John McCain - Willard and the Rats

Either Willard Mitt Romney is talking to the rats or Rats are talking to Willard but these Albino Rodents are squealling at John McCain.

In between snow clearing tasks, I caught the Cable News Surf Hour - MSNBC-The Tool Shed; FOX - Unparalleled Laughs; CNN - Ted's Page Turners: On each was a cavalcade of conservative pundits - how these goofs got through adolescence is beyond me - like Hugh Hewitt and ... Terry Jeffrey. Hughie is pretty Edgar Winter-ish but Terry Jeffrey - Hold the phone! The Matrix Twins! Whiter Shades of Pale! Mattews take these guys to the beach with you!


Terry Jeffery is an especially obnoxious little twerp whose pallor makes Chris Matthews look like George Hamilton - also he reminded me of Rolf - the Teutonc snitch who rats out the Von Trapp family in Sound of Music.

This guy was a beaut - the madder he got the more his two front buckers fanged out - he was screaming at Chris Matthews and a lovely woman editor from the Boston Herald! This guy's teeth !!!! He could bite a pig's ass through a picket fence!

If these Andy Warhol stand-ins on full snit are the Conservative forces! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!


Ah well, A Man is known by the company he keeps - click on to my post title for John McCain's Endorsements.


What dillies! What goofs! What a Chorus line of white haired rats!
Willard's Dough must really have SOME impact on Conservative thinkers!


Ah, well back to the snow.

John McCain - Willard and the Rats

Either Willard Mitt Romney is talking to the rats or Rats are talking to Willard but these Albino Rodents are squealling at John McCain.

In between snow clearing tasks, I caught the Cable News Surf Hour - MSNBC-The Tool Shed; FOX - Unparalleled Laughs; CNN - Ted's Page Turners: On each was a cabacade of conservative pundits - how these goofs got through adolescence is beyond me - like Hugh Hewitt and ... Terry Jeffrey. Hughie is pretty Edgar Wintersish but Terry Jeffrey - Hold the phone! The Matrix Twins!


Terry Jeffery is an especially obnoxious little twerp whose pallor makes Chris Matthews look like George Hamilton - also he reminded me of Rolf - the Teutonc snitch who rats out the Von Trapp family in Sound of Music.

This guy was a beaut - the madder he got the more his two front buckers fanged out - he was screaming at Chris Mattews and a lovely woman editor from the Boston Herald! This guys teeth !!!! He could bite a pig's ass through a picket fence!

If these Andy Warhol stand-ins on full snit are the Conservative forces! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!


Ah well, A Man is known by the company he keeps - click on to my post title for John McCain's Endorsements.


What dillies! What goofs! What a Chorus line of white haired rats!
Willard's Dough must really have SOME impact on Conservative thinkers!


Ah, well back to the snow.

John McCain: He Served and Leads - Mitt Regrets.

Mitt sent his Regrets - One of the two Regrets in his life - what was the other one?

re·gret /rɪˈgrɛt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ri-gret] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -gret·ted, -gret·ting, noun
–verb (used with object) 1. to feel sorrow or remorse for (an act, fault, disappointment, etc.): He no sooner spoke than he regretted it.
2. to think of with a sense of loss: to regret one's vanished youth.
–noun 3. a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc.
4. a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc.
5. regrets, a polite, usually formal refusal of an invitation: I sent her my regrets.
6. a note expressing regret at one's inability to accept an invitation: I have had four acceptances and one regret.

Regrets - I had a few but then again Too few to mention , but Hell I never had more than two nickles to rub together. If I had Mitts dough I'd have Regrets A'Plenty!

Regrets came close on the heels of an action. Mitt, regrets to inform the American People that Senators are just legislators and not Leaders! I suppose this could be considered Mitt-picking, but:

But, then he did his patented "Charles Foster Kane!!!!" -

This part was a doozey!

I do believe that as people over the centuries have considered who ought to lead our country, they don't look to senators. They look to governors. And they look to governors because they have the experience of being executive leaders.

They're actually leading something. They're making something happening. They're running something. They're leading an organization.

Senators and congressmen are fine people, but they're legislators. They sit in committees. They're committee chairs. And they call that leadership.

Yeah, Mitt - Harry Truman - Senator; JFK - Senator; JBJ- Senator; Gerald R. Ford - U.S. Congressman!


More Regrets from the conclusion of the debate by Mitt:

Military Service - Mitt Romeny Regrets He will be Unable to Attend!

VANDEHEI: Let's turn that around. Even today, Rudy Giuliani endorsed John McCain and said that there would be no better commander- in-chief. What makes you more qualified than John McCain to run the military as commander-in-chief?

ROMNEY: You know, I'm sure that are those who'd say, you know, to be the commander-in-chief you have to serve in the military. And one of the two great regrets I have in life is I didn't serve in the military. I'd love to have.

But I don't believe that you have to have served in the military to be a great commander-in-chief or to be a great foreign policy expert. I think you're going to see in our foreign policy and in the military, we're going to face challenges not like the challenges of old, where I'd liken it to playing checkers with the red side and the black side.

Did Mitt actually try -actively - to enter military service? I know I did not.
I did not get drafted! I am thrilled not to have been drafted, but I am as Yellow as a Duck's Foot!

Mitt said that a military background does not preclude being Commander in Chief - true enough.

Regrets - Tell that to Miss Otis.

John McCain: Illinois Rally for McCain - Vote - These Kids Would!

These Kids will not be Voting. Some people, comfortable here at home who live their patriotism through Talk Radio, say they will not Vote and they are more than able to do so and that is a Shame.

The Heroes with the empty boots overseas paid for their Right not to vote. Americans will vote.

John McCain sacrificed his political future to support our Fighting Forces defeating Islamist Extremism. I'll proudly vote for John McCain.


To all:

Bring your friends, neighbors and relatives, email all your acquaintances, we want a full house on February 1st, to meet and greet the next President of the United States, Senator John McCain. We will have signs to hand-out, there will be ample parking, the national media will be there. This is the last Illinois event for John McCain before the very important Illinois primary on February 5th so let's make it a memorable one for this great American Hero! Following the event there is also a fundraiser you can attend by purchasing a ticket here

COME TO A RALLY FOR
SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN

Friday, February 1st
Doors open at 5:00 P.M.
Event starts at 5:30 P.M.

Odeum Sports & Expo Center
1033 N. Villa Avenue
Villa Park, IL
(1/4 mile North of North Avenue/West of Rte. 83)

John McCain: Whom do you trust - The Terminator or Sidney Greeenstreet

John McCain seems close to another endorsement -This one from Governor Schwarzenegger.

Ok let's see The Terminator or Sidney Greenstreet -Governor of California Arnold or America's fatboy - Rush Limbaugh and his lesser lights?

Take a plugged nickle from Rushies or Sound Judgment from The Governator.

John McCain: Florida Win for Deeds Over Words!

A Self Inflicted Pie Toss Victim- Pat Buchanan - Celebrated 'sucker-puncher' had a tough night in Florida.
( Click my post title for Andrew Jones' great report on the Florida McCain Victory)




Pat Buchanan was swallowing his eye-balls while the returns maintained McCain's Leads. Olbermann droned. Pat Buchanan, whose sister Bay orchestrated Mitt Romney's 'ground war,' and 'psych ops' as one goof explained why there was 'no possible way McCain could expect to win in Florida,' called Senator McCain 'a liar'
repeatedly on MSNBC and accused McCain of 'sucker-punching' Romney over the weekened = hey that's Pat Buchanan's schtick:

But it seems that faux-tough guy Buchanan is a self-described sucker-puncher:

Assaulted Police Officers
Pat Buchanan's lack of respect for the law took another form in college. An argument with police officers over a traffic ticket ended up with Buchanan swinging away at them. Buchanan's supporters like to say he "beat up" the cops. Actually, Pat ended up with a broken wrist and a misdemeanor conviction (and only a sharp lawyer kept it at that.) He was suspended from Georgetown University for a year, though he was later readmitted (after his father pleaded with the school) and graduated with honors.

Pat actually plays this incident up, cultivating the image of a tough guy outsider, "fighting Irish" -- though he is much more German and Scottish than Irish, lives a wealthy Beltway life, and has rarely shown any honor in his fighting. Even in his own autobiography, he often brags about "sucker punching" people -- hitting them when they aren't looking. And of course he avoided military service despite his "tough" pro-war talk. --

http://www.realchange.org/buchanan.htm#hitcop

Anti-Cop and a Coward? A Sucker Puncher, at least where I come from, is akin to being a Barn Burner in Rural America. Well Pat Buchanan is an - Oh, what's that word that starts with a vowel? - an Entertainer, like Rush and the Lennie and Squigee of political thought - Hannity and Colmes. Rhetoric lost big time last night. Deeds Kayo'd Words!

John McCain won because people voted for him. They responded to his record - his deeds. All the Gasbags and Harumphing Hypocrites on Fox and MSNBC and on the Blogopshere will need to re-tool. No , Keith Olbermann, you will still have your job -MSNBC has more tools than Craftsman.

Rudy Giuliani ran like a Man. Mike Huckabee is a Christian Gentleman. Fred Thompson a Patriot. Now is the time for Mitt Romney to think about his Party and his Country. However, I got a Saccgeweah Gold Coin that says he will pump more money into his ego-driven campaign and Mitt will go uglier.

John McCain's deeds and the votes in Florida allow John McCain the opportunity to 'go Presidential on Mitt and his minions -Rush, Hannity, Buchanan, Scarborough ( what a tool!), Hughie Hewitt, 'Bones' Coulter and so many others.

Deeds defeated Rhetoric last night That is good for America

John McCain: God Speed, John McCain!

REMARKS BY JOHN MCCAIN ON FLORIDA PRIMARY VICTORY


ARLINGTON , VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain as prepared for delivery:

Thank you. Thank you, Florida Republicans, for bringing a former Florida resident across the finish line first in -- as I have been repeatedly reminded lately -- an all Republican primary. I have always loved this beautiful state, from the time I was a young naval aviator learning my trade in Pensacola to the time I commanded the largest air squadron in the United States Navy at Cecil Field. Most of all, I have always been indebted to Florida friends and neighbors in Orange Park for taking such good care of my family while I was away on a longer than expected tour of duty. Florida has always been a special place to me, and it is all the more so tonight. Our victory might not have reached landslide proportions, but it is sweet nonetheless. And I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen.

Time will only allow me to thank a few of our Florida supporters by name, but to everyone who, in good times and bad, devoted so much time, energy and hope to keeping our candidacy competitive, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you, of course, to the great governor of Florida, Charlie Crist; to my dear friend, Senator Mel Martinez; to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Congressmen Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart; Representative Marcelo Llorente; Commissioner Mildred Fernandez; Representative Adam Hasner; Senator Durell Peaden; Representative Bogdanoff and Council President Durell Davis. And thank you so much to our tremendous statewide volunteer leadership who stuck with us for eighteen long, very long months.

And as always, I want to thank my family for their extraordinary support and encouragement: my wife Cindy, daughter Meghan and son, Doug, who are here, and my children who are not here. It is obvious to me, as it should be to everyone, that I could not have done this without you.

This was a hard fought election, and worth fighting hard for, but I've been on the other side of such contests before, and experienced the disappointment. I offer my best wishes to Governor Romney and his supporters. You fought hard for your candidate, and the margin that separated us tonight surely isn't big enough for me to brag about or for you to despair. Governor Huckabee and his supporters, as always, brought to this campaign conviction and passion and something we don't always have enough of in these contests, good humor and grace. And I want to thank, my dear friend, Rudy Giuliani, who invested his heart and soul in this primary, and who conducted himself with all the qualities of the exceptional American leader he truly is. Thank you, for all you have added to this race, and for being an inspiration to me and millions of Americans.

My friends, in one week we will have as close to a national primary as we have ever had in this country. I intend to win it, and be the nominee of our party. And I intend to do that by making it clear what I stand for. I stand for the principles and policies that first attracted me to the Republican Party when I heard, in whispered conversations and tap codes, about the then Governor of California, who stood by me and my comrades, and who was making quite a reputation for standing by his convictions no matter the changing winds of political thought and popular culture. When I left the Navy and entered public life, I enlisted as a foot soldier in the political revolution he began. And I am as proud to be a Reagan conservative today, as I was then. I trust in the courage, good sense, resourcefulness and decency of the American people, who deserve a government that trusts in their qualities as well, and doesn't abrogate to its elf the responsibilities to do for the people what the people can and want to do for themselves.

We Republicans have always known that the first responsibility of government is to keep this country safe from all enemies foreign and domestic, and the American people unburdened by the heavy hand of government that spends too much of their money on things they neither want nor need, while failing to do as well as we should the things none of us can do individually. Government must defend our nation's security wisely and effectively, because the cost of our defense is so dear to us, measured in losses so hard to bear, and in the heartbreak of so many families. Government must respect our values because they are the true source of our strength; and enforce the rule, which distinguishes successful democracies from failed societies, and is the first defense of freedom. And the judges we appoint to federal benches must understand that is their only responsibility, and leave to elected officials their responsibility to make the laws that they enforce. We believe government should do only those things we cannot do individually, to tax us no more than necessary, and spend no more than necessary, and then get out of the way of the most industrious, ingenious and optimistic people in the history of the world so that they can build an even greater country than the one they inherited.

My friends, as I said the other week in South Carolina , there is nothing in our country that is inevitable. We can overcome any challenge as long as we keep our courage, and stand by the principles that have made our party and our country great. Our party has always been successful when we have, like Ronald Reagan, stood fast by our convictions. And we have only suffered when our allegiance to our principles has not been as steadfast as it should. I intend to make my stand on those principles, and I am confident we will succeed in this contest and in the bigger one in November against anyone the Democratic Party nominates.

Most importantly, I promise you again, I will always put America -- her strength, her ideals, her future -- before every other consideration.

Tonight, my friends, we celebrate. Tomorrow it's back to work. We have a ways to go, but we are getting close, and for that you all have my profound thanks. Goodnight and God bless you.

###

John McCain: Chicago's Great Reporter - Dennis Byrne - McCain Most Competent

Chicago's talented and insightful Dennis Byrne has this to say about Senator John McCain in the Chicago Tribune:

For all of McCain's alleged faults, he holds an American Conservative Union lifetime rating of 82.3. True, that's the lowest among the leading GOP candidates. But, RealClearPolitics.com's consolidated polls of various head-to-head races show that McCain is the only Republican candidate who is, at this moment, ahead of the Democratic front-runners, Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois. Are die-hard conservatives so dead set against a slightly less than pure conservative president that they would prefer either Clinton or Obama (with American Conservative Union ratings of 9 and 8, respectively) in the White House?

McCain's conservative credentials can be verified by a close examination of Project Vote Smart's Web site (www.vote smart.org), where the voting records, issue positions and interest group ratings of the candidates are detailed. Spend time there, and you'll find that McCain isn't the ogre that custodians of the conservative flame would have us believe.

For me, the two most important issues in the election are national security (i.e. the war on terror, the war in Iraq and the nuclear threat posed by lunatic tyrants) and the quality and philosophical grounding of the new president's appointments to the Supreme Court and other federal courts. (The latter should be most critical to pro-lifers. Whether the high court will return the question of abortion to voters depends on the quality of those appointments.) McCain is on the right side of both issues, and that's what counts for me. Everything else -- the economy, free trade, balanced budget and so forth -- comes in second. McCain's remarkable comeback in the polls means something. Perhaps its significance coincides with the success of the Iraq "surge" -- something he courageously had urged for years while former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was still carrying out his lame war strategy.

Or perhaps voters are getting tired of the mind-clanging, headache-inducing demands for "outsiders" who are the "agents of change." Right. Tossing a puppy into a ring of snarling pit bulls also will bring about change. Reformers often fail because they don't know the territory. For all the glory heaped on Obama, I'd put my money on the less illustrious and consummate insider Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) to be an effective agent of change. Not that he is, or that his change is the kind I'd like.

This election, any election, comes down to a single question: Who can govern the best? Not who can orate the best. Or which candidate is the correct race or color. Who can govern the best ... it's not a conversation you often, if ever, hear in the endless jabber about the presidential elections. I suspect voters are getting tired of all the strategizing by creepy political advisers and just want someone to govern, someone who, as one shoe commercial says, can "just do it." If so, that's why McCain will get the Republican nomination.

John McCain: Romney is Mellow/Dazed and Confused - But So Chilled!

Hannity and Colmes want to Mix it Up with McCain - Pack a big lunch girls!










Above one of the creampuffs - who had his feelings hurt by John McCain! Chilling.
"I like my Mitt chilled - shaken but not stirred?" Conservative Gasbags!

What is Mitt anesthetized?

Get Mad Mitt - Wait til tomorrow and then throw a dandy hissy-fit.

As for John McCain's anger? There are twelve deep around the oval bar at Keegan's Pub - traditional Democrats 0h, you know Chicago Cops; Chicago Firemen; Nurses; Bankers; Streets and Sanitation Workers; Tradesmen; School teachers; journalists and even one or two movie stars - George Wendt pops in for a pint of Guinness periodically - waiting to buy rounds all night and cast their votes for John McCain.

He's their kind of guy. Look at the beauties with whom John McCain took umbrage- not Armless Blind Timmy the Newsies; or Mary Jane Ironlung; or Northeye Quinlan - the lazy-eyed jeweler's appraiser. McCain did not slap Cynthia McKinney or Jerry Weller or the other Congresspeople who take the short yellow bus to work. He whacked some powerful crybabies.

Mitt - what did you pay for this "attack ad?" You been had Mr. Business Dude! What are you gonna Cry now? Good reason to.

THE MCCAIN WAY
ATTACK REPUBLICANS
A Top 10 List…


Defending His Amnesty Bill, Sen. McCain Lost His Temper And “Screamed, ‘F*ck You!’ At Texas Sen. John Cornyn” (R-TX). “Presidential hopeful John McCain - who has been dogged for years by questions about his volcanic temper - erupted in an angry, profanity-laced tirade at a fellow Republican senator, sources told The Post yesterday. In a heated dispute over immigration-law overhaul, McCain screamed, ‘F— you!’ at Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who had been raising concerns about the legislation. ‘This is chickens—stuff,’ McCain snapped at Cornyn, according to several people in the room off the Senate floor Thursday. ‘You’ve always been against this bill, and you’re just trying to derail it.’” (Charles Hurt, “Raising McCain,” New York Post, 5/19/07)
In 2000, Sen. McCain Ran An Attack Ad Comparing Then-Gov. George W. Bush To Bill Clinton. SEN. MCCAIN: “I guess it was bound to happen. Governor Bush’s campaign is getting desperate, with a negative ad about me. The fact is, I’ll use the surplus money to fix Social Security, cut your taxes and pay down the debt. Governor Bush uses all of the surplus for tax cuts, with not one new penny for Social Security or the debt. His ad twists the truth like Clinton. We’re all pretty tired of that. As president, I’ll be conservative and always tell you the truth. No matter what.” (McCain 2000, Campaign Ad, 2/9/00; www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoXkCprdL4)
Sen. McCain Repeatedly Called Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) An “A**hole”, Causing A Fellow GOP Senator To Say, “I Didn’t Want This Guy Anywhere Near A Trigger.” “Why can’t McCain win the votes of his own colleagues? To explain, a Republican senator tells this story: at a GOP meeting last fall, McCain erupted out of the blue at the respected Budget Committee chairman, Pete Domenici, saying, ‘Only an a–hole would put together a budget like this.’ Offended, Domenici stood up and gave a dignified, restrained speech about how in all his years in the Senate, through many heated debates, no one had ever called him that. Another senator might have taken the moment to check his temper. But McCain went on: ‘I wouldn’t call you an a–hole unless you really were an a–hole.’ The Republican senator witnessing the scene had considered supporting McCain for president, but changed his mind. ‘I decided,’ the senator told Newsweek, ‘I didn’t want this guy anywhere near a trigger.’” (Evan Thomas, et al., “Senator Hothead,” Newsweek, 2/21/00)
Sen. McCain Had A Heated Exchange With Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) And Called Him A “F*cking Jerk.” “Senators are not used to having their intelligence or integrity challenged by another senator. ‘Are you calling me stupid?’ Sen. Chuck Grassley once inquired during a debate with McCain over the fate of the Vietnam MIAs, according to a source who was present. ‘No,’ replied McCain, ‘I’m calling you a f—ing jerk!’ (Grassley and McCain had no comment.)” (Evan Thomas, et al., “Senator Hothead,” Newsweek, 2/21/00)
In 1995, Sen. McCain Had A “Scuffle” With 92-Year-Old Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) On The Senate Floor. “In January 1995, McCain was midway through an opening statement at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing when chairman Strom Thurmond asked, ‘Is the senator about through?’ McCain glared at Thurmond, thanked him for his ‘courtesy’ (translation: buzz off), and continued on. McCain later confronted Thurmond on the Senate floor. A scuffle ensued, and the two didn’t part friends.” (Harry Jaffe, “Senator Hothead,” The Washingtonian, 2/97)
Sen. McCain Accused Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Of The “Most Egregious Incident” Of Corruption He Had Seen In The Senate. “It escalated when McCain reiterated the charges Oct. 10 in a cross-examination, calling McConnell’s actions the ‘most egregious incident’ demonstrating the appearance of corruption he has ever seen in his Senate career.” (Amy Keller, “Attacks Escalate In Depositions,” Roll Call, 10/21/02)
Sen. McCain Attacked Christian Leaders And Republicans In A Blistering Speech During The 2000 Campaign. MCCAIN: “Unfortunately, Governor Bush is a Pat Robertson Republican who will lose to Al Gore. … The political tactics of division and slander are not our values… They are corrupting influences on religion and politics, and those who practice them in the name of religion or in the name of the Republican Party or in the name of America shame our faith, our party and our country. Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics and the agents of intolerance, whether they be Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton on the left, or Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell on the right.” (Sen. John McCain, Remarks,

Virginia Beach, VA, 2/28/00)
Sen. McCain Attacked Vice President Cheney. MCCAIN: “The president listened too much to the Vice President . . . Of course, the president bears the ultimate responsibility, but he was very badly served by both the Vice President and, most of all, the Secretary of Defense.” (Roger Simon, “McCain Bashes Cheney Over Iraq Policy,” The Politico, 1/24/07)
Celebrating His First Senate Election In 1986, Sen. McCain Screamed At And Harassed A Young Republican Volunteer. “It was election night 1986, and John McCain had just been elected to the U.S. Senate for the first time. Even so, he was not in a good mood. McCain was yelling at the top of his lungs and poking the chest of a young Republican volunteer who had set up a lectern that was too tall for the 5-foot-9 politician to be seen to advantage, according to a witness to the outburst. ‘Here this poor guy is thinking he has done a good job, and he gets a new butt ripped because McCain didn’t look good on television,’ Jon Hinz told a reporter Thursday. At the time, Hinz was executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. … Hinz said McCain’s treatment of the young campaign worker in 1986 troubled him for years. ‘There were an awful lot of people in the room,’ Hinz recalled. ‘You’d have to stick cotton in your ears not to hear it. He (McCain) was screaming at him, and he was red in the face. It wasn’t right, and I was very upset at him.’” (Kris Mayes and Charles Kelly, “Stories Surface On Senator’s Demeanor,” The Arizona

Republic, 11/5/99)
Sen. McCain “Publicly Abused” Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). “[McCain] noted his propensity for passion but insisted that he doesn’t ‘insult anybody or fly off the handle or anything like that.’ This is, quite simply, hogwash. McCain often insults people and flies off the handle…. There have been the many times McCain has called reporters ‘liars’ and ‘idiots’ when they have had the audacity to ask him unpleasant, but pertinent, questions. McCain once… publicly abused Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama.” (Editorial, “There’s Something About McCain,” The Austin American-Statesman, 1/24/07)

Senator McCain, leave some for the blind-cripple kid - he wants in on these goofs too!

John McCain: Islamist Terror, Mr. President! Where was Islamist Terror in your Last State of the Union?

I was pretty much surprised that President Bush never used the words
Islamist or Islamist Extremism or Islamist Terror in his last State of the Union!

Sweet Jesus! Islamist Terrorism (designed, funded and launched from Wahabist Schools in Saudi Arabia)killed 3,000 Americans; pushed America to topple Saddam; and bankrupted the Bush Presidency.

No trace of those words in the State of the Union ( click my post title for the full transcript): Here's the Foreign Policy stuff:

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We've seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We've seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We've seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban and choose a new president and a new parliament. We've seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. These images of liberty have inspired us. (Applause.)

In the past seven years, we've also seen images that have sobered us. We've watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassin's hand. We've seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. On a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

Since 9/11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies. (Applause.)

We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear. Yet in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on: In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. And that is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to the people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom. (Applause.)

In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies, and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al Qaeda is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school, new roads and hospitals are being built, and people are looking to the future with new hope. These successes must continue, so we're adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan Army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America's vital mission in Afghanistan. (Applause.)

In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty, and fighting to establish safe havens for attacks across the world. One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos. So we reviewed our strategy and changed course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. We gave our troops a new mission: Work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in its strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country.

The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with Provincial Reconstruction Teams that include Foreign Service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life. Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation. (Applause.)

The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda's brutality and started a popular uprising called "The Anbar Awakening." Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country. And today, the grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The government in Baghdad has stepped forward, as well -- adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year.

While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago. (Applause.) When we met last year, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high profile terrorist attacks are down, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down.

When we met last year, militia extremists -- some armed and trained by Iran -- were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq. A year later, coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of militia fighters. And Iraqis of all backgrounds increasingly realize that defeating these militia fighters is critical to the future of their country.

When we met last year, al Qaeda had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al Qaeda that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we've captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al Qaeda leaders and operatives.

Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al Qaeda and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated. (Applause.)

When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of "return on success," and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.

This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the front lines. Soldiers and sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we've asked of you, and more. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation. (Applause.) And I ask Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops. (Applause.)

Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and we can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. As part of this transition, one Army brigade combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home. (Applause.)

Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the "disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al Qaeda-Iraq regaining lost ground, [and] a marked increase in violence." Members of Congress: Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen. (Applause.)

In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they're making toward political reconciliation. At the local level, Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad. (Applause.) We're seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Baathification reform. They're now debating a provincial powers law. The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place -- and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future. (Applause.)

The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation. But it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed. A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. A free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror, and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al Qaida's top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington. My fellow Americans: We will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated. (Applause.) We must do the difficult work today, so that years from now people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight, and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America. (Applause.)

We're also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace. (Applause.)

We're also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran. Iran's rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it. Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas' efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land. Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range, and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon.

Our message to the people of Iran is clear: We have no quarrel with you. We respect your traditions and your history. We look forward to the day when you have your freedom. Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear: Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment, so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions, stop your oppression at home, cease your support for terror abroad. But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops. We will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf. (Applause.)

Nope - No Islamist Terrorism - that would be like fighting WWII with no mention of Fascism; the Cold War without Communism.

John McCain knows better.

John McCain; Roland Vanderwagon Will Never Vote for an Honorable American Hero

Every Radio Hack has bristled, burned, flared, foamed, fulminated, fumed, raged, raved, sputtered, stormed and wheezed of the impending nomination of John McCain at the GOP National Convention.

My old pal Roland Vanderwagon of Nice Streets Terrace, Wasp Hollow SubDivision, Unincorporated Lake/Du Page County - He Has a Cordial Hatred of John McCain and all of His Straight Talk! Roland is a lawyer/banker/real estate developer/venture capitalist nationally recognized Turophile ( 'that's a Blue Cheese! - See the blue? See it?! That's a Grilled Cheese! That's a Cheddar! That's a French Cheese from France!')and celebrated tight-wad.

If Roland were a Roman Catholic we would say that he 'still has his First Communion Money.' Roland Vanderwagon serves on every Blue Ribbon panel against government corruption - that does not 'suggest' a modest donation. Roland is Civic Livid and requires that the tax-payers fund his efforts to sweep out the rascals; so he can get his rascals into office. Any public safety, plan, or proposal that does not benefit Roland Vanderwagon financially and directly -"Stinks to High Heavens!; Smells of Business as Usual! A Stench on the Air of Good Government!" Sticking his honker in wheels of cut cheese have made his olfactory sensibilities as Sharp as Vermont Cabot!

Roland detests 'Machine Politics,' because his folks never allowed Roland to mess around with cars. Machines are for mechanics and mechanics should be paid what the market will bear and as Roland is the market he does not want to pay anything.

McCain will secure the Borders and stop the flow of illegal immigration; He wants a path to citizenship for illegals already working, lving in barn-barracks; McCain would have allowed a path to citizenship for the hundreds of Mexican illegals working on Roland's factory farms on both sides of the Illinois/Indiana border along Route 41. Where would Roland be then? Thius damn Immigration Reform is no Reform at all! Roland is supposed to pay Social Security and Prevailing Wage? Not In This Wild World of Free Marlkets! Next they would demand - What ? Decent Wages?

McCain calls himself a Conservative but has systematically leveled pork-barrel spending ( Where Does an Investor like Roland Get a Better Bang for His Buck than the Federal Government?)- McCain cut off federal dollars to Roland's investment with Boeing Corporation for a Refueling Air-Tanker that didn't work. Swine McCain! Is Roland a mechanic? No we have already established that. Let the soldiers fly what ever they damn please. They volunteered to Serve America -not Roland!

Then, McCain demands that these coddled military people be treated like V.I.Ps when their terms of service end:

John McCain believes that meeting the needs of our service members who defend us is our obligation and is essential to our national security. He worked to increase pay scales for servicemen and women during both the Persian Gulf War and the current War on Terror and to increase enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reservists and guardsmen. He also sponsored bills to give special tax relief to deployed service members and to set up overseas savings programs for the men and women fighting in the Gulf War.

McCain is scoundrel! Rush! Hannity! Coulter! Hughie Hewitt! Get this Mad Man! What am I paying you louts and inkslingers for anyway!!!!!!!

John McCain: How I Can Help - My Phone Chat with America's Next President

I spoke with Senator John McCain on a Press/Blogger Call just a few seconds ago.

Senator McCain articulated his position on this issue lately convoluted by political shills:

I'm so proud of Justice Alito. I'm so proud of playing a role in getting his nomination through the United States Senate, he and Justice Roberts. And I've said many times that my nominees as President will be people like Roberts and Alito. They're the role model for what we're going to do when I am President of the United States because I have the greatest admiration for him and Chief Justice Roberts.

My daughter Clare, 13 now. was doing her homework and we talked about one of our neighbors who is battling cancer. "It is really Him, He's sounds like Mr. Cullen or Mr. Rubey. He sounds like all the Dads. '

Clare was thrilled hearing Senator McCain's voice coming through my cell phone and I explained that he was answering questions from all over the country.

My name was called:

I asked Senator McCain how I, a traditionally Democratic voter, could help to reach out to Independents and other Democrats. Once Senator McCain cinches the GOP nomination this election becomes defining moment: Deeds over Rhetoric in America.

Senator McCain emphasized that I help to strengthen the national security issues and vital role we at home play in support of the young men and women directly involved in the War on Islamist Terror. I'll fill in the balance of Senator McCain's words to me with an excerpt from his campaign site ( click my post title for more). I was thrilled to speak with this wonderful man.

If efforts in Iraq do not retain the support of the American people, the war will be lost as soundly as if our forces were defeated in battle. A renewed effort at home starts with explaining precisely what is at stake in this war to ensure that Americans fully understand the high cost of a military defeat. The war in Iraq is at a crossroads and the future of the entire region is at stake - a region that produced the terrorists who attacked America on 9/11 and where much of the world's energy supplies are located. Success is essential to creating peace in the region, and failure would expose the United States to national security threats for generations. Defeat in the war would lead to much more violence in Iraq, greatly embolden Iran, undermine U.S. allies such as Israel, likely lead to wider conflict, result in a terrorist safe haven in the heart of the Middle East, and gravely damage U.S. credibility throughout the world.

The American people also deserve to know that the path ahead will be long and difficult. They have heard many times that the violence in Iraq will subside soon - when a transitional government is in place, when Saddam is captured, when elections are held, when a constitution is in place. John McCain believes it is far better to describe the situation just as it is - difficult right now, but not without hope. The stakes for America could not be higher.

John McCain on Leadership

"Increasing U.S. troop levels will expose more brave Americans to danger and increase the number of American casualties. When Congress authorized this war, we committed America to a mission that entails the greatest sacrifice a country can make, one that falls disproportionately on those Americans who love their country so much that they volunteer to risk their lives to accomplish that mission. And when we authorized this war, we accepted the responsibility to make sure those men and women could prevail. Extending combat tours and accelerating the deployment of additional troops is a terrible sacrifice to impose on the best patriots among us, and they will understandably be disappointed when they are given that order. Then they will shoulder their weapons and do everything they can to protect our country's vital interests in Iraq."



This much I pledge, Senator. God Bless you in your work.

John McCain: A tale of Two Mitties! 'Tis a Far, Far Better Vote for McCain!

'Mitt, Bay and Jeb, send their best. It's over quickly. Tuesday and out! Hey, can we get a job at Staples after all this? Me and Kc here are with you man! Rush says You Rock! Watch your step.'


ALEXANDRIA , VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new web ad, entitled "A Tale Of Two Mitts," focusing on Mitt Romney's shifting positions on important issues like abortion, gun control and Ronald Reagan.

As the Orlando Sentinel wrote today, Romney's record of shifting positions "raises doubts about his core beliefs and commitment to principle."

VIEW THE AD HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGur36uVWxA

Script For "A Tale Of Two Mitts" (1:00-Web)

CHYRON: Masterpiece Theatre

CHYRON: A Tale of Two Mitts

CHYRON: On Abortion

CHYRON: MA-U.S. Senate Debate 1994

MITT ROMNEY: I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country.

CHYRON: MA-Gubernatorial Debate 2002

MITT ROMNEY: I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose, and am devoted and dedicated to honoring my word in that regard.

CHYRON: TV-Interview 2007

MITT ROMNEY: I am pro-life, and favor that legislation.

MITT ROMNEY: You will not see me wavering on that or be a multiple choice. Thank you very much.

CHYRON: MA-U.S. Senate Debate 1994

CHYRON: Republican Presidential Debate 2007

MITT ROMNEY: You can go back to YouTube and look at what I said in 1994. I never said I was pro-choice but, my position was effectively pro-choice. I've said that time and time again.

CHYRON: On the 2nd Amendment

CHYRON: MA-Gubernatorial Debate 2002

MITT ROMNEY: We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts . I support them.

CHYRON: Speaking in 2007

MITT ROMNEY: I support the 2nd Amendment. I purchased a gun when I was a young man. I've been a hunter pretty much all my life.

CHYRON: Speaking in 2007

MITT ROMNEY: Small, small, uh, varmints if you will.

CHYRON: On Being a Republican

CHYRON: MA-U.S. Senate Debate 1994

MITT ROMNEY: Look, I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush.

CHYRON: On Being a Republican

CHYRON: Campaign Commercial-2007

MITT ROMNEY: It's time for Republicans to start acting like Republicans.

CHYRON: On Being a Republican

CHYRON: MA-U.S. Senate Debate 1994

MITT ROMNEY: I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush.

CHYRON: Mitt Romney's Flip-Flops Truly Are Masterpieces

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approved this message.

CHYRON: Paid for by John McCain, 2008. Approved by John McCain.

John McCain: Florida Surge is Working

While McCain Brain and Blog- Trotter Patrick Hynes is getting carved up by Righties and Lefties on Ankle Biting Pundits, The John McCain Surge is Up in Florida.

I just got this update from Brother Hynes - A tall, muscular chap with instincts of St. Francis, the strength of Paddy Driscoll, and the brains of Samuel Johnson on steroids - which I post below.

Zogby/CSpan/Reuters Tracking (Jan 25-27)
McCain 33 (+3 vs. previous day)
Romney 30 (nc)
Giuliani 14 (+1)
Huckabee 11 (-3)
Paul 2 (-1)

Rasmussen (Jan 27)
McCain 31 (+4)
Romney 31 (-2)
Giuliani 16 (-2)
Huckabee 11 (-1)
Paul 4 (+2)

Strategic Vision (Jan 25-27)

John McCain 27

Mitt Romney 26

Rudy Giuliani 17

Mike Huckabee 15

Ron Paul 5

Undecided 10


Suffolk University (Jan 25-27)
McCain 30
Romney 27
Giuliani 13
Huckabee 11
Paul 4

Quinnipiac (Jan 24-27)
McCain 32
Romney 31
Giuliani 14
Huckabee 13
Paul 3



Click my post title for the on-going McCain-iphobe snarl and drool in its last gasps as John McCain goes on to Victory in Florida!

John McCain: McCain Leads in Florida: Seminoles - Let's Lead with a Leader

Straight talk appeals to all Americans. Long considered, a maverick and a wild card, John McCain's intrinsic qualities of Honor, Honesty, Commitment and Courage struck a chord in voters that was lost on the pundits and pollsters.

John McCain has now taken a slim lead in the polls concerning the Florida GOP Primary and has edged ahead.

Florida voters - let's seal the deal. Tomorrow's Primary Vote may very well be the most historic and nation-changing in our times.

Vote McCain! Vote for America!


Click my post title for the poll news

John McCain: The Best Man is Winning! Americans Win - Even the Goofs Who Hate McCain Win.

Anonymous Bloggers Like Larry here dash to the PC each morning to hack away at their pet enemies - John McCain ( it might also be Capt. Crunch and Rachel Ray -but I will not venture into that part of their cave) - rather than deal with their private demons. Larry's ideas ( for want of a better word) can usually be found in the comment sections. They wedge into polite exchanges between thoughtful people. I give them a sound pants pulling; verbal hinder-binder; poetic bum's rush, only after repeated entries of mean-spirited non-sense directed toward the host.

I went to Catholic Schools all my life and therefore became immune to insults and jibes - been whacked by better, as it were; I can not accept assaults upon people that I like, however.

There are so many websites offering great debate on the issues and the candidates. Some of the very best are listed here:

http://tomroeser.com/ Tom Roeser's balanced but heavily GOP Illinois Site

http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/policy_review/ - Illinois GOP site

http://backyardconservative.blogspot.com/ -Anne Leary's Wonderful, Smart and Balanced site Pro Romney

http://www.azamatterofact.blogspot.com/ - Marston's McCain site

http://www.anklebitingpundits.com/ - Cservative opinion Platform

http://www.cdobs.com/ - Independendent and Diverse Political News and Information platform

In all of these places everyone gets fair treatment - the comments sections are a riot. I take my lumps from solid Romney and Giuliani backers who are smart witty and sincere.

Then there are the goofs - some fire breathing TRUE CONSERVATIVES and Libertarians and the KOS-lite Paulists.

They post constantly and obnoxiously. Gooffs like a foul-mouthed sociopath who calls himself Lawrence and assorted other goofs and ninnies with sock-puppet handles, too gutless to print under their own names:

Here is an example the stuff spewed by this goof:

The attackers can't deal with the issues....
. . .trolls on this blog like Hickey or Nofsinger NEVER deal with with the issues you bring up. They always go on a personal attack. McCain may as well be a Democrat. No wonder the Media is in love with him. For example when Arizona voters including 40% of the voting Hispanic voters supported Prop. 200, McCain opposed it. McCain also voted for ultra liberal judges like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. None of this means anything to Hickey because Hickey is simply not a Republican but a Democratic parasite. The problem is that the Republican party is full of such trolls these days and people like Tom Roeser are believing them and falling in line with them. For example Roeser PRESUMES that McCain will be the nominee. He gets this from filling his mind with the neo-con stuff he reads like the Weekly Standard. I'll bet Tom Roeser's legs go numb as he sits on the toilet and wolfs down the Weekly Standard. By the way the neo-cons supported McCain over Bush in the 2000 campaign. The trolls and the neo-cons will try to shut you but keep it up and go after them!


Posted By: Lawrence
at 1/26/2008 1:42:44 PM

Bughouse Square has moved to Cyber Space!

Lovely piece of work this cowardly louse Lawrence proves himself each utterance - imagine actually knowing this goof, in real life? Yikes. And this dope expects to be taken seriously and 'Demands discussion of the Issues.' You got plenty of them issues, Larry. Cargo holds of loads.

Take them to the water's edge.

Here' the deal. I am backing John McCain. He will win the GOP nomination and the Presidency. Everyone will benefit. Even the loud 'REAL ISSUES!!!'screamers like Hannity, Limbaugh, Lawrence and all of the sock-puppets.

As John McCain told shouters at Townhall Meetings in New Hampshire 'Vote for some one else!' John McCain will do fine. So will America.

Chicago Tribune Endorsement of John McCain

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office

Sunday, January 27, 2008
703-650-5550


THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ENDORSES JOHN MCCAIN

"To hear McCain speak of honor, of duty, is to wake up the echoes of John F. Kennedy urging Americans to ask not what their country can do for them. A President McCain would engage challenges domestic and foreign with the candid conviction that doing what's right may cost us. ... Mitt Romney has the skill set of a superb Treasury secretary. But, thus far, he hasn't convinced us he would be McCain's equal in confronting that dangerous world of 2008. ... [H]is constancy is that of a man grounded in crisp and clear principles that he doesn't exchange for the popular opinion du jour. ... We endorse him confident that as chief executive and commander in chief, he would meet the honorable standards he has set for himself and our country." -- The Chicago Tribune

Excerpts From "For The Republicans: McCain"

Editorial
Chicago Tribune
January 27, 2008

... Many Americans yearn for the holiday-from-history that was the 1990s. The Cold War had ended; the cataclysmic updraft of concrete dust and human DNA hadn't risen from Lower Manhattan .

But there will be no going back. The planet's lone superpower won't again have the privilege of ignoring -- of appeasing with strong words but soft pursuit -- the sworn enemies of this nation and its friends.

One Republican candidate for president dedicated himself to American honor, American duty, long before Sept. 11, 2001. The world of 2008 is the dangerous world John McCain unknowingly spent a military and political career preparing to confront.

To hear McCain speak of honor, of duty, is to wake up the echoes of John F. Kennedy urging Americans to ask not what their country can do for them. A President McCain would engage challenges domestic and foreign with the candid conviction that doing what's right may cost us. Maybe plenty.

His unswerving commitment to victory in Iraq is the likely template. He has never brooked defeatism because the consequences of defeat are so severe. McCain instead urged a troop surge to calm Iraq and, now that it's working, he deflects the credit to the general who executed it. ...

This much we know: If McCain says pork is a battle he'll fight, he'll fight it. And he'll do so in a way that helps Americans understand why Washington 's culture of earmarks -- My constituents first! -- softens us as a nation and dooms our children to debt.

McCain, like his fading opponent Rudy Giuliani, projects rigor. Mike Huckabee, stricken with the ambition of so many former governors with nowhere to go, is out of his depth. Mitt Romney has the skill set of a superb Treasury secretary. But, thus far, he hasn't convinced us he would be McCain's equal in confronting that dangerous world of 2008.

Four years ago, in mulling candidates for president, we wrote that U.S. voters often make choices based on their pet causes and economic interests. But, we said, citizens of a nation at war against genuine global threats don't have that luxury. To reinforce the point we quoted a leader who wasn't on the ballot, John McCain: "So it is, whether we wished it or not, that we have come to the test of our generation, to our rendezvous with destiny. ... All of us, despite the differences that enliven our politics, are united in the one big idea that freedom is our birthright and its defense is always our first responsibility. All other responsibilities come second."

Yes, all other responsibilities come second. McCain was correct -- and we were struck to hear him articulate the very same message to Americans in his victory speech after South Carolina 's primary on Jan. 19.

McCain isn't a repetitive robot. But his constancy is that of a man grounded in crisp and clear principles that he doesn't exchange for the popular opinion du jour.

That constancy, those principles, convince us that John McCain is the best Republican candidate for president in the Feb. 5 Illinois primary. We endorse him confident that as chief executive and commander in chief, he would meet the honorable standards he has set for himself and our country.

Read Entire Chicago Tribune Editorial: "For The Republicans: McCain"

John McCain: Straight Talker and Rush Limbaugh: The Sidney Greenstreet of Loudmouths

Click my post title for McCain and his Conservative critics

Mitt,I couldn't be fonder of you if you were my own son. But, well, if you lose a son, its possible to get another. There's only one Maltese Falcon. MmmmmHa! Rush Limbaugh on Wednesday Morning, January 30th, 2008

John McCain has faced down plenty in his life - including a cascade of conservative critics, as well as the tin-foil hat crowd of Progressives, Libertarians, Trotskyites, and Body Thetans. Large in this body of antagonists is Rush Limbaugh - the Sidney Greenstreet of Loudmouths.

Rush is the litmus test for folks who use the radio waves as their Political Sam's Club: Buy in Bulk, Freeze and Use. Rush got it down. To Rush Mr. Newt was the Lord Xenu of Conservative Doctrine and hung from Gingrich's fanny through the 1990's. 'Mr. Newt' exited politics - stage right - to compose Civil War Novels and treatises on deep political thought.

What's a shill to do? Square pegs stay in square - whadyacall'ems? -holes, I guess and round pegs in the round ones. Keep it simple. stupids! T'aint simple, Rush.

Radio is simple. Has been since Father Coughlin, Aimee Semple-McPherson, Billy Sunday and Nero Wolf. Sidney Greenstreet played Nero Wolf on the old radio. He also played a great villain in old Warner Brothers movies. He was fat, oily, and glib. Like Rush.

Rush has influence as well as political flatulence and John McCain has been his target for a long time. Limbaugh surrogates like Hannity and his Mother Hubbard side-kick Colmes toss vitriol at McCain, like four year old girls with bad arms. But Rush is masterful.

McCain appeals to most Americans, folks who vote Republican and folks who vote Democrat. Most Americans lead complex lives and deal with complex problems. Politics is nothing compared to a sick kid, a daughter on her third deployment to Iraq, a layoff at the newspaper, an evaporating 401(k) Plan, and rising taxes.

Straight talk beats a script every day of the week.

John McCain:Illinois Rally for John McCain February 1st!

To all:

Bring your friends, neighbors and relatives, email all your acquaintances, we want a full house on February 1st, to meet and greet the next President of the United States, Senator John McCain. We will have signs to hand-out, there will be ample parking, the national media will be there. This is the only event scheduled for Senator McCain in Illinois prior to the February 5 primary, so let’s make it a memorable one for this great American Hero.



COME TO A RALLY FOR

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN



Friday, February 1st

Doors open at 5:00 P.M.

Event starts at 5:30 P.M.



Odeum Sports & Expo Center

1033 N. Villa Avenue

Villa Park, IL

(1/4 mile North of North Avenue/West of Rte. 83)

John McCain: Al Gore Sings Commentary on the GOP Florida Debate!

Vesti la giubba,
e la faccia infarina.
La gente paga, e rider vuole qua.
E se Arlecchin t'invola Colombina,
ridi, Pagliaccio, e ognun applaudirà!
Tramuta in lazzi lo spasmo ed il pianto
in una smorfia il singhiozzo e 'l dolor, Ah!


Ridi, Pagliaccio,
sul tuo amore infranto!
Ridi del duol, che t'avvelena il cor!

Get some more boffo arias at Ankle Biting Pundits! The Best on the Left and the Cream of Right!
Stand Up ! Sit Down! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Vote for John McCain all you Seminoles and Snow Birds! The Funny Stuff ends there Tuesday when the Polls Close!


Al Gore Opera Shot Thanks to Patriot and Patron Frank Nofsinger of the Great State of Connecticut!

John McCain: If Romney Loves McCain, All Americans Can Do the Same! McCain Helped Mitt Turn-Around the Olympics

Hey read it here - From Mitt Romney's brag-book on his Turn-Around of the Olympics.

Click my post title for Mitt's Mad-Love for Senator John McCain - the Next President of the United States.

John McCain: Trash Talk from Scarborough MSNBC: Joe's Squeezing His Little Blackberry!

Morning Joe can Fill it up!

4:20 PM - Thursday, January 24, 2008

Caught Florida former Congressman and MSNBC loudmouth Joe Scarborough saying that it makes him want to 'squeeze his Blackberry' when he reads editorial endorsements of John McCain. Que Hombre!

Not the Blackberry, Joe!

This lightweight is well positioned to shill for Mitt Romney prior to the Florida Primary. With Milky Matthews and Keith Olbermann, MSNBC has a history of anti-McCain antics.

Morning Joe is so mad he could 'squeeze his Blackberry.' Scarborough resigned from Congress a short time before a female aide of his died in his office and then went on to be a TV loudmouth. Some industry. Click my post title for that disturbing story from American Politics Journal.

A . . .With Both Hands fan and reader by the name of Walter G. offered this about the McCain trash talker and his obvious shilling for Mitt Romney:

. . . it's easy to pick up a few points in the polls if you're willing to "make all the promises you have to," like promising the people of Michigan that you'll bail out the Big Three in Detroit, and the people of Florida that you'll sit down with insurance executives to figure out a way to get all Americans to pay for insurance policies for people with beach-front property in hurricane-prone areas.

True, Walter, but Joe never got around to Romney's positions other than his personal wealth and, instead, railed about John McCain being a traitor to all that Morning Joe holds dear - and it makes him want to 'squeeze his Blackberry!'


Only a tool would do violence to another tool.

John McCain: The DNC's Worst Nightmare! I'm a Democrat and I love John McCain!

Here is the script for a new John McCain ad - 'The Democrats Worst Nightmare.'

Hey, Democrats love John McCain - all the Democrat's I talk to in my part of Chicago, anyway. Now, the balloon-heads running the Democratic National Committee - Deano and his Lefty crew - Yes, McCain gives them the Night Terrors.

But, good folks who have long voted the Party of Al Smith, FDR, Harry Truman, JFK, Pat Moynihan, Scoop Jackson and Joe Liberman love John McCain.

Here's the script:

Script For "Democrats' Worst Nightmare" (:30-Web)

CHYRON: What keeps Democrats up at night?

JOHN EDWARDS: John McCain

JOHN EDWARDS: John McCain

HILLARY CLINTON: Senator McCain

JOHN EDWARDS: John McCain

BARACK OBAMA: John McCain

BARACK OBAMA: John McCain

HILLARY CLINTON: John McCain

BARACK OBAMA: John McCain

JOHN EDWARDS: John McCain

DEMOCRAT STRATEGIST BOB BECKEL: The Democrats do not want to run against John McCain.

CHYRON: They don't want to face him

THE WASHINGTON POST'S BOB WOODWARD: If you ask Democrats privately, what do you fear most? The answer is John McCain.

BOB BECKEL: We'd much prefer to run against Romney.

SYNDICATED COLUMNIST ROBERT NOVAK: The Democrats I talk to are really worried about a McCain versus Clinton race.

CHYRON: The only Republican who can beat Clinton or Obama

TALK SHOW HOST LARRY ELDER: When you match McCain up against Barack Obama or against Clinton, he is the only one of the prominent Republican candidates that wins.

BECKEL: It's a nightmare from my standpoint.

CHYRON: John McCain: The Democrats' worst nightmare

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

AD FACTS: JOHN MCCAIN 2008 WEB AD, "THE DEMOCRATS' WORST NIGHTMARE"

John McCain Was "The Real Star" Of Democrat Debate This Week, As His Name Came Up 15 Times During Course Of Night. "The Real Star? The three Democrats were on stage and President Bush was the primary focus of their complaints last night but Republican John McCain took center stage for part of the debate when Edwards predicted that the Arizona Senator will likely become the Republican nominee. Bush's name was mentioned 27 times while McCain's name came up 15 times during the course of the night." (Vaughn Ververs, "Starting Gate: Mud Wrestling Leaves Nobody Looking Clean," CBS News, 1/22/08)

Democrat Strategist Bob Beckel: "The Democrats Do Not Want To Run Against John McCain." "We rooted for Huckabee tonight and we didn't get there. The Democrats do not want to run against John McCain." (Fox News' South Carolina Primary Coverage, 1/19/08)

The Washington Post's Bob Woodward: "If You Ask Democrats Privately, What Do You Fear Most? The Answer Is John McCain." "Let me just point out this: If you ask Democrats privately, what do you fear most? The answer is John McCain. That McCain -- we were talking earlier about transparency and openness, "straight talk," Chris was talking about the important notion, personal characteristic of authenticity. McCain has even something more, and that is -- and this is Democrats talking privately -- moral authority. And with the moral authority of his background, his kind of unflinching backing in the Iraq War, not just of the surge, but at the beginning when McCain diagnosed the problem in the war. We didn't have enough troops from the beginning. And he kept hammering on that. So there's a certain consistency, moral authority, carries a lot of weight." (CNN's "Larry King Live," 1/8/08)

Democrat Strategist Bob Beckel: "We'd Much Prefer To Run Against Romney." "We don't want him [McCain] to have the nomination. We'd much prefer to run against Romney. Certainly prefer to run against Huckabee. And probably our best shot we'd have against Giuliani." (Fox News' South Carolina Primary Coverage, 1/19/08)

Syndicated Columnist Bob Novak: "The Democrats I Talk To Are Really Worried About A McCain Versus Clinton Race." "The Democrats I talk to are really worried about a McCain versus Clinton race. They would love to have Romney in because they don't think he's electable." (Fox News' South Carolina Primary Coverage, 1/19/08)

Talk Show Host Larry Elder: "When You Match McCain Up Against Barack Obama Or Against Clinton , Is The Only One Of The Prominent Republicans That Wins." "It is certainly true that McCain -- when you match McCain up against Barack Obama or against Clinton , he is the only one of the prominent Republican candidates that wins. So he is probably going to be a more formidable candidate ..." (Fox News' South Carolina Primary Coverage, 1/19/08)

Democrat Strategist Bob Beckel: "It's A Nightmare From My Standpoint." (Fox News, 12/3/07)

John McCain: LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER ! Eyeeeeiiiiiii! McCain Takes the Louisiana Caucus!

Dat dere's Thibodeaux Hickey operating a Cajun Microwave on Bayou OwnSe'F celebrating John McCain's Winning of the Louisiana Caucus!

Click my Post Title and Dog My Cats for the Official Louisiana GOP announcement!

Crawfish Pie and Etouffe! John McCain Carried the day! My Tante Marie's boys Thibodeaux and Boudreaux Hickey on Bayou OwnSe'f called to say that John McCain's surge has taken the Geat State of Louisiana.

Boudreaux and Thibodeaux went huntin'and got lost in the woods. When Boudreaux began lamentin' dere fate, Thibodeaux said, "You know, I heard that the best thing to do if you get lost is to fire tree shots in da air." So dey did dat, and waited a while. When no rescue party showed up, dey fired tree more shots in da air. Finally, when dere was still no response, Thibodeaux said, "Well, I guess we better fire tree more shots." "OK, if you say so," said Boudreaux. "But somebody better come soon--we about out of arrows!"

Thanks to Spiceycajun.com

www.spiceycajun.com

John McCain: Stormin'Norman & Straight-Talkin' John!

This almost sound like the title to a late 1950's Coasters Hit:

'Stormin' Norman and Straight Talkin' John!'

The man who wiped out Saddam's goons in four days and the man who will lead America in the War on Islamist Terror are in league: General Norman Schwarzkopf has endorsed Senator John McCain.

Click my post Title for this great story!

John McCain _ Fred Thompson Bows Out

This from Chicago Tribune!

At 1:27 PM Fred Thompson dropped out of the GOP Race for the White House! Well done, Senator!

A Real Patriot and Gentleman, Fred Thompson, has served his Nation with his insights and opinions; criticisms and admonitions. Fred Thompson elevated the debate in this race.

John McCain: Hero v. Illinois Same-Old/Same Old GOP - the Folks that Imported Nutty Al Keyes!

This is Mr. Roland Vanderwagon of Nice Streets Terrace, Wasp Hollow SubDivision, Unincorporated Lake/Du Page County - He Has a Cordial Hatred of John McCain and all of His Straight Talk!


This is pretty much the rest of us.












I love the boys and girls at Illinois Review! John, Frannie, Mark, and especially George ! Shoot, a Democrat gets treated better by these folks than on the snarling, humorless Daily Kos wannbee sites here in Illinois.

They provide the editorial and feature ground work for the Progressive Tin-Foil Hat whinners at Illinois Reason - or as I call it No Comment Alley View: If Robin Vagicill or whatever his name is - did not prompt his sock puppets, no one would read that Blog but me - it's amusing and like watching little kids play Ghost and Super Hero: dead serious but harmless.

John McCain still faces an uphill battle against GOP (I AM THE REAL CONSERVATIVE)establishment.

Today my buddy John Ruskin posts a fair question as to John McCain's stand on Tax Cuts - well, kinda fair as John pulled out McCain's response from 2000. Click my post title for the Illinois Review post.

John McCain is a leader who brings together all Americans. My daughter is a McCain delegate - Irish Princess college girl to be sure - and so is Thomas Hayes. Tommy Hayes is an African American Pro Boxer/ Chicago Police Department Candidate - same age as Nora, of the Not-Two-Nickles to Rub Together Hickeys.

Here is my response to What Kind of John McCain will we get - raised by Pal Ruskin:
Brother Ruskin,

This is the John McCain I have come to know and love: ( from Blogs for McCain)

McCain introduced "a slew of cost-cutting amendments. While many of these measures did not pass, they served an important role in shining a glaring light on congressional profligacy. These amendments include:

A 2006 amendment to cut $74.5 million for various agriculture programs[17] A 2006 amendment to cut $6 million for sugarcane growers in Hawaii[18] A 2003 amendment to reduce funding for the Yazoo Basin Backwater Pump Project in Mississippi[19] A 2002 amendment to eliminate $2.5 million for coral reef mapping of the waters off the coast of Hawaii[20] A 1998 amendment to cut $78 million in projects from an emergency supplemental appropriations bill[21] A 1994 motion to kill an amendment to provide $40 million for the conversion of a New York City post office into an Amtrak train station[22]
Senator McCain has also voted against a number of pricey bills, even when most of his colleagues preferred to toe the party line.

These include:

A vote against the 2003 Medicare prescription drug plan[23] A vote against the Farm Security Bill in 2002[24] A vote against the 2005 Highway Bill, one of only four senators to object to the pork-stuffed bill[25] A vote against providing Amtrak with an extra $550 million for the fiscal year 2007[26] A vote against $2 billion in milk subsidies[27] One of fifteen senators to vote for Senator Tom Coburn's (R-OK) amendment transferring $223 million for the "Bridge to Nowhere" to the repair of a Louisiana bridge damaged by Hurricane Katrina.[28] Senator McCain was also one of only thirteen senators to vote for an amendment by Senator Coburn to eliminate $950,000 for a parking lot for the Joslyn Art Museum in Nebraska[29] A vote for welfare reform[30]

John McCain is about governance...not politics.

In answer to your question you would get John McCain - not an empty suit; not a great former mayor; not a great actor; not a great
Preacher; not a great Blimp owner/Revolutionary . . .

. . . You'd get a great American!

John McCain:Illinois Young Professionals for McCain January 23rd Meeting

Illinois Young Professionals for McCain
Kickoff Meeting!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
6:00-7:00PM
Brehon Pub, 731 N. Wells, Chicago, IL.

Join fellow supporters of Sen. John McCain for President at Brehon Pub (back bar) as we gear up for the Feb. 5 primary in Illinois. Learn about Sen. McCain and how you can help him win Illinois and represent the Republican Party this November!

Contact/RSVP to Shawn Healy at buckybacker97@yahoo.com or 312.505.6579

The McCain- The Surge is ON!

I decided to give John McCain the Old Irish Tribal title of "The" - what the hell I used Yeats yesterday and it is my Blog.


John McCain Surges in Tri-State Area, Remains Best Positioned to Win Key Feb. 5th States



Numbers Show McCain on Top

· In recent polls, John McCain has surged ahead of Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani in both of their respective home states, Massachusetts and New York.

· In New York and Connecticut, McCain leads Giuliani by double digits. In Connecticut, McCain leads by 23; in New York, McCain is ahead by 10.

· John McCain is ahead of Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the Bay State by 27 percentage points.



CONNECTICUT

Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut

McCain 39%

Giuliani 16

Romney 11



NEW YORK

Siena New York Poll

McCain 34 %

Giuliani 24

Romney 10



NEW JERSEY
Rasmussen Poll
McCain 29%
Giuliani 27

Monmouth Univ/Gannett New Jersey Poll
McCain 29%
Giuliani 25



MASSACHUSETTS

State House News Poll

McCain 45%

Romney 18

*Independents prefer McCain to Romney by a 47 to 20 percent margin.





John McCain Maintains Strong Momentum, Continues Building Organizational Strength

· John McCain won the key states of New Hampshire and South Carolina and is well positioned to win Florida, which will propel him to victory in the February 5th states.

· Senator McCain continues to secure key endorsements and build strong grassroots organizations in every February 5th state.

· Today, John McCain will announce a strong leadership team in Connecticut, including the endorsements of a diverse group of key leaders.

· Senator McCain will also roll out a list of CT statewide grassroots leadership and coalition chairs today.

John McCain: Illinois' Daily Herald Endorses John McCain!

Illinois McCain Chairman James Durkin reported the Endorsement of John McCain by the Daily Hearld.

Here is part of the endosement:

McCain's campaign stands apart with messages focused on positive ideas. The contrast is striking and significant, the mark not just of a campaign but of the man.

As everyone knows, McCain demonstrated incredible courage and fortitude during his long imprisonment in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp, where he was tortured and subjected to other horrors. This is not a man who is going to be intimidated. McCain also is a man who has shown the capacity to forgive, a capacity to dwell on the positive, not on the negative.

He scores high marks on the tests of character and integrity, even his critics would have to acknowledge.

In the Senate, he has taken on the special interests and the too-mighty impact of the donated dollar. He was a leader in fashioning a campaign finance reform law that, while far from perfect, is so true in intention -- removing the corruptive influence of money in political campaigns.

McCain has fought hard to put a lid on the pork barrel full of wasteful projects funded by tax dollars from millions of Americans but benefiting only a select few with clout.

His economic ideas are shrewd and forward-thinking proposals to turn America back toward prosperity and to strengthen our edge in the global marketplace.

Well done Daily Hearld!

John McCain- 'Invictus' - We Get it,Billy - Got it at Loyola University - Lewis Towers

John McCain is now a Victorian. Sure don't seem like one to me, but what would I know? He seems like a well-adjusted American who was introduced to and developed a great appreciation for literature - the Great Conversation. These days, it seems, that literature is domain of the really smart - The Great Monlogue.

William (I call him Billy) Kristol, the really smart guy on FOX TV Cable News picked up on John McCain's allusion to 19th Century poet William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus” (1875). Have a White Owl, Billy!

John McCain said that 'We are Captains of our Fate' Billy caught that and coupled McCain's allusion to Henley's poem. Smart guy. Billy ought to stop by Keegan's Pub, when Jeopardy is on! 'I'll take Latin Poets and Hot Babes for $5,000 Alex!'

Kristol lets us know that McCain was alluding to 'Invictus.' Jimmy Molloy, now a retired Chicago Police Deputy Superintendent, got it. Chicago Fire Capt. Mike Miller got it. Hell, even I got. We read Henley in 1973 at Loyola University - The Public Transportation Harvard!

Annapolis Alumnus and Prisoner of War, John McCain used literature to off-set the horrors and depression of his five and half years of torture in the Hanoi Hilton.

I read Henley as part of a 19th Century British Literature survey course at Loyola University in 1973 - Henley was being dismissed as an artifact even then by the more fashionable professors and would be scooped up and taken to the memory dump by literary critics during the next thirty years, as cargo in the 'Dead White Guys' purge of literature and collective conscience.

Loyola University of Chicago is an urban Catholic school populated by lower middle class and middle class ethnic types. When I attended Loyola, my classes were filled with L-Riders from the south side at the Rush Street Lewis Towers Campus - my standard dress was grey janitors uniform to go along with my buzz hair-cut, as I was on 3-11PM shift after classes. My classmates often wore Khaki Police Cadet Uniforms, or Carroll's Red Hanger sports coats and smart young women's office wear for work at Sears on State Street and such.

Some of my classmates were Vietnam Vets and very few others attired themselves in Counter Culture wear. I had the late Dr. Hart, our Dean, for 19th Century Brit-Lit. He covered Henley and Kipling as well as the more canonized Ruskin, Arnold, Swinburne, Coleridge, Byron, Keats and Shelley.

In fact most of us in Hart's class enjoyed the Kipling and 'the minor' Victorians more as they promoted the values that each one of us lived - work hard, do a solid eight hours, take your lumps.

John McCain is very much like us L-Riders who became Police Officers, Firefighters, Sears Executives, School Teachers, Nurses, Accountants, and productive members of society. Loyola University provided a great education. Dr. Hart was not one of those teachers who dismissed writers, but introduced them to us - he allowed us to decide who was worthwhile and who was way off the critical mark.

Unlike John McCain, who was in the last years of his personal Gethsemane, we played with meter and message of 'Invictus' - we became Captains of our own souls.

We get it Billy. I don't think that makes McCain a Victorian - he's seems more of an Edwardian to me - sword in the cane; brandies with Oscar and Shav; having a bash at the Motts, Cards and Dice at Monte Carlo and what not?!

Click my post title for Billy Kristol's smart guy massage of John McCain. Billy was writing McCain's political obituary a couple of weeks ago, when all the L-Riders were supporting John McCain. Loyola University is a splendid school - thank you.

Ad Majoram Dei Gloriam

John McCain: For all Americans - Most of them are Heroes.

John McCain touches the hearts of all Americans. I was hooked when John McCain took his 2000 loss to George W. Bush and returned to serving his Country with Courage and Dignity. I vote Democratic Party, but I will vote for John McCain. I will vote for America.

John McCain took positions based upon his understanding of finding the best possible way out of a problem for all Americans, whether it was cutting wasteful Federal spending, campaign reform, immigration, health care, improving the quality of the American environment, and especially helping fight the global war on Islamist Terror.

John McCain stuck his chin out for his country and took the blows of political enemies on the left and the particularly ugly shots from the extreme right.

John McCain is no Mitt Romney - McCain has the scars and bruises of a guy who gets into the combat of living and Mitt looks like Central Casting's pick for the next HBO mini-series adaptation of The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit - Hollywood wishes it could look like Mitt Romney.

John McCain looks like CPD Homicide Detectives Marty Tully and Billy Higgins; Cook County Sheriff Community Service Director Willie Winters; Veteran Grayslake Coach and Teacher Charlie Olson; ER Nurse Mary Terese Riordan; Carpenter J. C. Gutierrez; Roofer Eddie Carroll; 399 Stationary Engineer Dewey Sheehan;Coffee Shop Owner Kristi Martens who was run out of business by a greedy landlord; Grocer Tom Baffes - naw Tom's too good looking; Plumbing Contractor Tommy Hopkins; CFD Fire Capt. Mike Miller and former Fire Superintendent James T. Joyce;Special Education Teacher Ms. Pat Rosenhagen; Laid Off Veteran News Editors John Hector and Ed Koziarski; Labor Leader Brian Hickey; Leo High School President Bob Foster; Professional Boxer and CPD Recruit Thomas 'The Hit man' Hayes (27/1)and Thomas's coach attorney Mike Joyce. These are Americans I love and respect.

John McCain looks like all of the courageous people listed above who are scarred from Vietnam, burned on the job and because of job, bruised by disappointments, and burdened with responsibilities. Higgins and Tully caught the people who murdered little girls and allowed them to decompose in the trunk of a car for most of the hottest summer Chicago ever experienced. Kristi Martens who lost her business though she paid every bill and met every payroll because a real estate developer exacted an excessive rent on her; James Joyce ordered every firefighter in his command out of a building and waited until his order was obeyed - the building fell in on Jim Joyce and turned his tough athletic body into jelly. Jim Joyce went to rehab for years and returned to lead the entire Chicago Fire Department. Bob Foster stepped in and went sleepless and exhausted for years in order to save failing Catholic high school so black young men would have a school that would provide them an opportunity to succeed. Charlie Olson resigned as tennis coach rather than act against the interests of his students - though it cost him a place in the IHSA Coaching Hall of Fame.


Most Americans understand fear and face it down. They understand loss - grieve and go back to work. Americans suffer set-backs and disappoints and shake it off to move up the next grade with greater determination. Americans see what is the ugliest and most horrific in human experience and exert every effort to make sure that none of that reaches the people they love.

They understand what William Butler Yeats wrote 'A King is but a foolish laborer who wastes his blood to be another's Dream.' Heroes bleed. Most heroes say 'it hurts a bit.' ( Click my post title for this beautifully wonderful and under examined poem - its speaks to the nature of heroism)

They do not live to 'Be Somebody, but to Serve.' John McCain said that last night.

John McCain: The Advent of Victory!

*EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY*
REMARKS BY JOHN MCCAIN ON SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY VICTORY

EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY
Contact: Press Office

Saturday, January 19, 2008
703-650-5550


ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain as prepared for delivery:

Thank you, my friends, and thank you, South Carolina , for bringing us across the finish line first in the first in the south primary. It took us a while, but what's eight years among friends. It just gave us the opportunity to spend more time in this beautiful state; to talk with you and listen to you; and to come to admire all the more the deep patriotism of South Carolinians , who have sacrificed so much to defend our country from its enemies. It is a great privilege to have come to know so many of you, and I am very grateful for and humbled by the support you have given our campaign. Thank you especially, for braving the very un-South Carolina like weather today to exercise the first responsibility of an American; not just those South Carolinians who voted for us, but all of you who voted today for the candidate you believe is best suited to lead the country you love. I think I can speak for all of the Republican candidat es, when I say, South Carolinians are never just fair weather friends.

And, of course, I am deeply grateful to our South Carolina team, and to the many dedicated volunteers who gave so generously of their time and labor and kept us competitive in some pretty challenging times. I hope you know how much your friendship means to me. The debt I owe you is a privilege and an obligation, which I promise you, I will faithfully discharge.

I want to thank my wife, Cindy, the best campaigner in the family, and my daughters Meghan and Sidney, who are with us tonight, as well as my son, Doug, and our children who could not be here, and of course, my dear mother, Roberta McCain. It is obvious to me, and to all who know me, that we would not be where we are tonight, but for your love, encouragement and faith in me.

In the course of this campaign, I have tried as best I could, to tell people the truth about the challenges facing our country, and how I intend to address them. As I have said before, I know that before I can win your vote, I must earn your respect. And the only way I know how to do that is by being honest with you. I have tried to do that throughout this campaign, and to put my trust in your willingness to give me your fair consideration. So far, it seems to be working out just fine.

I am aware that for the last 28 years, the winner of the South Carolina primary has been the nominee of our party. We have a ways to go, of course. There are some tough contests ahead, starting tomorrow in the state of Florida . But, my friends, we are well on our way tonight. And I feel very good about our chances.

As pleased as we are that we have a reason to celebrate tonight, I know that I must keep foremost in my mind that I am not running for President to be somebody, but to do something. I am running to keep America safe, prosperous and proud. I am running to restore the trust of the American people in their government. I am running so that our children and their children will have even greater opportunities than the ones we were blessed with. I am running so that every person in this country, now and in generations to come, will know the same, sublime honor that has been the treasure of my life: to be proud to be an American.

I seek the nomination of our Party, because I am as confident today as I was when I first entered public life as a foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution that the principles of the Republican Party -- our confidence in the good sense and resourcefulness of free people -- are always in America 's best interests. In war and peace, in good times and challenging ones, we have always known that the first responsibility of government it to keep this country safe from its enemies, and the American people free of a heavy handed government that spends too much of their money, and tries to do for them what they are better able to do for themselves. We want government to do its job, not your job; to do it better and to do it with less of your money; to defend our nation's security wisely and effectively, because the cost of our defense is so dear to us; to respect our values because they are the true source of our strength; to enforce t he rule of law that is first defense of freedom; to keep the promises it makes to us and not make promises it will not keep. We believe government should do only those things we cannot do individually, and then get out of the way so that the most industrious, ingenious, and enterprising people in the world can do what they have always done, build an even greater country than the one they inherited.

My friends, I know we are facing challenging economic times, and we must be responsive to the concerns of Americans who fear they are being left behind in the global economy. But nothing is inevitable in our country. We are the captains of our fate. We can overcome any challenge as long as we keep our courage, and stand by our defense of free markets, low taxes, and small government that have made America the greatest land of opportunity in the world.

I have served our country all my adult life, and I am prepared for the high office I seek. I asked South Carolinians to help give me the opportunity to serve the country I love a little while longer. You have done that, and I will never forget it. I promise you I will always put America -- her strength, her ideals, her future -- before every other consideration. Thank you, South Carolina , for your trust. I will not let you down, so help me God. Good night and God bless you as you have blessed me.

John McCain: McCain Wins South Carolina - Kids Called It

Hours before the mopes of MSNBC and the tethered right-wing newsreaders of Fox will give the check mark to John McCain, I am calling John McCain the winner by between 5 and 6%

My highly unscientific projection is based upon the photo of the four year old girl and John McCain by Meghan McCain from earlier this week and the recent poll of children that declare John McCain the winner.

I will also predict that Fred Thompson will drop from the race by Sunday Night CST and endorse John McCain.

Hey, it's what I do.

UPDATE @ 8:40 PM McCain 33% over Huckabee 30%

Off by Three Points; On to Florida - Illinois is already Cooking! Thanks Kids!

John McCain: Remarks from the Forrestal Lecture -October 9, 2001

John McCain ended his campaign in South Carolina from USS Yorktown pictured above.

This is an American President! ( Emphases my own)

On September 11, our country was attacked by a depraved, malevolent force that hates every value Americans hold dear. It was a terrible blow that no one alive today will ever forget. But we will survive it. Our enemies will not. I have every confidence that the American people and their government will remain resolute in waging the war that has been declared on us. We have been attacked and we are fighting back. And woe to anyone who dares oppose us.

We have now begun the first phase of military operations against our enemies. As President Bush has explained, this war will have many components, diplomatic, financial, intelligence. It will include both overt and covert operations. But American military power is essential to our success. There should be no confusion about that. Nor should Mr. bin Laden or anyone who wishes this country harm have any doubt about what America can accomplish by force when we are obliged to use it. They wrongly believed they could destroy the way we live our lives. They are now just beginning to understand just how radically their lives are going to change.

The professionalism and power of our armed forces, stronger by a magnitude of ten than any other nation on earth, is something only a fool would underestimate. When it is brought to bear in great and terrible measure it is a thing to strike terror into the heart of anyone who opposes it. No mountain is big enough, no cave deep enough to hide from the fury of American military power when we are committed to victory. We must not shrink from using it, in whatever measure necessary, to defeat our enemies, wherever they are.

I agree that we will have to use force wisely to avoid inflaming the hatred for America that our enemies have been allowed to sow in the Islamic world. Toward that end, we should try hard to minimize non-combatant casualties. If we can use means other than force in some countries to achieve our goal, then we should. But we must keep our attention firmly fixed on our primary goal. Our goal is to vanquish terrorism, not reduce it, not change its operations, not temporarily subdue it, but vanquish it. All other concerns are secondary. It is a difficult, demanding task we have undertaken. We must expect and prepare for our enemies to strike us again before they are vanquished. Some of this war will be fought at home. And the casualties that we will suffer may again include civilians. We must keep our nerve at all costs. We should use no more force than necessary, but no less than necessary. Fighting this war in half measures will only give our enemies time and opportunity to strike us again. We must change and change permanently the mindset of terrorists, those who give them sanctuary and support, and those parts of Islamic populations who believe the terrorist conceit that they will ultimately prevail in a conflict with the West, that America has not the stomach to wage a relentless, long term, and, at times, ruthless war to destroy them.

We are at war, a new kind of war as the President has rightly called it. It might not involve nations clashing in conventional sea, land and air battles, although it is possible that it could come to that. I should add that I don't consider the operations in Afghanistan that commenced on Sunday to be a war against a nation, much less a war against the Muslim world. The Taliban and Al Queda are not legitimate representatives of that country, they are terrorists, period, who represent evil, not nations. But whatever this war's unique attributes, it is war nonetheless, and like all wars it will require sacrifice and hardship and casualties. And like all wars it will occasion great heroism.

This war will still be underway, in one form or another, when some of you, perhaps all of you, receive your commissions. Eighty thousand sailors and marines have already been summoned to war. Over three dozen warships, including the carriers Enterprise, Carl Vinson, Theodore Roosevelt and the Kitty Hawk have been deployed. Four battle groups, including Marine Corps Amphibious Ready Groups, destroyers, cruisers, submarines and support ships, are on station. We know that much of the air campaign to date has been waged from American and British ships. And although this war cannot and will not be fought only with cruise missiles and from 15,000 feet in the air, the Navy and Marine Corps are always an essential instrument of American power, and your service will be essential to our victory, in Afghanistan and beyond if necessary. It is your duty and your honor to defend the greatest nation in history in its hour of need. I envy you.

I say that fully aware of the hardships and risks that we impose on those we send to fight for us. I say that fully aware of the horrors that war inevitably visits on the innocent. I don't think war is glorious. I don't know a veteran who cherishes a romantic remembrance of war. All wars are awful. When nations must defend themselves by force of arms, a million tragedies ensue. Nothing, not the valor with which it is fought nor the nobility of the cause it serves, can glorify the cruel and merciless reality of warfare. That's what makes war a thing to be avoided if possible. But it is not possible now. There was no avoiding the war we are in today anymore than we could have avoided world war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

In truth, this war was declared by our enemies long before the attacks of September 11. And our reluctance to recognize this reality, and commit ourselves to unconditional victory, has been a very costly mistake. Because the only things worse than war are the consequences of refusing to wage and win it when our vital interests and founding ideals are at stake.

Our enemies have now made plain to us the clear and present danger they pose to our physical security and to the very essence of our culture, liberty. Only the most willfully deluded Americans could doubt the necessity of this war. We must fight. And we must prevail.

The term of art for the warfare of terrorists is asymmetrical. It is the kind of warfare practiced by militarily inferior forces against superior ones. We are most certainly militarily superior to our enemies. But so was the Soviet Union when it invaded Afghanistan, if not nearly to the extent that we are, as al Queda and their Taliban allies are now learning. Yet what ensures our success is that our military superiority is matched only by the superiority of our ideals, and our unconquerable love for them. Our enemies are weaker than us in arms and men, but they are weaker still in causes. They fight to express their irrational hatred for all that is good in humanity, a hatred that has fallen time and again to the armies and ideals of the righteous. We fight for love of freedom and justice, a love that is invincible. We will never surrender. They will.

The obligation of victory is shared by all Americans, but not equally. The public and the men and women they elect to serve them must share a resolve to see this war through to a just end, whatever the costs incurred, whatever setbacks we might encounter. As in all wars, we must endure before we prevail. Our elected leaders, from the most obscure office holder to the Commander-in-Chief, must not, as the President so eloquently promised, tire, falter or fail. The President and his able cabinet must, and I am confident will, wage this war wisely and decisively. But government is responsible for the summons. It falls to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, it falls to you to give the answer. This is a righteous cause, and there is much honor in your summons, but more honor still in your answer. I have no doubt that you are worthy of it. No doubt at all.

In America, our rights come before our duties, as well they should. We are a free people, and among those freedoms is the liberty to sacrifice or not for our birthright. We no longer have military conscription. Nor do we need it because we can rely on the patriotism of more than sufficient numbers of Americans to defend willingly the liberty of us all. Yet early in life, you have grasped a great truth: that those who claim their liberty but not their duty to the civilization that ensures it live a half-life, having indulged their vanity and self-interest at the cost of their self-respect. The richest man or woman, the most successful and celebrated of our citizens possesses nothing important if their lives have no greater object than themselves. They may be masters of their fate, but what a poor destiny it is that claims no higher cause than wealth and fame.

I do not believe that war and military service are the only means to honor in America. God grants us all the privilege of having our character and our patriotism tested. But those who wear the uniform of the United States know better than anyone the meaning of American citizenship.

Should we claim our rights and leave to others our duty to the nation that protects them, whatever we gain for ourselves will be of little lasting value. It will build no monuments to virtue, claim no place in the memory of posterity, offer no worthy summons to aspiring nations. Success, wealth, celebrity gained and kept for private interest is a small thing. It makes us comfortable, eases the material hardships our children will bear, purchases a fleeting regard for our lives, yet not the self-respect that in the end will matter to you most. But sacrifice for a cause greater than self-interest and you invest your lives with the eminence of that cause, your self-respect assured.

My father's generation fought depression and world war. Members of my generation fought in the Cold War and in the struggle for a more perfect union, a more just society. Some fought in uniform and some did not, but all rendered good service to America and humanity. Service in worthy causes give our lives meaning. They give even the most obscure names historical importance. Even when the names of the men and women who serve in them are forgotten, the world will still remember what they did.

When I was a young man, I thought glory was the highest ambition, and that all glory was self-glory. My parents tried to teach me otherwise, as did the Naval Academy. But I didn't understand the lesson until later in life, when I confronted challenges I never expected to face.

In that confrontation, I discovered I was dependent on others to a greater extent than I had ever realized, but that neither they nor the cause we served made any claims on my identity. On the contrary, they gave me a larger sense of myself than I had before. I discovered that nothing is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself; something that encompasses you, but is not defined by your existence alone.

I have held a public trust since I graduated from the Academy forty-three years ago. I have never lived a single day, in good times and bad, that I wasn't grateful for the privilege. This country and her causes are a blessing to mankind, and they honor all who work to make America a better place, and a greater influence on human history.

For all the terrible problems that still afflict humanity, the 21st Century would have dawned on a much less hopeful world absent America's place in it. This is what our enemies fail to understand. But they'll know it soon enough. As they race to their bunkers and caves while the might of the world's only superpower concentrates on their destruction, they will learn just how powerful a force for good we are.

Until the end of time, will there ever be a nation such as ours? I cannot imagine that any other nation's history will ever so profoundly affect the progress of the human race. That is not boastful chauvinism. It is a profession of faith in the American creed, and in the patriots who understood what history expects of us, and who saw to it that America exceeded even the loftiest aspirations of our founders.

We are not a perfect nation. Prosperity and power might delude us into thinking we have achieved that distinction, but challenges unforeseen a mere generation ago command every good citizen's concern and labor. But what we have achieved in our brief history is irrefutable proof that a nation conceived in liberty will prove stronger than any nation ordered to exalt the few at the expense of the many or made from a common race or culture or to preserve traditions that have no greater attribute than longevity. As blessed as we are, as empowered by liberty as we are, no nation complacent in its greatness can long sustain it. We are an unfinished nation. And we are not a people of half-measures. We must all take our place, give our counsel, direct our passion to the enduring task of national greatness.

I believe we were all shaken from whatever complacency we may have felt before September 11. And that is one good thing to have arisen from the ashes of the World Trade Center. But it is only good so long as the absence of complacency does not provoke an absence of confidence. What our enemies have sought to destroy is beyond their reach. We must all have faith in that truth. Armed with the power of our faith, we can endure whatever trials we must face.

Our enemies think we are weak, spared by prosperity from the hard uses of life, bred only for comfort and easy pleasure, and not the violent, cruel struggle they plan for us. The hatred that cramps their hearts has drained from their judgment all wisdom and understanding about the power of the civilization they battle.

Twelve years ago, in the first days of the last days of the Soviet empire, a young Czech student stood before a million of his countrymen, while two hundred thousand Soviet troops occupied his country, and, trembling with emotion, read a manifesto that declared a new day for the peoples of Eastern Europe. But he began that new day with borrowed words when he proclaimed:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

The message of the American revolution is the central truth of human existence. Liberty is our God-given right. No one shall take it from us. We fight today, we will fight tomorrow, we will fight to the end of time to preserve it.

Our enemies have used our liberty to their cruel ends. But our freedom is not our weakness. It is our strength. We will not let it be circumscribed by fear. Our enemies have never had the strength to take our freedom from us. They have taken innocent life. That is the limit of their power. And awakened to their threat, we will destroy that power too.

The terror our enemies have tried to sow in the hearts of Americans will now be the essence of their lives, however abbreviated their lives will be. And when they meet their Maker they will learn that they had their theology all wrong. Right, not hate, makes might. As they experience our power, so will they know the full measure of our righteousness. And as their last hour approaches they can ask an all-loving God for mercy. But don't ask us. We bring justice, not mercy.

Soon you will be the shield behind which marches the enduring message of our revolution. There is no greater duty, no greater honor. Your country needs you. Humanity needs you. Hold that honor as dearly as your country holds you. Hold it as dearly as do those who have already been called to the battle. Hold it as if it were your greatest treasure. Because it is. It is. Whatever sacrifices you must bear, you will know a happiness far more sublime than pleasure.

My warrior days were long ago, but not so long ago that I have forgotten their purpose and their reward. This is your call to arms. This is your moment to make history. There will never be another nation such as ours. Take good care of her. The fate of the world depends upon it. May God bless you, as He has blessed America with your service.

Thank you.

John McCain- Unite America Behind a Hero! Go Palmetto State!

Rush , Hannity, Colmes, and the powers they serve do not want John McCain; the entire Clown Opera that is MSNBC has been openly hostile to John McCain's surge with the American People; the diminutive jug-eared billionaire has tossed his Dixie Cup full of acid and missed by a mile; a group of politically funded Rambis ( Rambos without the resume) has attempted to smear McCain's Honor, but the American People recognize a tough, committed, honest and battle tested leader who will defeat America's Islamist terrorist enemies and shave the run-away spending of the self-interestes.
John McCain Stands for America. He is our neighbor. McCain is the leader most like us and will tell us the truth of plans and actions.

South Carolina back John McCain because:

America faces a dangerous, relentless enemy in the War against Islamic Extremists - We face an enemy that has repeatedly attacked us and remains committed to killing Americans and the destruction of our values. This election is about who is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. This election is about making sure we have the experienced leadership to guide us to victory in this war, protect the nation against future terrorist attacks, and support our troops and first responders who are on the frontlines of the war. This election will decide whether we choose to fight or announce surrender. It will decide whether we have a president who dangerously weakens U.S. security or strengthens it; whether we will flinch and retreat or fully engage the enemy on multiple fronts. We need decisive leadership with the vision and experience to guide our country and the world through this challenge. Having a courageous Commander-in-Chief who is willing to lead us in this war, rally our democratic allies and defeat our enemy to secure a broader peace is what's at stake in this election.

America is at an Economic Crossroads - Government spending is out-of-control. A Democrat elected President will join hands with a tax-and-spend Democratic Congress and subject Americans to enormous tax increases. Even now, the tax code is too complex and too burdensome. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - the government's promises to seniors and those in need - must be modernized. Too many American workers are unprepared by non-performing schools and shackled by outdated government employment assistance programs. America needs experienced leadership to guide the U.S. economy to greater prosperity, control government spending, keep taxes low, save Social Security and protect the American worker. Americans want a leader willing to offer straight talk and make the hard calls necessary to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The long-term strength of our economy and financial stability of American households are what's at stake in this election.

Americans have lost faith and trust in their government - Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. Americans want a courageous leader who will stand up to the trial lawyers and labor bosses and other special interests, govern by principle rather than political expedience, keep their promises, and solve problems instead of leaving them for our children. Restoring Americans' confidence in their government is what's at stake in this election.

Americans want judges who will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench - The next president will appoint many federal judges and perhaps even a Supreme Court justice. The recent victory on partial birth abortion is an example of how important the Supreme Court is in protecting our values and interpreting the law as it is written. America needs a president who will provide strong moral leadership. A Democrat president will appoint judges who make law with disregard for the will of the people, but to the cheers of those advancing a liberal social agenda. America needs a leader who recognizes that that the people and states should decide what's best, not the courts. The future of the U.S. Supreme Court is what's at stake in this election.

What are the Bold Solutions?

Winning the War Against Islamic Extremists. Radical Islamic extremists are a relentless threat to America, its citizens, and the values we share. In the words of the al Qaeda leadership, Iraq is the central battleground of this war. We face a fork in the road. John McCain will pursue our opportunity for victory in Iraq, strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Democrats will fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw the region into instability, and increase the risks faced on our home soil. To concede defeat now would strengthen al Qaeda, empower Iran and other hostile powers in the Middle East, unleash a full scale civil war in Iraq that could lead to genocide, and destabilize the entire region as neighboring powers come to the aid of their favored factions. John McCain is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. He has the experience and leadership to defeat our enemy and secure a broader peace.

Reforming Health Care for All Americans. Real reform will put families in the driver's seat of our health care system. The road to reform does not lead through Washington and a hugely expensive, bureaucratic, government-controlled system. John McCain will harness competition to offer more affordable insurance options for as many Americans as possible, leveraging the innovation and cost-effectiveness of our nation's firms to put an end to existing rigid, unfriendly bureaucracies. He will build a national market where insurance is more available, portable, and accessible across state lines; in which patients' rights are respected and their information under their control; and one in which people may save more in tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts. He will assist those who need help in getting private insurance.

John McCain will provide incentives for a national market - including the reimportation of pharmaceuticals - that offer greater transparency about effective patient care, options for preventative care and therapies, and prices so that competition makes it easier for families to navigate toward quality and low cost. He will demand reform to medical malpractice laws to curb abusive lawsuits that squeeze doctors, prevent innovation, and drive up the cost of health care. We need more transparency of prices and quality measures so that patients can make informed choices.

Reforming Government. Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. John McCain will bring spending under control, veto wasteful, pork-barrel spending bills every time, and keep taxes low. He will reform a tax code that is too complex and too burdensome. John McCain will modernize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He will bring accountability, choice and competition to underperforming schools, so our children are equipped to take the best jobs of the 21st century. John McCain is the only leader willing to make the hard calls necessary to restore faith in our government and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

John McCain...Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership, Bold Solutions.

This is your time South Carolina - Make it Our Time!

John McCain - Chicago's Best Writer Since Finley Peter Dunne, John Kass, Tells Conservatives to Get With McCain!

This photo shows John Kass being interviewed by FOX Chicago News after the guilty verdict came down on Gov. George Ryan. I thought Kass to be especially hard on George Ryan, but he was motivated by the the deaths of six children.

Other journalists, who had made careers of kissing Governor Ryan's fanny, were much more vicious - as cowards always tend to be. Kass, with whom I disagree three days a week (which does not deprive him of sleep to be sure), is the best political writer since Finley Peter Dunne. Kass gets it right the other four days.


Today, one of the four, John Kass, the absolute best Chicago voice often compared to Mike Royko, chides Conservatives - especially GOP Righties - to stop bashing John McCain.

John Kass, who personally sticks his head into the issue of corruption in Illinois and who has been threatened by some of his targets, is a much better writer than Royko - Kass is the best Chicago political writer since Finley Peter Dunne, the creator of Mr. Dooley, and only bested for pure prose by his Chicago Tribune colleague, Sports Editor Dan McGrath.

Click my post title for John Kass on John McCain.

John McCain - This is what it's all about

John McCain hooked me in his 2000 go around. After being torn apart in South Carolina in the one of nastiest Primary fights in memory ( Aside from this year's Democratic race - wait until it really takes off, Kids), John McCain dusted himself off and returned to service.

In this race, assailed by the Disney Channel Rejects spinning the news at MSNBC - clowns like the most fatuous blowhard in short-pants - Keith Olbermann and switch-hitting sycophants like Chris 'Milkey' Matthews -or Ross Perot the Jug Eared Midget Millionaire who bored a hole through America for President, Rambis ( Rambos without the resume), John McCain has connected with Americans.
In South Carolina, when others are frying squirrels on hot-plates, tossing snowballs like they were boulders, or cozying up to goofs like Hannity and Colmes, John McCain remains dignified, honorable, tough-minded and human. Like the little girl above with the tricycle - she can't vote, but McCain has time for her.

Asked about the POW Smear from the Rambis, McCain offered - 'it hurts a bit.'

The Hanoi Hilton was not the Peninsula or the Four Seasons, either.

Click my post title for John McCain's understated heroism.

John McCain: Honor v.MopesSissiesNinniesBlowhardsCowards

Hat Tip to Mad Irishman Sheridan Folger - the hardest working Man in McCain's Blogger Sphere.http://madirishmaninc.blogspot.com/

Last week, I posted my disgust with MSNBC's mistreatment of Senator John McCain's Victory in New Hampshire, but this takes the cake.

Click my post title for 'This Much We Pledge' A Stand For McCain parallel video treatment of the New Hampshire Victory Speech by Senator McCain - the oafish news readers and clowns at MSNC.

Honor and then there's MSBC. Witness the simpering Peacocks.

John McCain - Illinois Young Profesionals Kick-off Event!

Illinois Young Professionals for McCain
Kickoff Meeting!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
6:00-7:00PM
Brehon Pub, 731 N. Wells, Chicago, IL.

Join fellow supporters of Sen. John McCain for President at Brehon Pub (back bar) as we gear up for the Feb. 5 primary in Illinois. Learn about Sen. McCain and how you can help him win Illinois and represent the Republican Party this November!

Contact/RSVP to Shawn Healy at buckybacker97@yahoo.com or 312.505.6579

John McCain - Backs America's Veterans - He is One!

A recent article states that Veteran support for John McCcain is no sure thing, but John McCain's Presidency is sure thing for vets - here is Senator McCain's Program for Veterans:

America owes its liberty, its prosperity, and its future to our veterans who have dedicated their lives to protecting our great country. John McCain has fought to honor our national commitment to our veterans who have given their careers and livelihoods to ensuring our freedom. He believes we must provide for service members and their families while they serve, we must help those who return from combat to adjust to civilian life, and we must honor and never forget the service of those who do not return.

John McCain has been a leader in Congress, fighting for all those who serve and their families, improving veterans' health care, providing veterans with the benefits they have earned, easing their transition to civilian life, and honoring the fallen.


PROVIDING FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS

John McCain believes that meeting the needs of our service members who defend us is our obligation and is essential to our national security. He worked to increase pay scales for servicemen and women during both the Persian Gulf War and the current War on Terror and to increase enlistment and reenlistment bonuses for reservists and guardsmen. He also sponsored bills to give special tax relief to deployed service members and to set up overseas savings programs for the men and women fighting in the Gulf War.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF RESERVISTS AND GUARDSMEN


"For my part, I would simply affirm that the sacrifices borne by veterans deserve to be memorialized in something more lasting than marble or bronze or in the fleeting effect of a politician's speech. Your valor and your devotion to duty have earned your country's abiding concern for your well being. I am, I assure you, committed to honoring that debt."

John McCain, Remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 3/7/95



The nation's reserve personnel have been a vital component of the Global War on Terror, with reservists serving side-by-side with active duty members in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe. John McCain believes that the fundamental role of reservists has changed over the last decade, and given their invaluable role and the tremendous sacrifices that these men and women have made, they should receive additional benefits than those that they have traditionally been granted.

For this reason, John McCain has supported legislation to expand retirement benefits for reservists, supported provisions to expand eligibility for health care benefits for reservists and their families, and sponsored legislation to grant survivor benefit payments to the spouses of reservists who die during or as the result of training.

IMPROVING VETERANS' HEALTH CARE

John McCain believes that America's veterans who dedicated themselves to protecting our country deserve the highest quality health care. He is committed to ensuring that veterans' health care programs receive the funding necessary to provide the quality health care our veterans need and deserve. He has worked to ensure that the Veteran's Administration provides care for all eligible veterans, no matter where they live or what they need. In addition, John McCain has fought to ensure that retired servicemen and women have meaningful access to affordable health care.

Funding Veterans' Health Care

John McCain has voted repeatedly, throughout his career, to ensure that the Veteran's Administration health care programs receive the funding necessary to serve our veterans. He has supported numerous funding increases, initiatives to make the VA more efficient, and proposals to give higher pay to VA doctors in order to recruit and retain high quality physicians and dentists.

Expanding Veterans' Access to Health Care

John McCain has worked to ensure that geography does not prevent veterans from receiving the care they have earned. He supported measures to allow veterans in remote areas of Alaska to get care at existing facilities run by the Indian Health Service or tribal organizations. He also rallied support for a demonstration project to send mobile health centers to remote locations where veterans need care. In addition, he sponsored legislation that would ensure that health care funding is distributed fairly, and that eligible veterans in all regions of the country can equally access high quality health care.

Serving the Special Health Care Needs of Veterans

John McCain understands that veterans face a broad array of health challenges, many of which disproportionately afflict our former service members. He has fought to ensure that veterans receive health care that reflects their unique needs.

For this reason, John McCain advocated for guaranteeing health benefits to veterans who have been exposed to radiation. He also worked to advance studies on the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange and to give disability benefits to veterans with cancer and other health problems caused by Agent Orange. He supported efforts to provide veterans with treatment for tobacco related illnesses and substance abuse problems, and he sponsored legislation to cover mental health care in military retiree health plans. John McCain has also been a leading advocate for providing veterans with hospice benefits.

Health Care for Retired Veterans

John McCain believes that all military retirees, even if they are not eligible for VA health care, should be provided with meaningful access to health care. The federal government should ease the burden of health care costs on those people who have dedicated their careers to protecting our freedom. He has supported allowing military retirees to remain eligible for CHAMPUS or TRICARE military health care programs even when they reach the age of 65 and are eligible for Medicare. He has also consistently supported efforts to give military retirees tax breaks to help pay health insurance premiums, and he has opposed placing user fees on military retirees for using military medical facilities.

PROVIDING VETERANS WITH THE BENEFITS THEY HAVE EARNED

John McCain strongly believes that it is our duty as a nation to provide our veterans, who dedicated their careers, risked their personal safety, and sometimes sacrificed their lives in order to protect us, with the benefits that we have promised them and that they have earned.

John McCain has voted consistently to increase funding for veterans' benefits, recognizing that the people who serve our country should get priority over the disgraceful amounts of spending on corporate subsidies and wasteful pork barrel spending. He also pushed for various initiatives to ensure that veterans who are eligible for benefits know what they are entitled to and have the resources to obtain their benefits.

CARING FOR OUR DISABLED VETERANS

John McCain has been a leading advocate in the Senate for disabled veterans throughout his entire career. He fought for nearly fifteen years, introducing numerous bills, to ensure that veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive the retirement benefits that they have earned, as well as the disability compensation benefits that they are entitled to. He has also worked to ensure that veterans can have their disability claims processed in a timely manner, working with the VA to rectify its huge backlog of claims and providing additional resources for that purpose.

John McCain believes very strongly that service members who suffered permanent injuries in service to our nation should not be forced to give up their disability compensation in order to collect their retirement pay. For this reason, John McCain has been a staunch supporter of repealing the historic ban on receiving both disability and retirement pay at the same time. Over the past few years, John McCain has successfully pushed for provisions to compensate disabled retired veterans for this disparity. Now, because of his efforts, veterans with severe combat-related disabilities are able to collect their retirement and disability compensation at the same time. John McCain will continue to fight for equal treatment of disabled veterans under the retirement system. In an effort to help disabled veterans with their health care, he cosponsored a measure to allow disabled veterans to be enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, the same health insurance offered to Senators and Congressmen. He has also supported higher payments to disabled veterans and survivors of veterans who died because of service connected injuries.

John McCain has worked to increase VA resources for paralysis research, and he spearheaded an effort to establish a Blind Rehabilitation Center in Tucson, Arizona to help the 1,200 vets on waiting lists for rehab services for the blind.

A LEADING ADVOCATE FOR GULF WAR VETERANS

John McCain has always been a leader on veteran's issues, and Congress has often looked to him, particularly during times of conflict and war. On January 31, 1991, Senator Bob Dole appointed John McCain Co-Chairman of a task force to make recommendations to the Senate regarding effective policies to help the men and women and their families who served in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. John McCain worked with his colleagues to identify the most beneficial proposals, including doubling veteran and service member life insurance benefits, the establishment of a death gratuity payment for Persian Gulf service members, housing loan benefits for Gulf War veterans, expanded reemployment rights, and providing readjustment counseling for veterans.

EASING THE TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN LIFE

John McCain believes that we must do what we can to smooth the transition for veterans from military to civilian life. He has strongly supported educational and job counseling programs to help veterans get civilian employment. He has worked to provide new educational assistance for reservists. He also fought to extend the availability of G.I. bill education benefits for Vietnam veterans, and to expand flight training benefits to more veterans. In addition, John McCain is a strong supporter of the Troops-To-Teachers Act, a program to train veterans to become teachers, and introduced legislation to extend the program. John McCain also believes that we must provide more assistance to veterans who are recently discharged and has worked to extend unemployment and vocational training benefits for veterans.

John McCain has also been a strong advocate for those veterans most in need. He has supported numerous bills to help homeless veterans by providing them with counseling, independent living training, and residential treatment programs so that they can address and overcome those ailments that plague many homeless veterans, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.

PROTECTING VETERANS FROM FINANCIAL LOSS

John McCain has also worked for a number of other financial protection and relief provisions for service members and veterans. He supported amendments to the bankruptcy reform bill that would protect veterans from being denied bankruptcy claims if they incurred their debts while defending our country. He also sponsored legislation to extend the tax filing deadline for Gulf War service members. In addition, he pushed for legislation to protect veterans from scam artists and loan sharks who would prey on low income veterans by offering them a small amount of "fast cash" to sign over their veteran's benefits.

PROVIDING FOR THE FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN HEROES

John McCain believes that in addition to our national duty to provide benefits to veterans who return from combat, we must honor those who do not return and provide for their families with a death gratuity benefit and meaningful life insurance coverage. During the last two major military conflicts, John McCain worked to increase death gratuity payments. He cosponsored legislation to double the death gratuity payment in 2003 for service men and women who are killed in the War on Terror. He also sponsored legislation during the first Gulf War to increase the death gratuity payment, and to double the soldier and veterans' group life insurance.

In 2007, after learning about problems that the families of some service members killed in combat were having accessing the death gratuity payment, John McCain introduced legislation to allow service members to designate who they want their benefits to go to in the event of their death. John McCain has also worked to increase the survivor benefit plan for widows or widowers of retired veterans.

HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF OUR PAST AND PRESENT VETERANS

John McCain has worked throughout his time in Congress to fulfill our nation's solemn duty to honor those veterans who sacrificed their lives to protect our liberty. In 2006, he sponsored legislation to immortalize the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial as a symbol honoring veterans of the Korean War.

He also advocated for the creation of a number of other veterans' memorials, including a memorial to honor disabled veterans and the National Native American Veterans' Memorial. He sponsored legislation to create National Medal of Honor Sites to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor. He worked to create Arizona's only National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, and he authored legislation to ensure that veterans have honor guards at their funerals.

The article linked to my post title is filled with American Veterans's comments - all pretty supportive of John McCain - Why the Funny Title!

John McCain: Jim Durkin's Illini Deliver for McCain in Michigan

Illinois Chairman Jim Durkin's Illini McCain Roadcrew delivered in St. Joseph and Berrien Counties in Southwestern Michigan.

McCain Counties are colored in Teal - I can not believe that I just used that word. Next I'll be saying MAGENTA! Naw, I still put horseradish on rye bread for my vegetable intake. Roots are Vegetables!

Great Work Team!

Hat Tip to Mitt Romney Fan Anne Leary of BackyardConservative Blog!

John McCain - Yankees Love Miss Vicki Hampton

One of the best and hardest working John McCain Blogs going is ColeCurtis McCain Monitor conducted by Miss Vicki Hampton of the Great State of Alabama!

Miss Vicki, Yankees always wear a hat - so they can tip it to a Southern Belle!

Vicki Hampton was one of the very few Bloggers to get through with questions to Senator McCain and directed a solid question on Iraq to which the next President of the United States gave a terrific response.

Look for it on Vicki Hampton's Blog. Click my post title for the link!

John McCain - Here's the Truther Jerry Kiley

That is John McCain. Somewhere far from what is going on in that photo was Jerry Kiley. Now, Jerry Kiley has re-written history at the behest of Duncan Hunter and a Publisher. That's Truthers, folks. click my post title for the groups smearing lies about John McCain.

One guy tries to make another person's heroism or success in life come down to his own level of misery or disappointment. That is why there are morons who wish to 'do away' with achievement in schools in favor of 'YOU ARE ALL SPECIAL!' The Hell we are!

Some of us are downright lousy. I can not close a circle with a pencil and I received C Minus in Art from Sister Gertrudis.

Some of us are heroic and charitable - some of us are gutless and miserable. Some of us are downright invisible.


The mere fact that John McCain's staff responded to a Truther is a sad reality. Truthers tell other people that Jews planned 9/11; that the Holocaust was a hoax; Dr. Martin Luther King was a Communist agent/the CIA placed 'crack' cocaine in America; and that our Troops in Iraq are paid agents of Oil Companies.

In the past there was a special place for Truthers, but the State of Illinois closed Manteno Mental Health Facility in the late 1970's.

Today Truthers teach at American Universities and are defended by Jello spined academic colleagues and lazy journalists - it is easier to make up the news than it is to actually do some leg-work.

I am an empiricist - I actually hear the tree that falls in the forest, but will take the word of people I respect and know that many other trees fell in different parts of that forest.

Here is the clown telling one and all, and somehow linked to a South Carolina Newspaper mogul and Duncan Hunter's will to be somebody - his name is Jerry Kiley.

In the old neighborhood, Mrs. Shea and Annie Hughes from Westport County Mayo would call him 'the poor thing, he's that touched.' True enough Girls - Kiley wrote this about himself:

Jerry Kiley

Gerard "Jerry" W. Kiley has been a key figure in the battle for U.S. POWs and MIAs and other U.S. veteran issues since 1983. He has served in a leadership role in a wide range of veterans' activities, from seminars and national meetings to protest demonstrations.

Kiley is proud of his fourteen months' service in a U.S. Army communications center in support of combat troops in Vietnam. Nearly thirty years after the end of the war he continues support of those who came home from an unpopular war to an unappreciative nation, as well those who were left behind.

For three years Kiley was Communications Director for the National Vietnam Veterans Coalition and later served as vice-chair of the organization for an additional three years. He also served in board positions for "The Last Firebase", "Veterans of the Vietnam War" and "Homecoming II Project", each dedicated to obtaining freedom for U.S. prisoners of war who remained in captivity in Southeast Asia after the end of the war.

Kiley learned his take-no-prisoners style and his tenacity while growing up in the Bronx and attending Catholic high school in Harlem. He received national attention when he confronted a college basketball player on court by holding an American Flag in front of her after her refusal to face the Flag during the playing of the National Anthem.

He currently holds a management position with thirty-seven years' service for a multi-billion dollar New York company, in which capacity he served a term as president of a Northeastern Industry professional association.

Kiley has been married for thirty-three years, and is the father of two children.

I deleted the 'poor things' home address,phone and e-mail, because his wife and kids should not suffer. McCain was being tortured and Jerry Kiley was 'proudly' answering the phones. They both served can't argue with that. I was going to Loyola and did not serve. In the interest of full disclosure - I am as yellow as a duck's foot!

Truthers it seems need to re-invent. Perhaps the disappointments with their own lives compel them to re-invent miseries for others.

Manteno was good place for Truthers.

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/AntiMcCain_vets_ready_their_salvo_against_0302.html

John McCain - It's on to America and Defining the Debate

The Romney Campaign got Mitthis Gold Medal in a well orchestrated fight for Michigan.

John McCain knows that the campaign is about uniting America in the War on Islamist Terror. In his statement on the Michigan Primary Campaign John McCain defined the debate that is the foundation of the Presidential Campaign:

I promise you, we will never surrender. They will.

I'm running for President to defeat an enemy for whom no attack is too cruel, and who will not stop attacking us until they are defeated. The challenge will require experienced and proven leadership. And, my friends, I can honestly say, I have prepared my entire life for this moment. In uniform and in office, in war and peace, I have learned how to lead a nation at war. I know how to keep us safe. I have been involved in every major national security challenge of our time. I have met and taken the measure of the world's leaders; those who are our friends and those who are not. I understand the capabilities, the needs and the sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces better than any other candidate in this race. And I intend to be a Commander-in-Chief who will provide them leadership that is as strong, principled and tireless as their service to our country. They have earned a thousand times over our gratitude, and, most importantly, our unwavering dedication to making certain that they do not sacrifice in vain. I will not let them down, so help me God.

I am so proud, my friends, to be an American, and never more so than when our country confronts a great challenge. For I have learned through long experience, that while we are stronger than our enemies in men and material, we are stronger still in ideals. I have pledged my life to those ideals, and I run for President to defend them still. Our cause is America . Her greatness is our hope; her strength our protection; her goodness the hope of mankind. It is the cause I have served my entire adult life, and with your help I will keep serving her a little while longer.

Hammer it home Senator! Stay on Point, Stay on Mission, Stay on Task!

John McCain Visits Michigan Funeral Home - Finds Mitt Romney . . .

John McCain took an early morning's look at Mitt Romney's political future at a funeral home:

After briefly appearing before sunrise outside Precinct 3 voting station in Traverse City, Mich., the Arizona senator remarked on the beauty of the neighborhood’s Victorian houses. As luck would have it, the owner of the grandest home on the block, 305 Sixth St., was hanging around, having heard McCain was in the area.

McCain, who often describes himself as a student of history, quickly asked for a tour of the home. Peg Jonkhoff, 51 years old, the home’s owner and proprietor of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, led McCain and his wife, Cindy, over the snow bank and down the block to the enormous turreted building.

The Queen Anne-style house was built between 1891 and 1893 by lumber baron Perry Hannah, described in a funeral home brochure as the “pioneer founder of Traverse City.” The home has 34 rooms and features hand-cut glass window door panes from Tiffany’s, Brazilian mahogany paneling and ten fireplaces. The architect was W.G. Robinson of Grand Rapids. It has served has a funeral home since 1937.

McCain called it a “beautiful, magnificent home,” and seemed fascinated by the extensive woodwork. “People are dying to get in there,” he quipped later.

Jonkhoff, a Republican, hadn’t voted at the time of the visit but she said she’s “thinking of supporting John.” She had also considered Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney - 'Either that man's dead, or my watch has stopped.' G. Marx

John McCain -' Hickey, What's In Your Pipe?' - McCain Blend, Old Man. Pure McCain! Straight, Honest and American Blended

( Recent photo of the author taken in an unguarded moment of political reflection!)




The Comment section of almost every Blog is a scream- the soapbox of America removed from Bug-House Square to the CyberWorld!

On Anklebiting Pundits - by far my favorite(click my post title for link there) - there is a cast of characters - sock-puppets mostly - who are a nice American political cross section. Two chums ( BLAKEMUSN - Good Angel v. RITEAIDBOB - Bad Angel) spit over the rail at one another yesterday:

blakemusn Says:
January 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I guess I’m curious how people define conservative. Tax cuts in themselves are not necessarily the conservative mantra. Tax cuts accompanied by spending cuts are more in line with conservative thought. To say that George Bush or anyone that voted for his tax cuts is conservative without at the same time at least trying to reign in spending is, I think, missing the point. George Bush led the party during the largest expansion

John McCain has one of the most consistently conservative voting records in the Senate with the exception of the McCain-Feingold (although, the courts took all the teeth away from the law so we’ll never really know if it was an effective law to begin with). Furthermore Conservative champion Fred Thompson was a co-sponsor of this bill even though now he takes to criticizing it.

As a medical student and a brother of the pharmaceutical salesman, I’ve seen first hand the corruption of the pharmaceutical industry. They don’t need to be bribing physicians with trips, free text books, food etc to prescribe their drugs if they are in fact the best drug available. I’m not a big fan of government regulation and I realize there is a huge sunk cost in pharm R&D, but a little regulation in an industry where most people would agree that the end product (good health) is more than just a commodity. McCain did votes for allowing importation of drugs from Canada which I think would be a conservative position by the way (and I believe he voted against the Medicare Part D or whatever it is called as well).

McCain has one of the most conservative records on defense and pro-life issues (with the exception of maybe stem cells although a lot of conservatives are divided on this issue). I know a lot of people criticize his stance on water-boarding but I give a little more credence to someone who has probably been waterboarded (and to his buddy, Sen Graham, an AF JAG lawyer), than I do to people who’ve never put their life on the line for their country. I don’t think its too much to ask your government to actually obey the Geneva Conventions, which are, according to the constitution, the law of the land (I’m also in the military and have had to study this stuff extensively, so try me on this one)

And as for climate change, many economists (if they believe in anthropocentric climate change) support the cap and trade system because it effectively creates a market for reducing CO2 emission. While I am not a believer in the idea that there is a climate crisis or that humans are the primary cause of the recent slight elevations in temperature, reducing emissions of any kind is responsible stewardship of the God’s creation.

While he is not perfect, and certainly none of the candidates are, his long term record is consistently conservative and much more so than any of the other serious candidates (in which I no longer include Senator Thompson).

Riteaidbob Says:
January 14th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
blakemusn what drugs are you smoking? McCain is NOT a conservative in any respect.

Jesus wake up and smell the manure your spreading.

Fair question - To which I reply with Sound Judgment:




My Patriot's Political Pipe* is filled with a rough-cut blend of Honesty, Courage, Wit, Commitment, Straight Talk, and Sound judgment; aged to perfection and packs as well as it wafts and curls and softly flows like the northerly drifting waters of the mighty St. Joe River through central Michigan all the Way to another Primary Win!

McCain Blend - Sparks, but never bites the hands that make America strong! Accept No Substitutes - McCain!

Available to all registered voters!

*Smokers must stand fifteen feet from all public buildings - Nan Estayt: Public Pest

John McCain - Supported by Independents

Roland Dodds offers some great insights to John McCain's appeal to all Americans:

Sure, a number of Republican candidates claim to have supported the Surge from the start as well, but no one attached themselves to the policy like McCain did. McCain has linked his chances for the Presidency directly to the idea that Iraq must be won, and must be free. He held to that position even when it was considered suicide to his campaign, and so publicly supported Petraeus' plan that he must have known that it would sink his political career if it failed. It has not, and even leading Democrats are coming to terms with its miraculous turnaround in a conflict many had assumed was lost.

I have made it clear on this blog and in conversations with friends and family that my vote will go to the candidate that supports the fight for democracy in Iraq, and will not abandon the Kurds to be slaughtered yet again. I can forgive some of McCain’s decisions throughout his career and the way he has pandered to religious conservatives in recent months, and I can effortlessly when I consider what democracy promotion will look like if someone like Obama or Edwards is elected.

The War on Terror and the fight for liberal democracy may be nothing more than a bumper sticker slogan to some on the left, but it means something to me. If we surrender freedom to the forces of theocracy and totalitarianism overseas, we do not deserve to call ourselves democrats at home.

Sound talk from a sound American!

Michigan, this is your time! Vote for John McCain!

Sure it's cold, but you Wolverines are tough folks - as tough as John McCain! That's a tall order,but you can fillit!

McCain in Michigan - Cold, Snow and Iffy Polls

This is it Woverines! Get out to the Polling Places and cast your vote for John McCain - the only candidate of any Party qualified to lead America in Time of War on Islamist Terror and Unite All Americans!

The forecast fro Michigan is Cold, Light Snows and Unsteady Polls.


Cast your vote for John McCain and overcome the Pollsters and Self-Interests - we can't do a damn thing about the weather but get out into it!

Here's Why!

Election 2008: What's at Stake?

America faces a dangerous, relentless enemy in the War against Islamic Extremists - We face an enemy that has repeatedly attacked us and remains committed to killing Americans and the destruction of our values. This election is about who is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. This election is about making sure we have the experienced leadership to guide us to victory in this war, protect the nation against future terrorist attacks, and support our troops and first responders who are on the frontlines of the war. This election will decide whether we choose to fight or announce surrender. It will decide whether we have a president who dangerously weakens U.S. security or strengthens it; whether we will flinch and retreat or fully engage the enemy on multiple fronts. We need decisive leadership with the vision and experience to guide our country and the world through this challenge. Having a courageous Commander-in-Chief who is willing to lead us in this war, rally our democratic allies and defeat our enemy to secure a broader peace is what's at stake in this election.

America is at an Economic Crossroads - Government spending is out-of-control. A Democrat elected President will join hands with a tax-and-spend Democratic Congress and subject Americans to enormous tax increases. Even now, the tax code is too complex and too burdensome. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - the government's promises to seniors and those in need - must be modernized. Too many American workers are unprepared by non-performing schools and shackled by outdated government employment assistance programs. America needs experienced leadership to guide the U.S. economy to greater prosperity, control government spending, keep taxes low, save Social Security and protect the American worker. Americans want a leader willing to offer straight talk and make the hard calls necessary to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The long-term strength of our economy and financial stability of American households are what's at stake in this election.

Americans have lost faith and trust in their government - Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. Americans want a courageous leader who will stand up to the trial lawyers and labor bosses and other special interests, govern by principle rather than political expedience, keep their promises, and solve problems instead of leaving them for our children. Restoring Americans' confidence in their government is what's at stake in this election.

Americans want judges who will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench - The next president will appoint many federal judges and perhaps even a Supreme Court justice. The recent victory on partial birth abortion is an example of how important the Supreme Court is in protecting our values and interpreting the law as it is written. America needs a president who will provide strong moral leadership. A Democrat president will appoint judges who make law with disregard for the will of the people, but to the cheers of those advancing a liberal social agenda. America needs a leader who recognizes that that the people and states should decide what's best, not the courts. The future of the U.S. Supreme Court is what's at stake in this election.

What are the Bold Solutions?

Winning the War Against Islamic Extremists. Radical Islamic extremists are a relentless threat to America, its citizens, and the values we share. In the words of the al Qaeda leadership, Iraq is the central battleground of this war. We face a fork in the road. John McCain will pursue our opportunity for victory in Iraq, strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Democrats will fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw the region into instability, and increase the risks faced on our home soil. To concede defeat now would strengthen al Qaeda, empower Iran and other hostile powers in the Middle East, unleash a full scale civil war in Iraq that could lead to genocide, and destabilize the entire region as neighboring powers come to the aid of their favored factions. John McCain is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. He has the experience and leadership to defeat our enemy and secure a broader peace.

Reforming Health Care for All Americans. Real reform will put families in the driver's seat of our health care system. The road to reform does not lead through Washington and a hugely expensive, bureaucratic, government-controlled system. John McCain will harness competition to offer more affordable insurance options for as many Americans as possible, leveraging the innovation and cost-effectiveness of our nation's firms to put an end to existing rigid, unfriendly bureaucracies. He will build a national market where insurance is more available, portable, and accessible across state lines; in which patients' rights are respected and their information under their control; and one in which people may save more in tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts. He will assist those who need help in getting private insurance.

John McCain will provide incentives for a national market - including the reimportation of pharmaceuticals - that offer greater transparency about effective patient care, options for preventative care and therapies, and prices so that competition makes it easier for families to navigate toward quality and low cost. He will demand reform to medical malpractice laws to curb abusive lawsuits that squeeze doctors, prevent innovation, and drive up the cost of health care. We need more transparency of prices and quality measures so that patients can make informed choices.

Reforming Government. Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. John McCain will bring spending under control, veto wasteful, pork-barrel spending bills every time, and keep taxes low. He will reform a tax code that is too complex and too burdensome. John McCain will modernize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He will bring accountability, choice and competition to underperforming schools, so our children are equipped to take the best jobs of the 21st century. John McCain is the only leader willing to make the hard calls necessary to restore faith in our government and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

John McCain...Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership, Bold Solutions.

Go Wolverines!

McCain - MadIrishman Sheridan Folger Floods Wonkosphere - Proud Men Bush and Heroes Weep!

Imagine if Sheridan Folger, The Mad Irishman of New England who helped John McCain's run in New Hampshire, felt strongly about John McCain?

Good Gobstoppers, Sheridan! There is no backdoor to your Foxhole - that is clear. Sheridan, Abu!

Take a look at the Prolific Partisan's work on the Wonkosphere!

John McCain Buzz
Significant posts about John McCain from the last 24 hours, updated every 4 hours.

Color codes for posts: RED is for conservative, BLUE is for liberal, and GRAY is for independent. ( please ignore)

How State Department earned its reputation for disloyalty
Washington Times:A recent outcry in the Foreign Service over forced assignments in Iraq has angered many veteran diplomats, (Read more...)

From: PrairiePundit | Posted: 2008-01-14 13:03
Insiders who dislike McCain
Jay Costs:Since his win in New Hampshire, many have come to view John McCain as the Republican frontrunner. He has a lead (Read more...)

From: PrairiePundit | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:51
This Morning on the Wonkosphere, McCain and The Mad Irishman
Conservative BuzzMcCain Faltering In Michigan, Romney Rising?ace (1/13) McCain Victory Built on War ExperienceAmerican Conservative News (1/13) 'NYT': Poll Shows Incredible McCain S (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:50
New Polls Show John McCain Fares Best Against Pro-Abortion Democrats
(Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:34
McCain has faith in S.C.
(Read more...)From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:30
Frenemies: McCain, Huckabee Test Relationship
(Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:25
McCain has advantage in Michigan
(Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:20
Pinata time for McCain
Washington Post: Over the past decade, (Read more...)

From: PrairiePundit | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:19
How Do You Solve a Problem Like McCain?
Since his win in New Hampshire, many have come to view John McCain as the Republican frontrunner. He has a lead in the RCP national average, and he is the favorite at InTrade's future's market. I think this talk is... (Read more...)

From: Real Clear Politics | Posted: 2008-01-14 12:13
Why Bother To Publish It?
When looking at polls, readers should always review the sampling to determine their predictive value. After some of the strange polling in the 2004 and 2006 election, most people have become more educated on how to spot poor polling efforts, even... (Read more...)

From: Captain's Quarters | Posted: 2008-01-14 11:31
My Latest Townhall Column: A Conservative Nightmare: Republican Nominee, John McCain
My latest column at Townhall is called A Conservative Nightmare: Republican Nominee, John McCain. Here's an excerpt from the column, Mike Huckabee's campaign manager Ed Rollins has been ceaselessly pilloried on the Right for saying, "It's gone. The... (Read more...)

From: Right Wing News | Posted: 2008-01-14 11:30
JOHN MCCAIN 2008 LAUNCHES RADIO AD IN MICHIGAN AND SOUTH CAROLINA
As president I will never waver in our fight to defend America so that the sacrifices of great Americans like Mike Christian are not made in vain. This is John McCain and I approve this message. ANNCR: Paid for by John McCain 2008. … 10... (Read more...)

From: 4-President | Posted: 2008-01-14 11:23
Patrick Ruffini: McCain's National Lead
So much for Iowa and New Hampshire not mattering this year. CBS/NYTimes: McCain 33 Huckabee 18 Giuliani 10 Romney 8 Thompson 8 Paul 3 ABCNews/WaPo: McCain 28 Huckabee 20 Romney 19 Giuliani 15 Thompson 8 Paul 5 Rudy has (Read more...)

From: Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog | Posted: 2008-01-14 10:25
Former Michigan Governor William Milliken Endorses John McCain For
January 13, 2008 — ARLINGTON, VA — US Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former Michigan Governor … Read more here: Former Michigan Governor William Milliken Endorses John McCain For … 2008... (Read more...)

From: 4-President | Posted: 2008-01-14 08:19
President John McCain? I Don't Think So
The latest polls have John McCain as the national-front runner in the Republican primary. The Bhutto assassination in Pakistan last month reminded voters that we are in an international war against Islamic Radicalism. … american, barack obama, ... (Read more...)

From: 4-President | Posted: 2008-01-14 05:47
Will This Never End?
/C3PO whine. Republicans will vote in Michigan on Tuesday and Nevada and South Carolina on Saturday. I'm already mad at voters in both states, and I don't even know why. According to the latest polls, Romney and McCain are within... (Read more...)

From: ace | Posted: 2008-01-14 04:56
John McCain moves into nationwide lead
After his come-back upset win in New Hampshire, John McCain finds himself in the lead nationwide going into Michigan Tuesday (Read more...)

From: Porter County Politics | Posted: 2008-01-14 04:48
A convert makes a YouTube Post on Mitt's visit today in MI
Yes, it’s “electric!” This person wasn’t a believer, but is now after attending today’s event. He says he’s incredibly motivated after today, and we’re glad to have him! Apparently McCain’s people... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-14 04:17
The case against John McCain, Part Two
Earlier today, Scott linked to several interviews with former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum regarding his former colleague John McCain. Santorum,... (Read more...)

From: Power Line | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:56
McCain Camp: Unable To Think Beyond Regulation
In the latest volley between Romney and McCain, Romney has taken issue with McCain's handling of CAFE standards, or rather his love of them. Now, McCain always loving to push the flip flop label on Mit,t released this damning (at least in there eyes)... (Read more...)

From: My Man Mitt | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:55
McCain Stops at MSU!!
Posted: 9:44 PM Jan 13, 2008Last Updated: 9:44 PM Jan 13, 2008Reporter: Jamie EdmondsEmail Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com"We won a big victory in New Hampshire," Arizona Senator Joh (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:33
Heavy Hitters From Reagan Era Back Senator McCain
By: Jennifer HarperLawrence Eagleburger, George P. Shultz, Marlin Fitzwater, Robert Mosbacher, Alexander M. Haig Jr., Margaret Tutwiler, Gen. P.X. Kel (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:29
MC CAIN: THE LAST MAN STANDING
Richard ReevesSun Jan 13, 5:53 PM ETBERLIN -- It was a distinct pleasure to be back in Berlin on the night Sen. (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:23
His appeal wide, McCain has automatic advantage when Mich. votes
Associated Press - January 13, 2008 6:54 PM ET READ THE STORY HEREShared with my fellow Straight Tal (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:19
McCain and Obama share royal lineage
By Auslan Cramb, Scottish CorrespondentJohn McCain, the Republican presidential contender, and Barack Obama, his Democrat rival, are both descended f (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:16
CBS Poll: McCain Surges To National Lead
(CBS) Surging after his win in the New Hampshire primary, Arizona Sen. John McCain has come from behind to now lead the national Republican race (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:11
Quote of the day
Training wheels. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:10
John McCain's Sweet Spot
By Rich LowryEver since Huckabee won Iowa, everything has lined up perfectly in this process for John McCain. It must be the lucky n (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-14 03:08
CNN Puts McCain Up 13 Nationally
CNN, nationally: McCain 34, Huckabee 21,amp;nbsp;Giuliani 18, Romney 14,amp;nbsp;Thompson,amp;nbsp;6,amp;nbsp;Paul 5. . . . (Read more...)

From: The Campaign Spot | Posted: 2008-01-14 02:59
McCain Camp: Unable To Think Beyond Regulation
In the latest volley between Romney and McCain, Romney has taken issue with McCain’s handling of CAFE standards, or rather his love of them. Now, McCain always loving to push the flip flop label on Mit,t released this damning (at least … ... (Read more...)

From: 4-President | Posted: 2008-01-14 02:54


You get the idea - the Man is Mad! Mad for McCain!

McCain - In Michigan - Size matters when looking at crowds

Hat Tip to the energetic Publisher, Journalist, Gad-fly, Gourmandizing Man About Town, Crack Pistol Shot, and the Arm-Candy to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Women of the World Patrick Hynes, Co-Publisher and Editor of AnkleBiting Pundits

(click Post title for ABP)

In Tomorrow's Michigan Primary, the Political Bellwether for the Presidential Race, crowd size comparison between McCain and Mitt events could help assess tomorrow's results.

Thus, from the energetic and Prolific Brother Hynes:

If crowd size matters:
Several hundred people cheered and banged thundersticks as the former Massachusetts governor spoke at Lawrence Technical College, only about ten miles from Bloomfield Hills, where he grew up . http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/01/13/politics/fromtheroad/entry3705989.shtml
Same day, same county:
The Republican U.S. senator from Arizona is the first presidential candidate to visit the city of 13,000, and he drew a crowd of 1,200 people with a mix of political affiliations. The turnout exceeded expectations of rally organizers, including Mike Bosnic, the school board president. http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/011308/loc_n2001.shtml
2k in East Lansing:
The crowd of perhaps 2,000 people packed a Kellogg Center hall where McCain promised a brighter economic future for Michigan and a cleaner planet. http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080114/ELECTIONS01/801140337&template=printart

McCain- Maverick GOP Milliken Endorses the Best Man!

With hours to go Wolverines, John McCain calls Michigan to listen to Staight Talk and gostraight into the voting booths tomorrow.

Mcihigan may well decide the course America takes in the War on Islamist Terror and support the man best qualified to unite all Americans.

One Michigan Man, who was Mitt Romney's father's Lt. Governor, William Milliken is backing John McCain.

(click my post title for the full story)

William Milliken stated,

"Sen. McCain has demonstrated the quality of saying what he means and meaning what he says," said Milliken, 85, who also endorsed McCain in 2000 and dismayed GOP loyalists in 2004 by endorsing Democrat John Kerry over President Bush.

Milliken, who was Michigan's longest-serving governor, from 1969-1982, had pointed words for Romney, who was Massachusetts' governor from 2003-2007.

"I was a great admirer of his father," Milliken said. "But Mitt Romney has been a disappointment to me because he has changed his socially responsible positions he took as governor of Massachusetts. I don't have the respect for him that I had for his father."

Milliken, who favors abortion rights, singled out Romney's conversion from pro-choice to pro-life. McCain has long been opposed to abortion. The former governor said McCain has taken a moderate position on immigration and has been a champion for environmental issues as an Arizona senator.

"He's played a very responsible role in this immigration issue; he hasn't demagogued it," Milliken said. "And he says we have to confront global warming."

Milliken noted he differs with McCain on the war in Iraq, which he called "a tragic mistake." McCain has been

Make the difference with McCain, Michigan!

McCain - Not Only GOP Voters, but Many Dems

New York Times reports that more GOP voters are now looking to John McCain as the Best Man for President. ( click my post title)

News Flash, Kids - many traditional Democrats, like Sun Times Pulitzer Prize Winning Political Cartoonist Jack Higgins and your humble correspondent, differ on many, many issues with the New DNC. I view John McCain as a President who will unite Americans in the Global War on Islamist Terror. Jack Higgins, a real pro. publicly will not tip his hand, but in his civic opinion vote for the best person to President within the sanctity of the voting booth. Jack Higgins reflects the point of view shared by most urban tradional Democrats.

Catholics, Jews, Muslims and Protestants who traditionally adhere to the Party of Al Smith, FDR, Harry Truman, JFK, Pat Moynihan, Scoop Jackson and Hubert Humphrey are not enthralled to the New Pan-Goofy Mythology of the DNC - Abortion, Defeatism, Leftism, Liberal Fascism, and Hollywood Relativism will cast votes for John McCain.

McCain Battles Mitt, Milkey, Molbermann, MSNBC in Michigan

After the shabby treatment afforded to Senator John McCain by the MSNBC on the Night of his Victory in the New Hampshire Primary, the same geniuses who predicted the Obama landslide and Hillary Clinton's - Exit - Stage Left have conducted a poll (click my post title)that gives Mittles Romney the lead in Michigan. Cum Grano Salis as the Old Romans used to say about the stuff left behind in a cow pasture!

Monumental Mope - Keefe Olberman and Milkey Matthews were set back on their pins in New Hampshire. McCain rolled over Mittles.

My unscientific and pedestrian poll of a long stretch of street in Niles Michigan yesterday gave Senator McCain a comfortable lead over everyone: ( from yesterday's post)

The stretch of Michigan streets that my Thom McCann Easy Comfort Middle Age Guy Loafers trod upon - Beeson Road, north of Route 12 - twenty one of twenty four households happily voiced their support of John McCain.

Most impressive was Jim Ringler and his family. They asked more questions of me than any other household and offered that 'John McCain is the only real candidate with experience in every aspect of qualification to be President.'

Jim Durkin's crew worked well into the late afternoon.

Just to make sure we get more Michigan folks aware of the Straight Talk Townhall tomorrow - DIGGGG This!!!


For all Wolverines in Western Michigan! Senator John McCain will host a Townhall Meeting -

When -MONDAY @ 9:45 AM on JANUARY 14,2008

Where:Kalamazoo Christian High School
2121 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Come on Wolverines! Hit the polls on Tuesday for John McCain and give the POLLS and MSNBC another kick in the britches

McCain's Michigan Surge Is Working - Durkin's Illini Lend a Hand!

Pat and Julie Brady's Beautiful McCainiacs - Julie was too busy doing the work to get her photo taken - God, I love My Gender!
'Hit the Doors!'
Jim Durkin Approves this Message but not necessarily the time of day
McCain's Michigan surge is working! In Niles, Michigan, Illinois State Rep. and McCain Illinois Chairman and Pat and Julie Brady brought in better than a score of Volunteers, including Ms. Pat Rosenhagen and your humble correspondent.

The stretch of Michigan streets that my Thom McCann Easy Comfort Middle Age Guy Loafers trod upon - Beeson Road, north of Route 12 - twenty one of twenty four households happily voiced their support of John McCain.

Most impressive was Jim Ringler and his family. They asked more questions of me than any other household and offered that 'John McCain is the only real candidate with experience in every aspect of qualification to be President.'

Jim Durkin's crew worked well into the late afternoon.

For all Wolverines in Western Michigan! Senator John McCain will host a Townhall Meeting -

When -MONDAY @ 9:45 AM on JANUARY 14,2008

Where:Kalamazoo Christian High School
2121 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Illinois McCainiacs! Get to Michigan - Saturday 10AMCST - Jim Durkin's Got Work For Us

Illini John McCain Volunteers

We will meet at the McDonalds @ 10AM CST ( Chicago Time) located at

1203 South 11th Street in NILES MICHIGAN - to give John McCain a hand.

See you There! Durkin's Buying!

John McCain: One of Us!

For months, I have been posting about John McCain in his bid to become Our President. I identify John McCain with two Great American Presidents, Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt. Like Jackson, McCain is welded to personal Honor and devotion to Country.

My Illinois Blogging Pal John Rubery the Marathon Pundit has a coda

"One man with courage makes a majority." President Andrew Jackson

That about sums up John McCain, but there is more. Teddy Roosevelt who more than any one person made the 20th Century, truly the America Century once chided an Irish Jesse Jackson-type:

"There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all. ... The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities, an intricate knot of German-Americans, Irish-Americans, English-Americans, French-Americans, Scandinavian-Americans or Italian-Americans, each preserving its separate nationality, each at heart feeling more sympathy with Europeans of that nationality, than with the other citizens of the American Republic. ... There is no such thing as a hyphenated American who is a good American. The only man who is a good American is the man who is an American and nothing else."

My family came from County Kerry and they all consider themselves to be Americans.

Family, Country and Honor = John McCain.

Click on my post title for a Washington Post article on John McCain and the American family/

John McCain Has Them Really Scared! DNC - It seems clowns can read as well as write smear letters

Hokey Smokes! Deano's Trackers is Tracking me! Understand this - I am quits with the Democratic Party - Nationally. I still have high regard for my neighbors and friends in the local Democratic Party and they can count on my financial, moral and physical support.

But the Party kidnapped by Deano and Moveon.org; Hollywood Ninnies; Abortionists; Lefty Think-tanks and 501(c) 3s and Trotskyites pretending to be labor leaders:SEIU is no longer the Party of Al Smith,FDR, Harry Truman, JFK, LBJ, Scoop Jackson, TIP O'Neill, and Joe Lieberman.

The DNC is a Clown Opera - Opera Buffa! Evidenced in the sad attempt to solicit money with the smear of a great American - Senator John McCain. Please look at my two previous posts in this matter.

Click my post title for John McCain's exchange with Tim Russert on Meet the Press. He more than clarified his position on Iraq. The clowns are trying to add to their numbers. Americans go to circus to watch clowns, but recoil from them out of those rings - especially the political ring.


Adios, Punchinellos!

Domain Name dnc.org ? (Organization)
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All the money in the world can not stop an honest man!

John McCain's Meet the Press Answer to Deano's 'Trackers"

Hat tip to ColeCurtis Monitor's Miss Vicki, A John McCain Warrior!

Yesterday afternoon, I received a solicitation from the Democratic National Committee for more contributions from me - that well done dried up after Howard Dean took the tiller.

It was a smear of John McCain's off the cuff remarks on America's presence in Iraq.

Click my post title for Senator John McCain's answer to Tim Russert on those remarks.

John McCain Really Has Them Scared: DNC Smear Letter

I contributed to the Democratic National Committee - past tense. Today, I was e-mailed this insulting smear of a great American, John McCain.

My return salutation is unprintable , but I went on to say that this smear of a Great American lost a voter. That is it for me. What was a Great American Political Party is in the hands of louses and sneaks. Harry Truman would have slapped the crowd of you clowns.

Here's the disgraceful letter attempting to ask me to contribute to the slander of a fine man. By the way, I saw the original video.

Dear Patrick,

John McCain may be feeling good about his victory in New Hampshire's primary last night, but you can bet video clips like this one from the campaign trail will come back to haunt him:


Can you believe it? Just last week, one of our organizers was at a town hall meeting for John McCain in Derry, New Hampshire. When an audience member asked him what he thought about President Bush's plan to keep troops in Iraq for 50 years, McCain answered, "make it a hundred."

This is why I love my job - this video was shot by Alexis, one of our "trackers" for the Democratic Party. Every day, trackers like Alexis travel from campaign event to campaign event, quietly filming the Republican presidential candidates and posting it online.
Republicans are so dissatisfied with their field of candidates, they can't make up their mind. That means we have to spend more time covering more people than we have before. That's why I'm asking you to help keep the Democratic Party's trackers and organizers on the ground.

Will you keep the Republican candidates on the record with a donation?

http://www.democrats.org/100years

You can always see our tracking video online right here...

http://www.democrats.org/FlipperTV

During the whole course of the campaign, McCain lost ground among independents over his stubborn promise to deliver a third Bush term on the war in Iraq. On this video, McCain makes that promise again. He not only interrupted a voter's question telling him we should "make it a hundred" years in Iraq and "that would be fine with me," he told a reporter after the event that U.S. troops could be in Iraq for 'a thousand years' or 'a million years,' as far as he was concerned."

That's why we originally hired people to track candidates in Iowa - and now that the caucuses are over we thought we'd have to lay them off.

But thanks to the 50-State Strategy and support from Democrats like you, they're still hard at work, making sure we keep catching everything the Republicans say on the campaign trail.

The more donations that we receive, the more employees we can keep on staff as we head into the general election. That means more tracking videos, more doors knocked and more calls made when the election heats up.

We're getting results. Just look at last night's results. Democrats showed up 2 to 1 over Republicans in Iowa, and New Hampshire saw a shortage of ballots in some locations because so many folks were voting in the our Party's primary.

The tracker's work isn't very glamorous - but it's important. Can you help keep people like Alexis in the field?

http://www.democrats.org/100years

We know the republicans are going to do everything they can to hold on to power. They won't give up without a fight, and neither will we. With your help we're going to win.
Sincerely,

Mike Gehrke

That's what Mike did with the dollars of Loyal Democrats - hired sneaks - 'trackers' for smear work. Disgraceful!
click on my post title for the full calumny.

John McCain - Mistreated by Matthews and Olbermann in Victory Speech Split Screen Slight - Milkey and Keef - Biased Bimbos

However, Romney will not go away soon - nor will his money. Romney's ATM Machine is still dumping dough into the Wonkosphere. That can't be helped. It's run on algorithms and those lads ran over my GPA back in the late 1960's.

Too many operatives in the extreme Right Culture of the GOP ( Hannity, Pain Killer Limbaugh, the Buchanan (filius et filia) detest McCain - Romney will be encouraged to pour more of his money on McCain's bid like hot coals on the noggin.

Not until McCain wins South Carolina. Michigan will be tough, but Wolverines are like Granite Staters - folks with their heads screwed on straight. The goofs go to California to make movies or run for office out of State.

McCain captures the hearts in the Great American Middle. The Left hate McCain almost as much as the Monty Burns Plutocrats on theFar Right - Shills like Chris 'Milkey' Matthews and Keith Olbermann e.g. - last night afforded full screen coverage to each concession speech, but when it came time for McCain's Victory Speech- the winner was squeezed into a tiny window of the split screen and competed with - static updates on Obama/Hillary which were also rolled at the bottom of the screen.

This mistreatment of John McCain by MSNBC was disgraceful. The McCain Campaign should direct some analysis and follow-up against Milkey Matthews and Olbermann. They are not the worst in TV Play News - but they'll do.

Just some thoughts.

John McCain - Is Off the Deck!

McCain is off the Deck and in the Air! Thanks to the great Voters of New Hampshire and the band of bloggers behind Brad Marston, Sheridan Folger, Huntsville Alabama's Miss Vicki, Mike Schuyler, Patrick Hynes,Tony GOPrano, and so many more great people, the Man Most Suited - Flight Suited - to lead America in Time of War on Islamist Terror is in Flight to Victory!


Click my post title for the Salon Feature on New Hampshire Victory!

Well Done, Senator McCain!!!!

John McCain - Good Guy! STNG's Jennifer Hunter - πρωτο-vox et proeterea nihil

The Chicago Newspaper cork-screwing into the loam, The Chicago Sun Times has branded itself as the Paper of the Pretentious.

No one better to scare off readers than Jennifer Hunter - like clowns and jacko-lanterns to two year olds!

While searching for coverage of the New Hampshire Primary and the Victory of John McCain, I was confronted with a Jennifer Hunter treatment of the singularly 'Good Guy' candidate. Mon Dieu! Treating a Regular Guy, like John McCain, with Progressive-Prose Pretentions is like inviting George Will to Keegan's Pub for Old Styles!

Thus:

Often described as the Senate's proto-hawk for his support of Iraq and other military interventions, McCain is

( Emphasis- my own)

Jennifer - save this pap for milquetoasts and Forrest Claypool who could read it to Mike Quigley. Those Shape-Shifters appreciate Classicism in their Classism. Lay Off John McCain!

John McCain is for fans of Bull Riding; Roller Darby; & etc.! n'cest pas?

John McCain - Warrior - Mitt Romney - The Guy from 'The Office'

Byron York -my that name smacks of Breed's Hill, The Green Mountain Boys, and Ducking Stools - writes a nice contrast of America's choices: A Warrior and a To-Do Lister.

John McCain spent the final hours of the Battle for New Hampshire inspiring the troops and promising 'No Surrender on the War on Terror' and Mitt Romney told every one that Washington is Broken. 'Call our Out-source People, ASAP and have memo on this task in my Blackberry by close of the Markets!'

We have a choice - John McCain a Warrior Statesman, a 21st Century Andrew Jackson, or the Guy from the TV Show The Office.


Click on my Post Title for Byron York's article

John McCain Leads In Dixville Notch - That's the Earliest Folks!

Brad Marston and His Granite State Volunteers have scored Early! Well Done Folks!

Hat Tip to Primary Monitor Blog - click Post Title for more and updates! Go McCain!

Dixville Notch got the voting under way. The results:

John McCain 4 votes
Mitt Romney 2 votes
Rudy Giuliani 1 vote
Barack Obama 7 votes
John Edwards 2 votes
Bill Richardson 1 vote
UPDATE: In Hart's Location...

McCain 6 votes
Mike Huckabee 5 votes
Ron Paul 4 votes
Romney 1 vote
Obama 9 votes
Hillary Clinton 3 votes
Edwards 1 vote

John McCain Understands Tom Boyle in New Hampshire and Yellow Ribbons in St. Cajetan's Parish

"If I didn't vote for a Democrat," Tom Boyle said, "[McCain] is the only Republican I feel I could support."

Brother Boyle, many of us traditional Democrats - the folks the Progressives pigeonhole and calumniate in their Snob-Speak as 'close-knit, Ethnic' code for middle class Catholics and Jews - are warm to John McCain's Straight Talk and Non-Profit Patriotism.


We are the people with yellow ribbons on the trees on our blocks - tributes to the little boys and girls who played sewer-to sewer Wiffle Ball and are now wearing Kevlar in Iraq and Afghanistan; the people whom the academics and media ridicule in
newspaper 'impact series' that pick scabs of racism or the War; and we are the people paying the taxes for the entitlements and pork-spending: Pipefitters, Electricians, Stationary Engineers & etc. who also pay for the disastrous Public schools while sending our children to private schools.

I hear you Mr. Boyle. So does John McCain.

Click on my post title for more on voters like Tom Boyle flocking to John McCain.


Courtney Greve wrote a wonderful report on the St. Cajetan Parish Tribute to Heroes held in our Parish on Saturday January 5th - the night of the First McCain Debate Victory.

Read this great Courtney Greve's wonderfully poignant article from the Southtown Star about the very people whom John McCain understands and respects.


http://www.southtownstar.com/news/728174,010608soldiermass.article

John McCain: Not-for-Profit Patriot

John McCain's Kodak moment came in the discussion of whether or not a Senator would be well suited to the Office of President of the United States ( Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy seemed to do pretty well, it seems to me).

This allowed McCain to straight-talk the seminal tag- line of this Election:
( From the Guardian - click my post title forthe complete article)

The contempt felt by McCain, war hero and senator, for Romney, a multi-millionaire businessman, was manifest throughout the 90-minute debate.

Romney opted to stress his own executive experience as a businessman and governor of Massachusetts, suggesting that his rival lacked this, having spent most of his life in the senate. "I've been in the economy. I've been in the real world," Romney said.

McCain came back immediately to say that he had plenty of experience of executive power. "I led the largest squadron in the US navy, not for profit but for patriotism." He indicated the biggest problem facing the US was security, fighting two wars, and he, rather than Romney, had dedicated his life to that. ( emphasis my own)

McCain boasted that he knew how to get Osama bin Laden and, if he became president, he would get him.

Romney, witnessing the success of Obama's message in Iowa about change in Washington, portrayed himself as a Washington outsider in contrast to McCain, with his years in the senate.

McCain replied that he had succeeded in changing the US approach to the war in Iraq, being one of the advocates of last year's surge strategy that saw an extra 30,000 US troops sent to Iraq, a policy he claims has helped to reduce violence.

Earlier yesterday, Romney, front-runner in New Hampshire during almost all of last year, acknowledged doubt about the outcome in the primary. He insisted: "I'm planning on winning in New Hampshire." But he added, "It may not happen."

Although Huckabee won in Iowa, he is unlikely to repeat that victory in New Hampshire, but he said: "We're going to do better than expected."

Ron Paul was excluded from the debate by Fox News. In the USA Today/Gallup poll he recorded 8%, down from 9% last month.

All the dough in the world cannot beat an honest Man!

John McCain - Primary Source for Truth; Mitt Romney - Cliffs Notes

Mitt's Lead Blogger had this to say about John McCain's Dramatic Lead in the Polls!


I noticed that Mitt's Video Rangers are using You-Tube Video Cuts of Gottacha McCain!

Click my post title for the transcript of NBC's Meet the Press.

I was always a read the book guy over the Cliffs Notes crowd - that is why I am one of McCain's guys.

Click on my post title for John McCain on Meet the Press

McCain Trumps Mitt's Run on the Wonkosphere

Yesterday,

Mitt Romney's Boy Rangers flooded the Wonkosphere with anti-McCain posts and articles and continues today.

John McCain's Buzz Page reads like tributes to Drew Peterson ( the Bolingbroke Cop who looks like the Cowardly lion of OZ who disappeared (allegedly) his child bride # 3 r 4 and goes on Larry King to ask the Press to 'Give him His Life Back') or the scum-bag Chicago lawyer who key-ed a soon to be deployed Marine's car during the Holidays. Mitt's ATM Machine Makes Media Marvel!

It turns out that the poor kids at Wonksphere are victimized by the Math and Money as much as McCain. WonkoKev and WonkoSteve sent me two very nice notes on this problem to which I have replied:

Dear Wonko Kev and Steve,

Boys, thanks for the response to my inquiries concerning the less than balanced BUZZ allotted to John McCain out there in the Wonkosphere.

As a guy who takes the weather personally, I was taken aback by the Mitt-heavy attacks on what should be McCain's Buzz page.

After learning that algorithms were hard at play, I fully appreciate the depth and scope of the issue. I do not understand it, mind you, but be assured that I appreciate your pickle.

Mitt Romney has more money than Warren Buffet has in his couch and that is a formidable commodity when getting 'people to like you.' Hell, I 'd probably write nice things about Mitt, if he were to toss some Don Trump-Walking Around Money my way! I have an intrinsically larcenous heart in open combat with my basically loyal soul.

Thank God for poverty! Loyalty wins!

We need more loyal souls, pumping Pithy McCain Positive missives your way! I'll do what I can; but , boys, this guy has trouble with balancing his check book ( 'let's see . . . spent $700 on Courvoisier this week -subtract from $1,500 - eight check to myself at Keegan's Pub - no amounts Gadzooks!') let alone algorithms

I will post our correspondence Lads! Thanks so much!

Regards,

Pat Hickey

Now, McCainiacs get on the Wonkosphere and Fight Back!

McCain Leads!

The only candidate suited to lead America on the day he takes the Oath of Office of the President of the United States, John McCain, leads in MSNBC Polls.

John McCain off of his commanding presence in the First New Hampshire Presidential Debate on ABC leads Mitt Romney and all others:

GOP race (400 likely GOP primary voters, conducted Jan.2-4, MOE +/-5%)

McCain 32%

Romney 24%

Huckabee 12%

Giuliani 10%

Paul 8%



A month ago (released December 9), the NH results were:

Romney 25%

Giuliani 17%

McCain 16%

Huckabee 11%


McCain Leads in this Irish-American household by a much larger percentage!

McCain Controls New Hampshire Debate - Mitt called the Tune and Paid the Pipers Playing Over His Political Grave!

I watched Charlie MC the Debate on TV - but no way he conducted the show . . . .

ABC News New Hampshire Debates were handled by John McCain like Sir George Solti was back with a baton in his mitt for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Romney, reeling from the Iowa corn husking by Governor Huckabee,attempted to chorus his campaign with the theme of Change and the Shape shifter was handed his Brylcreamed head by not only John McCain, but the saintly Mike Huckabee, the affable Fred Thompson and also the calming voice of Rudy Giuliani.

Change, Change, Change - Change of Fools!

Yeow! Mitt looked like Groucho Marx on crack and came off like a stuttering dope.

John McCain articulated the sensible path to Health Care, cleared up the wildly right-wing Immigration Pork Pull for American People - did Mitt miss the pinata on that one! and reasoned the Surge in Iraq and its strategic interest for the American People.

Advantage McCain! Yeah, Mitt, "You are the candidate of change,'' laughed John McCain! Lots of changes! Mitt there's more changes coming your way on Fox tomorrow night!

Click on my post title for more!

McCain is Being Cheated in The Wonkosphere It Seems to Me

This seems Serious!

Twenty Two of Thirty Posts linked on Wonkosphere's McCain Buzz Tab are violently anti-McCain. I lodged two inquiries to Wonkosphere and received no Response.*

Take a look at the sharp contrast in the tone of posts in the Romney Buzz linked below.

Here is one of the inquiries that I lodged to the Wonkosphere Editors:

Look at the nature of the Posts linked below. Why is that?

http://wonkosphere.com/mccain.htm

http://wonkosphere.com/romney.htm

The Contrast is Unbelievable! What's up? McCain Buzz is top-heavy negative postings and your Romney Buzz is all Hozzanas!

Let me know ASAP.

Thanks folks,

Pat Hickey

This is not Right - Wonkosphere appears to be in Mitt's mitts shortly before the New Hampshire Debates and Primary.

Here is the McCain Buzz as it appears on Wonkosphere at this moment:

John McCain BuzzSignificant posts about John McCain from the last 24 hours, updated every 4 hours.

Color codes for posts: RED is for conservative, BLUE is for liberal, and GRAY is for independent.

Get out the vote in NH
Taking the Silver in Iowa. Like Mitt said, it’s not what we’d hoped but it’s still a great finish, and preparation for the ultimate gold. We need to keep things humming along. What can you do? Make sure you make your phone... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 09:10

What's at Stake in New Hampshire
Gov. Romney is down, and I’m not going to pretend that I think he’s got the advantage going into New Hampshire. Sen. McCain is peaking in the state at just the right time just at Gov. Romney’s low point. He CAN win though. He... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 07:04

John McCain: Hero but Hypocrite
I’m growing tired of the double standard as it relates to “negativity” on the campaign trail. Mitt’s been a gentleman, despite running contrast ads against his opponents. He has yet to make any judgments on character or... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 05:00

Dueling GOP Web Ads
MANCHESTER -- Mitt Romney and John McCain target each other, naturally, in two new Web ads out today. McCain's ad will appear on targeted national and early state news and information websites, including politico.com, unionleader.com and boston.com,... (Read more...)

From: national journal hotline | Posted: 2008-01-05 03:21

I Agree With McCain On Something!
We want the same thing: When asked about Joe Lieberman (who has endorsed McCain), he responded: I would definitely want Joe Lieberman to play a part — particularly in national security issues — in my administration. Me too! It would... (Read more...)

From: Multi Medium | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:58
Swifties aren't gone, they've just changed candidates
Over the last three years, the group of organized, well-financed liars ironically named the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth,” have come to be synonymous with vicious smears and mendacity. Most honorable people, who have any decency at all, look... (Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:45
Amidst All The McCain Worship
John Hood makes an excellent point: There is also a longer, truly heart-felt affection by center-left journalists for McCain, who... (Read more...)

From: Transterrestrial Musings | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:30
Great comments
There are always such great comments from this Blog’s readers, that I want your post on the front page not just the discussion session. Here are a few: From Nivek: Medved has lost a listener in me. He doesn’t have to agree with me on who ... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 01:30
Video: "Make it a hundred"
Straight talk. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:51
Hugh Hewitt: The Case for McCain: Climate Change and Campaign Finance Reform (Bumped and Updated)
Former New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass just endorsed John McCain, and explained to Fox News' John Gibson that John McCain has always stood for the same things. The first two issues cited by Bass? "Climate... (Read more...)

From: Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:44
Post-Iowa Fred
(Read more...)

From: Say Anything | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:36
McCain's Days as Viable Candidate Numbered
From Bob McCarty Writes: En route to New Hampshire, Republican John McCain is getting a lot of mileage out of his third-place finish in the Iowa Caucus. At the same time, he must realize his days as a presidential contender are numbered, in part, ... (Read more...)

From: NoisyRoom | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:29
The McCain Update - January 4, 2008
(Read more...)

From: Politico Mafioso | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:46
LIVE Webcast/Chat/Blog From The Spin Room At The NH Debate Tomorrow Night!
LIVE Webcast/Chat/Blog From The Spin Room at the NH DebateI will be Webcasting/Blogging LIVE from the Spin Room at the ABC News/Facebook/WMUR sponsored debate from St. Anselms College in Manches (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:39
The Pentagon's Muslim tug-of-war ends in defeat
Follow up. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:15
GEEZERS AND WHIPPERSNAPPERS.
One further thought about the prospect of a McCain-Obama contest next fall: The gap between the candidates' ages (McCain is 71, Obama is 46; that's a 25-year difference) would probably be the greatest in American presidential election history. (Read more...)

From: TAPPED | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:05
Hugh Hewitt: The Case For McCain: Climate Change and Campaign Finance Reform
Former New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass just endorsed John McCain, and explained to Fox News' John Gibson that John McCain has always stood for the same things. The first two issues cited by Bass? "Climate... (Read more...)

From: Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:44
CNN on Ron Paul and Sunday Fox News Forum
This is a fair treatment of the situation by CNN and Wolf Blitzer. UPDATE: ARG New Hampshire GOP Primary John McCain 35% (30%) Mitt Romney 25% (30%) Mike Huckabee 12% (11%) Ron Paul 9% (7%) Rudy Giuliani 8% (9%) Fred Thompson 1% (3%) Duncan Hunter 1%... (Read more...)

From: M Rebman | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:41
A little straight talk from Wilford Brimley
by Jill Zuckman Nashua, N.H. – The big gun is here. Wilford Brimley, the Marine turned actor turned oatmeal pitchman, will be traveling on the bus for Sen. John McCain. "The reason I'm here is because I think John McC (Read more...)

From: The Swamp | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:38
McCain's Momentum Ad
The New Hampshire pitch: (Read more...)

From: The Daily Dish | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:37
Mitt today: "No way" will McCain bring change; Mitt 2002: "He has always stood for reform and change"
Flipper! (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:30
Has the media picked its man?
Last year, Fred Barnes, the prominent conservative pundit and executive editor of The Weekly Standard, noted, “In 2000, his aides joked that McCain’s base was the media. In truth, it was.” I rarely agree with Barnes, but he’s ... (Read more...)

From: The Carpetbagger Report | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:10
Blogtalk: New Hampshire Lights Up Online
A stew of voices -- Republican, Democrat, substantial and light-hearted -- can be heard these days within the New Hampshire blogosphere. (Read more...)

From: The Caucus | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:09
McCain Web Ad Blasts Romney
I used to be skeptical about the propulsive effect of campaign web ads, and viewed them as a way for campaigns to drive the press's focus without having to spend the money on a television advertisement. Well, I still think the latter thought is... (Read more...)

From: Marc Ambinder | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:08
McCain presses support for Iraq War at defense contractor
By Mike Dorning NASHUA, N.H.—The war in Iraq may not be popular with the broad national public. But John McCain still charged into the final stretch of the New Hampshire primary campaign highlighting his unwavering support for the U. (Read more...)

From: The Swamp | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:58
Stick it to Politico
Fred Heads get the last laugh. (Read more...)

From: Don Surber | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:34
Four more years of Cheney?
In all likelihood, you don’t need yet another reason to reject the very idea of a Rudy Giuliani presidential administration. Here’s one anyway. Would a Rudy Giuliani administration be populated with a cabinet of Republican rivals and a... (Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:27
Swift Boat Liars aren't gone, they've just changed candidates
Over the last three years, the group of organized, well-financed liars ironically named the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth,” have come to be synonymous with vicious smears and mendacity. Most honorable people, who have any decency at all,... (Read more...)

From: The Carpetbagger Report | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:20
Dance of the White Heads
(Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-04 19:42
Video: "Twists"
Mileage. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 19:32

The McCain Campaign Need to Jump on this and Get some Answers!

UpDate 11:58 CST:*

RE: Above - I just got this e-mail from Wonkosphere

steve@wonkosphere.com View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To: conorhickey@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Wonkosohere message: question

Good morning. In response to your inquiry, please see
http://wonkoblog.com/2008/01/05/mccain-taking-heavy-fire-dont

It appears that Mitt Romney's Campaign flooded the Wonkosphere with violently negative posts on John McCain. Akin to tearing down house signs and smearing one's character. Mitt's desperate.
The Wonkosphere should cover itself and yank the Romney vitriol - or at least start posting from the McCain People.

McCain - Mission New Hampshire Live

The Game is on! The Stakes are High! John McCain needs your voices to join Brad Marston Live in New Hampshire tonight at 6PM EST - That's 7PM to all of south side Chicago Cousins!

Here's a little pre game pep talk from an old 19th Ward Chicago Democrat ( Yeah, I'm with McCain!) - we win elections - ALL THE TIME! We win here the fighting 19th Ward because we stay on message and the John McCain Team has given us this great Victory Strategy. Let's Close the Deal - Get the Undecideds! Stay on Message and Stay on task!

Let's suit up!

Election 2008: What's at Stake?
America faces a dangerous, relentless enemy in the War against Islamic Extremists - We face an enemy that has repeatedly attacked us and remains committed to killing Americans and the destruction of our values. This election is about who is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. This election is about making sure we have the experienced leadership to guide us to victory in this war, protect the nation against future terrorist attacks, and support our troops and first responders who are on the frontlines of the war. This election will decide whether we choose to fight or announce surrender. It will decide whether we have a president who dangerously weakens U.S. security or strengthens it; whether we will flinch and retreat or fully engage the enemy on multiple fronts. We need decisive leadership with the vision and experience to guide our country and the world through this challenge. Having a courageous Commander-in-Chief who is willing to lead us in this war, rally our democratic allies and defeat our enemy to secure a broader peace is what's at stake in this election.
America is at an Economic Crossroads - Government spending is out-of-control. A Democrat elected President will join hands with a tax-and-spend Democratic Congress and subject Americans to enormous tax increases. Even now, the tax code is too complex and too burdensome. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - the government's promises to seniors and those in need - must be modernized. Too many American workers are unprepared by non-performing schools and shackled by outdated government employment assistance programs. America needs experienced leadership to guide the U.S. economy to greater prosperity, control government spending, keep taxes low, save Social Security and protect the American worker. Americans want a leader willing to offer straight talk and make the hard calls necessary to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The long-term strength of our economy and financial stability of American households are what's at stake in this election.

Americans have lost faith and trust in their government - Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. Americans want a courageous leader who will stand up to the trial lawyers and labor bosses and other special interests, govern by principle rather than political expedience, keep their promises, and solve problems instead of leaving them for our children. Restoring Americans' confidence in their government is what's at stake in this election.
Americans want judges who will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench - The next president will appoint many federal judges and perhaps even a Supreme Court justice. The recent victory on partial birth abortion is an example of how important the Supreme Court is in protecting our values and interpreting the law as it is written. America needs a president who will provide strong moral leadership. A Democrat president will appoint judges who make law with disregard for the will of the people, but to the cheers of those advancing a liberal social agenda. America needs a leader who recognizes that that the people and states should decide what's best, not the courts. The future of the U.S. Supreme Court is what's at stake in this election.

What are the Bold Solutions?
Winning the War Against Islamic Extremists. Radical Islamic extremists are a relentless threat to America, its citizens, and the values we share. In the words of the al Qaeda leadership, Iraq is the central battleground of this war. We face a fork in the road. John McCain will pursue our opportunity for victory in Iraq, strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Democrats will fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw the region into instability, and increase the risks faced on our home soil. To concede defeat now would strengthen al Qaeda, empower Iran and other hostile powers in the Middle East, unleash a full scale civil war in Iraq that could lead to genocide, and destabilize the entire region as neighboring powers come to the aid of their favored factions. John McCain is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. He has the experience and leadership to defeat our enemy and secure a broader peace.
Reforming Health Care for All Americans. Real reform will put families in the driver's seat of our health care system. The road to reform does not lead through Washington and a hugely expensive, bureaucratic, government-controlled system. John McCain will harness competition to offer more affordable insurance options for as many Americans as possible, leveraging the innovation and cost-effectiveness of our nation's firms to put an end to existing rigid, unfriendly bureaucracies. He will build a national market where insurance is more available, portable, and accessible across state lines; in which patients' rights are respected and their information under their control; and one in which people may save more in tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts. He will assist those who need help in getting private insurance.

John McCain will provide incentives for a national market - including the reimportation of pharmaceuticals - that offer greater transparency about effective patient care, options for preventative care and therapies, and prices so that competition makes it easier for families to navigate toward quality and low cost. He will demand reform to medical malpractice laws to curb abusive lawsuits that squeeze doctors, prevent innovation, and drive up the cost of health care. We need more transparency of prices and quality measures so that patients can make informed choices.

Reforming Government. Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. John McCain will bring spending under control, veto wasteful, pork-barrel spending bills every time, and keep taxes low. He will reform a tax code that is too complex and too burdensome. John McCain will modernize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He will bring accountability, choice and competition to underperforming schools, so our children are equipped to take the best jobs of the 21st century. John McCain is the only leader willing to make the hard calls necessary to restore faith in our government and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.
John McCain...Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership, Bold Solutions.

Welcome the Undecided! Convince the Fence Sitters! Make your voice loud and clear and friendly! Keep your Game Face for the Polling Booth! Click on My Post Title and Log in to Brad for John McCain!

John McCain is a Go!

John McCain Straps it On for the Bigs

The Iowa Caucuses Have ended - the musical chairs of Democracy- the pre-season exhibition game. Now it's time for the regular season play to begin. After the pre-season in Iowa, Senator McCain thanked the Hawkeyes and the Team!

STATEMENT FROM JOHN MCCAIN ON THE IOWA CAUCUS

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office

Thursday, January 3, 2008
703-650-5550



ARLINGTON , VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement regarding the results of the Iowa Caucus:



"I thank each and every Iowan who braved the cold to caucus tonight, as well as my tremendous Iowa staff and leadership for all of their hard work over the past year. They worked wonders with far fewer resources than their competitors. I also congratulate Governor Huckabee on his victory tonight.



"Now the campaign turns to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation primary. As Granite State voters know best, I will continue to deliver straight talk about the critical issues facing our country. I will talk about the unique experience that prepares me to lead as commander in chief from day one, and makes me the only Republican who can win the White House in 2008.



"We started this together, New Hampshire , eight years ago. In five days, we're going to send the same message we did then: change is coming."

Get Ready for some Game! Watch John McCain's speech on January 9th - Live Love from New Hampshire afte the Season Kickoff Victory! We will be with John McCain's Team here in Chicago on New Hampshire Primary Night -McCain's Got Game!



Meghan McCain's great Photos from
http://www.mccainblogette.com/

Harry Paget Flashman and George Macdonald Fraser - R.I.P.

Te Deum! Non Nobis Sed Te Deum!

Well, that was what the old Anglo/Catholic rituals and send-offs should ring from England's fields and forests. But - I prefer this quote from Flashy from Flashman's Lady:


"I'm not proud of what happened in the next moment. Of course, I was very young and thoughtless, and my great days of instant flight and evasion were still ahead of me, but even so, with ... my native cowardice to boot, my reaction was inexcusable ... in my youthful folly and ignorance, I absolutely stood there gaping ..." at a lusty busted Temptress!

In my Freshman year at Loyola University (1970) I was introduced to the world of history by Father Charles Ronan, S. J. and to the one created by George MacDonald Fraser, a Scottish novelist with a jeweler's eye for history, and his creation - Harry Paget Flashman. Fraser took a 19th Century villain of Tom Brown's School Day and developed the greatest scoundrel, lecher, coward, hypocrite, swindler, pimp, cheat, drunkard, and lay-about into the most affecting and charming rouge in literature.

History often presents us with idealized heroes who often can not withstand the careful eye of truth and our delusions and illusions cast us into funks of depression and incivility. Not so our villains. George MacDonald Fraser once said that he always rooted for the 'bad guys' in adventure stories and movies- Basil Rathbone over Errol Flynn; Aaron Burr over Thomas Jefferson; Mike Tyson over Anyone.

George Mac Donald Fraser died but his character Flashman - Flashy lives on Fraser's novels - Read them. You may learn some history and you will laugh yourself to good health.

Damme, More Claret! Now for some bodice ripping! Here's a Wikpedia Plot Summary from the first Novel in the series - Flashman

Flashman's expulsion from Rugby for drunkenness leads him to join the Army for what he hopes will be a sinecure. He joins the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons commanded by Lord Cardigan whom he toadies in his best style. After an affair with a fellow officer's lover, he is forced to fight a duel but wins after promising a large sum of money to the pistol loader to give his opponent blanks in his gun. He does not kill his opponent but instead delopes and accidentally shoots the top off a bottle thirty yards away, an action that gives him instant fame and the respect of Duke of Wellington. However, once it was found out what they were fighting over, Flashman is stationed in Scotland. He is quartered with the Morrison family, and soon enough he takes advantage of one of the daughters, Elspeth. After a forced marriage, Flashman is forced to resign the Hussars due to marrying below his station. He is given another option, to make his reputation in India.

By showing off his language and riding skills in India, Flashman is assigned to the worst frontier of the British Empire at that time, Afghanistan. His adventures include the retreat from Kabul, Last Stand at Gandamak and the Siege of Jalalabad, in the First Anglo-Afghan War. Despite being captured, tortured, and escaping death numerous times, and hiding and shirking his duty as much as possible, he comes through it all alive and with a hero's reputation.

Here are Gorrge Mac Donald Fraser's Flashman novels: ( again from Wikpedia - Thank God for that handy tool)

Flashman • Royal Flash • Flash for Freedom! • Flashman at the Charge • Flashman in the Great Game • Flashman's Lady • Flashman and the Redskins • Flashman and the Dragon • Flashman and the Mountain of Light • Flashman and the Angel of the Lord • Flashman and the Tiger • Flashman on the March


Click on my Post Title for the Death Notice of George MacDonald Fraser - Good on You George!
Get To Reading!

John McCain - Running The Table in New Hampshire!

The only candidate with the integrity, experience, grit and sense of self to lead America in time of War on Islamist Terror has 'run the table in New Hampshire,' like Willie Mosconi (During the 1940s and 1950s, the pocket billiards game most often played in competition was called straight pool, or 14.1 continuous, a form of billiards considered by most top players to be more difficult than today's championship pool game 9-ball. Willie Mosconi still holds the officially recognized high run record of 526 consecutive balls - Wikpedia)- grabbing every media endorsement in the deep snows of New England and he's showing muscle among frozen corn stalks of Iowa without spending nickle one on ADS.

John McCain has given the American People a Candidate around whom they can unify the Republic and set the country's course with his Straight Talk and confident stewardship.

Here's the
Franklin Pierce/WBZ Poll: New Hampshire Presidential Primary



December 27-31



Sen. John McCain 37

Mitt Romney 31

Rudy Giuliani 10

Mike Huckabee 5

Rep. Ron Paul 6

Fred Thompson 2



Spread: McCain +6.0



Rack 'em!

Remember to Go Live on the Web Chat with Brad Marston on Staurday January 5th. Log on to the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad Marston will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselms College in Manchester NH.

It will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com



Giant Hat Tip to Meghan McCain and her cute Pal Shannon for their great Photos of Senator McCain's Historic Run of the Tables!

McCainiacs! Get on the Wonkosphere!

It took decades for Blogger Pat Hickey to master the fact that carburetor no longer plays a role in auto motives, but he easily came to understand the power of the WONKOSPHERE!



Boys and Girls, take this from a fundamentally 'challenged' individual. My wife used to order a drop cloth for me whenever we dined; turned off the circuit breaker before I was allowed to change light bulbs ( nothing over 40 Watts -mind you.); and counted the change for me at Illinois Tollbooths.

I am now on the Wonkosphere - a mathematically charged site that assesses the information on the individual and collective political worlds of all the candidates in this Political Season. My oyster cracker of a mind reels at this Brave New World!

Qui Prospero?

Sheridan Folger - The MadIrishman of New England has brought John McCain's message onto the Wonkosphere. I had a recent post listed as well.

However The Best Man to Lead America in the War on Islamist Terror shows weak BUZZ.

All John McCain Bloggers- if you have NOT registered on the Wonkosphere, DO SO NOW!
Let's get the McCain BUZZ SAW Humming! Click on my Post and get on the Wonkosphere - ASAP! I did it and only cut four fingers.

The bleeding has stopped - thanks for the good thoughts.

Move Kiddies - McCain needs more Buzz!

John McCain Says,' Don't Be A Square - Get Up on There! Chat Live With Brad Marston!'

*




As an added feature - Here are National Mope, Jay R. Gordner's thoughts on matters of the heart. More great info on the Sgt. McNulty USMC v.Gordner A$$ below.






"What have you done today to make you feel Proud?"

Here's an opportunity on Saturday, January 5th Brad is credentialed for the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm (EST) until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselm's Colege in Manchester NH.


John McCain's lead internet Campaign Worker, Brad Marston, will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com Link there and join Brad and all the National Team McCainiacsincluding yours truly in support of the Senator John McCain for President. Bard Marston is the host of azamatterofact.blogspot.com


Make your Voice Heard! Talk Straight! Get Answers.

The link is http://azamatterofact.blogspot.com/2007/12/live-webcastchatblog-from-spin-room-at.html


Click my post title for the direct link! McCain is GO! He ran the table with New Hampshire Endorsements; Spent Not Nickle One on Ads in Iowa; Has opponents shooting themselves squarely in each foot; and Americans are energized by Straight Talk!
What would Howard Dean Say? Oh, sorry that was cruel. New Year and I'm still a mean little bastard.


Note - Well done to all Good Souls who took the side of Sgt. Michael McNulty over the oafish lawyer Jay R Grodner yesterday!Way to end the Year by spanking a bully and a louse! Well done Bill Burden of BLACKFIVE.COM!

*Here is a great site that deals soundly and forcefully on National Mope Jay R. Gordner, Esq. - Balance Sheet.Wordpresshttp://balancesheet.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/shitbird-chicago-lawyer/

McCain Bloggers Live with Brad Marston! Jan.5th

Great Photos by Sheridan Folger!Faugh A Ballagh

M. Brad Marston, National Chair McCainVictory08 asks,

"What have you done today to make you feel Proud?"

Here's an opportunity on Saturday, January 5th Brad is credentialed for the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm (EST) until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselm's Colege in Manchester NH.


John McCain's lead internet Campaign Worker, Brad Marston, will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com Link there and join Brad and all the National Team McCainiacsincluding yours truly in support of the Senator John McCain for President. Bard Marston is the host of azamatterofact.blogspot.com


Make your Voice Heard! Talk Straight! Get Answers.

The link is http://azamatterofact.blogspot.com/2007/12/live-webcastchatblog-from-spin-room-at.html


Click my post title for the direct link! McCain is GO! He ran the table with New Hampshire Endorsements; Spent Not Nickle One on Ads in Iowa; Has opponents shooting themselves squarely in each foot; and Americans are energized by Straight Talk!
What would Howard Dean Say? Oh, sorry that was cruel. New Year and I'm still a mean little bastard.


Note - Well done to all Good Souls who took the side of Sgt. Michael McNulty over the oafish lawyer Jay R Grodner yesterday!Way to end the Year by spanking a bully and a louse! Well done Bill Burden of BLACKFIVE.COM!