Last of Our Kind

According to CNN/TIME Magazine, Barack Obama is up in five key swing states.

Florida: Obama 51, McCain 47
-- Minnesota: Obama 54, McCain 43
-- Missouri: Obama 49, McCain 48
-- Nevada: Obama 51, McCain 47
-- Virginia: Obama 53, McCain 44

I know there are over thirty days left until Election Day. I know the Republican spin machine and McCain will turn this news around and say everything will change, but let’s look at some reasons why these numbers are changing.



1. Sarah Palin will not shut up. I know, I know, I know, at first everyone (including us at Last of Our Kind) wanted Sarah Palin to stand up and tell us where she stands. We wanted to hear her speak and know what defines her as a human being and a candidate. Well, she has now spoken and reminded us all of the reason she has been kept under lock and key. It is because she has nothing to say, and when she tries to speak she trips on herself so bad it becomes a Saturday Night Live sketch. Need I remind you how verbatim the latest sketch was?

2. Elderly voters are swaying. I was watching MSNBC the other day and there was an older retired woman making a comment on her shrinking IRA. She said, “I guess it’s better if I don’t live so long.” Take a moment to let that sink in… Now she gave a chuckle while saying that, but it was one of those ‘I have to laugh because I'm serious’ moments. There are people facing life or death decisions because of the situation the economy is in, and we know John McCain just doesn’t get it because…

3. John McCain said, “The fundamentals of the economy are strong.” We may be getting repetitive on the failures of leadership John McCain is showing. We certainly write about it regularly, but it is important to remind people that complete lack of leadership John McCain has showed since the financial crisis has exploded into the headlines and hands of taxpayers.

4. George W. Bush has another disaster to add to his legacy. Just when you thought he was done being a bad president, just when you thought Katrina, and Iraq, and Abu Ghraib, and domestic spying, and Walter Reed were bad enough, the economy is a disaster. Thank you Mr. President for leaving an even bigger mess for your successor.

5. Barack Obama is organized. Everyone knows how well he is organized, but people don’t realize how that translates into votes. According to the AP “Since the last federal election in 2006 …more than 2 million Democrats [were added] to voter rolls in the 28 states that register voters according to party affiliation. The Republicans have lost nearly 344,000 thousand voters in the same states.” This is simply remarkable.

6. Bill Clinton is finally on board. President Clinton has finally begun to make the rounds on talk shows and swing states praising Senator Obama. He claims Obama has the “better answers” and continuously says Obama will win. Thank you Mr. President for finally convincing many that have doubted you cared.

7. Partisan politics. Barack Obama has yet to play politics on the economic meltdown. Yes, he ties McCain to George W. Bush as often as he can (because it is true). However, Obama did not take his politics to D.C. during the last week. He went to listen, to offer ideas, and to stand up for middle class voters everywhere. Obama stood by his claim for four key points in the bailout plan and got them. That is true leadership not blowing wherever the wind blows.

8. It is no longer about “Lipstick on a pig.” Times have gotten so tough for people that we no longer care about dumb comments like “Lipstick” and “Pitbulls.” We care about issues. We care about solutions. We care about true leadership that will inspire a future generation to continue to lead this great nation toward higher and higher goals.


9. Joe Biden. Barack Obama showed true leadership in his selection of Joe Biden. Joe Biden has the credibility that critics say Obama does not. And tomorrow Joe Biden will take center stage in his debate with Sarah Palin. Personally I think he will make Sarah Palin look silly. Personally I think that we won’t have to try very hard. Now, this could definitely be the moment where Biden seems like an ogre and attack Palin, or it could be the moment where Palin will stand up and have nothing to say. I’m betting on the latter.


10. Senator Obama represents change. You can’t spin this one. It has been his message from the beginning. Barack Obama wants to go to Washington to make a difference. McCain has tried to steal this message. McCain has tried to say that he will be the true change Washington needs, too bad he represents everything in Washington that needs to change.

This week Obama is winning. There is a lot of time left. Let’s hope the American people aren’t persuaded by spin and lies.

Republicans, you put a woman on the ticket, but don’t get too excited. This race isn’t over yet.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was surprisingly added to the Republican ticket today in a Hail Mary attempt by John McCain to get as many disaffected Hilary Clinton voters he can. The problem with that logic is that after the Democratic convention I’m not sure how many angry Hillaryites are left.

Governor Palin mentioned Hillary and her 18 million cracks in her speech this morning. It was a nice attempt at trying to say “Don’t worry that all my policy stances and beliefs are totally opposite from Hillary. Ladies, I’M YOUR GIRL NOW!”

You see Palin is Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Drilling, Pro-McCain, Pro-Bush. Does this sound like what Hillary had in mind when she wanted the glass ceiling cracked and shattered? I don’t think so.

John McCain’s main argument against Obama is his youth and his lack of experience. Well congratulations Senator McCain you managed to find someone not only younger (44 yrs old, Obama is 47), but with less national experience than Obama (Obama has been a Senator since 2005, Palin a Governor since 2006).

To be fair she has been a governor and people will say that counts as executive experience. But what did she do before she was governor? She was on a city council and then mayor of a city with a population (in 2000) of 5,469.

I know John McCain will say that he is the one with the experience to lead this country, and that Palin can learn by watching and serving with him. However, should McCain win Palin would be one heartbeat away from the presidency. If something should happen to McCain, let’s hope she’s a fast learner.

I can’t wait to see her debate with Joe Biden. It should be a wake up call to the country that John McCain’s surprise pick won’t help him win this election at all.

67 days to the election.

For anyone out there who still doubts, questions or criticizes Senator Barack Obama, I ask you one simple question:Why?

After his speech tonight why would anyone want to vote for John McCain.

Tonight, Senator Barack Obama gave an acceptance speech for the Democratic candidate for the Presidency. This speech not only brought people to their feet, and brought people to tears, but it inspired, it left people speechless and took their breath away. He shot back at McCain and spoke in a manner that elevates not only this election, but the direction he wants to take this country in a way that no one has seen in generations.

To his critics who have said he is vague and generic, tonight he was specific (some have reported as many as 29 specific policy points). He was sharp. He was piecing together his plan for the future of this country.

To anyone left who doubts Obama’s love for country, if you continue to believe this, you never had any intention for voting for this patriotic and intelligent man in the first place. I wish you luck in life voting for someone whose plan for the future is a retelling of the past.

Before the convention started I was skeptical. I was afraid that this man would be stripped of his opportunity to lead because this party could not be united. I was afraid the PUMAs would be strong, when in fact they were only kittens. I was afraid that Hillary would be bitter, when in fact she was gracious. I was afraid Bill would leave doubts, there are none to be seen.

Tonight I am proud to be an American. I am proud because the whole world was watching and we didn’t disappoint. We offered hope not just to the disenchanted and jaded people living in this country, but the millions of lookers worldwide from Iraq to Georgia, from Kenya, to Canada. Tonight we have said in this country we will no longer accept the status quo. Tonight we have said that our system is flawed. It is no longer working. Tonight we offered up a way to change. Tonight we saw hope, and a chance for a better tomorrow.

I know that many tomorrow will say that today was just a speech full of rhetoric and empty promises. I know that when Obama gets elected in November that the skies will not open up and things will not instantly become perfect. However, I also know that when Obama is elected in November it will be a start. It will be the start to a new era. A new era not just for America, but for the world. A time where the world can again look towards America for leadership and not look away from fear.

Senator Obama was right. This election is not about him. It is about you, me, we, us. It is about us having “enough.” It is about us not just choosing a new leader, but choosing a new direction, a new way of life and most importantly a new tomorrow for all.

Dear Senator Hillary Clinton,

You speech was gracious, selfless, and inspiring.

You have taken the lead in unifying the party. You have taken away the doubts of many Democrats who thought you to be bitter and therefore dividing this party in two. You have raised the spirits of many who were losing hope, the people who felt this election slipping in the wrong direction.

With the speech you gave you elevated the stakes to a new level. This is not about you. This is not about Senator Obama. This is about the future of this country, a future that cannot endure more of the same. This speech spoke to your PUMA supporters and challenged them. You have said if you vote for John McCain you do not speak for me, you do not know me, and you will offend me… you will let me down.

Senator Clinton I thank you for raising the bar for the rest of us. You have silenced the media and the story they love to tell about you and Obama having a grudge. You have changed the dialogue. You have turned the page. I look forward to reading the next chapter.

Let’s hope your husband, President Clinton continues the progression of change. As I said before, you have raised the bar and will be a very tough act to follow.

So here we are, the Democratic National Convention. We are in the second day of this post-rational (thanks Rachel Maddow) gathering of political nonsense. And all I can possibly think of is:

What did you honestly think was going to happen Clintons?

Now I know the last thing we need is more divisive talk about the Democratic Party, but seriously? Every single pundit, news anchor, elected official, and so called expert that receives airtime, is working as hard as possible to cover up the huge rift Clinton’s protracted campaign has caused.

And I see right through it. They all seem like that one socially awkward individual that tries just a little too hard to fit in. They are trying their absolute damndest to convince you and I, and the rest of the nation, that the primary has not left the party divided. There is a complete façade of everything being just peachy, and it is so completely faked. The Democratic Party is as nervous as all get out right now because of the situation the Clintons have created. Is this façade of unity really supposed to fool everyone?

Clinton’s refusal to cede the democratic nomination to Obama when it was clear that she would not gain enough delegates was detrimental. That choice has created this dismal situation. That choice has created the PUMA’s (one of the most ridiculously rabid and irrational groups since PETA). That choice has created attack ads that use Hillary’s words against her. That choice has created a situation that could conceivably break Obama’s presidency and place a permanent asterisk next to the Clinton legacy. Think about it, if Obama loses:

-We get another Bush term
-Gas prices continue to soar (off-shore drilling is not going to bring relief for at least 10 years)
-Our soldiers stay in Iraq
-We will continue to be less than respected abroad
-At least some of the blame will be placed on the failure of the Democratic Party to unify
-The Clintons’ will be seen as political leaders that refused to serve a cause greater than their own
-And I could go on for days and days and days…and well you get the idea

So what did you expect to happen Clintons? Did you honestly think that, had you wrested the nomination from Obama, things would be any different right now? Did you honestly think that the millions of people that voted for Obama would happily vote for the candidate that forced her will upon an entire nation?

I hope, for your sake, that your speeches at the DNC make reparations for the wrongs you have done. I hope your speeches prove that you are more interested in the advancement of our nation rather than the advancement of your own political careers. I hope you can set aside your egos, and fully embrace and endorse a candidate that won the primary race fair and square. I hope that you can do something to get your rabid and irrational supporters to start listening to you again. I hope you realize that you have created a monster that is so blinded; it would rather elect an out of touch republican who shares none of your beliefs or policies. I hope you realize that all of this is your doing, and if you cannot repair it…you will forever be known as the political leaders who felt so entitled to the presidency, they could not see the forest for the trees. The political leaders who could not set aside their personal egos for the greater good. The political leaders who would not serve a cause greater than their own.

For your sake, and ours…I hope that does not happen.

Don't chop down the forest,
-LoOK

To the block of voters that associate themselves with the phrase “Party Unity My Ass”:

Do you really want to do this?

Are you really ready to stand in front of the Democratic convention and talk to any camera that is in your face and denounce Senator Obama as a terrible person unfit to lead this country just because your candidate (Hillary Clinton) did not get the nomination?

Are you really going to vote for John McCain and allow this country to enter a third Bush term?

Will you please think about how your actions will turn into, and already are turning into more campaign commercials for McCain and more fuel for the Republican attack machine.

There is a great new article in the latest edition of NEWSWEEK that talks about the country and what may happen to it if Obama loses. (http://www.newsweek.com/id/155117)

It mentions the fact that America has the perfect opportunity to turn the page on one of the most ineffective Presidents and make a statement to the rest of the world that we do in fact stand for change and want to live in a better world, not just for ourselves but for our children.

Hillary Clinton lost fair and square. It was over well before she conceded. So to the PUMA movement out there, please rethink what you are doing.

Your actions will have consequences.

Remember…

The whole world is watching.

The definition of insanity is repeating the same behavior over and over again, and expecting different results.

John McCain released two attack ads against Barack Obama this weekend. One of those ads criticized him for choosing Joe Biden as his vice presidential candidate. The other ad criticized Obama for not picking Hillary Clinton as his running mate. Now, on the surface these ads seem completely different, but

BOTH ADS USE THE SAME LINE OF ATTACK!!

The Biden ad attacks Obama for choosing a running mate that was a very harsh critic. The Clinton ad attacks Obama for not choosing Hillary because she was a very harsh critic.

Congratulations Senator McBush and campaign…you have officially made me stupider again. At this rate I will have no brain cells left come November. WAIT A MINUTE…that must be your plan…kill all of intelligent America’s brain cells by election time so that we will forget why we were going to vote for a candidate courageous and intelligent enough to choose a non-lapdog as his running mate, and vote for a joker like you. Dumb down America. Ingenious, I must say.

I hope for your sake, your vice presidential nominee is not Mitt Romney. I hope for my sake, it is. The irony and sheer and utter stupidity of that choice, in light of these ads, will be so sweet, that when I taste it, I will spit it out because it will be too rich. It will be as if someone pre-packaged hypocrisy and delivered it to my doorstep with instructions that read, “Just add McCain…uh…I mean water.”

So let us recap…Obama is unfit for the presidency because he picked a running mate that will make his opinions known and not simply act as a yes man. He is unfit because his running mate criticized him as being unprepared for the job. Obama is also unfit for the presidency because he did not pick someone who leveled the exact same criticisms against him. Drink it up folks; it doesn’t get any more real than this.

I will take these McCain attack ads as a direct assault on my intellect, and you should too. Otherwise we will elect a president that will bring a third Bush term, and we aren’t insane…

Are we?

Refusing to repeat the same behavior,
-LoOK

Senator Barack Obama picked Joe Biden (Sorry Clinton fans, but more on you later) as his Vice Presidential running mate this morning (it was leaked this morning anyways). And as I have said in previous posts, thank you Senator Obama for picking a candidate that will bring a great balance to your platform and campaign.

Obama’s youthful energy, what some dub his “inexperience” can be countered by the foreign policy and foreign relations qualifications of the 65 year old Senator Biden.

Some may say that Joe Biden goes against everything that Obama stands for. “Biden doesn’t represent change,” they’ll say, “He has been serving in Washington for twenty years!” Biden’s years in Washington will allow him to easily support Obama whenever asked.

John McCain has already said “Biden is Obama’s harshest critic.” Should that really be the line of attack McCain uses? Senator Obama has said that he picked his running mate as someone who is willing to challenge him, and help make decisions for the country and not simply be a “yes man.” It is because of his criticism that Biden is such a great choice. He will not be the “yes man” that so many Vice Presidents can be. He will challenge Obama and together they will lead this country in a new direction that all Americans have been waiting for.

Critics will also say that Joe Biden voted for the Iraq War. It’s true he did. However, he has since gone on the record saying it was a mistake and that the war must come to an end. He has given a full plan on how he would bring the war to an end (which is different than Obama’s, but again it is these differences that will lead to compromises and even better plans for America). It is his deep passion for bringing the Iraq War to an end (as well as his passion for bringing peace in Darfur) that, had Biden not been picked as a VP I would have loved to see him as Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State. However, since Joe Biden’s own son is about to be deployed to Iraq perhaps secretary of defense would have been a bit of a conflict of interest (although I don’t believe that would have affected his judgment and I am sure he would have done a great job).

Now, the question that everyone wants answered: Where does Hillary Clinton fit into all this? Well Joe Biden is 65 and if all goes according to plan after a reelection in 2012 after eight years as VP he would be 73. I believe it would be safe to say Biden would not be interested in running for President of the United States. Hillary is 61, and in eight years would be 69, three years younger than McCain is now. Would that be too old for her to run? It isn’t impossible for her to take another shot at it. So perhaps Hillary Clinton supporters can take solace in that fact (had she been the VP she wouldn’t get to run for President until 2012 anyways) and finally, yes finally embrace Obama as the democratic nominee.

It should be an interesting day tomorrow when the sun rises and the republican attack machine kicks into full swing, only to be fired back against Obama and Biden themselves in Illinois when they campaign together later in the day.

It should also be an exciting week in Denver with the convention hitting full swing.