U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has received the benefit of a fawning media ever since he started in the race for President. When he prevailed in the titanic struggle against U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for the Democratic nomination, Obama got a major boost. He has been receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in donations and will be able to outspend his opponent U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) by several hundred million dollars in the fall. The incumbent Republican President is extremely unpopular due to worries about the economy and the war. The housing industry is in a depression, the oil crisis is getting worse and the Republicans are taking the blame. So, Obama is well positioned to take advantage of anger with the incumbent and the party in power. Republicans have controlled the White House for two terms and voters seem to like changing the political power structure on Pennsylvania Avenue every eight years. Yet despite his significant financial and political advantages, Obama and McCain are tied in the latest Rasmussen poll.
What happened to the 15 point lead that Obama had? It is gone and the race is a toss-up even though Obama is a great speaker and McCain is not very good in front of a microphone. The amazing thing is that this race is even a contest... Obama should be ahead by double digits and should cruise to victory. The GOP has been in disarray for years and the losses in the 2006 mid-term elections were followed by embarrassing losses in special congressional elections. Voters are tired of the Republican Party and want a change.
Obama has been touting a change slogan for months, so he should be the one to capture the movement for a new direction. So, what has stopped Obama from charging to the lead? Of course he faces some lingering worries about his lack of experience and his ties to radical individuals like Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Obama will also suffer from any lingering racism in this country and some voters will never vote for him because he is an African American; however, those individuals are in a distinct majority. They are outweighed by the millions of young people who are excited about his candidacy and the rock solid support of the African Americans who will vote for his candidacy in massive numbers.
To say the least, McCain is very fortunate to be in this game at this point. He needs to energize his disillusioned conservative supporters while still working to bring on independent and moderate voters. The choice for vice president is extremely important. McCain needs someone who will energize his campaign and bring new enthusiasm to his campaign. Maybe that is why LA Governor Bobby Jindal is still on the short list. Jindal would bring vitality and youth to the ticket. He will energize conservatives and get people talking about the ticket. Jindal is the new “rock star” of the party and despite the pay raise controversy; he is at the very top of the list. Don’t be surprised to see McCain choose the Louisiana Governor to give the Republican ticket a much better chance of victory this fall.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
Didn't you understand me??? NOW GET BACK TO WORK AND GENERATE SOME MO TAX DOLLAHS!!!! Ha!-ha!-ha!-ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written by
on 7/18/2008
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Here's the gist of it, at least for this post (in others she is more rabid, I assure you): Sharon writes: "It is not the color of his skin that bothers me. It is the color of his politics. This is a man who said that we who are not elite get scared and cling to our Bibles and guns,"
***Of course what Obama said is true. People who are at the bottom of the economic ladder often do seek solace in religion – they are promised a better life in the next one, because they're getting squat all in this one. Many people find comfort in that, and why is that surprising? Second, what else but fear could explain the drive of many Americans to own handguns? I own multiple guns, but not a single handgun. Handguns are designed for one purpose only – to kill people. So what else but fear could motivate one to own one?***
"that we embarrass America because we only speak English and want English to be the National Language of our country."
***This is a bit of a mischaracterization of Obama's position. Let me articulate what I believe his position to be - mainly that it is a shame that this country encouraged people to abandon other languages in favor of English. I have nothing against English – it makes for a good universal language, and it's the language of science, but people who speak multiple languages have more access to other cultural information, and can see the world in a different way than people who are monolingual. Studies demonstrate that bilingual kids are actually smarter than monolingual kids – it rewires their brains. Of course English is important, and I think most of the Hispanic community realizes that, but they also want to hang onto their mother tongue – and maintain ties with relatives in Latin America, and there's nothing wrong with that. I resent that Louisiana French was nearly stomped out of existence. Go to Montreal sometime – clerks greet you with "Hello, Bonjour!" What a wonderful thing that is. Another point - languages are easiest to learn when one is young, and there are some people who immigrate to the US who will never master English – and we need to be sensitive to their needs as well.***
"I am not ashamed to have the greatest military in the world. I believe that God has made it so because we are the only people in the world who would sacrifice our blood and treasure to help others who long to be free. As we did in Europe after WWII we will leave when the job is done. We demand no land or treasure and we rejoice in the success of others. And it is as it should be." ***This is an uncritical, fairy tale view of our nation. The only reason we are in Iraq is because of their oil, plain and simple. No oil, no invasion. Who are getting the new contracts for Iraqi oil production? American and British companies. This is a war to protect American economic interests, or, more specifically, the interests of American economic elites. The most perverse thing about it is that they are using the non-elites to fight the war, while they sit back and reap the benefits. Korea and Vietnam were not about freedom, either - there are oppressive regimes all over the planet, and we coddle some and chide others, depending on our own economic interests. Finally, the notion that God has given us a great military is really bad theology. You believe that God has given your country a great military to go kill other people? Isn't that the same position of the jihadists? Have you read Mark Twain's "The War Prayer"??? If you haven't, you should, for it will give you pause. I don't like to talk about my religious beliefs much, because they're no one's business but my own, but I will say this – God does not go around doling out militaries. Sharon claims to be a Catholic, but has she really understood the message of Christ? To my way of thinking the Amish, Mennonites, and their ilk are the only ones who truly get it. *** TW
Written by Tee Dub
on 7/18/2008
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I am curious Tee Dub (not a joke or a jab, merely curious) what you find about Sharon's take on matters that is a caricature of a right-wing dolt. If you are honest with yourself you will admit that the "fringe" left is not what you'd want to be associated with. I disassociate myself with many on the far right fringe (the religious right, racists, etc.) and do not feel they "define" the right any more than the Unabomber is the "poster boy for the green movement." Since I see nothing in Sharon's comment that qualifies as "kooky" I am curious what subject(s) she mentioned (Jindal, McCain, Obama, Bibles and guns, English as our "National Language", Hillary, our military or Europe) causes you to ridicule her ability to reason. Written by in any case, enjoy the day
on 7/16/2008
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Now THAT was funny T-Dub.... NOW GET BACK TO WORK AND GENERATE SOME MO TAX DOLLAHS!!!! Ha!-ha!-ha!-ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Written by ....Riddle me that Ellipsis oh annoited one...
on 7/15/2008
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It wasn't supposed to be funny, Ellipsis-Man. Ironic, yes, funny, no. I was trying to make a serious point. Sometimes Sharon astounds me - she's like a caricature of what a left-wing person would think a dim-witted right-wing person would say. As you note, I'm not talented enough to make up the stuff she writes. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 7/15/2008
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Nothing wrong with being motivated Sharon, it sounded o.k., T-Dubb, you really need to find someone to help you write your humor lines, you pretty much suck at it... The abstract was sort of Monty Pythonish and did have potential, perhaps on South Park or something like that…… But I am sure you are good at other things, so carry on, and Rhett’s Wife, there is no such thing as racism, you bought into the hype of the great pretenders...... Next thing you know folks will start ranting and raving about who is bad for driving a gasoline powered vehicle, and who is good because they are whizzing around on electric scooters.... Or how people with Pit Bulls and Rottweiler’s are evil, and how people with Pomeranians or Poodles are good...... Or how people that didn't go to college are stupid and unworthy of consideration and people that went to college are virtual gods with the knowledge to know what is really best for everyone..... Oh Hell and Ichabod’s by Jove!!!!!!!!!! Folks already ARE DOING THOSE KINDS OF THINGS!!!!!! Show me a person that says there is a difference between racism and prejudism and I will show you a hypocrite………. I have no use for naggers with no point…… Oooops!!! Does that mean I am anti-social!?!?!?!?!????????? Written by ..........RACISM????..- - - Ha!-ha!-ha!-ha!.......
on 7/15/2008
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Obama's big early lead in the polls is eroding because, as the election nears, more people are paying attention to his words and actions. He will not win Louisiana and much of the South and will lose to McCain in November. Written by poboy1
on 7/15/2008
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I see you haven't changed, Anthony. Perhaps you have something other than personal nasty little attacks on me to contribute. Didn't notice any in your post. Maybe next time. Written by Sharon
on 7/14/2008
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In this morning's Times Picayune, Lolis Eric Elie, wrote eloqently and specifically to issues of racism. Take the time to read it. We added to that article when we stated on our own forum: Racism occurs in many ways and involves intolerance in many instances by people of various ancestries. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Statistics show that people are often elected not based on their qualification but on their ancestries. That is stupid and evil for this city, this state, this nation. We see this in the coming election for President. What make Obama black? The fact that his father was from Africa? Does not the fact that his mother was of European ancestry make him white? Stop using this distinction, citizens of this nation, this state, this city. Start chosing leaders based on abilities, qualification, determination, their personal attempts to improve the lives of all. Don't rely on slogans, don't rely on promises made in campaigns. Rely on the character and ability of the candidate. FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL, STAND UNITED AS A NATION, PLEDGE TO JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR ALL!!!!!
http://rhettswife.createforum.net/phpbb2/rhettswife-about267.html
Written by RhettsWife
on 7/14/2008
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I see nothing has changed on this thread, sharon still needs a man,and can't seem to release piyush jock strap.And the jim crow mentality still live in the third world state of louisiana. Written by anthony
on 7/14/2008
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Sharon writes: "I am not ashamed to have the greatest military in the world. I believe that God has made it so because we are the only people in the world who would sacrifice our blood and treasure to help others who long to be free." I agree! I remember in the Book of John, when Jesus amasses that 92,000-man army, and then leads them from Judea across Asia Minor and on into Italy in order to free the Jews from Roman oppression. Ah, the destruction visited upon the worshipers of Jupiter and Apollo - let's face it, they had it coming! And I think some of the most poignant parts of the Gospel of John are in the 87th chapter, when General Jesus, just outside the Gates of Rome, speaks to his followers about the importance of the use of military power to free the oppressed. TW Written by Tee Dub
on 7/14/2008
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I don't know so much that 'God' made it so, but some belief and credit to the almighty whatever that visage may be as our forefathers made it so through self sacrifice and self determination is surely in order........... God Bless you Sharon........................ Written by
on 7/14/2008
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I personally hope that Jindal stays in Louisiana. McCain does need to energize his base but there are many candidates who his base know and like. Jindal is too young and needs to have some success in Louisiana. Looks like the Legislature is gearing up for a confrontation. Again, he needs to go to the people and make his case. He must take charge of the agenda. Obama certainly is the candidate for Change. He changes his mind on an issue several times a day. Then he says we haven't been listening. It is not the color of his skin that bothers me. It is the color of his politics. This is a man who said that we who are not elite get scared and cling to our Bibles and guns, that we embarrass America because we only speak English and want English to be the National Language of our country. This is a man who wants to make a major political speech about how he is going to "change" the way America deals with other countries and do it in Germany. No thanks. America may be ready for an African American (we forget he has a Caucasian mother) President but not this one IMHO. I felt Hillary should not be the first woman President either. I disagree with McCain on many things but I think the world needs to know that America has a mature leader who sees the world as it is and is ready to defend her with all our might. I do not believe that if we laid down our weapons that the world would lay down theirs. I am not ashamed to be American. I am not ashamed to have the greatest military in the world. I believe that God has made it so because we are the only people in the world who would sacrifice our blood and treasure to help others who long to be free. As we did in Europe after WWII we will leave when the job is done. We demand no land or treasure and we rejoice in the success of others. And it is as it should be. Written by Sharon
on 7/14/2008
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"never vote for him because he is an African American; however, those individuals are in a distinct majority." Haa- Freudian slip, indeed-- Except, Jeff must've been referring to Looziana Voters specifically- then, he's accurate. Calm down with one Newsweek Poll and a Rasmussen poll... Obama is gonna sail into the White House alright.. No matter the LA. prejudice- the rest of the country sets race aside- and strongly rejects another Bush presidency. Written by KjunLady
on 7/14/2008
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Re: The New Yorker cover - does no one (on the left or the right) understand satire anymore? TW Written by Tee Dub
on 7/14/2008
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And there are a great deal more that won't vote for him simply because he is an azzhole................................... Period....................... I am one of them........................ But I have to admit, the parody portrayed on the cover of the New Yorker was and is indeed.............PRICELESS................. Written by
on 7/14/2008
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Hey Jeff - your Freudian slip is showing! "...some voters will never vote for him because he is an African American; however, those individuals are in a distinct majority." TW Written by Tee Dub
on 7/14/2008
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There are similar paradigms when considering the amount of 'fawning' exuded on the subject of Obomba by the national [ho-ho-ho] media, and the elaborate fawnings and pleadings directed towards Pi both pre and post election..... by the mesmerized junta that included such notables as Stephen Sabludowsky and the rest of the Honerable Bayou Buzz Staff....... Now only to have a proverbial ping pong game relating to ethics legislation/cause and effect dissertaitions to bounce around in a meaningless tempo..... I wonder when folks are going to get their priorities straight?..... It appears that the New Yorker magazine has them..... That is one hell of a sobering cover page this week...... Ahhh, those dam smart arse Yankees......... How is that they know so much????? Written by ...............STRONGCONCRETE.....................
on 7/14/2008
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U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has received the benefit of a fawning media ever since he started in the race for President. When he prevailed in the titanic struggle against U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for the Democratic nomination, Obama got a major boost. He has been receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in donations and will be able to outspend his opponent U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) by several hundred million dollars in the fall. The incumbent Republican President is extremely unpopular due to worries about the economy and the war. The housing industry is in a depression, the oil crisis is getting worse and the Republicans are taking the blame. So, Obama is well positioned to take advantage of anger with the incumbent and the party in power. Republicans have controlled the White House for two terms and voters seem to like changing the political power structure on 
