Moms for McCain

UPDATE: John McCain coming to Georgia Chambliss event

2008-11-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

I just received this and thought some of you Southern Belle Mamas might want to check it out!
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John McCain is coming to Georgia Thursday to campaign for Saxby Chambliss. It will be at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre at 4:30 pm. Come out an show your support. He needs all the help we can give him. It is very important that we do not lose this senate seat. Anything you can do help in this runoff would be greatly appreciated. Visit his website and volunteer if you have the time!!

http://www.saxby.org/

And I Am Telling You...I'm NOT Going...

2008-11-06T21:49:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine, I've had a lot on my plate this week in my political life AND in my (gasp) real life. But I want to let you all know that I will be blogging and sharing thoughts and resources for Moms in the future. I'm taking a few MUCH needed mental-health days and will be returning next week ready to move forward.

In the meantime, I want to offer a brief pep talk for those who need it (if you're reading this, you probably do.). I'm 31 years old and I've never cared about an election as much as I cared about this one. John McCain is a true hero to America, and to me. But I'm going to live for many, many years. I will live under good Presidents and bad ones. Ones I like and ones I don't like. Ones who do a great job and ones who double my blood pressure medication. The world goes on turning, and the sun will rise tomorrow. (Unless, like me, you're in Seattle, where the current weather suggests I should be building an ark.)

It is important and necessary to grieve. We had an outstanding candidate, and he lost. That stinks. We will experience all the stages of loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It is okay and healthy to go through that.

But as I have said a million times before, ACTION is the antidote. As McCain himself said, if you find fault with your country, make it a better one. My goal in months and months of work on the blog and forums and groups has been to create resources so anyone who wants to do something positive and constructive has the opportunity, no matter where you live, what your lifestyle is, what your financial status is.

We conservative-moderates are not 'suddenly' a minority voice, we have always been a minority voice in a world where 90% of the media are human beings who share different ideals. The difference is now we are a minority voice with fewer advocates on the front lines. That simply means more of us "regular people" - yes, Joe the Plumbers - have to put down the plunger and take up the cause of liberty. It means we have to shout instead of whispering. It means we have to do our homework and have facts to make our case (because, yes, some people actually are interested in those). It means we have to unite and help each other, share resources and ideas, unite behind basic principles and stop 'sweating the small stuff.'

I will return next week with some exciting NEW resources for all of you, and I want to sincerely thank the many wonderful readers and friends who continue to encourage me. In the meantime, please visit Let's Get This Right, a social networking mecca for conservatives and home to lots of great links and resources.

With a Little Help From My Friends

2008-11-04T00:41:00.000-08:00

In just over 7 months, what started as a rookie housewife on her couch has grown to a national movement that has reached nearly 20,000 people all around the world. It would not have been possible to do so much in so little time without a LOT of help.

THANK YOU to...

My dear husband, independent 'mushy middle' voter, booed while holding my McCain signs for me at the fair, you endured profuse typing, sub-par frozen dinners and unwashed laundry.

My mother, a longtime Republican who got dozens of calls consisting of: "can you give my kids a bath while I talk to a reporter?" and always came through with a smile. My son, who during this election grew into a little man and an elementary student. My daughter, who was a baby when I started and is now every bit a two-year-old, thank you for delighting an entire room full of volunteers and our Congressman Dave Reichert by pointing to the cardboard cutout and saying "Look! John MCCAIN!!"

Linda, a fellow "stealth Republican" who didn't think I was crazy when I mentioned I was considering a blog project, and encouraged me to give it a try. And Lynne, who had never met me but let me invite 10 friends and a news crew to her house - with two hours' notice (really).

Brad Marston and Sheridan Folger, without whom John McCain would not have been the nominee. Period.

Michael Schuyler who didn't laugh at me when I couldn't figure out how to change my background color, and did an excellent job corraling the huddled masses of McCainiacs.

Steve Maloney, whose effusive praise and strategic ideas helped me think bigger and connected me with many useful and inspiring people.

The campaign staffers who graciously created a headquarters that didn't exist using a banner they didn't have and phonebank volunteers who hadn't been recruited on non-working phones and borrowed signs and buttons. The Reichert and GOP staffers who interrupted their work for an hour while we borrowed the backs of their heads.

The many wonderful Moms who guest-posted, shared their experiences, and left comments.

The Moms who got involved, stepped up and went outside their comfort zone. The SIGN MOMS, the question-askers, the pep-talkers and talkees, the phonebankers and doorbellers and armchair analysts and marketers and unofficial pollsters.

For the Palin bloggers, especially Adam and Paul, who reminded us that Moms ARE the GOP's future - figuratively, and literally.

Anne Franklin and the Clintons4McCain and PUMA team, for rolling up their sleeves and showing what amazing things can be accomplished when people support not just what is popular or convenient, but what is right.

CafeMom friends, for humoring me when I admitted I liked McCain. For the undecided Moms who gave me a chance to make my case. For the board admins who didn't kick off a McCain supporter back when we were pariahs. For the "nose holders," the gung-ho McCainiacs, the nail-biters and the cheerleaders, I appreciate you.

The Obama Thugs, paid and unpaid, who orchestrated a "freeze" on every pro-McCain or anti-Obama blog on Blogger, thank you for reminding me how important my freedom of speech really is, and how much this project truly means to me. And to the commenters who taught me to have a thicker skin and reminded me to pray for those who truly need it.

The respectful non-McCain supporters who shared their opinions like grownups and encouraged a young Mom who was usually in over her head to keep swimming.

This has been a life-changing experience, I will never think of my country, my government, the media, or my fellow citizens in quite the same way.

It is absolutely positively possible to make a difference. But only if YOU decide that it is. Nothing happens if you decide to do nothing.

John McCain: Make History Today

2008-11-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

From John McCain (emphasis mine):

My Friends,

From the time I entered the Naval Academy at age seventeen I have been privileged and honored to serve my country.

Throughout my years of service, I've been faced with challenges where I could have taken the easy way out and given up. But I'm an American and I never give up. Instead, I choose to show courage and stand up and fight for the country I love. Today, I am asking you to stand with me and to fight for our country's future.

Our country faces enormous challenges and our next president must be ready to lead on day one. My lifetime of experience has prepared me to lead our great nation. I'm prepared to bring solutions to our economic challenges, bring our troops home in victory and improve our nation's healthcare system.

Time and time again, my country has saved my life and I owe her more than she has ever owed me. I have chosen to show my gratitude through a life of service to our country and tomorrow, you will have a choice before you.

I humbly ask you to make the choice that will allow me to serve my country a little while longer by casting your vote to elect me as your next President of the United States.

Finally, I ask that you never forget that much has been sacrificed to protect our right to vote. We must never forget those Americans who, with their courage, with their sacrifice, and with their lives, have protected our freedom. It is my great hope that you will exercise your right to vote as an American tomorrow.

I thank you for your kind support, your dedication to our cause, and most importantly I thank you for your vote.

With sincere appreciation,

John McCain

Worth The Fighting For

2008-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

When people are faced with a challenge, there are two directions we can go. We can backtrack, retreat, weasel out of it, change (or PRETEND to change) how much we care. Or we can swallow hard, roll up our sleeves, and get to work. We can grumble and cower and sigh OR we can stand behind the people who are willing to face the headwinds and keep on going.

Today I have encountered every type of discouraging story possible. The Mom whose disabled son, unable to read a ballot, was "helped" to vote behind her back. The signs that were stolen, the screams out people's window. The people whose lives, homes, well-being was threatened if they didn't vote for Obama. Today I want everyone reading this to STOP and take a breath.

America is an experiment. Other people had tried republics, democracies, it usually ended due to too much wine, too much testosterone, and too much time on their hands. (Hey, if they'd had Xbox, Rome might never have fallen.) But America exists because people got mad. Fed up. PO'ed. Frustrated. Even desperate. We can let this anger and frustration destroy us OR we can use it positively.

If you're mad about the biased media, call a senior in Ohio or Pennsylvania who only gets her current events from the 6pm news, and tell her the other side of the story. If you're mad about ACORN's voter fraud and dirty-dealing, volunteer to be a poll watcher and keep everyone accountable for fairness. If you're worried about socialism, 1st amendment, 2nd amendment, the unborn, the American worker, small business, food on the table, gas prices, terror attacks - DON'T spend your time panicking and worrying and stewing. DO something about it.

I challenge anyone who reads this blog to commit to 20 minutes of your time on phone calling or if you're really chicken (cluck cluck, you know who you are), emailing people you know to tell them that you support John McCain and they should too.

I enjoy blogging, but I don't do it for the enjoyment. I've been flattered to get some attention for doing it, but that's not why I do it. I'll never serve my country in uniform or saving lives or building houses for the poor. I'll serve my country by raising responsible, healthy children and showing them, that I'm willing to stand up for what is right, whether it's popular or not. Are you? Would you give up 20 minutes for a better America? Do I need to remind you of the horrors of the Hanoi Hilton or will you just trust me that relative to what John McCain has given YOU this is not a lot to ask?

I've given you links, ideas, encouragement, news, shortcuts and hopefully even a few laughs. Now I'm asking you for 20 calls. If you value what you've seen and read here, I am setting this as the price of admission. If you believe in John McCain, pick up your phone and carry our candidate across the finish line.

Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Election Day Info and Tips: Non-Partisan

2008-11-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

NO McCain shirts/hats/buttons at the polls. Bring your ID (and your camera to record fraud). Watch your P's and Q's.

Here are some more excellent non-partisan tips from Yahoo:

Check your registration.
Double check your polling place, know when it's open.
Plan plenty of time to wait.
Bring your government-issued ID.
Beware of what you wear (i.e. no partisan gear).
Beware of dirty tricks (EVERYONE votes November 4.)
If something goes wrong, know your rights, ask for help.

In addition, the McCain Campaign has resources to ensure an Honest Election at www.johnmccain.com/honest.

A GREAT way McCain Moms can help this election year is offering to drive seniors or neighbors or others in need to the polls, OR offer to trade babysitting with a friend to ensure you both get to vote. It is well worth an hour of your time to make your voice heard.

Win Undecided Voters With a Question

2008-11-02T13:03:00.001-08:00

Here are some "parting thoughts" to share with undecided voters, online, in person, on the phone:

Who do you trust to stand up to people with bad ideas or dishonest motives? Can you name one time Obama has shown courage or stood up for an unpopular idea? Who will deliver on this promise: the man who talks about it, or the man who's done it and has the scars to prove it?

Do you want a far-left Democratic President, Democratic supermajority in Congress, and liberal court who will rubber stamp everything each other does? (Lots about this at Divided We Succeed, interesting site supporting balanced 'divided' government).

Would you hire someone with no training or experience in your field to make life and death decisions for thousands of people and budget choices for billions of dollars? Then wouldn't McCain make a better Commander-in-Chief than Obama?

Do you care about gun rights? No? Well, if you'd ignore the 2nd amendment, the 1st and all the rest aren't far behind.

If you were building your dream home, who would you choose as the architect - the edgy young guy who never built anything to speak of, or the experienced veteran who has built many beautiful homes - even if he works for a firm that's not "in vogue"?

Do you want a man who thinks life and death decisions are "above his paygrade" or a President who's willing to take a stand?

Do you believe that a man who spent over $600 million to have a 50/50 shot at election will really spend your money responsibly?

And last but not least...

Who will make real "change" in government: a guy with a decades-long record of successful reform, or the guy who gives speeches about it?

Q&A with Brenda from Iowa

2008-11-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

I've shared Brenda's story here at Moms4McCain, and wanted Brenda to share a little bit more about her family, what happened, and why it matters. Thanks Brenda for taking the time to share your thoughts, and especially for your family's service to our country.

Tell us about yourself. My name is Brenda Lyddon. I moved from Baltimore, MD to Deep River, IA 5 yrs ago. I have a daughter now 13 yrs old and I wanted a safer and better education for her. I also have a 26 yr old disabled son. I knew he would have a better chance of living in a group home that is smaller and safer here in Iowa. I have a 22 yr old son who is in the Army and is currently deployed in Iraq. This is his 2nd tour and it is for 15 months. He believes in what he is doing for he just re-enlisted again last month in Iraq.

Tell us about your involvement in politics. Has this year been any different for you? I really started getting political during the 2004 election. I joined the Poweshiek County Republican Party. I did door-to-door canvassing and a few phone calls. This election I don't think I have slept in the last 2 months. I have gone door-to-door, made phone calls, joined many grassroots websites, blogging and made sure absentee ballots were sent to our military in theater. My 13 yr old daughter helps a lot. She was also elected as the Republican Jr. Caucus Chairperson for our district.

Who do you support in this election and why? I am backing the McCain/Palin ticket this election. There are a lot of important issues, but I have to say my reasons are more personal. First, I believe that my son's and fellow soldiers' lives are better served and safer in the hands of a decorated war hero and fellow blue star mom. John McCain has 2 sons serving at this time and Sarah Palin has a son serving in Iraq. Who better to be our CIC than a man who has worn the uniform and familar with foreign affairs. Also, with a disabled son I have had to fight the education system every step of the way. Sarah Palin will help ease the challenges we parents face everyday.

Tell us about your son and his "voting" experience. My son Kris is 26 yrs old and mentally and physically challenged. He receives SSI and is listed as mentally retarded and cerebral palsy. He lives in a small group home in Grinnell.

I have never registered him to vote because he does not have the mental capacity to chose for himself. The home he has lived in for almost 2 yrs recently registered him to vote. When I found this out I told them I do not want him to vote. Against my wishes, a staff member not only took him to vote, but told him who to vote for and actually voted for him.

I feel he was politicized. It does not matter who he voted for. I take my voting privilege very seriously. My son doesn't have a clue of what a president does. He is easily influenced. I will do everything in my power to get a law enacted so these individuals are never used again for political gain. My son's only concern is watching Texas Ranger and the Price is Right. He needs a guardian just to survive everyday life.

What action can we take to address this? What advice would you give to other families of adults with disabilities? Every family member who has a loved one in one of these homes or a senior facility needs to find out the election rights for disabled individuals in their state. Unfortunately, in my state my son does have the right to vote. I now have to challenge his vote with my county auditor. If I am able to challenge, it then goes to court where a judge determines if my son's vote can be overturned and deems him either competent or incompetent to vote in the future.

So please check on your loved ones and see if they are being used in this election. Our loved ones are supposed to have their everyday survival needs taken care of. Caretakers choosing for them in an election is not what they are paid to do.

Thank you Brenda for sharing your story. I hope justice is served for your son and your family. If you suspect voter fraud of any kind, by any party, against people with disabilities, please contact your local authorities, call 1-866-976-VOTE and/or use these resources to make your report.

UPDATE: Disabled voter fraud happening nationwide

2008-11-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

I was so saddened to hear of Brenda's story, but even more saddened to hear additional similar stories this morning. Brenda called in to Darla Shine's Happy Housewives Club radio show this morning (archived show will be up soon, Brenda called in about 40 minutes before the end of the show). She was immediately followed by another caller telling a similar story from a different part of the country. I have received reputable reports from North Carolina of similar fraud, and we've all heard the stories of bussing homeless citizens across state lines for early Ohio voting. We must speak out to protect our most vulnerable - defending their right to vote if they are capable, and ensuring that their wishes are followed out.

This is NOT a partisan issue. This is an ETHICS issue. I urge Obama supporters and campaign to speak out and denounce this, and I urge everyone who votes Tuesday to bring their cameras to record fraud and 'shenanigans.' Also see these voter fraud resources:

www.johnmccain.com/honest, McCain Campaign Hotline: 1-866-976-VOTE

Grassroots voter protection resources (non-partisan)

Obama supporters' fraud against disabled voters

2008-11-01T00:12:00.001-07:00

We've all heard stories about shady dealings, coercion, bribery, and flat-out fraud when it comes to this year's election. Sadly, this impacted a fellow McCain Mom this week when her disabled adult son was brought to the polls without her knowledge or consent, where an aide 'took the liberty' of filling out his ballot (which he would not have been able to read). Brenda in Iowa writes:

My son was politicized!! I live in Iowa. I have a disabled 26 yr old son. I have never registered him to vote because 1. He is not mentally capable and 2. He couldn't read a ballot. He lives in a group home with others like him. They the homes staff registered my son to vote. When I found out I told them that he is NOT allowed to vote. I find out today they took him to vote and a home staff member told him who to vote for (Obama) and was actually the person who helped him vote. I am livid. They tell me it is his right and the law. They knew I would probably 'get him' on election day so they took him to vote early. I am shaking so bad right now. The staff used my son and others for political gains.

Folks, this is NOT a partisan issue, this is unethical, immoral, illegal, and just plain wrong. If it had been a McCain supporter cheating for votes I would feel the same way and would demand punitive action. The fact that this young man, given the opportunity to vote as he chose, very well may have chosen McCain, just makes this a more frustrating situation.

If you're the parent of a disabled or 'vulnerable' adult, I urge you to look into the appropriate ways to have them participate in the process, and discuss your preferences and theirs with caregivers. I urge bloggers, website owners, and others to share this story and let everyone know we WILL hold accountable people who exploit volunerable citizens for political gain.

Please report instances of voter fraud or unethical behavior to the McCain Campaign and to your local Secretary of State / Board of Elections (leave a comment if you need help finding resources).

I know Brenda would appreciate your supportive comments too, I should note that she is a longtime McCain supporter and mother of a deployed soldier. Thank you in advance.

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin reports that this is happening nationwide and is alarmingly common. Please help get the word out!

John McCain's Radio Address 11-1

2008-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

THERE ARE LOTS OF NEW AND IMPORTANT POSTS TODAY, SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK THEM ALL OUT!! THANKS!!

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(Audio of McCain's address is here.)

Good morning, this is John McCain, speaking to you just 72 hours before the time for choosing.
Presidential elections have a way of settling on a few great questions as the moment of decision arrives, and this has happened in the closing days of the election of 2008.

We've learned that Barack Obama's economic plan for America to redistribute the wealth of America with higher taxes. It took a working man in Ohio to finally get him to explain his economic plan in plain language. Senator Obama wants to "spread the wealth around." He thinks that your job is to earn wealth, and the government's job is to spread it.

I reject the ideology of redistributing wealth, and I always have. I believe that the only way to pull our economy out of this terrible time of worry and hardship is to spread opportunity. Low taxes reward effort and create jobs. We're going to double the child deduction for working families. We will cut the capital gains tax. And we will cut business taxes to help create jobs, and keep American business in America.

At the same time, I'm going to make government finally live on a budget, just like you do, and I am going to enforce that discipline by the power of veto.

My fellow Americans, we're going to get through this present economic crisis. And we will even come out stronger -- without the corruption and arrogance that have overtaken both Washington and Wall Street. We're going to pull through these hard times -- and do it together, just as our country has done before.

And when that day arrives, we will find awaiting our country all of the same great challenges and dangers that were there all along. At a time when the jobs and financial security of our people seem at risk, it is hard to spare much thought even for the great and abiding concerns of this nation's security, and the security of our friends and allies across the world. But these dangers have not gone away while we turned our attention elsewhere. And the next president will meet no greater test than defending America from these threats.

Victory must still be secured, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Senator Obama opposed removing the dictator in Iraq, and now obstinately opposes the need to defend the young democracy in that country -- even with victory so clearly in sight. He cites as his most courageous moment in public life a speech he gave in 2002 -- against a war resolution on which he had no vote, on a matter of national security for which he bore no responsibility. He hopes you will forget the votes he cast when he actually did have responsibility, his votes to prevent the strategy that is leading to victory, and to deny funding for the troops who are gaining that victory. And now he hopes that in the cloud of crisis at home you will forget the stakes in Iraq -- the disaster and tragedy that would follow if American forces leave in retreat.

With terrorists still plotting new strikes across the world, millions of innocent lives are still at stake, including American lives. Our enemies' violent ambitions must still be prevented -- by American vigilance, by diplomacy and cooperation with our partners, and by force of arms as a last resort. In his four years in the Senate, two of them spent running for president, Barack Obama has displayed some impressive qualities. But the question is whether this is a man who has what it takes to protect America from Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran, and other grave threats in the world. And he has given you no reason to answer in the affirmative.

At the same time, Democrats in Congress have already proposed to cut defense spending by 25 percent. Even with our troops engaged in two wars, and with a force in need of rebuilding, we're getting a glimpse of what one-party rule would look like under Obama, Pelosi, and Reid.

Apparently it starts with lowering our defenses and raising our taxes.

At least when European nations chose the path of higher taxes and cutting defense, they knew that their security would be guaranteed by America. But if America takes the same path, who will guarantee our security?

We have passed through a difficult time, and more courage will be needed in the years ahead. But there is a direction to events, and the sacrifices of the present have not been in vain.
We will build on our hard-won victories to extend the security of our nation and of every nation that seeks to live in freedom. We will not yield to intimidation, and by our strength we will prevent threats from turning into tragedies. This is America's work in the world, as it always has been in our finest moments. We are called still to spread liberty, to assure justice, to be the makers of peace. And this is the great work I will carry on as your president and commander in chief.

To do all of this, my fellow Americans, I need your help. I need your confidence. And I am asking for your vote.

Thank you for listening

Excellent links for Saturday

2008-10-31T23:20:00.001-07:00

Read these links, then GO MAKE YOUR CALLS. Yes, you. On the computer. I see you eating that bowl of your kids' Halloween candy. If you really feel like you can't call strangers, email everyone in your address book and tell them why you're voting for John McCain and they should too. No excuses, ladies!

Awesome one-page comparison of the candidates. From a Catholic group, but useful for people of all faiths, scroll down for professional brochures and is you're pro-life, be sure to check out their links and commentary as well.

Remember when I told you not to panic about polls? Zogby says (surprise, surprise) Mac is BACK!

From the DUH Department: Media really IS "in the tank" for Obama.

The 'Governator' gets McCain Ohio supporters PAHMPED UP! Article here, video below. 12 Minutes but WORTH IT. Fun zingers *and* thought-provoking arguments. And who doesn't love Dah Ack-sent!

New McCain Ad: FREEDOM

2008-10-31T23:17:00.001-07:00

John McCain gave a lifetime of service to his country.

I gave a couple of hours a day, 7 days a week, for 7 1/2 months to share my passion for this candidate and to encourage you to do the same.

What will YOU do for a better America?

Orson Scott Card Endorses McCain

2008-10-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

Any of you ladies who have undecided husbands or sci-fi lovers in your life, please share this endorsement with them. Card is, pardon the obvious pun, a card-carrying Democrat who recently wrote a piece explaining why the media should, on November 5, write 100 times: 'I Will Not Ignore The Facts. I Will Not Ignore The Facts. I Will Not Ignore The Facts....'

Of all the McCain articles I've read - and there must be thousands - this is among the best. His endorsement of McCain hits several nails on the head.

Why you shouldn't snub McCain because you disliked Bush: "Why, if you thought Bush was inept, would you install as Commander-in-Chief a man whose ignorance of world affairs and military strategy make Bush look like a genius?"

Why McCain's Economic stance is the right one for these times: "McCain is no expert on the economy. But he's proven that he knows how to listen to the people who do understand it. And he thinks that wealth is created by people who work and think and learn and save. Share with the needy? Sure. But prosperity comes from leaving as much money as possible in the productive economy -- not from removing the rewards of achievement."

Why McCain's principles are real, right and sorely needed in The White House: "John McCain is what he seems to be. When he changes his mind or his policies, he admits it. He believes that America is an influence for good in the world. He doesn't follow the party line -- Republicans may hate some of the things he's done, but nobody has ever been able to claim he did them for any reason but his own conscience."

Why McCain's America is a better one: "In McCain's America, you can have confidence that you know the guy in the Oval Office, and he actually pays attention to what you believe in and care about."

Please share this with undecided voters you know!!

Iraqis would Vote McCain

2008-10-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am glad to see SOMEONE acknowledging the progress our brave troops have made. For those of you who think it's a good idea to put someone with *no military training and experience whatsoever* in charge of thousands of lives and billions of dollars, please think again. Those who have to live it want good leadership: link here.

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For five years Ali and Mohammed have lived alongside US soldiers in their Baghdad neighbourhood near Rasheed Street, a prominent commercial artery running through the heart of the Iraqi capital.

During that time American culture and politics have become familiar to them, and they say that if they could, they would vote for Republican candidate John McCain in next week's US presidential election.

"McCain would be best for Iraq because he would ensure stability," said Ali, 66, an expert on the Sumerian era.

The personal qualities and political platforms of McCain and his Democrat rival Barack Obama are of little import to Ali, however. His focus is on Iraq and its neighbours such as Iran.

"The Iranians believe that if Obama is elected he will not take action against them despite their nuclear ambitions. That worries me," said Ali, sitting on an old bench in Al-Zahawi coffee shop.

Mohammed, also a professor at the university, said he too preferred McCain "because Obama supports a rapid withdrawal of US troops."

"Our army is still too weak and Turkey and Iran are threats. Iran's President (Mahmoud) Ahmadinejad has warned Iran would fill the void left when US troops depart," he said.

"I trust the Republicans more. They're more capable of establishing democracy in the world, especially in Arab countries," said the 33-year-old. "Obama is far too left."

Share Your Experiences: McCain Palin Events

2008-10-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

Heather at Moms in the Right shared her experiences at a Palin campaign rally in Loveland, Colorado. Her story noted that getting to know the McCain-Palin supporters is almost as exciting as getting to know the candidates themselves:

There were young and old, male and female, and people from every ethnic group. While we had been waiting in line, some people shared stories about why they were there, and why they were leaning or voting for Sen. McCain. One lady in front of us said she had lived in 25 different countries (for her husband's work), and no matter where she went in the world, everyone always asked her one question, and that was "How can I become an American?"
One young mother in front of us said she had grown up in Saudi Arabia, and having lived in that kind of government, she felt McCain best represented and could preserve the values of America.
Another said she had a roommate in college who was from Sweden. While this person loved their country, he had hated how the government controlled every aspect. She said his father had died of heart disease, while on a waiting list to receive medical care with the government-run health care program in Sweden. She said she did not want America to takes steps closer to socialism.
I'll be posting more rally and event stories this week, if you have a positive story to share, please leave a comment. Thanks!

New McCain Ad: Compare

2008-10-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

What's it gonna be, America? Personally, I prefer *money* in my pocket and *manure* spread around....

Meghan McCain on this election

2008-10-28T17:47:00.001-07:00

Reading future First Daughter Meghan's McCain Blogette was a key part of my inspiration and determination to reach Moms and women in this election. Her piece today is absolutely one of the best "cases" I've ever heard for John McCain, please pass it on. Thanks!

* * * * * * * *

When I started the Blogette last year, I wanted to show people what happens behind the scenes in a national campaign. I did this because I love my family and I knew that it might surprise people to see how normal this experience can be. I know this has been a difficult campaign for a lot of people. I know there are many who just want to get past the last eight years. And I know there are people who are so desperate for change they will do anything to get what they think is a better deal.

I make no excuses for the state of politics today. But I want everyone to know that my dad is more than ready to be the President this country needs right now. Everyone always assumed Iraq would be this campaign's number one hurdle. The only thing I respect more than people's opinions about how to proceed in Iraq are the men and women who are bravely serving our country in harm's way every single day. My Dad is the only candidate with real military experience who has the support of an overwhelming majority of current service members. And if you really want to know how much I trust him, remember that I have two brothers who are serving, one of whom is about to redeploy. Of course, all of this is easy to miss, because this election is clearly about moving past the current administration and fixing the economy.

If you honestly think someone with extremely limited experience will solve the severe problems we have in this country then, by all means, vote for Senator Obama. If you want to give complete control of our government to the Democrats who have made a real mess of things over the last two years they've controlled Congress, then go ahead and vote for Senator Obama. And, if you really believe that our taxes should be higher and that government should have a bigger role in our lives, vote for Senator Obama.

Some of you have asked me how I can support my Dad or call myself a Republican when times are so tough, especially since my own personal beliefs don't always sync with the GOP. Well, I have asked myself that same question a lot. But I support my Dad through it all because I know this: my Dad will be unlike ANY other Republican president. My father has the experience, leadership skills, and proven dedication to serve. I only wish people could understand that Dad will bring about the change everyone is so hungry for in a much more real way than Senator Obama could ever possibly hope to do at this stage in his political career.

So, forget everything you've heard or seen. Just know this: everyone wants change. And while some people can only talk about it, my dad will bring it. Don't give up on him. He is never going to give up on you. And by you, I mean every American. Regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or political ideology; a vote for John McCain is a vote to change our country for the better. Don't hope for a better future. Vote for one.

Pro-McCain Posts: On The Issues

2008-10-27T13:41:00.001-07:00

These may help as you work with undecided voters this week. Please pass on to everyone you know! I will be posting periodically today and tomorrow....

Healthcare: "Almost Everyone would do better under McCain"
Healthcare and Families: The McCain-Palin Commitment to Children with Special Needs
Military: Young soldier gives McCain his Purple Heart (also see video at Blogs for John McCain)
Economy: CNBC: McCain Demonstrates Uncanny Power to Understand the Need of American Small Business Owners (hat tip to Blogs4McCain)
Economy: Prominent Economists Think McCain's Plan is Best (hat tip to Blogs4McCain)

Resources for Undecideds: Endorsements, Faith

2008-10-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

We all know people who are undecided, some who even have the courage to admit that. Since different people need to hear different things to make their decision, here are 20 resources that you may want to share:

10 Endorsements of Note

1. Master LIST of endorsements from Wikipedia

2. Swing state, small town: Findley, Ohio

3. Swing state, big town: Columbus Dispatch

4. Blue state, big city: San Diego

5. Blue state, DEEP blue city: San Francisco (really!)

6. Blue state, DEEPEST blue city: New York Post

7. Red state, red city: San Antonio, Texas

8. Red state, red city: Dallas Morning News

9. Swing state, swing city: Tampa Tribune

10. Swing state, ain't over till it's over: Michigan

10 Resources for People of Faith

11. http://www.catholics4mccain.org/

12. http://www.momsintheright.com/

13. http://www.catholicvote.org/

14. http://www.valuesvoterusa.com/

15. http://www.mccainsjewishcoalition.org/

16. Transcript of Rick Warren Saddleback Church Forum: http://www.rickwarrennews.com/

17. http://evangelicalsformccain.org/

18. Jewish Press endorses McCain: http://www.jewishpress.com/pageroute.do/36711/John_McCain_For_Pres.html

19. http://americansoffaith.johnmccain.com/ Official Site for "Americans of Faith"

20. http://catholics.johnmccain.com/ Official Site for Catholics for McCain (you can request a Voter2Voter PhoneBank list of Catholics to call in swing states)

McCain on Meet the Press: He Can Win

2008-10-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

This really encouraged me. We must not give up!!

Join us on www.Teamsarah.org Saturday!

2008-10-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

The fine folks at Team Sarah are sponsoring a 1-million-woman Town Hall, via phone, since we can't all drop everything and fly to a strange city - someone has to give the kids their baths, do the laundry, bring home the bacon, and change the world!

Please visit http://www.teamsarah.org for more information on the call...it will be streamed LIVE here from 11 am - 1pm Eastern Time.

And while you're on your phone, take a few minutes and call 20 undecided voters in a swing state! ** You can make a difference! **

New Ad: I Am Joe the Plumber

2008-10-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Does that make me "Joe Mama"? Ha ha, sorry, we all need some comic relief.

This ad makes two great points: people want to keep the money they have earned through hard work, and no American should be intimidated or harassed for asking a fair - and important - question. If our leaders aren't accountable for what they do and honest about what they believe, how can we be the greatest nation in the world?

Media Bias: It's NOT in your head

2008-10-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

From the Department Of Stuff We Knew Already comes this study, finally acknowledging that negative stories about McCain outnumbered positive ones by a factor of nearly 3 to 1. So when your friends tell you "I've done my research and I'm voting for Obama!" be sure to point out that, um, their research really only included one side of the story in the first place. This is an opportunity to make your case, fairly and with facts, that McCain may not be a better Media Butt-kisser, but he would be a better President.

More to come...here is one link to the study's findings, and here are my past thoughts on media bias, and why we lowly Moms have put aside the glamour of laundry and soccer-practice carpooling to do what the media refuses to do (you're welcome).

The OTHER Catholic Case for McCain

2008-10-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

I rarely discuss faith matters here at Moms4McCain because, quite frankly, it opens a large Pandora's Box of important - but distracting - issues. But as a cradle Catholic with 12 years of Catholic school, the spectre of Catholics as The Great Undecided Demographic is too compelling for me to ignore. If you know undecided Catholic voters, please share this with them.

Catholics of good conscience should vote for John McCain. You've all heard this argument from academics (click this one, please), Moms, bloggers, Bishops nationwide. You know the drill: first I offer an impassioned plea about the sanctity of life and how respect for the unborn reveals a person's true character, and whether they value what is convenient over what is right. Then I point out that one candidate has a strong pro-life voting record, an adopted daughter from a Bangladeshi orphanage, and unanimous endorsements from pro-life leaders. But the other is more extreme than NARAL, voted to refuse care to infants born alive (twice), and has said overturning all abortion statutes through the 'Freedom of Choice Act' is quote "the first thing I will do as President." So why on God's green earth would anyone who chooses to be part of a church which calls abortion intrinsically evil think a vote for Obama is ever okay?

Well, they say, don't we care about other issues too? Frustrated pro-life Catholics here begin pontificating and pointing out the obvious distinction. But this is the wrong strategy. Of course we care about other issues too - and we should. The church is clear that respect for life cannot be fudged, overlooked, de-prioritized or ignored, BUT church teaching and common sense require us all to consider other issues of conscience as well. Unfortunately for "pro-Obama Catholics," while OUR candidate is a clear winner on life issues, their candidate does NOT have a monopoly on social conscience. McCain - in yet another refreshing departure from the Republican stereotype - cares too.

If you've been following his campaign, you know McCain's earliest stumping was in New Orleans, Appalachia, and other truly depressed areas of the country. Before anyone else was paying attention, John McCain was going to the forgotten places and planning and working for the needs of the forgotten people. Some of the key issues raised by Catholics include poverty, housing and homelessness, war and peace, environmental stewardship, the list goes on. To Catholics who really want a "values" reason besides abortion policy to vote McCain, here are a few.

McCain's personal and professional experience make him the best choice to bring about lasting peace. Some Catholics rightly note that our church opposes needless and unjust violence and say they hesitate to support McCain because he would "encourage war." (I've addressed this previously as well.) John McCain knows the costs of war more personally than anyone else who has been involved in this race. Beyond his own heroic sacrifice and service, he has two sons serving on active duty, running mate Palin's son is in Iraq right now. Very simply, it is not in McCain's political or personal best interest to exacerbate or provoke unnecessary military conflict.

Yet Democrats still find it attractive to paint McCain as some sort of demonic warmonger, when in fact, he is the only candidate with any military training or experience whatsoever. Obama claims to be a hero for giving speeches about bringing the troops home, but it is McCain's 'surge' - championed at great political expense - which actually stabilized the region and will speed the troops' return. McCain's commitment to veterans comes from personal, visceral experience, and the vast majority of currently-deployed troops agree he is the best choice. So when we look at the facts rather than the rhetoric, McCain is not only the pro-life choice, he is the pro-peace choice as well.

John McCain is committed to being a good steward of the environment. (And as Mac himself would say, he's got the scars to prove it.) He co-authored a key climate change bill with Democrat-Independent Joe Lieberman, and, like Obama, is committed to a cap-and-trade system of ensuring reduced carbon emissions. I've commented about my firsthand experience seeing McCain discuss this issue with a panel here in Seattle, and I was pleasantly surprised to see why Democrats can no longer claim a blanket 'moral high ground' when it comes to environmental responsibility. See McCain's environmental policy points here.

Perhaps even more importantly, John McCain has proven himself a good steward of American taxpayers' money. He reformed campaign finances (earning more 'scars' from both parties in the process), refused earmarks for a quarter-century while his colleagues (including Obama) took hundreds of Billions. Even though it cost him significant leverage throughout the campaign, McCain honored his commitment to accept public financing limits. Barack Obama broke his commitment to take public financing, even though he himself said doing so might destroy that option for future candidates, and now he is en route to spending over $600 million to run for an office that pays $400,000 a year. If Obama was really interested in helping the less fortunate, wouldn't it be more ethical to accept the fair, adequate alternative and direct his supporters to give the other $500 million to help those in need? Barack Obama has said his experience running the campaign is evidence of his 'executive leadership.' Americans need to look very closely at how he's managed his campaign and ask: how would this person manage MY money?

John McCain has specific, realistic plans to mitigate the risks of an unstable economy for struggling families. John McCain's "HOME" plan provides both short-term assistance to responsible homeowners impacted by volatile markets and unfair practices - but it also addresses the need for long-term reform and accountability to break the cycle. (Give a man a fish, AND teach him to fish, AND punish the stingy fishmongers who hogged all the fish in the first place.) Affordable housing is the linchpin not only of the fancy-pants investing community, but also fulfills a basic Christian need for as many as 400,000 American families who could keep their homes under this plan. And if homeownership is not the right choice, McCain's lower small business taxes would ensure landlords could keep rental properties affordable and properly maintained.

Both candidates' tax policies have varied as recently as this week, but some consistent distinctions show that McCain's strategy will protect the most vulnerable. McCain's lower investment taxes (capital gains, dividends, etc) and temporary freeze on mandatory withdrawals would ensure that seniors and those living on fixed income wouldn't abruptly lose the savings they dutifully stashed away. (Rich investors with wise advisors could take advantage of loopholes; regular people with modest but important savings would be most at risk.)

See the McCain Economic Plan here.

McCain's health care plan has realistic, immediate steps to help Americans most vulnerable under the current system. McCain's health plan provides for long-term reform for a broken Medicare system and protects people with pre-existing conditions, or who live in "less desirable insurance states" (like mine, which currently requires men to buy maternity care. Seriously. And we wonder why it is expensive!) Does McCain's plan promise an instant, priceless panacea for a fundamentally broken, bloated system? No. It offers short-term relief for families, addresses the injustices in the system: inflated cost of care, exclusion for pre-existing conditions, and portability when changing or leaving employers. The most vulnerable are addressed FIRST, rather than attempting an ambitious one-size-fits-all system sure to face resistance from taxpayers, employers, providers, and everyone in between. The goal of healthcare for everyone is an outstanding one, but McCain's plan will do more good, more quickly, to actually help those most in need. See "facts and fiction" of McCain's Health Care Plan here.

This list could go on forever. But since this election won't, and my evening won't, I will invite you to prayerfully consider a vote for John McCain. An informed conscience considers not only what is being promised, but what can actually be delivered. I believe in my head and my heart that McCain, not Obama, is the candidate who can deliver short-term support and long-term freedom for the most vulnerable among us. McCain's record proves he can bring otherwise antagonistic parties to the table, and he will govern in this spirit as well.

For more on Catholic voting, please see resources on Faithful Citizenship. For outstanding reasons to support John McCain, please see www.catholics4mccain.org and the official Catholics for McCain coalition.

Say What You Need To Say

2008-10-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

My 6-year-old son loves creative interpretation of song lyrics. One of his current favorites is John Mayer's "Say", whose chorus becomes "Sandwich Ya Need to Save" (say what you need to say). So today, in my son's honor, I shall say what needs to be said.

I've been working with the grassroots McCain movement for months, but I have dutifully kept my personal politics out of my personal life. Where I live (east of Seattle), Republicans are 'scarcer than hens' teeth' and it can be a very lonely existence to be the only person in the Bunko group, the playgroup, the coffeehouse who sees the world the 'Right' way. It's bad enough to come home to an anti-McCain newspaper, Obama info-mercials delaying the World Series (!), and TV news anchors who "get a tingle up their leg" when The One dares to speak. Even the most diehard McCainiacs like yours truly sometimes just need a break.

Usually my much-needed break is provided by my preschool Moms' group, which sponsors fun, free low-key events. Then I made the mistake of checking this month's Mommy Book Club selection: The Audacity of Hope. My initial reaction cannot be printed here (it involved Kool-Aid, pinheads, and some choice words not suitable for a family blog).

Now, in the great scheme of things, this is a minor event. BUT it raised major questions for me. I've been part of this group for almost 5 years, I've been on their board, I've raised thousands of dollars for them. How could the group that was supposed to be my oasis from political negativity turn out to be so lopsided? Why would they alienate any of their members (half? a third? even a couple?) to prove a political point? Would I, or anyone else, find the courage to speak up, and what would be the response if I did? Would I be praised for bringing another viewpoint, or ostracized for daring to speak out? Why didn't any of my "real life" friends have the courage to call me and tell me themselves that my viewpoint wasn't welcome - OR was sorely needed?

Good girl that I am, I took that amalgam of emotions and slept on it. Yesterday morning I sent a succinct, polite email, referencing the group's announcement that "a variety of viewpoints would be welcome." I explained that I couldn't leave my little ones for a 4-hour wine-soaked Obama Lovefest on a Monday night, but anyone who genuinely wanted an alternative viewpoint was welcome to read my blog. Only one person responded, with a surprisingly liberal diatribe about how she didn't like one of McCain's economic advisors and how he would magically take away her health insurance (um, not really). She was civil, but I'll never really think of her in the same way knowing that's how she sees the world.

I knew when I started this blog that I was putting myself out on a limb. I didn't fear the sort of violence and harassment caused by Obama supporters around the country, but I knew I couldn't 'make an omelette without breaking some eggs.' I know plenty of non-McCain supporters who are and will remain my friends, I'm just surprised at which eggs got broken in this process and why. Can't intelligent people disagree without being called stupid or insensitive or irresponsible? Evidently, if you're an Obama supporter, the answer is no.

I share this not to evoke pity or to scare any of you from sharing what you truly believe. Speaking the truth is not always easy or convenient, but it IS important. Give people the facts and let them decide, but equally important, practice what you preach. When it comes to genuinely changing minds, you "gotta put up or shut up."

If you truly believe John McCain is the right choice for President, have the courage to say that. Say it in writing, say it on your answering machine, say it to anyone who will listen - and even some you think won't listen. Don't be obnoxious, be sincere, open the door and you may be surprised who walks through. I can't promise it will feel good right away. Cause frankly, it may not. But the reward when you make a difference is a thousand times worth it. I, for one, am willing to endure a little awkwardness to support a man who can restore accountability and pride in my country. (And really, compared to what McCain has given for his country, a couple of nasty emails is a small price to pay.)

If speaking politically intimidates you (and I'll admit it, it intimidates me), come join a group of like-minded McCain Moms to get real-life ideas and suggestions for how you can make a difference. Email moms4mccain at yahoo dot com and I'll help you gets started. There is still time to change minds, and if you are reading this, John McCain and your country need you now. Most of us will never serve our country under fire, will never give thousands of dollars, will never work in Washington. But we CAN make a difference - if we say what needs to be said.

McCain at Alfred Smith Dinner

2008-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have to say, if (God forbid) McCain isn't our next President, he should go after Jay Leno's job. It is such a relief in such a nasty, negative campaign to see the Senators acting like grownups and just plain having some fun. (Do note McCain's less trivial discussion of the unborn about 8 minutes in.)

New RNC Ad: "Chair"

2008-10-16T14:23:00.001-07:00

If I could say only one thing to an undecided voter, this is what I would say. The next President is inheriting a lot of challenges, existing ones and ones yet to unfold. We need a President with experience and backbone, and McCain's record shows he clearly has both. I have yet to see a single compelling example of Obama showing either.

Thanks to Blogs4McCain for the video link. (Be sure to see Ed Morrissey's comments at Hot Air as well).

Debate Reaction: Oct 15

2008-10-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

As expected, media reactions varied, but McCain definitely came out strong, confident, and showed a stronger command of American families' economic struggles than in the past.

This is an interesting take on the final debate, Time Magazine, hardly a bastion of conservatism, gave McCain higher marks, saying:

Avoided the policy weeds, as usual, but sounded more engaged on his economic program, presenting a clear, thematic argument. He was also good on climate change, trade, taxes, and spending. It was an impressive performance from a politician who is generally more comfortable offering broad statements and displaying his compelling personality, than focusing on detail and nitty-gritty.

More responses forthcoming, the campaign's summary here.

I Think I Give Up

2008-10-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I saw a poll, done of 500 people, and half of them didn't agree with me. So I think I'll give up on John McCain.

I saw a rockstar on TV who doesn't like McCain, so I think I'll give up.

My union told me not to vote for McCain, so I give up.

I was called nasty names when I admitted I support McCain. So, I give up.

I heard some soldiers died in Iraq. So fighting terrorists there and making life safer for Iraqi people? We should give up on that too.

I heard the banks are all failing. So my money's going in a sock under the mattress. I think I'll give up on banks.

I heard the constitution is too loosely interpreted. And heck, those old guys probably had no idea what today's world would be like. So I'm not going to defend to constitution. I give up on that too.

I heard the stock market is down. So now that all my investments are devalued, now is the time for me to sell them all. I give up.

I think politicians are all corrupt losers. We shouldn't fight their wasteful spending and backroom deals, we should just let it continue. I give up.

I heard other countries hate us now. So I give up on trying to do business there, exchange ideas, and share cultures, I give up.

I heard American jobs are going overseas. We'll never be able to keep them here anyway, or retrain our workers to do anything else. I give up.

I heard the ice caps are melting and natural resources are being squandered. I give up on my planet too.

You know, many years ago, I heard an American pilot was captured , arms and legs broken, locked in solitary confinement, and tortured for almost 6 years. We should have given up on him too.

BUT what if we had given up on John McCain then?

Thousands more Americans and Iraqis would have died in the absence of McCain's successful 'surge' strategy. Our safety and security would be at even higher risk.

Special interests would still fund campaigns and none of us would ever know who was involved where, and why. Earmark spending would be at even higher levels, and no one would know about it.

The Democrats, under Pelosi's "leadership" (and I use the term loosely), would have forced through an even worse pork-laden bailout package with special goodies for their favorite puppet groups.

Bipartisan efforts on climate change, immigration, spending, torture, and other key issues would never have been brought to the forefront in the Senate.

And last but not least, four McCain children wouldn't be here. Three, including two current U.S. military servicemen, wouldn't have been conceived, and Bridget McCain, without lifesaving medical care and a loving amily here in the U.S., almost certainly would have died in Bangladesh.

We didn't give up on John McCain when he was invisible, broken, dying, defeated.

Let's not give up on him now.

They Bring a Knife, We Bring a Gun?

2008-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

I really try to focus this blog on McCain's positives rather than Obama's negatives (although there are of course many of both). But I must address an important concern that my Moms have raised: intimidation, harassment, and illegal acts against them because they support McCain. A few examples reported in the media:

In Portland, Oregon this week, a man's McCain sign was set ablaze with homemade firebombs, less than 5 feet from where his injured wife was sleeping. (A similar incident occurred here in Seattle when a senior citizen put up a McCain sign and the infamous 'flaming bag of poo' got out of hand and nearly burned his home to the ground.)

Dozens of McCain supporters were harassed, cursed and intimidated in New York City merely for marching down the street waving signs for their candidate.

The South Carolina GOP suffered several hundred dollars' worth of damage and theft when the York County office was tagged with hate-graffiti claiming 'Republicans Love Slavery.' (Guess Abe Lincoln didn't get that memo.) An Oklahoma City GOP office suffered similar vandalism, and local residents there report theft and damage to private property as a result of visible support for McCain.

Even more alarming, however, are the personal stories McCain Moms are sharing, often reluctantly, with me and with fellow supporters:

A Florida Mom was cursed at with racial epithets and hate speech in front of her young children - because of a bumper sticker, and over $50 in McCain signs were stolen from her suburban neighborhood over the course of weeks.

A Minnesota woman found her minivan dented - intentionally, based on the damage her vehicle sustained - while she was at a McCain-Palin rally.

A Pennsylvania Mom of 2, who is pregnant and on her own much of the work-week due to her husband's business travel, organized a "sign drive" in her neighborhood. She woke up one morning and found that over $100 of McCain signs she purchased and helped neighbors put up had been stolen.

A New Hampshire Grandma spent her entire weekend putting up dozens of McCain signs in New Hampshire. The next morning they were all gone - several hundred dollars out of her pocket.

A Washington woman driving three elderly women on a volunteering trip was loudly flipped off and harassed in traffic by a carload of cursing Obama supporters - due to her bumper sticker. Dozens of Moms told tales of parking their McCain-stickered minivan, only to emerge from the supermarket to find a total stranger had ripped their sticker off.

American voters, and both candidates, deserve better.

After months of encouraging you to go get signs and stickers, why would I share these stories? Well, for starters, I care more about my family's safety - and yours - than the outcome of any election, anywhere, anytime. I can't in good conscience tell you to go out and get McCain signs without asking you to use good judgment about your safety. (And, please, please, report ANY suspicious actions to your local police, for your own protection and that of others.) But I also want to remind you that McCain needs your support both publicly and privately. And the only opinion that truly matters is the one you express privately on November 4 (or on your absentee ballot).

I want to note that there are plenty of ethical, responsible Obama supporters, and, unfortunately, some McCain supporters whose burgeoning 'anger' has gone too far. (Vitriol on our side is even more damaging, since the entire mainstream media is anxious to paint us as extremist loons.) I encourage anyone who thinks these kind of shenanigans are okay to follow our candidate's example and, as my Mom would say, put a lid on it. (If you're mad, use your anger constructively - to help get our guy elected.)

McCain rightfully defended Obama this weekend as a "decent family man." Contrast this with Obama himself, who is on record telling supporters who encounter opposite viewpoints to "get in their faces", and that in this campaign "when they bring a knife, we bring a gun." Folks, this is not a negative ad pointing out someone's voting record or shady associations -- these are words from the candidate's mouth, at public events, where kids and families were present. Undecided voters need to ask themselves which kind of example they want from our next Commander-in-Chief.

Sadly, these intimidation tactics are working. Thousands, perhaps millions, in America, are feeling pressure to vote for Obama, not just because their favorite celebrity said so, and not just because of racial or party lines, but because they may fear for their lives, their job security, and their family's safety if they don't. "Pundits" are throwing fuel on the Fear Fire by floating the possibility of riots if the American people dare NOT to choose The One. This is perhaps the most irresponsible piece of reporting I've seen in this campaign (and no, I do not say that lightly).

Here is what I want to say to undecided voters, since no one else sees a need to. When you are in that booth, you can do what you want. We have 'secret ballot' for a reason in this country, because free speech requires protecting the nutcases and common sense requires protecting ourselves. Have the courage to speak your mind: publicly if you can, privately if you must. Men like John McCain fought and died for that right. Please don't let a few dummies take it away.

McCain or Obama: Column A or Column B

2008-10-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Any Mom knows, if you ask a child "what do you want for dinner?" your kid will refuse to choose and eat anything resembling a real meal. BUT if you ask "Do you want Chicken Nuggets or Spaghetti-O's?" your child gets an actual choice, and you know they're more likely to eat what you serve.

Barring a truly bizarre catastrophe, either John McCain or Barack Obama will be our next President. 100% of media outlets, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree on this. Yet many voters, with motives admirable and petty, insist that they can have a meaningful role in the process by withholding their vote from both of these candidates: staying home, or voting for a third-party candidate.

I'm not going to make the (errant) argument that third parties don't have a role in American politics: half of Americans see a role for them, half don't (sound familiar?). But at this point in the process, the ship has sailed. The horse has left the barn. Elvis has left the building.

Everyone in America gets a voice - but it's not "Open Mic Night." It's a multiple-choice test: Column A or Column B. If you withhold your vote over one issue, one vote, one speech, one bugaboo with a candidate, you're not 'sending a message to them.' You're forfeiting the opportunity to send a message. You're walking away from the most important discussion. You're deciding that your disagreements are so significant that you don't care which of them is chosen. You're taking your proverbial marbles and goin' home.

Every voter gets an equal voice in this process. (Assuming, that is, we can prevent the entire Dallas Cowboys squad from voting multiple times in Nevada courtesy of ACORN.)

The question right now, with less than 30 days to go, is not 'who is perfect' but 'which of these two people should run the country?' Which of these people do you want as your Commander-in-Chief? Which of these people do you believe can really work with a bitterly divided government to get anything accomplished? Since we know ONE of them will be chosen, WHICH one do you prefer?

I can't tell you how to vote. But I can tell you what your vote can do, and can't do. It can't end the two-party system in America. (And no, that's not me being a meanie, that's what empirical data in this election tells us.) It CAN put someone in office who you believe can make the tough calls, can act with courage, can take a stand, can restore pride in our country.

America will go in two very different directions under these two candidates. You can choose the direction for this country, or you can idle in the driveway while others take the wheel.

John McCain's Weekly Radio Address 10-11-08

2008-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Download the audio file here: www.johnmccain.com/downloads/101008_wra.mp3

Good morning. This is John McCain, speaking to you at the end of another week filled with troubling news about our economy. On Tuesday, Americans also had a chance to hear my opponent and me debate our very different plans to meet the crisis.

We've had two debates now, with a third coming this Wednesday night. And I can't shake the impression that Barack Obama is trying so hard to exploit America's financial crisis that he hasn't really focused on how to solve it. He keeps talking about the past, too -- although in a very selective way. He leaves out certain details, like the part about how he was taking campaign money from the same executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who were causing America's financial crisis.

At the time, I was the one who called for tighter restrictions on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could have helped prevent this crisis from happening in the first place. Senator Obama was silent on the regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and his Democratic allies in Congress opposed every effort to rein them in. But that doesn't prevent him from talking now as if he'd seen and warned about the coming crisis all along -- like some voice in the wilderness who went unheeded. Far from warning executives from Fannie and Freddie about their reckless conduct, he not only took their money but added them to his team as advisers.

As I said in Tuesday's debate, in this time of crisis we must go to the heart of the problem, and right now that problem is a housing crisis. Under my orders, as President, the Secretary of the Treasury will carry out a Homeownership Resurgence Plan.

It's a simple idea. Take some of the money that Congress has already committed to fixing our financial system and use it to give millions of homeowners a new mortgage and a fresh start. No default. No bankruptcy. No foreclosure. No deteriorating neighborhoods. The United States government will support the refinancing of distressed mortgages for homeowners and replace them with manageable mortgages.

It's critical that we stabilize mortgages, or else the housing market won't stabilize and homeowners across our country face troubles even greater than they face now. The housing market faces distortion by a glut of low-priced, foreclosed homes. And this would lead to a crash in the value of the number one asset of a majority of Americans. With so much on the line, the moment requires that government act -- and as President I intend to act, quickly and decisively.

As we help homeowners to avoid the worst, moreover, we must also act to protect investors -- especially those relying on their investments for retirement. Current rules mandate that investors must begin to sell off their IRAs and 401Ks when they reach 70 and one half. Those rules should be suspended, so that investors aren't forced to sell their stocks at just the time when the market is hurting the most.

The response from Senator Obama to my Homeownership Resurgence Plan was typical of his response to the entire crisis. First, Senator Obama tried to claim that it was really his idea. But if anyone believed that claim, they didn't believe it for long because the very next day Senator Obama and his campaign attacked my plan to stabilize mortgages. He claimed that the cost of the plan would place a burden to taxpayers -- this from the same guy who plans to increase federal spending by 860 billion dollars. In reality, the money will come from funds already committed under the rescue package passed by Congress. The funds aren't new, but the priorities will be when we put the financial strength of our government back on the side of working families.

My fellow Americans, Washington is on the wrong track, and even greater financial troubles lay ahead if we don't act quickly. The tax-and-spend policies of Barack Obama will only make matters worse. But if you give me the chance, I'm going to set it right. You don't have to hope that things will change when you vote for me. You know things will change, because I've been fighting for change in Washington my whole career. I've been fighting for you my whole life. That's what I'm going to do as President of the United States. Fight for you and put the government back on the side of the people.

Thanks for listening.

Moms4McCain in the Seattle P-I

2008-10-11T15:53:00.001-07:00

My "home office" (aka dining room table) is featured in today's Seattle paper. Thanks to the team at the P-I for acknowledging - gasp - there are Republicans in Seattle, and all across America, working to get McCain's message out to regular people.

**Washington State Moms! ** Absentee ballots arrive next weekend, NOW is the time to tell your friends why you support John McCain.

Nationwide, as many as one-third of voters are expected to vote early, so let's make sure every undecided voter knows about McCain and why he is the best choice.

Would you give an hour of your time for a better America?

Meet the McCain Moms

2008-10-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Since I launched Moms4McCain in March, I've been privileged to 'meet', in the flesh and online, thousands of amazing women of every age, nationality, faith, party, and belief who support John McCain as the best choice for President. As you talk to undecided voters this week, think about these women and why they support McCain. Could their personal story make the difference in someone else's vote?

Rachel in Michigan and Nancy in Ohio, self-described 'conservatives,' got to attend McCain-Palin rallies in their hometowns. (Rachel put up dozens of McCain signs in her town at her own expense; Nancy works nights full-time and has squeezed in time to volunteer at her local McCain office.)

I interviewed Hillary supporter Randa the day after the DNC's historic decision -- foretelling the PUMA movement before it had an acronym. Key Hillary volunteer Tracy, Mom to three girls in Texas, shared her thoughts on McCain and has since continued to play a key role in pro-McCain grassroots and netroots efforts.

Local Seattle-area business owners Linda and Tammy (both more conservative than I am, neither of whom started out as McCain supporters, I should note) shared their thoughts on how each candidate would impact their housecleaning and hairstyling businesses. Tiffany is a personal chef and caterer in Wasilla, Alaska, who discussed the hometown response to the McCain-Palin ticket.

Military Moms Marissa and Whitney shared their perspectives on the war, the media, and the next Commander-in-Chief.

Baby Boomers Barbara and Andi shared their support for John McCain from a more independent perspective. Leslie, a young single Mom in Florida, shared why she chose McCain as her candidate early in the process.

And not to be outdone, I shared my experiences serving as a King County delegate, meeting McCain, discussing politics at a Seattle girls' school, and volunteering at the local McCain HQ.

What started as me in my living room Googling McCain articles has become a labor of love, and is making a difference all over America. These Moms are the new face of political outreach, they have made a difference in both traditional and unconventional ways. If you are a McCain supporter reading this right now, you can make a difference. Please take action today to ensure proven, courageous leadership for your children. Thank you!

Moms4McCain in the media this weekend!

2008-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Please join us Saturday at 5pm Eastern when I'll be the guest on Clintons4McCain's BlogTalkRadio show. I'll be the "Guest Republican" discussing the "home stretch" and strategies for reaching undecided voters. With as many as 42% of Hillary voters still not committed to Obama, there is a very real opportunity to reach out to the 18 million voters who were ignored, bullied, and worse by their own party.

PLEASE CALL IN at (347) 633-9273. You can also log on to the site for live chat and info during the show, or if you miss it live, it is posted in the archives shortly after broadcast.

I'll also be featured in an upcoming issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, more details once I knwo the publication date for sure (should be Saturday, or possibly next week). Stay tuned!

Q&A with a Military Mom for McCain

2008-10-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I interviewed Marissa, a military Mom from Virginia, about her perceptions of the election, the media, and the war from a Mom's perspective. This week meet Whitney, a 21-year-old stay-at-home Mom to two little girls, who shares her thoughts for the race.

Tell us about yourself. My name is Whitney and I am from Parkersburg, West Virginia. I am a 21 year old stay at home mommy of two sweet girls.

Tell us about your family. My husband's name is Kris. He is enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. We are the proud parents of Lexi, who is 4, and Molly who is 20 months old.

Why did your husband join the service? My husband joined the Air Force a few months after we got married. He had been in the Air Force JROTC program all through high school and has always had a sense of pride and a commitment to serve in the military.

It was a tough decision for two 18-year-olds to make. We had Lexi when we were in high school so it was a scary thought to up and move away from family and friends and have no one but each other to rely on and to take care of a little one. But deep down we knew the burn for Kris to serve would never go away.

What are some of the sacrifices your family has made/will make during his deployment? This January he will be deploying overseas. We just recieived his orders last week. During the time he is gone he will miss all of our birthdays, Valentine's, Mother's Day and Easter (which is a big deal in our house). We are also Christians and my husband is going to college for Christian Ministries. Unfortunately, when he deploys he will have to leave behind one of the things that comforts him the most - his Bible. Since he will be in the MIddle East, he can not have any type of Christian material. It will be difficult for him to get used to it.

As one whose spouse is in harm's way, what is your opinion on the Iraq war? I believe it is fully neccessary. We both do. We fully understand if the war is not over there, it will be here. We live in a very secure country compared to most people. I think living so far from the violence allows people to become disconnected from the real threat. I never want to come to a point in my life where I take that safety for granted.

We have friends in Iraq right now. They all fully believe in what they are doing too. Living in the military, I get a different perspective than many people. Everyone hears about the men and women who oppose the war and do not want to go back. The part I hear about is the men and women who know what they are doing is right and needed and VOLUNTEER to go back. They are not a small milority either. They are the silent majority. They are the ones who do not boast about where they have been or what they have seen. They simply know in their hearts that what they are doing is better for everyone involved.

I know the military is "neutral," but we keep hearing conflicting reports in the media about sentiment of military families in this election. What is your perspective on the general military sentiment in the Presidential election? Who do you support and why? Our family supports McCain. McCain has been in the military himself so he knows what is invovled and what it is like first hand. Our men and women serving want to know that their Commander in Chief is prepared to lead them into battle. Not only that, but we have job security right now. Under Democrats, the job security is no longer stable. They want a small military and that cuts our jobs. Republicans make us feel wanted and needed. Democrats are known for not giving good raises to the military. It is frustrating to know they will give the military the smallest pay raise possible, but give themselves the best that they can. This is the general consensus in our ring of friends. We can not put out yard signs and such when you live on base, so we go by word of mouth .

What issues besides military issues are most important to you? Social issues are a must. When we are away from family and friends we realize how much family means. It is what holds us together. Keeping those values strong is absolutely neccessary. I would never want a leader who thought that our children could even be viewed as "being punishment". They are NEVER that, and I never would want my children to hear something like that.

What do you think of Governor Sarah Palin? I think she is a great role model for so many girls ranging in so many ages. A woman in her 40's can see how well she handles being a new mommy and a career later in life. Someone in their 20's can see how poised and confident she is. Teens and younger can see how she stands up for what she believes in and is a very loving mother. I am so glad to see someone who is strong in their moral beliefs no matter what the opposition is.

What would you say to military families who are undecided about who to vote for? They need to take into consideration what is best for everyone, not just special groups. They need to choose someone who has never been questioned if they are patriotic or not. They need to choose someone they would like to lead their husbands into battle. Someone who truly appreciates what our families are doing and going through. And someone who knows what war is and not just seen on T.V and short little trips just to come home and call it all a failure. Democrats have always said they are "for" the working class, but I have never seen a case where they are "for" the working military.

Thank you Whitney for sharing your perspective!

From McCainVictory08: What Bloggers Are Saying

2008-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

My friends and blog mentors at McCainVictory08 kindly supplied a succinct list of responses to the debate tonight. Spinners are still spinning and I'll have more tomorrow...

In the meantime, this is a GREAT opportunity to call undecided voters, write letters to the editor, and take action to put proven leadership in the White House!

Dear Undecided Voters, What do you care about?

2008-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Undecided Voters,

You are the 10-15% of Americans who say you haven't truly decided who would make a better President, McCain or Obama. There is an easy way to resolve this dilemma in one question. What do you really care about?

If you care about the price of gas, you are choosing between a man who supports job-creating alternative energy plus domestic drilling, clean coal, and clean nuclear energy, OR a man who only supports the politically-correct options.

If you care about your savings, you are choosing between a man who supports keeping investment taxes low, OR a man who supports the death tax, dividend tax, and increasing the capital gains tax to anywhere from 20-28%.

If you care about your ability to get credit, you are choosing between a man who advocated for a responsible policy years before the "crisis", OR a man who advocated for loopholes and social pressure to make loans that made no good business sense.

If you care about the security of your job, you are choosing between a man who co-sponsored the 'Family Friendly Workplace Act' and has a plan to reduce taxes and burdens on small business owners, OR a man whose tax policies would hurt farmers and small business owners at the time they can least afford it.

If you care about ending silly fighting between political parties, you are choosing between a man who has a strong record of bipartisan success on key issues, OR a man who voted with his party 96% of the time.

If you care about politicians playing fair, you are choosing between a man who bucked his own party to reform campaign financing, OR a man who pledged numerous times to take public financing for his campaign, and reneged on his promise as soon as it was financially convenient.

If you care about how government spends your money, you are choosing between a man who refused to sneak ANY 'pet project' earmark spending onto bills in 26 years, OR a man who snuck in $80 million last year alone.

If you care about health care, you are choosing between a man who wants the federal government to help you pay for the care of your choice, OR a man who thinks the government can do a better job managing your care.

If you care about bringing our troops home with prudence and victory, you are choosing between a Commander-in-Chief candidate with decades of military training and experience, OR a candidate with none.

If you care about the Constitution, you are choosing a man whose court would uphold its principles, OR a man who believes 9 non-elected judges should re-interpret whatever they deem necessary.

I can't tell you what you should care about, and I can't tell you how to vote. But I can tell you that America will "change" in a very different way under each of these men. You have an opportunity - and a responsibility - to decide what you really care about, and what America should really care about under the next administration.

I support John McCain because I care about proven, principled leadership for my country, and I believe he is the man who can deliver change - in the right direction. I invite you to join us as we fight for the America we care about.

Why You Shouldn't Panic About Polls

2008-10-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Numerous dedicated McCain Moms have contacted me, sharing concern or panic that McCain was down in the polls or the race wasn't winnable. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything for you ladies: John McCain has his work cut out for him. But I worked in market research, professionally doing survey design and anaylsis for years, and I *truly* believe polls are a distraction from the task at hand: getting people to the real polls on November 4.

My advice? Instead of spending 10 minutes a day checking the polls, spend 10 minutes a day calling undecided voters in swing states, writing letters to the editor, or talking to a friend about why you support John McCain. Here's why:

1. Most polls represent the opinions of less than a thousand people. A 3% drop in a poll of 500 people means a whopping FIFTEEN PEOPLE changed their minds. This is not rocket science. You can't accurately predict what 300 million people are gonna do based on this kind of information.

2. Many polls conduct 'creative' sampling. There are more registered Democrats than Republicans in most areas, so polls may 'correct' for that by asking more Democrats than Republicans who they're voting for (guess what that does to the numbers?). More people live in urban areas than in suburban and rural ones, so many pollsters specifically choose a proportion that reflects that. So, say here in Washington, they'd pick a lot of Seattle voters (who are the bluest in the country) and many fewer from Yakima, Spokane, Kennewick, etc. In New York, they'd include more Manhattan voters than Schenectady and Buffalo. So while those few hundred people are 'scientifically chosen,' they may not truly represent

3. Every pollster has an agenda. I actually had a Mom upset over DailyKos poll numbers (the evil clowns who celebrated 9/11 as 'Happy Twin Towers Day'). You can tweak a poll with the order of your questions, the tone of voice of the questioner, and a variety of other factors. So there truly is no such thing as a 'non-partisan' poll.

4. People will ask: but what about the aggregate of all the polls? Yeah, what about it? 5 or 6 small surveys with different methodologies do not a clear picture make. The sample size is larger, but this is sort of like slicing a variety of fruits into a pie and being shocked when every slice doesn't taste like apple. Sure, some will, some will be overpowered by other fruits, but the whole pie will just taste like, well, fruit.

5. People will ask: but what about all the cell phone youth who aren't represented? Hmm? Hmm?!!? Yeah, and what about the hundreds of thousands of military votes, which one might expect to include quite a few McCain supporters, or the seniors or the multi-voter households where only one person was surveyed? Here's a news flash: I've never heard of surveyors calling you at work, which is where you'll find most McCain supporters on any given day. I know from my phone banking volunteer work that I got maybe 2 or 3 live people out of 10 calls, and those were disproportionately younger and female.

The bottom line is no matter what the polls say, we McCain supporters must persevere. People have asked me on almost a daily basis, for the last seven months, how would I feel if McCain lost? I said, well, lousy. But not as bad as I'd feel if he lost because I stood back and let it happen.

The Obama camp would be delighted if we all held a Pity Party and gave up. But we must fight on. It ain't over till it's over. Don't give up the ship.

John McCain never gave up on his country under the most unspeakable of all conditions (negotiating with Democrats in the Senate). His POW time was pretty cool too. Please show him, and the pollsters, and your country, that you care about that too. Thank you.

ACTION ALERT: Submit questions for townhall debate

2008-10-04T10:33:00.001-07:00

I just learned that this week's upcoming debate (Tuesday, October 7, 6pm) between McCain and Obama is a townhall style. (You may remember John McCain invited Barack Obama to attend a series of 10 Town Hall meetings this summer, but Senator Obama was busy going to the gym and talking to non-voters in Berlin. McCain went anyway, and answered hundreds of questions from voters all across America.)

PLEASE take a moment to submit a question, here are the details:

The Commission on Presidential Debates has partnered with MySpace to create a new Web site, http://www.mydebates.org/, to enhance the educational value of the
televised debates and to engage viewers throughout the general election period. The Web site will become available in the days leading up to the first Presidential debate on September 26. You will be able to track the positions of the candidates on issues of interest to you, submit questions to candidates throughout the campaign and submit questions for possible inclusion in the October 7, Town Hall Presidential Debate.

Independent Voters Call Palin the Winner

2008-10-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Non-partisan pollster Frank Luntz assembled a group of undecided voters, half who voted for Bush, half who voted for Kerry, to "dial in" their feedback throughout the debate. They called it overwhelmingly for Palin. Note that a fe changed their minds in McCain's favor, versus only one who moved toward Obama.

(Note gratuitous Budweiser product placement -- it would have been interesting to see the "3-beer" response, for truly candid feedback.)

Debate response

2008-10-02T20:53:00.001-07:00

A few links for you to peruse, overall I thought Governor Palin did an excellent job making the case that she and Senator McCain will make needed reforms in Washington.

Biden's 10 lies (and counting)...

Interesting 'scorecard' with bullet-point breakdown of their answers

Great headline (and interesting, albeit non-scientific 'man on the couch' response) at RedState

Mainstream media coffin nailed by debate?

Official campaign page with video clips here.

More tomorrow...

Feel the Fear, DO IT ANYWAY

2008-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I asked myself: why aren't more Moms involved in politics? We're educated, hard-working, and passionate about what's right for our families and our communities. Many of us who are home with young kids are searching for adult contact and a chance to make a difference in the world when we're not working or volunteering full-time. And let's face it, when things go badly in Washington, Moms and families are hit first, and hit hardest. So why aren't we getting off our couches and shouting from the rooftops about this awesome candidate?

The answer isn't that people don't know how to get involved, it's much more simple: we are afraid. (Myself included.) We are afraid that if we ask a question we'll be ridiculed for not already knowing the answer. We are afraid that if we put a sticker on our car it'll be scratched up or honked at or worse. We are afraid that if we put a sign on our lawn it'll be stolen, or our homes vandalized. We are afraid if we call a total stranger they might rant and rave or laugh at us or hang up. We are afraid that if we speak up about what we believe, something bad will happen.

Well, folks, I have news for you. If we DON'T speak up about what we believe, something FAR WORSE will happen, for FAR LONGER. Is it awkward if you get a dirty look for wearing a McCain button? Sure, for five minutes. Is it worth it to put the more experienced, principled, dedicated man in charge? Absolutely.

I won't tell you "have no fear." A lot is at stake, frankly, you'd be crazy NOT to be afraid for your country and your sanity right now. But here is my challenge to you: Feel the Fear. And DO IT ANYWAY. Make that call. Stand on that street corner. Knock on that door. After you've spoken to one friendly person, or gotten one thumbs-up for your sign, or persuaded one undecided person to get out there and VOTE for McCain, I promise it will be worth it.

We have a candidate who, to borrow from Governor Palin, "is the only man in this race who has ever truly fought for you." I'm asking you, personally, to do one thing today to fight for him. He has earned it. The Hard Way. Without any real thanks along the way. Stand up and fight, so that no matter what the outcome is in your state, you will look back at this election not with regret but with pride. Thank you.

New McCain Ad: Week

2008-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

I really like this approach: sincere "straight talk." The partisan bickering HAS to stop if we are going to get anything DONE to help Americans. McCain is the one who can stop it.

How to Win an Undecided Voter in 10 Steps

2008-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

All over America today, McCain supporters will be subjected to clueless co-workers, biased media, and even ads attacking McCain's mole (seriously). I have two messages for you McCain-Palin supporters out there. You are not alone, and you CAN make a difference in this election.

With thirty-something days to go, 5-15% of Americans still say they are 'undecided.' If everyone reading this blog reached just one person, we could swing the entire election. I've talked about ways to get involved, the importance of getting voters registered. But we also need to stay focused, and be willing to "make the case face to face" with anyone who will listen. So how can regular people make the case?

Ask everyone you know, "are you registered to vote?"
Unless they instantly spout Obama slogans, ask "Can McCain count on your support?"
If the answer is yes, invite them to get involved.
If the answer is no, please have the courage to ask "why not?"
Listen. Bite your tongue if you must. Till it bleeds. Let them know you genuinely want to hear their concerns (because you do -- you must if you want their vote).
Once you know WHY they object to McCain, you can address that concern. Some shortcuts to common objections: age issues, worries about the war, Republican party and bipartisanship, judge appointment, women's issues (beyond just the uterus), and - this is a good one - supporting McCain when he wasn't their first choice.
Be honest and sincere. Use real sources for your facts - http://www.johnmccain.com/ is the best starting point, other good resources include http://talkstraight.org/ and non-partisan http://www.ontheissues.org/.
If they're still unsure, invite them to check out the website and if they're friends, let them know you'll still be their friend no matter what they decide. (This shows that you are passionate and sincere but not a stalker!)
If they're voting McCain, celebrate! Thank them - sincerely - for their vote. Offer to mail their registration, or babysit while they go to the polls. Invite them to volunteer if they're comfortable doing so.
Remember, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar: be proud of our candidate, share the facts and let people decide for themselves.

You can do it Moms - please share your successes!

Hugh Hewitt interview with Sarah Palin

2008-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt has an excellent interview with Governor Palin, in which she opens up about media bias ("so much has changed since I received my education in journalistic ethics all those years ago"), how economic changes impacted her family ("I'm thinking, geez, the rest of America, they're facing the exact same thing that we are.") She even calls her deployed soldier son Track a "little stinker."

Now THIS is the Sarah we love, the Governor we admire, and the Vice-President we need.

Read the whole thing here. Hear it from the Governor's lips here.

McCain on Fox & Friends, Tuesday

2008-09-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

From Fox and Friends this morning:

John McCain: "I have talked to the President this morning and recommended an increase from $100,000 to $250,000 FDIC insurance on deposits. I also strongly recommended that we use the exchange stability fund that the Treasury has available -- $250 billion -- to shore up these institutions. Also, the Treasury has at its disposal about $1 trillion that they could begin without Congressional authority buying up some of these terrible mortgages and help stabilize the situation. So I've talked to the President. I know that we have to act. Even though we failed yesterday, even though I went back and was able to get more Republicans on board or help get more Republicans on board, we will go back to this, and I will be engaged always where I think America needs engagement."

McCain statement on House Vote

2008-09-29T21:32:00.000-07:00

I won't attempt analysis on today's Congressional debacle because unlike some members of Congress who are taking 3 days off when we finally DO need them - ahem - I spent today doing MY job as a Mom.

I have very mixed feelings about the bailout, but for the moment I'll merely encourage everyone not to panic until we actually have to. Use your fears and concerns for something productive, and remember how important it is that we put someone in leadership with integrity and a willingness to work - even when the cameras are off.

McCain's statement is below.

* * *

"I speak to you at an hour of crisis for our nation's economy.

"I believe the crisis facing our economy could have a grave impact on every American worker, small business owner, and family if our leaders fail to act.

"I share the anger and frustration that many Americans feel toward reckless and corrupt mismanagement on Wall Street and in Washington.

"I returned to Washington last week to work on a bipartisan rescue plan. It was the only plan at that time on the table but lacked enough support to pass. It also lacked sufficient accountability and transparency to justify expenditure of the taxpayers' money.

"At the time, the concerns of all members were not being heard. My colleagues were worried about the size of the plan and the risk it posed to taxpayers. I shared those concerns and I laid out principles that I thought must be adhered to. Those principles included responsible oversight, effective transparency, added protections for the taxpayers, and a cap on excessive salaries for executives.

"I also believe that the legislation should have no earmarks. I worked hard to play a constructive role in bringing everyone to the table. The plan is now significantly improved. We strengthened taxpayers' protections and oversight, and the taxpayers were on the hook for less money up front. Don't get me wrong - it isn't perfect. And the fact that taxpayers could have to spend a single dollar to create stability in our economy is a decision that I do not take lightly.

"I was hopeful that the improved rescue plan would have had the votes needed to pass because addressing a credit crisis is of vital importance to families, small businesses, and every working American who must be assured that their assets are safe and protected and that our economy will continue to function.

"Today, I've spoken to the Federal Chairman Bernanke, Secretary Paulson, Congressional leaders and now it's time for all members of Congress to go back to the drawing board.

"I call on Congress to get back obviously immediately to address this crisis. Our leaders are expected to leave partisanship at the door and come to the table to solve our problems. Senator Obama and his allies in Congress infused unnecessary partisanship into the process. Now is not the time to fix the blame. It's time to fix the problem.

"I would hope that all our leaders, all of them, can put aside short-term political goals and do what's in the best interest of the American people. Thank you."

Presidential Debate Reactions

2008-09-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Since I've spent the last 24 hours battling a stomach bug, I will let other people do the talking about yesterday's debate:

S.E. Cupp in the Daily News says Score One for John McCain.

Kathy at Purple People Vote points out the difference between McCain's soldier-rmembrance narrative and Obama's.

The Weekly Standard's Dean Barnett ntoed some of the same things that stood out to me: Obama came off as smooth but smug, and yes the "Pahk-ee-stuhn" thing was distracting.

Newsweek acknowledges McCain's superior grasp and experience on foreign policy, but asks will it matter to voters?

Off the top of my feverish head, I noticed that Obama mentioned Bush 16 times - an odd choice considering Bush isn't on the ballot.

The transcript of the debate is here.

McCain Campaign Statement on Negotiations

2008-09-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

From the folks at the campaign:

"John McCain's decision to suspend his campaign was made in the hopes that politics could be set aside to address our economic crisis.

"In response, Americans saw a familiar spectacle in Washington. At a moment of crisis that threatened the economic security of American families, Washington played the blame game rather than work together to find a solution that would avert a collapse of financial markets without squandering hundreds of billions of taxpayers' money to bailout bankers and brokers who bet their fortunes on unsafe lending practices.

"Both parties in both houses of Congress and the administration needed to come together to find a solution that would deserve the trust of the American people. And while there were attempts to do that, much of yesterday was spent fighting over who would get the credit for a deal and who would get the blame for failure. There was no deal or offer yesterday that had a majority of support in Congress. There was no deal yesterday that included adequate protections for the taxpayers. It is not enough to cut deals behind closed doors and then try to force it on the rest of Congress -- especially when it amounts to thousands of dollars for every American family.

"The difference between Barack Obama and John McCain was apparent during the White House meeting yesterday where Barack Obama's priority was political posturing in his opening monologue defending the package as it stands. John McCain listened to all sides so he could help focus the debate on finding a bipartisan resolution that is in the interest of taxpayers and homeowners. The Democratic interests stood together in opposition to an agreement that would accommodate additional taxpayer protections.

"Senator McCain has spent the morning talking to members of the Administration, members of the Senate, and members of the House. He is optimistic that there has been significant progress toward a bipartisan agreement now that there is a framework for all parties to be represented in negotiations, including Representative Blunt as a designated negotiator for House Republicans. The McCain campaign is resuming all activities and the Senator will travel to the debate this afternoon. Following the debate, he will return to Washington to ensure that all voices and interests are represented in the final agreement, especially those of taxpayers and homeowners."

###

BREAKING: McCain going to debate

2008-09-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

From Yahoo 1 minute ago:

WASHINGTON - Republican John McCain says he's going to be at the first
presidential debate, even though Congress doesn't have a bailout deal.
With less than 10 hours until the debate was scheduled to start, the McCain campaign announced that the Arizona senator would travel to the University of
Mississippi. The campaign said after the forum he will fly back to Washington to
continue working on the financial crisis.
The campaign's statement said McCain is optimistic that there has been progress toward a bipartisan agreement. But earlier in the week, McCain said he would delay the debate "until we have taken action to address this crisis."

Bailouts and Debates: The $700 Billion Question

2008-09-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Today the straw broke the camel's back. John McCain shocked everyone, myself included, when he announced that he would put political campaigning on the back burner to roll up his sleeves.

Normally I use my blog and forums to 'talk fellow Moms off the cliff.' But this time Moms, I will admit without apology that this is a risky move. But what does it mean?

For one, McCain has courage. Cojones. (McCainSpace blocked that word, so if you prefer, use 'bollocks' which means the same thing but is evidently not as dirty.) If ever there was a maverick campaign move, it is - well - not campaigning. (Volunteers we are not off the hook - now is a great time to do some legwork!)

Politically, McCain has abruptly popped several liberal balloons. Commercials foolishly emphasizing 'McCain is the same as Bush!' will make Obama look petty and misguided -- unlike McCain's other bucking-the-party victories, this one can't be forgotten or ignored. Obama's claims of bipartisanship, open-mindedness and accomplishment will be put to the test without a teleprompter or a proverbial net. For better or worse, our would-be leaders will have to prove their worth by (gasp) leading.

Legislatively, McCain is right on the money. He and Obama (and Biden, while we're at it), are paid and trusted to do an actual job in the Senate, and I for one am not willing to kiss away thousands of dollars of hard-earned money - or worse - because someone wanted to eat waffles and kiss babies in Scranton. Showing competence at your current job is typically a prerequisite for a promotion, so both McCain and Obama are right to use their influence now for the common good. (I would, however, love to be a fly on that wall!)

Was McCain's announcement geared to attract attention? Of course. But He Who Changeth the Seal and Dresseth Like A Greek God Throweth Not Stones. Like all McCain fans, I would love to see McCain debate Obama on foreign policy (I had even arranged child care so I could attend a McCainNation debate event). But I think that having that discussion in the current circumstances is, not to overdo the Classical analogies, "Fiddling While Rome Burns." If a delay of a few days saves thousands of homes and millions of taxpayer dollars, that time is an excellent investment.

This is not the time to play "Rock-Em Sock-Em Robots". Obama acknowledged that with words, McCain is choosing to take criticism on his shoulders now, and acknowledge it with action. As a McCain supporter, I'd love to see him grow momentum right now, but as an American whose entire life savings is in my home and a few stocks, I think McCain got it right.

You wanted change, America? You got it.

UPDATE: McCain statement on returning to Washington

2008-09-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

Complete statement from John McCain (posted 5:30 pm PDT):

Yahoo article here.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080924/ap_on_el_pr/mccain

BREAKING: Debates delayed?

2008-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just saw this on Yahoo: (12:00 PDT)

NEW YORK - Republican John McCain says he's directing his staff to work
with Barack Obama's campaign and the debate commission to delay Friday's debate
because of the economic crisis.

In a statement, McCain says he will stop campaigning after addressing
former President Bill Clinton's Global Initiative session on Thursday and return
to Washington to focus on the nation's financial problems.

McCain also said he wants President Bush to convene a leadership meeting in
Washington. Both he and Obama would attend the session.

Wasilla Mom's thoughts on McCain and Palin

2008-09-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today I have an interview with Tiffany, a Mom who runs a personal chef and catering business in Wasilla, Alaska, the city formerly led by now-Governor Sarah Palin. Tiffany shares her thoughts as a Mom, a Wasilla resident, and a voter.

* * *

Tell us about yourself. I'm Tiffany, I have two daughters, Kaitlyn will be 18 on Halloween (she is currently living in Pennsylvania with her dad and step-mother, she has been there for almost 3 years.) Grace is 8 and in the 3rd grade. We live in Wasilla, Alaska and have been here since 1998. I was born and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and try to get back there as often as I can.

What do you do for a living? Currently I am the owner of Tiffany's: The Chef in Your Kitchen. I am a rather new business. I am a personal/private Chef, and I also offer catering and cooking lessons to children and adults. When business is slow, I am a Substitute Teacher for the Mat-Su Borough School District. I take whatever substitute positions I can get, this allows me be closer to my daughter and be active with her experience in grade school.

What is your involvement in politics? Is it different in this election, and if so, why? My personal involvement in the past was as President of my College Student Government. I was a member of the Alaska Coalition of Student leaders, and visited the State Capitol as an unpaid lobbyist for full funding of the State University System.

I have not gotten involved in election campaigns before. I have been paying more attention since 9/11. This time I am much more interested due the economy and the Iraq War/Terrorism issue.

I am conservative, although, I do not consider myself "far right." This election I signed up as a McCain volunteer and made a donation while Gov. Sarah Palin was still on the stage giving her speech. There is a local McCain-Palin office opening this week and I plan to work for them in any way needed.

Why did you decide to support McCain for President? I was already planning to vote for McCain , mainly based on his plans to increase energy independence. I am an Alaskan, energy is always at the top of our minds and it effects my family directly; oil is the largest part of the economy here. I also feel strongly that John McCain is the best choice for the security of our Country.

Does the choice of Governor Palin as a running mate impact your involvement? Oh Yes! My husband came into the room and woke me up that morning saying "guess who John McCain's pick for VP is ?" I couldn't have guessed at that time because the list I knew of all of the possibilities seem to run together. When he mentioned Gov. Palin I bolted out of bed and I have been excited and optimistic ever since. I called my mother in Pennsylvania, my cousin, sent e-mails to family members and friends. I even had a friend here in Wasilla call me screaming. She kept yelling "you were right! you were right!" I mentioned to her just the day before that I thought the VP pick was going to be the sound in the election. I have much respect for John McCain and trust he is the best choice for President of our Country but I just had a strange feeling about the VP pick. We did donate money, we ordered McCain-Palin gear, signs, etc. and we signed up right away as volunteers.

In your view, tell us about what Wasilla thinks of Palin's leadership. Were you around when she was mayor? What was that like? Well, I would say that Wasilla and all of Alaska loves Gov. Palin. As Governor, she really shook up some entrenched politicians and reminded us that the power of the government comes from the people, not big business or the "good old boy" politicians. She has actually gotten the natural gas line to move forward. This is bigger than it sounds, it is going to be the largest privately funded contruction project in history and supply a LOT of natural gas to the rest of the country, not to mention the economic boom for Alaska.

Before she became Govenor she was known for turning in the Republican Party of Alaska Chairman on an ethics charge of lobbying while he was on the state payroll. After she got in office, she balanced the state budget, and actually ended up with a large surplus. She has also been much more available and visible to the state overall than any other Govenor. Most of them hide out down in Juneau, the Capitol, which by the way has no roads to the rest of the state and is a 700 mile flight from Anchorage.

I was around in Wasilla when she was Mayor. To be honest, it was almost transparent to me because I hardly noticed. Everything just worked. The police were good, garbage collection, snow removal (a big problem sometimes), it all just hummed along. The only real complaint from that time was that Wasilla was growing too much, getting crowded. We like that small town feel. We literally had 20% growth per year during her time as Mayor. If I remember correctly the Mat-Su Valley grows about 5% each year. We now have all the big box stores, new restaurants, roads are 2 lanes with a couple of stop lights to 4 lanes with too many lights.

There have been some criticisms of her from locals, their motives have been questioned. What are your thoughts? As for criticisms from locals that made it on the Internet -- some of them are not only false, but obviously not written by anyone who lives in Wasilla, or even Alaska. A couple are locals, one of the first, by Anne Kilkenny, is her opinion. I worked with her during a PTA project years ago. She sort of stands out for her strong Democratic Party support from what I have seen. She has also totally flip-flopped from her complaints about Sales Tax vs. Property Taxes. My husband pulled up the minutes of a Borough Assembly Meeting where Anne Kilkenny was the sole voice *advocating* a borough-wide sales Tax. As for her and the way she acts in person, let's just say she wants to be the Chief not the Indian.

What do you think about the media coverage of Governor Palin and her family?
Well, I think most of it is disgusting, but I expected nothing less when everyone thinks the Internet and media contain nothing but the truth (or at least the truth they want to hear). Most of the smears are unfair and sexist, but I think that the far-left liberals are in a panic because Gov. Palin is walking proof that many of their ideas are not what most of the Country believes in.

We started having investigators all over Wasilla within 24 hours of the announcement. I saw a denial on T.V., saying "they would stand out in a small town in Wasilla," Well...that is true, they ARE standing out like sore thumbs. It would be like me describing life in New York. I've read about it, but I could not write a story that a New Yorker would agree with or wouldn't spot instantly.

What would you say to undecided voters about the McCain-Palin ticket? The only thing I can begin to say is think, do your research but do these things as responsible Americans. Look at both sides, read between the lines. Watch them, read about them and constantly check yourself at the door. Make sure it isn't one single factor that has your vote. Make sure it is real life that gets your vote. Talk - do not yell. Help people understand your side, but understand their side as well. All of this back-biting and yelling is not the way to do things. Especially in America. Come on people, wake up!!

Wake up with a brand new day, take a deep breath, let it all out and start fresh on your new day perspective. Watch and listen to both sides of the line and listen to those in the middle. It seems like we spend so much time fighting against each other about everything we forget who we are and where we have come from. Let us not forget, let us all work together as one!

ACTION Alert: Online phone bank!

2008-09-19T09:51:00.001-07:00

I am delighted to announce that the McCain campaign now has "Voter 2 Voter" phone lists available online. This means you can make a couple of calls while the kids nap, while your dinner simmers, on your lunch hour at work. This is inexpensive, easy advertising, be sincere and friendly and remember phones don't bite. :)

* * *

My Friends,

Election Day may be weeks away, but there are a number of grassroots activities you can do right now to help elect John McCain and Sarah Palin on November 4th. The work we're doing now will lay the groundwork for victory in November.

You can get started in your volunteer efforts for McCain-Palin 2008 by making phone calls through our online phone bank any time. Please follow this link to start making calls.

Reaching out to undecided voters in your state is vital to spreading the word that John McCain and Governor Palin are the right choice for voters all across America. That's why I'm asking you to take a few minutes or even a free evening to make calls for John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin.

Thanks for your time and support.

Sincerely, The McCain-Palin Team

P.S. I hope you'll join the growing grassroots movement of supporters for the McCain-Palin ticket today by volunteering to make calls through our online phone bank. Through this tool, you can make calls to undecided voters in your state and share why you support John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for president and vice president. Please follow this link today to get started.

Why Moms are the New Media

2008-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sean Hannity commented recently that 2008 will be remembered as "the year journalism died." Being a glass-half-full kind of person, I shrugged this off. But as I thought back over the past year, the bloody primaries, the ignored facts, and the PDS pandemic (Palin Derangement Syndrome), I realized the slow death of one-way journalism wasn't entirely a bad thing. As regular people turn away from the arbitrary circus that is news today, regular people are getting their news from - gasp - regular people.

I started Moms4McCain because I had found good McCain blogs and tons of Mommy blogs, but nothing really married the two. "Regular Moms", whether security Moms, soccer Moms, or the demographic-du-jour hockey Moms, are a highly-coveted voting bloc who have eluded both parties in recent elections. So with 130 HD channels, high speed internet, thousands of newspapers and magazines available, why isn't there any information targeted to us?

Simply put, Americans have changed, but the American media has not. We're more likely to hear about the news that affects US from a friend than from a newspaper which occasionally presents facts, but doesn't present the context or the real impact of that information. A Mom who uses a breastpump and a Blackberry simultaneously is not interested in a 30-minute Dr. Sanjay Gupta special on John McCain's mole (and yes, this was an actual show). "Wal-Mart Moms" are discussed in the New York Times as a 19th-century explorer would describe an exotic jungle species, only now discovered in the depths of the rainforest. I could rant about why they are biased, sexist, incompetent, but folks, that has been done. I don't want to perpetuate the cycle of reporters analyzing reporters, that's not the real issue. Simply put: They. Just. Don't. Get. It.

Please take a few minutes to visit other Center-Right Moms, celebrating the selection of Governor Palin, reaching out across party lines, defending our freedom, and proving ourselves smarter than the rest of the media.

The Moms on the Right have found the blogosphere, and we are here to stay.

New McCain Video Ad: "Foundation"

2008-09-17T15:34:00.001-07:00

I really like the approach of a direct, sincere John McCain talking directly to the voters. The latest ad from the campaign:

Mom on the Spot: Ohio Rally

2008-09-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

A comment on one of my Mom forums inspired me to get off my butt and go make some phone calls to get out the vote for McCain-Palin. I hope it encourages you to TAKE ACTION for McCain and Palin. This Mom from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio writes:

"I just picked up my tickets [for the Vienna, Ohio rally] and will be heading over to my parents after picking up my son from school...I am so excited!!

I work full time nites.. and have been making the time to get involved with this election. I went on the McCain website and it will allow me to see all events in my area. So far I have attended a very moving and inspiring Veterans for McCain event
in Canton, Ohio. 2 POW's who served with McCain were there and the female who spoke at the Republican Convention on Tuesday.

I then called the Summit County Victory Center to ask what I can do do help - and so far each day this past weekend I have gotten on the phones to conduct surveys. I have met many wonderful people, both men and women, and all ages. I went on
Saturday morning and a group of college students spent the morning and afternoon
making calls. I decided I don't want to be a Democrat like Obama and just talk about change.. but rather create change and better my country. I don't do anything awe-inspiring ..but I feel that ANYTHING can and will help. Not much longer til 11/4 so.... what can you do??

***

Please take action today and share your activities in comments.

Action Item of the Day: Don't forget to ask *everyone* - especially people who have recently moved, changed their name or their party affiliation - are you registered to vote?

***

Breaking video: Gibson inteviews Sarah Palin

2008-09-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

ABC's Charlie Gibson interviewed Governor Sarah Palin here in Seattle (!) today, here are some preliminary clips. The entire interview will be broadcast on Friday on ABC's 20/20.

Video Part I (hat tip to Ahwatukee Musings):

Video Part II:

We Remember

2008-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

As the voice of Moms for McCain, I will have many thoughts on Governor Palin, her lipstick, sexism in the media, and the other topics every other blog seems to be talking about at the moment.

But today is not a day for such things.

Today we remember the deliberate, senseless attacks on our country and our way of life.
I lost a college classmate and friend on Flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles. He was 24. I won’t say he was my greatest friend in the universe – he wasn’t (I was a geek, he traveled in much more fashionable social circles). But his presence is felt at every alumni gathering (and we Tigers have many). Chris was an honor student, a rugby player, a loud neighbor, a brother, a friend. He was exactly the type of guy who, if he’s been on a later flight with fuller knowledge of what the hijackers intended, would have given his own life to foil them in a heartbeat.

I also suffered a deeply personal loss on that day, which I won’t regurgitate here. I will merely say that, like many Americans, September 11 caused not just an abstract reassessment of my priorities, but some immediate, and in some cases, drastic changes in the way I lived my day to day life.

Defending our country and our way of life should not be a partisan issue. Crazy terrorists don’t distinguish between liberals and conservatives, they hate us all. But out of that sad and dark day came a renewed sense of gratitude for the blessings of liberty, and a stronger sense of purpose for all Americans who defend our way of life.

I encourage you to take a moment today to thank someone who has made this country stronger and safer.

Video: Obama Lipstick Comments

2008-09-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

I've heard the argument that "lipstick on a pig" is just an expression. But for a man who threatened to 'fire' a delegate for calling rambunctious kids "little monkeys," Barack Obama should know better. Please vote in the poll (top right) and share your thoughts.

Have You Registered a Voter Today?

2008-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Of 100 random people you know, 50 or more of them didn't bother to vote in the last election, and as many as 20 or 30 may not even be properly registered. Don't assume your friends, neighbors, classmates, relatives, babysitters, deli counter lady, barista, hairstylist are all registered to vote - ASK! Even if they are not decidedly for McCain, it is important that they have a chance to participate in the process.

Registration deadlines are happening *already* - see state-by-state detailed instructions for registering are here. Voters can also register through www.johnmccain.com.

Some people who might not be registered:

College students or recent graduates
Young adults who have turned 18 since the last major election
People who have recently moved
People who have recently changed their name (new brides??)
People who recently became citizens
People who are living out of state ('snowbirds')
People who you've never heard discussing politics
Military families in the U.S. and abroad
Grandparents now living with family or in retirement housing

Most states allow any voter to register 'absentee' so you can vote from home, at your convenience. Some people who might want to consider registering absentee:

Expectant Moms due this fall
Seniors or those with health concerns that might make a long poll wait unsafe
People who don't drive (or whose family only has one vehicle)
Moms who have no childcare for little ones
People in rural areas who live far from polling places
People in areas affected by inclement weather (snowy Novembers)
People who travel on business
People whose work involves emergencies and last-minute schedule changes
People who are forgetful

I want to challenge everyone reading this blog to forward this link to your address book and ask 10 people a day: are you registered to vote? If you have registration ideas or success to share, please leave a comment. Thanks!

Moms Report: McCain Palin Rallies!

2008-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

Rachel, a Mom of 2 from Livonia, Michigan, is a true blue (red?!) McCainiac who has been determined to see our next President Up Close & Personal. She finally got her wish at last week's McCain-Palin rally in Michigan. Thanks Rachel for sharing your experience!

***

My family went to the McCain rally here in Michigan yesterday. It was so inspiring to be with so many vocal, like-minded people! John, Cindy, and Sarah were all there. Indulge me for a minute, okay?

The place really went berserk when Governor Palin spoke! Her speech was basically a combination of her acceptance speech in Dayton and the speech at the convention. Although she did mention that her son spent his senior year (I think) of high school here playing hockey in the Kalamazoo area and she thanked the people of Michigan for taking care of her son and promised to do the same for us when she got to Washington. As I'm typing that it sounds kinda liberal - I'll take care of you - but yesterday it really just came across as a cool lady connecting with her audience.

McCain definitely did a better job yesterday than at the convention - alot of the speech was taken from Thursday's speech - but you could tell he was more comfortable. He also was great when he seemed to go off script to mention the tough times here in Michigan and to highlight the problems with Obama. When the crowd started the "drill baby, drill" chant he said that he didn't know who came up with that one, but he thought it was brilliant! He also said at the end (paraphrasing here) that it was 'time for straight talk...I need to win Michigan in November. You gotta get out the vote for us.'

My daughter was completely thrilled to have been there, and wore her McCain button (she wanted to buy one with him and Cindy on it because "she's so pretty") to our Sunday School teacher's meeting at church this morning! The whole evening was very energizing. Michigan is going to be tougher to swing than usual this election IMO, so I'm hoping people will buy into his change before Obama's. Hopefully the Democratic mess of the Detroit mayor's resignation and the city council investigation and the fact that our Dem governor has had to get involved with this negative press will help the McCain/Palin ticket.

Lastly.....the best home made sign of the night (besides my daughter's: 1st Graders for McCain) was - Read My Lipstick!

Sarah Palin Radio Address

2008-09-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Saw this on the McCain08HQ Yahoo group - thanks! Audio is available here.

---

Good morning, this is Sarah Palin -- the governor of Alaska and candidate for vice president. When Senator John McCain asked me to join the ticket last week, he placed a lot of confidence in me, and I'm going to do my level best to be worthy of it. Senator McCain also asked me to fill in for him today in his weekly radio address -- he's putting me right to work.

In my speech to the convention last Wednesday, I wanted to share some basic convictions, and also to tell you a little about the path that shaped those convictions. I never really set out to be involved in public affairs, much less to run for vice president. My mom and dad both worked at the local elementary school, and my husband Todd and I, we both grew up working with our hands. I was pretty much your average hockey mom, raising kids, and joined the PTA. When I ran for city council of my hometown, and then for mayor, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and I knew their families, too. I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment, and I have no plans to join.

That was the spirit that brought me to the governor's office, when I took on the old politics as usual in Juneau, when I stood up to the special interests, the lobbyists, big oil companies, and the good-ol' boys network. Sudden and relentless reform never sits well with entrenched interests and power brokers. That's why true reform is so hard to achieve. But with the support of the citizens of Alaska, we shook things up, and in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people.

I came to office promising major ethics reform, to end the culture of self-dealing. And today, that ethics reform is the law. I came to office promising to control spending -- by request if possible and by veto if necessary. And today, our state budget is under control. We have a surplus. And I have protected the taxpayers by vetoing wasteful spending: nearly half a billion dollars in vetoes.

Senator McCain also promises to use the power of veto in defense of the public interest -- and as a chief executive, I can assure you it works. In a McCain-Palin administration, we'll pursue a pro-growth agenda focused on creating jobs and reducing the tax burden. And with a maverick in the White House, Republicans are going to reclaim our good name as the party of spending discipline.

Our opponent in this election supports plans to raise taxes on income, payroll, investment income, business income, and altogether would increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars. But ask yourself: If you're trying to run a small business, or to keep your job at a plant, or keep a small farm in the family, how are you going to be better off if he adds a massive tax burden to the American economy?

In Alaska, we've also made some serious reforms in energy policy. When oil and gas prices went up dramatically, and filled up the state treasury, I sent a large share of that revenue right back where it belonged -- directly to the people of Alaska. And despite fierce opposition from oil company lobbyists, we broke their monopoly on power and resources. As governor, I insisted on competition and basic fairness to end their control of our state and return it to the people. I fought to bring about the largest private-sector infrastructure project in North American history. And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence.

Energy security is one of the great issues in this presidential campaign, and I look forward to debating it. Our opponents keep saying that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems -- as if we didn't already know that. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines and build more nuclear plants, create jobs with clean coal, and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers.

John McCain is a man who has always served his country and not just his party, and that's exactly the spirit we need in Washington today. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason to enter politics is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it. No one expects us to agree on everything. But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and a servant's heart. And I pledge to all Americans that I will carry myself in this spirit as Vice President of the United States. Thank you for listening.

Sarah Palin RNC Speech Video

2008-09-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

I watched this amazing speech with a packed house of volunteers tonight and it was truly inspiring! Whatever your political stripes, this day and this woman will be remembered for years to come.

McCain ad: Palin has more experience than Obama

2008-09-03T12:21:00.001-07:00

McCain campaign's latest ad, using a variety of sources including some left-leaning ones, to showcase the Accomplishment Gap between Palin, who's running for the #2 slot, and Obama, who would take over on Day One.

Moms4McCain on Political Pistachio: CALL IN!

2008-09-02T23:59:00.001-07:00

Hi ladies, while you're folding laundry tonight, after you watch Sarah Palin's historic acceptance of the GOP nomination for Vice President, give a listen and **call in** with your questions!

Political Pistachio blog: www.politicalpistachio.com
Political Pistachio radio link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/HeadingRight/politicalpistachio

Call in at (646) 652-2940 at 10pm Eastern Time. Look forward to chatting with you!

GOP Convention Changed Due to Hurricane

2008-09-01T00:55:00.000-07:00

From www.gopconvention2008.com:

Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain 2008, announced that the upcoming
Republican National Nominating Convention is making serious revisions to the
convention program and surrounding activities. Davis said, "We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf State
region. Our top priority is to assist those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav. This is not a time for politics or celebration; it is a time for us to come together as Americans and assist the residents of the Gulf States." (snip)
Also announced today were transportation arrangements for delegates from states affected by Hurricane Gustav. The McCain 2008 campaign has chartered a DC-9 that will transport delegates that wish to return to home to their states. The DC-9 will leave Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport today and will fly to Jackson, Mississippi. All transportation costs will be covered by the McCain 2008 campaign.

** I urge everyone reading this -- yes trolls, even you -- to click here to see how to offer help to the areas affected. **

***

Note: this week I will be more "Mom" than "For McCain" as I send my son to kindergarten for the first time - a bittersweet, long-awaited day. Stay updated with my friends at McCain Victory 08 and the Let's Get This Right grassroots movement, who have coordinated an unprecedented blogger presence at the convention.

Sarah Palin: Polls and Pundits

2008-08-30T09:45:00.001-07:00

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!!

Moms4McCain on the radio: CALL IN!

2008-08-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

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??

2008-08-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

** 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!

A Pep Talk for McCain Supporters

2008-08-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-28T20:49:00.001-07:00

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.

Breaking: McCain has picked!

2008-08-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

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!!

McCain on Jay Leno

2008-08-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

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

McCain Radio Address: Presidents' Paygrade

2008-08-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

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!

Biden on Obama

2008-08-23T09:22:00.000-07:00

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)

BREAKING: Obama picks Biden as his VP

2008-08-22T22:26:00.001-07:00

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)

Ten Questions About McCain's VP

2008-08-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

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):

Charlie Crist – since May has become engaged.

JC Watts – since May has commented publicly that he would consider a vote for Obama.

Bobby Jindal – claims repeatedly he has work to do in Louisiana and ‘has the job he wants’

Sarah Palin - recently faced a tempest-in-a-teapot scandal broken by a political enemy's blog (insert snarky discrediting comment here)

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.

Mom on the Spot: McCain PhoneBank

2008-08-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

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.'

Breaking: McCain to announce VP August 29!

2008-08-18T22:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

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.)

Small business interview: Linda

2008-08-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

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!

A Tale of Two Offices

2008-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

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!)

John McCain's Virtual Town Hall

2008-08-11T00:03:00.000-07:00

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 Shout Out: Mom Athletes

2008-08-10T00:39:00.002-07:00

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?

New Ads: Show Me The Money

2008-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Moms4McCain on BlogTalkRadio!

2008-08-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

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!

John McCain's Radio Address

2008-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

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.

No More Mr. Nice Guy?

2008-08-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

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!

Bravo Zulu McCain!

2008-07-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

August 1 is the anniversary of John McCain's promotion to Captain in the U.S. Navy. In lieu of a fruit basket, my friends at Blogs for John McCain have set an ambitious goal to get $10,000 in donations TODAY for McCain.

Please contribute via www.bravozulumccain.com (directs you to Slatecard secure link) so we can track those donations to today's money bomb.

This will be *the* pivotal month of the campaign. We NEED participation from everyone to show support for the campaign and fund signs, calls, travel, advertising, donuts, all of it.

To those who don't think McCain needs the money, we have to counter Obama's unlimited funds, thanks to his dishonoring his commitment to take public financing.

To those who are waiting until McCain picks his VP, send your donation and email the campaign to tell them who your pick is and why. This will speak louder than any form of silence.

To those who are waiting until the convention, please remember we have to compete with the Olympics, the Democratic National Convention, and, frankly, the entire mainstream media to make sure our message is heard.

To those who like McCain and support him but don't donate, I have a few thoughts. I have never contributed to a political candidate until this election. If Obama is elected, my family will pay $8,500 MORE in taxes next year, and my kids' college funds, due to capital gains tax changes, will be worth 15% LESS. So ponying up $50 right now to ensure victory for the other guy isn't just emotionally smart, it is a smart investment in my family's financial security.

To the people who are in truly tight financial straits, please shake your couch cushions, pockets, bottom of the purse, drawer, top of dresser, under car seats, coats in the hall closet. Send what you can - you won't miss those coins, trust me.

To the people who think they can't change anything by donating, you're wrong. We have the power, right now, to give America a truly great President. Is that worth $10 to you? I hope so.

Thanks for listening and thank you Senator McCain for your brave service to our country.

PS - If you donate today and email me at moms4mccain at yahoo.com, I will send you a FREE Moms for McCain bumper sticker!

YouTube Viewers Show McCain Some "Love"

2008-07-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hat-tip to my techie husband who shared this link, in which two new media experts note McCain's encouraging growth among YouTube online video audiences.

Take a moment to check out the two videos: "Obama Love" (note change from the far-superior Frankie Valli music after a copyright tiff) and "Pump" - which 'call out' Obama and the sycophants in the mainstream media who got off the Objectivity Train several primaries ago.

All of us can HELP make sure McCain videos get seen. Visit the McCain YouTube channel often, give the videos 5 stars, leave a positive comment, and share the links with friends too.

Obama's Troops Fiasco: The Real Test

2008-07-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

This week every blog in God's creation will rant about how Obama conspicuously skipped a visit to our wounded troops. I've heard all the different explanations for the no-show from the Obama camp, the Pentagon, and the media. But I see it a little bit differently.

It's not necessarily wrong that Obama didn't go to that particular place at that particular time. Maybe it was right not to go, if the motives were political gamesmanship and nothing more. (If I were lying wounded in a hospital bed and some guy with zero military experience popped in for a photo op, I'd tell him to go take a long walk off a short pier.)

What happened may have been a catclysmic offense, or merely a miscommunication. That's not the problem. The problem was how the Obama camp handled an incendiary situation: without responsibility or apology. If you think you've offended millions of powerful people, you don't respond with haughty defensiveness. You say: I'm sorry.

You don't say "but I went to see them already!" Or "but it wasn't my fault!" You say "I am truly sorry that I could not honor them in person, but today with my sound bite I honor them and their families and I urge Americans to support them too."

The question we should be asking is not 'why didn't he go?' but 'why isn't he sorry he didn't go?' Does he not know this was a mistake (doubtful)? Or does he not care?

This trip was designed to emblazon the image of a potential President Obama on American voters' minds. So how would a President Obama handle a legitimate mistake when it happens?('Cause we're human, it always does.) Will there be swift and clear admission of a mistake and a sincere effort to correct it? Will the offended parties be told to "get over it" and let it go (p.s. some of those parties may have nuclear weapons and some rather unforgiving attitudes about America)? Doesn't Obama, like Dean and cronies, lambast President Bush for refusing to apologize for anything he does? Why then is he not stepping up when he messes up?

I want someone in office who takes credit for their accomplishments and responsibility for their mistakes. John McCain has proven that he takes the American people seriously enough to be straight with them, even when it makes him unpopular for a while. He believes that we deserve not perfection, but sincerity. And in my eyes that is what makes him a hero.

Real heroes aren't without fault. Real heroes know their faults better than anyone else. They are anxious to address them, compensate for them, and ensure that their faults don't harm the people they serve. Real heroes aren't the ones with the most friends in Hollywood or on myspace. Real heroes ensure that their principles define their image - and not the other way around.

That's why I am proud to support a true hero: John McCain. If you agree, please get involved today by donating, volunteering, or working online to ensure that our troops and our nation get the kind of heroic leadership we deserve.

UPDATE: McCain Nation Events coming to your town!

2008-07-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

The stay-at-home-Mom in me is delighted to support McCain from my home computer. But the extravert in me is VERY excited to meet other McCainiacs in the flesh!

Today the McCain campaign is launching an exciting initiative: McCain Nation will bring parties, barbecues, mini-caucus-like discussions, brunches, Happy Hours, and other grassroots events to voters all across America.

Check it out and make plans to host or attend! If you're in the Seattle area I am planning to co-host an event on Thursday, August 14. Please email me at moms4mccain at yahoo dot com if you'd like more information or an invite next week.

P.S. Only 101 days to go - enough to do 1 of 100 different things every day to help McCain win the White House.

Mom on the Spot: Seattle Girls' School

2008-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, a teacher emailed me from an independent inner-city girls' school in Seattle (across the bridge from my home). She was teaching a summer enrichment program about the election and was looking for a representative to come and answer questions about John McCain and his platform. Good girl that I am, I first referred her to the official campaign folks. But since the local campaign is setting up their offices this week and literally without contact info, the odds they could send someone to talk to a room full of non-voters is pretty slim. And as she put it, "most of these girls hear a lot about Obama and may not know much about McCain." (Very diplomatic!) So I volunteered and had the privilege of talking to them today.

The small group asked excellent questions about McCain, his background, his platform, his differences from President Bush and from Obama. The girls, of different ages and backgrounds, had mostly described themselves as "pro-Obama" but had the chance to look at actual policies and statements from both candidates. (If only adults would take that opportunity we'd have much better people working for us in Washington!)

They asked about McCain's personal life and "what kind of father he was" and seemed genuinely surprised to hear the true story of Cindy McCain arriving home from a humanitarian trip to Asia with two babies, one of whom, Bridget, was adopted by the McCains and the other of whom was adopted by McCain family friends.

They asked about immigration policy and noted that there "wasn't as much difference between McCain's policy and Obama's." This was a good opportunity to talk about bipartisanship, the idea of a "path to citizenship" and the need for both strength and compassion from our leaders. And to discuss how the Republican party, just like the Democrats, have a spectrum of views on this and other issues.

They asked about how McCain would be different from Bush (in a more respectful way than any news outlet has!). We discussed bipartisanship, experience and background (i.e. McCain's extensive military experience and training led him to support different Iraq strategies than the Bush administration over the last few years). We discussed how rare it was that McCain had successfully passed legislation on key issues by working across the aisle with Democratic Senators.

They asked about my opinion of the YouTube ads on media bias and gas prices. They asked some good followup questions about whether candidates are allowed to make "false claims" which led into a discussion of free speech and how trustworthy the media is in general. I talked about the distinction in my mind between "negative ads" attacking character and background (which McCain has come out against, repeatedly) and pointing out factual differences between the candidates (i.e. observing what is actually being said by the media and the opponent). We discussed the importance of 'accountability' - that they have to be savvy enough to know that the media isn't always telling them the whole story, and that candidates should be responsible for the choices and policies they've supported. I mentioned OntheIssues and other online resources so they can learn how their representatives or candidates voted.

They asked about McCain's gun policies and we talked about my ex-sister-in-law's taxidermist father, whose animal-head-filled house might be creepy, but is his livelihood and isn't harmful to other people. I shared my personal opinion that I'd never want a gun in my home or in my possession, but that I saw this as an issue of freedom AND responsibility. That honoring our constitution often meant respecting the rights of people we disagree with or allowing things we don't like, because 300 million people rarely agree on anything.

They asked about the two-party system and what party George washington belonged to. I mentioned that I was familiar with 'Federalism' but couldn't tell them everything about it offhand. I did some research when I came home and discovered that the two-party system in America dates back to 1794, when Hamilton's "Federalists" and Thomas Jefferson's "Democratic-Republicans" stood for 'larger' versus 'smaller' government, respectively.

They actually did stump me with a question about education policy and schools "competing for teachers." I hadn't really heard or read much about this (education is mostly under states' purview), but did talk a little about decision-making and top-down versus bottom-up philosophies for managing and regulating schools. I alos mentioned that I had read Obama comments against school choice, which as a Mom and a teacher's daughter, is an important issue for me. This is one I have to learn more about as my kids enter school next year. This might be a good area for McCain to expand discussion during debates - Moms and families need to know what role, if any, a McCain government would have in ensuring good education for our kids.

As I left, I thanked them for having me and asked them to tell their friends they met a Real Live Republican who didn't even have horns! I even flattened my hair to prove it.

Media Bias and McCain: Your Turn

2008-07-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

(I've decided to interrupt 'small business week' to address some funny business making headlines: media bias. More interviews later this week!)

Despite McCain's overly-gracious dismissal of media bias as a "bit of fun," actual Americans are increasingly acknowledging that the media is clearly in the tank for Obama. As of today, one non-scientific poll of over 100,000 people puts the percentage claiming pro-Obama bias at a whopping 79%.

Usually media bias is carefully disguised, but I think anyone whose synapses are firing can see the overt pro-Obama bias: over-the-top ObamaLove, or refusing to even give McCain a chance to be heard at all. As a wise man once said, don't get mad - get even. Here are some specific, constructive things any of us can do to address and overcome media bias against our candidate.

Call them on it. Email the networks when they're out of line, cancel your subscriptions and *tell them why.* Don't forget their advertisers, who want your business long after the election is over. We have more choices than ever before and need to vote with our feet.

Change the coverage. Make it a habit to "Buzz Up" pro-McCain pieces on Yahoo news. Rate YouTube videos with 5 stars and post supportive comments on McCain articles online. This actually changes which articles show up at the top of the list or front page, versus being relegated to the bottom of the virtual barrel.

Be "proactive" about your news. If you watch the news from 6:00-6:30 over dinner every night you'll hear exactly what that group of people wanted you to hear. If you are interested in healthcare or the economy or Iraq policy, go to the candidates' own sites and get the facts for yourself. If you want opinions and insights, come join our forums at McCain NOW and Let's Get This Right.

Go straight to the source. There are many false rumors going around about BOTH candidates. See a basic summary of issue positions and voting records at http://www.ontheissues.org/. Debunk rumors at http://www.snopes.com/, and visit http://www.johnmccain.com/ often for information straight from "the horse's mouth."

Prioritize what you want to know. I am a former research analyst and longtime geek - if I truly went through all the data available on the Presidential candidates even MY head would explode. Pick 3 or 4 things that are truly important to you - character, specific issues or policies, experience or qualities you think are important. Compare the candidates side-by-side and ask yourself which of these two people would do a better job as President. Not a better job as a speaker or a dinner date. A President: Commander-in-Chief, Judge-Appointer, Congress-Checker, Foreign-Emisary.

Light the candle instead of cursing the darkness. Blog, volunteer and doorbell in support of McCain. The #1 most important thing we can all do to combat media bias is speaking up ourselves. Your word will carry more weight than all other advertising combined. Please consider doing something positive to support John McCain - there are MANY ways to be involved.

Small business week: Tammy

2008-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, McCain held a town-hall meeting focused on women entrepreneurs as part of unveiling his economic plan. This week I'm featuring interviews with a variety of small businesswomen, sharing why they support McCain for President. Thanks ladies for sharing your thoughts!

Tell us about yourself. I’m Tammy from Redmond. I am 45 years young and have an 18 year old daughter.

Tell us about your business. What do you like most and least about it? I have been a Hair Designer for 29 years. The first 17 years were in Scottsdale, Arizona and the last 12 here in Washington.

I have owned my own hair business for the last 22 years and love working for myself. It has allowed me to set the hours that work best for my family. I currently work 38 hours a week which is way more manageable than the 70 hour weeks that I used to put in before having my daughter.

I love making people feel better about themselves. Every day is different depending on who I see and which services they are having done. It’s a very social business which suits me really well. What I like least is that after all these years my tendons in my arms are wearing out from overuse. This is very disturbing as I truly have a passion for my business.

What is your involvement in politics? How would you describe your political views? I am not very "active" in politics but do have some strong opinions and several clients who are very involved in politics so I get to hear a lot of different views. I have always leaned more towards Republican (dare I say that in Washington, hahaha!).

I’m someone who sees issues as more 'black and white' versus living in the 'grey zone.' I like absolutes and for decisions to be made and acted upon. There is nothing more upsetting to me than a whole lot of talk and no action. Just going round and round in circles and never getting anywhere. I think there are a lot of people out there who would like our world that way then no one need be accountable for anything and they can keep pointing their finger at someone else. I say get off your ass and do something!

Have your views changed this year (is this election any different)? I find this year's election quite interesting. For me the answer is pretty simple, McCain is the only one who understands what needs to be done from a defensive standpoint. I will vote for experience over promises made.

I also support Republican business views which are very important to me. Being self-employed does influence my decisions on whom to vote for. I’m very interested in tax laws and would like to see them changed to a "flat tax" system.

Who do you support for President and why? I am absolutely voting for McCain. I do think that it is time to figure out this gas thing in our country. We need to be less dependent on other countries for our fuel and tap our resources here to lower gas prices.

What should McCain do to appeal to business owners like you? I think McCain should offer more deductions or a "flat tax" for Small Business owners. So many do not succeed as they cannot keep up with their overhead and tax payments. Self-Employment insurance needs to be more affordable also.

As a stylist, you hear lots of opinions from male and female customers. What do you think McCain should do to appeal to your customers and people like them? I love hearing my clients' views on their choice in candidate and I have noticed that the Obama supporters feel that if he becomes president that he will sweep in and end the war like a magic war fairy. Do they not understand that things don’t work that way? Do people really think that it is that easy?? I too would like to see this war end but know that it will take some time to get out of there. People need to remember that the President only has so much power and that he is at the mercy of his House and Senate also.

Any other thoughts to share? Personally I have tried to stay away from the media as much as possible, as I get tired of hearing the same debate presented in 100’s of different ways. I tune in periodically to get updated and my clients keep me pretty well informed also. As the election gets closer I will tune in a bit more but right now I find it to be a huge waste of my time.

I think it would be an interesting concept to have a Democrat and Republican working together as R- President McCain and D-Vice President Obama for a more balanced world but maybe we would implode if that happened.

Tammy's next big project is a charity walk to benefit Multiple Sclerosis research. Please consider making a donation here or donate to our Slatecard candidates in Tammy's honor. Thanks!