Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sarah Palin: Polls and Pundits

The last 24 hours has been an amazing whirlwind for McCain and Palin supporters. I cannot emphasize enough how every hat in the blogosphere should be off to Adam Brickley of the PalinforVP Blog. He was on FoxNews yesterday and it was so encouraging to see a 21-year-old from Colorado whose diligence, perseverance, and enthusiasm set the stage for this historic pick.

Briefly, a few good reads on Sarah Palin:

Rasmussen Poll: Palin is viewed more favorably than Biden

McCain taps Alaska Governor for VP, note good quotes:

Palin, the first Republican woman on a presidential ticket, promised: "I'm going to take our campaign to every part of our country and our message of reform to every voter of every background in every political party, or no party at all."


"... Politics isn't just a game of competing interests and clashing parties," added the [sic] Palin, 44, who has built her career in large measure by challenging fellow Republicans.



Juneau Empire newspaper profile of Sarah Palin (note: son Trig Paxson Van Palin's name is an homage to beloved hair-band Van Halen!)

Jonathan Martin of Politico comments on the Dayton rally:

I've been covering the GOP presidential race since November of 2006.
In those many months -- across many states -- I have never seen a crowd with the
energy that I witnessed yesterday at the Erwin Nutter Center in Dayton,
Ohio.

Wall Street Journal has detailed comments on the "Reform Ticket" and a profile of "Governor, Reformer, Mother":

On Experience? For starters, we'd say Governor Palin's credentials as an agent of
reform exceed Barack Obama's.



I'll be updating throughout the weekend so stay tuned!!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Moms4McCain on the radio: CALL IN!

I will be interviewed on Darla Shine's Happy Housewives Radio Show about the Moms for McCain blog this Saturday morning at 9am Eastern (yes, 6 am here in Seattle. I am that dedicated!!

McCain Moms please call-in # is 1-800-449-8255. General info and archive after the show is at:

http://www.happyhousewivesclub.com/kiss/featured_radio.html

Click here to find your local station information!

BREAKING: Palin for VP??

** This is now CONFIRMED! Hooray!! McCain-Palin 2008! **

My sources report that a charter aircraft flew from Anchorage, Alaska to Middletown, Ohio Thursday. Now as a former Buckeye, I've been to Middletown, and folks, ain't nothin' there to see except, oh yes, JOHN McCAIN and 10,000 fans, if, say you are the Vice Presidential pick.

Since we are in the wee hours here, I will link to some reliable bloggers in different time zones : Steve Maloney and SJ Reidhead who can update you while I (gasp) attempt to sleep, eat, parent, put away the dishes from dinner, and oh yes, stay CALM!

As you will recall, I have been a fan of Governor Palin's since May, and even though she had faded from speculation recently, I still think she's the man for the job (ha ha). See #8-9 on this list.

Updates at a reasonable hour Pacific time - in the meantime reload official site and McCainVictory08!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

A Pep Talk for McCain Supporters

My regular readers know I am always 'on message' because frankly, that's how I roll. But I feel the need to give everyone a pep talk, so here goes.

I believe in John McCain. I believe he is running for the right reasons. I believe he truly has the heart to help Americans make responsible, lasting change in their government and in their country. I also believe he has the head to navigate those changes and the cojones to get the job done.

I DO believe America needs change - and, pardon the cliche - hope. We need change in the attitudes of the people we elect. We need people in office who understand that they work for us and not the other way around. We need people in office who understand the need to be accountable and make others accountable. We need to understand what is non-negotiable and where we can be flexible (and yes, there are some times when that's appropriate and necessary). We need people in office who understand that humility is a virtue and ego is, 99% of the time, a distraction from the tasks at hand.

I could rant forever about what a cowardly, phony, undesirable guy Barack Obama is. But that is not why I do what I do. There are people who are motivated by that, more power to them. Yes, Obama is frightening, not just because I disagree with him, but because he is the double-whammy: setting people's expectations so high AND not having the experience, judgment, or skill to achieve what he promises. If America buys his line hook-line-and-sinker, and he fails to deliver (as history and objective review of his record suggests he will), "Hope" may die forever, the way "Presidential dignity" did when Bill Clinton screwed an intern in the Oval Office.

Now I know there are many here and elsewhere who do not believe John McCain is the perfect choice. You don't like one or more of his past votes. Or his future ideas. Or he's too old. Too conservative. Not conservative enough. Too much of a maverick. To those, I say this. Step back from the microscope and see who we are really looking at. A man who actually got something done working with the other party. A man who was a true hero under the harshest possible conditions, could have rested on his laurels for life, but instead took up a challenging, often thankless career not for his own benefit but for his country's. You may not love John McCain, you may not even like John McCain. But John McCain can do for America what needs to be done.

Everyone has talked about "if we don't elect McCain we get Obama...agggghhh!" And yes, I fully support that brilliantly-worded statement. But if we don't elect McCain something even bigger happens. The humble, the brave, the unassuming candidates will shrink back into the background to toil in obscurity instead of stepping forward to lead. We will tell future generations that we cared more about following the advice of the Black Eyed Peas than we did about who deserves this responsibility.

This election, I have done all sorts of things I never in a million years would have considered doing. I went to a caucus at a stranger's house and shared my most deeply-held but very rarely articulated beliefs. I was interviewed by a newspaper and a magazine, both of which actually listened to what I had to say and encouraged me that what I am doing, even if they don't like my candidate as much as I do, is a good thing. I have told people I love that they are wrong, and in some cases, even convinced them of that fact. I have gone out on limb after limb because I will never run for President (probably!) but I can make a difference in my country by supporting the right kind of person for the right job.

Tomorrow McCain will hitch his wagon to a star, or a turd, we don't yet know which. Yes, of course it matters because it may seal his fate and that of America. But it will not change the fact that unlike his competitor, McCain hasn't claimed entitlement to your vote -- for decades, he has shown a willingness to earn it. The old fashioned way. With hard work and principle. With humility and perspective.

So whomever he picks, I urge you to consider the lifetime of commitment John McCain has given this country and give him the benefit of the doubt. Thank you.

McCain Campaign on Obama's Barackopolis Speech

My friends at McCainVictory08 took time out from packing for the convention to share some reality-checks from the McCain campaign on The Greatest Speech Ever In Greece, er, America. I won't reprint the whole thing here but the summary from the campaign follows:

"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." - Tucker Bounds, McCain spokesman


Time will tell which Obama story the American people will believe: the vast promises of what he will do, or the contradictory, and rather frightening, facts of what he already has done - and left undone.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Breaking: McCain has picked!

Perhaps they are just tired of hearing from us sooooo much, but it appears John McCain has indeed made his selection. The lucky winner will be notified Thursday, and introduced to the public on the Swing State Tour this holiday weekend. From Politico:


Sen. McCain has chosen his running mate and the person will be notified on
Thursday, a senior campaign official said....

A friend said McCain had pretty much settled on his selection early this week, and it crystallized in the past few days. Campaign manager Rick Davis flew to McCain's cabin in Sedona, Ariz., a few days ago to confer, and another meeting about the choice was held with top aides Wednesday.

I've already shared detailed thoughts on the VP process, now all we can do is hope for the best.

If you are so inclined, take a moment to visit the Prayer for McCain site and offer some positive thoughts for wisdom, judgment, patience, and perseverance for the McCain team.

More soon!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

McCain on Jay Leno

In case you missed it, John McCain chews the fat with Jay Leno, and even floats him as a potential running mate. McCain-Leno has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?

Part I



Part II

Monday, August 25, 2008

McCain Radio Address: Presidents' Paygrade

Yet again, this week's radio address hits the nail on the head. Whichever side of the abortion issue you are on, it should concern you that a potential President isn't willing or able to take (or admit to taking) a stand. I believe this is a winning issue for McCain with voters of all stripes - people want a President with a conscience and a backbone. McCain's remarks:

He [Pastor Rick Warren] wanted to know at what point, in my opponent's view, does a baby have human rights? Senator Obama thought about it for a moment, and came back with the reply that the question was, quote, "above my pay grade."

Here was a candidate for the presidency of the United States, asked for his position on one of the central moral and legal questions of our time, and this was the best he could offer: It's above his pay grade. He went on to assure his interviewer that there is a, quote, "moral and ethical element to this issue." Americans expect more of their leaders.


There seems to be a pattern here in my opponent's approach to many hard issues. Whether it's the surge in Iraq that has brought us near to victory, or the issue of campaign reform, or the question of offshore drilling, Senator Obama's speeches can be impressive. But when it's time for straight answers, clear conviction, and decisive action, suddenly all of these responsibilities are - well, as he puts it, "above my pay grade." As mottos of leadership go, it doesn't exactly have the ring of "the buck stops here."


Often, too, Senator Obama's carefully hedged answers obscure more than they explain, and this was the case in his conversation with Rick Warren. Listening to my opponent at Saddleback, you would never know that this is a politician who long since left behind any middle ground on the abortion issue. He is against parental notification laws, and against restrictions on taxpayer funding for abortions. In the Illinois Senate, a bipartisan majority passed legislation to prevent the horrific practice of partial-birth abortion. Senator Obama opposed that bill, voting against it in committee and voting "present" on the Senate floor.

In 2002, Congress unanimously passed a federal law to require medical care for babies who survive abortions - living, breathing babies whom Senator Obama described as, quote, "previable." This merciful law was called the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. Illinois had a version of the same law, and Barack Obama voted against it.


At Saddleback, he assured a reporter that he'd have voted "yes" on that bill if it had ocntained language similar to the federal version of the Born Alive Infants Protection Act. Even though the language of both the state and federal bills was identical, Senator Obama said people were, quote, "lying" about his record. When that record was later produced, he dropped the subject but didn't withdraw the slander. And now even Senator Obama's campaign has conceded that his claims and accusations were false.

For a man who talks so often about "hope," Senator Obama doesn't offer much of it in meeting this great challenge to the conscience of America. His extreme advocacy in favor of partial birth abortion and his refusal to provide medical care for babies surviving abortion should be of grave concern to reasonable people of goodwill on both sides of this issue. There is a growing consensus in America that we need to overcome narrow partisanship on this issue for both women in need and the unborn. We need more of the compassion and moral idealism that my opponent's own party, at its best, once stood for. No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.


Upholding these principles, and bringing Americans together on the side of life, is the work of leadership. And I can assure you that if I am president, advancing the cause of life will not be above my pay grade. Thanks for listening.

New Ad: Debra Bartoshevich

For those who don't know, Debra Bartoshevich is a lifelong Democrat and was a delegate until she called shenanigans on the DNC and was summarily stripped of her status when she failed to fall in line behind Obama. It seems she who laughs last, laughs best.

I would love to buy that woman a wheel of cheese!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Biden on Obama

Gotta hand it to the campaign, they were on this faster than Michael Phelps at the wall.

I thought on a quick look that Biden was the most qualified of the potential candidates, this kind of stuff may explain why Obama hesitated. Wow.

Article on Biden's past comments, plus video (below)

Friday, August 22, 2008

BREAKING: Obama picks Biden as his VP

FoxNews is reporting Obama has picked Joe Biden, 65-year-old Senator from Delaware, as his VP. Will dig this weekend and let you know some scoop next week!

Biden evidently originally voted to authorize the war, but was against the surge. Hmm. See Senate page here.

In the meantime:

Basics on Biden (Wiki)

FoxNews report (breaking)

** Update ** 11:04pm PST: Biden voted for the Iraq war but against the surge, known for being candid and direct (gee guess Obama took the hint after the Saddleback fiasco): Biden speaks his own mind (Yahoo).

Anyone else notice the comments about his two brain aneurysms? The media had a coronary when McCain showed up wearing a Band-Aid, I am curious to see if they will show the same scrutiny over Biden's health challenges...

Also curious to see if the media holds Biden's personal tragedies and challenges up as potential 'mental challenges' the way they have shamefully attempted to discredit McCain...

** Update ** 12:16 am PST: Biden evidently was (gasp) critical of Obama's lack of experience. Duh.

Biden "never lost touch with his Irish Catholic roots" (so Obama is going after this vote five days after saying abortion is 'above his paygrade.' Interesting...), BUT his record says otherwise:

From On the Issues - follow link for all issues. Some snippets, will organize in the morning. Rather flip-floppy, dontcha think?!?

Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006) !!!??
Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions. (Oct 1999)
Voted NO on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998) ??!?
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)

** Update 12:26 am ** Oink oink! Biden had $119 million in earmarks last year ALONE.

**Update** Interesting comments on this blog, see quote from Biden about Obama (D'oh!). Yes folks THAT is why McCain shouldn't pick Romney or Huckabee. Eep.

** Update 12:30 am** more "on the issues":

Family and Social Issues

Rated 78% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

Rated 32% by the US COC, indicating an anti-business voting record. (Dec 2003)

Voted NO on mandatory prison terms for crimes involving firearms. (May 1994)

National ban on smoking would reduce chronic illnesses. (Sep 2007) ?!!!?

There needs to be performance-based pay for teachers. (Aug 2007)

Voting for No Child Left Behind was a mistake. (Jul 2007)

Voted NO on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
Voted NO on requiring schools to allow voluntary prayer. (Jul 1994)

Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)

Fought for Family and Medical Leave, up to 12 unpaid weeks. (Sep 2007)

Rated 16% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-family voting record. (Dec 2003)

Voted YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)

Voted YES on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)

Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)

Start paying for universal health coverage with $100B in redundancy. (Sep 2007)

Voted YES on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996) ??!?

Cut $350B in military programs, from Star Wars to F-22's. (Dec 2007)
Universal national service, in military or Peace Corps. (Dec 2007)

Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008) !!

Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006) !!!!

Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)

Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)

Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

Rated 100% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)

"MoveOn.org has not changed politics." (Sep 2007) !!?!!?!!!??

1988: plagiarized law school paper, but not malevolently. (Jul 2007) !!didn't inhale??! this killed his Presidential bid in 88 and was brought up again in 2008


1988: suffered aneurysm requiring brain surgery. (Jul 2007)

Apologized for saying Barack Obama was clean and articulate. (Apr 2007) ? why, is he dirty and stupid?!?

Voted NO on raising the Death Tax exemption to $5M from $1M. (Feb 2008)
Voted NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts. (Aug 2006)
Voted NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends. (Nov 2005)
Voted NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years. (May 2003)
Voted YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates. (May 2001)
Voted YES on increasing tax deductions for college tuition. (May 2001)
Voted YES on eliminating the 'marriage penalty'. (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on across-the-board spending cut. (Oct 1999)
Voted NO on requiring super-majority for raising taxes. (Apr 1998)
Rated 15% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes. (Dec 2003)
Rated 100% by the CTJ, indicating support of progressive taxation. (Dec 2006)

Troops out by 2013 if no political reconciliation. (Sep 2007)
Patraeus report is wrong strategy; draw down troops now. (Sep 2007)
Changed mind on Iraq pullout, not about political solution. (Sep 2007)
Worth losing election to protect our troops. (Sep 2007)
Leaving Iraq will cause generation-long regional war. (Aug 2007)

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Ten Questions About McCain's VP

1. I keep hearing about a “pro choice VP pick.” What’s up with that?!?


Before you all start throwing tomatoes, there are principled, qualified candidates: Giuliani, Ridge, Lieberman, Kay Bailey Hutchison, to name a few, who are pro-choice. But – and this is a big BUT – McCain has spent 25 years building a pro-life voting record, and his declaration at the Saddleback Forum was a “shot heard ‘round the world”. McCain took a stand, his opponent did not. If he caved now on that issue, Democrats would call him a panderer, Republicans would call him a hypocrite, and – sadly - they’d both be right.


The balloon was floated, before the American public, grassroots leaders, and even Republican governors and bigwigs - and was promptly shot full of more holes than 50-Cent.


Today, LifeNews reports on McCain's Laura Ingraham appearance:


"I will nominate a person to be vice president, my running mate, who shares my principles, my values and my priorities," McCain said to loud applause.

In my eyes, that takes the pro-choice names above off the list.

2. Who are some candidates I should know about?


In case you live in a cave, you remember from the primaries:



  • Mitt Romney – former MA governor, experienced businessman, darling of conservative pundits, bitter rivalry with McCain in the primaries

  • Mike Huckabee – former Arkansas Governor, former pastor, loved by evangelicals and social conservatives, was the longest-lasting opponent to McCain in the primaries

  • Fred Thompson – viewed as the ‘most conservative’ but his campaign lacked passion and clear messaging, claimed on FoxNews he ‘doesn’t want the job’

In May, I shared detailed pieces on these contenders (note updates):

Other recent names to know:

  • Tim Pawlenty – Minnesota Governor (Red Guy in Blue State), early McCain supporter, Catholic-turned-Evangelical, more conservative than McCain

  • Eric Cantor – only Jewish Congressman in the House of Representatives, more Congressional experience than Obama, conservative and well-liked, from swing state Virginia
  • Carly Fiorina - former HP CEO, strong business credentials, has done high-profile stumping for McCain especially among disaffected Hillary voters

3. Wait a minute – haven’t some of these people said they don’t want the job?


Without going into detail, it is fairly routine for people under consideration to pooh-pooh rumors, lest they appear self-aggrandizing. But some, like Bobby Jindal, have been consistent enough that I believe them.

4. What is “being vetted” and why is that significant?


Prospective candidates turn over 'papers' and are subjected to an inspection that would make the cast of CSI blush. Tax returns, professional affiliations, colleagues, potential conflicts of interest, family scandals (*cough*, John Edwards, *cough*), anything that could potentially damage the ticket. A candidate can be coy about being in the running, but if they're not vetted, the likelihood that they will be picked goes down dramatically. Rob Portman, for example, was buzzed about frequently, and is from Ohio where the announcement will allegedly occur, but claimed he had not 'submitted papers' which essentially means he's not on the list.



5. What are the most important things a VP should have?

Good chemistry with McCain. Integrity and backbone. Excitement and enthusiasm for McCain and his key issues. Relatability to regular people. Balance on key issues: the economy, business and leadership, foreign policy. Regional familiarity and popularity. Good public speaking and sound bite delivery ability.

6. What are the most important things a VP should NOT have?

Crazy pastors, hidden mistresses, obnoxious spouses, corrupt finances, fishy business dealings, spotty voting records, enemies. But more importantly, fundamental beliefs that contradict McCain or make him look foolish or hypocritical (see #1 above).

7. So how will this decision be made?

McCain will sit down with a beer and a Ouija Board. No, seriously, a team of ‘vetters’ (see above) have pored over information but ultimately the decision belongs to John McCain. Let’s face it, the ‘electoral calculus’ is nothing more than a lot of people guessing what 300 million Americans want. If you’re going to work 16-18 hours a day, 7 days a week for 4 years with someone, you need to feel good about who they are and what they can do. So honestly, when McCain says he hasn’t decided yet, I do believe him.

8. So who do you think it WILL be?

I have seen ‘clues’ that I consider significant. My McCainNation event featured a DVD highlighting McCain’s personal story, and included a conspicuously long clip of Tim Pawlenty.


Eric Cantor was definitely thoroughly ‘vetted’ by the team, he is from Virginia, and is conspicuous in his absence from the GOP Convention Speaking List.

Bobby Jindal has insisted up one side and down the other that he doesn’t want the job. But he is slated to speak immediately before the ‘player to be named later’ VP Pick on Wednesday night. Odd choice for a man who insists he is not the pick and doesn’t want the job, dontcha think?

9. So who do you think it SHOULD be?

If I were John McCain, I would pick Sarah Palin. Like McCain, Palin has a son in the military, built her career on fighting corruption and wasteful spending, focuses on energy policy, is a 'straight shooter.' Unlike McCain, Palin supports drilling in ANWR, posed for Vogue, and, oh, yes, is a woman. She adds leadership experience, excitement, energy focus, family emphasis (Mom of 5) and would appeal to both conservatives and independent women. The current 'Troopergate' Scandal smells fishy to me (no Alaska pun intended), I will assume McCain's vetters are thorough enough to judge its merit (or lack thereof).

Tim Pawlenty has the right positions and backstory, and would be ranked higher in my eyes except for his annoying pro-Obama comments and general boringness.

Eric Cantor would be a bold, intriguing choice. He offers the credentials conservatives are seeking and, like Obama and Palin, would break a barrier as the first Jewish Vice-President. I didn't know much about him but this is a detailed piece outlining his relationship with McCain and leadership potential.

The ‘usual suspects’ (Huckabee, Romney) would, in my opinion, open old wounds and distract from what McCain himself has to offer. They each have as many enemies as friends, which is why I think a lesser-known candidate is actually less 'risky' than a well-known candidate who is not universally-liked.

10. Why should I care?

Even if you personally don’t care who McCain picks, millions of voters do. I would vote for McCain if he ran with Spongebob. BUT I know dozens of potential McCain supporters who are still waiting for this pick before becoming actual McCain supporters. With 75 days until the election, there is no time to lose, every voice and every vote is needed.


McCain needs a VP who delivers principle, competence, reassurance, and balance. I invite you all to visit the McCain PrayerSpace, or spend a quiet moment in reflection in support of wisdom for Senator McCain.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Mom on the Spot: McCain PhoneBank

In the past six months, I've gone from determined couch-sitter to blogger to doorbell-ringer and today I took my first foray into phone-bank volunteering at the local McCain HQ. The last time I was there, Washington State McCain Chair Don Skillman had just come aboard, and we were shooting photos for the Moms4McCain feature in the upcoming AllYou magazine.

It was amazing to me how much progress has been made in a few weeks - signs and bumper stickers are now plentiful and there is a sense of anticipation that Big Things are happening. The staff have a whiteboard counting down the days until the election (77) and tracking the highest number of calls made in one day (if you're near Seattle, I encourage you to come to a phone bank event at the Bellevue office and see for yourself how high that number is!)

I was pleased to see the unforgettable Fredi Simpson, Washington chair for Women for McCain. (We met in the pouring rain at McCain's Climate Change Roundtable event this spring.) Fredi was, of course, already on the phone, wearing a big smile, a McCain button, and great shoes. She drove in from Eastern Washington with a carful of eager, snappily-dressed women, who 'dialed for votes' with local volunteers, about 20 in all. Don and other staff skillfully coached the troops on the phone system and supplied us repeatedly with water (that many women talking on the phone creates serious heat!).

Volunteers ranged from college students to grandmothers, hailed from Massachusetts, New Jersey, and all corners of Washington State. I spoke with lots of answering machines, and a few live people, whom I asked about their support for McCain, rightful Governor Dino Rossi, and Congressman Dave Reichert .

I highly recommend coming by the Victory Office on your lunch hour, after the kids go to bed, instead of Happy Hour - bring some snacks and say hello to the staff who are working hard to make sure we have great leadership for our 'Washington' and, as our nation's capital is known here, 'the other Washington.'

Monday, August 18, 2008

Breaking: McCain to announce VP August 29!

Multiple reliable sources are reporting that McCain will celebrate his birthday August 29 by blowing out his candles with his Vice-Presidential candidate.

If you're interested in BEING THERE as part of the grassroots 'advance team', please leave a comment or email moms4mccain at yahoo dot com for more information. (Who needs a Labor Day weekend at the shore - Dayton, Ohio is where it's at!)

From Blogs for Victory:


…McCain plans to celebrate his 72nd birthday on Aug. 29 by naming his
running mate at a huge rally in the battleground state of Ohio, Republican
sources said.


That’s a week from Friday, and the day after his rival, Sen.
Barack Obama of Illinois, accepts the Democratic nomination at a 70,000-person
spectacular in a Denver stadium.

The campaign has begun building a crowd of 10,000 for Dayton, Ohio, according to an organizer. McCain is scheduled to appear with his running mate at a large-scale event in Pennsylvania shortly thereafter.

McCain, Obama and the Leap of Faith

In between chasing my kids through the sprinkler and watching Michael Phelps this weekend, I caught the Saddleback Forum this weekend (transcripts of the event here, video below).

To Pastor Warren's credit, he actually asked revealing questions about character and decision-making, he addressed major issues, and he actually gave voters a chance to see both candidates in clear contrast. To Senator Obama's credit, he seemed conversational and used Biblical refernces liberally (pun intended). Unfortunately McCain wiped the floor with him on Looking Presidential, being direct, actually giving a clear answer, and showing that his views are in line with the majority of evangelical churches and believers.


So Americans are left with the proverbial $32,000 question: What kind of President do you want?


One who is eloquent, or one who tells it like it is?


One who quotes the Bible, or one whose faith was founded in the most unspeakable conditions?


One who gives a speech, or one who takes a stand?


I choose to work for John McCain because I want a President who isn't perfect - and knows it. (Matthew 23:12.)




Thursday, August 14, 2008

Small business interview: Linda

Linda is a single Mom and grandmother from Bellevue, Washington who runs her own residential cleaning business full-time. She is passionate about politics and took a few minutes to share her thoughts on this Presidential election season and how America's choice will impact her. Thank you Linda for sharing your thoughts!

Tell us about yourself. I'm Linda, Mom to 3 grown sons and 5 grandkids. I've lived in Bellevue, WA for the last 20 years - I was born in Ohio and lived in San Diego.



Tell us about your business. What do you like about it? I've been cleaning homes for 16 years, with some of the same clientele the whole time. I enjoy it, I enjoy the relationships with the people and being appreciated for what I do. I love the ability to call my own shots and arrange my own schedule.



How did you get started in your business? I became a single Mom and I needed to make income right away. If I'd gone back into a "professional career," I couldn't have taken my boys to soccer. And two of them (9 and 11) were too old for daycare and too little to be home.



What is your involvement in politics? How would you describe yourself politically? I'm a "conservative Conservative" - to the right of the right. I listen to conservative talk radio. I'm really not "involved" this year yet, I'll probably do something for the campaign, haven't decided what yet.

Is this election different for you? The feeling of the NEED to do something is more crucial this election year. I feel like I have a "responsibility," I can't just complain and not do something. I need to be proactive. I think the issues are becoming more and mroe important, we're at a time in our country's future where we could be 'losing' the country.


Who do support for President and why? I support McCain because he is strong on protecting the country, and he understands the issues of foreign policy and being strong militarily. And that our safety and security depends on our strength.


How do you think a McCain or Obama Presidency would affect you? I think McCain stands behind keeping taxes lower, and I would therefore have more of my own money, which I feel I can spend better than my government. I can take responsibility for myself, I don't need the government being a 'nanny system.' With Obama in office, for one, my taxes would go up. But more importantly I would not feel safe. I would be very concerned over the world situation and safety at home. I have no confidence in Obama, and it would be a loooong four years.



What do you think McCain should do to appeal to people like you? As a "conservative Conservative," I think he needs to re-address the immigration problem, and really look at being tougher on the borders, because I think it is a real issue.

I'd like to see him be a little bit more energetic. I'd like him to get across the fact the he will help us keep our money, and that he is for change - the change in your pocket he wants you to keep. Obama's change is he wants to take your change. Both candidates are for "change," McCain is NOT Bush so it's not a repeat of the last eight years in any way, shape or form, except he is tough on defense.


That's where women are at: they want to be safe, and they want to have enough money, and that will speak to the woman. No one wants war, but we REALLY don't want to be attacked again on our own soil.



Do you have a favorite choice for Vice President and why? At this point, it would be Carly Fiorina. She understands business, people, foreign policy, and she understands how to deal with people in a foreign country and I think all of those are important these days. She's not wishy-washy, she knows how to deal with men whch I think is huge. I'm currently reading her book.


Any other thoughts to share? McCain wasn't my first choice, I wanted Fred Thompson. But he [McCain] is our choice now, we have to get behind him. Because the other choice, isn't. I think McCain runs head and shoulders above Obama, especially in experience.



Thank you Linda for sharing your thoughts!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

A Tale of Two Offices



The AP has a fascinating article about McCain and Obama's Offices, and what those contrasts reveal about their respective Senators. I particularly liked the Chinese-food fortune taped to John McCain's desk:

"Your principles mean more to you than any money or success."

You might be interested to see McCain's reading ("books seven or eight volumes high") versus Obama's (a copy of his own book, in Italian). Check out the article and the photos too.

(P.S. Sorry, Mom, McCain's a Ted Williams fan. But we love him anyway!)

Monday, August 11, 2008

John McCain's Virtual Town Hall

For those of us who couldn't make one of McCain's many town hall events this summer, the campaign has a great interactive YouTube 'one stop shop' highlighting McCain, in his own words, addressing key issues: energy, spending, housing, and more.

Take a moment, visit the site, and rate this as a 5-star video. Enjoy!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sunday Shout Out: Mom Athletes

I strive to stay "on topic" here at Moms4McCain, but I have to give a shout-out to two of our Olympic Mom Athletes representing the U.S. in Beijing:

Dara Torres, age 41 and mother of an 18-month-old, earned a Silver Medal as part of the women's 4 x 100 Swimming relay team.

Michelle Roach, a mother of three, including an autistic son, lives in Tacoma, and is a 119-pound weightlifter (seriously). She competes tonight (Sunday).

I don't know either of their political leanings, but as a Mom who is, er, athletically-challenged, my hat is off to both of you, and the many American Moms representing our nation with pride!

P.S. To all the people who say Sarah Palin can't be our Vice President because she has young children, consider the level of commitment these athlete Moms put forth. Then ask yourself: what we should tell our daughters? That motherhood is an excuse to slow career growth and give up on our dreams? Or a reason to keep growing and follow them?

Saturday, August 9, 2008

New Ads: Show Me The Money

The McCain Campaign released two ads this week which highlight the disparity between McCain and Obama's approach to taxing American families and American energy.

I should note, for the sake of fairness, there are all sorts of rumors going around, some with 'accurate' figures, some with 'misleading' figures based on incomplete assumptions. So before you go postal over a couple of scary numbers, think about the big picture. One candidate has a record of voting for tax increases, has pledged to increase spending and initiate expensive new programs, and thinks energy corporations will happily pay higher taxes without passing on that cost to consumers (not holding my breath). The other wants to maintain vulnerable tax cuts, keep investment taxes low, and require the government to 'tighten its belt' before you do. I'm no economist, but I know which candidate is acting in my best interest.


TV Ad: 'Painful'




Details and supporting information here.



Radio Ad: 'Recipe' (audio only)




Details and supporting information here.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Moms4McCain on BlogTalkRadio!

This Saturday (tomorrow), I will be a LIVE guest on the Clintons4McCain BlogTalk radio show. I'll be discussing issues that impact Moms and families, so *PLEASE* log in, call in, tune in this Saturday, August 9 from 5-5:30pm Eastern time! Details are here, the call-in number is (347) 633-9273.

As you may have guessed, Hillary Clinton was not my first choice, and as a moderate Republican, I do disagree with her on many important issues. But part of my mission at Moms4McCain is to reach undecided voters and give them the facts, and I've spoken with Moms who are Republican (Marissa, Tammy), Independent (Tracy, Barbara), and Democratic (Randa) who shared why McCain is their choice.

Right now, 18 million Hillary voters are rightfully questioning whether Barack Obama represents the same kind of leadership their candidate promised. While some are frightened by
the "R" after his name, most are aware of his strong bipartisan record, and taking a serious look at McCain.

Voters who looked to Hillary for her experience will find McCain's Congressional, military and legislative accomplishments much more attractive choice than Obama's 200-something days.

Voters who liked Hillary's directness and backbone under political pressure will like McCain's successful leadership on controversial issues like climate change, immigration, and campaign finance reform.

Voters who want change in Washington will appreciate McCain's unique record of 'equal-opportunity shenanigans-calling' when politicians of all stripes were playing fast and loose with the American people and their money.

Voters who want a leader who cares about people more than party or popularity will like McCain's bipartisan successes and support.

Please give the show a listen and spread the word - thanks!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

John McCain's Radio Address

I received this in a pres release from the campaign - it is *excellent.* Very very rarely do I post a McCain schpiel in its entirety but I think this is that good. You can download the audio here.

If you are listening, campaign folks, THIS would make a fabulous radio ad, even TV ad, just Straight Talk with McCain in his Navy hat or suit with flag pin. Awesome.

***

Good morning, this is John McCain.

The differences between my opponent and me are coming into sharper focus. As the day draws closer, the choice becomes clearer. One difference is our willingness to break ranks with our own political parties when principle and good sense demand it.

When a Republican administration was making terrible mistakes in Iraq, I spoke up against it. And I spoke for the new strategy that has saved us from a catastrophic American defeat in the Middle East. This was back when Senator Obama was speaking as if Iraq was a lost cause, confidently declaring the surge would fail and calling for an immediate withdrawal of our troops no matter how disastrous the consequences. I have seen war up close. I know its terrible costs. And, as president, I am going to end this war -- by winning it.

When my own party turned out to be just as financially irresponsible as my opponent's party -- spending recklessly and leaving more debt for your children to pay -- I spoke up. When America needed reform in energy policy, the current administration and likeminded Republicans in Congress served up yet another energy bill stuffed with corporate welfare -- and Senator Obama joined them. I spoke up for real reform to lower energy prices, and to gain energy security for our country.

My independence hasn't always made me friends in Washington. It hasn't always done much for my political prospects, either. The pundits and pollsters have written me off many times -- and, now and then, they seemed to be on to something. But I don't answer to the pundits and pollsters. I answer to you. And even when we don't agree, you will always know exactly where I stand.

For his part, Senator Obama is an impressive orator, and it's a lucky thing for me that people aren't just choosing a motivational speaker. Washington is full of talented talkers. And Senator Obama is one of the best to come along in quite a while.

Unfortunately, on issues big and small, what he says and what he does are often two different things. Senator Obama says he's going to change Washington. But his plan to raise your taxes and expand the federal government is not exactly my idea of a solution to what troubles Washington. In fact, it bears a suspicious resemblance to the problem. Real change in Washington requires a top-to-bottom review to root out wasteful spending, and a willingness to veto bills with useless and costly earmarks. Senator Obama himself has requested more than a million dollars in pork per working day since he arrived in Congress. That is just the kind of abuse we need to end in Washington, and I know how to end it.

Senator Obama says he will raise taxes only on the rich. But in the Senate, he voted for tax hikes that would have impacted those taking home just $32,000 a year. He has proposed tax increases on income taxes, capital gains taxes, dividend taxes, estate taxes, and Social Security taxes. All of these tax increases are the fine print under his slogans, and they add up to more than a trillion dollars in new taxes over the next decade. Raising taxes in a bad economy is about the worst thing you could do because it would kill more jobs in an economy thats already losing too many. I'm going to keep current tax rates low, and cut others, not because I want to make the rich richer, but because low tax rates keep jobs in America and create new ones.

Senator Obama says he wants energy independence, but he doesn't support anything that serves that goal. He is opposed to new domestic drilling, opposed to nuclear power, and wants to add taxes to coal producers. He has said the high cost of gasoline doesn't bother him, only that it rose too quickly. He believes every domestic energy source has a problem. I believe every energy source needs to be part of the solution. We need to develop new advanced alternative energies like wind, solar, tide and biofuels, but we also need to develop more existing energies like nuclear power and clean coal. And we need to start drilling and producing more oil at home, and bring down the cost of gasoline that is killing our economy.

To summarize the Obama agenda: Government is too big, and he wants to grow it. Taxes are too high, and he wants to raise them. Congress spends too much, and he proposes more. We need more energy, and he's against producing it. We're finally winning in Iraq, and he wants to forfeit. With an agenda like that, a knack for rhetoric comes in mighty handy. But good speeches aren't everything in politics -- good judgment matters too. And that's what America is going to need from the next commander in chief. Thanks for listening.

Monday, August 4, 2008

No More Mr. Nice Guy?

For months, we McCain fans have been tiptoeing around the Elephant in the Room (or should we say the, er, Democratic Animal in the Room (you know which one I mean). McCain has been voiceless because everyone is busy fawning over Obama: the Democrats of course, the media, the international community (who don't give a rat's patootie if the dollar sinks and our taxes and gas prices go through the roof). This week McCain finally called them on it, and he did it in rather dramatic style.

This is the "scorched-earth" approach to marketing: it is bold, it is memorable, and people will either love it, or hate it. Early reports suggest over a million people have seen it, so on that front it's an unequivocal success. But if I'm being perfectly honest (which I always am), I have mixed feelings about it. I absolutely think the comparison to vapid celebrities is accurate. I also think, while people are reluctant to admit this, this ad may provoke more actual thought than a meaningful 30-second generic hand-shaking and flag-waving spot. But I hate it that McCain has headed down a road from which there truly is no return, and now I have to defend a truly honorable man from accusations that he's hitting below the belt (even though he's really not).

In McCain's defense, there are waaaaay worse things that can be said about Obama. When critics dragged wife and pastor and family into it, even though most Americans had those issues on their minds, McCain urged the locals to stick to the candidates themselves. We can't criticize the laws he's passed, there are virtually none. We can't criticize his policy stances, they change hour to hour. In these ads, McCain uses Obama's own words and choices against him, which is not jaw-dropping chudzpah, it's Politics 101. It's just that the subject matter is so egregious and extreme, it requires an extreme response, lest the volley, like many of the campaign's early efforts at discrediting Obama, sink limply into the net.

In those 30 seconds, John McCain showed the American people that he knows what they are paying attention to, and equally importantly, that he wants to win. If he can get them to listen when he's being bombastic and over-the-top, maybe, just maybe, some of them will follow him back to RealityLand, a place Senator Obama doesn't deign to visit much. In RealityLand, the people of Berlin don't get to vote in American elections. In RealityLand, I don't expect a man going to the gym to be newsworthy. In RealityLand, journalists who get tingly feelings up their leg upon seeing one of two Presidential candidates should acknowledge their own non-objectivity and stick to reporting the weather or retire to the Hamptons.

But just as sane Obama supporters cringed when their candidate re-made the Presidential Seal, many McCain supporters will roll their eyes at the Britney-Barack montage. And I have to be honest, I have worked in marketing and I would not have advised one of my clients to run that ad from the official campaign. But as they say, nothing succeeds like success. It's clear that more people are now looking at John McCain. Only time will tell what they see.

***

This is my 100th post at Moms for McCain! Thank you to the over 5,000 of you who have visited and shared your thoughts. I am looking for Guest Bloggers to post while I'm on vacation and taking care of kindergarten entrance in September (hooray). If you are interested, please contact me at moms4mccain at yahoo dot com. Thanks!