2008 Election Talk

[mlm828]

I recommend this excellent article from the New York Times, calling out McCain on his failure to rein in his campaign's thinly-veiled incitements to violence. It also points out, correctly, the media's inability or unwillingness to acknowledge that the McCain campaign's use of the Ayres connection is neither the moral nor the political equivalent of the Obama campaign's use of McCain's connection to Keating.

[matilda]

It's a wonderful article. Thanks as usual.

I've been watching the rallies. So very sad to think people hate so much, poor bunnies.

I thought the "affirmative action baby" stuff was interesting and always just hits the spot doesn't it?

It's a topic I ponder constantly because we don't have it here, never have, despite periods of contemplation and debate and in all truth the results of it not ever being introduced in employment market terms (yeah my favourite topic) speak for themsleves (eg ONE of our Top 200's CEOs is a woman - yes that's right, count 'em - ONE).

The debate's only ever occurred in the context of gender - it's only now that we're even starting to think about race in employment market terms.

And I always think of a comment made by the first female Premier of the State of Victoria, Joan Kirner.

After she had stopped being Premier, she sponsored the affirmative action rule for women in the Australian Labor Party as one of her legacies and was, naturally and predictably, asked by the media "why do you need an affirmative action rule - shouldn't candidates get selected on merit?' to which she answered "well I've never seen it happen in the past".

All of the wonderful reading I've done through this thread the last couple of days would well indicate that McAin really is the Bush's affirmative action candidate eh?

M

[inuvik]

It's all over and the results are in:

Another Conservative minority government, although they have more MP's than last time. The Liberals lost a lot of seats and the NDP also gained a lot of seats--the most they have had in 20 years. Unfortunately, the Greens still do not have any MP's--it's a real shame as they have quite a big percentage of the popular vote, but it never translates into seats for them.

Here are the seats:

Conservative--143
Liberal--76
Bloc Quebecois--50
New Democratic Party--37
Independent--2

And here is the popular vote by percentage:

Conservative--38
Liberal--26
NDP--18
BQ--10 (only runs in Quebec though)
Green--7

The really sad story is the voter turnout: 59 %, the lowest we have EVER had for a federal election.

[mlm828]

I nearly fell off the couch last night when McCain declared that concern for a pregnant woman's health is an "extreme" position. Nice touch with the air quotes around "health," John. Has the man never heard of pre-eclampsia, or gestational diabetes, just to name two serious pregnancy-related health problems? Apparently not. If anyone was in doubt after the Palin nomination about McCain's utter contempt for women, his appalling statements last night made it abundantly clear. If there are still any undecided women out there, all I can say to them is, "You weren't paying attention."

[maggiethecat]

Amen. I don't see how any thinking woman -- let along one with daughters or possible health concerns -- could back this man. The New Yorker has a wonderful column this week about how McCain subverted all that he had once been to take the low road in this election -- when I get the time I'll excerpt or put up a link.

On a lesser and infinitely more cheesy note, I have to say that I am seriously pissed that McGrampy is finally appearing on Letterman tonight. I wanted the "he bailed on me" feud to continue. The last thing we need is that cranky old poop getting "cool points" for going on Letterman.

Jeez, Maggie, why can't you ever be blunt and speak your mind?

[mlm828]

Oct 16, 2008 18:38:45 GMT -5 maggiethecat said:

On a lesser and infinitely more cheesy note, I have to say that I am seriously pissed that McGrampy is finally appearing on Letterman tonight. I wanted the "he bailed on me" feud to continue. The last thing we need is that cranky old poop getting "cool points" for going on Letterman.

I'm torn. Joe Biden, whom I'd really enjoy seeing, is going to be on Leno tonight, but I also want to see how Letterman handles McCain. I will be so annoyed if Dave lets him off the hook! So I'll probably end up clicking back and forth between them and missing the best moments of each!

[maggiethecat]

I stayed up for this?

McSame was . . . the same. Not even Dave could make a dent in his unctiousness (if that's even a word, which I doubt). I bailed and watched the end of The Thief of Baghdad on TCM, which is one of the most sumptuously gorgeous movies ever. Call me shallow but John Justin, June Duprez, and a melting Miklos Rozsa score beat the hell out of politics in any way, shape or form. ;D

I wish the election were tomorrow. I want this over and done with. Enough, already!!!!

[matilda]

Yup.

I've had pre-eclampsia. It ain't pretty.

M

[mlm828]

In case you missed Meet the Press today, Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, McCain has received endorsements from a soap-opera actress and the San Diego Union-Tribune. The latter was no surprise, as the U-T is a horrible Republican rag. All a candidate has to do to get its endorsement is be a Republican with a detectable pulse. I found it interesting that the U-T didn't mention McCain's selection of Sarah Palin.

Edited to add: A must-read: Colin Powell's comments on a fallen America soldier who happened to be a Muslim.

[matilda]

I don't know about you people but even as celebrated election pessimist am having good day today, endlessly assisted by mlm's customarily excellent link to CP's magnificent comments.

Anyway I know you all must think I'm a bit mad with ridiculous election addiction, but cop this link, my friends are even madder.

www.smh.com.au/news/us-election/theyre-the-aussies-baracking-for-obama/2008/10/10/1223145635937.html

Needless to say said City of Sydney Councillor is one of Matilda's oldest mentors and I deeply admire her and her sisters- you wouldn't catch me in New Hampshire in winter for anything.

As for mad friends - they're not the only ones who have/are making the trek but they're the only ones I've seen in the paper thus far and thought you all might like. From the article it seems that we're doing our best here.

You really MUST be happy today ...

M

[mlm828]

OK, fashionistas, what do you think of this: $150,000 for Palin's wardrobe? Money well spent? Or not?

[maggiethecat]

Oh puh-leeeeeeeze. I could do a helluva lot better at Saks and Neiman's and for a lot less than 150 grand. Black suits, red suits . . . BORING!!! Apparently part of that money went to dress her husband (such a refreshing change from the hunters' orange vests and the camo) and her kids, who, I have to say, would look cute in anything.

Here's the deal: If you want to present yourself as some sort of maverick-y populist, then shop at Marshall's or Loehmann's. ;D

I suppose we should just be glad she's not wearing fuh on the campaign trail, since she does love shootin' them lil' furry animules.

I'm like Tina Fey, who said she can't wait until November 5th so she never has to play Sarah Palin again. I just want her to go away.

[mlm828]

Oct 22, 2008 19:19:52 GMT -5 maggiethecat said:

Here's the deal: If you want to present yourself as some sort of maverick-y populist, then shop at Marshall's or Loehmann's. ;D

Exactly. If you're going to claim to be a "hockey mom" who can relate to "Joe Six-pack," you don't shop at Neiman-Marcus or Saks. I do so enjoy it when hypocrites are exposed. But on second thought, I don't want her to shop at Marshall's. That's where I shop.

[mlm828]

Oct 20, 2008 5:48:54 GMT -5 matilda said:

Anyway I know you all must think I'm a bit mad with ridiculous election addiction, but cop this link, my friends are even madder.

www.smh.com.au/news/us-election/theyre-the-aussies-baracking-for-obama/2008/10/10/1223145635937.html

Needless to say said City of Sydney Councillor is one of Matilda's oldest mentors and I deeply admire her and her sisters - you wouldn't catch me in New Hampshire in winter for anything.

As for mad friends - they're not the only ones who have/are making the trek but they're the only ones I've seen in the paper thus far and thought you all might like. From the article it seems that we're doing our best here.

Many thanks to your friends for what they're doing. It says a lot about the importance of this election for all of us -- not only in the U.S. -- that they would travel all the way from Australia to support Obama. By the way, New Hampshire can be quite lovely this time of year, with the fall foliage at or just past its peak.

As for "ridiculous election addiction," check out "Waiting for Nov. 4th" for a description of my state of mind (and a lot of other people's), with only 12 days to go to the election.

[inuvik]

Oct 22, 2008 19:19:52 GMT -5 maggiethecat said:

I'm like Tina Fey, who said she can't wait until November 5th so she never has to play Sarah Palin again.

Unless, of course, they get elected. Then it might be a full time job for Tina!

And, just for another view, I really think the criticism of her clothes is unwarranted. You can absolutely be whoever you want to be (at one with the people or whatever) on your own time and still dress for the job. When you are not at work, you wear what you want. When you are a governor and at work, you are going to wear tailored suits, possibly expensive. I see no conflict there.

I wear jeans on the weekends and fancier clothes when at work--we all do.