Glenn Nye and Debbie Wasserman Schultz

by: Lawyer Mama

Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 1:17:04 AM EDT

Today I attended a lunch fund raiser for Glenn Nye, with keynote speaker Congressman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.  Do I need to wax on about Glenn Nye some more?  Or do you all know that I've pretty much made it my goal to do anything I can to help him unseat Thelma Drake in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District?  Got it?  OK.

This was, however, the first time I've seen the Florida Congresswoman in person. I've idolized her from afar up until now.  Hell, she's a mother of 9 year old twins and a 5 year old and still manages to make politics look easy.  How does she do that?

When Glenn Nye introduced Wasserman-Schultz, he talked about how much he identifies with her.  Like Glenn, the congresswoman got involved in politics at a young age.  She was 26 when elected to the house in Florida and 34 when elected to the Florida Senate.  She was 38 when elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she serves on both the Appropriations and Judiciary Committees.

Debbie (Can I call you, Debbie, congresswoman?) also chairs the Red to Blue program, which targets Republican seats throughout the country where the DNC believes they can win.  Surprise, surprise!  They're going after Drake's seat this year and giving Glenn support along the way.

I look at her and I wonder what I've been doing with my life!  I think Glenn said it best when he said, "I want to be Debbie Wasserman-Schultz!"  I swear he didn't say it in a kooky, gender-bending way, but in a very endearing, "I'm not afraid to hero worship a woman" kind of way.  Just one more reason to adore Glenn Nye - he said exactly what I was thinking.

Nye then read us an email he'd received from a voter. The voter shared the story of how she had fought to regain good credit after a divorce and, while raising two children, bought her first house.  Then, as interest rates began to rise and it started to cost her $900 to fill her oil heating tank, she lost her home.  After Congress acted to relieve home owners from some of the interest rate mortgage burdens, she wrote to Congresswoman Drake to ask what Congress planned to do to help those who had already lost their homes.

Lilibet Hagel to endorse Obama tomorrow in Alexandria

by: Rob

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 11:04:30 PM EDT

Some good news on debate morning:

Now, all she needs to do is convince her husband to endorse Barack!

McCain Going After the "Third Rail" in American Politics: Social Security (and Medicare, Medicaid)

by: KathyinBlacksburg

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:22:24 PM EDT

The Dow plummeted again.  Credit stayed close to frozen.  Retirees and near-retirees shuddered.  Fear is everywhere, even among the younger voters who have time to regroup financially.  And yet despite how clear it now is that we must protect Social Security (more clear, in fact, than ever before), John McCain wants not only to gut that program, but also Medicare and Medicaid.  It's not an exaggeration to suggest that the wanna-be elderly president, the oldest wannabe in US history, John McCain, plans to destroy the lives of the nation's seniors.

Today, we read here that John McCain will cut 1.3 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid.  Coupled with his intent to privatize Social Security (while obfuscating by calling his plan not privatization, but "personal accounts"), John McCain's policies would bring poverty and ruin to the most of the nation's seniors.  This is a time when seniors are suffering more than any other age group, and going bankrupt in record number, often due to health care expenses.  But McCain wants them to bear more than their share of his destructo tax cuts.

McWorse: The Only WH Candidate in History Officially Rebuked by Congress

by: Josh

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:16:42 PM EDT

McCain-Palin Guarantee War with Iran?

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:03:27 PM EDT

As the Washington Post article states, "Scheunemann's comments seem to place McCain and Palin to the right of current Bush policy," which is - as Secretary of State Rice has said - that "Iran can have civil nuclear energy, if that's what they want." In a McCain-Palin administration, it apparently would be U.S. policy to ensure that Iran does NOT have "civil nuclear energy."  

How could the United States stop Iran from acquiring nuclear energy for peaceful purposes?  There aren't many good options, if there are any. One, of course, would be large-scale military action. For the life of me, I can't think of any others that would plausibly prevent a determined Iran from acquiring "civil nuclear energy" capability.  I don't know, but it sure sounds like a McCain-Palin administration would almost inexorably place the United States on a path to war with Iran.  What am I missing here?

This Moment

by: Josh

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 8:48:21 PM EDT

Who is big enough for the moment America now faces?  Today, Chris Matthews asked Wall Street Journal editor and former Republican speechwriter Peggy Noonan her opinion. What can we make of the McCain campaign and Sarah Palin's mudslinging attacks on Obama.  Noonan's response:

This line, better than any other I've read during this election season, defines the decision America currently faces.

We are caught between the anvil of a "clash of civilizations" and the capitalist hammer of Schumpeter's "creative destruction".  It is a moment of passing paradigm, of inward-looking realization needing decisive action.

I agree with Peggy Noonan, John McCain lacks the gravitas to lead a nation through history's gauntlet.  His choice of Sarah Palin, lobbyists who run campaign, and his erratic behavior in the face of economic crisis prove that. On the other hand, Barack Obama clearly has proven himself visionary, capable, and leader enough to not only face this crucible, but to enable every American the opportunity to rise to this historic occasion and face it with patriotic grace.

Rasmussen: Obama up 2 points

by: Rob

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 8:47:22 PM EDT

So this is a slight tightening from the 3-point lead and 5-point lead in the most recent Ras polls, though a 3-point overall swing since Sept. 25 could just be statistical noise.  Regardless, this race is probably as close as Rasmussen suggests -- Obama is leading but barely.  So no reason to get complacent; plenty of reasons to get even more energized.

Warner 57%-Gilmore 25% or Warner 61%-Gilmore 31%

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 7:37:23 PM EDT

Go Git'em, Tom!

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 7:27:13 PM EDT

NPR Demolishes Ayers Non-Story

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 5:32:44 PM EDT

McCain Allows Audience Member to Call Obama a "Terrorist"

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 5:10:24 PM EDT

Are there any decent Republicans out there who will condemn this crap?  Oh, forget it, what WAS I thinking?!?

Two Polls ... A Virginia Blowout?

by: Ron1

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 12:52:16 PM EDT

(Obviously, we can NOT NOT NOT get overconfident regardless of what the polls say.  From now until election day, I'd just pretend the polls are tied and work accordingly. Thanks. - promoted by Lowell)

We may be reaching the point of no return in this Presidential election -- across the country, but also here in Virginia.

SurveyUSA and Suffolk are out with new polls today showing a blowout in the making here in the Commonwealth -- with Obama leading 53 to 43 in SUSA's survey, and 51-39 in Suffolk's survey when leaners are pushed (49-37 without). SurveyUSA's last poll on September 22nd showed Obama ahead 51-45; Suffolk has not polled Virginia yet in the general election cycle.

The cross-tabs indicate that both outfits might be overpolling Democrats -- but not by 10 points.

The economic calamities of the past few weeks may have been the de facto end of the competitive portion of this campaign; other recent polling is showing previously tight New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania all moving heavily towards Obama.

With Florida and Ohio also moving quickly our way, and North Carolina looking like a genuine tossup (if not Democratic leaning) state, this election is looking better by the day.

Why Does John McCain Hate Metro?

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 3:21:29 PM EDT

I just got back from a press conference/rally at the Clarendon Metro station in Arlington.  The purpose was to raise awareness of the fact that John McCain last week voted against crucial funding for Metro and Amtrak.  Speakers included Mayor Bill Euille of "Communist Country" Alexandria, Jay Fisette of the Arlington County Board, and Del. Margi Vanderhye of McLean.

Mayor Euille noted that Metro is crucial to the NOVA economy. The vote last week in favor of $1.5 billion to fund Metro had bipartisan support, including Tom Davis, Jim Webb, John Warner, and Barack Obama. But not John McCain, who stood with the "partisan holdouts against Metro and against our economy in northern Virginia." Obviously, McCain doesn't understand what we're all about in Northern Virginia, doesn't understand that employees need to get to work, that we're in a transportation crisis here in NOVA. Euille added that McCain claims to be bipartisan and a maverick, but that this vote shows he's not. This was simple, but John McCain couldn't figure it out apparently.

Jay Fisette talked about the need for smart growth and pointed out that John McCain "let us down" with his vote against Metro funding. Also, Joe McCain's comments (that Arlington is "Communist Country") were offensive, considering that Arlington is home of the Pentagon, the 9/11 memorial, etc. Even worse, John McCain has not denounced his brother's comments. Regarding Metro, it's "shocking" that McCain voted against funding, aligning himself with a small minority. With high gas prices, Metro ridership is spiking and it's only going to get busier. McCain's vote against Metro funding was a vote against vital infrastructure servicing the northern Virginia economy, also a vote against people who are paying high gas prices and stuck in traffic. "John McCain just doesn't get it."  Jay personally invited John McCain to join him on the Blue Line - filled with working people trying to get to the office and back home to their families. In contrast to McCain, Barack Obama has a plan to invest in infrastructure - $60 billion over 10 years. McCain doesn't understand the issue.

Today is the last day to register to vote in Virginia

by: Rob

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 9:00:00 AM EDT

(Now it's the last afternoon to register.  Last chance to be a part of a historic election! - promoted by Rob)

If you or someone you know has been meaning to register to vote in Virginia to participate in our crucial swing state's role in this historic election, tomorrow is the deadline!  Today is the last day that anyone can register.  

So, get that voter application in the mail today!  You can use the Obama campaign's Vote For Change site to quickly and easily fill out, download, and print the application.

p.s.  Absentee ballot applications by mail must be in the Voter Registration office by Tuesday, October 28, 2008. The last day for in-person absentee voting is Saturday, November 1, 2008.

John McCain: "The fundamentals of our economy are strong" [UPDATE: Dow drops 500 points]

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:39:51 AM EDT

The Dow is currently (10:38 am) down 459 points.  Still "fundamentally strong," though, according to the McCain campaign. (a bit of black humor)

UPDATE: Josh's comment should be on the front page.

UPDATE #2: Classic quote by clueless McCain campaign: "It's a dangerous road, but we have no choice," a top McCain strategist told the Daily News. "If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we're going to lose." Brilliant!!!

Fairfax Democrats Rock!

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 10:20:34 AM EDT

Why Obama is Better for the Economy

by: KathyinBlacksburg

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 7:46:49 AM EDT

 
According to a special report in The Economist, eighty percent of economists and 71% of economists with no party affiliation prefer Barack Obama's economic plan. Read about it here. Graphics are on the flip.  The majority of these same economists rated George W. Bush's policies as "very bad." That's not surprising because John McCain doesn't even understand economics (his own words).  Yet he continues in his wild deregulation radicalism, and a massive tax-cut package for the wealthy and large corporations, while misrepresenting Obama's record. Obama has demonstrated his steadiness and considered and considerable thinking on the nation's economic ills.  And his policies reflect his grasp of the subject and the strength of his ideas.  That's what America needs, not four more years of the policies bringing us to this point.  Nor do we need knee-jerk and thoughtless proposals, almost by afterthought, from the McCain camp.

LA Times: McCain's Mishaps "led Navy officials to question or fault his judgment"

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 6:13:22 AM EDT

Ouch.

And then there's this line: "A Times review of his record suggests he was cocky, occasionally cavalier and prone to testing limits."

Also, don't miss the Rolling Stone expose on John McCain, "Make-Believe Maverick: A closer look at the life and career of John McCain reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty." Starting to sense a pattern here?  Key words: reckless, cocky, cavalier, dishonest, poor judgment. In other words, just the kind of person you want with his finger near the nuclear button. Not!

It's Time to Talk About John McCain, the "Keating 5," and the "making of a financial crisis"

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 5:33:43 AM EDT

It's about time that we talked about this issue, as the 1980s Keating scandal is "eerily similar to today's credit crisis."  See the full-length video at http://KeatingEconomics.com starting at noon today. It's called "KEATING ECONOMICS: The story of John McCain and the making of a financial crisis.  According to Wikipedia:

So...John McCain wants to head to the gutter with his vicious attacks against Barack Obama on William Ayers (memo to McCain message-meisters: Obama was 8 years old when that s*** went down), etc? Well, how about a dose of reality, Senator, as in your involvement in the Savings and Loan crisis/scandal of the late 1980s/early 1990s, especially considering that this is actually relevant to what's happening in America's economy today?

Fairfax Republicans Go Off Deep End

by: Lowell

Mon Oct 06, 2008 at 7:52:11 AM EDT

Hey GOP dudes (you're all dudes, right?), I hate to tell you this, but your outright lies and lunacy are not going to convince anyone except maybe your hard-core "base" that's already convinced. More likely, this crap is going to turn off anyone with a brain - in other words, the 99% of Democrats, Independents and moderate Republicans who won't fall for insane fear-mongering garbage like you're spewing below.

By the way...how come you're not talking about the LA Times article today about the US Navy questioning John McCain's judgment? How come you're not talking about the John McCain's role in the Keating Five scandal, which has a gazillion times more relevance to this campaign than does any of the trash you list in your email? How come you're not talking about extremist, clueless, aerial-wolf-killer Sarah Palin, whose latest gaffe is that we border Afghanistan? How come you're not talking about how John McCain votes 90% of the time with George W. Bush or how John McCain admits he knows nothing about economics, or how John McCain's top economic advisor thinks we're a "nation of whiners" in the midst of a "mental recession?"  How come you're not talking about the incredible new numbers of registered voters - overwhelmingly Democratic - across Virginia and the nation? Etc., etc.

Come to think of it, I see why you're trying to change the subject from John McCain; deep down, you know he's a disaster with "nothing to report," so you've resorted to the usual Rove slime tactics against the next President of the United States, Barack Obama.  Unfortunately for you, this is more likely to backfire in Northern Virginia, aka "Communist Country" (according to John McCain's brother).  See you at the Obama inauguration on January 20! :)

PS Didn't John McCain say that Barack Obama "does not share" Rev. Wright's controversial views?