The hypocrisy of the Republicans never ceases to amaze those who listen to them closely. The most recent evidence is regarding televangelist John Hagee, and McCain’s desire to continue to cut taxes and continue Bush’s tax cuts beyond their expiration date.
For anyone unfamiliar with televangelist John Hagee, he disrespected the Roman Catholic Church and Catholics across the world when he referred to the Roman Catholic Church as “the great whore” and called it a “false cult system.” With full knowledge of Mr. Hagee’s position regarding the Church and his past statements, McCain sought out and received Mr. Hagee’s endorsement for his campaign. And, this is the same McCain who along with many of his Republican supporters has condemned Obama for Reverend Wright’s comments. I guess McCain believed at the time that it was OK to ask for the support of an individual who so viciously disrespected the Roman Catholic Church and its Christian following, and which has done so much good around the world, yet it is not OK for Obama to be associated with an individual who he has repeatedly stated that he disagreed with on a number of issues.
If that isn’t enough hypocrisy, them consider his views as stated today on tax cuts. First, in reference to the Bush tax cuts scheduled to expire in the next couple of years, he was against them before he was for them. Sound familiar from the last Presidential election? The Republicans skewered Kerry for a similar flip flop four years ago. Now, he supports them because he knows that a number of voters will vote based on their own self interests, and not the best interests of our Nation. And, it is in the best interests of this Country for them to be allowed to expire to help balance the budget, begin reducing this gross Federal debt, and ensure the future financial stability of our Country which will then be populated by our children and grand children.
In regards to Capital gains taxes, Capital gains were taxed at a 28% margin when Bill Clinton was in office. The wealthy in this country have managed to have that incrementally reduced to 15%, almost cut in half, in the last 15 years. What this basically means is that the wealthest individuals in this country whose income is derived from capital gains are taxed at a lower rate than that paid by present day school teachers, police officers, and most other middle class occupations that provide decent wages.
One other thing, if anyone wants to know how the top one percent of income earners pay a disproportionate amount of taxes when their tax rates have been cut in half in the last few years, it is because they make such an astronomical amount of money. In fact during the last eight years, the super rich has seen their income far out pace the incomes of the rest of society. Therefore, they can afford to pay more. Many of these super wealthy individuals are supporting Democrats because they are socially conscious and patriotic, and recognize this truth to be self evident.

Has anyone noticed that the Republicans seem to have aligned themselves with Hillary Clinton in bashing Obama while basically giving her a free ride? I wonder what they are really concerned about. It sounds like the Washington establishment wants to maintain their power and keep business as usual and will do whatever is necessary to accomplish their goals. “Politics makes strange bedfellows.”

Though I don’t believe in polls, the latest shows that Hillary would beat McCain by 9 points in November.

Pickles,
I saw that very number and the poll also showed Obama and McCain in a dead heat. In fact, that is what got me to thinking about what had changed in the last couple of weeks. As before, the Fiscal Conservative Republican talking heads are repeating the same personal attacks against Obama day after day. However, they along with the other Republicans seem to have backed off of Hillary. Because the Clintons have been in and around the Washington establishment for so long, and Obama really is an outsider and not a part of that Yale leadership crowd that has been in power for so long, I’m thinking the Republicans feel more threatened by the prospect of an Obama nomination.

The fact is that he does represent real change, whether he would accomplish that change with Congress and whether many would find it a desirable change is another question. In the end, I believe that a majority of Americans would recognize that the change was positive, a stronger economy, whittling down the national debt, etc..,.

However, no matter who gets elected, the economy is in a shambles and I think this is partly due to shortsightedness on the Administration’s part. Warren Buffet just the other day predicted a deeper and longer recession than has been recently forecasted by most economists.

I’m glad to see light at the end of the tunnel with this next set of Democratic primaries coming up, and another important super delegate defection from the Clinton camp. Today, the Clintons lost the support of a super delegate, a former national party chairman, and a long time Clinton supporter, Joe Andrew. If Clinton loses North Carolina and Indiana and with the delegates going Obama’s way, I would like to see her withdraw so the party can focus their attention on McCain.
I had hoped that Obama would agree to having Hillary on the ticket as VP nominee. However, his opposition to the Federal Fuel tax suspension in the face of support from Clinton and McCain leads me to believe that he may not easily give in to the political pressures, unless he wants her on the ticket. Clinton being on the ticket would certainly unify the Party and make the battle with McCain that much easier.

While catching up on the news, I couldn’t help but note two outrageous examples of poor judgement by Clinton and McCain. Hillary is talking about nuking Iran and McCain wants to kick Russia out of the G-8. Their comments make Obama sound like the more level headed of the three.

It is clear that Obama is going to get the nomination. Now, I hope Obama will offer Clinton the VP slot. If he does and McCain accepts Bobby Jindel as the VP candidate, then I will win $1820 on a $10 bet with my internet gambling account.
However, Obama would need to budget for a loyal food taster.

Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted. Pandering to John McCain supporters by taking a hawk position with Iran is just talk. Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted to do anything that she promises. And if Hillary is VP for Obama, I will vote for John McCain. No Clintons and No Bushs—period.

I don’t think any politician can be trusted.  I suppose the real question is, who is the most trustworthy of the untrustables?  President Bill gave us 8 years of peace, economic stability and a surplus in our national debt.  Who is to say that Mrs Bill Clinton couldn’t do the same?

Personally, I blame the media for much of the Republicanesque coverage they’ve given Hillary.  And, it’s my opinion, that if anyone can do anything with health care, gas prices and the economy is someone who has more experience which pits Clinton up there with McCain for the “ability to do the job” score.  Obamas success is the product of someone who will change the way government runs without experience in doing so.  Sort of like a newly licensed pilot wanting to fly F18’s with the Blue Angels.  He might do it, and claims that he can do it, but seeing is believing.

The way our economy is going, whoever is heading into the White House is going to be blamed for the recovery efforts going bad.  I will guarantee the next president will only serve one term, then the party will change hands again.

Been_There_Done_That - 08 May 2008 06:30 AM

Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted. Pandering to John McCain supporters by taking a hawk position with Iran is just talk. Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted to do anything that she promises. And if Hillary is VP for Obama, I will vote for John McCain. No Clintons and No Bushs—period.

Been_There_Done_That,
Obama could really screw up in the next few days and lose this thing but I seriously doubt it. He seems to have some real professionals advising him. Honestly, I seriously doubt that he will pick Hillary either. He seems to have a mind of his own and I don’t think he will choose her as his running mate just for the political benefit. Besides, another food taster would be expensive with the budget being so tight.  You know the Republican positions on the issues, NAFTA, immigration etc.., so it surprises me that you would even consider them this time around. Stick with Obama in 08!

ILovePickles,
I think Hillary would do a good job just like I think her husband did, but its not looking so good for her right now. I do agree with virtually all of her positions though, except for the federal gas tax issue. I’ve got my money on her being the VP nominee but I’m not optimistic about that either. We’ll soon see.

When the Democratic nominee is finalized, let’s start a new poll.

Let’s simply call it “McCain v whoever”, and make it a poll with an opportunity for discussion.

If McCain picks Huckabee as his VP running mate as is being speculated, that is going to be a tough ticket to beat. I’m hoping Obama will pick Clinton to offset this or he’s going to have an uphill fight. Hopefully, the Democrats will not underestimate the strength of McCain/Huckabee combination as this will garner strong support from the religious right.