John McCain: Illinois Shows the Love!

Leo Boxing Coach/attorney/legendary philanthropist Mike Joyce and President McCain
( Mike's in the sharp grey wool sportcoat)




Illinois Rep. Jim Durkin with John McCain's much better looking half.

















Illinois shows John McCain some of its support and a healthy heaping of its love!

Last Night Illinois got behind Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin to show Senator John McCain their support! Big crowd and bigger hearts and hands!



Photos Copyright Heather Brand

John McCain: Endorsed by Everyone: Mitt Romney: All His Aches in One Basket -Rick Santorum

Ladies and Gentlemen!

In This Corner - Weighing in at the United States of America* - in the Purple (Red and Blue) John McCain!

*
GENERAL CHAIRMAN
Robert Mosbacher
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Texas

GENERAL CO-CHAIRMEN
Phil Gramm
Former Senator, Texas
Thomas G. Loeffler
Former U.S. Representative, Texas
Lindsey Graham
U.S. Senator, South Carolina
Sam Brownback
U.S. Senator, Kansas
Jon Huntsman
Governor, Utah
Tim Pawlenty
Governor, Minnesota

NATIONAL FINANCE COMMITTEE Co-CHAIRS

The Honorable George Argyros, California
Mr. Michael Ashner, New York
Mr. Brian Ballard, Florida
Mr. Lawrence E. Bathgate II, New Jersey
Mr. Wayne Berman, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Donald L. Bren, California
Mr. John Chambers, California
Mr. Jim Click, Arizona
The Honorable James A. Courter, New Jersey
Mr. Donald R. Diamond, Arizona
Mr. Ray Dalio, Connecticut
Mr. Lewis M. Eisenberg, New Jersey
Mr. Jon Hammes, Wisconsin
Mr. James B. Lee, Jr., New York
The Honorable Frederic V. Malek, Virginia
Mr. John A. Moran, Florida
Mr. Carter Pate, Virginia
Mr. A. Jerrold Perenchio, California
Mr. Fred Smith, Tennesse
Mr. John A. Thain, New York
The Honorable Ronald Weiser, Michigan


U.S. SENATORS
Sam Brownback, Kansas
Richard Burr, North Carolina
Tom Coburn, Oklahoma
Susan Collins, Maine
Pete Domenici, New Mexico
Lindsey Graham, South Carolina
Jon Kyl, Arizona
Joe Lieberman, Connecticut
Mel Martinez, Florida
Gordon Smith, Oregon
Olympia Snowe, Maine
John Thune, South Dakota
John Warner, Virginia

FORMER U.S. SENATORS
Howard Baker, Tennessee
Conrad Burns, Montana
Rudy Boschwitz, Minnesota
Dan Coats, Indiana
Alfonse D'Amato, New York
John C Danforth, Missouri
Dan Evans, Washington
Peter Fitzgerald, Illinois
Slade Gorton, Washington
Phil Gramm, Texas
Trent Lott, Mississippi
Mack Mattingly, Georgia
Don Nickles, Oklahoma
Warren Rudman, New Hampshire
Mike DeWine, Ohio
Howard Baker, Tennessee
Conrad Burns, Montana
Alphonse D'Amato, New York

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES
Spencer Bachus, Alabama
Gus Bilirakis, Florida
Mike Bilirakis, Florida
Mike Castle, Delaware
Tom Davis, Virginia
Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida
Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Jeff Flake, Arizona
Jim Gerlach, Pennsylvania
Darrell Issa, California
Ric Keller, Florida
Peter King, New York
Mark Kirk, Illinois
Randy Kuhl, New York
Ray LaHood, Illinois
Steven LaTourette, Ohio
Frank LoBiondo, New Jersey
Dan Lungren, California
Jeff Miller, Florida
Todd Platts, Pennsylvania
Chip Pickering, Mississippi
Deborah Pryce, Ohio
Jim Ramstad, Minnesota
Peter Roskam, Illinois
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida
John Shadegg, Arizona
Chris Shays, Connecticut
John Shimkus, Illinois
Fred Upton, Michigan
Joe Wilson, South Carolina
Jeff Miller, Florida

FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVES
Steve Bartlett, Texas
Mike
Jim Courter, New Jersey
Joseph J. DioGuardi, New York
Chuck Douglas, New Hampshire
Ambassador Fred J. Eckert, New York
Lou Frey, Florida
Greg Ganske, Iowa
Steve Kuykendall, California
Tom Loeffler, Texas
Joe Schwartz, Michigan
Rob Simmons, Connecticut
Dick Zimmer, New Jersey

GOVERNORS
Charlie Crist, Florida
Mitch Daniels, Indiana
Jim Douglas, Vermont
Jon Huntsman, Utah
Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota
Rick Perry, Texas
Arnold Schwarzenegger, California

FORMER GOVERNORS
Paul Cellucci, Massachusetts,
William Clements, Texas
Jim Edgar, Illinois
Tom Kean, New Jersey
Frank Keating, Oklahoma
Jim Martin, North Carolina
John McKernan, Maine
William Milliken, Michigan
Walter Peterson, New Hampshire
Tom Ridge, Pennsylvania
Buddy Roemer, Louisiana
Don Sundquist, Tennessee
Jane Swift, Massachusetts

LAWYERS FOR McCAIN
Dick Wiley, Chairman, Washington D.C.
Stanton Anderson, Washington D.C.
A.B. Culvahouse, Virginia
Hayden Dempsey, Florida
Thomas Leary, Washington D.C., Former Federal Trade Commission Commissioner

STATE PARTY CHAIRS
George Gallo, Connecticut
Alec Poitevint, Georgia

FORMER STATE PARTY CHAIRS
Winton Blout, III, Alabama
Jean Inman, Massachusetts
Marlys Popma, Iowa

NATIONAL POLICY
Bill Simon, National Policy Co-Chair

ECONOMIC POLICY ADVISORS Grant Aldonas, Department of Commerce
Carlos Bonilla, Sr VP Washington Group
Jeff Brown, Associate Professor of Finance, Univ of Illinois
Juan Buttari, Independent Consultant and Researcher in Development Economics
Kathleen Cooper, Dean, College of Business, Univ Of North Texas
Steve Davis, CRA International And University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business
Richard Dekaser, Senior Vice President And Chief Economist, National City Corporation
John Diamond, Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Tax Policy, Baker Institute Of Public Policy, Rice University
Martin Feldstein, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, President Reagan's Chief Economic Adviser, member of President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board
Emil Frankel, Transportation Consultant And Former Assistant Secretary For Transportation Policy, Department Of Transportation
Luke Froeb, Professor, Vanderbilt University
Senator Phil Gramm, Former U.S. Senator From Texas
Kevin Hassett, Resident Scholar And Director Of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute(AEI)
David John, Senior Research Fellow, Heritage Foundation
Tim Kane, Director, Center for International Trade and Economics, Heritage Foundation
Melissa Kearney, Assistant Professor Of Economics, University Of Maryland
Anne Krueger, Professor At The Johns Hopkins School Of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) & Former First Deputy Managing Director, IMF
Adam Lerrick, Visiting Scholar For The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) And Friends Of Allan H. Meltzer Professor Of Economics For Carnegie Mellon
Phil Levy, Resident Scholar for the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and Former Senior Economist for Trade on the President's Council of Economic Advisers
Will Melick, Gensemer Associate Professor of Economics, Kenyon College
Michael Moore, Professor Of Economics And International Affairs, George Washington University
Tom Miller, Resident Fellow for American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
Tim Muris, Foundation Professor, George Mason University School Of Law, Former Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission
Sean O'Keefe, Former Secretary Of The Navy, NASA Administrator, & Deputy Director Of Office of Management & Budget, The White House
Gerry Parsky, Senior Economic Advisor
Nancy Pfotenhauer, Former President, Independent Women's Forum
James Rill, Partner, Howrey LLP and Former Assistant Attorney General (Antitrust), U.S. Department of Justice
Kenneth Rogoff, Professor Of Public Policy, Harvard University
Harvey Rosen, Professor Of Economics And Business Policy, Princeton University
John Silvia, Managing Director, Chief Economist, Wachovia Bank
Aquiles Suarez, Vice President For Government Affairs For National Association Of Industrial And Office Properties & Former Special Assistant To The President For Domestic Policy
Dr. John Taylor, Professor Of Economics At Stanford, Senior Fellow At The Hoover Institution & Former Under Secretary Of Treasury
Anthony Villamil, Chief Executive Officer, The Washington Economics Group, Inc. & Former Under Secretary Of Commerce For Economic Affairs
Joseph Wright, Chairman Of The Board For Intelsat
Mark Zandi, Chief Economist For Moody's Economy.Com
STATE LEADERS
Delaware Leaders
Georgia Leaders
Colorado Leaders
Maine Leaders
Minnesota Leaders
Montana Leaders
West Virginia Leaders
Oklahoma Leaders
New Jersey Leaders
New York Leaders
Connecticut Leaders
North Dakota Leaders
South Carolina Leaders
California Leaders
New Hampshire Leaders
Tennessee Leaders
Florida Leaders

FORMER U.S. OFFICIALS

Former Secretaries of State
Lawrence S. Eagleburger, Former Secretary of State
Alexander M. Haig, Former Secretary of State
Henry Kissinger, Former Secretary of State, New York
George P. Shultz, Former Secretary of State, California

Former Cabinet Secretaries
Jack Kemp, Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Former U.S. Representative, New York
Ann McLaughlin Korologos, Former Secretary of Labor, DC
Robert Mosbacher, Former Secretary of Commerce, Texas
Peter Peterson, Former Secretary of Commerce, New York
Anthony Principi, Former Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Maryland
Former Governor Tom Ridge, Former Secretary of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania
James R. Schlesinger, Former Secretary of Defense

Former National Security Officials
Tom Kean, 9/11 Commission Chairman, New Jersey
Robert C. "Bud" McFarlane, Former National Security Advisor, Washington, DC
R. James Woolsey Jr., Former CIA Director
Robert Inman, Former National Security Advisor and Deputy Director of the CIA

Former Army Generals
Norman Schwarzkopf, General U.S. Army (Ret.)
Click here to read the endorsements of over 100 Admirals and Generals.

Former Navy Secretaries
William Ball, Former Secretary of the Navy, South Carolina
John Lehman, Former Secretary of the Navy, New York

Former Ambassadors
Chuck Cobb, Former Ambassador, Florida
Sue Cobb, Former Ambassador, Florida
Fred Eckert, Former Ambassador, North Carolina
Fred Malek, Former Ambassador, Virginia
Ron Weiser, Former Ambassador, Michigan
Al Hoffman, Former Ambassador, Florida
Otto Juan Reich, Former Ambassador, Florida

FORMER POW'S
Commander Everett Alvarez, (ret), Maryland
Al Carpenter (ret), Virginia
Captain Mike Cronin USN (ret), Maryland
Colonel Bud Day, MOH USAF (ret), Florida
Commander Paul Galanti USN (ret), Virginia
Lt Colonel Orson Swindle USMC (ret), Virginia
Click here to read about more military Veterans who support John McCain.

BUSINESS LEADERS
John Chambers, CEO of Cisco
Carly Fiorina, Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard
Steve Forbes
James Huffines, Banking Executive
David Pottruck, Chairman of Red Eagle Ventures
Frederick W. Smith, CEO of FedEx
Dax Swatek, President of Swatek and Associates
John Thain, CEO of Merrill Lynch

ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Bill Barr
Griffin Bell
Mike Bowers, Georgia
Steve Carter, Indiana
Richard Cullen, Virginia
Troy King, Alabama
Jerry Kilgore, Virginia
Rob McKenna, Washington
Henry McMaster, South Carolina
Mark Shurtleff, Utah
Wayne Stenehjem, North Dakota

SOLICITOR GENERALS
Theodore B. Olson

SECRETARY OF STATE
Mark Hammond, South Carolina


FORMER STATE SECRETARIES OF STATE
Randy Daniels, New York
Jim Smith, Florida

STATE SENATE LEADERS
Glenn McConnell, South Carolina President Pro Tempore

STATE SENATORS
Bill Baroni, New Jersey
Michael S. Bennett, Florida
Lee Constantine, Florida
Joseph Delahunty, New Hampshire
John Gallus, Michigan
Anthony Guglielmo, Connecticut
Jim King, Florida
Hugh Leatherman, South Carolina
John E. Lyons, Jr., New Hampshire
Michelle McManus, Michigan
Kevin O'Toole, New Jersey
Durell Peaden, Florida
Randy Richardville, Michigan
Robert Watson, Rhode Island

STATE HOUSE LEADERS
Kevin Elsenheimer, Assistant Minority Leader, Michigan
Kevin Green, Minority Whip Leader, Michigan
Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the House, South Carolina
Ric Killian, Republican Freshman Leader, North Carolina
Jim Merrill, House Majority Leader, South Carolina
Doug Smith, Speaker Pro Tempore, South Carolina
Josh Tardy, House Leader, Maine
Chris Ward, Minority Floor Leader, Michigan

FORMER STATE SENATE LEADERS
Bob Brown, Former Senate President, Montana

FORMER STATE HOUSE LEADERS
Rick Johnson, Former House Speaker, Michigan
Chuck Perricone, Former House Speaker, Michigan

STATE HOUSE MEMBERS
Ellyn Bogdanoff, Florida
Jason Brown, Missouri
Judy Emmons, Michigan
Marcelo Llorente, Florida
Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Florida
Stand Jordan, Florida
Brian Calley, Michigan
Adam Hasner, Florida
Fred King, Sr., New Hampshire
John Labruzzo, Louisiana
David Law, Michigan
John Legg, Florida
David P. Rible, New Jersey
David Russo, New Jersey
David Russo, New Jersey
Chris Saxman, Virginia
David Simmons, Florida
Glenn Steil, Jr., Michigan
Eric Stohl, New Hampshire
Robert Watson, Rhode Island
Trebor Worthen, Oklahoma
Lorence Wenke, Michigan

MAYORS
Rudy Giuliani, New York
Tommy Joe Alexander, Irondale, Alabama
Carlos Alvarez, Florida
George Andersen, Iowa
Rick Anderson, Iowa
Ron Colling, Iowa
Nelson Crabb, Iowa
Rich Crotty, Florida
Darrell Dobernecker, Iowa
Darrell Downs, Iowa
Thomas Ginger, Iowa
Sandra Hatfield, Iowa
Jim Heavens, Iowa
Dave Kleis, Minnesota
Dennis Kunkle, Iowa
Rick Lott, Florida
John Meserve, Florida
Virgil Murray, Iowa
John Nieland, Iowa
Reynold Peterson, Iowa
Ruth Randleman, Iowa
Steve Samuels, Iowa
Bernie Streeter, New Hampshire
Bob Walkup, Arizona
Ed Winborn, Iowa

FIRST RESPONDERS FOR McCAIN
Sheriff Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff
John S. Dempsey, Captain, NYC Police Department (Ret.)

Tom Kean, Former 9/11 Commission Chairman
Frank Keating, Former Oklahoma Governor
Robert "Bud" McFarlane, Former National Security Advisor for President Ronald Reagan
Mr. Edward D. Mullins, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of New York City
Tom Ridge, Former Secretary of Homeland Security
[read more]

NATIONAL HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD
Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Florida
Honorable Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Florida

Honorable Mario Diaz-Balart, Florida
Pastor Mark Gonzalez, Texas
Honorable Manuel Lujan, New Mexico
Mr. Tony Orlando, Florida
Honorable Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, Florida
Mr. Solomon D. Trujillo, Colorado
Major General Freddy Valenzuela, Florida
Honorable Albert C. Zapanta, Texas
[read more]

ACADEMIC LEADERS
Bernie Machen, President, University of Florida

RNC MEMBERS
Bruce Ash, Arizona
Sharon Giese, Arizona
Jerry Lathan, Alabama John Matlusky, Delaware
Alec Poitevint, Georgia
Mary Jo Arndt, Illinois
Steve Cloud, Kansas
Alicia Salisbury, Kansas
Gary Emineth, North Dakota
Mary Jean Jensen, South Dakota
Chuck Yob, Michigan
Holly Hughes, Michigan

Former Commissioners
Michael Powell, FCC

ENTERTAINER/ATHLETES
Curt Schilling, Pitcher, Boston Redsox
Sylvester Stallone


And in this Corner - weighing in with Former Pennsylvannia Senator Rick Santorum** - wearing the Albino Conservative Weight Trunks -The Flyweight Willard Mitt Romney


Are You Ready to . . .what am I looking for? . . . Boggle? Scrabble? Knit with Mitt?
Count the Lights? Jump the Shark? Surf the Channels? Do the Hustle? . . . dang! Nap Time. I'll be back.
** Added to Willard Mitt Romney's weight is Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Joe 'No Statute of Limitations' Scarborough, Hughie Hewitt, and Terry Jeffrey

John McCain: McCain Leads Romney in Illinois 2-1 - Ron Paul Supporters Demand to be Heard! Anonymously!

Ron Paul supporter An(atole) Nonimus - says that I stink, my books stink, my blog stinks, the Pope stinks, and the children will be better served with chips and Red Bull! Can't argue with that - nor care to . . .


Sad to say that I missed last night's rally in Villa Park. Nevertheless , the contingent from the neighborhood well-represented McCain's appeal to Independents and Democrats. Click my Post Title for the Chicago Tribune story.

Several packed vans and a couple of limosines darted up Rt. 294 to the event with middle class taxpayers ready to give John McCain the support that reflects his political surge in the polls and hearts of his contrymen.

I was inundated with goofy and toxic comments from anonymous posters claiming to represent Ron Paul.

You are known by the company you keep and Dr. Ron has some loopy acolytes. All anonymous posts were deleted - for the sake of the 'The Children.'

The more venomous the post, the more concern for 'the children' were in evidence.

Gold standard; gynecology; troop movements; empire-building; frozen dinners should be microwaved -alumninum foil or not;Zionist/Catholic/Mixed racers in World banking; McCain's valet in the Hanoi Hilton; and Custer died to save the God Standard were just a few of the fine thoughts deleted by me. Ron Paul Revolutionaries fumed.

Boy, and I thought the Albino Mafia ( Coulter, Hewitt, and 'Bite- A-Pig's Ass-Through -A- Picket Fence' Jeffrey) was loopy.

My buddy Pat Curley over at The Brainster notes the really goofy Journalist Greg Syzmanski doing truther posts on John McCain over at Townhall. Give them a look out of curiosity - Syzmanski links Harry Truman, the Papacy, Ron Paul, The Knights of Malta and John McCain into a New World Order idiot scheme that seems to jump right off of the rails of sanity. Here's asample of Pat Curley's report on the goofballs run at John McCain - an example of Greg Syzmanski's deep thoughts:

The corrupt alternative media, including the GCN and RBN networks and American Free Press newspaper, should "be dismantled piece by piece" and new stations and print outlets allowed to emerge -- outlets not afraid to discuss the Vatican-led New World Order and its many tentacles like the Knights of Malta.

http://brainster.blogspot.com

Politics really scampers the bedbugs!

John McCain: Willard's Queen Rat and the Albino Mafia

Looks like Chicago's streets are whiter than the hair and complexions of Willard's Wingnut Shill Team. Team Pallor!

Joining the Alabaster Analysis of Hughie Hewitt and Terry 'Bite-a-Pig's Ass- Through -a Picket Fence' Jeffery is the Queen of Willard's Albino Mafia - Ann 'Bones Coulter - For Male Conservative Fantasy Fans: Imagine Riding a Schwinn over Twenty Miles of Badly Graded Railroad Ties. Ahhdddddahhhhhdddddaahhhhdddddaaahhhhh . . . etcetera.

Click my post title for the Queen Albina of Meana talking at 40Watt Sean Hannity.

Cappy Hick's Funnies:

How do you get a Romney supporter off of your front porch?


Pay for the Pizza!

Be Good Matey! Vote McCain February 5th in Your Primary and Be Better! Go to Church; Drink Your Milk; Love Your Country; Eat Your Vegetables; Don't Sniff Glue and you might not end up on Cable News talking to creepy people like Our above Noted - Pallor Patrol!

Time to shovel again - more Snow out there than a Conservative gab-fest!

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!