John McCain was in a tough spot tonight. He's tanking in the polls as he ramps up the personal attacks on Barack Obama, yet the base was clamouring for a knock-out punch . He had to throw them some red meat, even if it meant alienating the non-insane. There were landmines everywhere and McCain stepped in all of them. His smirking, snarky tone was decidedly un-presidential, and his bitter, whiny complaining performance probably satisfied no one.
On the other hand, it was Obama's best showing yet. His answers were poised, direct and sincere -- especially when he dealt with the difficult subjects of Ayers, John Lewis and the ugly mob that Sarah Palin has been stirring up at her public events. He addressed the accusations of being a terrorist head on, and didn't try to dismiss the ugliness of it. It's the first time I've heard him speak quite so unflinchingly about something so personal and vicious, and he did it in a way that was grounded and made him appear totally confident and calm in his conviction. It inspired a lot of confidence that he has the maturity and the gravitas to address really complex and difficult situations. He definitely showed grace under pressure.
But the most memorable moment of the debate -- the one that should come back to haunt McCain -- was when he sneeringly dismissed concerns for women's "health" with regard to abortion. Contempt for women just oozed out of every pore of his being, and it was no stretch to imagine the same man turning to his wife and saying "at least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you c**t."
I guess at some point that China doll down in Old Hong Kong turns into just another annoying slut, eh?
David Plouffe wrapped it up afterwards by saying "we came into the debate with two thirds of the American people thinking that John McCain is running a negative campaign, and Senator McCain spent 90 minutes trying to convince the other third."
McCain was a nasty, vicious glass of sour milk who can barely contain his temper and can't quite fathom what is happening to him.
Anybody who still thinks McCain isn't running a negative campaign is either in denial or wasn't watching.
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Heh, those ‘all I got was this stupid t-shirt’ are all the rage here in the Isles, Jane…! *g*
CNN’s got more polls up. VERY good numbers for Obama.
McCain/Plumber 08!
My friends, who gives a rats ass about some warshed up women’s “health” issues.
-Twitchy McBlink
McPain/Plumber 08. It takes 3 to tango.
beautiful Greg
Okay I’m adding that.
McSmirkySlimeMold sold his soul for personal ambition long ago. Looks like somebody has come to collect.
I agree with you Jane. Mc’s sneering dismissal of health of mother was truly shocking and hopefully makes him plunge in the polls with women.
and can’t quite fathom
what is happening to him. much of anything.Hope you don’t mind my edit.
Spot on Jane I wonder how much the women’s vote can change for Obama.
Jane, my take was very similar to yours on Obama addressing the Ayers and Palin-hate-rally issues. He hit the issues head-on and McCain looked like an elderly talk-radio host trying to keep tossing out the buzzwords endlessly. I also thought McCain’s contemptuous reference to women’s “health” (with the dorky finger-quote gesture) must have struck most viewers as pretty unpleasant and even disturbing.
If the blinking is a tell then McCain was lying through the whole debate.
Heh. Tighty-Righties wound up Mc to go after O in last debate and it totally backfired. Like totally.
My father and watched together (with my newly political fiancee) - my question was “does health include extreme post-partum depression with suicidal ideation?” nah, suck it up buttercup
EPU’d:
When they were talking about education all of us here heard what we thought was McCain suggesting that soldiers coming out of the Army could be employed as teachers in schools.
Were we all hallucinating?
Mc* sneered and dismissed his way through the entire saga.
L 7
Shorter McSame: “I know about being mad and I can be madder than that one. Vote for me!
The blinking! It was crazy.
Last polls I saw showed he was already tanking among women. At this rate, Sarah Palin will be the only woman in America to vote for him. Even she is only doing it because she has been slipping arsenic into his coffee ever since the convention.
Well what a jerk John has shown himself to be! Never anything positive!! Who the fuck wants a nasty negative old man to be president?? And when he dies in Office and he will the actuaries say it will!
McCain’s contemptuous reference to women’s “health” (with the dorky finger-quote gesture) must have struck most viewers as pretty unpleasant and even disturbing.
Pretty amazing how much more people around here catch than the “experts” in the media catch…
I wondered if an Infantryman was qualified to teach calculus, myself
Last week is was the pacing around
This week it was McCain’c constant snorting into his mic during Obama’s time. That is what late night will be joking about this week.
McCain is having a hard time, and he’s angry.
(Repeat ad infinitum)
It’s only down from here on out
McNasty has no where to go except down!
So much for throwing his best shot!
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2.....5171.shtml
Game over.
Ah so, slow arsenic poisoning is what accounts for his stranger demeanor tonight. Thanks for the medical insight. *g*
Especially the left eye. If he won I would have to get rid of my tv.
I’m not sure if that or trying to paint BO as pro- choice was McCain’s low point …
Barely controlled rage!!
High School of the Americas.
Well given the available evidence, I would say that the average pfc is well qualified to teach business classes, or at least as much as the people currently teaching them.
Jane!
From downstairs, someone asked for the Joe the Plumber link: this is the one I saw:
Hey! Thanks Jane.
-G
Facts are pesky lil things.
I noticed that. Does McLame understand that a vote of “present” is not the same thing as “aye?”
Has *anyone* on teevee caught the ‘Obama voted against Breyer’ gaffe?
McCain is having a hard time, and he’s angry.
Troops to teachers without certification. That is what is scary. I am sure troops could make fine teachers. But don’t you think some training might be necessary?
Perhaps ethics classes too!!
No plus he wants them to teach without getting credentials is how I understood it.
Without those credentials kids at the bottom of the class because of hyperactivity, ADD, whatever (McCain), and kids with reading problems (Bush) won’t get diagnosed and get the help they need.
McCain better have his mooseburgers tested for radiator fluid.
Palin is already calling it a Palin Administration.
-G
John Hit him With his best Shot!!
Do you think he needs a drug test what kind of drugs do that?
Meet Joe the plumber
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fao7twqFwPA
McCain’s Brazilian honey remembers him as a good kisser. It should probably be noted that back then his plate didn’t slide around.
CNN - polling of “independents” 57-31, Obama.
What wrapped it up for me and put a bow on it was at the end when Barack and Michelle walked off the stage together and McCain just walked off and left Cindy behind.
McCain figures that if he keeps blinking that at some point he’ll ‘wake up’ and it will have all been a bad dream and that he didn’t pick Palin after all. He can keep right on blinking…
McCain, quite simply, looked like the baffoon he is.
He did a good job of not letting his head ’splode.
Irregardless of the uneven blinkiness.
Heard that too. I think he even added something about how they shouldn’t be required to take any competency tests either. Just throw in the classrooms is how I interpreted what CrazyTrain was saying.
Great. Now we’ve got Blinky and Winky.
I was pretty surprised at that. Sunni/Shia (or is it Sununu/Shia?), Czechoslovakia, etc. etc. But then it passed & other stuff came up & it slipped my mind. Thanks for bringing it up again.
Can Mc resuscitate himself in Indiana when he finally comes back to Letterman? And why does Letterman wear white socks? Is it some Indiana thing?
Oh, yeah, you heard it right.
It is actually an existing program - here in military city San Antonio I know we have a number of former military OFFICERS who went into teaching on leaving the service. The program started several years ago, when the military was cutting back, before we got into all-war all-the-time, all-over.
There is or was a training program, similar to others for fast-tracking people with college degrees into teaching without having to go back to college.
What startled me was that McC said something like, “straight into schools without having to be certified.” !! These programs don’t do that; they give college grad vets some training in education theory and classroom management, and a special certification.
Hong Kong Blues just because.
Be kind to your elders!!!!!
Off the top, meth…
but I’m old school.
There’s prolly new shit out there that really fucks you up. For life.
It’s a teletubby reunion.
I’m trying to imagine what McInsane might have possibly said or done tonight to offend women more…
nope - I think he pretty much nailed it.
Dave has worn White Socks and Adidas Running shoes since the early days …
Le Comte de Buffon resents the comparison.
blinkin’ and winkin’ and todd
Last I watched it was white socks & business shoes–not tassel loafers, but tie shoes.
McCain’s task tonight was almost epically hopeless. He needed to look statesman like but also to throw mud. He had to distance himself from a President’s disastrous policies, almost all of which he agreed with. He had to shore up his wingnut base while reaching out to independents and moderates. An insider who was the outsider. The guy who was experienced in how things are done who wanted to change how things are done. The maverick but also the careful steward of your tax dollars.
Any one of these contradictions could have sunk him tonight. As it turned out, they all did.
McCain kept referring to Breyer and Roberts when he meant Alito and Roberts. Breyer joined the court in ‘94, don’t think Obama had much to do with that.
That is sooooo purrrfect!
Well, shoot. My links don’t seem to show up lately, even though it was there in preview.
Let me try typing it out:
http://www.jedreport.com/2008/.....mbing.html
The wing nuts must be sooo dissapointed that McBlink didn’t bring up Rev. Wright and the kerning on Obama’s birth certificate and the fact that Obama turned the Ohio state flag into a personal Obama flag…..
-G
Ha!! Can see the TV ads aready…
Dave must have gotten a raise … *g*
touche!
Can Mc resuscitate himself in Indiana when he finally comes back to Letterman? And why does Letterman wear white socks? Is it some Indiana thing?
lol. nope, ’round here you’ll see more dark socks.
best worn with shorts, of course.
and I’m thinking that McInsane takes Indiana 52-48. You might wanna check with me on that tomorrow though.
In the immortal words of St. Paris of Hilton “Loves it”
he has so many that he just wallows there
McLame was wondering if Obama thought enough of his position, then he should have voted one way or the other, IMHO.
Well Sarah’s home town is the Meth Capital of Alaska, maybe thats how she got the VP job.
Ooops. Mrs. Greenspan has changed her tune. After initially creaming on Mc’s performance, she now sez that the base might have loved it but it didn’t convince the undecideds.
Dya think?
… and he had to demonstrate sound decision making while talkin’ about Palin …
ahem, as a brasilian, I am utterly grossed out and as a woman I’m speechless
I had not heard that.
Should I be shocked?
What is it with rednecks and speed?
Who is Presidential?
Obama has the race precisely where he wants it.
The difference between the way they treated their wives on stage was a tell.
McCain gave Cindy a fake looking hug and then ignored her. Then he walked off and left her on the stage.
Obama, on the other hand was conscious of his wife’s presence, treated her like he loved her and was glad she was there..
No. Was that like speaking to his fellow prisoners?
I think his A to that Q will become a classic YouTube, kinda like “potatoe” in its day.
They are so far removed from us. They have no idea what it’s like to worry because you dropped 10 thousand of your 401K in three days. We don’t give a fuck about the stupid shit Mcnutjob talks about. His dead end policy is more of the same.
I live by the Meth capital of the southwest (Madrid, NM). Can I be VP next?
I beg to differ. Mc has O just where he wants him. If you don’t believe me, just ask Mc. /s
Oh, DrDick,
Your ref is so funny! Comte de Buffon, our French naturalist!
Just further proof that the total lack of taste can be found in all cultures. Don’t take it too hard. I know Brazilians general set high standards in this regard.
Good angle the right the only people going to McCain rallies must be disappointed that McCain didn’t go Racist, Terrorist, Elitist and Extremists on Obama.
I think the Idiots are about to vote McCain off the Island.
this morning on washington journal there were some guests on talking about how the debates could really be debates - and break out of the narrow range of issues and conventional responses.
don’t let the campaigns be in charge, include all candidates who are on enough state’s ballots to theoretically win, good stuff like that. not going to happen, but it was a nice thought.
You betcha.
Obama was terrifically focused. One of the talking heads said he seemed “weak” by not responding to attacks. Just the opposite. He stuck to the issues, and was clear and direct. He was absolutely great.
McCain. Wow. The comments that so many have noticed. Sneering at the “health” of a pregnant woman. The troops to classroom, skip the training, skip the certification. Well, that should certainly help the educational system. Take all these folks returning with Post traumatic stress disorder and lets throw them willy nilly in with the second graders. Good plan.
McCain looks like rubber room material. His facial expressions. His seething rage. Just bizarre.
of course now, it is clear that McCain DOES ‘plaster on the makeup like a trollop’
Still 82-15 at CNN.com - Obama
In fairness to Johnny, he was a handsome guy back in the day, although by all accounts, he was and remains a jerk. If I were her, I don’t think I’d acknowledge the relationship, much less provide unsavory details.
How silly of me… being 12 down with less than three weeks to go - McCain scores!
Excellent point *g*
Mr. RedWa described McCain’s expression as a mix between a scowl and a smirk and he wasn’t being complementary. He also said, McCain never addressed the issues. Our ballots should arrive tomorrow or Friday, thank goodness.
That was telling. And I love your sign on. I’ve kissed a few, too.
Is Joe the plumber related to joe sixpack
And the source of the word “buffoon”.
I think it was the same guy who was on democracynow late last week. Yep, not gonna happen, but it would be so good.
Went to a “debate” and a nap broke out.
Hey, jayt! How old are you?
Dave’s just a little older than I am - white socks were pretty de rigueur in our (Indianapolis) high school days. Guess he just hasn’t changed his style.
Course, wearing your cigarette pack twisted up in your t-shirt was part of the ensemble w/ the white socks then…guess it’s just Dave being Dave. *g*
One Night in Bangkok
Only if you can see it from your porch.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200.....WJ9ipvaA8F
Faux Spew calls it 67% to 33% Obama…!!! Stick a fork in McSame…!
Mc loves to be the comeback kid, according to his spinmeisters. FYI. I didn’t make that up.
Yes, I would have liked to have heard some real discussion about Henry Paulson’s string of half ass plans, their cost, and why we can’t do better.
Most plumbers I know bear more resemblance to a keg.
McCain’s fav Brasilian phrase … “Bombas afastado !” …
… apologies to wb and Brasil …
Third cousins, twice removed.
maybe one cycle we could agitate for it.
No. Was that like speaking to his fellow prisoners?
worse. The topic *was* the Supreme Court, and he blasted Obama for not voting for not voting for Stephen Breyer, who was elected to the Court in 1994.
and Obama missed it, too - he’s gonna be kicking himself in the morning.
well I wouldn’t say that but McCain? ugh