check their own clip services before stating their beliefs.

The person I feel most sorry for is Levi Johnston, who now has been ripped onto a stage, poured into a suit, "cleaned up" and proudly proclaimed as "This is the man my daughter's going to marry!" (shotgun wedding). Haven't heard anything from him since they tore down his "I don't want kids" Myspace page. Stepford family. I fear this.

[Tom]

Yo cannot be still milking the Rev Wright thing, right??t...how about "no new taxes" "They have weapons of mass destruction" etc etc...California for Obama and against the war loving, hate mongering Republican machine! End old politics now!

[Joanna W]

We have to stop giving people hand outs and give them a "hand up." We live in a great nation. If people truly want to be successful in life there is opportunity out there. I do not want a socialist society. I work hard for my money and I give accordingly. Don't allow certain individuals use scare tactics. We are smarter then that! The government cannot solve every single persons problems. It's ridiculous! The Bible teaches: If you do not work, you shall not eat.
McCain/Palin is the only way for us to make the changes this country needs.