[Editor's Note: This interview with Delegate Chris Saxman took place Thursday evening before the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's Vice Presidential pick. His response on Friday to that news? "Game on!" He will be a delegate to the Republican National Convention next week in Minneapolis-Saint Paul.]
SWAC Girl: You have been a long-time supporter of John McCain, and you were on board last summer when he almost dropped out from lack of money and lack of support. Having gone through that, do you find it amazing now that he is the presumed nominee?
Chris Saxman: Yes and no. Yes, because it was over last summer. I mean over. We were all just scratching our heads at how he could stay in but he sure did. No, because that is who John McCain really is. A leader. A survivor. He is such an inspiration on so many levels but is incredibly down to earth. Sure, I caught a lot of heat for supporting him in 2000 and JUST a little more last year and this. He will be a great leader for the American people and a great inspiration to the next generation of leaders.
SWAC Girl: What do you think of Barack's lack of a bounce this week during his convention?
Chris Saxman: Well, it’s not over and I think it will be around 8-10 points in the end. The façade of the set behind him is most appropriate – looks good but there is nothing behind it. It will come down as quickly as it went up.
SWAC Girl: Swing voters reportedly are between the ages of 40-59 during this election. Obama has young voters; McCain has older voters. Do you agree because you and I fall into that swing group?
Chris Saxman: No, not because that is where we fall but where they are currently appealing. I think it will change and is. Obama numbers are falling in key states and in key demographics because people are taking a closer look at the candidates and going with an experienced leader who has a long record of working with the other party.
SWAC Girl: The stage backdrop for the GOP Convention is a huge American flag. Since John McCain is an American hero, do you think that personifies him?
Chris Saxman: Good question. I don’t think it personifies him although he is quite obviously an American hero of great magnitude.
SWAC Girl: I have heard you say in the past that John McCain's background made an impact on you as far as supporting him, and you were able to explain it to your son, William. Could you tell that story?
Chris Saxman: Well, we were watching one of the very early debates together side by side on the couch. I had my arm around William and we were just vegging, watching and listening….and William looks up at me and says, “Why are we supporting McCain?” Gratified that he accepted my wisdom without question, I knew that I could not sell him on policies or even McCain’s personal story of service and sacrifice. So, I just looked at him and said, “Because he inspires me to serve others."
SWAC Girl: You are 42. John McCain is 72. Do you think he is too old for the job as President?
Chris Saxman: Not at all. Have you ever met his mother, Roberta? She is 96 and so is her twin! She is sharp as a tack and an amazing woman. I’ve met her several times and she is always engaging and FUNNY … whenever you see people leave a conversation with her, they always say, “Wow, she’s a piece of work.” Almost to a person. I stayed with some of his DC staffers in SC during the primary in January and to a person they all agreed that he has so much energy that McCain just wears them out. And these are fresh out of college kids!
So, no. Not at all.
SWAC Girl: Any other thoughts about the convention? The line-up? The next two months? Convention?
Chris Saxman: No real thoughts…still have three soccer games this weekend to go to and a ton of work to knock out so I really have not thought about it too much. I have watched very little of the Democrats convention just been too busy with work and the kids practices and Mary Kathryn’s first varsity volleyball game! Lee beat Harrisonburg in 5 games!!!
The line up? I am sure it will be great. But the convention will be a complete introduction of John McCain to the country and people who have not paid attention will be amazed at his story and hopefully inspired by it to serve, as he says, a cause greater than themselves.
Next two months? It is going to be awesome.
SWAC Girl: Care to offer a prediction on the outcome of this race?
Chris Saxman: Sure. % or electoral? Just kidding. I really do think McCain will win. The experience factor will hurt Obama too much and people will accept that McCain really has been a reform leader for decades, was right on the Surge, was right on corruption in DC, and is right on more issues that matter to voters. The economy grew 3.3% in the last quarter so that will take some of the wind out of that sail. The critical vote on drilling when Congress is back in will really impact the congressional races and maybe the POTUS race. I think I know the McCain closing argument but will wait for him to make it. In the end, yes people want change – the question will be how much and who do people trust to really be independent of their party. Answer – John McCain. Why? He’s walked it not just talked it.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Saxman's VP Poll ... 4% voted for Saxman!
Chris Saxman's Vice Presidential poll had one particular surprise ... 4% voted for Chris Saxman for VP! Apparently some have bigger plans for our Mr. Delegate. Here are the results:
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Friends,John McCain for President
Thanks to everyone who responded to my email yesterday asking for your thoughts on who the Republican Vice Presidential nominee will be. I had planned on keeping voting open a bit longer, but the buzz seems to be heating up that Senator McCain's pick may be revealed as early as tonight or first thing in the morning.
So here were your votes:
1. Who do you want to be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee?
Governor Mitt Romney - 30%
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison - 10%
Governor Mike Huckabee - 9%
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice - 9%
Congressman Eric Cantor - 6%
Governor Sarah Palin - 6%
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell - 4%
Governor Bobby Jindal - 3%
National McCain Co-Chair Meg Whitman - 3%
Speaker Newt Gingrich - 3%
Senator Joe Lieberman - 2%
Lt. Governor Michael Steele - 2%
And each with 1% of the vote:
Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Senator Fred Thompson
Governor Tim Pawlenty
Governor Mark Sanford
Pat Buchanan
Governor Haley Barbour
Governor Charlie Crist
Governor Tom Ridge
General David Petreaus
2. Who do you think the Republican VP nominee will be?
Fewer of you were willing to take a stab at this one, but the results were:
Governor Mitt Romney - 82%
Governor Tim Pawlenty - 8%
Governor Tom Ridge - 6%
Senator Joe Lieberman - 2%
Congressman Eric Cantor - 2%
Thanks again to everyone who responded, and like you, I look forward to learning who will be joining our Republican ticket!
Sincerely,
Chris Saxman
PS- And a special thank you to the 4% of you who voted for me as your choice for VP- humbling and humorous all rolled into one!
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
McCain campaign reacts to Obama's acceptance speech
Tonight, the McCain campaign issued the following statement from Tucker Bounds, McCain 2008 spokesman, on Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention:
"Tonight, Americans witnessed a misleading speech that was so fundamentally at odds with the meager record of Barack Obama. When the temple comes down, the fireworks end, and the words are over, the facts remain: Senator Obama still has no record of bipartisanship, still opposes offshore drilling, still voted to raise taxes on those making just $42,000 per year, and still voted against funds for American troops in harm's way. The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President."
BARACK OBAMA'S TOP MISLEADING CLAIMS
MISLEADING CLAIM #1: Barack Obama Can Bring Democrats And Republicans Together. OBAMA: "America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· NPR's Juan Williams: Barack Obama "Doesn't Have The Record" Of Bipartisanship That John McCain Has. NPR'S JUAN WILLIAMS: "You think about everything from campaign finance to immigration and on, and there's John McCain working across party lines. Senator Obama doesn't have a record. Now, he can make the claim and he can hold himself up as pure and trying to reach to a new generation of post partisan politics, but he has to do so largely based on rhetoric and wishful thinking because he doesn't have the record." (Fox News' "Special Report With Brit Hume," 5/7/08)
· Watch YouTube video.
· The Washington Post's Richard Cohen: "There Is Scant Evidence The Illinois Senator Takes Positions That Challenge His Base Or Otherwise Threaten Him Politically." "Obama might have a similar bottom line, core principles for which, in some sense, he is willing to die. If so, we don't know what they are. Nothing so far in his life approaches McCain's decision to refuse repatriation as a POW so as to deny his jailors a propaganda coup. In fact, there is scant evidence the Illinois senator takes positions that challenge his base or otherwise threaten him politically. That's why his reversal on campaign financing and his transparently false justification of it matter more than similar acts by McCain." (Richard Cohen, Op-Ed, "McCain's Core Advantage," The Washington Post, 6/24/08)
· Politico's Jonathan Martin: "He's pretty much a conventional liberal on the issues and has few examples of breaking with his own party, so how does Obama try to pull off being 'post-partisan?'" (Jonathan Martin, "Obama's Third Way: It's All In The Tone," Politico, 6/30/08)
· Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK): "His Record Does Not Reflect Working In A Bipartisan Fashion." "Boren, the lone Democrat in Oklahoma's congressional delegate, said that while Obama has talked about working with Republicans, 'unfortunately, his record does not reflect working in a bipartisan fashion.'" (Tim Talley, "Okla. Dem Calls Obama Liberal, Declines To Endorse," The Associated Press, 6/10/08)
· "The Record Shows Obama To Be A Fairly Doctrinaire Liberal Democrat ..." (Editorial, "Obama's Rhetoric Soars, But What Does His Record Suggest?" USA Today, 1/28/08)
· In 2007, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 3/3/08)
· In 2006, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 96 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 1/27/08)
· In 2005, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 1/27/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #2: Barack Obama Will Ensure That Our Troops On The Ground Have "The Equipment They Need In Battle." OBAMA: "As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)
MISLEADING CLAIM #3: Barack Obama Has Not Supported The President. OBAMA: "These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush. ... But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than ninety percent of the time? I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to take a ten percent chance on change." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Says He Voted With President Bush "For The Most Part." REPORTER: "For a couple of days, they've been saying you voted to raise taxes something like 94 times. That seems to be the drumbeat that's going to happen during this campaign. Are you going to raise taxes in a big way for average Americans?" OBAMA: "I mean this is the standard fare of politics. And the truth of the matter is that the only bills that I voted for, for the most part, since I've been in the Senate were introduced by Republicans with George Bush. You know, they were the majority for a big chunk of the time I was there." (KMOV [St. Louis, MO], 6/10/08)
· Watch Barack Obama's KMOV Interview
· The New York Times' David Brooks: Democrats Saying McCain Represents The Third Bush Term Are "Just Factually Inaccurate." "Finally, the Obama people are too convinced that they can define McCain as Bush III. The case is just factually inaccurate. McCain will be able to pull out dozens of instances, from torture to global warming to spending, in which he broke with his party, as Rush Limbaugh will tell you." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "Calling Dr. Doom," The New York Times, 6/3/08)
Newsweek's Michael Hirsh: "As We Now Know Nearly Four Years Later, McCain Was Dead On In His Analysis Of What Went Wrong In Iraq." "In early November 2003, at a time when Fred Dalton Thompson was playing a tough D.A. on 'Law and Order,' John McCain was cross-examining Donald Rumsfeld for real on Capitol Hill. It was still very early into the U.S. occupation of Iraq, but the as-yet-unacknowledged (by Rummy, that is) insurgency was already out of control. Alone among his fellow GOP senators, McCain blasted Rumsfeld for not putting enough U.S. troops on the ground, and for resorting too soon to 'Iraqification' -- that is, transferring security to ill-prepared Iraqi forces. In an extraordinarily blunt speech at the Council on Foreign Relations that grim autumn, McCain warned that ultimately Iraq could become another Vietnam 'if we lose popular support in the United States.' The next day, the secretary of Defense asked McCain to breakfast. 'I read y our speech,' harrumphed Rumsfeld (that 'must have been an enjoyable experience for him,' McCain later joked to me). Then Rummy patiently explained to his fellow Republican why he and his top civilian brass (Paul Wolfowitz, Doug Feith and the usual crowd of incompetents) would continue to do things the same way. They 'believed there was no need for additional troops,' McCain later related. McCain had already realized that Rumsfeld was a lost cause. The real question, the senator suggested to me back then, was whether George W. Bush himself would push Rummy to make changes. 'I'd like to see the president fully engaged,' McCain said. Bush needed to be on top of 'more details of what's going on.' As we now know nearly four years later, McCain was dead on in his analysis of what went wrong in Iraq. Right down to the need for Bush to get engaged and fire Rumsfeld. McCain was so right that, among military experts today, the emerging conventional wisdom about Bush's current 'surg e' is that if it had occurred back then -- when McCain wanted it and the political will existed in this country to support it for the necessary number of years -- it might well have succeeded." (Michael Hirsh, "Why McCain's Collapse Matters," Newsweek, 7/26/07)
· John McCain Voted Against The 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #152: Motion Agreed To 92-4: R 53-1; D 38-3; I 1-0, 6/23/05, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #158: Passed 85-12: R 49-5; D 35-7; I 1-0, 6/28/05, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, McCain Voted Nay)
· John McCain Is "Widely Acknowledged To Have Charted A Course Independent Of Bush" On Climate Change. "On global warming, McCain is widely acknowledged to have charted a course independent of Bush. Immediately after the 2004 election, in which he stumped for Bush's re-election, he sharply distanced himself from Bush on climate change, calling the administration's stance 'terribly disappointing.' McCain had co-sponsored a bill with Sen. Joe Lieberman to curb greenhouse gases in 2003. Bush had opposed any such move, citing possible harm to the economy and doubts over global warming." (William March, "McCain Bucks Ties To Bush," The Tampa Tribune, 6/11/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #4: John McCain Believes We've Made "Great Progress" And Families Aren't Hurting. OBAMA: "He said that our economy has made 'great progress' under this President. He said that the fundamentals of the e conomy are strong." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· FactCheck.org: Obama Use Of Quote Is "Misleading" And "Distorts" John McCain's Words. "The second and third quotes the Obama campaign uses from McCain are more misleading. The ad shows McCain saying: '[T]here's been great progress economically.' The quote comes from an interview McCain did with Peter Cook at Bloomberg Television in April. ... McCain was making a case for what he believed were positive economic developments during Bush's time in office. However, the fuller quote shows McCain was saying that whatever progress had been made, it wouldn't be enough to comfort families 'facing these tremendous economic challenges.' His comments overall are pessimistic; he cites 'challenging times' and 'enormous difficulties.' The Obama campaign distorts his views by using just a snippet of his remarks." (D'Angelo Gore, "Distorting McCain's Remarks," FactCheck.org, 8/19/08)
· In The Full Question And Answer Cited By Barack Obama, John McCain Clearly Said That We Are In "Tough Times" And Families Are Facing "Tremendous Economic Challenges." Bloomberg's Peter Cook: "I'm going to ask you a version of the Ronald Reagan question. You think if Americans were asked, are you better off today than you were before George Bush took office more than seven years ago, what answer would they give?" McCain: "Certainly, in this time, we are in very challenging times. We all recognize that. Families are sitting around the kitchen table this evening and figuring out whether they're going to be able to keep their home or not. They're figuring out whether they're -- why it is that suddenly and recently someone in their family or their neighbor has lost their job. There's no doubt that we are in enormous difficulties. "I think if you look at the overall record and millions of jobs have been created, et cetera, et cetera, yo u could make an argument that there's been great progress economically over that period of time. But that's no comfort. That's no comfort to families now that are facing these tremendous economic challenges. But let me just add, Peter, the fundamentals of America's economy are strong. We're the greatest exporter, the greatest importer, the greatest innovator, the greatest producer, still the greatest economic engine in the world. And, by the way, exports and free trade are a key element in economic recovery. But these are tough times, tough times, and nobody knows that more than American families including in small towns of Pennsylvania. They haven't lost their fundamental religious beliefs, their respect for the Constitution, their right to bear arms. They are still -- keep America as a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world." (John McCain, Interview With Bloomberg TV, 4/17/08)
· Watch Video Of Obama Economic Attack Compared To John McCain's Full Response.
· ABC News: Barack Obama Proved "He Knows How To Twist With The Best Of Them" When He Cited The McCain Quote. "Although Obama gets substantial mileage out of running against politics as usual, he provided a reminder on Friday that he knows how to twist with the best of them. Speaking in Erie, Pa., Obama charged: 'John McCain went on television and said that there has "been great progress economically" over the last seven and a half years.' Obama did not tell his audience, however, that McCain's Thursday reference to economic progress was quickly followed by him adding that such progress is 'no comfort' to struggling families." (Teddy Davis And Talal Al-Khatib, "Obama Twists McCain On Economy," ABC News, 4/18/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #5: Barack Obama Will Pay For His Massive Spending Increase. OBAMA: "Now, many of these plans will cost money, which is why I've laid out how I'll pay for every dime -- by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don't help America grow. But I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less -- because we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama: "I Do Not Make A Promise That We Can Reduce [The Budget Deficit] By 2013." "'I do not make a promise that we can reduce it by 2013 because I think it is important for us to make some critical investments right now in America's families,' Obama told reporters this week when asked if he'd match McCain's pledge." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
· Chicago Tribune: Barack Obama Has "No Interest In Eliminating Deficit Spending." "Since winning the nomination, Obama reportedly has been moving toward the middle of the political spectrum. But on the budget, he still sounds left of center, with no interest in eliminating deficit spending." (Editorial, "Failure Of Nerve," Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)
· The Associated Press: Barack Obama Not "Even Trying" To Balance The Budget And "Frankly Says He's Not Sure He'd Bring It Down At All In Four Years." "Barack Obama says John McCain's plan to balance the budget doesn't add up. Easy for him to say: It's not a goal he's even trying to reach. Not only does Obama say he won't eliminate the deficit in his first term, as McCain aims to do, he frankly says he's not sure he'd bring it down at all in four years, considering his own spending plans." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
· The National Journal's John Maggs: "[Obama] Has Rhetorically Committed To A 'Pay-As-You-Go' Approach By Offsetting New Spending And Tax Cuts With New Taxes Or Spending Cuts, But His Proposals Do Not Come Close To Meeting This Standard." (John Maggs, "Obama On The Economy," The National Journal, 5/31/08)
· Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama "Has Not Identified New Revenue Sources Or Spending Cuts To Pay For Some Of" His Proposals. "The Obama campaign responds that tax cuts, once enacted, are usually renewed and do not expire. Therefore, they say, Obama can legitimately claim to be recouping money for other purposes by scaling back the tax cuts. Obama has not identified new revenue sources or spending cuts to pay for some of what he wants to do." (Peter Nicholas, "Adding Up The Cost Of Obama's Agenda," Los Angeles Times, 7/8/08)
· The New York Times' David Brooks Said For Barack Obama To Fund His Domestic Programs, He Will Have To Break His Pledge Not To Tax The Middle Class. "Both [Obama and Clinton] promised to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000 or $250,000 a year. They both just emasculated their domestic programs. Returning the rich to their Clinton-era tax rates will yield, at best, $40 billion a year in revenue. It's impossible to fund a health care plan, let alone anything else, with that kind of money. The consequences are clear: if elected they will have to break their pledge, and thus destroy their credibility, or run a minimalist administration." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "No Whining About The Media," The New York Times, 4/16/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #6: Under Barack Obama, We Will Achieve Energy Independence. OBAMA: "And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· The Detroit News: Barack Obama's Energy Plan Will "Do Nothing To Answer The Nation's Long-Term Needs." "The latest additions to Sen. Barack Obama's energy plan, outlined during an appearance in Lansing Monday, may win the Democratic presidential candidate some votes from disgruntled consumers in November, but they'll do nothing to answer the nation's long-term needs." (Editorial, "Obama's Energy Plan Is Fueled By Populism," The Detroit News, 8/5/08)
· The Washington Post Editorial: Barack Obama Offering Gimmicks On Energy. "When his presumptive Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), proposed a gas tax holiday as a way to reduce the high cost of driving, Mr. Obama showed political courage and intellectual honesty by refusing to sign on to that obvious gimmick. 'It's an idea to get them through an election,' Mr. Obama said. Now he has two such gimmicks of his own." (Editorial, "Tapping Tired Wells," The Washington Post, 8/6/08)
· Barack Obama Opposes Allowing States To Decide If They Want To Drill Offshore To Increase American Energy Independence. Obama: "The politics may have changed, but the facts haven't. The accuracy of Sen. McCain's original position has not changed: Offshore drilling would not lower gas prices today, it would not lower gas prices next year and it would not lower gas prices five years from now." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Press Availability, Jacksonville, FL, 6/20/08)
· Barack Obama Opposes Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families. Obama: "I think John McCain's proposal for a three month tax holiday is a bad idea." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)
· Barack Obama Called John McCain's $300 Million Prize For A Better Battery A "Gimmick." Obama: "In this campaign, John McCain is offering the same old gimmicks that will provide almost no short-term relief to folks who are struggling with high gas prices. Gimmicks that will only increase our addiction for another four years." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Las Vegas, NV, 6/24/08)
· Barack Obama Criticized Expanding Nuclear Power. Obama: "That might make sense in Washington, but it doesn't make sense for America. In fact, it makes about as much sense as his proposal to build 45 new nuclear reactors without a plan to store the waste some place other than, guess where? Right here in Nevada at Yucca Mountain." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Las Vegas, NV, 6/24/08)
· Barack Obama Is Proposing A Tax On Oil That Will Only Lead To Higher Prices At The Pump. "Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's proposal for a windfall profits tax on oil companies could cost $15 billion a year at last year's profit levels, a campaign adviser said." (Daniel Whitten, "Obama May Levy $15 Billion Tax On Oil Company Profit," Bloomberg News, 5/1/08)
· The Washington Post: Barack Obama's Tax On Oil Will Only Lead To "Higher Prices At The Pump." "But to add a five-year tax increase on top of that to pay for a one-year gift to voters would, indeed, increase the cost of doing business. That cost would be passed along in forgone investment in new production, lower dividends for pension funds and other shareholders, and higher prices at the pump -- thus socking it to the consumers whom the plan is supposed to help. If oil prices fall, there might be no windfall profits to tax. Then the Obama rebate would have to be paid for through spending cuts, taxes on something else or borrowing." (Editorial, "Tapping Tired Wells," The Washington Post, 8/6/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #7: Barack Obama Will Cut Taxes. OBAMA: "I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)
· FactCheck.org: The Budget Resolution Would Have Allowed Most Of The Provisions Of The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts To Expire, Effectively Raising Taxes On Those Making $41,500 In Total Income. "What Obama voted for was a budget resolution that would have allowed most of the provisions of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to expire. In particular, the resolution would allow the 25 percent tax bracket to return to its pre-2001 level of 28 percent. That bracket kicks in at $32,550 for an individual or $65,100 for a married couple. ... But as those of you who have filled out a 1040 know, that's not actually how income taxes work. We don't pay taxes on our total earnings; we pay them based on our 'taxable income.' The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center's Eric Toder told FactCheck.org that 'people with taxable income of $32,000 would have a total income greater than that.' In 2008, anyone filing taxes with single status would be entitled to a standar d deduction of $5,450, as well as a personal exemption of $3,500. So to have a taxable income high enough to reach the 25 percent bracket, an individual would need to earn at least $41,500 in total income, while a married couple would need a combined income of at least $83,000." ("The $32,000 Question," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 7/8/08)
· FactCheck.org: "Obama's Votes Indicate A Willingness To Raise Taxes." "Certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes." ("The $32,000 Question," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 7/8/08)
· Obama Campaign: Barack Obama Voted For A Budget Resolution That Wouldn't Have Increased Taxes For Any Taxpayers Making Less Than $41,500. ROSEN: "Campaign aides to Senator Obama today, called the charge that he voted for tax hikes on people making only $32,000 a year, quote, 'bogus.' They circulated an analysis stating that the resolution that Obama had voted for would not have increase taxes on single taxpayer making less than $41,500 a year in total income." (Fox News' "America's Election Headquarters," 7/30/08)
· The New York Times: Barack Obama's "Vote Was On A Budget Resolution To Raise Taxes On People Making $41,500 A Year." "FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan Web site, said the vote was on a budget resolution to raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year; the $32,000 figure, it said, was the amount of taxable income those people had." (Michael Cooper, "McCain Goes Negative, Worrying Some In GOP," The New York Times, 7/30/08)
John McCain for President
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
"Tonight, Americans witnessed a misleading speech that was so fundamentally at odds with the meager record of Barack Obama. When the temple comes down, the fireworks end, and the words are over, the facts remain: Senator Obama still has no record of bipartisanship, still opposes offshore drilling, still voted to raise taxes on those making just $42,000 per year, and still voted against funds for American troops in harm's way. The fact remains: Barack Obama is still not ready to be President."
BARACK OBAMA'S TOP MISLEADING CLAIMS
MISLEADING CLAIM #1: Barack Obama Can Bring Democrats And Republicans Together. OBAMA: "America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· NPR's Juan Williams: Barack Obama "Doesn't Have The Record" Of Bipartisanship That John McCain Has. NPR'S JUAN WILLIAMS: "You think about everything from campaign finance to immigration and on, and there's John McCain working across party lines. Senator Obama doesn't have a record. Now, he can make the claim and he can hold himself up as pure and trying to reach to a new generation of post partisan politics, but he has to do so largely based on rhetoric and wishful thinking because he doesn't have the record." (Fox News' "Special Report With Brit Hume," 5/7/08)
· Watch YouTube video.
· The Washington Post's Richard Cohen: "There Is Scant Evidence The Illinois Senator Takes Positions That Challenge His Base Or Otherwise Threaten Him Politically." "Obama might have a similar bottom line, core principles for which, in some sense, he is willing to die. If so, we don't know what they are. Nothing so far in his life approaches McCain's decision to refuse repatriation as a POW so as to deny his jailors a propaganda coup. In fact, there is scant evidence the Illinois senator takes positions that challenge his base or otherwise threaten him politically. That's why his reversal on campaign financing and his transparently false justification of it matter more than similar acts by McCain." (Richard Cohen, Op-Ed, "McCain's Core Advantage," The Washington Post, 6/24/08)
· Politico's Jonathan Martin: "He's pretty much a conventional liberal on the issues and has few examples of breaking with his own party, so how does Obama try to pull off being 'post-partisan?'" (Jonathan Martin, "Obama's Third Way: It's All In The Tone," Politico, 6/30/08)
· Rep. Dan Boren (D-OK): "His Record Does Not Reflect Working In A Bipartisan Fashion." "Boren, the lone Democrat in Oklahoma's congressional delegate, said that while Obama has talked about working with Republicans, 'unfortunately, his record does not reflect working in a bipartisan fashion.'" (Tim Talley, "Okla. Dem Calls Obama Liberal, Declines To Endorse," The Associated Press, 6/10/08)
· "The Record Shows Obama To Be A Fairly Doctrinaire Liberal Democrat ..." (Editorial, "Obama's Rhetoric Soars, But What Does His Record Suggest?" USA Today, 1/28/08)
· In 2007, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 3/3/08)
· In 2006, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 96 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 1/27/08)
· In 2005, Obama Voted With The Democrat Party 97 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Website, www.cq.com, Accessed 1/27/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #2: Barack Obama Will Ensure That Our Troops On The Ground Have "The Equipment They Need In Battle." OBAMA: "As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Voted Against Providing $94.4 Billion In Critical Funding For The Troops In Iraq And Afghanistan. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14: R 42-3; D 37-10; I 1-1, 5/24/07, Obama Voted Nay)
MISLEADING CLAIM #3: Barack Obama Has Not Supported The President. OBAMA: "These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush. ... But the record's clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than ninety percent of the time? I don't know about you, but I'm not ready to take a ten percent chance on change." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Says He Voted With President Bush "For The Most Part." REPORTER: "For a couple of days, they've been saying you voted to raise taxes something like 94 times. That seems to be the drumbeat that's going to happen during this campaign. Are you going to raise taxes in a big way for average Americans?" OBAMA: "I mean this is the standard fare of politics. And the truth of the matter is that the only bills that I voted for, for the most part, since I've been in the Senate were introduced by Republicans with George Bush. You know, they were the majority for a big chunk of the time I was there." (KMOV [St. Louis, MO], 6/10/08)
· Watch Barack Obama's KMOV Interview
· The New York Times' David Brooks: Democrats Saying McCain Represents The Third Bush Term Are "Just Factually Inaccurate." "Finally, the Obama people are too convinced that they can define McCain as Bush III. The case is just factually inaccurate. McCain will be able to pull out dozens of instances, from torture to global warming to spending, in which he broke with his party, as Rush Limbaugh will tell you." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "Calling Dr. Doom," The New York Times, 6/3/08)
Newsweek's Michael Hirsh: "As We Now Know Nearly Four Years Later, McCain Was Dead On In His Analysis Of What Went Wrong In Iraq." "In early November 2003, at a time when Fred Dalton Thompson was playing a tough D.A. on 'Law and Order,' John McCain was cross-examining Donald Rumsfeld for real on Capitol Hill. It was still very early into the U.S. occupation of Iraq, but the as-yet-unacknowledged (by Rummy, that is) insurgency was already out of control. Alone among his fellow GOP senators, McCain blasted Rumsfeld for not putting enough U.S. troops on the ground, and for resorting too soon to 'Iraqification' -- that is, transferring security to ill-prepared Iraqi forces. In an extraordinarily blunt speech at the Council on Foreign Relations that grim autumn, McCain warned that ultimately Iraq could become another Vietnam 'if we lose popular support in the United States.' The next day, the secretary of Defense asked McCain to breakfast. 'I read y our speech,' harrumphed Rumsfeld (that 'must have been an enjoyable experience for him,' McCain later joked to me). Then Rummy patiently explained to his fellow Republican why he and his top civilian brass (Paul Wolfowitz, Doug Feith and the usual crowd of incompetents) would continue to do things the same way. They 'believed there was no need for additional troops,' McCain later related. McCain had already realized that Rumsfeld was a lost cause. The real question, the senator suggested to me back then, was whether George W. Bush himself would push Rummy to make changes. 'I'd like to see the president fully engaged,' McCain said. Bush needed to be on top of 'more details of what's going on.' As we now know nearly four years later, McCain was dead on in his analysis of what went wrong in Iraq. Right down to the need for Bush to get engaged and fire Rumsfeld. McCain was so right that, among military experts today, the emerging conventional wisdom about Bush's current 'surg e' is that if it had occurred back then -- when McCain wanted it and the political will existed in this country to support it for the necessary number of years -- it might well have succeeded." (Michael Hirsh, "Why McCain's Collapse Matters," Newsweek, 7/26/07)
· John McCain Voted Against The 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Bill. (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #152: Motion Agreed To 92-4: R 53-1; D 38-3; I 1-0, 6/23/05, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #158: Passed 85-12: R 49-5; D 35-7; I 1-0, 6/28/05, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #213: Adopted 74-26: R 49-6; D 25-19; I 0-1, 7/29/05, McCain Voted Nay)
· John McCain Is "Widely Acknowledged To Have Charted A Course Independent Of Bush" On Climate Change. "On global warming, McCain is widely acknowledged to have charted a course independent of Bush. Immediately after the 2004 election, in which he stumped for Bush's re-election, he sharply distanced himself from Bush on climate change, calling the administration's stance 'terribly disappointing.' McCain had co-sponsored a bill with Sen. Joe Lieberman to curb greenhouse gases in 2003. Bush had opposed any such move, citing possible harm to the economy and doubts over global warming." (William March, "McCain Bucks Ties To Bush," The Tampa Tribune, 6/11/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #4: John McCain Believes We've Made "Great Progress" And Families Aren't Hurting. OBAMA: "He said that our economy has made 'great progress' under this President. He said that the fundamentals of the e conomy are strong." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· FactCheck.org: Obama Use Of Quote Is "Misleading" And "Distorts" John McCain's Words. "The second and third quotes the Obama campaign uses from McCain are more misleading. The ad shows McCain saying: '[T]here's been great progress economically.' The quote comes from an interview McCain did with Peter Cook at Bloomberg Television in April. ... McCain was making a case for what he believed were positive economic developments during Bush's time in office. However, the fuller quote shows McCain was saying that whatever progress had been made, it wouldn't be enough to comfort families 'facing these tremendous economic challenges.' His comments overall are pessimistic; he cites 'challenging times' and 'enormous difficulties.' The Obama campaign distorts his views by using just a snippet of his remarks." (D'Angelo Gore, "Distorting McCain's Remarks," FactCheck.org, 8/19/08)
· In The Full Question And Answer Cited By Barack Obama, John McCain Clearly Said That We Are In "Tough Times" And Families Are Facing "Tremendous Economic Challenges." Bloomberg's Peter Cook: "I'm going to ask you a version of the Ronald Reagan question. You think if Americans were asked, are you better off today than you were before George Bush took office more than seven years ago, what answer would they give?" McCain: "Certainly, in this time, we are in very challenging times. We all recognize that. Families are sitting around the kitchen table this evening and figuring out whether they're going to be able to keep their home or not. They're figuring out whether they're -- why it is that suddenly and recently someone in their family or their neighbor has lost their job. There's no doubt that we are in enormous difficulties. "I think if you look at the overall record and millions of jobs have been created, et cetera, et cetera, yo u could make an argument that there's been great progress economically over that period of time. But that's no comfort. That's no comfort to families now that are facing these tremendous economic challenges. But let me just add, Peter, the fundamentals of America's economy are strong. We're the greatest exporter, the greatest importer, the greatest innovator, the greatest producer, still the greatest economic engine in the world. And, by the way, exports and free trade are a key element in economic recovery. But these are tough times, tough times, and nobody knows that more than American families including in small towns of Pennsylvania. They haven't lost their fundamental religious beliefs, their respect for the Constitution, their right to bear arms. They are still -- keep America as a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world." (John McCain, Interview With Bloomberg TV, 4/17/08)
· Watch Video Of Obama Economic Attack Compared To John McCain's Full Response.
· ABC News: Barack Obama Proved "He Knows How To Twist With The Best Of Them" When He Cited The McCain Quote. "Although Obama gets substantial mileage out of running against politics as usual, he provided a reminder on Friday that he knows how to twist with the best of them. Speaking in Erie, Pa., Obama charged: 'John McCain went on television and said that there has "been great progress economically" over the last seven and a half years.' Obama did not tell his audience, however, that McCain's Thursday reference to economic progress was quickly followed by him adding that such progress is 'no comfort' to struggling families." (Teddy Davis And Talal Al-Khatib, "Obama Twists McCain On Economy," ABC News, 4/18/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #5: Barack Obama Will Pay For His Massive Spending Increase. OBAMA: "Now, many of these plans will cost money, which is why I've laid out how I'll pay for every dime -- by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don't help America grow. But I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less -- because we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama: "I Do Not Make A Promise That We Can Reduce [The Budget Deficit] By 2013." "'I do not make a promise that we can reduce it by 2013 because I think it is important for us to make some critical investments right now in America's families,' Obama told reporters this week when asked if he'd match McCain's pledge." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
· Chicago Tribune: Barack Obama Has "No Interest In Eliminating Deficit Spending." "Since winning the nomination, Obama reportedly has been moving toward the middle of the political spectrum. But on the budget, he still sounds left of center, with no interest in eliminating deficit spending." (Editorial, "Failure Of Nerve," Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)
· The Associated Press: Barack Obama Not "Even Trying" To Balance The Budget And "Frankly Says He's Not Sure He'd Bring It Down At All In Four Years." "Barack Obama says John McCain's plan to balance the budget doesn't add up. Easy for him to say: It's not a goal he's even trying to reach. Not only does Obama say he won't eliminate the deficit in his first term, as McCain aims to do, he frankly says he's not sure he'd bring it down at all in four years, considering his own spending plans." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
· The National Journal's John Maggs: "[Obama] Has Rhetorically Committed To A 'Pay-As-You-Go' Approach By Offsetting New Spending And Tax Cuts With New Taxes Or Spending Cuts, But His Proposals Do Not Come Close To Meeting This Standard." (John Maggs, "Obama On The Economy," The National Journal, 5/31/08)
· Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama "Has Not Identified New Revenue Sources Or Spending Cuts To Pay For Some Of" His Proposals. "The Obama campaign responds that tax cuts, once enacted, are usually renewed and do not expire. Therefore, they say, Obama can legitimately claim to be recouping money for other purposes by scaling back the tax cuts. Obama has not identified new revenue sources or spending cuts to pay for some of what he wants to do." (Peter Nicholas, "Adding Up The Cost Of Obama's Agenda," Los Angeles Times, 7/8/08)
· The New York Times' David Brooks Said For Barack Obama To Fund His Domestic Programs, He Will Have To Break His Pledge Not To Tax The Middle Class. "Both [Obama and Clinton] promised to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000 or $250,000 a year. They both just emasculated their domestic programs. Returning the rich to their Clinton-era tax rates will yield, at best, $40 billion a year in revenue. It's impossible to fund a health care plan, let alone anything else, with that kind of money. The consequences are clear: if elected they will have to break their pledge, and thus destroy their credibility, or run a minimalist administration." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "No Whining About The Media," The New York Times, 4/16/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #6: Under Barack Obama, We Will Achieve Energy Independence. OBAMA: "And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· The Detroit News: Barack Obama's Energy Plan Will "Do Nothing To Answer The Nation's Long-Term Needs." "The latest additions to Sen. Barack Obama's energy plan, outlined during an appearance in Lansing Monday, may win the Democratic presidential candidate some votes from disgruntled consumers in November, but they'll do nothing to answer the nation's long-term needs." (Editorial, "Obama's Energy Plan Is Fueled By Populism," The Detroit News, 8/5/08)
· The Washington Post Editorial: Barack Obama Offering Gimmicks On Energy. "When his presumptive Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), proposed a gas tax holiday as a way to reduce the high cost of driving, Mr. Obama showed political courage and intellectual honesty by refusing to sign on to that obvious gimmick. 'It's an idea to get them through an election,' Mr. Obama said. Now he has two such gimmicks of his own." (Editorial, "Tapping Tired Wells," The Washington Post, 8/6/08)
· Barack Obama Opposes Allowing States To Decide If They Want To Drill Offshore To Increase American Energy Independence. Obama: "The politics may have changed, but the facts haven't. The accuracy of Sen. McCain's original position has not changed: Offshore drilling would not lower gas prices today, it would not lower gas prices next year and it would not lower gas prices five years from now." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Press Availability, Jacksonville, FL, 6/20/08)
· Barack Obama Opposes Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families. Obama: "I think John McCain's proposal for a three month tax holiday is a bad idea." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)
· Barack Obama Called John McCain's $300 Million Prize For A Better Battery A "Gimmick." Obama: "In this campaign, John McCain is offering the same old gimmicks that will provide almost no short-term relief to folks who are struggling with high gas prices. Gimmicks that will only increase our addiction for another four years." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Las Vegas, NV, 6/24/08)
· Barack Obama Criticized Expanding Nuclear Power. Obama: "That might make sense in Washington, but it doesn't make sense for America. In fact, it makes about as much sense as his proposal to build 45 new nuclear reactors without a plan to store the waste some place other than, guess where? Right here in Nevada at Yucca Mountain." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Las Vegas, NV, 6/24/08)
· Barack Obama Is Proposing A Tax On Oil That Will Only Lead To Higher Prices At The Pump. "Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's proposal for a windfall profits tax on oil companies could cost $15 billion a year at last year's profit levels, a campaign adviser said." (Daniel Whitten, "Obama May Levy $15 Billion Tax On Oil Company Profit," Bloomberg News, 5/1/08)
· The Washington Post: Barack Obama's Tax On Oil Will Only Lead To "Higher Prices At The Pump." "But to add a five-year tax increase on top of that to pay for a one-year gift to voters would, indeed, increase the cost of doing business. That cost would be passed along in forgone investment in new production, lower dividends for pension funds and other shareholders, and higher prices at the pump -- thus socking it to the consumers whom the plan is supposed to help. If oil prices fall, there might be no windfall profits to tax. Then the Obama rebate would have to be paid for through spending cuts, taxes on something else or borrowing." (Editorial, "Tapping Tired Wells," The Washington Post, 8/6/08)
MISLEADING CLAIM #7: Barack Obama Will Cut Taxes. OBAMA: "I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Denver, CO, 8/28/08)
· Barack Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)
· FactCheck.org: The Budget Resolution Would Have Allowed Most Of The Provisions Of The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts To Expire, Effectively Raising Taxes On Those Making $41,500 In Total Income. "What Obama voted for was a budget resolution that would have allowed most of the provisions of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to expire. In particular, the resolution would allow the 25 percent tax bracket to return to its pre-2001 level of 28 percent. That bracket kicks in at $32,550 for an individual or $65,100 for a married couple. ... But as those of you who have filled out a 1040 know, that's not actually how income taxes work. We don't pay taxes on our total earnings; we pay them based on our 'taxable income.' The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center's Eric Toder told FactCheck.org that 'people with taxable income of $32,000 would have a total income greater than that.' In 2008, anyone filing taxes with single status would be entitled to a standar d deduction of $5,450, as well as a personal exemption of $3,500. So to have a taxable income high enough to reach the 25 percent bracket, an individual would need to earn at least $41,500 in total income, while a married couple would need a combined income of at least $83,000." ("The $32,000 Question," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 7/8/08)
· FactCheck.org: "Obama's Votes Indicate A Willingness To Raise Taxes." "Certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes." ("The $32,000 Question," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 7/8/08)
· Obama Campaign: Barack Obama Voted For A Budget Resolution That Wouldn't Have Increased Taxes For Any Taxpayers Making Less Than $41,500. ROSEN: "Campaign aides to Senator Obama today, called the charge that he voted for tax hikes on people making only $32,000 a year, quote, 'bogus.' They circulated an analysis stating that the resolution that Obama had voted for would not have increase taxes on single taxpayer making less than $41,500 a year in total income." (Fox News' "America's Election Headquarters," 7/30/08)
· The New York Times: Barack Obama's "Vote Was On A Budget Resolution To Raise Taxes On People Making $41,500 A Year." "FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan Web site, said the vote was on a budget resolution to raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year; the $32,000 figure, it said, was the amount of taxable income those people had." (Michael Cooper, "McCain Goes Negative, Worrying Some In GOP," The New York Times, 7/30/08)
John McCain for President
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Mackenzie: Biden selection may help McCain
Ross Mackenzie's latest column for Townhall.com suggests that Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden as his running mate may actually help John McCain.
Mr. Mackenzie, my all-time favorite newspaper guy who was editor of my hometown Richmond Times-Dispatch for years until his retirement in 2007, has been a John McCain supporter for a long time. In following the Joe Biden selection, he has made some spot-on observations:
Ross Mackenzie lives with his wife and Labrador retriever in the woods west of Richmond, Virginia. They have two grown sons, both Naval officers.
John McCain for President
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Mr. Mackenzie, my all-time favorite newspaper guy who was editor of my hometown Richmond Times-Dispatch for years until his retirement in 2007, has been a John McCain supporter for a long time. In following the Joe Biden selection, he has made some spot-on observations:
Last year the National Journal, a moderately liberal enterprise, named Barack Obama the Senate’s No. 1 leftie senator, Ted Kennedy No. 2, and Biden No. 3. ...Ouch. Read the rest of his column for continued insight into Joe Biden. He closes with this:
... so much for Obama’s “change” and “outsider” mantras. Biden is the paradigmatic Washington insider — a practitioner of the same ol’ inside-the-Beltway same-ol’. What’s more, he exudes an engaging cluelessness. He comes right out of central casting as perhaps the worst possible national candidate for anything.
It’s a head-shaker. Think about it. The Obama-Biden ticket consists of Tweedledum and Tweedledee Senate liberals straining to depict John McCain as but a clone of President Bush. That only can help McCain make the (winning) case that this campaign is not principally about George Bush — whose name of course will be absent from the November ballot — but Barack Obama.---
Ross Mackenzie lives with his wife and Labrador retriever in the woods west of Richmond, Virginia. They have two grown sons, both Naval officers.
John McCain for President
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
NewsMax to be at Republican National Convention
NewsMax will be at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. In a press release today, they announced plans for video coverage, news feeds, and more. This is an exciting addition to the conservative news lineup.
Here is the press release:
Here is the press release:
NEWSMAX ANNOUNCES COVERAGE PLANS FOR REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTIONCross-posted at SWAC Girl
Ronald Kessler and Stewart Stogel to report live from Minneapolis-St. Paul
Newsmax Media (www.newsmax.com), a leading independent online news site and magazine, is covering the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul next week. Chief Washington Correspondent Ronald Kessler and writer Stewart Stogel will be reporting live from the event, featuring interviews and analysis with top newsmakers, opinion makers and bloggers.
Newsmax’s coverage plans for the Republican National Convention, taking place September 1-4, include; convention video and daily election news feed, breaking updates both online and in Newsmax’s election email newsletters, and live blogging coverage highlighting the major events of the convention.
"In this historic political year, we will be bringing our unique independent perspective and analysis to the convention," said Christopher Ruddy, CEO and editor in chief of Newsmax. "Our goal is to bring both conservative and alternative news perspective to our audience of more than 5 million readers, through Newsmax.com, our email news alerts magazine and through several online newsletters."
In addition, Newsmax’s September cover story “The Influencers” features the Top 25 inside players, power brokers and dealmakers for the Republicans. The list classifies the top Republicans under several categories:
· The “Insiders & Strategists”—the movers and shakers who help formulate the policies that the president and Congress are seeking to implement including Newt Gingrich, William Kristol and Mark Salter
· The “Money Makers” who are the wealthy Brahmins of the party who back not only candidates, but political causes and think tanks in an effort to shape the public debate, featuring Sheldon Anderson, Mercer Reynolds and Bill Simon
· The “Political Activists” who reach out to millions in the grassroots, helping to frame public opinion and win elections, highlighting Tom DeLay, Richard Land and Paul Weyrich
About Newsmax Media
Newsmax (www.newsmax.com) is an independent online news site and magazine in the U.S. offering conservative and independent perspective. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Newsmax is a one-stop shop to find out the latest breaking news and information on political, financial and health news in print, online and in email newsletters.
John McCain's TV ad features Joe Biden
The John McCain for President campaign quickly released a TV ad after the announcement that Joe Biden was the VP pick for Barack Obama.
The title? "Biden."
The point? While still a presidential candidate earlier this year, Biden questioned Obama's lack of experience while saying he would be "honored" to run with John McCain.
Here is the script for "Biden" which runs 30 seconds....
1) Joe Biden Said Obama Is Not Ready To Serve As President. ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "You were asked is he ready. You said 'I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training.'" Sen. Biden: "I think that I stand by the statement." (ABC's, "This Week," 8/19/07)
2) Joe Biden Said He'd Be Honored To Run With McCain. Comedy Central's Jon Stewart: "You may end up going against a Senate colleague, perhaps McCain, perhaps Frist?" Sen. Biden: "John McCain is a personal friend, a great friend, and I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off -- be well off no matter who..." Stewart: "Did I hear, Did I hear with?" Sen. Biden: "You know, John McCain and I think" Stewart: "Don't become cottage cheese my friend. Say it." Sen. Biden: "The answer is yes." (Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" 8/2/05)
John McCain for President 2008
The title? "Biden."
The point? While still a presidential candidate earlier this year, Biden questioned Obama's lack of experience while saying he would be "honored" to run with John McCain.
Here is the script for "Biden" which runs 30 seconds....
ANNOUNCER: What does Barack Obama's running mate say about Barack Obama?Resources:
ABC'S GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: You were asked, "Is he ready?" You said, "I think he can be ready but right now, I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."
JOE BIDEN: I think that I stand by the statement.
ANNOUNCER: And what does he say about John McCain?
BIDEN: I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off.
JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.
1) Joe Biden Said Obama Is Not Ready To Serve As President. ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "You were asked is he ready. You said 'I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training.'" Sen. Biden: "I think that I stand by the statement." (ABC's, "This Week," 8/19/07)
2) Joe Biden Said He'd Be Honored To Run With McCain. Comedy Central's Jon Stewart: "You may end up going against a Senate colleague, perhaps McCain, perhaps Frist?" Sen. Biden: "John McCain is a personal friend, a great friend, and I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off -- be well off no matter who..." Stewart: "Did I hear, Did I hear with?" Sen. Biden: "You know, John McCain and I think" Stewart: "Don't become cottage cheese my friend. Say it." Sen. Biden: "The answer is yes." (Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" 8/2/05)
John McCain for President 2008
Secret Life of Senator Infanticide from American Power Blog
Donald Douglas over at the American Power Blog in the California political blogosphere has written a great piece about Barack Obama's lack of truthfulness and his sidestepping questions. These issues are beginning to seep to the surface as the campaign season continues and as he is asked the harder questions by conservatives. Not the media, mind you -- but conservatives ... radio talk show hosts, Fox News, and others who want to pin down the truth.
In Secret Life of Senator Infanticide, Donald writes:
What's shameful is the media's protective cocoon that's enabled this perfidy. As Michael Barone asks, "Why Won't the Mainstream Media Question the Obama Narrative?"
The answer? "Obama's Secret Weapon: The Media." Be sure to read the entire post over at the American Power Blog.
John McCain for President 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
In Secret Life of Senator Infanticide, Donald writes:
What's become clear this week is that Barack Obama is an inveterate liar. He's not told the truth about his past positions on abortion (his "life lies," in David Freddosso's words), and he's also not been forthcoming on his ties to fugitive terrorist William Ayers and his leadership of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge.Absolutely, and as we're seeing, it's not just abortion: From Trinity United Lutheran Church to the Richard J. Daley Library at University of Illinois at Chicago to the pattern of secrecy surrounding every move of his presidential campaign, Barack Obama is engaged in a deep program of deception, dishonesty, obfuscation, and prevarication.
But that's not all!
We've learned today that Obama published a brief research note in the Harvard Law Review which outlined his early pro-choice jurisprudence. What's most striking about this is not so much Obama's views, but that he's specifically claimed not to have authored any research during his law school tenure at Harvard University. As Ann Althouse rightly notes:
What is odd is that up until now, we'd been led to think that Obama, despite his stature as president of the Harvard Law Review, had never written anything. Once Politico tracked down the article, the campaign acknowledged that Obama had written it. But why the urge to suppress it? Obama took knocks for his supposed failure to produce any legal scholarship. It seems that abortion is just not something he wants to have to talk about.
What's shameful is the media's protective cocoon that's enabled this perfidy. As Michael Barone asks, "Why Won't the Mainstream Media Question the Obama Narrative?"
The answer? "Obama's Secret Weapon: The Media." Be sure to read the entire post over at the American Power Blog.
John McCain for President 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Bob Goodlatte's Winning Weekend in 6th District
Join 6th District Republications District-wide as they get out to win for Congressman Bob Goodlatte. Grand Opening of Goodlatte HQs in Verona will be held tomorrow, Saturday, August 23, at 11:00 a.m. All weekend grassroots volunteers will be fanning out to knock on doors and talk with their neighbors about the GOP ticket.
Here is a message from Bob Goodlatte:
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Here is a message from Bob Goodlatte:
Friends,See you this weekend!
This weekend will be a busy time for our campaign.
Tomorrow at 11am we will be holding the Grand Opening of my Shenandoah Valley Re-Election campaign office. The new HQ is located at 465 Lee Highway, Verona Virginia. It is about one mile north of the Augusta County Government Center on Route 11 in the RiteAid and Verona Post Office Shopping Center. To get directions, click here. I hope you will stop by to pick up yard signs, bumper stickers, and other materials for all of our Republican candidates.
Additionally, we will be holding our first Winning Weekend event of the campaign. Today, tomorrow, and Sunday volunteers will be contacting voters in every City and County in the Sixth District to talk about the important issues facing our nation today like energy independence, fiscal responsibility, immigration reform, and strengthening our economy.
Please consider coming out to volunteer at the event in your area. For more information, see the list of events below or click here to go to my website.
Sincerely,
Bob Goodlatte
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
2008 GOP National Convention: "Country First" ... line-up and speakers
"Country First": 2008 Republican National Convention to Highlight Service, Reform, Prosperity and Peace SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The 2008 Republican National Convention today announced the themes and preliminary lineup of speakers for the program of events that will run Sept. 1-4. The convention’s overall theme, "Country First," reflects John McCain’s remarkable record of leadership and service to America. Each day of proceedings will center on a touchstone theme that has defined John McCain’s life and will be central to his vision for leading our nation forward as president.
"Our convention will showcase a cross-section of leaders who will highlight John McCain’s long commitment to putting our country first -- before self-interest or politics," said McCain 2008 Communications Director Jill Hazelbaker. "The speakers will address John McCain’s unmatched record of service and sacrifice for America, and his vision for moving our nation forward to keep us safe and get our economy back on track."
The roster of speakers announced today includes John McCain, Mrs. Cindy McCain, 10 current and former Republican governors, five current and former U.S. Senators and two well-respected businesswomen. Their remarks will echo the themes that have been selected for each of the convention’s four days: service, reform, prosperity and peace.
"We are excited to announce this slate of speakers, each of whom shares John McCain’s love of country and commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest. Their remarks will be a testament to Senator McCain’s unparalleled record of service and sacrifice for America and his readiness to lead as commander in chief and move America forward," said Maria Cino, president and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention.
The program of events is as follows:
Monday, Sept. 1 - Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
Vice President Richard B. Cheney
First Lady Laura Bush
President George W. Bush
Tuesday, Sept. 2 - Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)
Wednesday, Sept. 3 - Prosperity
"America’s best days are still to come."
--Sen. John McCain
The American story is one of perseverance. Even in the face of tough times, the ingenuity and spirit of the American people has ushered in a new era of prosperity. Wednesday’s program will focus on John McCain’s plans to get our economy back on track and continue our long tradition of meeting the challenges we face and using our prosperity to help others. The day will conclude with an address by the vice presidential nominee.
Speakers will include:
U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (Minn.)
Meg Whitman, National Co-Chair for McCain 2008 and former President and CEO of eBay
Carly Fiorina, Victory ‘08 Chairman for the Republican National Committee and former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Co.
Former Gov. Mitt Romney (Mass.)
Mrs. Cindy McCain
Gov. Bobby Jindal (La.)
Republican Party’s Vice Presidential Nominee
Thursday, Sept. 4 - Peace
"Our next president will have a mandate to build an enduring global peace on the foundations of freedom, security, opportunity, prosperity, and hope."--Sen. John McCain
John McCain understands the challenges that America faces in the world and the sacrifice necessary to defend our freedom in a way that few others can fathom. Thursday’s events will reflect his vision of an America in pursuit of peace and seen as a beacon of goodwill and hope throughout the world. The evening will close with John McCain accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for the Presidency of the United States.
Speakers will include:
Gov. Tim Pawlenty (Minn.)
Gov. Charlie Crist (Fla.)
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)
John McCain
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Mark Obenshain: "Kaine's Breathtaking Budget Errors"
By Sen. Mark Obenshain
(R-26th Senate District)
Over the past several weeks it has become apparent that the budget just adopted in March will need to be cut by upwards of $1.4 billion. That will result in less state money for schools, higher college tuition and reduced funding for virtually every government service.
Today Governor Kaine appeared before the money committees of the General Assembly to explain his administration's breathtaking forecasting errors. The Governor's explanation demonstrated that he has a firm grasp of the obvious. He told the Committees that "Virginia's economy is slowing." The problem is not the Governor's message. It is his timing.
When Gov. Kaine unveiled the 2008 "caboose budget" and 2009-2010 biennial budget on December 17, 2007, the economic slowdown was already well underway. The so-called "caboose budget" the governor proposed was designed to cover a $641 million shortfall for 2008 - an indication, one would think, of trouble on the horizon.
It wouldn't have taken an expert to determine which way the fiscal winds were blowing in the waning days of 2007. Profligate spending, unfortunately, was the order of the day, and the attempts my Republican colleagues and I made to inject a dose of fiscal sanity into the budget process were dismissed out of hand. Reality and new spending programs were at odds, and the Governor decided that reality would simply have to give way.
Consider the Governor's comments today:
"Sales tax collections, which would now have to grow at 4.9 percent to make the fiscal year 2009 forecast, grew at an average rate of only 0.8 percent in the last four months of the fiscal year. Likewise, income tax withholding, which would now have to grow at 6.4 percent to make the 2009 forecast grew at an average rate of only 1.6 percent in the same four month period."
Let that sink in. A mere eight months ago, Gov. Kaine stood before the very same committees he addressed today and predicted 6.4% growth in income tax withholding receipts.
To quote the governor again: "As anyone reading newspaper headlines knows, the effects of the ongoing housing downturn and turmoil in financial markets continue to be a drag on economic growth." The Governor, of course, is right; however, he would have been well advised to have started reading the newspaper headlines a little earlier. The Housing Market Index was down almost 50% on the year when Governor Kaine unveiled his budget in December of 2007. Reasonable people might ask how he could have possibly missed that. Did he dismiss it as a blip? Did the Governor stake Virginia's economy on some wildly optimistic expectation of a massive rebound?
Back in mid-January, while the General Assembly was considering the Governor's budget, my colleague, Sen. William Wampler, warned that the economy was slowing and observed that "it's a lot easier to avoid making new spending commitments than it is to cut spending after the fact," a lesson Gov. Kaine is just now learning. Even before that, Sen. Walter Stosch wrote an open letter to the Governor noting that since the budget is built on assumed revenues for the forthcoming biennium, "we can easily over-commit in the budget and build expectations we cannot meet if we fail to estimate revenues conservatively." The Governor and his Secretary of Finance, Jody Wagner, refused to listen.
More to the point, when the Governor presents revenue forecasts put together by his Secretary of Finance, we need to be able to rely on those projections as an unbiased and factually-based estimate. Instead, however, the numbers were merely a ploy to push new expenditures our Commonwealth can ill afford.
The Governor's confidants have made no secret of their boss's vice presidential ambitions, and perhaps Kaine is, indeed, precisely the man Sen. Obama has been seeking. After all, it takes a lot of audacity to submit a budget predicated on the economic numbers you only wish you had. If that's "the audacity of hope," Virginians should want nothing to do with it.
I believe in doing things a different way. I believe in being upfront with the hard-working taxpayers of Virginia, and in putting together a budget that reflects fiscal realities - even one that requires tough choices. With all due respect to the Governor and his ambitions for higher office, that would be change we can believe in.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
(R-26th Senate District)
Over the past several weeks it has become apparent that the budget just adopted in March will need to be cut by upwards of $1.4 billion. That will result in less state money for schools, higher college tuition and reduced funding for virtually every government service.
Today Governor Kaine appeared before the money committees of the General Assembly to explain his administration's breathtaking forecasting errors. The Governor's explanation demonstrated that he has a firm grasp of the obvious. He told the Committees that "Virginia's economy is slowing." The problem is not the Governor's message. It is his timing.
When Gov. Kaine unveiled the 2008 "caboose budget" and 2009-2010 biennial budget on December 17, 2007, the economic slowdown was already well underway. The so-called "caboose budget" the governor proposed was designed to cover a $641 million shortfall for 2008 - an indication, one would think, of trouble on the horizon.
It wouldn't have taken an expert to determine which way the fiscal winds were blowing in the waning days of 2007. Profligate spending, unfortunately, was the order of the day, and the attempts my Republican colleagues and I made to inject a dose of fiscal sanity into the budget process were dismissed out of hand. Reality and new spending programs were at odds, and the Governor decided that reality would simply have to give way.
Consider the Governor's comments today:
"Sales tax collections, which would now have to grow at 4.9 percent to make the fiscal year 2009 forecast, grew at an average rate of only 0.8 percent in the last four months of the fiscal year. Likewise, income tax withholding, which would now have to grow at 6.4 percent to make the 2009 forecast grew at an average rate of only 1.6 percent in the same four month period."
Let that sink in. A mere eight months ago, Gov. Kaine stood before the very same committees he addressed today and predicted 6.4% growth in income tax withholding receipts.
To quote the governor again: "As anyone reading newspaper headlines knows, the effects of the ongoing housing downturn and turmoil in financial markets continue to be a drag on economic growth." The Governor, of course, is right; however, he would have been well advised to have started reading the newspaper headlines a little earlier. The Housing Market Index was down almost 50% on the year when Governor Kaine unveiled his budget in December of 2007. Reasonable people might ask how he could have possibly missed that. Did he dismiss it as a blip? Did the Governor stake Virginia's economy on some wildly optimistic expectation of a massive rebound?
Back in mid-January, while the General Assembly was considering the Governor's budget, my colleague, Sen. William Wampler, warned that the economy was slowing and observed that "it's a lot easier to avoid making new spending commitments than it is to cut spending after the fact," a lesson Gov. Kaine is just now learning. Even before that, Sen. Walter Stosch wrote an open letter to the Governor noting that since the budget is built on assumed revenues for the forthcoming biennium, "we can easily over-commit in the budget and build expectations we cannot meet if we fail to estimate revenues conservatively." The Governor and his Secretary of Finance, Jody Wagner, refused to listen.
More to the point, when the Governor presents revenue forecasts put together by his Secretary of Finance, we need to be able to rely on those projections as an unbiased and factually-based estimate. Instead, however, the numbers were merely a ploy to push new expenditures our Commonwealth can ill afford.
The Governor's confidants have made no secret of their boss's vice presidential ambitions, and perhaps Kaine is, indeed, precisely the man Sen. Obama has been seeking. After all, it takes a lot of audacity to submit a budget predicated on the economic numbers you only wish you had. If that's "the audacity of hope," Virginians should want nothing to do with it.
I believe in doing things a different way. I believe in being upfront with the hard-working taxpayers of Virginia, and in putting together a budget that reflects fiscal realities - even one that requires tough choices. With all due respect to the Governor and his ambitions for higher office, that would be change we can believe in.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
John McCain raised $27 million in July
The John McCain for President campaign raised a record-breaking $27 million in July. So what does he plan to do with the money?
As reported by the Washington Times:
Stay tuned for two of the most exciting weeks coming up for political junkies....
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
As reported by the Washington Times:
Sen. John McCain has so much spare cash on hand — he collected a record $27 million in July — that the Republican candidate plans to run campaign ads during the networks' coverage of the Democratic National Convention later this month.With the Democrat Convention the last week in August and the Republican Convention the first week in September, any bounce Democrat Barack Obama receives will be overshadowed by the Republicans in Saint Paul.
Because Mr. McCain has agreed to accept $84 million in public financing for the general election, the presumptive presidential nominee has only until Sept. 4, when he accepts his party's nomination, to spend the more than $21 million he has on hand.
Stay tuned for two of the most exciting weeks coming up for political junkies....
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Georgia was a test ... and only McCain passed
The military conflict between Georgia and Russia was a test. John McCain passed. Barack Obama flunked.
With years of military experience, John McCain saw the invasion for what it was:
McCain's reported response was, "I looked into Mr. Putin's eyes, and I saw three things: a K and a G and a B."
The Post editorial concluded:
John McCain for President.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
With years of military experience, John McCain saw the invasion for what it was:
... McCain immediately understood that the real issue wasn't just a Georgian territory violation, but Vladimir Putin's premeditated effort to let Eastern Europe know that Russia intends thoroughly to dominate what it terms its "near abroad."Barack Obama's reaction to the Georgia-Russia clash? More from today's New York Post editorial:
And, belligerently, to let the world know that Moscow again considers itself a player on the global stage.
"World history is often made in remote, obscure countries," McCain said. "It is being made in Georgia today."
Translation: Small regional clashes can have ominous wider implications.
In his first public reaction, Obama merely called on "Georgia and Russia to show restraint" - a reflexive exercise in what Sen. Joe Lieberman rightly labeled "moral neutrality."During the famous visit by Putin to the Crawford ranch, President George W. Bush, trying to reach out and perhaps playing the game himself, said he looked into Putin's soul and saw someone straightforward and trustworthy.
Then Obama called for a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia - apparently unaware that Moscow, a permanent Security Council member, can veto any such resolution.
...
Obama's initial reaction was that only Georgia's territorial sovereignty was at stake - and that the way to resolve that issue was to negotiate.
McCain's reported response was, "I looked into Mr. Putin's eyes, and I saw three things: a K and a G and a B."
The Post editorial concluded:
The crisis in Georgia was the first real election-season test for the two men who seek to become commander-in-chief.I'm voting for a President who understands world conflict, terrorism, and will protect this country and my family.
Only one passed.
John McCain for President.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
IBD: "Obama's radical roots and rules" ... do we really want his kind of socialist "change"?
This is eye-opening and should be required reading for every voter in America. Know the product ... know who you are voting for.
Virginia is not ready to elect a socialist radical liberal to lead our country. Spread this editorial to everyone you know including your military friends. These are dire times for America.
John McCain for President 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Most Americans revile socialism, yet Barack Obama's poll numbers remain competitive. One explanation: He's a longtime disciple of a man whose mission was to teach radicals to disguise their ideology.Investor's Business Daily wrote today about where Obama's "changes" came from ... and most Americans would be appalled if they knew the background. Capitalism is the enemy ... America's corporations are a spiritual slum ... typical hard-line radical liberalism.
Sen. Obama was trained by Chicago's Industrial Areas Foundation, founded in 1940 by the radical organizer Saul Alinsky. In the 1980s, Obama spent years as director of the Developing Communities Project, which operated using Alinsky's strategies, and was involved with two other Alinsky-oriented entities, Acorn and Project Vote.Read the entire editorial here. And then call your Republican Committee and ask to volunteer for John McCain because we will need boots on the ground to get the message out to voters.
On the Obama campaign Web site can be found a photo of him teaching in a University of Chicago classroom with "Power Analysis" and "Relationships Built on Self Interest" written on the blackboard — key terms utilized in the Alinsky method.
The far-left Alinsky had no time for liberalism or liberals, declaring that "a liberal is (someone) who puts his foot down firmly on thin air." He wanted nothing less than transformational radicalism. "America was begun by its radicals," he wrote. "America was built by its radicals. The hope and future of America lies with its radicals." And so, "This is the job for today's radical — to fan the embers of hopelessness into a flame to fight. To say, '. . . let us change it together!' "
Alinsky students ranged "from militant Indians to Chicanos to Puerto Ricans to blacks from all parts of the black power spectrum, from Panthers to radical philosophers, from a variety of campus activists, S.D.S. and others, to a priest who was joining a revolutionary party in South America."
Capitalism always was considered the enemy. "America's corporations are a spiritual slum," he wrote, "and their arrogance is the major threat to our future as a free society." Is it surprising that an Alinsky disciple such as Obama can promise so blithely to increase taxes on CEOs?
Virginia is not ready to elect a socialist radical liberal to lead our country. Spread this editorial to everyone you know including your military friends. These are dire times for America.
John McCain for President 2008
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Goodlatte: "Back to School"
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
As August comes to a close, students of all ages are stocking up on notebooks, rulers, textbooks, pens and pencils: the telltale signs that another school year is beginning. As teachers and students head back to school we are reminded of the importance of education. President John F. Kennedy once said “let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” I believe that the structure and quality of education is a direct reflection of the strength of our nation and I continue working to ensure that our education system is accessible and beneficial to all of our nation’s citizens.
For many students and families there is the promise of higher education. But for far too many others, the burden of tuition costs is seemingly insurmountable. In Virginia, undergraduate students are paying nearly 7% more in tuition and fees than they did last year. The skyrocketing cost of higher education is a dangerous trend given the often integral role it plays in attaining the American dream and maintaining our competitiveness in a changing global economy.
Recently the Congress passed the first major overhaul, in a decade, of the Higher Education Act, the federal aid legislation that provides grants and loans to college students every year. The Higher Education Reauthorization Act helps to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all Americans by streamlining the federal student financial aid application process, allowing students to receive year-round Pell Grant scholarships, and increasing college aid and support programs for veterans and military families.
This comprehensive legislation also makes textbook costs more manageable for students by, among other things, helping them plan for textbook expenses in advance of each semester, strengthens college readiness programs, strengthens our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness by boosting science, technology, and foreign language educational opportunities and creates a $10,000 student loan forgiveness program for graduates to take jobs in high-need fields such as nursing, early childhood education, teaching and other important professions.
One of the most important gifts we can give to our children and grandchildren is a quality education, because education is the key that unlocks the door to opportunity. With so much at stake here in Virginia and across the country, I will continue working in Congress to pass legislation like the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, which will expand college access for current and future students, thereby better preparing the next generation for an increasingly competitive global economy.
As August comes to a close, students of all ages are stocking up on notebooks, rulers, textbooks, pens and pencils: the telltale signs that another school year is beginning. As teachers and students head back to school we are reminded of the importance of education. President John F. Kennedy once said “let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” I believe that the structure and quality of education is a direct reflection of the strength of our nation and I continue working to ensure that our education system is accessible and beneficial to all of our nation’s citizens.
For many students and families there is the promise of higher education. But for far too many others, the burden of tuition costs is seemingly insurmountable. In Virginia, undergraduate students are paying nearly 7% more in tuition and fees than they did last year. The skyrocketing cost of higher education is a dangerous trend given the often integral role it plays in attaining the American dream and maintaining our competitiveness in a changing global economy.
Recently the Congress passed the first major overhaul, in a decade, of the Higher Education Act, the federal aid legislation that provides grants and loans to college students every year. The Higher Education Reauthorization Act helps to make higher education more affordable and accessible to all Americans by streamlining the federal student financial aid application process, allowing students to receive year-round Pell Grant scholarships, and increasing college aid and support programs for veterans and military families.
This comprehensive legislation also makes textbook costs more manageable for students by, among other things, helping them plan for textbook expenses in advance of each semester, strengthens college readiness programs, strengthens our nation’s workforce and economic competitiveness by boosting science, technology, and foreign language educational opportunities and creates a $10,000 student loan forgiveness program for graduates to take jobs in high-need fields such as nursing, early childhood education, teaching and other important professions.
One of the most important gifts we can give to our children and grandchildren is a quality education, because education is the key that unlocks the door to opportunity. With so much at stake here in Virginia and across the country, I will continue working in Congress to pass legislation like the Higher Education Reauthorization Act, which will expand college access for current and future students, thereby better preparing the next generation for an increasingly competitive global economy.
Educating our children with school choice
By Del. Chris Saxman
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Aug. 11, 2008
Education is the first rung on the ladder of success for any citizen. As Thomas Jefferson said, "If the children . . . are untaught, their ignorance and vices will in future life cost us much dearer, in their consequences, than it would have done, in their correction, by a good education."
Everyone deserves the opportunity to find the best way to reach that first rung so that we all benefit from an educated society. Sadly, today many children are struggling to reach that first rung, leading the Rev. Al Sharpton to state "education reform is the civil rights issue of our time."
To help bring about needed changes, he has partnered with New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to form the Education Equality Project. Endorsed by an impressive, bipartisan list of leaders, they are focused on massive educational reforms, including providing parents greater choices, and giving all children "a real shot at achieving the American dream."
Today, one can be educated in public schools, at home with parents, online taking classes from all over the world, in colleges and universities, or in private, parochial, or charter schools. Education as a product is ever evolving because society is demanding change -- which oftentimes is a difficult embrace.
Sadly, this reluctance to embrace change means that for many children, the very first rung on the ladder to success is not available because their parents cannot afford or do not live in an area where those different choices exist. Without the right educational options, they are falling behind their American and foreign peers in the market for jobs, higher wages, and a better quality of life.
By creating a more competitive and diverse K-12 educational system, we can offer what every child deserves -- an opportunity to be educated in an environment which best suits that unique child. We should not limit ourselves to fitting every child into one educational model, nor should we try to make one educational model so broad as to fit every child. Instead, we should embrace the choices that are already affordable and available.
In many parts of Virginia, families are fortunate to have access to good, safe public schools. Sadly, not every family has that access. They are limited to overcrowded schools or schools struggling to make state standards. Many times, single moms, single dads, grandparents, or foster parents are working to raise children in extremely difficult circumstances. And even the best schools may not be the right fit for all students, as even a "good" kid from a "good" family can encounter problems. For many students and their families, simply changing their educational environment can make all the difference.
Years ago, Virginia embraced the idea for higher education that one size doesn't fit all, and that different students need different educational environments to best meet their educational needs. What the commonwealth also recognized is that by giving these students a grant, our private colleges could educate students while saving the commonwealth significant amounts of money, which then can be invested back into higher education. These Tuition Assistance Grants -- vouchers by another name -- work to make Virginia's higher education system one of the best and most diverse in the country.
Similarly, school choice is not about taking money away from public education. As school systems across the country have discovered, school choice can save money that then can be invested back in our public schools.
IT IS for these reasons that we founded School Choice Virginia. Education should not be about politics, and it should not be about maintaining a status quo. Education is about giving every student the chance to excel, the chance to succeed, and the chance to achieve the American Dream. It should not be about pitting public schools against private schools, charter schools against home schooling, but about embracing the many different ways in which we can provide hope and opportunity to all children in all families.
School Choice Virginia is a coalition of concerned citizens who care about the future of our children's education. Virginia has worked very hard to create great public schools, but we can do more if we embrace change in the name of freedom and opportunity.
School Choice Virginia is committed to embracing the diversity of Virginia's students, and creating the kinds of affordable opportunities where every student has the best chance at success -- regardless of family income -- be that public, private, parochial, charter, or home-schooling.
Chris Saxman, the founder of School Choice Virginia, represents the 20th District -- Staunton and Highland County, and parts of Augusta and Rockingham Counties -- in Virginia's House of Delegates. Find out more at School Choice.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Richmond Times-Dispatch, Aug. 11, 2008
Education is the first rung on the ladder of success for any citizen. As Thomas Jefferson said, "If the children . . . are untaught, their ignorance and vices will in future life cost us much dearer, in their consequences, than it would have done, in their correction, by a good education."
Everyone deserves the opportunity to find the best way to reach that first rung so that we all benefit from an educated society. Sadly, today many children are struggling to reach that first rung, leading the Rev. Al Sharpton to state "education reform is the civil rights issue of our time."
To help bring about needed changes, he has partnered with New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to form the Education Equality Project. Endorsed by an impressive, bipartisan list of leaders, they are focused on massive educational reforms, including providing parents greater choices, and giving all children "a real shot at achieving the American dream."
Today, one can be educated in public schools, at home with parents, online taking classes from all over the world, in colleges and universities, or in private, parochial, or charter schools. Education as a product is ever evolving because society is demanding change -- which oftentimes is a difficult embrace.
Sadly, this reluctance to embrace change means that for many children, the very first rung on the ladder to success is not available because their parents cannot afford or do not live in an area where those different choices exist. Without the right educational options, they are falling behind their American and foreign peers in the market for jobs, higher wages, and a better quality of life.
By creating a more competitive and diverse K-12 educational system, we can offer what every child deserves -- an opportunity to be educated in an environment which best suits that unique child. We should not limit ourselves to fitting every child into one educational model, nor should we try to make one educational model so broad as to fit every child. Instead, we should embrace the choices that are already affordable and available.
In many parts of Virginia, families are fortunate to have access to good, safe public schools. Sadly, not every family has that access. They are limited to overcrowded schools or schools struggling to make state standards. Many times, single moms, single dads, grandparents, or foster parents are working to raise children in extremely difficult circumstances. And even the best schools may not be the right fit for all students, as even a "good" kid from a "good" family can encounter problems. For many students and their families, simply changing their educational environment can make all the difference.
Years ago, Virginia embraced the idea for higher education that one size doesn't fit all, and that different students need different educational environments to best meet their educational needs. What the commonwealth also recognized is that by giving these students a grant, our private colleges could educate students while saving the commonwealth significant amounts of money, which then can be invested back into higher education. These Tuition Assistance Grants -- vouchers by another name -- work to make Virginia's higher education system one of the best and most diverse in the country.
Similarly, school choice is not about taking money away from public education. As school systems across the country have discovered, school choice can save money that then can be invested back in our public schools.
IT IS for these reasons that we founded School Choice Virginia. Education should not be about politics, and it should not be about maintaining a status quo. Education is about giving every student the chance to excel, the chance to succeed, and the chance to achieve the American Dream. It should not be about pitting public schools against private schools, charter schools against home schooling, but about embracing the many different ways in which we can provide hope and opportunity to all children in all families.
School Choice Virginia is a coalition of concerned citizens who care about the future of our children's education. Virginia has worked very hard to create great public schools, but we can do more if we embrace change in the name of freedom and opportunity.
School Choice Virginia is committed to embracing the diversity of Virginia's students, and creating the kinds of affordable opportunities where every student has the best chance at success -- regardless of family income -- be that public, private, parochial, charter, or home-schooling.
Chris Saxman, the founder of School Choice Virginia, represents the 20th District -- Staunton and Highland County, and parts of Augusta and Rockingham Counties -- in Virginia's House of Delegates. Find out more at School Choice.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Working the 2008 Augusta County Fair ... Day 4
Zanette, Holly, Howard, Kim, & Kelly
Another great night at the Augusta County Fair as volunteers worked the Republican booth.
David Ledbetter
Carl Tate volunteered at the Valley Family Forum booth.
Smokey the Bear was at the Game and Inland Fisheries booth ... we had fun visiting with him!
Food break....
Smokey had all the girls after him....
And one Republican lady was wearing this....
Kurt Michael was there early to set up and pull first shift on the Valley Familh Forum booth with Kim ... Holly was manning the helium tank at the GOP booth as she blew up Goodlatte balloons to hand out to little ones passing by. Many thanks to all who helped at both booths throughout the evening.
Thanks, Carl Kilo at Spark It Up, for the kind words.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Working the 2008 Augusta County Fair ... Day 3
Delegate Ben Cline with GOP volunteers (from left) Phil, Jason, and Jimmy.
Jason, Del. Ben Cline, Kurt
Clouds indicated we may get rain but it never materialized. The fair has enjoyed fair weather all week.
Kurt at the Valley Family Forum booth. "Dr. Mike," as he is known by his Governor School students, has seen many of those students this week during the fair. School starts back in less than two weeks ... summer is waning.Del. Ben Cline joined us tonight at the Republican booth where we had another great night with 10 volunteers coming and going. The Valley Family Forum booth was also manned throughout the night with local volunteers.
Folks were asking for McCain bumper stickers. We're working to get more but McCain supplies will be low until the first part of September.
Balloon story: Bright blue Goodlatte balloons have been popular with the children. Tonight the Dems were blowing up balloons with their candidates' names on them and handing them to kids. On at least a half-dozen instances, the parents came around to the Republican booth and exchanged the blue Dem balloon for the blue Republican Goodlatte balloon. One mom said she was afraid someone she knew would see her little boy with the Democrat balloon but "how can you take a balloon away from your child," she asked. The solution ... stop by the Republican booth and switch it.
On another warm Valley summer day, it was nice to have air conditioning in the fair exhibit building. As mentioned before, this is the first year that has been available and everyone has noticed and commented on how comfortable it is.
Only two days left of the fair....
Photos by SWAC Girl
Folks were asking for McCain bumper stickers. We're working to get more but McCain supplies will be low until the first part of September.
Balloon story: Bright blue Goodlatte balloons have been popular with the children. Tonight the Dems were blowing up balloons with their candidates' names on them and handing them to kids. On at least a half-dozen instances, the parents came around to the Republican booth and exchanged the blue Dem balloon for the blue Republican Goodlatte balloon. One mom said she was afraid someone she knew would see her little boy with the Democrat balloon but "how can you take a balloon away from your child," she asked. The solution ... stop by the Republican booth and switch it.
On another warm Valley summer day, it was nice to have air conditioning in the fair exhibit building. As mentioned before, this is the first year that has been available and everyone has noticed and commented on how comfortable it is.
Only two days left of the fair....
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Goodlatte: Providing VA with tools to access energy supplies
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
Every day folks across Virginia and the nation are confronted with the rising cost of energy, from the price at the pump to soaring electric bills. While the Majority in Congress has succeeded in strangling any efforts to tap into traditional energy resources in America, our nation’s citizens have suffered. They have suffered with skyrocketing gas and food prices, and they have suffered from the fear that we are increasingly dependent on foreign and sometimes hostile nations for our oil supply and they want something done about it.
The Democratic Leadership in Congress can’t get their act together to solve this problem for the nation. Instead of addressing the current energy crisis by allowing the House to vote on a comprehensive energy policy, the Speaker of the House adjourned the House of Representatives for five weeks. As a representative of the people of Virginia, I cannot stand by and simply watch this spectacle.
Last week I was pleased to introduce the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Act, which allows Virginia to request oil and natural gas exploration activities off its coast. It has been estimated by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service that Virginia’s OCS has 56 million barrels of recoverable oil and 327 billion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas.
Should exploration activities prove fruitful, then my legislation would allow Virginia to petition for drilling for these precious resources. The legislation does not mandate that Virginia explore or drill off its coast. It simply removes the federal government’s longstanding barriers to these activities. The final decision of whether to explore or drill is placed squarely where it should be – in the hands of the people of Virginia, through our state legislature and Governor.
Virginians understand that a major component in lessening energy costs is to produce more energy. I believe that Virginia should have every tool available to access its energy supplies. Unfortunately, a Congressional moratorium on drilling in the OCS prevents the Commonwealth from having every tool available to address rising energy costs.
Additionally, the Virginia OCS Act states that all revenue generated from extraction of these resources are shared evenly with the state and federal government, with the federal share going to the Clean Energy Fund. The Commonwealth’s share will be used to fund various state projects including transportation, education, tax reductions, coastal and environmental restoration, energy infrastructure and projects, alternative energy development, and energy efficiency and conservation.
While the Virginia OCS Act is no substitute for a comprehensive energy solution, it is an important component to any long-term strategy to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. I intend to keep working to develop legislation which will move America toward energy independence by increasing the supply, security and diversity of American energy, promoting conservation and putting real alternative fuel sources in the hands of consumers. This is the only way to lower costs.
Every day folks across Virginia and the nation are confronted with the rising cost of energy, from the price at the pump to soaring electric bills. While the Majority in Congress has succeeded in strangling any efforts to tap into traditional energy resources in America, our nation’s citizens have suffered. They have suffered with skyrocketing gas and food prices, and they have suffered from the fear that we are increasingly dependent on foreign and sometimes hostile nations for our oil supply and they want something done about it.
The Democratic Leadership in Congress can’t get their act together to solve this problem for the nation. Instead of addressing the current energy crisis by allowing the House to vote on a comprehensive energy policy, the Speaker of the House adjourned the House of Representatives for five weeks. As a representative of the people of Virginia, I cannot stand by and simply watch this spectacle.
Last week I was pleased to introduce the Virginia Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Act, which allows Virginia to request oil and natural gas exploration activities off its coast. It has been estimated by the U.S. Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service that Virginia’s OCS has 56 million barrels of recoverable oil and 327 billion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas.
Should exploration activities prove fruitful, then my legislation would allow Virginia to petition for drilling for these precious resources. The legislation does not mandate that Virginia explore or drill off its coast. It simply removes the federal government’s longstanding barriers to these activities. The final decision of whether to explore or drill is placed squarely where it should be – in the hands of the people of Virginia, through our state legislature and Governor.
Virginians understand that a major component in lessening energy costs is to produce more energy. I believe that Virginia should have every tool available to access its energy supplies. Unfortunately, a Congressional moratorium on drilling in the OCS prevents the Commonwealth from having every tool available to address rising energy costs.
Additionally, the Virginia OCS Act states that all revenue generated from extraction of these resources are shared evenly with the state and federal government, with the federal share going to the Clean Energy Fund. The Commonwealth’s share will be used to fund various state projects including transportation, education, tax reductions, coastal and environmental restoration, energy infrastructure and projects, alternative energy development, and energy efficiency and conservation.
While the Virginia OCS Act is no substitute for a comprehensive energy solution, it is an important component to any long-term strategy to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. I intend to keep working to develop legislation which will move America toward energy independence by increasing the supply, security and diversity of American energy, promoting conservation and putting real alternative fuel sources in the hands of consumers. This is the only way to lower costs.
Working the Augusta County Fair ... Day 2
Kurt Michael & Jason Bibeau at Republican booth.
Mike and Laura working the front door.
Goodlatte, Gilmore, McCain represented at the booth.Day 2 of the Augusta County Fair found the GOP booth full of volunteers who blew up balloons, talked with folks, registered new voters, and enjoyed the evening. The air conditioned building is extremely appreciated. Former Augusta County Supervisor Kay Frye stopped by to chat for a while; Supervisor Larry Howdyshell was seen on the premises. Many friends dropped in to say hello and pick up materials.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Saturday night.
If you are at the fair, stop by to pick up a blue Bob Goodlatte helium balloon, some bumper stickers, yard signs, and chat. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Saturday night.
If you are at the fair, stop by to pick up a blue Bob Goodlatte helium balloon, some bumper stickers, yard signs, and chat. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Working the Augusta County Fair ... Day 1
Augusta County Fair on Tuesday
Ferris wheel was busy
The majestic Blue Ridge Mountains are visible from all over the fairgrounds.
It was opening day of the Augusta County Fair and everyone was busy. In the past eight years, I have worked the GOP booth every time except one. We usually arrange our vacation so it does not interfere with the fair or campaign season. It was fun to be back in the swing of things, seeing old friends that I see only on an annual basis at the fair, and catching up with other friends who were visiting the fair or working booths.
Dean and Janet Welty, with the Valley Family Forum, set up the Forum booth across the aisle from the Republican booth. Dave Rexrode and Mike Sargent put the GOP booth together, and then volunteers began showing up to work. It was a full house. Many thanks for the many hands that made for light work.
The Chamber of Commerce held their Business After Hours at the fair with business people from all over gathering to eat, drink, and be merry.
Notable this year: The fair exhibit hall is finally air conditioned! What a relief it was to not be sweltering away in the heat and humidity of August. It is actually comfortable now.
Congressman Bob Goodlatte is tentatively scheduled to be at the booth Saturday night.
If you are at the fair, stop by to pick up a blue Bob Goodlatte helium balloon, some bumper stickers, yard signs, and chat. We look forward to seeing everyone.
Photos by SWAC Girl
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Sign the petition ... "Call Congress Back"
~Sign the petition ... www.CallCongressBack.com ... urging Congress to take care of energy crisis~
From Congressman Eric Cantor....
Last Friday, the United States House of Representatives, under Democrat Leadership, adjourned for a 5-week vacation. Normally, no one would raise an eyebrow; however, when the Democrats left, they did so without passing any form of energy legislation. They have left for over a month without doing anything to help lower gas prices. That means we'll see another month of inaction on the energy crisis.
The Democrats left, they turned off the lights, they turned off the cameras and they turned off the microphones. But, House Republicans did not leave. That's right, House Republicans are still here, talking to the American people, demanding that House Democrats come back and ease the increasing burdens on families. Republicans are fighting so that the American people are not left high and dry.
Now, we need your help. Join us by signing this petition to call on the Democrat Leadership to return to Washington, DC, to pass a bill that will increase American energy supply, open up offshore drilling and eliminate our reliance on foreign oil.
This is supposed to be the People's House. It's unfortunate that the Democrats don't see it that way.
Sign the Petition at www.CallCongressBack.com today.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
From Congressman Eric Cantor....
Last Friday, the United States House of Representatives, under Democrat Leadership, adjourned for a 5-week vacation. Normally, no one would raise an eyebrow; however, when the Democrats left, they did so without passing any form of energy legislation. They have left for over a month without doing anything to help lower gas prices. That means we'll see another month of inaction on the energy crisis.
The Democrats left, they turned off the lights, they turned off the cameras and they turned off the microphones. But, House Republicans did not leave. That's right, House Republicans are still here, talking to the American people, demanding that House Democrats come back and ease the increasing burdens on families. Republicans are fighting so that the American people are not left high and dry.
Now, we need your help. Join us by signing this petition to call on the Democrat Leadership to return to Washington, DC, to pass a bill that will increase American energy supply, open up offshore drilling and eliminate our reliance on foreign oil.
This is supposed to be the People's House. It's unfortunate that the Democrats don't see it that way.
Sign the Petition at www.CallCongressBack.com today.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
John McCain: Time for education reform
By Sen. John McCain
New York Daily News - August 3, 2008
New York Daily News - August 3, 2008
Campaigning at town halls across America, I am often asked about my plans to reform our public schools. And the answer begins with two points on which most everyone agrees: Every public school child deserves a first-rate education. And too many of our schools are producing second-rate results.
Beyond that, the education debate divides quickly into two camps. Some say all that's needed is more taxpayer money, along with more prekindergarten and after-school programs. Others believe that the basic structure of the education system is flawed, and that fundamental reform is needed. You can put me squarely on the side of major reform.
These days, the cause of education reform crosses all boundaries of party, race and financial means. In New York, Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein have taken up the cause of reform, as have many others, including the Rev. Al Sharpton. These men are strong supporters of the Education Equality Project, a group dedicated to finally changing the status quo in our education system.
This group of leaders is no longer willing to accept a public school system in which many students never even graduate or learn the basics of math, science and English. As Chancellor Klein puts it, "In large urban areas the culture of public education is broken. If you don't fix this culture, then you are not going to be able to make the kind of changes that are needed."
The chancellor speaks for many, and especially for parents who cannot afford a private school. Consider the example of the Opportunity Scholarship program in Washington, D.C., which serves more than 1,900 children from families with an average income of $23,000 a year. More than 7,000 more families have applied for that program. What they all share is the desire to get their kids into a better school.
Yet Democrats in Congress, including my opponent, Sen. Obama, oppose this program. Not long ago, addressing the American Federation of Teachers, he dismissed public support for private school vouchers for low-income Americans as "tired rhetoric about vouchers and school choice." That went over well with the teachers union, but where does it leave children who are stuck in failing schools?
Parents ask only for safe schools, competent teachers and diplomas that open doors of opportunity. When a public school fails, repeatedly, to meet these minimal objectives, parents ask only for a choice in the education of their children. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity.
If I am elected President, school choice for all who want it, an expansion of Opportunity Scholarships and alternative certification for teachers will all be part of a serious agenda of education reform. We will pay bonuses to teachers working in our most troubled schools because we need their fine minds and good hearts to help turn those schools around.
We will award bonuses as well to our highest-achieving teachers. And instead of measuring teacher achievement by conformity to process, we will measure it by the success of their students. Moreover, the funds for these bonuses will not be controlled by faraway officials. Under my reforms, we will put the money and the responsibilities where they belong - in the office of the school principal. One reason charter schools are so successful is that principals have spending discretion.
I am proud to add my name to the growing list of those who support the Education Equality Project. But one name is still missing: Barack Obama. My opponent talks a great deal about hope and change, and education is an important test of his seriousness. The Education Equality Project is a practical plan for delivering change and restoring hope for children and parents who need a lot of both. And if Sen. Obama continues to defer to the teachers unions, instead of committing to real reform, then he should start looking for new slogans.
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Eric Cantor's Republican Round-Up
The invitation came in the mail for Eric Cantor's 2008 Republican Round-Up at Innsbrook in Richmond. I attended last year for the first time and it was fun so will plan to attend again. I am wondering, however ... will Congressman Cantor be there? Or will he be campaigning as the vice presidential candidate to John McCain? Hmm.....
Republican Round-Up
Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 4-7:00 p.m.
Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen, VA
Free fun for the entire family ... pony rides, beer & wine, live music, picnic fare, popcorn & cotton candy, climbing wall & more.
RSVP strongly encouraged to provide for enough food for everyone.
Here's a thought ... perhaps, if he is selected as vice president, Congressman Cantor could bring Senator McCain to the Round-Up....
Republican Round-Up
Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 4-7:00 p.m.
Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen, VA
Free fun for the entire family ... pony rides, beer & wine, live music, picnic fare, popcorn & cotton candy, climbing wall & more.
RSVP strongly encouraged to provide for enough food for everyone.
Here's a thought ... perhaps, if he is selected as vice president, Congressman Cantor could bring Senator McCain to the Round-Up....
2008 Veterans' Service Fair with Bob Goodlatte
What: Veterans' Service Fair
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Weyers Cave Community Center, 682 Weyers Cave Rd, Weyers Cave
Congressman Bob Goodlatte will be hosting a Veterans' Service Fair. It is designed to help enroll our veterans in the VA health care system and to better connect them to the many programs, benefits and services that they may not be taking advantage of in our region.
The Veterans' Service Fair is for the benefit of all veterans.
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008 - 10 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Weyers Cave Community Center, 682 Weyers Cave Rd, Weyers Cave
Congressman Bob Goodlatte will be hosting a Veterans' Service Fair. It is designed to help enroll our veterans in the VA health care system and to better connect them to the many programs, benefits and services that they may not be taking advantage of in our region.
The Veterans' Service Fair is for the benefit of all veterans.
Goodlatte 2008 Energy Conference - Roanoke
What: 2008 Energy Conference
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Patrick Henry High School Auditorium, 2102 Grandin Rd, SW, Roanoke
Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher will host an Energy Conference that will focus on ways to lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign energy. Guest speakers will cover various topics, such as the importance of expanded use of home-grown and home-produced energy, including fully utilizing nuclear power and clean coal technologies.
Following the speakers, conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths, gather information, and ask questions of representatives from a number of different local organizations, universities and government agencies who are working to develop alternative and renewable energy.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Patrick Henry High School Auditorium, 2102 Grandin Rd, SW, Roanoke
Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher will host an Energy Conference that will focus on ways to lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign energy. Guest speakers will cover various topics, such as the importance of expanded use of home-grown and home-produced energy, including fully utilizing nuclear power and clean coal technologies.
Following the speakers, conference attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths, gather information, and ask questions of representatives from a number of different local organizations, universities and government agencies who are working to develop alternative and renewable energy.
No "town hall" format for Obama
Barack Obama and John McCain will debate head-to-head three times - and almost certainly only three times - according to an acceptance letter Obama’s campaign manager sent to the Commission on Presidential Debates Saturday afternoon.
The presidential debates are scheduled for Sept. 26 in Oxford, Mississippi, Oct. 7 in Nashville, Tenn., and Oct. 15 on Long Island, N.Y. The Obama campaign also agreed to the standard vice presidential debate, which is slated for Oct. 2 in St. Louis.
The letter, written by David Plouffe, appears to bring to an end discussion of additional joint appearances, a point of contention between the two camps since McCain formally proposed a series of free-wheeling town-hall forums in early June.
“Due to the late date of the two parties’ nominating conventions, and the relatively short period between the end of the conventions and the first proposed date, it is likely that the four Commission debates will be the sole series of debates in the fall campaign,” Plouffe wrote to commissioners Paul G. Kirk Jr. and Frank H. Fahrenkopf Jr.
Read this article in its entirety here.
The presidential debates are scheduled for Sept. 26 in Oxford, Mississippi, Oct. 7 in Nashville, Tenn., and Oct. 15 on Long Island, N.Y. The Obama campaign also agreed to the standard vice presidential debate, which is slated for Oct. 2 in St. Louis.
The letter, written by David Plouffe, appears to bring to an end discussion of additional joint appearances, a point of contention between the two camps since McCain formally proposed a series of free-wheeling town-hall forums in early June.
“Due to the late date of the two parties’ nominating conventions, and the relatively short period between the end of the conventions and the first proposed date, it is likely that the four Commission debates will be the sole series of debates in the fall campaign,” Plouffe wrote to commissioners Paul G. Kirk Jr. and Frank H. Fahrenkopf Jr.
Read this article in its entirety here.
6th District GOP Chairman's statement on Dem's "terrorist" comment
Does Clifford Garstang, vice chair of the 6th District Democrats, think Republicans are worse than terrorists?
Be sure to check out Greg Habeeb's post on the Roanoke Valley Republicans blog in response to this comment.
Fred Anderson, Chairman of the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee, issued a statement on Saturday regarding the recent comment blogged by the vice chairman of the 6th District Democrats who is also a member of their State Central Committee:
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Be sure to check out Greg Habeeb's post on the Roanoke Valley Republicans blog in response to this comment.
Fred Anderson, Chairman of the 6th Congressional District Republican Committee, issued a statement on Saturday regarding the recent comment blogged by the vice chairman of the 6th District Democrats who is also a member of their State Central Committee:
Earlier this week Democratic Party Official Cliff Garstang stated on the liberal blog Cobalt6 that supporters of Congressman Bob Goodlatte are "terrorists" and then went on to ask "What is the difference between a Republican and a Terrorist? Terrorists have principles."Here is the comment exchange on local Democrat blog Cobalt6 between Salem Republican (Salem GOP Chairman Greg Habeeb) and Dem Clifford Garstang:
I find it highly offensive that a leader in the 6th Congressional District Democratic Committee and a Member of the Democratic Party of Virginia's State Central Committee would proclaim that Americans who believe in the principles of the Republican Party are Terrorists. These comments are completely inappropriate.
Does Mr. Garstang speak for the Democratic Party of Virginia and their candidates? Does Senator Barack Obama, Governor Mark Warner, and Sam Rasoul share his belief that Republicans are Terrorists? The Democratic Party of Virginia, Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Sam Rasoul owe it to the people of Virginia to repudiate these comments, disavow the blog Cobalt6, demand that their webads be pulled from the site, and stop posting campaign sponsored commentary on it.
Cliff - Thanks for linking to our blog yesterday. Extra traffic is always appreciated. Personally, I think this line, "With friends like those, who needs terrorists?" was a little over the top but I admire your enthusiasm. Keep it up.Terrorists have principles?
by: Salem Republican @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 16:51:39 PM CDT
What's the difference between a Republican and a Terrorist?
Answer: Terrorists have principles.
by: Cliff Garstang @ Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 18:40:09 PM CDT
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Bob Goodlatte to be guest speaker at SWAC-GOP Breakfast this Saturday
We are excited to be joined by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R - Va 6th District) this Saturday for our SWAC-GOP Breakfast, that monthly gathering of area Republicans from Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. Delegate Ben Cline (R- 24th House District) has said he will also join us; all other Republican elected officials in the area have been invited.
This is the kick-off to our election season with the official Labor Day campaign kick-off and the Republican National Convention just three weeks away.
Congressman Goodlatte has served the citizens of the 6th Congressional District for 10 years. He has been working for the people of this area since 1993 and has a strong record of conservative accomplishments. Congressman Goodlatte, in addition to just submitting a bill to increase VA's offshore drilling rights, is unwavering when it comes to the issues. He believes in promoting fiscal responsibility, protecting our national security, maintaining our resolve to win the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and addressing the illegal immigration problem.
Congressman Goodlatte has an impressive resume. Graduating from Washington and Lee University, he went on to found his own law firm in Roanoke, and has been in public service throughout his life. Currently he represents VA's 6th District.
Congressman Goodlatte has served as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee since 2003, and now serves as the Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Committee. He also serves as Chairman of the House Republican High Technology Working Group; Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus; and is a member of the Republican Policy Committee.
The Congressman and his wife, Maryellen, have been married for 33 years, live in Roanoke, and have two children, Jennifer and Rob.
Be sure to join us on August 9 to hear from Congressman Bob Goodlatte!
Location: Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant, Staunton (I-81, Exit 222)
Cost: $6.50 per person
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
This is the kick-off to our election season with the official Labor Day campaign kick-off and the Republican National Convention just three weeks away.
Congressman Goodlatte has served the citizens of the 6th Congressional District for 10 years. He has been working for the people of this area since 1993 and has a strong record of conservative accomplishments. Congressman Goodlatte, in addition to just submitting a bill to increase VA's offshore drilling rights, is unwavering when it comes to the issues. He believes in promoting fiscal responsibility, protecting our national security, maintaining our resolve to win the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and addressing the illegal immigration problem.
Congressman Goodlatte has an impressive resume. Graduating from Washington and Lee University, he went on to found his own law firm in Roanoke, and has been in public service throughout his life. Currently he represents VA's 6th District.
Congressman Goodlatte has served as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee since 2003, and now serves as the Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Committee. He also serves as Chairman of the House Republican High Technology Working Group; Co-Chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus; and is a member of the Republican Policy Committee.
The Congressman and his wife, Maryellen, have been married for 33 years, live in Roanoke, and have two children, Jennifer and Rob.
Be sure to join us on August 9 to hear from Congressman Bob Goodlatte!
Location: Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant, Staunton (I-81, Exit 222)
Cost: $6.50 per person
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling: Vice Chair of National Lt. Governors Assoc.
RICHMOND - Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling has been elected Vice Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA). Bolling was elected Vice Chairman of the NLGA at the Association's annual meeting in Buffalo, New York on July 25, 2008. Bolling had previously served as Treasurer of the NLGA and he also serves on the Association's Executive Committee.
"I am honored that my colleagues from across the country have asked me to serve as Vice Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association this year," Lieutenant Governor Bolling said. "I look forward to working with them to continue the good work NLGA has done in the past and help direct the Association's attention toward some of the most important issues currently facing Virginia and other states."
The NLGA was formed in 1962 and is the professional association for elected officials who are first in line of succession to the Governors of the 50 states and five territorial jurisdictions of the United States. The NLGA provides its members an opportunity to network, discuss issues of common interest, share best practices and foster interstate cooperation. The NLGA also seeks to promote the effectiveness of the Office of Lieutenant Governor and its inhabitants.
Bolling was first elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2005. Prior to that Lieutenant Governor Bolling served ten years in the Senate of Virginia and four years as a member and Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Bolling recently announced his intention to seek reelection to the Office of Lieutenant Governor in 2009, forgoing an anticipated campaign for Governor.
For more information on the NLGA, please visit their website.
"I am honored that my colleagues from across the country have asked me to serve as Vice Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association this year," Lieutenant Governor Bolling said. "I look forward to working with them to continue the good work NLGA has done in the past and help direct the Association's attention toward some of the most important issues currently facing Virginia and other states."
The NLGA was formed in 1962 and is the professional association for elected officials who are first in line of succession to the Governors of the 50 states and five territorial jurisdictions of the United States. The NLGA provides its members an opportunity to network, discuss issues of common interest, share best practices and foster interstate cooperation. The NLGA also seeks to promote the effectiveness of the Office of Lieutenant Governor and its inhabitants.
Bolling was first elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2005. Prior to that Lieutenant Governor Bolling served ten years in the Senate of Virginia and four years as a member and Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. Bolling recently announced his intention to seek reelection to the Office of Lieutenant Governor in 2009, forgoing an anticipated campaign for Governor.
For more information on the NLGA, please visit their website.
Vets for Freedom Op-Ed: "Blind to reality"
The Washington Times
By: Iraq War veterans Pete Hegseth, David Bellavia, Joel Arends, Erik Swabb, Kate Norley, Shawn Bryan, Daniel Bell, Ben Hayden
[The email from Pete Hegseth said: We wanted to alert you to an op-ed coauthored by the eight VFF members who are returning to Iraq next week. The 10-day trip promises to be a unique opportunity to examine the situation on the ground. Recent trips—namely by Senator Obama—have received a great deal of fan-fare, but lacked depth and objectivity. But with eight sets of experienced eyes, and hundreds of American and Iraqi leaders to interview from across Iraq, we plan to conduct a thorough assessment of the current situation, and gain an in-depth understanding of future objectives.]
In May, our organization - the largest group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in America - urged Sen. Barack Obama to visit Iraq. Our argument was simple. The presumptive Democratic nominee had only taken the time to visit the war zone once since coming to the Senate - more than two years ago and before the appointment of Gen. David Petraeus as commander there and the shift in strategy known as the surge.
Our hope, as veterans, was that Mr. Obama would take the time to listen to our commanders and our fellow troops on the ground, to see firsthand the hard-won gains they have achieved, and then consider how he might revise or refine his approach to the war and close the gap between his rhetoric and reality on the ground.
To his credit, Mr. Obama initially suggested that he would do exactly this. Unfortunately, he was immediately and furiously attacked for doing so by anti-war groups like Moveon.org that fueled his campaign's rise. Rather than showing the political courage to stand up to his base, Mr. Obama instead quickly appeased them.
As a result, rather than going to Iraq, talking to Gen. Petraeus, assessing the facts on the ground and then announcing his new strategy, Mr. Obama instead delivered a high-profile speech before he left for Iraq, in which he announced what his conclusions would be.
Mr. Obama's increasingly evasive statements about Iraq, both pre- and post-trip, raise far more questions than they answer, including his ability to lead our nation forward as commander-in-chief and bring this war to a successful conclusion.
After months of furiously denying that security was improving in Iraq, Mr. Obama now acknowledges that a remarkable turnaround took place under the surge -- and yet bizarrely, he continues to insist that he was right to oppose the surge and that, if given the chance, he would do so again.
Mr. Obama likewise at last acknowledges that our military commanders on the ground in Iraq oppose the fixed and arbitrary timeline for withdrawal he wants to impose and they say doing so would be "extremely dangerous" -- and yet he continues to insist that he will impose it on them anyway.
Most frustrating of all, Mr. Obama says that he thinks our troops have performed admirably in Iraq -- and yet he and his surrogates continue to downplay their sacrifices by suggesting at every opportunity that the hard-won gains we see in Iraq are not due to their efforts, and indeed, would have materialized in their absence.
What are we to make of this? For starters, whatever Mr. Obama did during his brief visit to Iraq, "fact finding" was scarcely part of it. It appears that his stage-managed trip was, in many respects, the Democratic equivalent to President Bush's choreographed landing on an aircraft carrier five years ago.
Indeed, when Mr. Obama had the opportunity to visit our troops stationed in Germany, he declined to do so, saying it would be "inappropriate." The only difference? At the U.S. bases in Germany, he couldn't bring the TV cameras along.
Whatever Mr. Obama's conduct, it in no way diminishes Americans' right to know more about the facts in Iraq. And in the absence of an honest assessment from the Democratic front-runner, we'll do it ourselves.
To that end, the undersigned eight Iraq war veterans will be returning to Iraq next week to assess the situation on the ground, top to bottom. We will each return to the cities where we served previously, providing a direct before-and-after assessment from the ground. Places like Ramadi, Baqubah, Samarra, and Baghdad, last experienced at the height of violence, will get a fresh look from experienced eyes.
We will assess the depths and sustainability of recent gains, and plan to objectively ask the tough questions -- of Americans and Iraqis alike -- about the future of America's involvement in Iraq. Questions will include: What would happen if American forces were ordered to withdraw from Iraq on a fixed, 16-month timeline, as Mr. Obama has proposed? How do Iraqis view the upcoming provincial elections? And what is required of the United States to ensure that these elections are a success? In neighborhoods devastated by sectarian warfare, are displaced people returning and is reconstruction under way? Is the Iraqi government stepping up to take responsibility for the rebuilding of the country? Are we confident that the blows we have inflicted against al Qaeda and Iranian-proxies are irreversible? What do ordinary Iraqis say about the future of these dangerous groups? And most important of all: Mr. Obama has repeatedly said that he wants to "end" the war in Iraq, but he refuses to say whether he thinks we can achieve the goal that our troops have been so doggedly fighting for -- namely, winning the war. Can we now speak in terms of victory and if so, what does it mean?
America's veterans, their families and those still serving deserve honest answers to these difficult and complex questions. We intend to do our utmost to provide them.
Pete Hegseth, David Bellavia, Joel Arends, Erik Swabb, Kate Norley, Shawn Bryan, Daniel Bell, and Ben Hayden are veterans of the Iraq war and members of Vets for Freedom.
By: Iraq War veterans Pete Hegseth, David Bellavia, Joel Arends, Erik Swabb, Kate Norley, Shawn Bryan, Daniel Bell, Ben Hayden
[The email from Pete Hegseth said: We wanted to alert you to an op-ed coauthored by the eight VFF members who are returning to Iraq next week. The 10-day trip promises to be a unique opportunity to examine the situation on the ground. Recent trips—namely by Senator Obama—have received a great deal of fan-fare, but lacked depth and objectivity. But with eight sets of experienced eyes, and hundreds of American and Iraqi leaders to interview from across Iraq, we plan to conduct a thorough assessment of the current situation, and gain an in-depth understanding of future objectives.]
In May, our organization - the largest group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in America - urged Sen. Barack Obama to visit Iraq. Our argument was simple. The presumptive Democratic nominee had only taken the time to visit the war zone once since coming to the Senate - more than two years ago and before the appointment of Gen. David Petraeus as commander there and the shift in strategy known as the surge.
Our hope, as veterans, was that Mr. Obama would take the time to listen to our commanders and our fellow troops on the ground, to see firsthand the hard-won gains they have achieved, and then consider how he might revise or refine his approach to the war and close the gap between his rhetoric and reality on the ground.
To his credit, Mr. Obama initially suggested that he would do exactly this. Unfortunately, he was immediately and furiously attacked for doing so by anti-war groups like Moveon.org that fueled his campaign's rise. Rather than showing the political courage to stand up to his base, Mr. Obama instead quickly appeased them.
As a result, rather than going to Iraq, talking to Gen. Petraeus, assessing the facts on the ground and then announcing his new strategy, Mr. Obama instead delivered a high-profile speech before he left for Iraq, in which he announced what his conclusions would be.
Mr. Obama's increasingly evasive statements about Iraq, both pre- and post-trip, raise far more questions than they answer, including his ability to lead our nation forward as commander-in-chief and bring this war to a successful conclusion.
After months of furiously denying that security was improving in Iraq, Mr. Obama now acknowledges that a remarkable turnaround took place under the surge -- and yet bizarrely, he continues to insist that he was right to oppose the surge and that, if given the chance, he would do so again.
Mr. Obama likewise at last acknowledges that our military commanders on the ground in Iraq oppose the fixed and arbitrary timeline for withdrawal he wants to impose and they say doing so would be "extremely dangerous" -- and yet he continues to insist that he will impose it on them anyway.
Most frustrating of all, Mr. Obama says that he thinks our troops have performed admirably in Iraq -- and yet he and his surrogates continue to downplay their sacrifices by suggesting at every opportunity that the hard-won gains we see in Iraq are not due to their efforts, and indeed, would have materialized in their absence.
What are we to make of this? For starters, whatever Mr. Obama did during his brief visit to Iraq, "fact finding" was scarcely part of it. It appears that his stage-managed trip was, in many respects, the Democratic equivalent to President Bush's choreographed landing on an aircraft carrier five years ago.
Indeed, when Mr. Obama had the opportunity to visit our troops stationed in Germany, he declined to do so, saying it would be "inappropriate." The only difference? At the U.S. bases in Germany, he couldn't bring the TV cameras along.
Whatever Mr. Obama's conduct, it in no way diminishes Americans' right to know more about the facts in Iraq. And in the absence of an honest assessment from the Democratic front-runner, we'll do it ourselves.
To that end, the undersigned eight Iraq war veterans will be returning to Iraq next week to assess the situation on the ground, top to bottom. We will each return to the cities where we served previously, providing a direct before-and-after assessment from the ground. Places like Ramadi, Baqubah, Samarra, and Baghdad, last experienced at the height of violence, will get a fresh look from experienced eyes.
We will assess the depths and sustainability of recent gains, and plan to objectively ask the tough questions -- of Americans and Iraqis alike -- about the future of America's involvement in Iraq. Questions will include: What would happen if American forces were ordered to withdraw from Iraq on a fixed, 16-month timeline, as Mr. Obama has proposed? How do Iraqis view the upcoming provincial elections? And what is required of the United States to ensure that these elections are a success? In neighborhoods devastated by sectarian warfare, are displaced people returning and is reconstruction under way? Is the Iraqi government stepping up to take responsibility for the rebuilding of the country? Are we confident that the blows we have inflicted against al Qaeda and Iranian-proxies are irreversible? What do ordinary Iraqis say about the future of these dangerous groups? And most important of all: Mr. Obama has repeatedly said that he wants to "end" the war in Iraq, but he refuses to say whether he thinks we can achieve the goal that our troops have been so doggedly fighting for -- namely, winning the war. Can we now speak in terms of victory and if so, what does it mean?
America's veterans, their families and those still serving deserve honest answers to these difficult and complex questions. We intend to do our utmost to provide them.
Pete Hegseth, David Bellavia, Joel Arends, Erik Swabb, Kate Norley, Shawn Bryan, Daniel Bell, and Ben Hayden are veterans of the Iraq war and members of Vets for Freedom.
Goodlatte: "Providing for Our Military and Our Veterans"
By Congressman Bob Goodlatte
6th District - VA
America’s veterans have engaged in one of the noblest forms of public service: defending our nation. These brave, patriotic men and women have helped to liberate victims of oppression, spread democracy across the world and preserve the freedoms our nation was built upon. They have served on aircraft carriers in distant oceans, kept the peace on volatile borders, and patrolled the skies of international hot spots. Theirs is a service marked by humility and born of a love of country. For these selfless actions, we in turn have a responsibility to ensure that our troops are sufficiently provided for when they return home.
Last week, with my support, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a significant increase in veterans funding. Next year the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is expected to treat more than 5.8 million patients, which is an increase of 40,000 veterans compared to 2008. To meet this ever increasing need for quality health care, which our veterans so rightfully deserve, the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act includes funding for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) care, traumatic brain injury research and care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and an important mileage rate increase for veterans commuting to Veterans Administration (VA) facilities. The veterans spending bill also contains vital funding to improve and maintain VA facilities, hospitals and clinics. Most importantly, this legislation contains the funding needed to add 2,100 new VA case workers to help reduce the unacceptable delays many veterans face in receiving their benefits.
In addition to providing for our men and women who have completed their service to their country, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act contains important resources for our dedicated members of the armed forces who are currently serving our nation. This important legislation contains significant funding for quality of life projects that will directly improve living conditions and health care delivery for our active duty service members and their families. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill contains funding to further eliminate inadequate military housing, improve the barracks our soldiers and Marines live in while they are in training, and upgrade our military medical facilities.
It is crucial that we continue to provide the vital resources such as health care, housing and benefits to the brave Americans who have served and sacrificed for our country and those who continue to serve today. Mindful of their sacrifice, Congress has sought to honor our veterans, our active duty military and their loved ones. I am pleased the House of Representatives worked together in a bipartisan fashion to pass the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act which provides these necessary resources to those who have so nobly defended our nation.
6th District - VA
America’s veterans have engaged in one of the noblest forms of public service: defending our nation. These brave, patriotic men and women have helped to liberate victims of oppression, spread democracy across the world and preserve the freedoms our nation was built upon. They have served on aircraft carriers in distant oceans, kept the peace on volatile borders, and patrolled the skies of international hot spots. Theirs is a service marked by humility and born of a love of country. For these selfless actions, we in turn have a responsibility to ensure that our troops are sufficiently provided for when they return home.
Last week, with my support, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a significant increase in veterans funding. Next year the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is expected to treat more than 5.8 million patients, which is an increase of 40,000 veterans compared to 2008. To meet this ever increasing need for quality health care, which our veterans so rightfully deserve, the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act includes funding for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) care, traumatic brain injury research and care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and an important mileage rate increase for veterans commuting to Veterans Administration (VA) facilities. The veterans spending bill also contains vital funding to improve and maintain VA facilities, hospitals and clinics. Most importantly, this legislation contains the funding needed to add 2,100 new VA case workers to help reduce the unacceptable delays many veterans face in receiving their benefits.
In addition to providing for our men and women who have completed their service to their country, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act contains important resources for our dedicated members of the armed forces who are currently serving our nation. This important legislation contains significant funding for quality of life projects that will directly improve living conditions and health care delivery for our active duty service members and their families. The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill contains funding to further eliminate inadequate military housing, improve the barracks our soldiers and Marines live in while they are in training, and upgrade our military medical facilities.
It is crucial that we continue to provide the vital resources such as health care, housing and benefits to the brave Americans who have served and sacrificed for our country and those who continue to serve today. Mindful of their sacrifice, Congress has sought to honor our veterans, our active duty military and their loved ones. I am pleased the House of Representatives worked together in a bipartisan fashion to pass the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act which provides these necessary resources to those who have so nobly defended our nation.
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