On Palin

My quick thoughts:

I think Sarah Palin was an unnecessarily divisive selection. From a crossing the aisle, appealing to moderates candidate like McChronic, I expected someone less "Republican."

That being said, I think she was too sarcastic and used too many of the typical right-wing crazies' lines, things like “If Barack comes down from the heavens long enough to…” in her convention speech. I didn't appreciate the way she looked down on Community Organizers. And otherwise I thought it was pretty good.

I like that McCain proved that he knows it’s the 21^st Century, and that women can/should be involved in politics. That's a big step for a 72+ year old, white, male, establishment man. After that I don’t like anything else about the pick.

McCain and the Smiley Smile

People have been talking about McCain and that fact that he smiles at all the wrong times during his speeches.

While that is true, it is actually missing the point.

The point is that there has rarely been a cheesier, worse smile on national TV. It is not simply that McCain smiles at the most awkward times, it is that his smile is totally transparent. Every viewer knows how much energy it is taking him to put that fake grin on his face.

Basically, his smile IS the problem, the timing is only secondary.

Women

At some point I am going to post something profound about what Hillary's candidacy has done for women in politics, and I think that it has been mostly good, right now, however, I am thinking that if McChronic wants to win in November he has to pick a female VP (not necessarily the one in this picture, fyi). I think it has something to do with harnessing the overwhelming movement towards women being equally involved in politics and political races.

Whether it is because of Hillary or she was just the symbol of the larger movement remains to be determined. (And, actually now that I think about it, your answer to that question might determine whether or not your think McCain should pick a female VP)

Right now, I am just focusing on the fact that the Republicans (McCain) need to do something to combat the fact that the Democrats just had a battle between the person who would become the first female major party nominee for President and the first African-American. Right now all McCain can say is that he is old and has a lot of experience serving his country. Maybe he thinks that is enough?

And so she's done

For now.

We'll have to see how this all shakes out.  I can say that I am surprised she bowed out (at all, but certainly also so early in the month of June).

Status update

So it's been awhile. This once fascinating race has become something of an after thought. No Votes has taken the "wake me up when it's over" position on the primary for the last several weeks.

By way of an update, however, we offer this thought:

At this point, it starting to become a real shame about Hillary. A once-proud Senator and First Lady could have stayed in the Senate, held on to her positive reputation, wielded all kinds of power, and had only the old Republicans from yesteryear still hating her.

Instead, she made herself irrelevant and annoying, while also opening herself to to very real accusations of being willing to destroy the party if it meant her own nomination. There is a huge population of Americans just hoping she goes away.

Folks, time for a serious question

As much as this could come across sarcastically, I am actually puzzled by this idea, and don't mean it that way.

If Hillary can claim to have her 8 years of experience in the White House (as First Lady), then what is stopping Chelsea from running in 12 or so years touting her 16 years experience in the White House?

My Girl Part 2

Turns out I was right! Obama wins more delegates in Texas. Although I suppose my girl Mrs. Clinton will spin this "win" just like the one in Michigan - "I won, I won, you didn't, the people of Texas love me. You can't win in big states, only I can. Nah Nah Nah Nah."

Ralph Nader is Stupid

If Ralph really cared so much about his causes, he would actually be doing something to advance them, not running in an election he can't win.

I am fairly confident that he could get elected to the US House of Representatives, and think of all he could get done from there.

Running for president and losing for the 4th time isn't going to get anything done, but it will get his name in the papers. After all, who would have guessed that we would have a Ralph Nader post after 2001.

Day 1

"What I am trying to say to you is that I have failed so many times, I will be ready to finally maybe get it right this time on the day I step into the White House. My opponent, Mr. Perfect over there, doesn't have the same long record of failure that I have, so what does he know about anything?"

Just Words?

Hillary's campaign recently began implying that Barack was all talk, that she was the only candidate offering solutions.

This is an inane argument, an attempt to wipe away a significant challenger in one fell swoop. It's specious at best and stupid at worst, and we can all see right through it.

I imagine that the only people persuaded by Hillary's lines like this already support her anyway - these are the same people that would believe that she has really been working passionately for change every day for the last 35 years.

This is the most basic analogy I can make it - if you and I are both basketball players, and you have an amazing jump shot and I have a decent jump shot and can dunk the ball like the dickens, don't go criticizing me because I can dunk like a champ and you can't. If you start hollaring about how dunking is just flash and lacks substance and I need more meat on the bone, you would just look stupid. It's rather apparent that you're scared of the ability that I have and you don't.

That being said, this recent hubub about Barack giving a speech with similar lines to one previously delivered by Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick wouldn't even be an issue of both of their opponents hadn't first tried to level this disingenious and unconvincing argument against them during their campaigns. I think that is the point everyone is missing.

Regardless, this is just more Clinton crap. Everytime someone talks about wanting to be an 'agent of change' are they plagiarizing the person that said it first? What about 'strengthening the middle class'? Expect more of this, my friends.

It makes me wonder if instead of the old saying, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, the Clintons sit around and go if you can beat 'em, hammer them for it.

And just because I know you all love these pictures of Hillary, here she is again:

MPStable on McChronic

I like John McCain the man. In almost all regards, he is the model American, the man you wish you would have been or hope your son will grow up to be. Mr. John McCain seems like the guy you'd like to shoot 18 with and have a beer with (Budweiser of course) some Sunday afternoon.

I do not like John McCain the politician. In almost all regards he is a pompous ass, an arrogant SOB who won't be told he is wrong and will hold a grudge to the end of time. Senator John McCain will shoot you in the eye with a bb gun and spit in your beer.

Ultimately, I don't like Senator McCain because Senator McCain doesn't like me, doesn't want my vote and doesn't think he needs it.

OH COME ON

WASHINGTON (AP) - Harold Ickes, a top adviser to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign who voted for Democratic Party rules that stripped Michigan and Florida of their delegates, now is arguing against the very penalty he helped pass.

Co-Presidents?

It is time for Hillary to adresss the Bill issue. What will his role be in the Mrs. Clinton White House?

Americans deserve to have his role outlined, and outlined honestly. It is time that we hear a clear articulation of what Bill will be doing and how involved he will be day-to-date, etc. - especially given the very real questions about what he is going to do in the White House with all that time on his hands.

Having a hubby as a former president is even worse than having daddy as one, and that is saying a lot. At least Bush 41 wasn't walking around the White House in his pj's.

I wonder what is the over/under on how many times they'll both be in the Oval Office and aid will come in saying "President Clinton?" and they will end up both looking up and saying "yes"?

My Girl

Maybe I don't understand Texas, or maybe I just don't understand Hillary's appeal, but I don't get what about Hillary jives with Texans. To me, that seems like the last state she (and her act) would play well in. As a result, I just don't see her winning there.

I am scared she will, but I guess I just don't get it.

Typical

"But doesn't it seem like she's, but doesn't it seem like Chelsea's sorta being pimped out in some weird sorta way?"

I don't understand the Clintons' alleged disgust with a question like that.

Hundred Dollar Billary

"YOU, GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY."

Mike Huckabee Has Done the Impossible

He has made Bill Clinton my second least favorite former Arkansas governor. Way to go, Fat Pastor!

Don't you have anything better to do, Senator?

WASHINGTON (AP) -Sen. Arlen Specter and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could meet next week to discuss the league's investigation into spying allegations against the New England Patriots.

The two staffs are working on setting up the meeting, Specter's office confirmed Tuesday.

Last week, Specter, R-Pa., questioned the quality of the NFL investigation and Goodell's decision to destroy video evidence uncovered by the league earlier this season.

Least Profound Prediction Ever

McChronic Suckabee '08

More than just issues

While in almost all political races, voters should determine who they support based on the candidates' stances on the issues (but rarely do), there is more to president politics (and should be).

Having a good feeling about, trusting the character of a candidate for president is vital.

-Do you like the idea of this person being President of the United States? Are you comfortable with that thought?

The answer to those questions matter. Having a good feeling in your gut about a person becoming president is one reason to support a candidate.

-Do you like the idea of this person being Mayor of Toledo? Are you happy with what her candidacy Register of Deeds means to you?

The answer to those questions do not.

This has to stop

WASHINGTON (AP) - The record $3.1 trillion budget proposed by President Bush on Monday would produce eyepopping federal deficits, despite his attempts to impose politically wrenching curbs on Medicare and eliminate scores of popular domestic programs.

The Pentagon would receive a $36 billion, 8 percent boost for the 2009 budget year beginning Oct. 1, even as programs aimed at the poor would be cut back or eliminated. Half of domestic Cabinet departments would see their budgets cut outright.

Slumping revenues and the cost of an economic rescue package will combine to produce a huge jump in the deficit to $410 billion this year and $407 billion in 2009, the White House says, just shy of the record $413 billion set four years ago.

But even those figures are optimistic since they depend on rosy economic forecasts and leave out the full costs of the war in Iraq. The White House predicts the economy will grow at a 2.7 percent clip this year, far higher than congressional and private economists expect, and the administration's $70 billion figure for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is simply a placeholder until the next president takes office.

Immigration

No Votes believes that it is about time for a real immigration debate, both in this country and on this blog.

To start that process, I think we need to put down some basic facts. Here they are:

1) Rounding up all the "illegals" in the USA and sending them home is not plausible, doesn't make any economic sense, and is actually quite dumb.

2) It is important for our government to both know and control who comes into our country.

3) Building a fence across the US/Mexico border will not achieve the goal for which it is allegedly established, and for that matter is actually quite dumb.

4) The United States, and what makes our country great, was built on the backs of immigrants.

5) Some people that are against so-called illegal immigration are not against the immigrants, just the act of illegal immigration.

6) Some people that are against so-called illegal immigration are against the immigrants themselves.

7) Immigration laws are complex and senseless, much like the tax code. There are lots of similarities between the two, but immigration laws also take as much expertise to know and understand, and one probably needs a professional to properly navigate both.

Hope for tomorrow

Here's an excerpt of Barack's speech in New Hampshire immediately after the NH primary. It's speeches like these that make me believe he is the right person for the job:

That's why tonight belongs to you. It belongs to the organizers and
the volunteers and the staff who believed in our improbable journey
and rallied so many others to join.

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no
matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the
power of millions of voices calling for change.

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will
only grow louder and more dissonant in the weeks to come. We've been
asked to pause for a reality check. We've been warned against
offering the people of this nation false hope.

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been
anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible
odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't
try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a
simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes we can.

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the
destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail
toward freedom through the darkest of nights.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and
pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the
ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and
prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this
world. Yes we can.

And so tomorrow, as we take this campaign South and West; as we learn
that the struggles of the textile worker in Spartanburg are not so
different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the
hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are
the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we
will remember that there is something happening in America; that we
are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people;
we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter
in America's story with three words that will ring from coast to
coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can.

ManMadeLemonade at his finest

Supporting Obama from my bicycle.

Eat your hearts out ladies.

I'm Gonna Wipte the Floor With You, My Friend

Mitt Romney may just be the smartest and most qualified person running right now.  But I think I know why Mitt Romney will never be president.

The guy is a businessman - very good one.  He’s been a phenomenally successful CEO.  A turn-around guy.  He and his people go in, fix what’s not working, improve on what is, and turn deficits into dividends.  He did it with Staples, and the Olympics, and could probably do it in D.C.  

On top of that he seems to be as good a man as he is a businessman.  Until Mike Huckabee descended from Heaven, Mitt Romney was the only notable Republican candidate without an ex wife.  He is clearly devoted to his family, he takes his faith seriously, and he wants America and its citizens to succeed like he has.
 But with these admirable qualities come two big, and probably insurmountable problems.  First, Mitt Romney is a businessman and not a politician.  Second, he is good guy and not an asshole.  There are ways of acting and interacting that make someone successful in business that get you eaten alive in politics.  Managing companies, making deals, and doing business all demand a certain amount of honor and mutual respect among parties.  Sure, there are Gordon Gekko’s out there, but anyone I’ve ever met who does business has said that the arrogant pricks might be great at what they do and might make a lot of money doing it, but never get as far as they could.  Because they don’t act like the guys who have the most success, the ones who will be a shark when they have to but ultimately are characterized by their grace and goodwill.  If you take these same admirable qualities into politics you will get you eaten alive.

Romney’s problem is compounded by the fact that he is nice.  It's why his "attack" ads early on seemed unnatural on him and hurt him.  It's why he didn't savage John McCain on his conservative bona fides in any debate.  And it's why he would get destroyed by the Clintons in November (and yes, it will probably be the Clintons because Obama has similar problems as Romney in the demeanor arena).
On the other hand, Senator McCain is a politician.  And he is one because, like almost all politicians, he has a very high opinion of himself but sucks so bad at everything else he had no choice but to run for office.  His dad and grandpa were admirals.  He jerked off for four years and ended up fifth from the bottom in his class at the Naval Academy.  He crashed some planes and dated a stripper.  Then he honorably answered his call of duty and went to war.  John McCain did maybe the one truly honorable thing in his life when he didn’t cash in on his family name and influence to leave behind his fellow POW’s.  Then, after he was freed, he came home, married into a family with a Budweiser distribution empire, and did what the rich, lesser sons of wealthy great men do - he became a politician.

And as a politician, John McCain is typical of his breed.  He thinks he knows everything, that his position as Senator imbues him with powers and abilities far beyond mere mortals.  Like nearly all 535 people in that Capitol, he cannot be wrong.  And God help the peon who tells him he is.  That McCain has a reputation as a “maverick”, his obviously stubborn demeanor, and that he seems to get off by sticking his dick in his party’s ear are all qualities that would make for a short career in the Boardroom, but have allowed him to thrive on the Hill.

Politicians all hate each other.  They are backroom-negotiating, self-dealing, backstabbers who run our government in ways that would get their ass kicked (and probably sued) if they did it as a CEO.  But their contempt for each other disappears next to their contempt for non-politicians who dare to sit at the big kids’ table.  It is that honor among thieves that has turned Washington into a cesspool.  It is that comity that explains McCain Feingold and the presumptive nominee’s dogged defense of it.  It is that fear of being exposed as talentless frauds that causes them to savage outsiders.  And that's why Romney can't win.

Arrested Development - campaign style

"But we do not wag our genitals at one another to make a point."

Wisdom of MPStable:

1992 General Election Ross Perot = 2008 Republican Primary Mike Suckabee

Barack Hussein Obama

I love Barack Obama. I have hundreds of positive things to write about him, but to sum it up quicky, here is the No Votes For Granted Quick Shine

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0127edit1jan27,0,847324.story

Mrs. Hillary Clinton

Recent email from B McNasty:

It is important to note that while Hillary is (1) a woman and (2) has witnessed the development, impact, and challenges of policies from a variety of perspectives (first lady, senator, etc.). She is not a product of middle America; she has not struggled with average Americans; she does not embody a feminine or woman-centered approach to politics. She is a divisive leader, and perhaps more importantly her presidency would mark 20+ years of only two families occupying the white house and enjoying executive leadership over this country. This is dangerous, no matter how promising and progressive or effective her candidacy might be (though is not).

Perhaps more important than what Hillary brings to this race in experience and plans is what she does not bring to the race. It is critical that Americans emerge from this administration - which told us to stay afraid, trust unequivocally, and spend lots of money to keep America strong and safe - with a sense of investment and involvement in politics. It is critical that our leaders shape these next years as representatives, not as far-removed, privileged Washingtonites. It is even more important they enlist our participation and our energy. We need leaders with the vision and courage to construct an administration of decision-makers that is not simply bi-partisan but is also inclusive, with both diverse life experiences and political philosophies. While it is my belief that a woman can more readily and effectively embrace these kinds of changes, it is also my belief that Hillary is absolutely not that woman.

Indeed, her ego, while no bigger than any other ego in American politics, is guarded and elevated by her husband's tenure, her alleged participation in his legacy, and an asserted but unfounded clout. She is likely to build an administration of cronies that share her perspective, a trend I cannot trust.

Sticking with Hillary, either based on her proposed policies or her gender (which is reckless), says "I want change, but I'm not really ready for it." It says "I want to be courageous, but I am only willing to support a gradual move away from Bush politics." It's inconsistent to criticize our current state of affairs and to talk of change while standing behind Hillary. It's not a vote for fundamental change; it's a vote for change of appearance.

On another note, I fear that Bill Clinton is eager to again play a role in presidential politics. Aside from mainstream banter that predicts "two presidents in the whitehouse" and "a return to the Bill Clinton legacy," I'm uncomfortable with this potential role for him because it will inevitably distract him from his great work with the Clinton Global Initiative, which is doing remarkable and progressive international work. His leadership is essential as this organization develops and I am fearful, perhaps without reason, that it would take a backseat.

Some final arbitrary feelings:
-I 100% believe the accusation that she makes decisions only after reading the polls. Whatever it takes to keep her in power, to keep her popular, she'll do it.

-I don't like her cackle, it is the biggest fake-laugh-crap I have ever heard.

-While she is a decent talker, she is a terrible public speaker (becoming more and more necessary).

-She embarrasses me as an American (vs. Barack who is the first presidential candidate that the idea of him being president makes me genuinely proud to be an American).

-I don't want more Republicans in the White House and she is going to lose the general election.

Okay, I'm done.

B

For all this talk about change*

The 2008 election is going to be just like 1996. A slimy Clinton vs. a doddering old fool of a Republican Senator.

The more things change...?



*from MPStable

Good Night, Sweet Prince

Demagogue John Edwards is no more.

JFK

Today is the 43rd Anniversary of the Kennedy Assassination.

Iraq Map

We need to better understand this situation we got ourselves in. To do that we should know more about the country of Iraq. That starts with another map.

Albert Gore Jr.

Let's get right to the point, Al Gore should not run for the President again.  No Votes stands firmly on this principle: NO MORE GORE.

That being said, we feel obligated to at least discuss the merits of a potential Gore campaign. Without further ado, the patent-pending Quickie Biographie of Al Gore: born in Washington D.C., Gore was introduced to politics at an early age. His father was a Senator from Tennessee during Gore's childhood, which meant that Al spent his early years in both DC and Tennessee. While in TN, he also worked on his family's tobacco farm. It may be worth noting that Al's mother was the first woman ever to graduate from Vanderbilt Law School.

Al Gore attended Harvard University, where he lived with Tommy Lee Jones. After two years of lackluster grades, Gore switched from English to government, and graduated in 1969.

We have no idea what this means and are overwhelmed the implications, but his wikipedia site says: "Although opposed to the Vietnam War, on August 7, 1969, Gore voluntarily enlisted in the army in order to participate in the war."

Leaving aside his participation in the Vietnam War, he received a non-essential personnel discharge two months early, in order to attend Vanderbilt divinity school, and then enrolled in Vanderbilt's law school. He completed neither degree.

He quit law school in 1976 to run for Congress. Al was elected in 1976 to the US House of Representatives, and successfully re-elected until 1984 when he ran for the US Senate. He was elected to the Senate in 1984 and served until 1993, when he became Vice President under Bill Clinton.

In 1988, he tried for the Democratic nomination for President. Gore won much of the South, but lost badly just about everywhere else, and dropped out of the running.

In July 1992, Bill Clinton chose Gore as his running mate. This move surprised nearly everyone, because they were both young and from the same region. As we all hopefully know, they beat incumbents Bush 41 and Quayle.

Alright, here is where his life gets exciting! In 2000, Gore ran for President of the United States, against George W. Bush. Gore won the popular vote, but lost the Electoral College. The problem was Florida (Jeb Bush, brother to George was Governor), where no one knew exactly who won that state's electoral votes. After recounts, accusations, proselytizing, and even a Supreme Court case, Florida's electoral votes were awarded to Bush.

Following the election Gore became a visiting professor at Columbia University, among others.

He has been in the news off and on for criticizing Bush on such issues as civil rights, the Iraq War, terrorism, global warming, etc. And has really been in the news lately after releasing "An Inconvenient Truth" which is apparently a movie about global warming that Taking No Votes has yet to see.

Perhaps most interesting in his life is that he joined Apple Computers Board of Directors in May 2003.

Needless to say, Gore has had quite a political career. The dream died with the 2000 election and it is time to pump some fresh blood into the Presidency.

Thoughts?

Map of the Middle East

This blog, after all, is motivated by more than just vetting the 2008 Presidential candidates. No Votes is here to make us all better, more educated voters. By the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2008, our hope is that we have all participated in the political process.

We will be the first to admit that our knowledge of the Middle East starts below the basement. So, for all of us, here is a map of the Middle East: refer to this when you visit cnn.com or happen to turn on the nightly news and see constant images of bombs, fire, and general proselytizing.

Joe Biden

Also known for the Senate’s best comb-over, Joseph Biden was elected to represent Delaware in the United States Senate in 1972. You might be surprised that the second post on No Votes for Granted is Joe Biden—we are too—but we at No Votes chose to write about him because we sorta like him.

Compared to McCain, he has nowhere near the name recognition—despite being behind some of the major legislation to come out of the Senate in the last 20 or so years.

Our patented Quickie Biographie: Biden attended University of Delaware, graduating in 1965. Then he went to Syracuse University College of Law, graduating in 1968. In law school, he married his first wife, Neilia. They had three children together. His first wife and youngest child were killed in a car accident in 1972, just after he was first elected to the Senate. He later married Jill Tracy Jacobs, to whom he is still married. His son, Joseph R. Biden III, is currently running for attorney general of Delaware.

Biden, a 30-year old Democrat, surprised Delaware in 1972, becoming the fifth-youngest Senator in United States history. Since then, Biden has become an influential member of the US Senate. Indeed, he is a member of one of the most important committees in the Senate: the Judiciary Committee. For better or for worse, depending on who you ask, as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he presided over the infamous Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas. (No Votes would like to take a stand here, and say no matter what party you support, this type of puffery is good old fashioned American bull-crap)

Based on his work in the Senate, Biden is considered an expert on drug policy, crime prevention, and national security. He has earned a reputation for crafting significant federal legislation. Arguably, his biggest accomplishment came through writing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Passed in 2000, VAWA was a groundbreaking measure designed to combat domestic violence and help end gender-related crimes. If you don't know anything about VAWA, we recommend you look into it.

Biden ran for the Democratic nomination in 1988, but after a plagiarism scandal rocked his campaign, he bowed out. He was found to have plagiarized a speech from British Labour Party lead Neil Kinnock. The speech included adaptation of some details of Kinnock's life, which were not actually true of Biden's life. There were also some overly-picky rumors about his having mis-cited a paper in law school.

In December 2004, he said he would pursue the possibility of running for President in 2008, admitting, “I’m going to proceed as if I’m going to run.” He tempered that comment in June 2005, announcing that he would seek the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2008 only if he believed his message and vision for the country was resonating with Americans.

To us, Biden seems like a strong candidate. A longtime Senator, he has the diverse and multi-faceted experience that the United States will need in a leader. He is strong enough on typically Republican issues like national defense and crime prevention, while still being able to appeal to his Democratic base in Delaware. Like John Kerry before him, we think the only thing standing in his way is himself. Kerry hid from his true message and tried to play himself as another Dubya-style Everyman, appealing to the gun-toting, NASCAR®-loving, church-going middle America. This was clearly a mistake: had Kerry came out and said, “I was born to run this country, I have the knowledge, expertise, and desire to lead us where we need to go,” he might have actually won in 2004. Biden’s challenge seems similar. Can he convey to the voters that he is the man we need as President without coming off as too arrogant to be elected? In short, will he and should he appeal to middle-America?

No Votes looks forward to learning more about Biden. Our feelings certainly haven’t been set in stone and hopefully your's aren't either. Let the debate on him begin.

John McCain

John McCain is a Republican Senator from Arizona. He has served in the US Senate since 1987. McCain attended the Naval Academy, graduating 894th out of 899 in 1958.

McCain tried to run for President in 2000. I really liked him. Before you were even out of high school, I had a McCain sticker on my freshman dorm door. He won New Hampshire and got beaten down like a gnat in South Carolina. Although no one is exactly sure what happened, there are rumors and allegations that the Bush camp (or his associates, just like the Swift Boat veterans--purposely no link to Dubya) started rumors about his wife's drug abuse and the fact that McCain has an illegitimate black daughter. There was also some sort of election miscommunication, as in people were told that the normal place they vote in the primary was re-located, when it wasn't, then they went to a new place and they weren't on the list. In any event, Dubya won SC and McCain never looked the same.

In 2000, I liked him because he wasn't Dubya and he campaigned on the Straight Talk Express. I also like him because, whether it worked or not, whether it violates our First Amendment rights or not, he was trying to do something to curb excessive campaign spending. Campaign finance reform is not popular in DC, and I respect him for standing up and trying to do something (no, that is not a very high hurdle).

McCain, as Senator from Arizona also has the support of a large number of American Indian groups. I don't know why I am swayed by that, I just am.

Everyone knows a little bit about his story in Vietnam. McCain went to the Naval Academy, like his father and grandfather before him. He then flew planes for the Navy in Vietnam. He was shot down in 1967 and spent over five years in various POW camps, one nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton. To this day he cannot raise his arms above his head, due to the severe beatings he received at the POW camp. I could go on, but I won't.

In the late 1980s, McCain was part of the Keating 5 scandal. Five Senators in total provided help to Charles Keating who was secretly manipulating savings and loan schemes. After the de-regulation of the banking industry, savings and loans associations were allowed to expand their investments. Charles Keating, was Chairman of Lincoln Savings and Loan Association in California. To make a long story short, when the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (the federal agency that regulates the industry) tried to investigate, several Senators stepped in and asked them to ease off. It turns out that those Senators had received millions in campaign contributions from Keating. The Senate Ethics Committee ultimately determined that McCain was not "substantially involved" in this influence-peddling scheme.

Alright, turning to more recent stuff. He partnered with Ted Kennedy to sponsor the only decent immigration bill that is getting any attention. He supports it in speeches how I would support it: all of us have ancestors that are immigrants, they are trying to make a better life, etc. That is good.

McCain, however, also is a big supporter of the war in Iraq. (Shall we call it Bush's War from now on?) According to him, the war is good and was started for all the right reasons, but Rumsfeld is to be blamed for how it turned out. I am sure there is more to his position than this, but that is all I know right now.

No one knows if he is actually running, but Republicans who have become less happy with Bush are now turning to McCain. This is funny to me, because a lot of these people are the same ones who campaigned so strongly against McCain in the 2000 primaries.

It is also worth noting that he is no spring chicken. By the 2008 election he will be 72. If elected, that would make him the oldest President ever, surpassing Ronald Reagan.

Included in this post is a picture. Not that we need to know what McCain looks like, but just to start that trend. I figure attaching pictures will help those people that haven't heard of the person about whom we are talking.

My rather inarticulate position on him is that he is too old, missed his chance on 2000, and has become way too conservative in the last six years. The big question might be: is he electable? Yes is the answer. Most people in the US know him, Republicans no longer hate him. He is not Dubya. That might be enough right there. I, for one, think he is has become too conservative. And what I am saying by that is that he was once a moderate maverick who Republicans thought should switch parties, now he is going to be their nominee for PRESIDENT? What gives.

Your thoughts?