Getting Back To Obama vs. McCain

[babylonsister]

Getting Back To Obama vs. McCain



Over the past 11 days or so, Sarah Palin has sucked up all the oxygen in the room. I don't think that's a bad thing -- I'd rather have people focusing on her as the explanation for McCain's bounce than to have them focus on McCain himself as the explanation for his bounce.

(Edit: Given that McCain's bounce was accurately predicted by Nate Silver well before Palin was a twinkle in anybody's eye, it probably has more to do with McCain and the nature of convention bounces than Palin.)

As much as she's overshadowed the race generally, she's also overshadowed McCain specifically. I have no doubt that a large share -- probably a majority -- of McCain supporters would rather have her at the top of the ticket than him. After all, even if he's got a compelling story to tell about his days as a soldier, he's a terribly boring candidate.

It's easy to forget (and I've been guilty of this) that the thing that's really important about Palin is what her selection says about John McCain.

And at this point, we already know all that we need to know to answer that question. For example:

* We know John McCain doesn't think Sarah Palin's ready to be President of the United States, because if he did, he'd let her do tough interviews and press conferences.
* We know McCain's selection was an impulse decision. He didn't spend enough time vetting her to be able to know whether or not she was qualified.
* And now, just as tellingly, we know that despite his promises to tell the truth, John McCain has repeatedly lied about Sarah Palin's record in order to cover up the weakness of his decision.

So where does that leave things? Well, for me at least, going forward I'm going to start refocusing my attention on the top of the ticket.

more...

http://www.jedreport.com/2008/09/getting-back-to-obama-vs-mccai.html

[demokatgurrl]

1. I think it IS a bad thing

we are playing into their hands. Obama has it right: go after McCain. Ignore Palin (let surrogates go after her), until Biden debates her.
This is a PLANNED distraction.

[babylonsister]

2. That's why I posted this; I agree with Jed, we need to get back

to what's important.

[GrizzlyMan]

3. One thing I'd like to see him focus on

Taxes. McCain will RAISE taxes on the middle class. It's a fact, and everyone knows it. I would like Obama to drop the "I'll raise taxes on the top 5 percent" alltogether. Stop mentioning raising taxes, and start talking about how he will lower taxes for the middle class, which is a fact.

The other thing that I would like, but goes against your OP, is to start asking questions as to why McCain is hiding behind Palin and letting her do the talking for him.

[demokatgurrl]

4. And the deficit! Respond to that lying ad

that says Obama/Dems will increase the deficit. Give me a fucking break, these guys have been like a 20 year old with a maxed-out credit card.

[GrizzlyMan]

5. McCain is wasting his time talking about the deficit

Low info voters don't care about it. And even if they did care, the issue is so far beyond their level of comprehension their heads would explode if they tried to grasp it.

People, even the dumbed down majority in this country, can clearly understand the message of lower taxes.