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Milkman

Brilliant point, FP.

And I think some in the media are over-looking it.

Yes, as being reported the RNC was the most watched convention ever (and the US population is also higher).

But I think the draw was of course, this new and unknown good looking lady, called Sarah Palin.

Still 8 weeks to go. The glow will wear off soon as it naturally does.

This said, I am taking a hunch that this race may be very close.

And regretfully, I now think that McCain will get some of the independents and win it.

No polling data or sources to back me up. Like I said, it's a hunch.

The debates are coming soon for the low-info voters that haven't made a 100% committment, yet.

__________________
Military men are dumb, stupid animals, to be used as pawns for foreign policy

chinthee

MM, I think the issue of drilling for oil is going to be a big issue for voters. People vote from their pocketbooks. Even though prices have eased, concern of a diminished lifestyle curtailing their driving and other consumption may tip many voters to the GOP, and Palin clearly pounded that issue.

Milkman

Yes, I believe a high percentage of Americans support off-shore drilling and the ANWAR and other Alaska drilling, etc.

This is something the Pelosi and the Demo dropped the ball on, IMO. Yes, they may have "environmental reasons," but the stance and the way it was done, didn't look good when I was visiting.

(I do not like Pelosi at all).

As for off-shore drilling and ANWAR: will it reduce gas prices in the US? Some of the people in the oil industry don't think it will. Perhaps others differ.

As for my favortie candidate: I should say that I am not an overwhelming fan of Obama. Like Chinthee stated a few days ago, I like Obama over McCain - but just barely.

Bexar County Stud

Absurd isn't nearly a strong enough word to describe the Palin farce. One speech, one appearance before the American public and she's supposed to be suitable for the office of Vice President?

Not one press interview since she's been nominated? No one asking hard questions and rigously taking her to task regarding her record? Or challenging her on the falsehoods she presented in her speech?

I feel as if I'm living in an alternative universe. But after 8 years of Bush, should one be surprised?

It's Obama/Biden vs Palin/McCain, that's become obvious. During his acceptance speech, the man actually seemed to get physically smaller. Mr "Maverick" sure caved into the extreme right element of his party at the last minute didn't he? What courage!

pai nai ma

Agreed.

chinthee

Here is a very funny analysis given by a member of another board. I like the Ellie Clampett reference.

pai nai ma

(ellie may clampet)

raycarey

and this is the guy who says he 'puts country first'.....choosing palin 'puts country first'?

which country?

Bugs

What is yet to be seen is how many of those that did tune in, but probably would not have without the Palin pick, were positively affected by what they saw. IMHO the ratings are important, because that is an indication of how many folks tuned in. But the real important thing is did they really listen, and if so did they like what they heard.

The polling should give some indication of how good the red team did at getting their message out, and if the message was well received.

__________________
"Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it, you'd have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, it takes religion" - Steven Weinberg

Accidental Ajarn

^

Most recent polls show McCain closing in fast. Did Obama peak too soon?

HermantheGerman

What scares me about American Politician is their inexperience.
For instance take Sara Palin, she received her Passport 2007. That means she has never left the country since last year.
Well at least McCain was in Vietnam......up to no good !

Bexar County Stud

Tragically, this is a country that, if you believe some reports, now holds Palin in higher regard than either Obama or Bush -opps, McCain.

This is after the longest presidential campaign in history. Now, at the last minute, it appears a great many Americans are willing to hand over the presidency to the likes of Sarah Palin -after listening to one 37 minute speech.

Our enemies and detractors couldn't have scripted a more unlikely and unbelieveable example of how depraved, isolated and just plain stupid we have become.

It's as if the powers that be are saying to the world and to the electorate, "You thought Bush was bad? We haven't even started!"

Texpat

Herman, I've already demonstrated that American's don't necessarily require a passport to leave the country. Get over it.

sabang

^ Sarah Palin was never in the military.
She could still travel to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and maybe a couple of other banana republics without a passport, but thats about it as far as I know.

panama hat

They do, Texpat. Canada being the exception until June 2009 . . .

Still doesn't mean there's a lot of travel going on, maybe for a quickie to TJ or hop over to Canada for the afternoon to catch some decent news.

Texpat

Codels don't travel on passports either. What's that, some 600 folks?
Yes, I know Palin is gov of AK -- does she need a passport to go to Japan or Korea?
Somehow I doubt it.

I know a lot of people who have been to every corner of the globe but couldn't write a comprehensive paragraph if their life depended on it. Does that somehow make them a better candidate? Or are you just flagellating because she's the GOP VP candidate?

Or just tune into al jazeera. They have a bureau in Washington, you know... and its available nationwide.

How many false stereotypes can we squeeze into one thread?

panama hat

Some stereotypes are accurate, however.


Working just outside of Boston - great drive to Quebec

Working just north of Seattle - not too foul a drive to Vancouver Island



I do believe they do hold passports, though I can't be sure but will enquire

Milkman

This is why I've mentioned the speechwriter, Matt Scully.

But people respond, on this forum and in person, that it's OK....the delivery of the speech was great.

I guess great speeches make great VP's - and Presidents.

Even though we first heard of this person last week.

chinthee

She really is Ellie May Clampet, relatively speaking. It's astounding to think someone of her experience could be one step away from being the Chief Executive of the US.

At the same time, Obama may be slick, polished, etc., but I and many others are nervous about his lack of experience too.

raycarey

why is she hiding? when is sarah palin going to answer questions?

correct me if i'm wrong, but as far as i know, the only interview she's done since being selected was with people magazine.

what's she afraid of?