Prez debate!!

[rocknK]

Who do you like in tommorrows debate & why???

[WashingtonBay]

You know me, my mind's not made up yet ;)

[WashingtonBoy]

You know me, my mind's not made up yet ;)
Hey! I didn't marry no swing voter! :p

[rocknK]

Sounds to me like its going to be between a war hero & a stone-cold Commie. Forgive me Jesus & all the .........

[JackieB]

I think Obama/Biden have a more solid platform. But everyone knows that I declared my support for Obama/Biden quite awhile ago. Specifically, I am drawn to their plans on energy, healthcare, and foreign policy. Although I don't necessarily feel good about wealthier Americans having their taxes increased, I do think that this group can afford to pay a bit more than they do presently and am willing to accept this and can promise you that I would say exactly the same thing if I earned enough to be a member of that group.

John McCain is certainly a respected member of the Senate, and a war hero as rocknK mentions. My issue is primarily that I don't see a significant difference in his ideas from what our current Administration has offered during the last two terms. And I'm not just repeating what the "media" tells me. I investigate these issues plenty on my own. Unfortunately, I don't have a very high opinion of our current Administration's policies and I'm not confident that much will change if John McCain is elected even though he is espousing a platform of change.

I'll give everyone a promise and hope I can get the same in return, though. If John McCain is elected, I will afford him the respect he deserves as President of the United States along with the benefit of some time to implement his policies and see how they work.

[WashingtonBay]

Maybe it's just that we Republicans all look the same to you folks on the outside, eh Jackie? ;) From my perspective McCain is a lot different than Bush and has historically been barely tolerated on some of the more right wing boards. Palin's the only thing holding them together. They dig her. :p

He may not be different enough in the distinctions that are important to you though.

I think McCain missed a major opportunity to take a principled stand against pork when he went with this bailout plan. I really think he blew it.

But he won't let us lose a war we have paid dearly for already and that's a major factor in my vote. Obama can't even say the word victory when speaking of Iraq. I really hope he doesn't win.

[mtnmollie]

Sounds to me like its going to be between a war hero & a stone-cold Commie. Forgive me Jesus & all the .........

Yeah Rock! I'm glad somebody sees clearly. LOL> :)

I said commie and muslum on another board and boy was I thrashed. he he

[moka]

When I came here first thing I noticed that you only have to parties, democrats or republicans. I started and am still trying to find differences between the two parties and realize that there isn't really that much that separates them. I know that you are probably thinking "this is ridiculous they are like night and day", but if you look at many of the European countries you will notice that they have many different parties that think the government should be run in a different ways (i.e. Communism, Socialism, Green parties etc ). When we look at the Republicans and the Democrats they share many of the same beliefs and when you actually vote a lot of people never fully agree with one side or the other. It simply becomes a picking of the lesser of two evils.

My question is:
Why are the US general public satisfied with only two parties (that have any chance of winning an election)?

[rocknK]

Mollie, nuthin' wrong with calling them like you see them. This about sums it up for me. "What has he run & what has he done. Not much & nothing". I wish I could remember who I heard say that so I could acknowledge them.

[rocknK]

Moka, remember a rich little weasel named Ross Perot?? He's the fella that got Clinton elected. There have been more than two candidates many times in the past but most of them are "special interest" type wack-jobs. Like Teddy Roosevelt when he ran on the Bull Moose ticket, NOT. I wish we could reincarnate that man today, along with Truman, Reagan, & Washington.

[JackieB]

My question is:
Why are the US general public satisfied with only two parties (that have any chance of winning an election)?

Well, I definitely wouldn't say that US citizens are satisfied with this system. Our confidence in the federal government is very low at the moment. However, the two parties are very powerful and make it difficult for anyone outside of them to be elected. Ross Perot had a legitimate chance at being elected, but proved to be too unsteady himself in the end.

I agree with you that there isn't a lot of difference between the two parties much of the time. There is this year, though. The differences in the proposed policies of McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden are significant and citizens should be able to cast an informed vote.

[mtnmollie]

My question is:
Why are the US general public satisfied with only two parties (that have any chance of winning an election)?

Running 3 people and dividing the vote is silly. Such as running 2 conservtives and one liberal will divide the consertive vote, or vice versa 2 liberals against one consertive.

When you divide the consertive vote, the liberal will most likely win. Bush's first term was a pretty close to 50 - 50 vote in Florida, the state that got him in. The overseas military vote was not counted- they dont vote democrate. How do you do that, I asked my hubby? Make sure the mail is late....

[mtnmollie]

Mollie, nuthin' wrong with calling them like you see them.

Here's the pm I got on the pro- democrate horse board- "I just wanted to say that I agree with your comments on Obama. The guy scares the crap out of me & he can't be trusted. It is sick how people are just blindly following & worshipping him. I haven't even really been on this board lately because there are so many angry & defensive democrats. They are getting out of control & are borderline offensive.

Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone."

"My forum friend" said it much better than I could. Except the democrates over there are rabidly defensive. Its down right scary. Peoples thoughts turn to actions.

[JackieB]

Please consider that it goes both ways, rocknK and mtnmollie. I have been keenly interested in how our country is governed since I was an adolescent. I study issues carefully. Yet I think it's fair to say that in this election, many who oppose my candidate feel that I am "blindly following" him and being led by the "liberal media". I am insulted that some consider me to be so naive and unintelligent, but I'm not one to get into big arguments about it.

[Tatesgram]

"They are getting out of control & are borderline offensive."

mtnmollie, I think this is an understatement (not referring to the dem horse-board, just in general). I'm having a hard time with the viciousness of some. It's not even about the issues, it's personal. I can't believe the all out hatred, especially for Palin. even before we heard her speak at the RNC.

I have to admit, Obama scares me. I have a hard time trusting anything he says, and it's more about the way he says things, kinda condescending, like if you disagree with him, or question him, you're beneath comtempt. I just don't think he has what it takes to defend this country. And I do believe it will need defending. Maybe not today, but in the near future.

[mtnmollie]

Jackie B. - I forgot to tell you- I am a democrate- from a democratic family. I just use my head when I vote and not my party. Not that i want to get in a bigfight and yes I respect your view. Its good to hear from you. Your comments are intresting. :)

Have a good day, forum friends. May we all make wise choices, come November.

[walkinthewalk]

When George Jr got elected my comment was:

"Never trust a man with beady eyes; especially when he has rich Texas oil moguls for friends".

I thought he redeemed himself during 911 but I was wrong.

For my part, the ENTIRE run of presidential hopefuls was the poorest showing I have seen in my 61 years (really in 51 years as I was ten when dad made me start paying attention:innocent:)

I think Barack Obama is a "silver-tongued orator" and not to be trusted. When I say that and people accuse me of being "ethnically biased", I happily respond by saying "let's talk Colin Powell" if you want me to really sit up and pay attention to ethnicity"

Having been raised on the small dairy farm, I am a Democrat. However, I am for "whoever's right and whatever appears to be fair"; which in this Presidential debate doesn't apply either.

So it now has come down to the "frying pan or the fire". Being from the Viet Nam era and hearing first-hand horror stories from my son's father, I am for the "frying pan", a/k/a McCain.

On the plus side for both of them, the debate is at Belmont University, 55 miles NW of me in Nashville. Something all of Middle Tennessee is very proud to be a part of:clap:

I am glad I'm old - neither one of these candidates gives me the warm fuzzies. They both leave me with a lump in my throat - one just a little bigger than the other--------

[WashingtonBay]

Well, I'll be watching the debate tonight... But I don't think McCain is as fun to watch as Palin is. :D

[walkinthewalk]

Well, I'll be watching the debate tonight... But I don't think McCain is as fun to watch as Palin is. :D

Now THAT's got my unquestionable vote:popcorn:

[natisha]

Hi all, this is how I see it
Liberal-with other people's money
Conservative-with other people's money

[mtnmollie]

The John Bircher's said we would have 2 political parties-
that would both lead us down the same road...

its hard to know who to follow-
but who to run from is easy to figure out.:LOL.

Welcome to the forum- new poster - nat. :cowboy:

[FoxFireEMT]

I usually care not to discuss politics because I am not very "smart" when it comes to politics. I know who I will vote for & I know who has my interst but all I got to say is " I'm scared " in any aspect. Only time will tell.

[rums_mom]

I'll be :popcorn:

Hubby is coming home early to watch it! Yay......if I wasn't indisposed, we would be doing other things..........:eek::innocent::o

[lovesfortune]

Well it's on.... I'll check back later for thoughts about this one compared to the last one.

On edit: i'm pretty sick of the word "fundamental"...isn't there ANY other word they can use?

[WashingtonBoy]

8 minutes in, and I'm bored already. :sleep:

[Remali]

I am Obama all the way. I do not agree with most all of McCain and Palin's beliefs and views.
I'm not watching the debate tho, I'm too tired after work tonite....lol.

[WashingtonBay]

We're watching but it's boring. :sleep:

Both of them.

[alittleoffkey]

Agreed. My Aunt's probably raving about the teachers comment at her house though. She doesn't like being lumped in with the TU. :D

[lovesfortune]

Yep, BORING!!!!!!! It's hard to keep my attention...

[outriding01]

Wait, I thought Obama was proposing a tax increase for those making $250k plus. That's what I've been hering reported from every source for the majority of the campaign.... but he just now said $200k. Anyone know what's up with this?

[WashingtonBay]

I don't know O's details, sorry Outriding...

Bring on Sarah! :D

[Arrow]

At least they've sort of starting answering questions--the first half hour was awful--2 guys not answering questions, whoopee! Bring back Biden and Palin!

[alittleoffkey]

Obama can't make up his mind about anything. :D *ducks*

[FoxFireEMT]

Obama can't make up his mind about anything. :D *ducks*


I'd have to agree. Listening to Biden & Palin last week was just as bad! Biden seemed to change everything that was "reported" to be said earlier in the campagin period.

Your right though... its very boring. I should be studying instead of listening & typing on the computer.

[alittleoffkey]

Tsk tsk, baaad FoxFire. *wags finger*

[outriding01]

I'm gonna be honest, I've made it clear that I'm for Mccain, and my vote isn't up for grabs, but I wasn't incredibly impressed with either of them tonight. I was just frustrated most of the time with the way both of them answered questions that weren't asked. I was hoping to see the topics addressed straight on. I did think Mccain did very well otherwise and his performance was very strong. I was also happy to see them both refrain from becoming obnoxious in personal attacks. They went after each other a bit, but much less than I, or I think anyone expected.

[alittleoffkey]

Apparently saying "that one" is a personal attack. *rolls eyes*. If that's a personal attack they all need to grow up. I wasn't impressed either, maybe they're saving something remotely impressive for the last one? Optimism... obviously.

[JackieB]

Wait, I thought Obama was proposing a tax increase for those making $250k plus. That's what I've been hering reported from every source for the majority of the campaign.... but he just now said $200k. Anyone know what's up with this?

I think I can answer this question, outriding. A family earning over $250K, or an individual earning over $200K would return to tax rates before the Bush tax cuts. So, I think Obama said something like "No family earning under $250K, and nobody earning under $200K will pay more taxes..."

[mtnmollie]

We're watching but it's boring. :sleep:

Both of them.

i'm listening (radio coverage.)
i'm on the computer- downloading picts. and I'm not bored- LOL

[mtnmollie]

Did anyone notice that O broke the debate rules? The second time the mod let him go-

McC said if you let him (break the rules) I get to too.

[JackieB]

This is pretty funny. It's gone now, but just a second ago there was a McCain/Palin campaign at posted at the top of this thread. :):) WB and WBoy probably have this forum programmed so that ad pops up every couple of minutes. :) Just kidding!

[WashingtonBay]

Now it's something about Equestrian Dating...

The content is based on a keyword search of each page. ;)

[Arrow]

Both broke the rules, and I don't blame either one of them. The rules were ridiculous--no follow ups? No responding allowed? They didn't have time to answer the questions.

[mtnmollie]

Now it's something about Equestrian Dating...

The content is based on a keyword search of each page. ;)

Now the add is about horse riding lessons. I finally get to learn how to ride. :)

[mtnmollie]

Both broke the rules, and I don't blame either one of them. The rules were ridiculous--no follow ups? No responding allowed? They didn't have time to answer the questions.

WE should all break rules when we dont like them.
WE should elect people who are rule- breakers.

Maybe I'll vote fer big O now- He has a sweet voice. He must be a nice man?

besides- McC follows rule breakers. It is a dog eat dog world- and he can't let his dog get ate. The mod should of said no to big O twice.

[Equine_Woman]

Now the add is about horse riding lessons. I finally get to learn how to ride. :)

I'm staying out of the politics but I had to chime in with the add thing!!! My adds are always from Amazon.com and they are always items I really want to buy. It's like torture!! Lol. I find it amusing!!

[mtnmollie]

When we buy from Amazon- we need to go through the add here- Bay gets a kickback- it does not cost us any extra. Helps pay for the software for this board.

[Equine_Woman]

Cool!!! I'll remember that!!! I buy a lot from them when Christmas gets closer!

[outriding01]

Thanks JackieB. All I heard was $200k but he easily could have mentioned he was talking about individuals a bit before and I might have missed it.

I was actually pleased that they broke the rules, it made it more interesting and gave some flexibility to really get into a few of the issues. The best part was what mntmollie mention, where Obama asked to have a follow up and Mccain said if Obama got a follow up he wanted a follow up on the follow up. That's where it finally got somewhat exciting and had my attention! I have to admit, I like the townhall style a bit better, I enjoyed the flexibility and informality. I feel like if either candidate is going to slip up or really go after an issue, it's going to be there where they might be a bit more at ease. It's easier to speak frankly to a group of 80 rather than 800+.

[mtnmollie]

I liked the e-mail questions- how do you solve a problem? I forgot how it was worded.

Big O said he would ask his wife- I liked McC's answer- but forgot it now.
I'll never forget O's reply.

[outriding01]

Oh yeah, they asked "What don't you know and how are you going to learn it?"

[mtnmollie]

Yeah! That was it! (My memory button is foggie. )

[mtnmollie]

WE should all break rules when we dont like them.
WE should elect people who are rule- breakers.

The mod should of said no to big O twice.

This does not bother you guys? Come on, little things become big things- has not yer horse taught you that?

Can I move my foot just one step? No- stop with the little things or the little things become big things. Then 3 steps- then no control. I saw this happen to hubby Gene and Sunny on a ride. When he realised he had no control (big thing) I showed him where it began, ( little thing.)

School teaching is like this too. Establish control early by focusing on little things.

And politics- If I can not trust you with little- then how can I trust you with much?

[WashingtonBay]

This does not bother you guys? Come on, little things become big things- has not yer horse taught you that?I guess the fact that the president can't be intimidated and driven around by Tom Brokaw just doesn't really bother me. :) That's a GOOD thing.

[rums_mom]

I watched it until 10 pm and had had enough of both of them.....same stuff they scripted to say the last time. I am done with the debates, my mind is set, and most of the McCain supporters here have their minds set, so I don't see any reason to say any more.

Any McCain supporters, I do have a question. Does McCain's age concern you? It just seems that he was quite unsteady on his feet. I know that as my parents age I can see a big difference in their memories and mental capacity at age 60, 70 and now almost 80. So I was wondering about that. And the fact that being the president really ages them. Just look how much older George W. looks now then when he first took office, I know 8 years have passed and I know I don't look the same as I did 8 years ago but all this turmoil must be taking his toll. Do you think McCain can handle it?

[WashingtonBay]

I hope so rm :)

[JackieB]

I'm a huge propoent of not discriminating based on age, so I try to give McCain every benefit of the doubt on that one (as I'm sure you do too, rums). But I'll tell you, even at age 48 (in a few days), I would find just the campaigning to be incredibly grueling.

[HoustonFarrier]

Do you think McCain can handle it?

No doubt in my mind he can....this is NOTHING compared to what he went through as a POW. I'm more concerned with the cancers he has had. As with any President, he will be as good as the people he surrounds himself with.

Steve

[WashingtonBay]

I'd be concerned about the cancers, except everyone in Arizona has had, or will have skin cancers, up to and including my dad, who spent the first part of his life there, and it's just something you get looked at and taken care of.

[rocknK]

Most fair skinned folks from Arizona develop some sort of skin cancer, it comes with the territory. Age does not concern me. As I said before Reagan took a bullet, still did the job. Best quote was "I hope you fellas are Republicans" when they put him on the operating table.:cowboy:

[WashingtonBay]

Hey Jackie... a few minutes ago the ad was "Defeat McCain Palin" - see... fair and balanced :)

[Tatesgram]

[quote=rums_mom;4646]
Any McCain supporters, I do have a question. Does McCain's age concern you? [quote]
This reminds me of something I read recently, can't remember where or who wrote the article. McCains 94 yo mother and her twin sister recently returned from France. The car rental agency wouldn't rent them a car due to their age. So Ms. McCain bought a car, drove it while there and then sold it before returning to America. Hopefully he inherited her genes.

Palin isn't the only one with moxie. :)

[Tatesgram]

Oh yeah, they asked "What don't you know and how are you going to learn it?"

How do you know what you don't know?:huh:

[JackieB]

Hey Jackie... a few minutes ago the ad was "Defeat McCain Palin" - see... fair and balanced :)

Yes, fair and balanced. :) Actually, I would assure anyone that you and WBoy would be beyond reproach with regard to making sure that there wasn't a hint of bias in how you ran your forum. I've known you long enough now to be certain that you would never forsake fairness.

[WashingtonBay]

:) Well, we're not supposed to talk much about the ads or how they work, but we are hoping they will help cover the costs of running the forum. We hope to keep them no more intrusive or annoying than they are right now.

[JackieB]

Frankly WB, I think you could float the idea of incorporating more ads like HGS does. Maybe a little later once we are all settled in. As long as they don't slow down the forum or make anything harder for us to find, we may be OK with the idea.

One thing that I thought would be a good possible idea is using some ad revenue (assuming it ever amounts to much) to donate to charity or help forumers in need such as we see from time to time. Something to think about.

[WashingtonBay]

We'll see how it goes, Jackie. Right now we don't know how much it will generate, if anything to speak of. We just have to see.

[mtnmollie]

I'm afraid to talk p. on any other d board. ya' all are something special. I think you missed my point ... but anyway ...

I'm tired. :cowboy:

I'm voting McC. Yeah- his age; yeah a concern.

But he beats a muslum /commy any day of the week.

my 2 cents.

[JackieB]

But he beats a muslum /commy any day of the week.


Neither of these descriptions are true about Barack Obama. mtnmollie's right to say them is protected by the First Amendment of course, but they aren't true.

[magayle]

:popcorn:

[rocknK]

MM, slight more accurate description would be muslim-socialist. But then again I have referred to the man as a stone-cold commie.:cowboy:

[JackieB]

MM, slight more accurate description would be muslim-socialist.

Also not true, but fortunately it looks like the majority of voters now understand and are focusing on issues.

[Tatesgram]

Also not true, but fortunately it looks like the majority of voters now understand and are focusing on issues.

JackieB, what are the issues that convince you to vote for Obama? I respect your opinion and would really like to know. Not saying you'll change my mind:rolleyes:.

[rocknK]

JB, one of the foundations of socialism is the redistribution of wealth. What exactly do you call tax increases?? If it quacks like a duck.....

[JackieB]

JB, one of the foundations of socialism is the redistribution of wealth. What exactly do you call tax increases?? If it quacks like a duck.....

I was responding more to the Muslim characterization. That's not a very popular religion with many U.S. citizens at the moment and although we value religious freedom in the U.S., such an association, if true, would be viewed as a negative by many voters. This has been thoroughly investigated and determined to be an untrue characterization. I just don't think it's right to continue to repeat something that some would consider to be inflammatory about a person once the truth is known. But, I suppose you will tell me that you do know the truth in spite of all evidence to the contrary.

Regarding the socialist designation, that's a matter of degrees, I guess. Venezuela could be considered a socialist country, but we aren't ever going to be like that. We just aren't. Americans value capitalism. Western European countries have some programs that many would consider to be socialist. Perhaps we are becoming a bit more like them. I won't argue with you too much on this point because there is some foundation to your comments, I suppose. If Obama is elected, we would be returning to the type of "socialist" tax policies practiced under Presidents Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton.

[JackieB]

JackieB, what are the issues that convince you to vote for Obama? I respect your opinion and would really like to know. Not saying you'll change my mind:rolleyes:.

I promise to write later on this, tatesgram. Gotta go get a flu shot and then finish out the day's work. Thanks for asking, though.

[Arrow]

This does not bother you guys? Come on, little things become big things- has not yer horse taught you that?

Can I move my foot just one step? No- stop with the little things or the little things become big things. Then 3 steps- then no control. I saw this happen to hubby Gene and Sunny on a ride. When he realised he had no control (big thing) I showed him where it began, ( little thing.)

School teaching is like this too. Establish control early by focusing on little things.

And politics- If I can not trust you with little- then how can I trust you with much?

McCain broke the rules every bit as often, and a couple of times Brokaw asked McCain a second question when it was Obama's turn. And I agree with WB, too--who wants a president that let's Tom Brokaw talk to him like he's 3 years old?

[mtnmollie]

MM, slight more accurate description would be muslim-socialist. But then again I have referred to the man as a stone-cold commie.:cowboy:

I'm sorry I dont knowthe difference between a socialist and a commy.

One and the same in my little brain. :cowboy:

Would you like this poisen; or that poisen? Poisen kills- whats the difference?

[mtnmollie]

MM, slight more accurate description would be muslim-socialist. But then again I have referred to the man as a stone-cold commie.:cowboy:

He is a stone - cold commie.

Sometimes the Game Warden knows who shot the moose- or who took too many fish- but he does not have a case untill he can prove what he knows is true in a court of law.

Yes Jackie B I agree with you- I do not have a case.

Because i dont have a case- it is difficult to talk politics.

[mtnmollie]

My hubby Gene never lost a case in court. Never go to court with out a case.

But why did you let the guy go who took coolar loads of fish?
Gene let me know how he knew what the guy did the day before we caught him- and why he let him go.

There's a druggy walking down the street.
But i only see a people- how do you know he is a druggy?

Good cops know. Sometimes they can't tell yah how they know.
it comes with the job.

Good cops understand this- they have it too.

Yah learn to read people like yah learn to read a horse in the round pen.

But yer right Jackie B- I do not have a case.

[mtnmollie]

McCain broke the rules every bit as often, and a couple of times Brokaw asked McCain a second question when it was Obama's turn. And I agree with WB, too--who wants a president that let's Tom Brokaw talk to him like he's 3 years old?

Thank you Arrow- for your reply.

but McC is not responsible for Brokaw-behavior.

News guys are something else. hehe

In Germany there was propaganda (lies) in the press- which influenced the voters. ( ...so Germany voted for Hitler.) But that could never - ever happen here.

Espically (sp? ) with the WW Web free press.

ps I'm not dum- just dislexic.

[mtnmollie]

I said commie and muslum on another board and boy was I thrashed. he he

Yes after throwing large rocks- they said - he is just a soicalist.

Gag- me.

[mtnmollie]

. Age does not concern me. As I said before Reagan took a bullet, still did the job. Best quote was "I hope you fellas are Republicans" when they put him on the operating table.:cowboy:

Reagan was cool. He went into a resturant years after retirement, - everyone stood and cheered. I want another one like him.

[mtnmollie]

Who do you like in tommorrows debate & why???

Who do you like- easy McC

in tommorrows debate & why??? - easy- The choice is McC or commie/muslum

How do you know what you know? That was not asked- Jackie B. :cowboy:

This is an easy thread- and ya'al are all so nice.

I only got called a liar once or twice. :)

[mtnmollie]

oops- I talk too much. sorry.

[starkitten]

oops- I talk too much. sorry.


hehehe - keep it up mollie - you are well on your way to senior member - LOL

[Tiz]

"I think I can answer this question, outriding. A family earning over $250K, or an individual earning over $200K would return to tax rates before the Bush tax cuts. So, I think Obama said something like "No family earning under $250K, and nobody earning under $200K will pay more taxes..." JackieB

Jackie, Obama is going to let the tax cuts, implemented by President Bush, expire. That means a tax hike for pretty much everyone, except the people that don't pay anything. This important fact isn't mentioned in the Obama's explanation.

[palomino]

I watched an episode of south park, and it was making fun of elections. They had to vote for a mascot- it was between a turd sandwich and a giant douche. Kind of the same thing. And I love south park. Im just saying.
I like McCain more, because I can relate to him, he SERVED OUR COUNTRY, and made huge sacrifices for it. I admire his guts and bravery. I think he is going to TRY to help the people who are struggling in this country, and hopefully boost the economy.
I had a client the other day tell me she was rallying for Obama. Ok, cool, good for you. She then told me McCain voted against the GI bill- ummmm it was never UP for a vote, not since he has been in politics....I told her wow, that makes no sense seeing as he was a POW.
You know what she said??? AND I QUOTE:
He enjoyed being tortured- why else would he stay when he had the chance to go?
Liberals dont bug me when they are SANE- but JEEEESH!

[JackieB]

JackieB, what are the issues that convince you to vote for Obama? I respect your opinion and would really like to know. Not saying you'll change my mind:rolleyes:.

Hi Tatesgram,

Here are my main reasons for supporting the Obama/Biden ticket:

Healthcare
McCain's plan isn't bad. It is definitely an improvement over what we have now. However, he does not address pre-existing conditions. That's a deal-breaker for me. Obama/Biden's plan completely addresses the issue of pre-existing conditions.

Insurance companies really don't want to insure people with any kind of significant health conditions if they can help it. And if they must accept these subscribers, the insurance companies would like to set the premiums very high ($1,000 - $1,500 a month is not unusual). I understand this. Insurance companies aren't in business to insure everyone. They are in business to make money. So, they either have to be forced to accept people with pre-existing conditions (and still earn money, just not as much), or the government needs to administer a plan.

Energy
Obama and the Democratic Party are now on-board with offshore drilling. So, there isn't a lot of difference in the two candidates' energy plans anymore. However, Obama is proposing $15 billion a year in federal funding for alternative energy research. I think this is a good investment in our future, even from the "less government" perspective because we can see that our national security is connected to oil. We have to get it from the volatile Middle East, and we also spend billions in countries where we'd prefer not to have to do business because they might use these resources against us someday.

Iraq
God Bless the troops. They have fought this war valiantly. I admire their contributions and dedication greatly, and some have paid the ultimate price for the U.S. And there have been successes in this war. But it's time to change direction. The Iraqi government wants us to leave, Afghanistan and the Taliban in Pakistan is an increasing threat, and we always have to worry about Iran. It's time to give the Pentagon the challenge of changing direction by drawing down troops in Iraq and increasing our presence in Afghanistan.

The Economy
I think that when we get to the bottom of what has caused our current economic crisis that we will find deregulation to be a major culprit. I used to be relatively unconcerned about deregulation because I believe in free market forces and I'm fiscally very responsible myself. But over the past two weeks, I've seen my own retirement plans take a huge hit and I'm looking at working many more years than I previously thought. I'm not blaming anyone, but I want more government oversight if irresponsible financial decisions on the part of others are able to impact me so directly. Obama is talking about more oversight than McCain.

Social Security and Medicare
I really don't know what McCain was talking about when he said in the last debate that the Social Security problem wasn't difficult to resolve, he just needed to reach across the aisle the way Reagan did with Tip O'Neal. If it was as easy as bipartisanship, we'd be there by now. The U.S. needs more tax revenue if it's going to address keeping Social Security and Medicare from insolvency. Obama showed that he understood this when he said that we have to address issues with taxes (e.g. repealing the Bush tax cuts) so that the U.S. is taking in more revenue.

I don't disagree with McCain that those earmarks are ridiculous, but saving $18 billion (if he cuts every single one of them out) would only make a small dent in the problem. I don't like taxes anymore than most people, but I'm not hearing any Republican candidates saying that their plan is to drastically cut Social Security and Medicare benefits for current and upcoming retirees to address the problem. And I don't see economic growth as being able to, either.

Probably a lot more than you wanted to read, but those are the main reasons why I support Obama/Biden.

Thanks,

JackieB

[Tiz]

JackieB, can you find a single instance of deregulation in our banking system? Other then Democrats pushing the Community Reinvestment Act, there have been none.

Where is the money going to come from to fund Obama's nearly 1 trillion dollars in NEW spending? It's not as if the United States has an endless supply, that it can't be bankrupted.

[Remali]

Good post JackieB.

[mtnmollie]

That was a good post- JackieB.

[JackieB]

JackieB, can you find a single instance of deregulation in our banking system?

Yes, absolutely. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Read Phil Gramm's statement at signing (he specifically calls it a "deregulatory bill") and the summary of provision.

http://banking.senate.gov/conf/

[mtnmollie]

O has a good Charlte Town face.

That is a mtnmollie term that means he looks good on the outside.

As I went to bed last night Gene told me what he read in the news about o's bad side til my bucket was full. World Net Daily News dot com. Lebon-ise Christian who came to America- runs the place.

[Tatesgram]

Hi Tatesgram,

Here are my main reasons for supporting the Obama/Biden ticket:

Healthcare
Energy
Iraq
The Economy
Social Security and Medicare
Probably a lot more than you wanted to read, but those are the main reasons why I support Obama/Biden.

Thanks,

JackieB

Thank you JackieB. I disagree with you on so many issues, yet I love the way you express your opinions. :)

I think we all vote on issues that are important to us. That doesn't mean they are important to others, or that they will or should affect someone elses opinion.
Some, but not all, of the issues I would like to see addressed in the next debate (not holding my breath),

Embryonic stem cell research.
Gun Control
Abortion
Gay marriage
Immigration.
Also, and forgive me, I can't remember what the bill was called, but the babies born alive after the abortion attempt.

Not saying other issues are not important, just that these are issues I would like to hear discussed in an open forum.

[JackieB]

Thank you JackieB. I disagree with you on so many issues, yet I love the way you express your opinions. :)


Thank you for your kind words, Tatesgram. I appreciate them very much.

[twofingers]

I want to point out that obama voted for grahmns' bill and McCane voted against it.

[JackieB]

I want to point out that obama voted for grahmns' bill and McCane voted against it.

You must have it mistaken with another bill. This was in 1989, before Obama was in the Senate. McCain voted for it and Biden against. The vote was pretty much along party lines although President Clinton did sign the bill into law.

[twofingers]

Jakie, my bad I was thinking of grahmn-rudman.