True.

For more about this video, go to the posting on The Caucus.

The Real America?

Fired Up!

I am so proud of our fair city of St. Louis. I was at the Obama rally today and I knew it was a special place to be. I had heard the reports that about 100,000 people gathered at the Arch grounds to hear Barack Obama speak. But, tonight was the first time that I saw a picture. Here is a picture from my vantage point.


And, earlier this evening I was at a birthday party for a friend of my parents. One of the Thai couples at the party, Dr. S. and Dr. S., were so excited that I went to the rally and wanted to hear all about it. This was a special moment for me. Most of my parents' friends are Republicans, mostly for financial reasons. They came to this country with very little and were able to achieve a lot and make a very healthy living. Anyway, this couple, who I have known for over 20 years, really surprised me. They completely understand why Barack Obama is our best hope for a better future for America and the world. They both said that they are voting for Barack Obama, not for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren. I was so happy to hear them express this message. I can only hope that they will convince the rest of the Thai community too.

Check out more photos at The Page by Mark Halperin of Time Magazine. Halperin also has the full text of Senator Obama's speech on his site.

Which Palin is funnier? Ask John Cleese.

Take On Me - the literal version

Politics and Religion

Did he really have to go there? The CNN Political Ticker offers up McCain's comments, distancing himself from this pastor. The scary part is that some people will listen to this crackpot man of God.

Now a question from William Murray

The Wordy Shipmates

The best part is at the end of this interview.

McCain, the backpeddler

After a rough couple weeks of attacks by McCain and his camp against Barack Obama, the senator from Arizona finally decides to back off. But, is it too little, too late? All of the negative ads and smear tactics have incited the party's base and they are angry at Obama. Now, McCain wants to say that this campaign has to be respectful. REALLY?! The McCain campaign says that their voters are not outraged, but frustrated by Obama's plan to raise taxes. Are you kidding me? There are people out there who are saying that they are scared if Barack Obama becomes the president. There is a very big difference between being scared and being worried. I would be worried if John McCain is elected as our next president, but not scared.

McCain is stirring up people's emotions and not in a good way. Instead of talking about the issues and thinking through problems and developing solutions, McCain is encouraging people to vote with their gut. How often has your gut gotten you into trouble? Aren't some gut reactions based on your preconceived notions about people or issues? David Brooks, conservative columnist for The New York Times, explains this Republican strategy far better than I could.

At the beginning of this last round of the campaign, I wished that both sides would provide the voters with well-thought educated answers and plans to our country's and our world's problems. I'll admit that the Obama camp is not perfect, but at least slander and libel are not part of their campaign strategy. These last 24 days will be tough and I'm not sure if I can stomach any more crap.

UPDATE: Are McCain and Palin on the outs? Check out this article from The Times (London).

Mudslinging, according to The Penguin

The parallels to this year's election with this video are astounding! Thanks Pam for the link.

That One

So, could the good old Senator from Arizona be any more demeaning? Check out this story on how a loyal Obama supporter is fighting back. And, some post-debate wrap-up by some regular Joe Sixpacks.

It's a VP play date.

Homer goes the polls.

Thanks, Pam.

Formidable Opponent - Business Syphilis

Extraordinary not ordinary

I want my president and vice-president to be extraordinary people, not ordinary people. I want them to be critical thinkers, highly intelligent, serious, and thoughtful. They should know what the hell their doing and realize that every decision they make affects billions of people around the world. We are not only electing the President of the United States, but also a very powerful world leader.

I think you know where I'm going with this. McCain-Palin supporters harp on the fact that Palin is an outsider and a maverick that so closely relates to the middle class. She's folksy and easy to understand, they say. You know what, don't talk to down to me. I'm not an idiot, and there are millions of people out there who are not idiots.

Give me substance. Give me real answers. Give me intelligent and well-thought answers. I don't want more attacks or whining about the "liberal media". Get over it! Don't blame the media for pointing out that you can't answer a damn question.