Liveblogging the last presidential debate of 2008

By Michelle Malkin  •  October 15, 2008 08:27 PM

It begins at 9pm Eastern.

Liberal Beltway fixture Bob Schieffer moderates. I noted in 2004 that he asked a question about immigration during one of the 2004 debates. Wouldn’t it be novel if the subject finally came up tonight? Not that the La Raza twins would differ much. I’m not the only one who wants to hear some border talk. The Plumber Joe Wurzelbach mentioned it, too.

Got your ACORN martinis, ready?

Drinking game buzz words:

GREED.
GREEDY.
RESCUE.
EARMARKS.
TAX CREDITS.
WALL STREET.
MAIN STREET.
HEALTH CARE.
JUDGEMENT.
BUSH. BUSH. BUSH.
BIPARTISAN.
CLIMATE CHANGE.

Commenter Jencab: “You forgot…”

UUUHHHH
MY FRIENDS
ACROSS THE AISLE
WHEELS OF THE STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS
I AGREE
MIDDLE CLASS

9:02pm Eastern. Schieffer starts right off the bad with the Dow plunge today. Why is your plan better than his?

McCain: Americans are hurting and they’re angry. Their innocent victims of GREED and WALL STREET.

Drink, drink, drink up.

McCain: They are hurting and they’re angry.

Ok, we get it.

Now, he’s promoting home ownership and preservation at any cost. Pitches his rotten individual mortgage rescue plan. “Put home owners first.”

McCain criticizes Paulson for “not making it their first priority.”

Only superficial mention of Fannie/Freddie.

I repeat what I said earlier today: Hey, chumps: Why are you still paying your mortgages?

Obama: RESCUE package for the MIDDLE CLASS.

My glass is half-empty already.

Obama: TAX CREDIT.

Gulp again.

Obama: Sen. McCain, I AGREE with helping homeowners.

Glass is empty.

McCain brings up The Plumber: Joe, I wanna tell ya. I want to keep your taxes low, affordable health care, I will not stand for tax increases on small business income. What you want to do to Joe the plumber is…have them not live the American Dream.

Obama brings up his 95 percent tax cut fantasy.

McCain blasts Obama for his “spread the wealth around” ideology. I want Joe the Plumber to spread the wealth around. Why would you want to increase anyone’s taxes right now? I’m not going to do that in my administration.

Obama invokes his friend, billionaire Warren Buffett in response.

Not such a bright move there, Barry.

We’re talking about a plumber and Obama leans on one of the richest men in the world as a crutch?

McCain: We need to cut people’s taxes, create jobs, not “spread the wealth around.”

Good. He drove that nail.

9:14pm Eastern. Schieffer asks what specific programs the candidates would cut.

Obama has been blabbing for two minutes without naming anything specific. Blahblahblahblah. He’s talking about making “investments” to prevent diseases.

He STILL hasn’t mentioned a single program.

9:16pm Eastern. McCain should have nailed Obama immediately for failing to name a single program he would cut, but he wants to return to the home ownership/prevention crap. Increasing home values. Blahblahblah. McCain segues into energy independence.

Finally, an answer.

McCain: What would I cut? Across-the-board spending freeze. Some people say it’s a hatchet. I’ll do the hatchet and then the scalpel. Would cut marketing assistance, ethanol subsidies, I know how to save billions.

Grab your drinks: McCain mentions EARMARKS.

9:21pm Eastern. McCain repeats his line that Americans are angry. Pledges to balance the budget in four years. You have to tell me one time when you’ve stood up to the leaders of your party.

Obama: Cites tort reform, charter schools. He slips in a reference to Fox News agreeing with him.
Obama moves to his BUSH-McCain talking points.

McCain: Elaborates on his opposition to Bush administration. I’ve got the scars to prove it. Cites CLIMATE CHANGE. Your record of independence isn’t very convincing.

Schieffer moves to the tone of the campaign. Obama says “erratic,” “losing his bearings, etc.” McCain says “lie,” “palling around with terrorists,” etc. “Are you each willing to say to each other’s face what you’ve said in ads.”

McCain goes first. “It’s gotten tough and I regret some of it.” Blames Obama for not accepting Town Hall proposals. McCain calls out John Lewis for comparing him to George Wallace and calls out Obama for not repudiating him. Very unfair and totally inappropriate. We will run a truthful campaign. A tough campaign. Obama has spent more on negative ads than any campaign in history. He said he would take public financing if I did. He didn’t keep his word. You didn’t tell the American people the truth.

Obama: We expect presidential campaigns to be tough. Whines that McCain’s ads were 100 percent negative and says people don’t want to hear about their hurt feelings. Plays the distraction card.

Obama will not repudiate John Lewis’s remarks, then says “politics as usual” is no longer acceptable.

McCain attacks Obama’s health care and immigration ads. Invokes Joe the Plumber again.

Obama smirks.

McCain: I did not hear repudiation of Congressman Lewis’s remarks.

Obama whines about the purported catcalls at the Palin rallies and rationalizes Lewis’s remarks. Whines about the “palling around with terrorists” jibe. It’s an opening to talk about Ayers…but McCain’s not biting for whatever reason.

9:33pm Eastern. McCain defends the people who attend his rallies.

KNOCK ME OVER WITH A FEATHER. He’s defending the base. “I’m not going to stand for that!”

You just scored some points, McCain.

FINALLY!

McCain: I’ve seen t-shirts that are unacceptable. Things yelled at your rallies.

FINALLY! Rejecting the “mob narrative.”

9:35pm Eastern. McCain ate his Wheaties. He mentions old, washed-up terrorist Ayers and Acorn – destroying the fabric of our nation.

Obama gives his talking points about Ayers (I was eight years old) and ACORN (I represented them in a lawsuit with the Justice Department).

McCain better set the record straight.

9:38pm Eastern. McCain says he launched his political campaign in Ayers’ living room. Mentions Ayers’ 2001 regret that he hadn’t bombed more.

Well, was that enough, folks? What do you think?

I think it’s the best we can expect McCain to have done.

The McCain campaign e-mails the talking points McCain failed to recite…

ACORN’s Political Action Committee Endorsed Barack Obama For President. “[A]CORN’s political action committee endorsed Barack Obama for President. … The endorsement reflects a belief that Obama – who worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago – understands that change must come from the ground-up, as part of a working coalition, rather than from position papers.” (Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Op-Ed, “ACORN: Obama Gets It,” The Nation, 2/23/08)

Barack Obama’s Campaign “Paid More Than $800,000″ To ACORN For Get-Out-The Vote Efforts; The Campaign Originally “Misrepresented” The Group’s Work To The FEC. “U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign paid more than $800,000 to an offshoot of the liberal Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now for services the Democrat’s campaign says it mistakenly misrepresented in federal reports. An Obama spokesman said Federal Election Commission reports would be amended to show Citizens Services Inc. — a subsidiary of ACORN — worked in ‘get-out-the-vote’ projects, instead of activities such as polling, advance work and staging major events as stated in FEC finance reports filed during the primary.” (David M. Brown, “Obama To Amend Report On $800,000 In Spending,” Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 8/22/08)

Barack Obama Directed Project Vote And Later Taught Classes For “Future Leaders Identified By ACORN And The Centers For New Horizons.” “In 1992 Obama took time off to direct Project Vote, the most successful grass-roots voter-registration campaign in recent city history. Credited with helping elect Carol Moseley-Braun to the U.S. Senate, the registration drive, aimed primarily at African-Americans, added an estimated 125,000 voters to the voter rolls–even more than were registered during Harold Washington’s mayoral campaigns. ‘It’s a power thing,’ said the brochures and radio commercials. … Obama continues his organizing work largely through classes for future leaders identified by ACORN and the Centers for New Horizons on the south side.” (Hank De Zutter, Op-Ed, “What Makes Obama Run?” Chicago Reader, 12/8/95)

· In 1992, Barack Obama Was Hired By ACORN To Run A Voter Registration Effort. “Indeed, Mr. Obama has extensive connections with the granddaddy of activist groups, Acorn (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), which has gotten millions in government grants for its low-income housing programs. In 1992, Acorn hired Mr. Obama to run a voter registration effort. He later became a trainer for the group, as well as its lawyer in election law cases. Acorn’s political arm has endorsed Mr. Obama while its ‘voter education’ arm has pledged to spend $35 million to register people this fall — despite a history of vote fraud scandals that have led to guilty pleas by many Acorn employees.” (John Fund, “Obama’s Liberal Shock Troops,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/12/08)

Barack Obama Was Part Of Team Of Lawyers Who Represented ACORN In A Suit Against The State Of Illinois. “Obama was part of a team of attorneys who represented the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in 1995 for failing to implement a federal law designed to make it easier for the poor and others to register as voters.” (Mike Robinson, “Obama Got Start In Civil Rights Practice,” The Associated Press, 2/20/07)

ACORN Received Grants From The Woods Fund When Barack Obama Served on The Board Of Directors

· The Chicago ACORN Received Grants Of $45,000 (2000), $30,000 (2001), $45,000 (2001), $30,000 (2002), And $40,000 (2002) From The Woods Fund. (Donors Forum Website, ifs.donorsforum.org, Accessed 6/10/08)

· NOTE: From 1993 To 2002, Barack Obama Served On The Board Of Directors For The Woods Fund. (Tim Novak and Fran Spielman, “Obama Helped Ex-Boss Get $1 Mil. From Charity,” Chicago Sun-Times, 11/29/07)

9:41pm Eastern. Schieffer asks each candidate why their vp candidate would be a better prez than the other’s vp candidate.

Obama gives obligatory Joe is Great spiel with requisite Violence Against Women Act reference and is now talking about “INVESTING” again. Make it a drinking word.

McCain: Sarah Palin is a reformer. She understands families with special needs. She’s ignited our party and people who have never been involved in the political process.

Reader Dustin writes that McCain should have said “Not only do I think Palin would be better than Biden, I believe she’d be better and more experienced than Barack Obama.”

Schieffer asks Obama if Palin is qualified. “That will be up to the American people to decide,” then throws in a jab at McCain on special needs. Says it will take more spending.

McCain: Biden’s qualified in many respects, but has been wrong on foreign policy that’s supposed to be his strength. Cockamamie idea of dividing Iraq in three parts. Wrong about the first Gulf War. National security.

Then McCain jabs Obama back over relying on new spending as solution to everything.

9:47pm Eastern. CLIMATE CHANGE!

Obama is especially smirky tonight, isn’t he?

9:52pm Eastern. McCain dings Obama for opposing Colombia free trade agreement. “Obama, who’s never traveled south of our border…”

McCain slips in Obama’s tea-with-dictators stance. Obama smirks and snorts.

9:59pm Eastern. Health care. McCain is really using Joe the Plumber to great effect. Invokes him again and asks what fine Obama would impose on him if he doesn’t meet Obama’s mandates.

McCain uses a bogus Michael Moore statistic: See the 47 million uninsured lie.

10:04pm Eastern. McCain challenges Obama’s big government policies and mistakenly calls Obama “Sen. Government.”

Yeah, that works.

10:08pm Eastern. Schieffer throws in a SCOTUS question. McCain and Obama agree they wouldn’t apply a litmus test. Obama invokes Roe v. Wade.

McCain better bring up Obama’s lies about his born-alive survivors bill vote.

10:11pm Eastern. YES! He’s finally making up for all those missed opportunities. McCain nails Obama for his extreme, pro-abortion votes. “That’s his record. He voted in direct contradiction to the feelings of mainstream America.”

Obama spins. Filibusters.

McCain rejoinder to Obama — nails him on disingenuous “health of the mother” language/loopholes. Mentions that he and Cindy are adoptive parents, but that doesn’t mean we won’t continue to stand for the rights of the unborn.

Very eloquent. Good job, McCain. (See, who says I can’t say nice things about Mac?)

10:16pm Eastern. Last question is on education.

I’m tuning out Obama. He just said “INVEST” for the 998th time tonight. Blahblah.

McCain calls education the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Talks about choice, parental empowerment. Give parents the same choice that the Obamas have and Cindy and I have to send their kids to good schools. Throwing money is not the answer to the problem. You will find that some of the worst public school districts get the most money.

BINGO.

10:21pm Eastern. Schieffer asks if there should be increased federal role in education. Obama says yes despite the failure of No Child Left Behind. Pay teachers more, fund early childhood education. I AGREE with McCain on charter schools, says Obama. Opposes vouchers.

McCain dings Obama again for exercising his own school choice, but not allowing other parents to do the same.

Obama called on people to put down their video games, but as a McCain staffer e-mails: “But he advertises on them? Disingenuousness.”

Obama tries to rationalize his opposition to vouchers.

McCain sums it up for him: “So because there aren’t enough vouchers we shouldn’t have any even if they work. Got it.”

Obama claims that DC superintendent only supports charter schools, not vouchers. McCain corrects him. Obama sticks to his claim.

Obama is wrong. McCain is right. More here.

Obama: Out-of-touch with minority families demanding choice in D.C.

Debate wrap-up here.

***

11:09pm Eastern Hillary is on Fox News (!) praising Obama through gritted teeth. She says that Joe the Plumber will be “appreciably more positively impacted” by Obama’s policies vs. McCain’s.

“Appreciably more positively impacted?”

And they call Sarah Palin inarticulate…

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Comments


  1. #1401
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:46 pm, CleanGuy said:

    I can’t wait for 2012. This sucks.

    We’re Screwed ’08

  2. #1402
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:46 pm, Tom Blogical said:

    I have to say, I think undecideds are decidedly two things. 1) Idiots. 2) Liberals.

    Screw the undecideds.

  3. #1403
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:46 pm, Lindsay said:

    I think McCain had Obama (Senator Government) on the ropes tonight. Good job, Senator McCain!

    Also, Obama’s smirks and chuckles were telling. It doesn’t take a “body language expert” to see through those: he was uncomfortable, angry, and sheepish. Once or twice the dang moderator lead him into responses—when Obama wasn’t going to respond as he was cornered.

    Luntz said Obama won??? Biased stuff. Waste of time.

  4. #1404
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:46 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:43 pm, tyrfing said:
    Fox News seems to be leaning more and more to the left lately, like the last year or so.

    They see the press Nazi’s coming, and they don’t want to get spanked by a BHO fairness police state

  5. #1405
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:46 pm, cntryjoe said:

    No one had lower expectations on McCain than me, yet I thought he wiped the floor with BHO. What gives with these commentators?!

  6. #1406
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, vickisoup said:

    You know what, don’t let these demoralized pundits and some stupid fake focus group take the wind out of our sails. John McCaid did a kick-a** job tonight of laying out his policies, properly highlighting the folly of trusting Barack Obama, and calling BHO out on his lies, after lies, after lies, his smooth-talking distractions and his abysmal voting record.
    We did not imagine that.
    Remember one of the best lines from, “Talladega Nights”:
    “THAT JUST HAPPENED!!”
    :-)

  7. #1407
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, katablog said:

    10 of CNN’s group think McCain won and of course 15 give to Obama.

  8. #1408
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, committed said:

    I still believe small business owners across the nation will see the tax implication of an Obama presidency and pull this out for McCain.

  9. #1409
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, scaredforamerica said:

    in the end it doesn’t matter. B.O. will be annointed the overload of our new socialist country.

    I for one welcome our new overload and caretaker.

  10. #1410
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:47 pm, Mojave Mark said:

    Where do I get the bumper sticker that says:

    “Don’t blame me, I voted for McCain”

    John did great but it looks like the Republican party has jumped the shark this election cycle.

  11. #1411
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:48 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    Anybody who is “undecided” still shouldn’t be able to vote, cause they are stupid.

    I thought the tax issues are a big win for McCain!

  12. #1412
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm, Bud Fox said:

    “Don’t blame me, I voted for McCain”

    Oh yeh.

  13. #1413
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm, nlebou said:

    CNN focus group did not like Joe the Plumber remarks

  14. #1414
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm, Cricket24 said:

    ” I can’t believe that this debate swayed a majority of “undecided” voters TO Obama…”

    If this debate persuaded these people to all of a sudden vote for Obama, then the people in this country are downright stupid. The majority of those people in that focus group were NOT undecided. I have always said that there are some people who are so stupid that they shouldn’t be allowed to vote.

  15. #1415
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:49 pm, Tom Blogical said:

    Sarah Palin/Tim Pawlenty or Tim Pawlenty/Sarah Palin 2012.

    Either way, I don’t care.

  16. #1416
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    Who cares what the pundits say, We the people vote and decide. So make sure you stay focused!

  17. #1417
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, tpero said:

    http://www.drudgereport.com/

    There’s an interesting poll.

  18. #1418
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, Mercy4Me said:

    Go vote on Drudge

  19. #1419
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, committed said:

    OT. I saw a “Sister” magazine in the checkout aisle today with Obama kissing a smiling Michelle O on the cheek. I thought I was going to get sick right then and there.

  20. #1420
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, DirkBelig said:
  21. #1421
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm, katablog said:

    vikisoup: I will agree. I don’t think that anyone who is still really undecided should be allowed near a ballot. They are very dangerous people.

    I also think all the poll numbers given out are not to be trusted and I want to encourage everyone to go and vote on November 4th. I fear some will think we’ve lost and not show up.

  22. #1422
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm, tyrfing said:

    Guys, I live in CO, and in 2004 Kerry/Edwards signs and bumper stickers were everywhere. This year I haven’t seen hardly any Obama signs, and McCain signs easily outnumber them. And I live in a college town! This isn’t over!

    Of course the MSM says Obama won, what do you expect? We have been talking about how they are in the tank for Obama for weeks(months). They want us discouraged, don’t buy into the ‘inevitable Obama victory’ narrative. McCain can win this.

  23. #1423
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:51 pm, rightisright said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:42 pm, Terry_Jim, absolutely right…if Obozo wins we not have elections anymore…only coronations.

  24. #1424
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, faithnomore said:

    Good night Michelle…love you…if you haven’t got your glock yet…get one before the 5th…

  25. #1425
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    Most people admit they make their mind up in the polling booth.

  26. #1426
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, committed said:

    That man on Fox right now is sickening.

  27. #1427
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, RealImmigrantChick said:

    McCain has golden opportunities and he allowed BO to weasle out:
    1. abortion: allowed him to peddle the same old lie about Il already had a law re: providing med attention to born alive infants

    2. on Ayres,allowed him to explain away and did not call him out on: money to kallidi (sp?), radical education, etc.

    3. ACORN: did not talk about Bo representing ACORN to push banks and intimidate them to give subprime mortgages that caused this financial mess

    4. did not tell people what caused this financial mess.

    I could have done better. HE IS FINISHED> that is OK, 2 years of lie galore, then we will take this back.

  28. #1428
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm, Laree said:

    I am saying if the Economy is front and center,
    (The most important issue) and it needs help, everything that can drag it down or Joe the Plumber down, needs addressed or eliminated. Don’t put the weight of the world on his shoulders then handicap him with higher taxes ect.. It was a social engineering experiment that got us to this point in the first place. Affordable loans for people who couldn’t afford them. I don’t see more spreading the wealth as the answer. Not if you expect Joe the Plumber to dig us out of our financial hole.

    This was a much better debate then the first two in my opinion. I am glad I stayed up. Janet, put our live blog Imus Times up on her Blog- post, Meet the Real Sarah Palin Blog.

  29. #1429
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:53 pm, tpero said:

    I also think all the poll numbers given out are not to be trusted and I want to encourage everyone to go and vote on November 4th. I fear some will think we’ve lost and not show up.

    I think this has the opposite effect. The left pushes these poll numbers so much that a lot of dems will think it’s a sure thing and they don’t need to vote.

  30. #1430
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, Tennessee Dave said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, committed said:
    That man on Fox right now is sickening.

    You mean Fullofcraphammer?

  31. #1431
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, RealImmigrantChick said:

    1422, did you call Rush today?

  32. #1432
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, teachem2 said:

    Krauthammer is really disappointing me this election. “It was a draw, so clearly Obama won.” This analysis is driving me nuts. I’m off to bed. Night all, was fun!

  33. #1433
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, committed said:

    I’m not giving up on McCain/Palin. I don’t care how the talking pundits interpret it. McCain didn’t have time to elaborate anymore then he did.

  34. #1434
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, Cricket24 said:

    “Good night Michelle…love you…if you haven’t got your glock yet…get one before the 5th…”

    AND make sure you buy plenty of ammo because that’s what these idiots will outlaw first. It’s easier outlaw the ammo than get rid of the 2nd amendment!

  35. #1435
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:54 pm, nlebou said:

    Did they poll ACORN registered voters or ligit voters?

  36. #1436
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    The Obaminations are claiming victory, McCain’s team is claiming victory. But I did think it was gracious of He Who Has Come to offer to run John McCain’s campaign ads for the next three weeks.

    Charles Krauthammer is on Fox saying McCain lost–did not follow up on the Ayeres issue and points he made. Sort of my position, no “There you go again” moment.

    Don’t Feed The Trolls-ignore them.

    ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
    Should be a convenience store
    NOT a Government Agency

    God Bless America except for the blue states.

  37. #1437
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm, committed said:

    Did this weird man said that Obama being on the defensive made him the winner?

  38. #1438
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:56 pm, Surveyor said:

    If this debate persuaded these people to all of a sudden vote for Obama, then the people in this country are downright stupid. The majority of those people in that focus group were NOT undecided.

    I agree. The last time these people were undecided in their votes was probably while they were watching “Dancing with the stars”.

    Idiots one and all. Stay asleep America…and when you wake up your country will be unrecognizable.

  39. #1439
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:58 pm, travlinman said:

    Tonight, McCain started mentioning some of the topics that should have been front and center from the start concerning Obama’s friends and choices he has made which are reflective of Obama’s judgement. Too little, too late, I fear. Our only chance is divine intervention or that the polls are heavily weighted towards Democrats (Obama) and it will be a very tight race which will come down to the swing states and how much voter fraud ACORN gets away with. As you can tell I am not very positive at this point, yet I have not gven up and will continue to fight in my little corner of the world. A soul gets tired though…

    Palin/??? 2008 – We will be ready for some change by then.

  40. #1440
    On October 15th, 2008 at 10:58 pm, committed said:

    If you get points for lieing to the American people, Obama won hands down.

  41. #1441
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:00 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    From the few minutes I watched Obama was clearly uncomfortable and on the defensive. McCain did better tonight than on any night since the Saddleback Meeting. But I didn’t watch enough tonight to know if he did as well as that first encounter.

    The McCain campaign will have to do virtually everything right over the next 3 weeks to have a chance of winning. That is a tall order for a campaign that has done almost nothing right since they picked a VP.

    I’m still voting for Chuck Baldwin. McCain lost my vote in 2003 with McCain-Feingold. I take my first amendment rights very seriously.

  42. #1442
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:03 pm, cntryjoe said:

    What I’m hearing tonite is McCain couldn’t “finish the point”. Well, heck, there’s only 90 minutes here and several questions to cover. McCain said what he needed to say – he didn’t have to keep repeating the same stuff. Had he done that, he would have been criticized for not moving on. Geez!

  43. #1443
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:04 pm, CC said:

    Watching the post-debate talk on Fox, it proves that these analysts, commentators, etc. are completely out of touch with the American people. Everywhere I have gone to in the past few minutes has shown that most voters believe, as I do, that McCain won this debate.

    The people who allegedly changed their minds to Obama in the Frank Lunz poll were not in the majority, as far as I could see.

  44. #1444
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:07 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    There were several points where I wished McCain might have said more. But, McCain isn’t passionate about many things and even then he seems passionate about all the wrong things (like open borders and limitations on the first amendment).

    Reagan would have debated this very differently. But, McCain is no Reagan. If he were he would be scheduling his dance card at the inaugural balls right now instead of fighting for his life….

  45. #1445
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:07 pm, rightisright said:

    I have to admit IMHO McCain made good points as the aggressor, had Odumbo on the run but he did fail put him away a few times. I can only believe it’s sticking to the high road…probably cost him the presidency. Let’s not give up hope and effort for the country and do remember the local and state elections are very important.

    Thank You MM, love ya for all ya do for us. Take Care now and good night all.

  46. #1446
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Not calling a fraud and a liar a fraud and liar is not exactly the “high road.” McCain doesn’t seem to understand that.

    McCain’s passion seems largely limited to unloading on conservatives and Christians. He has kind of proven that.

  47. #1447
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Juan Williams is on Fox now. Was there another debate?Juan Williams is so far in the tank for BroBama I bet he is competition to mamaObama ugly as that picture is.
    Perhaps Jesse Jackson cut Juan Williams.

    Oh good, Miss Hillary is on. Think I’ll walk the dog.

    Don’t Feed The Trolls-ignore them.

    ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
    Should be a convenience store
    NOT a Government Agency

    God Bless America except for the blue states.

  48. #1448
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm, Patronedheart said:

    well, i just lost my lunch listening to Hillary’s drivel on Fox News. Why do I even tune in to that channel anymore?

  49. #1449
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm, Tom Blogical said:

    I see people commenting on guns and ammo. Definitely a good idea before our rights get even more restricted in that area, but also, GET OUT OF DEBT.

    And…

    Make sure you get involved in local educational issues. Teach your kids about the differences in capitalism and socialism. Take leadership roles in your community and educate, educate, educate.

    Use the same playbook to take back the educational system, but this time, for common sense.

  50. #1450
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:14 pm, BobonStatenIsland said:

    Too many comments…this will get lost in the shuffle…BUT…all pedigree claims that Obama was born opn August 4, 1961. Now I was born July 4, 1961 and 40 years ago I was 7 (seven) years old. Obama has said over and over again refering to Ayers that 40 years ago he was 8. Which is it? Where was your mother 40 years ago versus 41 years ago? Where were you born? where is your birth certificate?

  51. #1451
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm, Republicanvet said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Juan Williams is on Fox now. Was there another debate?Juan Williams is so far in the tank for BroBama I bet he is competition to mamaObama ugly as that picture is.

    I turned it off of Fox when Juan started running his mouth. What baloney!

    As for the debate, I say “Thank you Joe the Plumber”!

    Joe allowed McCain to finally make a lot of points showing ObamAcorns socialist tendencies.

    Could McCain have hit him harder? Yeah, but many points were made such that if America just started watching tonight, it should make them start looking for more information on those points…the points the drive-bys have been ignoring to help ObamAcorn.

  52. #1452
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, CleanGuy said:

    Guys, I live in CO, and in 2004 Kerry/Edwards signs and bumper stickers were everywhere. This year I haven’t seen hardly any Obama signs, and McCain signs easily outnumber them. And I live in a college town! This isn’t over!

    You know, I was noticing the same thing here in ATL, GA. But today I got a slew of “Nobama”, McCain and Palin stickers in the mail. There will be at least one pro McCain SUV on the road tomorrow!

  53. #1453
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, Terry_Jim said:

    FOX’s Wallace, great Q: to Hillary,”Why shouldn’t Joe decide how to spread his own wealth around?”

    She evaded it.

  54. #1454
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm, Cans said:

    I have to be honest, McCain was not my first choice and has shown little to gain my support.
    He just doesn’t seem to have the fire that we need right now.
    That doesn’t mean that I am not supporting him and voting for him.
    I’m not so much voting for McCain, again I’m finding myself voting against the other person.

  55. #1455
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm, CleanGuy said:

    Correction: There are few to none ANY stickers or yard signs, Obama, McCain or other, around here in ATL compared to 2004.

  56. #1456
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:18 pm, Republicanvet said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm, Tom Blogical said:

    Make sure you get involved in local educational issues. Teach your kids about the differences in capitalism and socialism. Take leadership roles in your community and educate, educate, educate.

    My son and I watched the VP debate, and tonight’s debate. He realizes the differences between Republicans and the surrendercrats ever since I explained taxes to him using the example of his allowance. How much I would pay him for work done, and how much taxes would be withheld. He has taken a rather keen interest since then.

  57. #1457
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm, terristeelmagnolia said:

    My husband and I are wondering if we watched the same debate as the Fox commentators??

    Obama won?

    *shakes head*

  58. #1458
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:20 pm, Republicanvet said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:16 pm, Terry_Jim said:

    FOX’s Wallace, great Q: to Hillary,”Why shouldn’t Joe decide how to spread his own wealth around?”

    She evaded it.

    She had to considering her speech in California awhile ago about knowing better than you how to spend your money.

  59. #1459
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:25 pm, CoffeeGuzzler said:

    Remember when the dems trashed Katherin Harris because of her makup? Remember how Sarah is getting trashed because of her hair? Well, I know this is wrong to say but…………….did you see the BUTT on michelle o? It’s huge! Gosh I must be really racist. Other than that, I don’t think McCain really whoopped up on bo but he sure looked better than last time. Hey, we’ve got to do anything and everything to keep bo from being the next POTUS. I wish it was Sarah debating bo.

  60. #1460
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:26 pm, committed said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:18 pm, Republicanvet said:
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:12 pm, Tom Blogical said:

    Make sure you get involved in local educational issues. Teach your kids about the differences in capitalism and socialism. Take leadership roles in your community and educate, educate, educate.
    My son and I watched the VP debate, and tonight’s debate. He realizes the differences between Republicans and the surrendercrats ever since I explained taxes to him using the example of his allowance. How much I would pay him for work done, and how much taxes would be withheld. He has taken a rather keen interest since then.

    Great work, Mom!

  61. #1461
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:26 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    Folks, Krauthammer is a former LIBERAL!

    Krauthammer is generally considered a conservative. However, on domestic issues, Krauthammer is a supporter of legalized abortion; an opponent of the death penalty; an intelligent design critic and an advocate for the scientific consensus on evolution, calling the religion-science controversy a “false conflict;” a supporter of embryonic stem cell research (involving embryos discarded by fertility clinics); and a longtime advocate of radically higher energy taxes to induce conservation. Meg Greenfield, editorial page editor for The Washington Post who edited Krauthammer’s columns for 15 years, called his weekly column “independent and hard to peg politically. It’s a very tough column. There’s no ‘trendy’ in it. You never know what is going to happen next.”

    Not sure what part of him is really conservative!

  62. #1462
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:30 pm, RockyR said:

    I’m listening to the pundits in disbelief. It’s all Obama all the time – even on Fox News, even Krauthammer – a reliable conservative/neo-con. The Luntz focus group was overwhelmingly Obama…

    I guess I was wrong. McCain didn’t move the needle.

    Oh well, either way: We’re Screwed ’08.

  63. #1463
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:31 pm, Surveyor said:

    Teach your kids about the differences in capitalism and socialism. Take leadership roles in your community and educate, educate, educate.

    I re-teach my son every night. Although our school systems are rated highly…even in the great State of Texas…the educational system isn’t what it should be. I am blessed to have spent 3/4 of my education over-seas where the schools are way, way better. I spent middle school and most of high-school in Colombia…and let me tell you…none of what goes on at U.S. schools would be tolerated there.

  64. #1464
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    We home school. I am not letting these Marxists get ahold of my kids. What they do when they leave home will be up to them but until then we are teaching them what we believe and not what the Marxist at the NEA want them to believe.

    Public schools are indoctrination centers and not education centers.

    They can have my children when they pry them from my cold, dead hands!

  65. #1465
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:35 pm, Surveyor said:

    They can have my children when they pry them from my cold, dead hands!

    Amen brother, Amen.

  66. #1466
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:39 pm, Republicanvet said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:25 pm, CoffeeGuzzler said:

    Remember when the dems trashed Katherin Harris because of her makup? Remember how Sarah is getting trashed because of her hair? Well, I know this is wrong to say but…………….did you see the BUTT on michelle o?

    I thought it was the camera angle until it showed them from the front, then I realized…….HUGE!

  67. #1467
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:40 pm, Patronedheart said:

    Well, I guess Fox News concedes that McCain won with their text poll. Too bad Ferrarro doesn’t agree, and chalks it up to kids texting in. I’m 37 years old, and I texted my vote. She’s a tool, and insulting as well.

  68. #1468
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:42 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Wait! Maybe Obama is Sir Mixalot! That could explain a lot….

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41APzy5kqBU

  69. #1469
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:43 pm, Jet Jaguar said:

    In the next life, we’ll all look back on this and laugh… right?

  70. #1470
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    I suppose when we are on our daily five minute rest break at the re-education camps we will look back and laugh about this.

  71. #1471
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm, Republicanvet said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    We home school.

    Same here. I’ve noticed at times the sniveling, ignorant comments by the left about homeschooling while they ignore the failure of public schools. I have an AS degree and my wife has a PhD in Botany. I think we can teach our kids better than most public schools.

  72. #1472
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:45 pm, Patronedheart said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:43 pm, Jet Jaguar said:
    In the next life, we’ll all look back on this and laugh… right?

    Laugh to keep from crying.

  73. #1473
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:47 pm, Jet Jaguar said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    …we will look back and laugh about this.

    Great minds think alike, eh WarEagle? …or is it “misery loves company”?

  74. #1474
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:50 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    My two oldest kids are performing at a post-high school level on state-wide standardized tests for the last two years! They are performing YEARS ahead of their peers in public schools.

    I am sure we can teach them better than any public school.

  75. #1475
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:50 pm, vickisoup said:

    No, RockyR, the Luntz group wasn’t really overwhelmingly for Obama. Luntz just alluded to that being so. The truth is that 4 peope broke for Obama out of 20. Even without my calculator, that means 16 are still good to go possibly for McCain.
    But the truth is that McCain will win only if he keeps his base fired up, like after picking Palin. It is we who can’t seem to drag ourselves to his corner when he panders and sputters and stalls. Tonight, he did not do that, to my observation anyway.
    I was very proud of the GOP candidate tonight.

  76. #1476
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:51 pm, Jet Jaguar said:

    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:44 pm, Republicanvet said:

    … I think we can teach our kids better than most public schools.

    Go for it! May your children be used by God to love the world into what He wants to make of it!

  77. #1477
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:53 pm, vickisoup said:

    Can I also just say that I work with attorneys and judges all the time. They’re just people. I am completely unimpressed by Obama’s smooth style, and frankly don’t find it that uh…uh…uh…smooth anyway.

  78. #1478
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm, WarEagle82 said:

    Now, get ready to wince because you know tomorrow morning McCain is going to “reach out across the aisle” and support some other truly idiotic, socialist policy and undo any good he might have done himself tonight.

    You know it is coming. Join the countdown to the next amazing John McCain self-inflicted wound. 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,….

  79. #1479
    On October 15th, 2008 at 11:58 pm, Stubby said:

    How incompetent McCain is at presenting his case. He couldn’t sell free water to someone dying of thirst. We are lost. I couldn’t watch him without feeling sorry for us all. His performance was pitiful and only made Obama appear more capable to deal with world figures. We are in for a battle as Obama has sealed the deal. He can’t lose after this final and childlike exhibition of McCain. I’m going to bed. I can’t take anymore bad news today.

  80. #1480
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:00 am, WarEagle82 said:

    Stubby, I don’t think it was as bad as all that. Somebody is a little grumpy tonight. Must be “acute socialism syndrome.” It can make you grumpy when someone promises to spread YOUR wealth around.

  81. #1481
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:06 am, Stubby said:

    WarEagle82..

    Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am worn out and perhaps out of sorts. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. I can’t imagine four years of Obama and his wife. I do think I suffer from A.S.S.

    Goodnight.

  82. #1482
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:12 am, uhangtight said:

    #1421, I also think all the poll numbers given out are not to be trusted and I want to encourage everyone to go and vote on November 4th. I fear some will think we’ve lost and not show up.

    I was saying this earlier, this is what they hope, that people will see the polls and not go out to vote. Those that often feel they are sooo busy and why stand in line or take time out to vote when McCain has lost. So, don’t take the polls seriously, as I recall there was a point in 04 where Bush was in this position with so little time left and no incumbent since Truman had pulled out a win after being so low in the polls at mid October. Well, Bush did because the polls are skewed. They are base the populations on registrations and on a Dem’s higher registrations, well we have learned this year how that number may not be so accurate, thanks to the exposure of ACORN. That is why the create populations with 38% Dems 36% Ind and 28% Republicans. That is literally the population in the Gallup Poll. Now, you tell me, how that is not a skewed population? I’m just sayin’ I don’t think the polls are accurate. Everyone Make Sure You Vote!

  83. #1483
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:16 am, happyscrapper said:

    When Sean Hannity said the text messages were 87% for McCain and 12% for Obama, Geraldine Ferraro said, “Oh, who cares about a few text messages from a bunch of kids? Those are only ones who use text messages. That is a small sampling”…or something like that. Later I heard they had about 94,000 votes. Boy those libs can spin, can’t they? McCain did great and Obama smirked and Uhhhhh’d all evening. That is my opinion on the whole debate.

  84. #1484
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:19 am, Common Sense said:

    This year I haven’t seen hardly any Obama signs, and McCain signs easily outnumber them.

    Drive through Golden or Denver, you’ll see the Obama signs.

    “Don’t blame me, I voted for McCain”

    Don’t blame me, I was a FredHead, then I voted for Mitt.

  85. #1485
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:22 am, Republicanvet said:

    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:16 am, happyscrapper said:

    When Sean Hannity said the text messages were 87% for McCain and 12% for Obama, Geraldine Ferraro said, “Oh, who cares about a few text messages from a bunch of kids?

    That silly bimbo should realize even if they are “kids”, they may be old enough to vote. I guess to her, young people voting should only do so if they vote the “correct” way.

  86. #1486
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:32 am, torabora said:

    If you would just LISTEN to BO you would understand that they BOTH won the debate.

    I am really getting to the point where I can despise that guy.

  87. #1487
    On October 16th, 2008 at 12:38 am, Trollman said:

    RockyR said:

    I’m listening to the pundits in disbelief. It’s all Obama all the time – even on Fox News, even Krauthammer – a reliable conservative/neo-con.

    Charles Krauthammer is a somewhat liberal Republican (he used to be a Democrat). For example, he is a critic of the Palin pick.

    I simply turned the TV off after the debate. The pundits and focus groups can say what they want, I’ll trust my own judgment. And my judgment says McCain clearly won.

    I don’t believe the polls, they are always slanted towards the Democrats. Most likely, McCain is slightly behind Obama. Tonight helped McCain a little. Now it is up to McCain to close the deal in the final weeks. It is clearly winnable.

  88. #1488
    On October 16th, 2008 at 1:06 am, ErinF said:

    Victory song:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE4oE-OYNb0&feature=related

    (Gretchen Wilson sings Sarah’s theme song better than Heart.)

  89. #1489
    On October 16th, 2008 at 2:04 am, farmgal said:

    First off I thought Bob Scheiffer was a terrible moderator.I noticed Obama had unlimited amount of time to argue and reargue his points without ever being interrupted,but everytime McCain spoke he would interrupt and say lets move on to the next subject.I guess on the plus side though Obama who has been known to love the sound of his own voice got irritating listening to after a short time.Also what kind of garbage was the question was Sarah Palin experienced enough? Anyway I thought it was good McCain brought up some things,but really lacked any fire in the belly.I was irritated just watching him smile away while Obama used up all the time.As far as the polls go didn’t all the polls say Bush was going to lose against Kerry? If Obama wins I won’t be shocked with the media on his side,all the voter fraud and his unlimited money from all sorts of foreign places.It’s just sad to me that America will elect it’s first Marxist into office,God help us all.

  90. #1490
    On October 16th, 2008 at 2:06 am, CJ said:

    Shame McCain didn’t know about this tidbit when Obama brought it up during the debate.

    Seems the Secret Service can’t find anyone to collaborate the “kill him” comment a reporter claims to have heard at the Palin rally Tuesday.

  91. #1491
    On October 16th, 2008 at 3:46 am, Micheleeroo said:

    I didn’t see the debate, but a friend told me McCain did much better, this time around! Hooray!

  92. #1492
    On October 16th, 2008 at 3:48 am, Micheleeroo said:

    1486 and all: I totally relate. I’m at the point where I can’t even listen to or look at Obama, because he’s just dripping with Marxism/communism and it’s an insult to the nation that he’s trotting out that commie garbage.

  93. #1493
    On October 16th, 2008 at 5:20 am, graysonret said:

    Polls can be very misleading. I think most knowledgeable people know that. It depends on the certain population you use, and how you set up the poll (example: push/pull). “Hello, this is your local democratic HQ calling to see how you viewed the debate. Would you say that our wonderful messiah Obama won, or that Bush-loving bum, McCain?” Of course, they can call 5000 people in the inner city and get overwhelming approval for Obama. It’s all politics and we all know how misleading politics can be.

  94. #1494
    On October 16th, 2008 at 5:39 am, michiganmom said:

    I never believe the polls. In fact if I’m ever asked I always say undecided. I like to keep the news pundits guessing. My family and close friends know who I root for, but it’s no one else’s business who I choose in the voting booth. The final count after voting is all that matters, not before.

  95. #1495
    On October 16th, 2008 at 7:01 am, zorro said:

    …Mentions that he and Cindy are adoptive parents, but that doesn’t mean we won’t continue to stand for the rights of the unborn.

    Very eloquent. Good job, McCain. (See, who says I can’t say nice things about Mac?)

    Great, I just about spit my coffee on the computer. Too funny.

  96. #1496
    On October 16th, 2008 at 7:23 am, rainbow said:

    Check out WorldNet Daily. They have some interesting headlines about Obama on their website today. Scroll down near the end. I love the one about the World Series being delayed for Obama ad. That should do him in!

  97. #1497
    On October 16th, 2008 at 7:30 am, gridlock said:

    Anybody who used “Middle Class” in their drinking game would have wound up with acute alcohol poisoning by the time The Big O finished his first answer.

    Anybody who used “Joe the Plumber” wound up in the Emergency Room consuming inordinately expensive health care.

  98. #1498
    On October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 am, jangar said:

    She says that Joe the Plumber will be “appreciably more positively impacted” by Obama’s policies vs. McCain’s.

    The only one impacted here is Hillary…she’s full of it.

  99. #1499
    On October 16th, 2008 at 8:04 am, jegjr said:

    She says that Joe the Plumber will be “appreciably more positively impacted” by Obama’s policies vs. McCain’s.

    That’s funny, Obama didn’t think so.

  100. #1500
    On October 16th, 2008 at 8:13 am, Veretax said:

    I wish McCain would have thrown some zingers and let obama fumble for words in response, but other than that McCain was the clear winner. I’m not buying the pundits “won on points” argument, Obama could not communicate his message and thus McCain one LibMedia can try to spin it if they want.

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