Bookworm

Bob Herbert: More Than Charisma

Op-Ed Columnist - NYTimes.com.

"We’ve been watching that something this week, and it’s called leadership. Mr. Obama has been feeding the almost desperate hunger in this country for mature leadership, for someone who is not reckless and clownish, shortsighted and self-absorbed.

However you feel about his policies, and there are people grumbling on the right and on the left, Mr. Obama has signaled loudly and clearly that the era of irresponsible behavior in public office is over."

Palin Calls Criticism by McCain Aides ‘Cruel and Mean-Spirited’

“So, no, I think that if there are allegations based on questions or comments that I made in debate prep about Nafta, and about the continent versus the country when we talk about Africa there, then those were taken out of context,” Ms. Palin said. “And that’s cruel and it’s mean-spirited, it’s immature, it’s unprofessional, and those guys are jerks, if they came away with it taking things out of context and then tried to spread something on national news. It is not fair and not right.” Ms. Palin fought back after the infighting had made its way up to Senator John McCain, who made it clear that that he was upset by the back and forth, and ordered his campaign workers to stop it, aides said. Some in the staff worried that questioning the qualifications of the woman Mr. McCain had chosen as his running mate was damaging his reputation." [NYTimes.com]

I know this is snarky and overkill, but:

• questions or comments "taken out of context" -- Because you'd never ever distort facts or take things out of context, even if it was your opponent, right Governor Palin?
• "the continent versus the country when we talk about Africa" -- Governor Palin, there is no country called Africa.  There's South Africa -- is that what you're thinking of?
• "questioning the qualifications. . . was damaging his reputation" -- The barn door has been open on that issue for months -- the only difference is that this was McCain's own staffers questioning the Palin pick openly, instead of millions of Americans.

I Voted

My crappy camera phone was not enamored of the lighting conditions, but you can get just enough to see for whom I voted. 

What We Need in our Next President

Excerpted from: Thomas Friedman - Vote for ( ) - NYTimes.com

"I. . .suggest is that you vote for the candidate with these character traits:

First, we need a president who can speak English and deconstruct and navigate complex issues so Americans can make informed choices. We have paid an enormous price for having a president who could not explain and reassure us during this financial meltdown. . .  Depositors who told their congressmen to just let that greedy Lehman Brothers fail were shocked to discover this meant that their own money market would be frozen. . .

Second, we need a president who can energize, inspire and hold the country together during what will be a very stressful recovery. We have to climb out of this financial crisis at a time when the baby boomers are about to retire and going to need their Social Security and eventually Medicare. We are all going to be paying the government more and getting less until we grow out of this hole.

Third, we need a president who can rally the world to our side. . . Everyone is interconnected, and everyone is still looking to America to lead. . . 

Vote for the person you’d most like at your side when you ask your bank manager for an extension on your mortgage. Vote for the candidate you think has the smarts, temperament and inspirational capacity to unify the country and steer our ship through what could be the rockiest shoals our generation has ever known. Your kids will thank you."

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

"GEN. POWELL:  I'm an American, first and foremost, and I'm very proud--I said, I've said, I've said to my beloved friend and colleague John McCain, a friend of 25 years, "John, I love you, but I'm not just going to vote for you on the basis of our affection or friendship." And I've said to Barack Obama, "I admire you.  I'll give you all the advice I can.  But I'm not going to vote for you just because you're black." We, we have to move beyond this."

MR. BROKAW:  General Powell, actually you gave a campaign contribution to Senator McCain.  You have met twice at least with Barack Obama.  Are you prepared to make a public declaration of which of these two candidates that you're prepared to support? . . .

"I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama." 

Follow the link to read the transcript. [Oct. 19: Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.) Meet the Press, msnbc.com]

Barack Obama draws 100,000 in St. Louis, MO

Barack Obama and Joe Biden: The Change We Need | Obama HQ Blogger

"So Senator McCain can keep trying to attack me and distract you – but it’s not going to work. Not this time – not now. Because while my opponent thinks this campaign is all about me – the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children’s future. That’s what this election is about. That’s what I’m fighting for. Because I can take two more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States."

Final Presidential Debate, 2008

Please forgive typos and sentences I couldn't type fast enough to complete.  I'm too tired to pretty it up.  Good night!  11:01 PM

==================================================================

Bob Schaeffer from CBS is the moderator.  I'll publish this periodically, so hit refresh.  :-)

I bet the Senators are glad they get to sit down tonight.

What's up with the hospital update every time, seriously?

First question about economic fixes -- why is your plan better?

McCain: The American people are innocent victims.  Have every reason to be angry.  Fannie and Freddie Mae?  (oops)  Put a floor under home ownership.  Let's take $300 billion and buy the home loan mortgages and negotiate with people.  (Not being mean, but McCain's left hand is shaking.)

Obama: Worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.  The plan Sen. McCain and I both supported hasn't worked.  We haven't yet seen a rescue package for the middle class.  1) Focus on jobs.  Tax credit for creating American jobs.  2) Middle class tax cut and ability to access IRA funds 3) Have to help homeowners.  Get folks into position to Can't be a giveaway to banks.  Have to get package working quickly.  4) Fix energy policy  5) Fix healthcare 6) Fix education

McCain: Obama encountered a plumber.  Joe wants to buy the business he's worked for all these years.  Obama's plan would have put him into a higher tax bracket.  Joe was trying Joe, I'll help you buy that business.  (Giving a loan, John?)  I will not stand for a tax increase on small business income. And Plumber Joe joins Joe Six-Pack.  ha, ha

Obama: McCain wants to give tax breaks to corporations.  I want to cut taxes for 95% of the American people.  No one below $250,000 will see any increase.  Three times the tax relief to middle class.  Five years ago, you needed a tax cut then.  The plumber, nurse, firefighter, teacher, young entrepreneur, need tax cuts.  Additional tax breaks to small businesses.

McCain: Obama told Joe the Plumber, we need to spread the wealth around.  Give it to Obama.  I want Joe to spread the wealth around.  The whole premise is class warfare.  Why would you want to raise anyone's taxes?  (Maybe because we're printing money we don't have?  It doesn't grow on trees.)

Obama: I want to cut taxes for 95%.  Warren Buffett can afford it.  Exxon Mobil can afford to pay a little more so ordinary families can afford food and kid's college education.  Nobody likes taxes.  I'd prefer no one had to pay, including myself. 

McCain: Second highest tax rate in the world, in our country.  We need to cut the business tax rate, create jobs, not spread the wealth around.

Moderator: $455 billion deficit, or maybe $1 trillion.  Aren't you both ignore reality with what you are proposing?

Obama: The $750 billion rescue package, if structured properly, we will get our money back.  What I've done is to propose a net spending cut.  Pay as you go.  For every dollar spent, a dollar cut.  Cut insurance company subsidies ($15 billion).  Go through line by line, page by page.  Cut what we don't need, make good things work better.  Investments in healthcare coverage, preventing disease.  Invest in serious energy policy.  Invest in young people and their ability to go to college.  Once we are through the crisis, we can't go back to our profligate ways.  We've been living beyond our means.

McCain: (Ignores question to blab about buying up home loans, Schaeffer brings him back)  Create millions of jobs.  Across the board spending freeze.  Some say that's a hatchet, but then I'll get out the scalpel.  (Quoting Obama in last debate).  We owe China.  I know how to save money in defense.  Cut marketing assistance.  Cut ethanol subsidies.  Obama is for them.  Sugar cane based I know how to save billions.  I saved $6.8 billion.  I would veto every pork barrel earmark bill. 

Obama: We do have a disagreement about an across the board spending freeze.  It is a hatchet and we do need a scalpel.  Some things don't work, some are underfunded.  Senator 1/2 of one percent of federal budget.  I agree there are some screwy things we end up spending money on, but that won't solve the problem.  When Bush came into office, we had a surplus.  Now we have a deficit.  Pursuing the same kinds of policies as the last eight years.  McCain voted for four out of five of Bush's

McCain: You should have run four years ago if you wanted to run against President Bush.  Hatchet, scalpel.  He is saying he thinks he can balance the budget in four years.  Job creation, energy independence, a little babbling here.  Obama voted for the energy bill that had goodies for oil companies.  (Good grief, same crap as last debate.  Maybe three debates is too many.)  Tell me one time you've stood

Obama: The first major bill I voted on was in support of tort reform.  Performance for teachers.  Clean coal technology.  I have a history of reaching across the aisle.  Tax increase for $42,000 is disputed by everyone, even Fox News.  On the core issues that matter to the American people, you have been a vigorous supporter of Bush's policies.  I give you credit for your work on torture. 

McCain: Opposition to spending and earmarks, torture, conduct of war in Iraq, fighting insurance companies, fighting for patient's bill of rights.  A long record of reform.  Senator Obama, your argument about standing up to your party

Moderator: High road has been left.  Erratic, out of touch.  Disrespectful, dangerous.  Palled around with terrorists.  Will you

McCain: Obama should have done ten town halls with me.  References Kennedy.  I regret some of the negative aspects from both campaigns.  Congressman Senator John Lewis made hurtful remarks.  Didn't keep your word about public financing.  Watergate.  (What?)

Obama: I think if you look at the record, 2/3 of people feel McCain is running a negative campaign.  1/3 feel I am.  There is nothing wrong with a vigorous debate.  Not having town hall meetings shouldn't affect whether you run negative ads. The people deserve for us to talk about the economic crisis.  McCain's campaign said, If we keep on talking about the economic crisis, we lose.

McCain: Your ads say I oppose stem cell research.  You've distorted my record on immigration.  (Talking about how much money Obama is spending.  Jealous much?)  Joe the bloody plumber.  (Give it up )

Obama:  Lewis made a statement that he was troubled about some of Palin's events.  Palin didn't stop the calling out of "terrorist" and "kill him".  We have to be careful how we deal with our supporters.  I do think that he inappropriately made a comparison to the civil rights movement and we put out a statement to that effect.  The people want us to focus on really big challenges.  We have serious differences about our health care policy.  But when people suggest that I pal around with terrorists, we're not talking about.

McCain: I'm proud of the people that come to our rallies.  You're going to have some fringe people in large crowds.  (Starts doing a "shout out" to the groups that come to the rallies)  I have repudiated when someone's been out of line. 

Obama: To solve the key problems we're facing: two wars, economic crisis, raise wages, create jobs, we're going to have to be able to work together.  We have to disagree without being disagreeable.  We must disagree about issues.  Not characterize each other as bad people.

McCain: Need to know about relationship, ACORN -- all of these things need to be

Obama: Mr. Ayers has been the centerpiece of McCain's campaign.  Bill Ayers is a professor of education.  Forty years ago, when I was eight, he was Ten years ago, we served on a school Mr. Annenberg, Reagan's friend.  Presidents of U. of Ill, etc.  Ayers isn't involved with campaign.  ACORN were apparently paying people to register votes.  Some people didn't do it, but filled out a bunch of names.  Represented ACORN on motor voter law, along with U.S. Department of Justice.  Warren Buffett, Joe Biden, Dick Luger, commander of NATO are my advisors. 

McCain: $230,000 to ACORN, launched campaign in Ayers' , 2001 wished he bombed more.  I'm all about getting the economy back on track.  I won't raise taxes like Obama will.

Moderator: Who will you bring into the government?  About running mate:  Why would the country be better off if your running

Obama: Fine public servant.  Best foreign policy credentials of just about anybody.  He has never forgotten where he came from.  Fighting for working families. 1994 crime bill.  Violence against women act.  Shares my core values.  After eight years of failed policies, we're going to have to reprioritize.  Give tax cuts to small businesses, individuals who are struggling.  Energy independence.  Great education, afford to go to college.  Joe Biden's been on the right side.

McCain: Americans have gotten to know Sarah Palin, a role model to women and reformers? (Gag, choke)  Resigned when she saw corruption.  Cut the size of government.  Negotiated with oil companies. A reformer through and through.  Breath of fresh air.  Sweep out the old boy network (like you??)  She understands reform.  Understands special needs families.  I'm proud of her.  She's ignited our party.  I can't tell you how proud I am of her and her husband's a pretty tough guy, too. 

Obama: The American people will have to decide if she's qualified.  Autism will require additional funding.  If we have an across the board spending freeze, we won't be able to do this.

McCain: Biden is qualified in many respects.  But has been wrong about things.  First Gulf War, odd idea about dividing Iraq into three countries.  I've disagreed with him about national security issues.  Why do we always have to spend more?  We need transparency.

New topic: energy and climate control -- by what percent could we cut our dependence on foreign oil in your first term? (Currently 60%)

McCain: We can eliminate our dependence on foreign oil by building nuclear power plants.  Obama and other extreme environmentalists say it's got to be safe.  Navy ships are safe.  

Obama: In ten years, could not be dependent on Middle Eastern and Venezuelean oil.  Use or lose currently unused oil field.  We only have a small percent of reserves, we use 24%.  Solar, wind, biodiesel, geothermal.  We invented the auto industry.  We have fallen so far behind.  I believe in free trade, but I also believe that the attitude has been that any agreement is a good agreement.  NAFTA doesn't have enforceable rules.  South Korea will only let 4-5000 cars into their country while sending 100,000.

McCain: I admire Senator Obama's eloquence.  Have to look at words.  We will "look at" offshore drilling.  Have to do it now.  Obama opposes the Columbia free trade agreement.  They are helping us with drug war and freed three Americans.  Will be a market for us.  It's a no brainer. 

Obama: Labor leaders have been targeted for assassination, with no prosecutions.  We have to stand for human rights and make sure violence isn't perpetrated.  I supported the Peruvian free trade agreement, which was well-structured.  We have to stand up to other countries when there are unfair agreements.  Car companies really hurting.  Important to get loan guarantees to car companies, but they must produce fuel efficient cars.  Dragged their feet too long.  Transportation is 30% of our energy consumption.  We can create new jobs in the heartland to cre.  Wind turbines, solar panels.  This can drive our economy.

McCain: Disagrees about Columbia.  Slams Obama about wanting to g.  (Oh, good freaking grief, dragging Hoover in again?  Give it up.)

Moderator:  Healthcare

Obama: This is the issue that will break your heart over and over again.  Tells story from Ohio.  Two laid off worker without health insurance.  We're going to try to lower costs.  If you don't have insurance, we're going to allow you buy into federal worker pool.  Make sure companies can't discriminate.  Better drug prices.  Manage chronic illnesses that cost a huge amount, but can be prevented. 

McCain: Health care records online will save money.  (Not necessarily)  Physical fitness programs in schools.  Reward exercising and wellness.  Wants to give $5000 so people can buy their own.  (Not enough money!!) Speaking directly to Joe the Plumber (Is this Saturday Night Live?)  Asking about a "fine" of some kind.  

Obama: Your fine would be zero.  I exempt small businesses from the requirement.  Large businesses will pay into a kitty.  Somebody has to Medicaid system (taxpayers) or ER (everyone pays).  Everyone pays more every year because of the uninsured.  Joe, we'll give you a 50% credit to help you provide for your employees.  McCain says he'll give you $5000.  Here's the problem:  Younger people might be able to get it for that.  Older folks won't be able to.  Once you're out on your own, McCain will tax your employer-provided benefits, for the first time in history.  Companies could cherry-pick who to cover.

McCain: (Not answering question.  Talking about Joe again.)  Whoa.  Dropped the ball talking about transplants.  Admits he will tax our health benefits.  What about not raising taxes????  I want you to be able to choose.  Government too big.  Things have gotten worse while Democrats

Obama:  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said could unravel employer-based health care system!

Moderator: Roe v. Wade -- would you nominate someone to the Supreme Court that disagreed with you on this?

McCain: No litmus test.  I think the decision should rest in the hands of the states.  Nominees should be based on qualifications.  Voted for judges I felt were qualified.  Obama voted against Breyer and Roberts on basis of ideology. 

Obama: Capacity to be fair and just.  It is very likely that one of us will be making at least one nomination.  I believe Roe v. Wade was rightly decided.  A difficult, moral issue.  Women, in consultation with their families and physicians, and religious advisors, should make the decision.  Our rights shouldn't be subject to popular vote.  An outstanding judicial record, intellect.  Lily Ledbetter, case about pay discrimination, took too long to bring suit. 

McCain: Would've waived a trial lawyer's dream  Woman facing difficult decision (yes, but you wouldn't give her any choice!!)  Obama voted against ban on late term abortion.  How do you align 

Obama: There was already a law on the books to provide lifesaving treatment.  The Illinois Medical Society voted against. I am completely supportive of a ban on partial birth abortion, if it protects woman's health and life.  We should try avoid unwanted pregnancies.  We have put

McCain: Eloquence of Obama -- "health" of the mother has been stretched.  Extremist view.  Of course we have to come together.  Support young women with adoption.  We'll help take care of it.

Moderator: Question about education

Obama: We've got to get our education system right.  More money or reform.  I think we need both.  We are going to have to invest in early childhood education. Huge benefits in higher scores.  An army of new teachers, especially in math and science.  Affordable college.  $4000 in return for service.  Parents have to turn off the TV and the video games.

McCain: The civil rights issue of the 21st century.  Choice and competition among schools.  Charter schools.  Reward and promote good teachers.  Fire bad teachers. Throwing money at the system doesn't work. Teach for America.  Adjust student loan eligibility.

Obama: We have a tradition of local control of schools.  The federal government should help.  They left the money behind for No Child Left Behind.  We did the right thing by requiring special education, but that also wasn't funded.  I helped double charter schools in Illinois.  I agree that we need to move out the bad teachers.  I disagree that we can give vouchers to solve the problems.  Also disagree on Senator McCain's record on helping with college.  We can't give money to every interest group, said McCain's campaign.

McCain: Vouchers are popular in DC.  That was vouchers, Senator Obama.  (He's being condescending again.  Ugh.)  Spending more money isn't always the answer.  We need to reform these programs.  Benefits from Headstart don't last.  (Talking about autism again.  Americans will open their wallets to help.)  Reform, reform, reform, reform.  Won't throw money.  Vouchers work.

Obama: The DC school system is in terrible shape.  We've got a wonderful new commissioner working with the mayor.  She supports charter schools.  I don't feel the data shows that they work.  If we are going to be serious, we have to tackle it head on. 

McCain jumps in with one last

Moderator: Mydebates.org

Final statements

McCain: My friends, these are very difficult times.  Graphically demonstrated again today.  We can't be satisfied with past eight years.  I have a record of taking on my own party and other party.  9/11 commission.  I've been a careful steward of your money.  (What about the money that people lost in the savings and loan crisis in the 80's?  You were too busy going on vacation with Charles Keating!)  Examine my record and proposals for the future.  My country first.  My whole family has served.  I hope you'll give me an opportunity to serve again.

Obama: I think we all know America is going through tough times.  Worst economic crisis.  Can't adopt failed policies and politics and expect different.  Need fundamental change.  You've invited me into your homes and confirmed fundamental decency of the American people.  Tax cuts for middle class.  Businesses who can create new energy economy.  Grow middle class.  HAve fought for my whole career.  Will require all of us to come together.  Renew spirit of sacrifice.  Will work tirelessly on your behalf and behalf of your

Go vote now, it will make you feel big and strong.

Op-Ed Columnist - NYTimes.com

The Terr0rist Barack Hussein Obama - NYTimes.com

Could the old racial politics still be determinative? I’ve long been skeptical of the incessant press prognostications (and liberal panic) that this election will be decided by racist white men in the Rust Belt. Now even the dimmest bloviators have figured out that Americans are riveted by the color green, not black — as in money, not energy. Voters are looking for a leader who might help rescue them, not a reckless gambler whose lurching responses to the economic meltdown (a campaign “suspension,” a mortgage-buyout stunt that changes daily) are as unhinged as his wanderings around the debate stage. . . But we’re not at Election Day yet, and if voters are to have their final say, both America and Obama have to get there safely. The McCain campaign has crossed the line between tough negative campaigning and inciting vigilantism, and each day the mob howls louder. The onus is on the man who says he puts his country first to call off the dogs, pit bulls and otherwise.

I changed the title of the quoted article by one character.  I guarantee you that one of the top Election 08 phrases on Twitter by end of day will be that one, properly spelled.  And even though it might trick some Republicans to click through to a NY Times articles, pushing that phraseology out there feels like a bad idea.

Panel Finds Palin Abused Power As Governor

Panel Finds Palin Abused Power As Governor : NPR.

Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded Friday. The politically charged inquiry imperiled her reputation as a reformer on John McCain's Republican ticket. Investigator Stephen Branchflower, in a report by a bipartisan panel that investigated the matter, found Palin in violation of a state ethics law that prohibits public officials from using their office for personal gain.

Juicing up the ticket | Salon

Juicing up the ticket | Salon.

"The American people have an ear for B.S. They can tell when someone’s mouth is moving and the clutch is not engaged. When [Palin] said, “One thing that Americans do at this time, also, though, is let’s commit ourselves just every day, American people, Joe Six-Pack, hockey moms across the nation, I think we need to band together and say never again. Never will we be exploited and taken advantage of again by those who are managing our money and loaning us these dollars,” people smelled gas. . .

The ne’er-do-well son of the old Republican family as president, the idea that you increase government revenue by cutting taxes, the idea that you cut social services and thereby drive the needy into the middle class, the idea that you overthrow a dictator with a show of force and achieve democracy at no cost to yourself — one stink bomb after another, and now Gov. Palin.

She is a chatty sportscaster who lacks the guile to conceal her vacuity, and she was Mr. McCain’s first major decision as nominee. This troubles independent voters, and now she is a major drag on his candidacy. . . And the rest of us will have to pull ourselves out of the swamp of Republican economics. Your broker kept saying, “Stay with the portfolio, don’t jump ship,” and you felt a strong urge to dump the stocks and get into the money market where at least you’re not going to lose your shirt, but you didn’t do it and didn’t do it, and now you’re holding a big bag of brown bananas. Me, too. But at least I know enough not to believe desperate people who are talking trash.

Anybody who got whacked last week and still thinks McCain-Palin is going to lead us out of the swamp and not into a war with Iran is beyond persuasion in the English language. They’ll need to lose their homes and be out on the street in a cold hard rain before they connect the dots.