sotu 2013: what mr. obama should say ...

“I’m sorry about the attitude,

I need to give when I’m with you.

But noone else will take this sh*t from me.

And I’m so  …

Terrified of noone else but me –

I’m here all the time. 

I won’t go away.

It’s me, yeah, and I can’t get myself to go away.

Hey!  It’s me!  And I can’t get myself to go away!

Oh God, I shouldn’t feel this way now!

Reach down your hand in your pocket,

And pull out some hope for me –

It’s been a long day, always, ain’t that right!

No Lord – your hand won’t stop it,

Just keep you trembling.

It’s been a long day, always, ain’t that right …”

-- “Long Day” by matchbox 20.  Good grief, this cd is seventeen years old?  This thing literally was released half a lifetime ago?!?!  Holy Mary, mother of …

------------------------------------

Let me apologize up front for the fact that it’s the (checking the calendar) seventh of February, and this is my first post of the month.  That’s ridiculous.  In my defense, real life is absolutely killing me right now ... and I haven't had much motivation to write.  

I mean, do YOU want to write a recap of the Chiefs season that was?  Do YOU want to grade the Wrong 53, relive even a single moment of the first weekend in December, think about Romeo and Pioli and the awfulness of the 2012 season?  

If you were pissed as hell at your best friend for seven months running, both sides dug in, but at least trying to make it work* -- would you want to write about friends, and life, and stuff like that?  If you had co-workers and managers you value as friends above all else drop the "I have cancer" bomb on you, do you want to write about that?  

Cause I sure as all hell don't.

(*: Wednesday was a gigantic first second step to recovery, Champ.  (Inadvertently forgot your night at Lew's that saved what remnant of us, we still have.)  Still -- in the words of Mike Francesca, it was "hu-yuge".  But it was only a first second step.  Don't read into it something that just isn't there anymore ... or I should say, just isn't there -- yet.  At least on my side of the trenches.)

But ... you didn’t come here to listen to me bitch, moan, and complain.

Instead … 

I’m going to praise the President (somewhat -- even I have my limits of gratitude and appreciation).  And lay out what I want to see in the State of the Union on Tuesday, a speech he earned the right to give, due to (pick one / pick all of the above) the utter incompetence of the Romney / Ryan campaign, the idiotic mistake of picking Ryan over Rubio, and … well, we’ll get to point three eventually.  And God help me, I never imagined I’d feel this way.

(Hint: I no longer view people who are sick of the rich hoarding what they have, as the problem.)

Here goes.

First, Mr. Obama should be commended for putting together the gun task force under Vice President Biden, and the Vice President and his commission should be applauded – and I mean a lengthy, long-running ovation – when the subject comes up Tuesday night.  Every proposal in the plan – EVERY proposal – is a long overdue, necessary step towards curbing the violence that plagues our society, has led to the crumbling of the urban core, and is literally killing our future at a rate nearly outpacing the extremely horrific cost Roe v Wade* has taken on this country. 

(*: gee, you don’t think the fact that we live in a society in which killing your child is “cool”, and not just “cool”, but praised and honored as a “right”, would have ANYTHING AT ALL to do with our society’s disregard for the bodies piling up in the morgue every week, do ya?  I can't possibly dream that when you view killing your child as a "right" and a "privilege", that you'd view killing someone else as just another "right" and "privilege".  Far left liberalism / socialism / "who needs values!" folks: destroying this nation day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second, since LBJ signed The Great Society into law in 1965 ...)

The President should stress to the Congress that if they don’t pass sweeping gun control legislation, he’ll enact it by executive order.  Dare the Congress to fail to act in the public’s self interests, and then call their bluff.  By the time the lawsuits hit the Supreme Court, Mr. Obama’s term will be up, and if (as I suspect), the mood and nature and public opinion of this country has truly swung as hard left as I believe it has, then a more compliant (re: Democrat controlled) Congress will simply pass into law his executive order come January 3, 2015.

But – the President should stress this is only a first step.  The next step he should propose, is mandatory life in prison without possibility of parole sentences for anyone convicted of a capital offense*.  Doesn’t matter – first, second, third degree, manslaughter in any degree – if you kill someone in a hostile, offensive action (aka “not in self defense”), you should be locked away for life, if a jury of your peers finds you guilty, or if you accept a plea. 

(*: I oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, for the same reason I oppose abortion in all cases: mankind should not be allowed to decide who lives, and who dies.  That's God's job.  And yes, that is just about the only thing the Church proudly stands for, that I back blindly out of faith in its correctness. Sorry Mr. Pope -- you'll never convince me wearing a condom, is infanticide.)

Mr. Obama, and society, HAVE to create an incentive to stop the violence.  Perhaps if people have it hammered home on a nightly basis via the news that “if you kill someone, you will never enjoy freedom again”, that might work.  It’s certainly an idea worth exploring.  Because everyone with an IQ above room temperature knows our current sentencing guidelines aren't getting the job done.

Secondly, look straight into the eyes of every Supreme Court justice sitting in the front row (and odds are, at least six or seven of them will be there), and use the bully pulpit, use the power of the Presidency, to let these justices know that Hollingsworth v Perry is THE defining legal case of our generation, and that you fervently hope and pray that they will uphold the Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling (a rare correct one by that three ring circus), that California’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitional.  And if pressed why, note that it is due to the founding sentence of this nation’s initial document. 

You know – “we hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal, and that all are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.  This is an idea so unassailable, that the two opponents in the 2000 Bush v Gore recount, Theodore Olson and David Boies, are arguing the case together come late March, to urge the Court to arrive at the same logical conclusion the Ninth Circuit reached.

Let that sink in -- lawyers who hated each other so much, that they nearly tore this country to pieces contesting a legitimate* election ... have united to oppose bigotry, bias, and absolutely unconscionable oppression in our time.  We truly do live in the greatest country mankind has ever birthed.

(*: for the record, I believe Gore won Florida, as a recount of the entire state by various media outlets showed.  But in hindsight ... wow, did we dodge the crazy train bullet, or what!  Kinda like Kerry in 2004 -- I think Kerry would have made an outstanding President, and I am thrilled he now our ambassador to the world ... but John Edwards a heartbeat away from the Presidency?  Rethink your hatred of Mr. Bush, America.  He truly was the lesser of a boatload of evils ...)

And if that doesn’t sway the justices or the viewing public, simply remind everyone watching and listening that your parents, Mr. President, were barred by law from marrying, when you were born.  Because of the color of your father’s skin, versus the color of your mother’s.  That law was heinous, and wrong.  As is opposition to marriage equality.  Hammer that point home.  Let it be your legacy, much as your hero, Mr. Lincoln, made abolition his.

Third, and I know there’s no chance Mr. Obama will do this, but he should – issue an unequivocable statement of support for Israel, and announce to the world that if Iran does not immediately cease and desist with its nuclear program, the United States will not only not prevent Israel from destroying it militarily, we will respond with (Jack Ryan voice) "the full faith and credit of the United States", if Israel is attacked in response.  

Say what you want about Mr. Bush’s “Axis of Evil” speech post-9/11, but within six months, Qadaffi had abandoned Libya’s program of weapons of mass destruction (a decision that ultimately got that murderous thug what he deserved, since he had nothing to fight back against the insurgents with).  It’s also a policy that has at least indirectly led to the Arab Spring, to the overthrow of dictatorships in Egypt, Tunisia, and the collapsing regime in Syria.  And while I’m on it –

Stress to the freedom fighters in the Arab world that the United States stands with them … provided they support freedom for ALL in the region.  Announce that we will equip, train, finance these forces of potential good against the tyrannical regimes that oppress them … provided they guarantee the safety of Israel.  Again, Mr. Obama will never do this – he’s too calculated, and too cautious, to risk the Muslim Brotherhood and other rebel forces from agreeing to his offer.  But it should be made.  You want the world to respect your cause?  Then respect your fellow neighbors.

And Mr. Obama should announce than when he visits Israel later this spring, he will announce his support for a separate Palestinian state, provided the Palestinian leadership agrees to the same demands placed on the Muslim Brotherhood.  

You can have your freedom, and we're ready and willing to help you secure it ... but only if you guarantee Israel the same.  

With this one sweeping move, he could at least soften the hard core resistance of the Christian right against him (who stupidly think he’s anti-Israel / pro-Muslim – he’s not.  He’s pro-common sense, anti-the idiotic policies that have been failing for 75 years and counting).  Again, he won’t do it, but it’s not a bad idea to consider.

Fourth, and this one could be tricky, and he’s got three years to figure it out … but it’s time to decide who you want your successor to be, Mr. President.  Do you want Mr. Biden, or Mrs. Clinton, to be the front-runner and almost certain nominee, in 2016?  Who do you want to carry on your legacy sir?  You start laying the ground work now.  I know who I prefer – after all, I am (still) a Clinton Democrat.  

I think Joe Biden as the leader of the free world is a great idea for a sh*tty ABC sitcom in their Wednesday night comedy block.  

I think Joe Biden with the nuclear codes?  Is the most frightening thought imaginable to anyone who calls themselves human.

Fifth.  And man, I hate to even type this … but Mr. President?  Your FINEST hour, was in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook.  Hell, you even won me over with your speeches, and I’m not exactly what the kids these days would call a “frenemy” of yours. (Drop the "fr", and that usually nails my feelings about the President.)

Use the pulpit, sir – use the national stage – to press for sweeping changes in school security.  Your Democratic predecessor, you know – the guy who literally saved your job with the greatest political speech I’ve ever heard*, at the DNC back in September – was openly mocked for stating in his 1997 State of the Union speech that he wanted to “build a bridge to the 21^st Century” by equipping every classroom with state of the art technology, and some pie in the sky idea of “internet access” for all children.  Gee, you think Mr. Clinton was onto something?

(*: I honestly never believed anything would top Mr. Gore at the 2000 DNC.  Mr. Bush's post-9/11 speech to Congress came close.  Mr. Clinton's fifty minute endorsement of Mr. Obama, actually made me contemplate voting for Mr. Obama for a few minutes ... until I realized he's the primary cause of all our economic misery, has literally ensured an economic collapse for our children ... barring austerity measures that mean economic collapse for us in the here and now, and oh yeah, he thinks he's allowed to kill anyone he wants to without a trial, via drones.  And by the way, is Club Gitmo closed yet?  It's not?  Huh.  *COUGH hypocrite COUGH*)

Mr. President?  Challenge the Congress to pass funding for one police officer, in every community, to be assigned to each school.  Challenge the American public to agree to a slight increase in a tax they don’t think anything about – say, a $.05 / gallon hike on gas – to finance this.  Point out that the federal gas tax hasn’t been hiked in 20 years, since the initial Clinton budget of 1993.  And really, when you’re paying $3.50 / gallon, what’s another $.05 at that point?  It’s like the guy who decides to remodel his home for $35,000, who is now out $60,000, debating whether to spend one last $1,500 to finish the job.  Really?  You have to have that conversation?  You spend the money.  You’ve invested too much not to.  Make the argument.

Your opponents will argue this is costly, and won’t truly solve the problem of violence.  And to be fair? They’d be right.  But sometimes, style wins over substance.  Sometimes, trying to fix a problem with a futile solution, is better than doing nothing at all.

Which is why you fight back by quoting Amon Goeth in “Schindler’s List”: “what is one life, worth to you?”  Bammo.  You disable their (legitimate) argument, and gain a winning position.

Sixth, and finally … and this one folks, I am not sold on … but I’m starting to see it.

It’s time to tax capital gains at the top marginal rate.

No matter where the funds are stored.

The time has come to find a way to eliminate any and all loopholes that allow the wealthiest amongst us, to shelter their money.  Repatriate all funds, period. 

Yes, the so-called “rich” have earned it.  Yes, it is theirs.  I am not disputing that.  I am not demanding the feds seize all their earnings, seize all their wealth, cash on hand, nor would I ever support or suggest that.  But the question needs to be asked: why aren’t you paying your fair share? 

These are the people shouting out “well, rely on faith based and private initiatives to help you out!” to the least fortunate among us … while they find a way to get every cent they own into secure, overseas bank accounts that don’t contribute to these faith based, private initiatives they tout****.  How, pray tell, the most well off among us, can these private, faith based charities survive without contributions from you to support them?

(****: four asteriks, because I am 100% f*cking percent right about this ... and this rant has been a long time coming.  

THIS?  I believe, is THE reason Mr. Obama won re-election: the majority of the country is f*cking angry as hell at the rich flaunting their wealth, while 95% of us can barely make ends meet.  

I swear to God, if I have to read one more well-to-do'er post a "bought a weekend home" on Facebook or Twitter or Reddit, or "hey check out my new ride!", or "my new lake house!", or my personal favorite, "I had some spare cash laying around -- check out what I bought!" item?

I'm going to be seriously tempted to throw my laptop through the screen door, then grab a pitchfork, a flammable object, and a noose, and march on your "weekday home", or your "summer cottage", or whatever other ultimately worthless possession you have decided to piss your money away on.  

Here's a thought!  Instead of buying a "weekend home" for yourself, instead of buying a new Corvette, a new lakefront property, a new f*cking grill for the back deck for all I care -- how about you instead, invest in humanity, and give that money to a battered women's shelter, or a food bank, or take in a foster child and put them on a path to greatness?  

If the most blessed among us don't provide?  Then we all have to, like it or not.  (After all -- most of you well-off folks demand we overturn Roe v Wade to "let the babies live" ... but of course, you don't give two sh*ts about what happens to that baby, after you force it to be born.  *COUGH hypocrisy COUGH*)  

"To whom much is given, much is required".  I believe Jesus Christ himself said that.  God forbid the most well-off religious (or non) folks among us, actually live the damned values they demand we follow ...)

The answer, of course, is that they can’t, which is why the government has had to step in over the last decade at an alarming and unsustainable pace.

Challenge the wealthy on the grounds of patriotism.  Challenge them based on their faith based values they claim to embrace.  Hell, haul out Mr. Christ’s parable of the talents – those who invested (aka "shared the wealth") and earned more as a natural conclusion to that action?  Were rewarded more.  

Those who buried the money in the ground, and hoarded it?  Were torn a new one.

I am not a socialist; I do not want to be confused as being one.  But it is ridiculous that we are raising the taxes on every small business owner in this country by literally thousands of dollars … and not touching the true wealth this nation holds at a comparable rate.  It is wrong.  And Mr. Obama needs to urge the Congress to act.

Announce to the nation that you, Mr. President, will be submitting a budget first thing Wednesday morning with these priorities in it.  The real fiscal crisis this nation faces, won’t hit for another six years or so, once Obamacare’s costs outweigh its revenues.  There’s still time to fix that.  And the fuse that Social Security is, still has 14 years to go before insolvency.  PLENTY of time to fix that, and quite easily.  (Raise the first-opt-in retirement age to 70 for anyone born after 1975.  Done and done.)

But the time is now, to act on gun control, finally guaranteeing equality to all our nation’s citizens, securing at least détente in the Middle East, an equitable and fair tax structure, security for our children’s school

It’s ok to be progressive, Mr. President.  Use the base you’ve secured, to enact a progressive agenda no sane person could completely oppose.  (Or, in my case, that not even the "not quite sane" could oppose.)

You have the opportunity, Mr. President, that only three Presidents in the last 200 years have had – to secure the country’s agenda for twenty years.  FDR succeeded.  I’d argue Reagan succeeded (Clinton, after all, was nothing more than a Reagan Democrat, same as me, same as my family).  

Lincoln failed.  Miserably.  And would have failed regardless of what happened at Ford Theater.

For once, Mr. President, don’t embrace your idol.  Succeed.  Contrary to what Rush Limbaugh wants, I want you to succeed.  Screw that -- we, as a people, NEED you to succeed.  

The greatest nation in the recorded history of mankind, depends on it.  Please, Mr. President -- prove you're up to the task you face ...

don't give up, mr. president. don't give up!

I type this less than 24 hours from (arguably) the biggest speech of President Obama's career.

He won the hearts of liberals and many independents, with his amazing speech at the 2004 DNC. I still remember that amazing night -- I remember standing, applauding, cheering, his incredible speech that night on the back deck of the old house. I even remember the ex-roommate, the "Voice of Reason", as big a political junkie as me, coming out to watch a bit of it, and noting "wow, this guy might go places". Yup, yup he did.

He won the election with his speech at fake mile high in 2008 (and more specifically, his debates in 2008).

Tuesday night, I would argue ... is the biggest moment of President Obama's political career.

Everyone and his brother is urging him to move to the center, to be "conciliatory", to acknowledge the midterms and move right.

I argue ... it's the worst thing he can do.

Move Left!, Mr. President. You will not regret it.

Considering Secretary of State Clinton has little to no ambition to challenge the President in the primaries in 2012, the President has all but locked up the nomination. A move to the center makes no sense, considering anyone who leans left hates where this Congress is heading, and will vote for re-election at this point over whoever the Republicans nominate. (That would be me).

Considering the Republicans won't nominate anyone who doesn't pass the far-right religious kook extremist test, a move to the center also makes no sense, because unless you believe religious extremists should rule the nation, any sensible person will vote for your re-election over said extremist.

(And if Michael Bloomberg runs from the center? Please. As much as the far right and far left hate each other, they share a combined hatred of political opportunists trying to buy elections. Which is what Mr. Bloomberg is. He'd be dead on arrival, so to speak, politically).

Tomorrow night, Mr. President, in the terms an addicted gambler like me, and half the readers of this site can understand: "double down".

Do NOT fold on Keysenian economics. They are NOT a failure. For all the far right b*tching about the stimulus (the ARRA act), they ignore than over 60% of the "spending" was tax cuts. As usual, you can look a right winger in the eye, present him or her with the truth ... and they'll believe the lie. We who believe that government spending CAN stimulate the economy, or at least stabilize it, as ARRA did, will not water down our beliefs to give the Republicans what they want. The facts speak for themselves. Tax cuts only bankrupt the government, and don't stimulate the economy. Because people always pocket what they "save".

Mr. President, tomorrow night, double down on the social agenda. You signed an absolute good into law last December, abolishing "don't ask / don't tell". It is an ABSOLUTE good. Do NOT back down from it. You signed into law the single most important social advance since President Kennedy backed the Civil Rights legislation, and arguably the most important advance for human rights since President Lincoln freed zero slaves with his Emancipation Proclamation. (Reason 1,006,938 why Lincoln was a genius: his "proclamation" freed exactly zero people, yet it "freed" millions by its words. The dude was a freaking genius, well ahead of his time).

Mr. President, tomorrow night, embrace the ideology that got you elected.

Mr. Obama, I did not vote for you in 2008. I supported your opponent in the primary, and I voted for your opponent in the general election. Having said that, please, sir: do NOT abandon those of us who compose your base. Do NOT move right. Do NOT move center. Embrace the base. Embrace the left.

Because the 2012 election will ultimately come down to a battle of extremes. There is no way the tea party folks will alllow anyone other than a far-right extremist to win the Republican nomination. Sir, embrace the far left. Present a polar opposite.

Because I firmly believe, if a sensible person is in the voting booth, and has to choose between compromising personal freedom, liberty, and social justice, versus censoring all of the above, a smart person will err on the side of freedom, liberty, and social justice. Move left sir. Do NOT move to the center. The center destroys you before the re-elect campaign begins. The move to the left ... ensures you stay relevent ....

my friends ...

Its really very simple.

As President Bush noted in the one great speech of his life, following 9/11 ... either you are with us, or you are against us.

Either you vote McCain ... or you return to 40% marginal tax rates that will be the final nail in the economic coffin.

Either you vote McCain ... or you unleash the holy hell that "universal health care" is upon the nation. (Ask the Brits and Canadians what they think of it).

And while you're at it, ask Barry how he's gonna finance it. In Canada, its through a massive fuel tax. You think you're paying a lot at the pump now? Elect Barry. You'll dream of the days $2.87 / gallon was reasonable.

Either you vote McCain ... or we will surrender in Iraq. And if we surrender in Iraq, say hello to a nuclear armed Iran.

Either you vote McCain ... or you vote for a man whose political career was launched in the living room of a man who attempted to blow up the Pentagon! Hello! This isn't rumor, this isn't speculation, its f*cking fact! And Barry can deny the ties all he wants, the bottom line is that Barry wrote the freaking forward for Ayers' book! You don't write a forward for someone's rantings on paper ... UNLESS YOU AGREE WITH WHAT IS BEING WRITTEN!

Agh!

Predictably, the OKC Star (and that's not "Oklahoma City"), so in the tank for Barry that OMSNBC is jealous, wrote their opinion that Obama "continued his momentum", which no reasonable person could conclude from watching this thing.

(On the other hand, Obama's gone from up 7 to up 1.9 percent in 4 days in the Zogby daily tracking. Let's pray he did "continue his momentum"?)

the link: http://www.kansascity.com/340/story/831722.html

Some of their hysterically clueless comments include:

"The GOP candidate gained no ground on a surging Barack Obama". First of all, McCain's cut the lead from 7 to less than 2 in the last 4 days. So how is Barry surging? And secondly, how the f*ck would the Star know if McCain failed to gain ground? It won't be until mid morning before the latest tracking polls are out! Jesus, OKC Star, if you're going to lie, at least make it SOMEWHAT believable.

"McCain claimed that problems at mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were the match that started this forest fire". I'll agree with the Star here; McCain did oversimplify this. But that doesn't change the fact that one of these two employs BOTH former heads of those agencies, one of who, Franklin Raines, made off with $90 million in a golden parachute less than 18 months ago! And it ain't McCain! (peter griffin voice) Jesus Christ. Unbelievable.

This one is my favorite though: "Obama also came out on top in the discussion over health care reform, clearly laying out his proposals as well as recalling his mother’s struggles with insurance coverage as she was dying of cancer."

Can someone explain to me how "recalling his mother's struggles" is going to help solve the health care crisis? Look it, I don't wish ill on anyone, other than those affiliated with the denver broncos, and come Indy 500 time, those affiliated with michael andretti. But seriously. Telling a sob story about your mom now counts as competent policy?!?! What the f*ck has happened to common sense in this country?

I wonder, if McCain had countered with a story about how his (God love ya) 96 year old mom struggles to find decent coverage and insurance at her advanced age, would the OKC Star have highlighted her courageous fight? Hell no!

And when, if EVER, has Barry "clearly laid out his proposals" about ANYTHING?!?! Other than returning the top marginal tax rate to 39.6%?

The OKC Star also notes that "McCain claimed that he did not support tax cuts for the wealthy. That’s playing a rhetorical game; he supports legislation that would reduce taxes for the wealthy below what they would otherwise be.)

Uuh, OKC Star? The top 1% of wage earners in this country pay 51% of the taxes. The top 5% of wage earners in this country pay an astronomical 82% of the taxes. These aren't figments of the imagination, those are "facts", as confirmed by IRS data easily available to any American taxpayer.

When Barry claims his plans won't hurt 95% of the American tax paying public, he's right. BECAUSE 95% OF THE PUBLIC ISN'T PAYING A GODDAMNED THING!

If paying taxes is "patriotic", as our good friend Joe Biden asserts, then why aren't you calling on ALL Americans to do their "patriotic duty" and fork over even more of the non-indexed-to-inflation wages they earn to the government? Surely ALL Americans want to do their patriotic duty right, Barry?

I'm so f*cking done with my party. Congratulations, Dems. You were so desperate, so resolute, on "ridding" yourself of the Clintons ... that you nominated the biggest f*cking idiot to ever seek the highest office of the land. (Save for maybe Dennis Kucinich). And the reward you get?

Barry "continues his momentum" today in all likelihood, losing another point or two in the only poll that got 2004 right, Zogby's daily tracking. McCain gains ground in Ohio, Florida, and Virginia. And 27 days from now, when McCain rolls to a 350 electoral vote victory, guess what guys?

The Hillary in 2012 campaign begins.

Last night for me sealed any final doubts I had. Whatever you think of McCain ... not even the OKC Star's "fact check" could find a single lie he told. They found three outright lies of Barry. And they aren't even focusing on what really counts, namely that Barry employs former heads of these bankrupt institutions who looted them while in charge. That Barry's tax hikes would cripple whatever last credit markets are still open.

Oh. And that Barry launched his political career in the f*cking living room of a man who attempted to BLOW UP THE PENTAGON!

As the RNC noted yesterday, "what do Barack Obama and Osama bin Ladin have in common? They both associate with people who tried to blow up the Pentagon". They not only need to run ads highlighting this FACT, they need to mass mail it to every voter out there in every key swing state.

(Which this year, includes me. For the first time ever, I live in a state where my vote matters! Up until now, save for the 3rd District Congressional race and any race involving Phill Kline, I'm in the 30% minority. Now? My crazy old koot opinion matters! (kazoo voice) !!!!!!!!! I am officially registered as of yesterday. So whatever alleged .7% margin Obama had as a lead, just dropped by 1 vote ...)

Its obvious folks. If you vote Obama, you're retarded. Don't visit my site anymore if you're voting for an unelectable tool who can't think on his feet (as was OBVIOUS last night), who has NO real change for America outside of "well, let's bankrupt ourselves like Europe has by implementing socialism", who would LOSE a winnable war in Iraq because a couple kook fringe loons actually think we can negotiate with people whose base line position is "death to America".

You're voting for a man who launched his political career in the living room of a man who attempted to blow up the Pentagon. Of a man who sat for 20 years in a church whose pastor screamed "not God Bless America, God Damn America", and noted after 9/11 that "America's chickens have come home to roost". Barry didn't leave after EITHER of those outrageous remarks. He hung in there for another 6 1/2 years!

Even Oprah Winfrey, (God love ya), even she left Rev. Wright's church after the first comment. If Oprah has more common sense and intelligence than the Democratic nominee for President ...

And have I mentioned Tony Rezko? You know, the Chicago slumlord who Barry financed his house through? Who currently is awaiting sentencing on federal bribery and corruption charges, and who is about to spill the beans on what he knows to try to beat prison? Tony Rezko, Barry's neighbor (literally)?

This man ...

Sorry to rant. But I'll close with this.

Seeing Barack Obama as my party's nominee ... I have never been more embarrassed to have a D on my voter card.

Vote McCain if you give a sh*t about this country. Vote Obama if you don't.

mccain! obama (boo! get off the effing field!) live blog ...

I debated all day whether to do this.

Then, reading the news today, reading what Governor Palin has been saying, what (finally!) the freaking nominee himself is saying, its obvious something happened over the weekend.

I'm guessing Hillary loaned her good friend her pair ... because he's apparently finally in it, to win it.

My wish tonight ... is that McCain hits him early, often, repeatedly. Only one candidate in this race launched his political career in the living room of someone who tried to blow up the Pentagon. He's bin Ladin without the turban.

Hit him Johnny.

I'll be back closer to 8 to really get going. As someone who still has the D on the voter card, the election is rough, but as Ronald Reagan once noted, "my party left me, I didn't leave it".

NBC's Tom Brokaw is your moderator tonight. Here's hoping Johnny lays into Barry tonight. If only to see NBC yank the plug on a debate the face of their network is moderating ...

I'm already logged into Windows Live Messenger as teamtito15@yahoo.com. Hope you'll join in for what some think is McCain's last gasp ... and what I think will permanently turn this election in the direction it needs to head ...

Back by 8 ... probably 4 vodka tonics in ...

7:40pm: and I'm back. Tonight's drinking game: take a swig every time the ridiculous bailout is mentioned. Double fist it every time Obama denies he cut and run like a scared bitch when the going got tough two weeks ago ...

New poll is up. I'm still trying to figure out what idiot voted "steve scores!" last week. Please. We all know Biden's gonna heal a quadrapalegic before I have a chick in my bed.

I'm still undecided on this week's poll. I freaking LOVED this week's episode, it was beyond classic. But the restaurant episode from last year ... and I didn't even mention two other classics from last year, when Peter has the stroke after losing his mustache in the McBurgertown fire, and when Brian finally makes his move on Lois. Jesus, there's just way too many good episodes to choose from.

(Having said that ... have you heard? Well the bird, bird, bird! The bird is the word!)

I'll be on ABC for this, because they're the last even semi objective network left covering this thing. (That, and to date, Stephanopoulus is still the only debate moderator, at any point in time, to point out that Barry has some "shady connections" in his past).

(peter griffin) look at these men! such grace! such class! Lois, that settles it, I'm growing a mustache!
(brian griffin) gay!
(peter griffin) that is NOT gay! If having a mustache is gay, then Freddie Mercury was gay!
(brian griffin) (spitting out his martini) Freddy Mercury?!?! From Queen?!?! He was incredibly gay!
(peter griffin) no he wasn't Brian! He had a mustache!

This show never, ever, ever gets old ...

FOX News reporting Barry is "adapting" his economic gameplan after this debate. Uuh Barry? We just added 11% to the national debt last week to attempt to stave off an economic collapse. Call me crazy ... but I think your tax hike, your universal health care, uuh ... (rodney hampton wave ...) buh bye ...

I'm slowly yet surely heading down to ABC. I'll stop off at OMSNBC shortly.

Brokaw takes the stage on CSPAN. The last bastion of sanity at ONBC News.

(RIP Mr. Russert).

Oh Christ, we're on "Countdown".

Olbermann and Matthews are tonight's "number one". I might have to gut this one out. They pretty much hate each other ...

(Allow me to take a moment here for a moment of personal pleaing. If that's a word. Mark Cuban. I love you man. Your team was so much fun to watch the last few years. I pray you get to buy the Cubs and bring some fun to MLB ownership. And you play in what is BEYOND question the single best arena in America. But Mark, buddy, please. Give us Dan Rather LIVE! on HDNet on Election Night. I don't ask much in life. Cold tonic water. Semi-potent vodka. And Dan Rather. Live. On Election Night. Please, Mr. Cuban, please. Give us Dan Unplugged ...)

T Boone Pickens running an ad on OMSNBC. He's a moron. The only way to IMMEDIATELY reduce foreign oil dependency is to f*cking drill now!

Here we go. Olbermann. Matthews. 5:51 to kickoff in Nashville ...

Wow this townhall stage looks exactly like Bush / Gore's did.

Matthews looks furious to be on Olbermann's show.

Olbermann just called McCain a "coward" for "not looking Obama in the eye". (steve bashing head on desk over utter insanity of the far left ...)

Matthews questioning if McCain will emphasize Obama's middle name tonight. (steve continuing to bash head on desk over utter insanity of the far left ...)

Matthews just said McCain wants to make Obama look like a "sleeper cell", a "part of the enemy camp". I'd keep bashing my head, but vodka works better.

Let McCain go on the attack! Barry! Is! A! F*CKING! Disaster! He! Is! UNFIT! For! Command! (And did I mention he launched his political career in the living room of a mother f*cking terrorist who is PROUD he tried to blow up the Pentagon)?

I have no idea what Matthews is saying, but he used the phrase "ginned up". Hey, anytime booze is involved?

Olbermann: "There is one rule here we have to abide by (not wishing death for a President) ..." Uuh, Keith? Buddy? (joe biden voice) You might want to read the transcripts of your show there pal! (rimshot!) Thank you very, very much.

To ABC I quickly flee ...

1,987 days since "Mission Accomplished". And yet Speaker Pelosi refused to move on Impeachment. (steve resuming head bashing on desk ...)

"Stand Up Chuck" Gibson in Bowling Green. Diane in NYC. Stephy in the debate site.

Really, why doesn't ABC have its own news network? Its the one legitimate, credible, not completely insane for one side or the other network left!

Brokaw looks blitzed.

Anyone else remember the "Dana Carvey plays Tom Brokaw pre-taping Gerald Ford's death" classic SNL sketch?

Unlike their first debate, they have the color of tie right. Barry in blue, Johnny in red.

Brokaw does NOT sound good. He sounds worse than me right now. I feel for you buddy. Allergies f*cking suck.

5 uum's in Barry's first sentence. Jesus Christ, just go away already.

Wow, we're one sentence in and I'm already dropping the Jesus blast. That ain't good. (steve reaching for more vodka to keep this going ...)

Uuh, Barry? YOU EMPLOY THE LAST TWO HEADS OF FREDDIE MAC AND FANNIE MAY ON YOUR F*CKING ECONOMIC TEAM! How about you FIRE THEM FIRST! You mother f*cking tool!

(wow, I am in rare, rare form tonight ...)

I freely admit I'm biased ... but McCain is KILLING on this first question.

Wait. McCain is supporting the legislation my party tried to pass in the first bailout bill?!?! I'm confused ...

Not a single "uum" in his response. Take that Steve Bono! (I mean, Barack Obama ...)

Buffett, Meg Whitman, both decent options. I'd argue we need to haul Bob Rubin out of retirement to head Treasury.

Obama just dodged the follow up. He refuses to say who he'd consider! (Probably because two guys he'd consider ... bankrupted Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae ...)

You can't CUT taxes on 95% of Americans because 53% of Americans pay 95% of the taxes Barry! The IRS numbers don't lie!

Brokaw wearing the Livestrong bracelet.

Wow, this guy, Oliver Hall? (arby's commercial voice) I'm thinking "Dusty" ...

FINALLY! McCain takes the mother f*cking gloves off! Obama employs BOTH former heads of Fannie and Freddie on his staff!

Now NAME NAMES!

Jesus Christ, I am melting down right now! FINALLY! Someone on the side I want to win is TELLING THE F*CKING TRUTH!

(steve going for vodka tonic number 5 ...)

At least McCain has INTRODUCED a piece of legislation, Barry. A step ahead of your sad ass.

I literally just broke the stand the keyboard is on from hitting it so hard at Barry's retarded response. It'll be a moment to, uuh, recover.

A Section F question for Barry. Fitting.

But she's rockin' the pearls. Awesome.

Horrible question ... and Barry's no doubt thinking "how the hell did Brokaw pick this chick?!?!"

You want to know why the national debt has doubled Barry? I'll give you two f*cking number.

9.

11.

You have to fight to survive.

I literally am ready to hurl things at the TV listening to Barry. (steve submitting resume to FOX News and "The Sean Hannity Show" ...)

Dusty has left the main room and retreated to his bedroom. I think I'm scaring him ... although in his defense, I'm scaring myself ...

I LOVE how McCain is looking the questioner in the eye and speaking right to them. Highly effective.

Although "my friends" isn't nearly as funny as calling everyone "pal". Oh. God Love ya! What am I talking about?!?!

Jesus, Gregg and I are totally on the same wave length. I posted the "9/11" excuse as he replied in the chat the same thing ... and now we're both channeling the great Joe Biden. Thanks, pal.

I LOVE how McCain is emphasizing that he reaches across the aisle. Because Barry never has.

Whoa, gas is still 3.80 in Nashville?!?! I paid $2.89 this morning in south KC ...

Sorry, Dusty just screamed "2.87! 2.87!" Nice to see I pay attention to what the hell hits my card ...

Gregg: "any candidate who asks what the word is, will get my vote". I literally started crying from laughing at that. BIRD BIRD BIRD, THE BIRD IS THE WORD!!!

Bush talking about Wall Street getting "drunk". Please, stop me before I start ...

"like nailing Jello to the wall" MONEY SHOT!

Barry looks clueless. He looks ... he looks like "Sur" William Callahan a year ago in Lawrence ...

Brokaw just SHOT Barry down. Awesome.

I gotta be honest, I'm too p*ssed off to keep going. Barry is LYING through his teeth.

The government did NOT invent the computer Senator Obama. They invented the, uuh, internet. Via Interpol.

You are so mother f*cking stupid, I literally just threw an empty Vitamin water bottle at the television. I am beyond embarrassed that this man is my party's nominee. He's too goddamned stupid to answer a simple question.

I'm done watching this crap. If you're dumb enough to vote for Obama, you deserve what's coming.

Heath checks in! Not surprisingly, he simply listened to my venting.

I'm not a fan of McCain's health care plan. But its not worse than what we have now.

The moment of the campaign. "Hair transplants". Eff you Joey!

"Hair transplants". As much as I love Joe Biden ... beyond awesome.

Obama praising Delaware's loose regulations. Uuh ... Barry? Might want to remember Joey's from Delaware ...

McCain with a GREAT cheap shot.

How any sane, competent, certified "rational" person can vote for Barry after this ... well, you must be as mentally retarded as the folks I spent the Saturday of Labor Day weekend with.

"We don't have time for on the job training". Awesome.

I apologize, I literally just broke the TV by pounding it over obama's response on Iraq and Darfur.

I've hit my I'm done moment. I'll recap my thoughts later. But suffice it to say ... if you vote for Obama, you're "Petarded" (to channel another classic "Family Guy" ...)

the more things change ...

Three years ago tonight ... ok, not exactly tonight, but the last Sunday in August, 2005, I sat on the old back deck in my recliner, riveted to the television, flipping between FOX, CNN, and MSNBC.

Which is exactly what I did tonight: sit on the new deck, riveted to the television, flipping between FOX, CNN, and MSNBC.

(Man I miss that deck. Screened in? check. Covered roof on not one, but two levels? check. Couch, recliner, television, hammock, coffee table, and countless other seating devices on upper level? check. Hot tub on lower level? check. Kind of sad when the greatest deck you'll ever have, you attain when you're in your mid to late 20s. Actually what am I saying, that's gotta be every kid's dream ...)

Anyways, the reason for my attention focus? Simple. The great city of New Orleans faced imminent danger from Hurricane Katrina in the morning.

In the last 15 years, we have witnessed destruction in this country. We have seen the Northridge quake in Los Angeles. The attack in Oklahoma City. The fall of the Twin Towers. And closer to home, the destruction of Greensburg by a tornado.

But nothing, nothing, like what unfolded that fateful Monday morning, as Katrina came ashore ... then turned its wrath directly on New Orleans, raising Lake Pontchartrain to uncontrollable levels ... and ultimately the collapse of the 17th Street and Canal Street levees that unleashed arguably the single most destructive and altering week in American history since either 9/11 or Pearl Harbor.

I don't really have a point, other than to say, I hope God spares this great city this time. The current models at 10:20pm the night before, have the hurricane heading west of Lake Pontchartrain, west of the areas hardest hit three years ago. In the great tradition of that great city, here's raising a glass to hoping for the best, to believing that the rebuilt levees will hold, that the pumps will work, that somehow, someway, the progress and rebuilding won't be set back by even one uplifted board.

And, since all I've written about lately being politics, here's two more raised glasses to the incredibly classy gesture not only of John McCain, to give away the one night of the convention, which was devoted to the hard core conservative base of the party he still needs to wrap up, given up in the name of national unity in a time of crisis ... but also to the smart, informed decision by Barack Obama and the DNC to suspend the "war room" and any campaigning until the RNC resumes normal operations.

Some things actually matter more than Convention Week(s). (Wow, did I just type that? I missed my first Chiefs game in years to watch a freaking speech, and I just admitted something is bigger than the Convention(s)?!?! Wow.)

Anyways, that thing? The safety of a great American city. Its refreshing to see both candidacies grasp it, and place the greater good of the country over a 1 or 2 point potential "bounce" from night one. Especially when Zogby has McCain up two, and CNN has Obama up one. Its why I am perfectly calm regarding this election cycle. The worst case scenario is what? Status quo with McCain, an exciting new direction with Obama? Two decent people who won't disgrace the office seeking to leave their mark on the nation. Refreshing. Inspiring. Yeah, it'll get negative, it already has ... but at least this cycle, we've got two guys who get it when it comes to what really counts.

Which just continues to make my decision on who to back more and more difficult to reach ...

barry speaks. steve listens. and ...

First of all, let me say, I entered this speech completely undecided. Biden really, really swayed me last night to stay true to the party, to set aside my PUMA issues and vote blue in November.

And anyone who feels pride, joy, amazement at the honor we have of being citizens of the United States of America ... last night, you had to feel great. John McCain, in what I thought was a truly classy, incredible gesture, put it best in an ad he ran last night. "Congratulations. Job well done".

For the first time, last night, the idea that anyone in America can become President, became a reality. The dream ... became a reality. Just a truly incredible, inspiring, jaw-dropping awesome moment when Obama took the podium.

Having said that ... did he win my vote? Let's see ...

"With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for President of the United States." Arguably the single most historic moment in American political history, and its how he opens the speech. I stood and applauded right along with the 84,000 plus at fake mile high. Again, regardless of your leanings, regardless of your thoughts on Senator Obama, this was beyond a historic moment. Hillary may have cracked the glass ceiling, but Obama took a freaking jack hammer and destroyed it last night. What an amazing, wonderful, awe-inspiring nation we live in.

The shout out to Hillary was nice. Too bad nobody from Team Clinton was in the house to hear it.

I stood and applauded for nearly 30 seconds at the Ted Kennedy line. My feeling on Ted Kennedy is this: you know all is right, good and decent in this world when he's in the Senate. He's a comfort blanket. Just like having Rush on the radio is a comfort blanket. As long as the two blowhards are out there, you know our democracy works. To think of a Senate without Ted Kennedy ... well, let's just not think of it and move on.

I also, and probably because after the Clinton years, you just never expect to see it, but the genuine love and respect Barry has for Michelle and his kids. Its not a partnership, its a relationship. Just awesome to see.

"For 232 years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women ... found the courage to keep it alive. We meet at one of those defining moments tonight". Yes. Yes we do.

"America, we are better than these last 8 years! We are a better country than this!" Amen Senator. A freaking men.

"We are better ... than a government that sits on its hands, while a major American city drowns before our eyes". Amen Senator. A freaking men. (Here's hoping we don't see a replay early next week ...)

"We are here because we love this country too much to let the next 4 years look like the last 8". Amen.

"On November 4th, we must stand up and say 8 is Enough!" Great line.

Crowd picks up on it. "8 is enough! 8 is enough!"

"Let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction. And for that we owe him our gratitude and respect". I kind of hit on this on my review of Biden's speech ... but I like how Obama is going about this. Acknowledge the elephant in the room. McCain is a hero, in every sense of the word. Pay him tribute, honor his service, but point out that it isn't McCain that's the problem, its his stand on the issues of our time. Obama is doing this very, very well so far. In my never humble opinion.

I loved his example of the Michigan auto workers who showed up even after they knew the plant was closing. As someone who's been through "corporate downsizing" not once, not twice, but three times in 10 years... we aren't whiners. We're Americans who deserve better. A little thing called "dignity". "respect". "common sense". Amen Senator. A freaking men.

"I don't believe Senator McCain doesn't care about what is going on in the lives of ordinary Americans. I just believe he doesn't know." Great line.

"In Washington they call this the ownership society, but what it really means is, you're on your own". Another great line. Leads into a tremendously effective rant about modern corporate America.

"Its time for them to own their failure". Amen Senator. We didn't own the White House the last 8 years. The Supreme Court the last 8 years. The House, the Senate for the first 6 years of the decade. Republicans did. If you don't like where this nation is at, you know who to take your frustration out on. And it ain't the donkeys.

(note: I never thought I'd ever type or say the line "don't take your frustrations out on the donkeys". (bob dylan voice) oh the times, they are a'changin ...)

Great point about how the actual living wage has decreased in the 8 years under Bush. Thank you lack of a national energy policy. Seriously, that's impeachable on its own. You own every effing branch of the effing government for the first 6 years you're on the job, and you STILL don't have a freaking energy policy to get us off Middle Eastern oil? That's just criminal. (campaign slogan voice) Stupid. Retarded. Bush.

"An economy that honors the dignity of work". Haven't seen that since the 1990s. Nowadays, the harder you work ... the faster you get downsized. Because corporate profits, after all, are all that matter. If that stock goes up $.02 a share because you lay off 1,000 workers to "save costs" and "reposition the company", hey, that's good!!!

"Ours is a policy that says government cannot solve all our problems, but that it should do what we cannot do for ourselves". Amen. My views on government exactly.

"Our government should work for us, not against us, it should help us, not hurt us ... that's the promise of America, the idea that we are responsible for ourselves but that we also rise or fall as one nation." Amen Senator. Amen.

At this point, we are nearly 20 minutes in ... and we still have zero idea what his "change" is. He's done a great job of speaking on a level that average Americans (like me) can understand. He's delivered the sweeping thoughts and pleasantries that we know he can say. But again, where's the substance? Where's the beef?

"I will stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas". There's some beef. And Amen! Amen! Why the hell hasn't this been done already?

"I will cut taxes for 95% of all working families". How? There's no specifics given, there's no reason to believe this. At some point, you can't cut taxes anymore on the "working class". Especially since the top 1% of wage earners currently pay 52% of the taxes!

"Now is the time to understand that drilling is a stop gap solution, not a long term solution". Wrong Senator. Dead wrong. Its incredible to me that my party can be so wrong on THE issue of this election. Its truly mind boggling, the ignorance of the Democratic establishment, on this issue. The only way to get off of foreign oil, is to find our own. Which means drill. And if anyone honestly believes that oil companies, who know their time as profitable ventures is very limited and thus have to maximize every cent of profit while they can, if anyone honestly believes it is going to take them "10 years" to bring new pipelines and facilities online and pumping, they're nuts. I doubt it would take even 3. When Bush symbolically lifted the federal ban on drilling, a ban his daddy enacted by the way, since that moment, gas is down almost $.40 / gallon. Just saying we MIGHT drill dropped gas $.40. Imagine the plummet if we, you know, actually put into action what we say.

Promises $150 billion over 10 years to alternative fuels. Utterly pointless. $15 billion / year isn't going to solve the problem.

Promises high pay and more support for teachers. That's nice. Too bad he gave zero, zip, nada in terms of words to revoking No Child Left Behind. If anything he seemed to indicate he'd keep NCLB in place.

"If you commit to serving your community or our country, we will make sure you can afford a college education". Uuh, don't we already commit to that via the GI Bill?

On to health care. This point I completely agree with, allowing the American public to buy into the federal employee plan. It will continue to require the person to pay, while forcing private insurance companies to get in line and actually compete for their customers. Competition always drives costs down. Of course, he stole this idea from Hillary, but hey, why bother at this point.

Great line about how he wants his daughters to have the exact same opportunities as someone else's sons.

"Many of these plans will cost money". No sh*t. Claims he's laid out how he'll pay for every dime. Uuh, ok. I'm not buying it, but ok.

"We cannot meet 21st century challenges with a 20th century bureaucracy". Agreed.

"We must admit that meeting America's promise will require more than just money ... yes, government must lead, but each of us must do our part". OK. So what exactly is it that you want us to do, Senator? Specifics! Give us some damned specifics!

"We must admit that programs alone cannot replace parents! That government cannot turn off the television and make kids do their homework! That fathers must take more responsibility to provide love and guidance to their children!" Whoa, this guy is the liberal in this election?!?!

"Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility, that's the essense of America's promise". Amen Senator. Amen.

"John McCain says he'll follow bin Ladin to the gates of hell. But he won't even follow him to the cave where he lives". Great line. Entirely untrue; McCain is not the one leading our military efforts the last 8 years. But still, great line.

"We are the party of Roosevelt, of Kennedy. So don't tell me Democrats won't keep this country safe!" We're also the party of Carter and Dukakis. Anyone ready to see Barry driving a tank in a campaign ad? Or a pic of Barry in a sweater saying that our best days are behind us? I swear, sometimes this party drives me to drink. (sometimes?!?!)

"As commander in chief, I will never hesitate to keep this country safe. But I will only commit our troops into combat with a clear, defined mission ..." Uuh, Senator? Our troops in Iraq were given a clear, defined mission when that war started. Its not a clear, defined mission that screwed us. It was lack of a clear, defined leadership.

Promises to negotiate with those that hate us. Yeah, ask Neville Chamberlain how well that approach works.

"So that America is once again that last, best hope for all those that yearn for freedom". Uuh, Senator? What do you mean by "once again"?

"Let us agree that patriotism has no party". Amen. A freaking men, Senator.

"They have not served a red America, or a blue America, they have served the UNITED States of America". Great line.

USA chant going. So f*ck off Republicans! At least some of us Dems are patriotic! We just choose to embrace reality rather than whatever (system of a down voice) "lies from the tablecloth" Bush is feeding us.

I wanted to get this part verbatim, because I thought this was his best moment last night, at the 35 minute mark for about the next 2, 2 1/2 minutes. Just ... this was the clearest, most focused, cohesive argument made last night to elect Obama, the next 5 paragraphs:

"We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the 2nd Amendment while keeping AK47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian sisters and brothers deserve the right to visit the person they love in the hospital, and to live lives free from discrimination. Passions may fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child, or when an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers.

"This too is part of America's promise, the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in a common effort. I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life, is just a Trojan horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that's to be expected.

"Because if you don't have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare voters. If you don't have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from. You make a big election about small things. And you know what? Its worked before. Because it feeds into the cynicism we all have about government.

"Because when Washington doesn't work, all its promises seem empty. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, you think its best to stop hoping, to settle for what you already know. I get it. I realize that I'm not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don't fit the typical pedigree. And I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington.

"But I stand before you tonight, because all across America, something is stirring. What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. Its about you! (huge applause) Its about you! For 18 long months, you have stood up, one by one and said enough to the politics of the past! You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result! You have shown what history teaches us, that at defining moments in history like this one, that change doesn't come from Washington, it comes to Washington! (huge applause)"

Just ... very well laid out. Great, great oratory argument here. And he follows it up with another great section of his speech:

"You know, this nation has more wealth than any nation on earth. But that's not what makes us rich. This nation has the greatest military the world has ever known. But that's not what makes us strong. Our universities and our culture are the envy of the world, but that's not what keeps the world coming to our shores.

"Instead, it is that American spirit, that American promise, that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain, that makes us set aside our differences, that makes us fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, that better place around the bend. That promise is our greatest inheritance."

Amen, Senator. A freaking men.

And with that, he was pretty much done. The confetti fell, the fireworks were launched, (thankfully) no CNN staffers were dropping f bombs on the air like during Kerry's convention ... and to the general election we go.

And I am still undecided.

I wanted substance. I wanted "red meat". I wanted to know exactly what Senator Obama will do. I wanted action plans, I wanted details, I wanted something to show me exactly what the Senator means by "change".

I didn't get it. We didn't get it. And I think its a mistake.

He's got 67 days to make his case to the public at large.

Good luck.

the dnc: day four ... live blog

Well here we are. No matter what you think of the ticket, of the nomination process, there is no denying, tonight is a historical night.

A non-white male atop a national party ticket.

Incredible.

I intend to go at this for a little while tonight, but I will not blog Obama's speech, I intend to watch that in its entirety, uninterrupted, and will post my reactions either later tonight or (more likely) tomorrow morning.

Here we go.

7:23pm: Governor Richardson just finished. The man who should be coming off a two term Presidency is up next apparently.

Wow, fake mile high is jammed packed. I think it would be so incredible to be there tonight. Again, regardless of your opinions of Senator Obama, what a historic, nation-altering moment this is. For the first time, ANYONE truly can become President. Just awe inspiring.

(I'm still undecided, for those keeping score at home. Biden really, really had me in last night. But that's the problem with this Convention. Each speaker who has effectively spoken on voting for Obama ... is 25 times more qualified than him for the job. Yup, its my party).

Yikes, Dick Durbin is introducing Obama. Not a Dick Durbin fan. Then again, if Hillary was the nominee, that likely means Chucky Schumer would be introducing her. And I hate Chucky Schumer, the man who caused IndyMac to fail overnight by inciting a needless, criminal in nature panic on the bank.

Music stops. Must mean Gore is up.

Nope, its Stevie Wonder! And Take 6! This has potential.

This is ok. Its actually pretty decent, but compared to Melissa Etheridge last night, and the incredible John Legend performance on Monday, its missing something.

I gotta say, the stage looks immaculate. I thought, based on the coverage and preliminary pics, that it would come off as too much ... but it works. Whoever came up with this, smart designer. It actually looks really similar to the RNC stage from 2004. Except with blue instead of red carpet. Because blue rocks.

Yes! "Signed, Sealed, and Delivered!" Awesome.

The scene is really, really neat. The stadium is just about filled up, American flags waving everywhere. Team Obama nailed this ... so far.

That was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful.

And of course, we follow it up, and kill the positive vibe ... with a sob story. Yup, its my party.

Here's Al!

(steve applauding!)

He looks good.

Applause still going, both at fake mile high and in a computer room in south KC.

"Its not a guarantee, its only an opportunity". Good line.

If Gore had spoken like this more often in 2000, he'd be a two term incumbent.

"The same policies? All over again? Hey, I believe in recycling, but that's ridiculous". Great line.

Its got to be killing Al Gore right now. He is 2,500,000,000,000 times more qualified for this than Obama is.

I agree, Biden did give a great speech last night. Although apparently only Al and I think that.

"I know something about close elections ..." Sadly, we all do.

"The forces of the status quo are desperately afraid of the change Barack Obama represents". Good line.

I might be nuts ... ok, I am nuts ... but I swear, Al's wearing the same freaking outfit he wore 8 years ago when he accepted the nomination. I might need to rewatch that speech for a confirmation.

And he's wandering off on the fight against global warming. Or pardon me, the "climate crisis". Really, if "climate crisis" means its 95 and sunny in KC in November, is that a bad thing? (I say no).

"This administration, and the special interests that control it lock, stock, and barrel after barrel after barrel ..." Another good line.

50 years from now, we as a nation will view Bush v Gore with the disgust and embarrassment that we view Dred Scott and Plessy v Ferguson. Hell, I already view Bush v Gore with the disgust I view Dred Scott and Plessy v Ferguson with.

"When as many as 3 Supreme Court justices could be appointed in the first term of the next President ..." Wow. That's the single strongest argument I've heard yet in favor of Obama. And it took 4 days to deliver it.

"He (Obama) represents a clean break from the politics of partisanship and division". Uuh, no he doesn't Al. He is partisanship and division, according to his Senate voting record.

"There are times in the history of our nation when the very fate of our nation depends on rising up to face the challenge in front of us". True.

Comparing Obama's experience to Lincoln's. Very, very effective. (Obama has more experience, actually).

I'd forgotten Lincoln opposed the Mexican War on moral grounds (a war fought entirely for one reason, to acquire territory to expand slavery). I should have remembered that, I do have a US History minor with an emphasis in the Civil War era.

Of course, noone will mention the dirty little secret that the Emancipation Proclamation is the single greatest political document in American history, in that it actually freed 0 slaves. Lincoln was a genius.

Michelle won't be nearly as great a First Lady as Tipper would have been.

Obama scheduled to speak at 9:15. Seems late, actually. Gore went for 50 something minutes in his acceptance. Clinton went over an hour in each of his. Kerry pushed an hour last year.

The scene when you go to the side camera, after a huge applause line, is just jaw dropping inspiring. It makes you want to rush to your local military recruiter, its that pro America. Its just ... awesome. The overhead, not so much, but the side from the base of the podium, just incredible. Great, great job by Team Obama so far setting this thing up.

Now, can he deliver? Remember Barry, KISS. Keep is simple, stupid. Speak to the guy in flyover country sitting on his couch drinking a Coors Light.

Its nice to see a full house at fake mile high not dressed in bright orange.

Wow, there has to be more than 80k there. This place is jammed packed. Just incredible to see.

(And yes, I'd have paid the $1000 price to get a scalped ticket if I was there. This is arguably the most historic day in American political history since ... uuh ... its been a while.)

Alternating English and Spanish "Yes We Can!" chants. Neat.

Si Se Puede! Yes We Can! The true genius, greatness of America. "E Plurubus Unum". Out of many, one.

Crowd cheering for some rason, but I can't figure it out. Looks like a keyboard going up?

Beach balls flying in the delegates section. As a College World Series fan that drives up for at least a couple days every year, I can sum that up in two words. Freaking awesome!

We got multiple keyboards going up. Michael McDonald your performer! And somebody named Ray Chu? Ray Choo?

Doing "America the Beautiful". This should kick ass.

He's going for the Ray Charles version. And he's nailing it. This is just awesome. Sometimes, I am proud to be a Democrat.

Not just a youtube! moment, its a "when the hell is ITunes making this available" performance. Absolutely amazing. Yay America!!! (kazoo voice) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tribute to Retired Generals up next apparently. Dick Durbin at the top of the hour. Senator Obama at 9:15. My liver waves the white flag of surrender somewhere in there I'm sure.

The "Reverend Jackson" is in the house! And Reverend Al was on MSNBC a couple hours ago. I want to once again register my official outrage that Reverend Al was not given a speaking slot at this convention. Let us resolve, not just as Democrats, but as people who love fun, to NEVER again deny Reverend Al a speaking slot. At any party's convention.

(I'm guessing he still wants his 40 acre and a mule).

Ike's daughter talking. Pardon me, Eisenhower's granddaughter. Wait, wasn't Ike a Republican?

No female speakers or performers have worn pearls yet tonight in the part that I've watched. (tony bruno voice) that's an outrage. Although in Sheryl Crow's case, she can wear any damned thing she wants. My God, to be mid 40s and look like that ... (beavis and butthead voice) uuh, hey baby. I'm single ...

So she's in the tank for Barry too. Nice.

Seriously, there is not an empty seat in the house. Except at the very, very top behind the podium. And I'm guessing those will be filled in by speech time, I hear the security to get in today was nuts.

How the hell are this many military folks Democrats? If you listen to Rush, Hannity and other conservative pundits, we Democrats hate the military and want to lose the war on terror? (The lesson, as always: you give anyone a microphone, they'll make an ass out of themselves. Even if, in Rush's case at least, I usually laugh right along with him at the asses in my party ...)

Hey, we got a Wes Clark sighting! Yet another former candidate more qualified for the Presidency than Barry ...

Uh oh, this guy just said "let me tell you how I made it to mile high". It ain't mile high no more, pal. The Real Mile High bit the dust 8 years ago.

And yes, despite the fact that I capitalize nothing affilitated with the denver broncos football operation, I will capitalize Real Mile High. Greatest home field advantage ever. The freaking stadium shook from noise and people stomping. Their fans abused visiting fans. That's the NFL baybee! Real Mile High had my respect. Other than that and barrel man, I hate everything about denver. I won't capitalize barrel man, but any guy who shows up for 40 plus years in nothing but a freaking barrel, also has my respect. Even if he supports the "enemy".

Oh my God. Here is what follows America's heroes. "America's Voices Program". I will simply type the description of each speaker:

* Michigan teamster car transport driver affected by decline in car manufacturing.
* New to campaigning, this Akron mother and grandmother is an Obama volunteer.
* Struggling small business owner in Melbourne, FL, with health issues.
* Albuquerque, NM public school worker concerned about economy.

And there's 4 more of those. I might slit my wrists before they're done.

Joe Biden on stage! He effing rocked last night, in Steve's opinion!

His wife is such a MILF.

I think Biden's hit the sauce tonight. Or as Gregg's old neighbor at Arrowhead used to put it, he's "on his medicine".

Either the glare is awful on stage ... or Biden is visibly struggling to keep his eyes open.

I love Joe Biden. Anyone who pokes fun not once, but twice, at "Dingy" Harry Reid in his brief remarks, I love.

Oh Christ, we lead off with the Teamster. Michael Strahan tooth gap. He looks familiar. I'm guessing he was in "Roger and Me".

The Bush administration has nothing to do with Detroit's downfall sir. The incompetence of GM, as so visibly and forcefully exposed in "Roger and Me", and the utter incompetence of Ford, as exposed daily in the Detroit Lions, that's why Detroit had its downfall. Bush might be incompetent, and I might not care much for him ... but you can't fault him for your own companies stupidity.

Glenne Headly look-alike. Going off about the Muslim email against Obama. I agree with her on this, its ridiculous the depths religious right quacks will go to, to see "their guy" elected. (Only the joke's on them; they don't have a friend in this race. (kurt warner voice) Thank you Jesus!!!!!!! Nothing puts a smile on my face like seeing the religious right tore a new a-hole ...)

Ohio ... is a state Barry lost by 10 plus to HRC after Super Tuesday. The definition of insanity is nominating a man who lost by double digits to a candidate with NO shot to win the nomination at that point. (steve bashing head on desk in frustration ...)

We need President Hillary Rodham Clinton lady.

"I don't tell this story to get sympathy ..." Sure you don't. Here's a thought lady: if you can't make it in your current job ... find a new one! Jesus, how tough is it to understand that? If you're failing in your current position ... find a new one!

(My God, I sound more like a Republican every day. Hang on ... yup, I still favor equal gay rights in every aspect of the word "equal". So I'm still a Dem. Whew.)

OK, that's it for night four. I will post my thoughts on Obama's speech once I compose them. I'll also probably post my recap on the DNC itself.

And yes ... for the two rabid fans out there ... I will live blog the RNC as well. All four nights, not sure. But at least a couple of them.

I leave this live blog still on the fence. As I posted earlier today, Barry needs to not only lay out specifics tonight ... he needs to come off as an average joe. If he tries to perpetuate this Messiah crap the right wing has assigned to him ... as my relatives would say, fuhgedaboudit.

biden rocked. can barry do the same?

Joe Biden was tremendous last night, I thought. I must have stood and applauded at least 10 times. What a tremendous grand slam of a speech. He was on point. He was funny. He was hard hitting. He was inspiring. It was just wonderful to listen to. My favorite moments from Biden's acceptance speech, and there are a lot of them, which you can easily view here: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/08/28/sot.dnc.biden.entire.cnn

* the opening praise of his son. "You know you've become a success when your son or daughter turns out better than you are. I'm a success. I'm a hell of a success". You can definitely see the love, the respect, he has for his family. No matter what you think of the ticket, and I'm still unsold ... at least we've got two decent, honorable parents who geniunely love their kids on it.

* the praise of his family, and his upbringing. In stark contrast to Barry, who seems to be doing everything possible to avoid talking about his upbringing, including throwing grandma under the bus as a racist in the primaries. But especially the praise and honor towards his mom. Just wonderful to see. I love seeing public figures genuinely showing respect to their true mentors, the 'rents. I loved the line about how "I used to stutter, and mom just said Joey, its because you're so bright you can't get the words out quickly enough". You could tell there's a lot of love, of respect, of geniune bond, in the Biden family. Very enjoyable to witness.

* "failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable". As someone that has experienced his fair share of failure, granted mostly self inflicted but still ... those words ring very true with me.

* the "freudian slip" referencing the election of George ... I mean, John McCain.

* "we do not have to accept the situation, we have the power to change it". Amen Senator. Amen.

* the praise for McCain. I can't hit on this enough. You can have strong disagreements with someone in their politics and still be friends, still have tremendous respect and admiration for someone. You can honor someone for their service, and yet disagree with their stand on the issues. John McCain is a true American hero. Noone can dispute this. If you do dispute it, you should live in the Hanoi Hilton for 5 years of torture, of pure hell on earth. But McCain is wrong on certain issues. Again, good for Senator Biden to stress this difference. Too bad Republicans couldn't do this 4 years ago when another American hero was seeking the White House.

* "any country that outteaches us today, will out compete us tomorrow". Great perspective.

* hitting home the lack of progress in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and against al Quada. Its ridiculous that we're almost 7 years after 9/11 and haven't found and killed bin Ladin.

* "our greatest Presidents ... all challenged us to embrace change."

* "Millions of Americans have been knocked down. This is the time we get up, together!" Yes, a good number of us have been knocked down this year. And the only way to get back up is to rise together.

Like I said, I loved Biden's speech last night. He came across as a guy you'd love to have a beer with, shoot the sh*t with at the local bar down the street. One of us. The total opposite of the package we are being sold of Barry.

Which brings me to tonight. And the problem Obama's got.

Which is that he's not Biden.

I think Obama is in the same spot right now, that Gore was in in 2000. He has two major tasks he has to accomplish tonight. The same two tasks Gore had to pull off 8 years ago.

First, he has to deliver an unquestioned grand slam speech. He has to lay out exactly what the change he is seeking is. Details to go with the lofty ideals. He has to provide some substance. Anyone can promise change. We need to hear what the change he seeks is. We need to know what current policies he'd overhaul, what current procedures he'd tear up and start over with. There must be substance, I cannot stress that enough. I am still an "undecided" voter. His speech tonight has to be addressed to the 10% of the electorate that fall into my category.

He's not going to change Republican's minds tonight. Write them off. You're not winning the conservative base. He also isn't going to change any Democrat's minds tonight. Write them off. The liberal base isn't going to abandon you. He has to move solidly, strongly, into the middle tonight, and leave no doubt about where he stands on the pertinent issues of the day.

Gore did this better than any candidate I've ever seen in 2000. Barry has to match Gore's 2000 speech tonight, in terms of providing details, substance, actual policy items.

But the real challenge Barack faces tonight, is connecting with his audience. To set aside the Messiah image, the "I am your salvation" message, and simply be "one of us". Because that's who Americans tend to elect. "One of us".

Someone who doesn't appear power hungry. Someone who you know is doing this, is running, because he wants to, not because he thinks its his destiny. Someone who won't lose any sleep over losing.

This is where Gore failed in 2000.

Gore, of course, everyone thought was too wooden, too rehearsed, too driven. Too boring. He overcame that (somewhat) with the kiss of Tipper on stage, with his fiery, on point, energized acceptance speech. But he never completely overcame it. Think "lockbox". Ultimately, it probably helped cost him the election. And the persistent recount certainly didn't help his view among people, it only confirmed their view of him.

We re-elected Bush because, let's face it, Kerry is a stuck up liberal who thinks he's better and smarter than everyone else in the room. He couldn't, and can't, connect with middle America. Ditto his arrogant running mate, "the Breck Girl", John Edwards. Bush, on the other hand, he is "one of us". He is a guy you'd have a beer with. He is a guy who has "experienced life". He's not perfect. He's f*cked up, he's admitted it, and used his past to make his life into something amazing. Its admirable actually. Americans connect with that. We've always connected with that.

Just like with Clinton in 1992. Bush Senior? Not gonna do it. Not gonna connect. Washington insider through and through. Clinton? One of us. He'd definitely have a beer with us at the local bar, and probably try to take the cute blonde on the barstool next to him home for a night of fun. Just like we do. Its why most of America still embraces him, despite the far right's attempt to turn Lewinsky giving him oral sex into a moral outrage. Because most of America not only doesn't care, we kind of think its cool to have an intern on call to pleasure you when you feel like it. And America still embraces Bill, despite all the baggage. As you witnessed last night. Because we all have baggage. We've all f*cked up, learned from it, and tried to get better. Just like Clinton. Its why he won twice. Its why he'd be running for a 5th term right now if there weren't term limits.

Reagan? Talk about "one of us". I never understood why the commentators couldn't grasp why the entire nation mourned his passing. Reagan WAS average America. I am anything but a conservative, but I took the day of his funeral off just to watch the coverage, to in some small way pay my respect, my regards, to the man that WAS America. He looked into the face of evil in our time and told it to "tear down this wall". He didn't dwell on the negatives that we all know exist, he instead chose to focus on the potential for greatness we all have. Reagan was "us". He was the embodiment of all that is great and wonderful and inspiring about this country.

Tonight, Obama has to connect with middle America. He has to come off the high horse, drop the rhetoric, and just be Barry. Don't lawyer up the speech, don't attempt to speak to a book club in San Francisco. Speak to me. Little ol' Steve, sitting on his couch, enjoying a Coors Light. Speak as if you were sitting next to me, trying to spark up a friendship. That's what America wants to hear, I think. Barack Obama, average joe.

I hope he not only delivers a great speech, but does connect with America on a personal level tonight. This country needs, desperately needs, two decent options for President. We need to know, for the first time in a long time, that there is no really "wrong" choice. McCain, I'm comfortable with, as most people are. We know, at worst, we get the status quo with John McCain. And we know he won't do anything to make us regret our choice. He's not going to throw his country under the bus for political gain. Obama? Still not sure about. Tonight, he has to begin to put the doubts to rest.

I wish him well. I'll be watching, "on the couch, enjoying a Coors Light". Here's hoping Barry's speech makes it seem like he'll be dropping by to shoot the sh*t over a frosty cold one when he's done.

(And yes, this means I am missing a Chiefs home game for the first time in a long time. Some things are more important than meaningless preseason football. Like electing a President ...)

who the pick has to be ...

As much as I love football ... I also love politics.

As a Hillary supporter, I am currently "undecided" in who I will support in November, although if the election were held today, I would vote for John McCain. Both Senator Obama and Senator McCain bring things to the table that I like ... and that I strongly dislike.

And the polls tend to reflect that I am not alone in that observation, as both Senators are basically tied up as we head to Convention Weeks.

With that said ...

I think the VP announcement for Obama will make or break his candidacy. There's nothing the Convention is going to do to stop his bleeding poll numbers. Well, that's not technically true, we could rise up in the floor vote Wednesday night, give the nomination to Hillary, and save our party from the 45 states and the District landslide we're headed towards. (A scenario I pray unfolds).

But really, what will he gain from the Convention? The Clintons own Tuesday, and likely will dominate Wednesday as well, with the floor vote containing her name, the possible roll call of states to give her pledged delegates ... and Chelsea and Bill both speaking. And Monday's key moment will be the Senator Kennedy tribute. So Senator Obama will enter his historic night at fake mile high coming off of ... what, exactly? Not one, not two, but 3 straight news cycles of praise for someone other than him?!?!

(Note: this is why I think Obama is an idiot of the highest degree. To give the Clinton's a night, fine. But make it Monday, like Gore did in 2000. Then you cram 2 of the 3 major themes into one night, and you get the other 3 nights to launch your message and vision uninterrupted! Good God, why is it that I can see this and Barry can't?!?! End rant).

This poll collapse, this obvious lack of bounce due to us Hillary backers saying "screw it, McCain's closer to our gal than you are Barry", I suppose, is why people think he should pick Hillary as Veep.

I argue, that's ridiculous.

Because to pick her, is to flat out admit, that we as Democrats blew it in the primaries and caucuses, that we picked the wrong person to be our nominee.

(A charge I completely agree with).

To pick Hillary, is an admission that you are too weak of a candidate, too inept of a politician, to win this thing against a 72 year old man with cancer issues. And with every media outlet in the nation not having "FOX" in its name on your side.

Picking Hillary means to admit you're not capable of winning this on your own.

However, isn't that the case anyways? No matter who Obama picks ... won't they have to appear better than him if he is to win?

This is Barry's problem. No matter who he taps as Veep ... they're likely to be more qualified for the job he's running for, than he is. So he has to pick someone who, yes, is more qualified than he is ... but also can attract back us PUMA folks. And someone who yes, is more qualified than he is ... but is perfectly fine playing 2nd fiddle.

This is why Governor Kaine makes no sense. You nominate someone even less qualified than you to be your Veep? Ridiculous. Who cares if he puts Virginia in play, McCain has just about put New York in play because of the HRC factor. He's cleaning up on you in the 3 key states that have determined the last 2 elections (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida).

You need someone who can win you those states. And possibly something in the former Confederacy as well.

Which is why Governor Sebelius makes no sense. She doesn't put Kansas in play ... hell she doesn't put anything in play. Plus, how hacked are the female Hillary voters going to be if Sebelius is the pick? To pick my state of origin's governor is political suicide. No way Obama is this dumb.

(I should say, I hope he's not this dumb. If he is, God help us all).

Joe Biden? I like the guy. I love cocky and arrogant people. But come on. Joe Biden? The man barely garnered 1% in the primaries. That's our salvation? Uuh, no.

John Edwards? As funny as this would be, no.

John F Kerry? (who, in case you have been living in a cave the last 40 years, served in Vietnam?) Yeah, we're gonna put someone with even less of a spine as Veep than our Presidential candidate? If Kerry refused to fire back at the Swift Boating in 2004 when he was seeking THE top job, why the hell is he gonna fire back now seeking 2nd place?

Evan Bayh? I wanted a Clinton-Bayh ticket the last 6 months. There's still hope I guess that the floor vote goes wacky and Clinton gets the nod. But bringing in Bayh ... I don't see it. Yeah, he puts the Rust Belt in play ... but he brings Mark Penn with him, he doesn't bring foreign policy or even domestic policy into the mix, and did I mention he brings Mark Penn with him. This pick would be a mistake.

(Even if it would make me contemplate it at least. I like Bayh a lot. I hope I get to vote for him someday to be President. But he just doesn't fit in this spot).

Bill Richardson? I like the guy. A lot. He brings foreign policy experience, energy policy experience, and actual leadership experience. But like Biden ... to pick Richardson, you're aiming for 2, maybe 3 percent of the vote still out there? To secure New Mexico? Unless this is a "West Wing" election day episode type unfolding, I don't see New Mexico as the vital state in this election.

(Note: I think New York is THE key state to this election. McCain is within 7 this morning. In New York. And Barry has a decision still to announce (as does McCain). If Barry doesn't pick HRC or someone at least as qualified as her, NY is definitely in play. And if McCain wins NY, its over).

No, if Barry is serious about winning this thing (and he'll need us PUMA Hillary backers to do it ...) there's only one person he can pick that makes sense.

Only one person who is beyond qualified to lead on day one. Only one person who has the respect, the admiration, the "gravitas" with the electorate to somehow give Obama the win in November.

(And no, its not Hillary. I haven't changed my stance on this just because I typed 10-11 paragraphs above this one. I think picking her is political suicide. We PUMA Dems will never back a ticket with her on the bottom of it).

Yes, this person is more qualified for the job than Barry. But he's always put public service first. He's set aside his own ambitions to play 2nd fiddle before. He brings in the Clinton backers because ... well, he helped make the Clintons. Even if his Letterman chit-chats were always overrated.

And its time ... well, I'll stop there, because I might start repeating his 1992 DNC acceptance speech that had this (go figure) hot as hell (at the time) 16 year old being won over to the Democratic Party.

The only candidate Barack Obama can tap that helps him ... is Al Gore.

Gore gives you the swing / independent vote. He puts Florida in play, and wraps up New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. He puts the Confederacy in play.

He gives you the foreign policy credentials you need. He gives you the domestic focus we want.

If Obama wants to win, he has to pick Gore. If Obama knows what it takes to win, the pick has to be Gore.

(Which means expect Sebelius ...)