Massachusetts Governors Seat up for Grabs in 2010 – Mass. Governor Duval Patrick - Approval Rating Sinks to 28%

Massachusetts Governor, Duval Patrick, is currently enjoying an approval rating of 28% - this according to a recent poll conducted by Survey USA. The Poll, sponsored by WBZ-TV Boston, was comprised of 600 adults, and show a margin of sampling error of +-3.8%. The Respondents political affiliation roughly mirrors the make-up of the electorate: with 15% Republican, 40% Democrat and 41% Independent respondents (actual makeup: 35% Democrat 51% Independent). 82% of those polled who disapprove considered themselves to be Conservative, with 71% considering themselves to be moderates (Republican and Democrat Party Affiliation), 74% of those disapproving served in the armed forces, with 68% believing that a draft is necessary, 70% attend religious services regularly with 69% of those who disapprove indentified as gun owners – 56% of the respondents polled were from the Boston area, with only 24% polling from Worcester and Western Massachusetts.

Patrick, a Democrat, campaigned on a platform of “Hope and Change”, promising middle class tax cuts and increased prosperity to Massachusetts residents. Patrick, gained the seat with the help of political advisor, David Axelrod, who also engineered the career of Barack Obama. Patrick has come under intense scrutiny lately for his proposal to raise the Massachusetts State gas tax to .19 per gallon, in order to bail out the corrupt and bloated Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.

How likely is it that Patrick will be re-elected? Respondents to a Suffolk University Poll chose little known state Treasurer Tim Cahill (D), to replace Patrick, although, to date, there have been no announcements as to his candidacy.

On the lighter side - upon release of the Suffolk Poll, Jennifer Nassour, Massachusetts Republican Chair, issued the following statement:

"I congratulate Gubernatorial Front Runner Tim Cahill on his new status - certainly he needed some good news. This poll shows the people of Massachusetts are tired of the ethical lapses and waste in state government. The Massachusetts Republican Party stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of the Commonwealth in believing we need to clean up the mess on Beacon Hill by cutting spending, ending no-show jobs and lowering taxes."

The question now remains; which Republican (there are several names being bandied about, including Massachusetts State Senator Scott Brown), will run against Patrick. Christy Mihos, Cape Code Businessman and Independent, has already thrown his hat in the ring. Mihos, ran against the Patrick, and Republican Kerry Healy in 2006, earning 7% of the vote. Mihos, however, ran the most memorable ad of the entire campaign, (YouTube shown below) one which could easily be resurrected today, as the same problems Massachusetts faced in 2006, have actually worsened under the leadership of Patrick.



In the final analysis, the biggest shocker of the poll is not the Governors low approval rating, rather the fact that the majority of respondents, regardless of ethnicity or party affiliation, consider themselves to be conservative or moderate, in the state that is considered “The Blues State”. Those conservatives, who, for years, have felt like “red headed step sisters” with each and every passing election, are hoping that the National GOP will finally turn its attention to Massachusetts and, to use our current Presidents favorite euphemism, “invest”, in Massachusetts.

Current Economic Crisis – Democrats No Responsibility.

There is a great deal more to the current economic crisis than meets the eye – especially in regards to who is to blame, and how the media in general has conveniently forgotten what it had reported only a few years ago. Short and simple: Democrats put regulations into place that forced banks to lower borrower standards, causing the housing bubble, which has now burst. Behind every single failed entity are the fingerprints of high profile Democrats. The YouTube video shown below highlights approximately half of the reports available on the web, through newspapers websites as well as through The Senate and The House websites. Red Tide has more on Barney Franks (D,MA) role in this fiasco. Like so many residents of the Bay state who understand what bailouts mean (see Big Dig), the last thing people want is yet another tax burdon - this from the bluest state.

So Much for Unity – Clinton Supporters In Orlando Deface City Cars

So much for party unity – not a day after the Clinton/Obama Unity speech, vandals in the City of Orlando let their feelings about Barrack Obama be known. Frankly, “Obama Smokes Crack” does not appear to be a racial slur, rather a fact taken from his own life story. That said, this type of overt display of affection is patently ridiculous. Is there racism in this country, only that driven by the media, and to get the media’s attention, these supporters used this method to point to their unease with Obama. The only press this has been given, so far, is local in nature. How would the party line of unity that is so zealously embraced by the media hold up should these types of acts be reported, or worse, continued across the country. A note: racial slurs have been on the rise, but those are coming from one party in particular – the party that is the most divisive, the party of Jefferson. Ironic is it not? Full text below from WFTV Orlando


ORLANDO, Fla. -- Racial slurs targeting Barack Obama were discovered spray painted Saturday night on dozens of city vehicles in Orlando. The vandalism happened in a City of Orlando parking lot on the corner of South and Orange.
Phrases including "Oboma smoks crack" and other phrases with racial slurs were written in blue spraypaint on the white city cars and trucks. Other vehicles appeared to have had their gas tanks tampered with.
Along with the paint, hundreds of business cards were left on windshields. The cards contain criticism of Obama on one side and support for Hillary Clinton and her family on the other side. The same cards were left on Channel 9 vehicles in Daytona Beach several weeks ago.
The vandalism happened the same night the Obama campaign kicked off its Florida organization with parties across the state.
Local representatives with the Obama campaign told Channel 9 they weren't aware of any similar incidents.
Orlando police are investigating the incident

Barack Obama – Liberalizing Christianity

Barrack Obama, in courting the Christian vote, met with church leaders recently to plead his case and, in the words of Jeff Greenfield of the Slate blog lessen the opposition to his candidacy. Greenfield points to the power of the evangelical vote in the 2004 election, specifically in Ohio, where there was a Gay Marriage issue on the ballot and evangelicals came out in “droves” as reason for Obama’s meeting with evangelicals. He goes on to explain that past presidents met with opposition groups in order to give those groups a sense that, although they may not agree with the candidates ideology or vote for them, they would come away with a sense that the candidate was not implicitly evil. This would result in this specific leader not speaking out to their congregations or members against the candidate –resulting in a low voter turnout of a specific group on Election Day – which would be good for Obama in this case. The bigger factor in meeting with Religious Leaders is Obama’s interpretation of Christianity to include abortion (or the support or non-opposition to abortion.) Seriously – anyone who believes that one can interpret the Bible, regardless of which brand of Christianity one believes, to allow for a broad view of abortion, has their head in the sand. Additionally, the issue of abortion transcends Christianity, as every major religion is pro-life and denounces the act. The media’s treatment of this issue is interesting - pointing out the variety of brands of Christianity as a defense for Obama. The problem with this thesis is simply that, despite the “brand” of Christianity and/or the influence of a particular leader (Dobson, a Catholic Bishop, etc.) it does not always guarantee that their members or followers will go vote for or against a particular candidate based on his or her stand on this issue. It is the individual who will make that choice based on their personal faith. The question of the power of the church groups is not brought to bear. There are groups within the individual churches, which are briefly mentioned from the pulpit (as in an announcement – “This group will meet…”), but whose members are not influenced specifically by the pastor, rather they are influenced by their opposition to the act, based on one basic tenant. Abortion is murder. When, in the 2004 elections, John Kerry was not allowed communion in the Catholic Church, the only uproar came from the press. Inside the church, the message was clear; support for abortion separates one from the rest of the flock. That did not transcend to all the members who voted their political ideology over their personal theology.

This time, it is not so much abortion that is the focal point, rather, an interpretation of Christianity that is meant to lessen the import of the religion in total. That is in line with a Progressive secular point of view - that religion is meaningless, a panacea for the populace that is dangerous. One need only look to Russia’s history to understand how religion and Communism interacted.


Obama is a Christian that belongs to or believes in a liberal interpretation. He argues that the varied denominations within Christianity do not mesh with his governmental point of view - making sport of the Sermon on the Mount and its application to the Pentagon. His argument, in theory, is based on the lesser import of the variety of brands of Christianity and how they allow for multi-interpretations of the Bible. John Brummet, in an article released this morning from the Arkansas News Service, applauds Obama as brilliant and in regards to those pro-life Christian leaders who might criticize Obama’s pro-choice stand he notes: “Personally, I do not presume to know what God thinks about the various reasons for ending pregnancy. I do not know what He decrees on the issue of when human life begins.”

What the Progressives do not understand or cannot seem to grasp regarding Christianity, and the variety of brands therein, is simple. The New Testament may trump the old (except in the Obama brand) but Jesus Christ himself noted that he did not come to change rather, to fulfill the law. The law he refers to is the law handed down by God to Moses – simply 10 commandments that are the cornerstone of three faiths, upon which all other laws are made. As a Catholic, it is understood that murder, regardless of whether it is abortion or the death penalty – it is wrong. This is pretty much in line with the thinking of all Christian denominations (except again, for Obama’s). The one commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill” is also pretty basic. Progressives will point out war, and the act of a governor ending the life of a convicted killer is also murder, and they do this to lessen the impact of the faith. The three categories, Abortion, the Death Penalty and War - may be related, however, one must take a realistic view of the three: Abortion is an individual choice; the Death Penalty is governed by the state, as is War. Abortion is seen as a right to take a life under any circumstances, without regard for that life – the same cannot be said of the later.

Brummet goes on to criticize Mike Huckabee for using the phrase “partial view” in regards to Obama’s support of partial birth abortion. He stated “That was a newly incendiary and tactical Republican term - "partial view." - Unless someone has been living under a rock, regardless of what it is called, Partial View, Partial Birth, the process is the same, the child is brought through the birth canal and then killed, at the moment of birth – the details are fairy well-known – it is an abhorrent practice, one which no fair minded person would support. If that child were a kitten, PETA would be all over this, so would Barrack Obama.

It is odd, is it not, that this is now a pivotal issue? Iraq has left the front page, so the war is no longer a selling point for the press or the left, due to the fact that the surge worked. Inflation and the rising costs of Gas, that’s being downplayed a bit, as Obama does not favor a gas tax holiday and would rather push for higher taxes – there is really only one way to go – bring up Abortion. It’s about time.

McCain vs. Obama - Age and Race Poll at CBS - Opinion

McCain and Clinton - crossing party lines - Age and Gender a Factor?

Does age or race really matter in the day to day lives of average American’s when it comes to picking a president? CBS News conducted a poll which asked those two questions and the answer (according to CBS) is definitely – yes. That said, when looking at a neighbor, pastor, police officer, school teacher, doctor, nurse, or other person upon whom one must rely in a life-promoting or life-threatening situation – neither race, ethnicity, (which are parallel), gender, age, or religious affiliation seem to matter. Why then, is there such a focus on these issues during this 2008 election cycle. Does racism (add ethnicity) exist in America? Of course it does – because it is taught at the university level (college courses abound on race and its significance), it is perpetuated through our music (rap specifically), our media (program aimed at targeting – it exists at all levels – whether a person is Hispanic, Black, Asian), and now, it is brought up daily by the news outlets – the later because it sells. – Friction between race and gender, like a car crash, is news. One would think, given the homogonous society in which we live, entrusting the care of our children and our lives to individuals of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds, that race would be a non-issue.

Barrack Obama and Chris Dodd - Race and Gender bias?

When it comes to choosing a president – the reality of the situation for the most part (giving that poll a generous 10% credence) is that neither race, nor age really matters – it is all about the Party - the political experience and the ideology of a particular candidate.

Gender and religious affiliation, on the other hand, have played a significant role in this particular election cycle. The “news” outlets consistently referred to Hillary Clinton in the most denigrating gender based reporting seen since Geraldine Ferraro was chosen as Walter Mondale’s VP; only in Clinton’s case it was far more blatant and far more frequent. Mike Huckabee, the former Governor of Arkansas, was consistently introduced in print articles and in broadcasts as: a Baptist Minister, with no or late mention of the fact that he was a 2-1/2 term successful Governor of the state of Arkansas.

Now the focus has shifted, and McCain and Obama are treated daily to comments regarding race and age. So, does it really matter? Try this simple poll with neighbors, family and friends: McCain or Obama – which one and why? The answers are varied, but what it comes down to is experience and trust. One might hear the following:
Re: Obama – “We don’t’ really know much about him, how can we trust him?” He’s a Democrat, but too far left”, “The Party shoved him down our throats” “He’s too guarded in his statements – not natural”. On McCain: “He’s not Obama” (No kidding), “He’s got the experience”, “I think he’ll continue to reach across the aisle and get some work done” The Respondents (this is Massachusetts): Independents and Democrats. (The lone Republican was asking the questions).

Neither age nor race was considered – Also, of note: neither candidate was a first choice which was made clear. People do agree that it is time for a change, but feel that little has changed in the quality of candidate. The only factor that is a bit different this election cycle from the last is that one party has been left far more divided that the other. It remains to be seen how the obvious “witch hunt” (irony), within the party vise a vise Hillary Clinton will impact the outcome of the general election. All of this is a bit premature, as neither political party has gone through the convention process (rather a moot point one would think), where the polls generally reflect a “bounce” or increase in interest, for each Party’s nominee. Once that dust settles and October rolls around, the real issues will come to the forefront, whether it is economics or national security, and who is more trusted to lead their party and the country for the betterment of the nation. It will not be a vote against one or the others race and/or age, rather the vote will be against or for the political affiliation and personal ideology of the candidate.

Who’s polling who? WSJ/NBC Poll and Obama Lead

Time (in partnership with CNN), ran a story this past weekend on a recent WSJ/NBC poll that shows Obama leading McCain by 6 points. In retrospect, one would expect Obama to gain in points, especially after clinching the nomination, but the lead of 6 points overall, is not exactly a stunning bump. What might be suspect about this particular poll is that it trends predictable compared to past electoral makeup’s with Obama leading among women, blacks, Catholics and Independents and McCain among whites, males and superman woman and evangelicals. What is most interesting however is that the poll indicates Obama with a hefty advantage among Hispanic voters, 68 to 28% in favor of Obama?

The question is - which 500 New Yorkers, or San Francisco, or Los Angeles residents did they query for this particular poll?

Perhaps they should be polling in Massachusetts, where the general public is the exact demographic one finds allegedly backing the Democrat party. Generally, Hispanics are conservative, and that will be the group to watch this election cycle. Women are another wild card this time around. CNN commentators and college students do not represent the majority of women. Women in the Bay state are still a bit put off by Obama, and a bit angry at those elected officials that immediately jumped aboard the Obama express, after the vast majority of the state (with the exception of college enclaves) voted Clinton.

One longs for the most accurate poll, one that included 20,000 or 30, 0000 respondents, not the 500 or 1000 random registered voters used in polls by a variety of “news” organization to try and sway the general public. Watch the Vegas Line, the smart money is on McCain, with demographics that have traditionally trended Democrat crossing party lines. It will be the independents or unenrolled voters in this election cycle – and although NBC polls indicate Obama is making inroads in that group – it is a group that McCain has owned since he took to the Senate floor.

Obama Turns to Chicago Gangland Style Politics

Obama - Gunslinger? Or Midnight Cowboy

It was only a matter of time before the Democrat nominee began to exhibit who he really is - an opportunistic political hack. In a recent fundraiser in Philadelphia, the gangland Chicago style politics that are part and parcel of Mr. Obama’s meteoric rise game spewing out of his mouth – as if he could not stop himself. Obama on the GOP: “If they bring a knife to the party – we bring a gun”. (Politico commentary here )

So, the guy that is not sure how many states are in the union believes that bibles and guns are a crutch for those American’s who are frustrated with their lives, and cannot live without a teleprompter – now wants to engage in a street fight.

Not for nothing: Barack Obama, an Illinois State senator, (check Chicago paper archives for real insight), decided to run for the Senate, the field of contenders was lackluster at best, and his ability to give a rousing speech, made him a favorite. The seat had been held by a Republican – the Republican ran into a bit of a scandal, and would not run again, this left the Republican Party in Illinois no time to come up with another candidate – they finally and at a late hour, convinced Maryland’s Alan Keyes to try and save the day – to no avail. Barack Obama advanced to the US Senate, virtually unopposed.

So, how on earth will he win a real contest? Obviously his mantra of change and his claim to be a political outsider are pure bunk.

Notably, this particular statement is receiving no traction in the basic press – they are still focused on Mike Huckabee’s comment on Obama and guns made at an NRA convention.

McCain’s Camp and the RNC need not worry overmuch – Opportunists are not always the brightest bulbs in the pack, and Obama fits the mold. It is not wonder that he does not want to face McCain in any debate format that cannot be controlled. Opportunists are also cowards. Great speaker though, but that is all he can bring to the table – unless of course, someone unplugs the teleprompter.

Guantanamo Decision – The Massachusetts Factor

Courtesy of Logan Airport

Presidential candidates Barrack Obama and John McCain hold differing viewpoints regarding the Supreme Court decision to allow enemy combatants currently held at Guantanamo access to mainland US Civilian courts. McCain agrees with the dissenting opinion of Chief Justice Roberts, while Obama tied the decision to the political. McCain feels that the military tribunal system was more than generous, while Obama commented on the decision as a defeat to the Bush administration. One should understand that McCain may know a thing or two more about being detained against ones will than Barrack Obama, the fact that the later lacks experience outside of the ability to spew rhetoric was evidenced by his response to the ruling. New York Times

Meanwhile, Boston attorney’s are celebrating as the Bay State, home to Logan Airport, scene of the 9/11 crime, brought the suit in the first place. Boston Globe - Boston attorneys on the Guantanamo verdict

the decision can be read in total here. Boumediene (Boston Attorney) vs. Bush, President of the United States (politically motivated?). It is worth noting that all press articles have offered “excerpts” of the text – therefore, suggesting one take the time and trouble to read in entirety as its implications are broad and not specifically in the best interest of the nation. In essence, this allows the detainees (as they are referred) the right of Habeas Corpus under the U.S. Constitution, with all the rights and privileges given to citizens.

They will be allowed to bring their case to civilian court and the decision does not restrict or direct where the detainees will be held pending a US court case. This decision also allows for full treatment, including the setting of bail and release pending trial - into the general population.

McCain may be characterized as “old”; however, one can bet the house that older is wiser in this instance. In essence, Obama is as much of an idiot as John Kerry (the beloved MA senator where in recent poll, shows that only 37% of the state electorate would see him reelected Boston Herald ). Kerry, also applauding the decision is being considered as a running mate for the young and equally experienced Barrack Obama.

Of course, one has to look at where most of these detainees, once released, would be tried. Where else? The State that is the new Mecca for Level 2 and 3 child molesters nationwide is the perfect place for terrorists to set up camp and await trail. They’ve found Boston to be accommodating in the past (the date: September 11, 2001) – their law firm is located in Boston, and of course, the Governor, a close friend and speech-sharing buddy of Barack, would be able to lay out the welcome matt.
One can only hope however, that should these detainees be tried and found guilty of any crime (considering this is Massachusetts), they would spend time at a facility such as Walpole. In a word: Karma.

The Democrats - Suddenly Experience Matters? John Kerry and Barrack Obama

In the past several days, the press has focused on John Kerry’s importance due to Kennedy’s illness and the fact that he has senatorial experience, is given as a reason for his qualification. Hold the presses! John Kerry may be seen nationally as some sort of wonder boy, however, how many voters in Massachusetts actually like John Kerry? How much legislation has he penned in 24 years on the job? How often has he stepped foot in Massachusetts? How many times have the voters been given a choice? Why on earth should Kerry be re-elected if the criteria set by the press and the National Democrat Party is “experience?

Kerry is simply stated – looked upon as somewhat of a buffoon in his home state, and that sentiment now cross party lines. This will not be a slam-dunk. The largest block of voters, over 50%, are Unenrolled, aligning themselves with neither party. Both major parties have lost enrollment (almost equal numbers) based on the 2008 primary (visit Galvin’s website), and, although not the GOP’s first choice, Beatty is a credible candidate, with the necessary education and background, who also has generous grassroots support (among both Republicans as well as independents (The later being the key to the state). With Kerry thumbing his nose at his constituents (those that voted for Clinton in the primary), using the progressive mind-think that one knows better than the masses and they will all follow the “leader’ as a given, will come back to haunt him in November. Clinton voters are not just temporarily bereaved, they are now vengeful – one can use the term – biblical. Beatty on the other hand, little know, as noted in the press, on a daily basis (which can be seen as getting one’s name out there, any press is good press), should not be dismissed out hand.

The argument that the Bay State now needs Kerry’s senatorial “experience” in light of Kennedy’s illness runs counter to that party’s national claim that “experience” doesn’t matter when it comes to a much higher office – (see Obama) – further inflaming and confusing those steadfast Democrat voters that make up approximately 30% of the Massachusetts electorate. If Vegas were giving odds on this race, the best bet would be on the press-perceived long-shot – Beatty. This will be the race to watch.

The Coming Storm – The Democrats - A Divided and Divisive Party

Ben Adler, writing for Politico ponders the question: “Will Clinton Take the Blame if Obama falls?” – This is a valid question. Once Hillary Clinton was literally shoved out of the primary contest after a remarkable showing, she was expected to “suck it up” and urge her supporters to get back in line with the party that prefers that women stay exactly where they belong – in second place. Her supporters, on the other hand, may just balk at the prospect and either vote for the other guy and or not vote at all. Anyone watching Hillary Clintons brilliant concession speech could take note of the crowd – disappointed in the extreme – not in Clinton, but in the process that allowed a media and party leaders to push a woman to the back while promoting a candidate that was ultimately less qualified to head the party. There's an old adage: Never underestimate the power of a woman. Howard Dean, John Kerry, Bill Richardson, Harry Reid - take note. Vengence is an artform.

Adler notes in his article that many Obama supporters felt that Clinton was unduly harsh in her attacks on Obama – and with this question, the obvious becomes clear. Obama will come under grueling attacks by a Republican machine that is more than capable (Clinton understood this). The debates between Obama and McCain will clearly show a stark contrast to a stunning orator and someone who just knows his stuff – can Obama somehow avoid debating McCain? That is doubtful. So, this is the scenario – with Obama out there on his own, facing a Republican party that can more than throw a fatal punch, with his own party divided, with a message of hope lacking substance, should he someone lose the bid for the presidency – it will be Clinton’s fault? That’s beyond sexist. Women should rethink their affiliation with a party that’s sole platform for women has been “Abortion Rights – giving no thought to equal pay for equal work (women still receive less per hour than their male counterparts). ‘You’ve come a long way baby” – how incredibly insulting. The 2008 political races just became a great deal more interesting.

Jeff Beatty – National Republican Senatorial Committee On-Board

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is finally on-board with the Jeff Beatty campaign (Republican Massachussetts). They woke up and sniffed the Nescafe! Of note on the home page they have a link to a petition in support of John McCain’s “Gas Tax Holiday” (a Holiday Obama does not want those of us he considers “the masses”, to take).
Suggestion: visit the NRSC: get more info on Jeff Beatty and sign the petition.

John Kerry Faces Multiple Challenges – The Obama Factor

John Kerry will face opposition from within his own party in the September primary. Edward O’Reilly secured 22.5% of the votes at today’s convention. Baltimore Sun story here.
As noted in the Sun article, Kerry has run without opposition for the past 24 years. Although it was expected he would easily pass the convention as the sole Democrat on the ballot – O’Reilly succeeded in securing more than the necessary 15% of the delegates to place his name on the primary ballot. The press is playing the fact that Kerry voted for the Iraq War as the primary cause of his woes (not to mention his virtual absence from Massachusetts the majority of the time). The main reason for the sudden shift is Kerry’s backing of Obama over the wishes of the majority of his constituents. Although Hillary Clinton made a lovely speech today regarding party unity, it is doubtful that those who understood the relentless anti-feminist rant of the press and her peers in the Senate will easily forget and forgive. This is especially true for of an incumbent, like Kerry, who is vulnerable.

Photo NY Times

Kerry will most likely succeed in the primary (then again, he was supposed to easily sweep the convention today), to face a solid grassroots Republican, Jeff Beatty, who secured 17,000 plus signatures from Republicans and Independents (and possibly a Democrat or two) in order to place his name on the ballot. Noting that the Democrats seem to focus lately on how charismatic a candidate might be (rather than say qualified), Kerry might be in real trouble here, in the heart of the People’s Republic of Massachusetts.

The Nation Now Turns to John McCain

In an email delivered last evening, Hillary Clinton spoke to supporters and suspended her campaign. The tone was less than rousing, and with good reason. A good percentage of those supporters who backed Hillary Clinton, did so because she actually had a plan, had the experience and the ability to be a moderate. She remains one of the best candidates the Democrats have put forth since John Kennedy and her supporters are savvy enough to know it. On the flip side, they also know that Barrack Obama is in the same mold as McGovern and Carter and Mondale, which gives them one other choice, and that choice is McCain (although I have heard Ralph Nader’s name bandied about as well as an increased interest in Bob Barr and the Libertarian party. In other words, those voters that were behind Hillary 110% will now be shopping elsewhere. She may also understand that wise supporters will not just fall into line because the party tells them they must.

John McCain is an open book to the American public. The only comment that I have heard regarding him that is at all negative is: “He’s a scary old man”. Ok, I’m a scary old woman! With all those baby boomers in denial, using 70 as the new 30, John McCain is in the prime of his life! I prefer age and wisdom to youth and inexperience any day of the week. Those boomers who supported Hillary Clinton will not be considering age as a factor. Although McCain was not this conservatives first choice, he has decidedly grown on me, as he will on millions of other conservative and moderate voters across this nation who understand what’s a stake – the preservation, not of the Republican Party, but of the nation.

Hillary Clintons Email to Supporters

I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.

On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.

I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.

When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.

I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.

I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.

In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

To learn more about John McCain and to contribute to his campaign visit:
John McCain.com

What Did Hillary Know all Along?

Apparently, that there was more to Barrack Obama than meets the eye. Bob Beckel indicates that a bomb will drop on the Obama Campaign tomorrow, after Barack has the nomination in hand, leaving Hillary Clinton in the position to take the controls. The blame, he noted, would fall on Republicans who had possession of the tape.
The problem with that scenario is that after watching Karl Rove gleefully anticipate an Obama candidacy last night, the last thing the RNC would do would be to pre-maturely release a tape that would hurt their preferred nominee. Hillary Clinton, to her credit, would do anything to save the Democrat Party from itself.


Bob Beckel's Comments on Fox and Friends.

Of course, this all remains to be seen, but Beckel appears to be a fairly reliable source.

Romney Downplays V.P. Spot,
Hillary Clinton Outstanding Performance in Late Primaries and
McCain Gains

The Boston Herald reported today that Romney stated McCain never “broached the subject” of the V.P. spot with him. In deciding upon a possible running mate, McCain will most likely choose someone who is capable of helping the campaign with logistics and grassroots support, something Romney never had.

With Hillary Clinton being edged out of the race by a party led by Howard Dean and company, McCain is in a better position to pick up those disenfranchised Democrats who are more moderate. Clinton understands that the country, in general, is not Progressive and that Obama’s less than stellar performance in the late primaries are indicative of what will happen in a general election. What is most striking is the general media’s collusion with Dean. The primary in Puerto Rico was just another indicator of division within the party and distrust of the Illinois Senator that has grown since the voters have gotten to know him a bit better. Would Barack Obama have gotten as far as he did if several incidents had come to light earlier? Once his statements regarding Pennsylvania voters clutching their “guns and bibles” out of frustration became general knowledge, once his affiliation with controversial individuals became general knowledge, the focus of the electorate swung to Clinton. The Clinton’s are known to be the most politically astute individuals in the party and she understands that with Obama as the party’s choice, the map in November may resemble one in which Carter lost to Reagan.

Obama’s campaign will undoubtedly try to tie McCain to Bush which, is about all they have. McCain has been visible and his record is clear. The same cannot be said of Obama –it is what’s lying in wait to be discovered, that Hillary Clinton may already be aware of, that has her defying Dean and Company. Although McCain was not the first choice of conservatives, he does attract more moderate Republican’s, Independents and Democrats and with the diverse party leaders behind him, Romney and Huckabee, he should fare well against the “hype of hope”.

John McCain – Road to the White House

(Opinion)

Apparently the RNC had a point – push an independent, moderate candidate at conservatives in the hopes of picking up those independents and democrats who had hoped McCain would run against Bush as an Independent in 2004. Although the deep conservative base has misgivings (understatement) regarding McCain’s conversion to conservatism, should Barrack Obama clinch the nomination, they cannot conscionably “sit this one out”. The dinner table conversation in the deeply Democratic state of Massachusetts shows the clear confusion and resignation that has invaded the working-class, (or middle class), voters. In a choice between Obama and Clinton, Clinton is the choice – take Clinton off the table, and McCain is the “next best thing” to a Democrat.

As the only Republican in a family whose roots are deeply seated in the Democrat Party, it is with some surprise that this change has occurred. These are individuals who were strongly behind any candidate that the DNC put forth – “because we are democrats and they support the working-class”. John McCain’s appeal is two-fold – he’s against government waste and he’s leaned left enough times that he’s “almost one of us!”

As the media and DNC party elites muscle Hillary Clinton out of the race, the thoughts that John McCain can’t win the race, start to dissipate. Those democrats who the party feels will surely vote for Obama because he is the party’s nominee and “that’s the way they vote”, have miscalculated those middle-class, working-class, voters who cast their vote for Clinton – in this Massachusetts instance, it was not because they were voting for Clinton – it was a vote against Obama. Granted this is a small sample in a small state, but it gives rise to speculation that McCain’s age is less a handicap than Obama’s inexperience, associations, statements (bitterly clutching their guns and bibles), and what-ever else he may say or what may be discovered once his nomination is secure.

Tuesday Tidbits

Oil



Hillary Clintons proposed gasoline tax holiday and her stance on Opec are being criticizedby those on both sides of the political spectrum. That said: to those of us paying at the pump, Ms. Clinton is making sense.

As oil prices continue to climb to $120 per barrel and oil companies are reaping what can only be viewed by those of us paying through the teeth for heating oil, at the pump, and the grocery store (where prices are being driven up due to high cost of trucking), as obscene. When one sees the headline: Chevron Profits first quarter, at 5.17 billion Yahoo Finance, the thoughts of a windfall profit tax on oil companies, as proposed by Hillary Clinton, makes a whole lot of sense. Although economists will argue that this type of corporate tax (a tax on the excess profits only), will cause shortages, and worse, the oil companies may not continue research, those of us in the real world might view the pain of a corporation giving up a percentage of 5 billion plus in profits, as just. Point of view, as a citizen of the State of Massachusetts, my payroll taxes on my meager salary are taxed at 30% (includes federal and state taxes, as well as Medicare and social security), is it not fair that as an American corporation, Chevron bear part of the burden as well?

Best line regarding Oil companies this past week: Hillary Clinton to Bill O’Reilly: “Well, they aren’t inventing anything new (paraphrased via memory).

It should be pointed out that John McCain and Hillary Clinton both support a gas tax holiday. Obama, does not.