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Presidential Elections 2008
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Results so far:
| Obama | 63% | 257 votes | Total: 405 votes | |
| McCain | 37% | 148 votes |
Obama
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Add to FavoritesObama would make a better President than John McCain based on superior judgement, creative thinking and flexibility in dealing with a fast changing world. These qualities are much more important to the challenges we face today than McCain's perceived edge in experience and expertise in national security.
Obama's position against the war in 2002 proved to be not only courageous (he was in the distinct minority in the face of overwhelming public opinion supporting the war), it also proved prescient. He warned that an invasion would mire us in a long and divisive conflict that would leave us weakened in the Middle East. John McCain supported the war and said it would be an easy victory that would make us safer. It's pretty obvious who showed superior judgement on that issue.
Obama's position to roll back the Bush tax cuts is also well reasoned. In the face of a 9 trillion dollar deficit run up by the Bush administration and a middle class that is losing ground for the last 8 years in their standard of living, the correct approach is to raise taxes on the wealthy to help reduce that deficit while giving more tax cuts to the middle class, whose spending always drives the consumer economy. McCain obviously saw the wisdom of this approach in 2000, when he initially criticized the Bush tax cuts as "unconscionable" at a time of war. After all, how can you embark on a long and expensive war against terror without a plan to pay for it? McCain showed good judgment then. His flip flop on the issue since is a clear case of sacrificing morality for political expediency.
Perhaps the most egregious example of McCain's poor judgment is his current position on offshore drilling and suspending the gasoline tax. Both are short term fixes that will not bring about the desired result of removing our dependency on foreign oil. Drilling offshore is particularly foolish since the numbers required to make the plan tenable simply don't add up. With, at best, 5% of the oil reserves in the US (DOE estimates), and a current consumption of 24% of the world's oil reserves, proponents of this position don't have an answer as to where the additional 19% shortfall is going to come from. And since offshore oil won't be available to the market until 10 years from now, and our consumption of energy is expected to grow by 5% by then, the best we can hope for is a break even fool's errand, still short the 19% and still dependent on foreign oil. The numbers are actually worse when you factor in the astonishing truth that US oil is not really OUR oil. Once it is pumped out of the ground, it belongs to Exxon Mobil, who can sell it to China, India or anyone else. Corporations are not patriots, concerned for US national security. They are answerable only to their stockholders and don't care where the product is sold or where the profit dollars come from. Obama's position is to get off oil entirely by making a drastic transition to alternative fuels and renewables and reducing fossil fuel demand. This is the only sensible direction to go and shows bold leadership, flying in the face of current public opinion, which supports offshore drilling. Obama knows that you can't cure an addiction to heroin by increasing the supply of heroin. That will only lead to complacency and reduce the sense of urgency required to make the difficult energy decisions that must be made to protect our national security.
Even McCain's perceived strengths turn out to be weaknesses. He attacks Obama for having a thin resume, when his own is deeply suspect. Obama had to overcome a troubled childhood with a single mother, excelling in private schools while competing with more privileged classmates.
McCain was born the son and grandson of Admirals and was handed an appointment to the Naval Academy based on his DNA, rather than academic excellence. He finished at the bottom of his class and would have been kicked out of the Academy on multiple occasions were it not for his father's revered status.
Obama gained entrance to Harvard Law School and became the first black editor of the Harvard LAW Review, the holy grail for law students everywhere.
McCain was handed a highly sought after F-15 fighter pilot slot, usually reserved for the top 10% of all Naval Academy graduates. He clearly hadn't earned that coveted slot, getting a free pass based on his last name and cheating a more deserving student out of that opportunity.
Although his time as a prisoner of war is clearly an indication of his courage, it doesn't necessarily translate into superior judgement in the ever shifting political climates of the modern world. By his own admission, he is not computer literate (Obama has already given a speech on the dangers of Cyber Terrorism, a subject clearly out of McCain's bandwidth) and he shows little interest in the economy (Obama was a part time law professor at the University of Chicago, renowned for its world class Economics department.)
More troubling is his stubborn adherence to "refuse to negotiate" with foreign countries like Iran. In a dangerous world which requires flexibility, creativity and out of the box thinking to come up with real solutions to complicated problems, McCain is not equipped to handle the task, falling back on Cold War style rhetoric and a World War II mindset. This obsession with the past will not help him meet the challenges of the modern world
Obama is someone of the modern world and possesses the requisite qualities needed to lead in 2008. He is clearly the superior candidate and deserves to be elected.
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McCain
WAR ON IDEAS: McCain will be a better president because of the ideas he and Palin embody. As Americans, we need to go beyond the parties of the parties and the individuals who embody the ideas. Parties and politicians come and go but the spirit of America goes on and on. This is a great country and the last best hope for the world. Each of us must make the best decision for our country when we cast our vote.
The excitement of this election from both parties has inspired many and will continue to do so. If you are not registered, register now. Help others to register! This election in the the beginning of the 21st. century is indeed crucial to each one of us, our children, grandchildren, and for generations to come. It is crucial to our country, the rest of the world, and for humanity as a whole.
Obama-Biden offer experience and change. Every American can or should appreciate the brilliance, charisma, accomplishments, leadership, and goodness of Obama. This is not to mention his ability in public speaking! Biden's service to his country is admirable. He is a fine individual, successful politician, and very likeable. Both are patriotic and that is why they want to win.
Many underestimated the success of Obama. The Democratic Convention was a success and so very fired up. Great speeches were given and the climax was indeed, Obama'a speech. Nevertheless, those of us who grew up in the 60's know that not much different was said. It is what the democrats have been saying since we heard about the great society President Johnson spoke about. More important than words is that most of us have seen most of the social problems get worse.
PALIN appeared at the right time and from the right place, Alaska. She is not only a bright star in politics but has exceptional charisma like Obama. She embodies the Republican values in a fresh new way with not only charisma but youthful energy, confidence, courage, honesty, clarity, charm, beauty, and a sense of humor. On her side she has an experienced politician rich with patriotism and independent thinking. McCain is his own man. Hanoi could not break him. The republicans couldn't and the democrats cannot. This man is made of steel and so is the woman he picked.
All the arguments used against Palin are shallow since the same arguments can be made against Obama who is running for president. However, she has also had the shallow sexism ones which have not worked and will not work November 4th.. Most Americans are turned off by that nonsense and are insulted by it. They know an exceptional politician when they see one and are not blinded by gender.
The more Americans see and hear about Palin the more they like her and the more they will vote republican. Why? Because this is a country founded on strong men and women with solid family values. It is a country of austere terrain and people who survived it. The pioneers were no ordinary people. Palin is extraordinary like the pilgrims with faith, family, and love of our country.
Americans will vote for McCain-Palin because they are pro-life and pro-family. Palin is not only pro-life in words but in deeds. Her husband is still her guy after twenty years. She said this in the convention. The glimmer in their eyes and smile showed how much they still love each other. Their sons and daughters are concrete evidence of their love for each other and their children. Both love all their children and that is why she and her husband welcomed all their children. Would it be any different with her grandchildren? She understands how young lovers.
Most parents will vote for McCain-Palin because they are for school choice since they understand that each child is different and one size does not fit all, the public schools. School choice is the best for the youth in America. School choice brings upon competition and competion brings about better performance. This has worked throughout America but we need to bring it on a national level. Poor children should have the same rights as rich children in getting not only an education but a good education. This is why we need chartered schools, private schools, home schooling, open enrollment in public schools, and other forms of virtual schools. Money must follow the student. All schools need to be performance based.
Any doubts in this issue can be cleared by seeing how we compare in education with other industrial nations in K-12. It is dismal and the future will be worse unless we make radical changes in our nation in education.
Many Americans enjoy fishing and hunting as well as having the right to defend oneself. Our country has become more and more unsafe and most people are sick and tired of it. They are not going to be a lame duck if attacked. Many pacifists are becoming skilled in using a gun to defend themselves, their family, and their property. Protecting one's life and the lives of one's family is a moral responsobility and the right thing to do. McCain-Palin know it and support the right to gun ownership for self defense and hunting.
McCain-Palin support stronger parental rights and stronger families. Most Americans will vote for them because of it. Parents have a right to bring up their children in their own values.
Republicans know that strong families make a strong nation.
The United States was founded on Christian Values yet we also believe in freedom of religion or no religion. McCain-Palin are Christians in word and deed. They will protect Christianity and also religious freedom which does not mean preventing Christians to have Christian symbolism all over our country or to worship wherever they want. Communism is a government of atheism not democracy.
McCain-Pal in will choose judges like Alito, Roberts, Thomas, and Scalia which most democrats voted against. Some may be women judges but all judges on all levels will be of the highest intelligence and good character. They will protect family, faith, and the Constitution of the United States.
McCain is a man of wisdom and experience with patriotism few can achieve. His triumph over the torture he experienced is beyond almost all human beings. Yet, he did it! His country rescued him and he will never forget it. It is the force behind his political success. As a president he will do all he can to protect us and defend what America stands for. Palin is a very patriotic woman and war is personal for her since her son is there. She has all what it takes to be a heart beat from being president. McCain believes in her and so will most Americans.
Palin is a very successful woman in business and in managing the state of Alaska. McCain-Palin will do all they can to provide good jobs for Americans so they can live a good life and be self reliant rather than be depended on government programs. We live in a global economy and they will make decisions for Americans to be more competitive in the world market. Less government and lower taxes will help most families. Government waste and fraud must stop so the money will be there for those who really need it and cannot help themselves as well as for the seniors.
McCain-Palin will do all they can to provide insurance for the amost 50 million uninsured and for those who are underinsured. There is much that can be done to provide better services without spending more money. It is a complex issue but they are committed to solve the issue. McCain must know something about health and health care since he is in good health with a lot of energy and his mother is over 90 and in great shape physically and mentally. This may also make the argument of age shallow which the democrats make.
McCain-Palin will push to make us independent of foreign oil. After all, Palin comes with rich resources in her state of Alaska. It is not just a question of economics but of security!
Obama-Biden offer the same old stuff: big government, higher taxes; enormous social programs which will require higher taxes for all; public schools only with no accountability; weak families; weak parental rights; irresponsible sexuality with condoms and morning after pills passed out in school clinics; Christianity driven out from the schools while secularism is indocrinated to all; irresponsobility of fatherhood and motherhood since women can have abortions on demand to the point when the child is even viable; change the sacred institution of marriage between one man and one woman; and on and on. This is not the America most Americans want and that is why they will vote for McCain-Biden.
America ns believe that there is a right and wrong. The republicans proclaim it but it is unclear with the democrats. Everyone is right and no one is wrong. Americans do not buy that and that is why they will vote for McCain-Palin since with them it is clear what is right and what is wrong.
MCCAIN will make the better president because he has the right stuff to be the leader we need in these complex and dangerous times but also because he has picked PALIN to fill his shoes if need be but if we look in his mother's eyes, he may be a very good president for 8 years.
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