McCain acts for Bush, once again

Normally, you'd think Senators facing tough reelection battles would want the highest-profile help their party had to offer. You'd think that for Republicans that would be the incumbent president -- but of course, Bush has the worst disapproval rating since they started measuring that.

So in this, as in so many things, McCain will be standing in for Bush, going on the road for New Hampshire's John Sununu, Maine's Susan Collins, Oregon's Gordon Smith, and Minnesota's Norm Coleman. Because, as the Cook Report's Jennifer Duffy says:

"The interesting thing about McCain is that he may not help anybody, but he's not a drag on anybody," she said.

Yet. He's not a drag on anybody yet. Because he hasn't yet faced a settled Democratic nominee. Because the traditional media has given him a free ride, rarely pointing out that on the votes that matter, McCain's no maverick. When  the Republican party and George W. Bush need him, John McCain is reliably there for them.

How alike are McCain and Bush? MoveOn puts you to the (f'ing difficult) test -- a test a lot of reporters could stand to take before they write their next stories squeeing over all the awesome straight-talking maverickness. If they start writing the story of the John McCain who actually stands in front of them instead of the one in their heads, by November he'll be as much of a drag on Sununu, Collins, Coleman, and Smith as Bush is today.

Race tracker wiki: NH-Sen ME-Sen OR-Sen MN-Sen

•  This is going to get real fun

  McCain, your going to be exposed for the person you truly are. Helper of the rich, and "panderer" to the middle class.

  Enjoy the ride.

  by egarratt on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:22:29 AM PDT

  •  McBush has all RWCM working for him

    So it will be very hard to keep them from installing McBush in November.

    We essentially need a popular vote landslide for Obama to overcome the Diebolding and voter suppression that is being planned right now by the forces of evil who support bush and McBush.

    by MD patriot on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:27:32 AM PDT

    •  True dat, I took the MoveOn Bush-McSame challenge

      it was HARD as shit, I barely passed -- and I've followed the "Maverick" fairly closely over the years, trying to figure out how the media lets him get away with SO MUCH SHIT and never calls him on it!

      We will definitely need to hold the media accountable in their McCain coverage, a tall order to be sure but we can't afford 4 more years of McSame.

      by Timothy J on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:51:44 AM PDT

      •  "BUM STEER"

        McBush is not now and never was a "Maverick"...He's just a "BUM STEER"

        by StuHunter on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:06:24 AM PDT

        •  Here's someone who can HELP a candidate!

          
          Mistress Philomena is standing by Kinko for President!

          Kinko the Clown stands for change...spare change.
          He's willing to do whatever it takes to bamboozle the public. And when it comes to throwing his hat in the ring, Kinko can't be beat--from hat tricks to juggling hats, this clown is your candidate!

          Bindlestiff Family Cirkus's newest production is a full-force spectacle, where the circus meets the media circus, sideshow marvels meet campaign carnivals, and the audience meets one of this country's oldest traditions--the variety arts.

          Like all political campaigns, Kinko's campaign will include sleight of hand, tightrope acts, death-defying feats, slapstick comedy, and more. It's time to put a real clown in the White House -- Kinko for President!
          So if you have a bit of spare change and can help Kinko get the word out to the people, send us your support. Contributionsof $3 (includes one dollar for shipping) to $2300 (maximum campaign contribution allowed), with a specific note that states "Kinko for President" will receive a "Kinko for President" campaign button.

          by MT Spaces on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:40:15 AM PDT

      •  I really enjoyed...

        ..."The Carrot Round."  I think it would be a good idea for demostrator to start waving carrots at McCain at every opportunity, to show that even a carrot would be less dangeous to this country as President as the senile Senator from Arizona!

        by Randall Sherman on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:08:56 AM PDT

        •  Agreed, the carrot round was classic - and like

          you said having a carrot as Pres would be a lot less damaging than an aging dissembler MORE warmongering than Bush!

          by Timothy J on Sat May 10, 2008 at 04:00:34 PM PDT

  •  what middle class?

    The middle middle class is almost extinct as people seem to shake out either below $50K or above $300K in income.

    by entlord1 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:47:52 AM PDT

  •  Squeeing?

    before they write their next stories squeeing over all the awesome straight-talking maverickness.

    If that's not a word.. it should be.

    by librarianman on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:49:38 AM PDT

  •  McCain: Unoriginal.

    Uncreative.

    Underfunded with creative problem-solving abilities.

    Wealthy and out of touch with the common person.

    Lots of ripe topix for highlighting..... what a great candidate!

    by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:05:14 AM PDT

  •  We have alot of work to do - McCain is ahead

    We have to get real and understand that calling an American hero names isn't a strategy:

    http://www.electoral-vote.com/...

    How is it possible any Republican could be ahead with the country in recession, lousy war, housing mess, and gas prices going vertical? It is utterly amazing that McCain has a solid south, plus Florida, up by 15 to 35pts in the border states and he is running a bit ahead or even in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. It order to win McCain needs only ONE of these states and Obama needs ALL three.

    What happens to the party if we lose this fall?  What the heck happens!?

    by richmond199 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 01:30:18 PM PDT

•  Obama vs. McCain

  Mr. Unruffled vs. Mr. Temper Temper.

  I'm buying my popcorn now!

  by Lavocat on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:22:38 AM PDT

  •  Bets on how fast before Mac starts whining

    about unfair treatment.

    by Phil S 33 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:26:47 AM PDT

    •  Checks my watch.... n/t

      by catnap1972 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:39:35 AM PDT

    •  Bets on How Fast The Race Card Is Played!

      Hillary's inartful allusions to race are merely the prelude to what is likely to turn out to be The Great Race About Race.

      It all turns on how America sees this race and which campaign gets America asking which question:

      Obama's campaign: Is America ready to be governed by a President who happens to be "black"?

      A: Yes.

      McCain's campaign: Is America ready to be governed by a "black" who happens to be President?

      A: [if you're a Progressive, yes; if you're a "Regressive", no].

      Or, better yet: Just how ugly is America, in 2008?

      by Lavocat on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:43:20 AM PDT

      •  it is already happening

        Rush is advising McCain to hit Obama hard on his 20 year long radical association with Rev Wright and Michelle's radical thesis.
        Hannity is starting to immunize himself, asserting the debate is over race but is not racism.

        by entlord1 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:49:49 AM PDT

      •  Race about race vs age?

        by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:06:26 AM PDT

    •  LOL - He's already whinning about the

      interview Barack gave to Blitzer on CNN.  Barack responded forcefully to John McCain trying to link him to Hamas.  McCain started this issue by stating that Hamas wants Barack to win.  Now he's whinning because Barack is defending himself and calling him out.

      Barack did not hold back in his response.  Everyone is latching onto the 'losing his bearings' comement.  The McCain campaign whinned that it is was a dog whistle about McCain's age.  They even have an ad now for Mother's Day with McCain and his mother.  One would think that THEY are trying to neutralize the age issue that they know is the elephant in the room.  

      That's all it took for McCain to start whinning.  He ain't seen nothing yet. Barack is not going to stand by and let McCain smear him.   All of the issues that the media is afraid to touch will be fair game for Barack.  He can show the contrast between him and McCain without going negative.  

      McCain says he will run a respectable campaign.  But at the same time he has no problem trying to smear Barack.  Even his wife said he was going to run a clean campaign.  I guess they forgot to tell her that trying to smear Barack with the Hamas non-sense is not considered respectful.

      by Ladyhawk on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:45:10 AM PDT

      •  Losing One's Bearings

        Where I come from (Upstate NY), this DOES mean what the McCain Team THINKS it means.  AND HE IS!

        It is also code for one who has Alzheimer's Disease.

        Still, I think that this will fly under the radar in most of America.

        by Lavocat on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:50:57 AM PDT

        •  what part of upstate?

          I grew up in upstate NY.

          by Ex Real Republican on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:03:32 AM PDT

          •  The Greater Capital Region

            Basically the 11-county area around Albany.  I was born there, but I live in Saratoga (which is starting to turn purple from scarlet red!).

            Re "Chicago Style Politics", I was wondering when someone was going to post that.  Yes, that is EXACTLY what is coming.

            The general is going to be something the historians will be writing about for centuries to come.  Not merely a clash of styles, but of mentalities, generations, and - dare I say it - races.

            McCain will be all blather and rage and Obama will be very, very slick and ever so cool.

            It's wonderful to be a witness to history!  After all, we've all waited 400 fucking years for this.  I'm soooooooooo thrilled to see it happening in my lifetime!  The FACT that Obama can happen NOW in America makes me DAMNED PROUD to be an American.

            Still mulling over whether to have my entire car covered in Obama bumper stickers.  My wife realizes it's a battle she can't win.  She just rolls her eyes now.

            by Lavocat on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:13:01 AM PDT

            •  I grew up in Saratoga. Hate that damn

              racetrack.

              Love MacGregors.

              by Ex Real Republican on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:14:48 AM PDT

            •  and yea it was very red but turning.

              by Ex Real Republican on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:15:25 AM PDT

        •  Also a bit of word play

          Close to saying he's "lost his marbles," but not quite there.  

          I think we're finally about to witness Chicago Style politics.

          by Subterranean on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:04:58 AM PDT

        •  Not me

          I laughed out loud when I heard it and screamed "WAY TO GO OBAMA!"

          by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:10:59 AM PDT

      •  It was an awesome response.

        Once the nomination is final, I expect to see Obama up 55% - 45% over McCane.

        by Ex Real Republican on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:02:50 AM PDT

      •  They forget

        Obama comes from Chicago style politics.

        And Hillary is a girl, it will be a whole nother story with McNut.

        by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:10:10 AM PDT

    •  He started by saying Obama was bashing McCain's

      age when in fact, Obama was just calling McCain out on being negative and making that ridiculous Hamas comment.

      by wishingwell on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:47:02 AM PDT

    •  Can I place three trillion on

      "too late, already happened?"

      Check out the "bizarre" memo re: "lost his bearings" yesterday.

      by Chris in West Seattle on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:07:43 AM PDT

    •  He already is whining

      about the "lost his bearings" commet from Obama.

      Not sure what he expected when he goes out there and says Hamas endorsed Obama as thoguh that would be an endorsment that Obama would be happy with.

      Obama bitch slapped him and good.

      by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:04:46 AM PDT

  •  Debates Will Be Damn Amusing!

    I am absolutely tuning in for those shows!!

    by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:36:48 AM PDT

    •  We should insist all debates take place on MSNBC

      I would love for Keith O. and Rache to moderate and commentate on the debate afterwards! They would put McCain in the uncomfortable position of explaining why Rache should not be allowed to marry her lifemate.
      No Faux News debates!

      by kevinspa on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:12:14 AM PDT

      •  Debates NEED LOWV

        I posted this before, but I strongly feel that the Dem's should refuse to let the debates be controlled by any media star/pundit/corporate lapdog. Insist that control be given back to the League of Women Voters (link) who performed this job admirably from the very first. Enough of George Steph/Russert, etc. These debates are far too important to be left to self-absorbed idiots who think they're the stars of the show.

        by p gorden lippy on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:26:18 AM PDT

        •  I agree, no self-absorbed idiots!

          That's why I recommend Keith O. and Rache moderate all debates between the candidates in the general election.

          by kevinspa on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:43:06 AM PDT

          •  no way McSame goes for that format, though n/t

            by p gorden lippy on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:10:17 AM PDT

            •  True, he won't face Keith O. and Rache

              Because he can not take the tough but tender questions of Keith O. and can not answer the pertinent question from Rache as to why she should not be allowed to marry her lifemate. Besides being a long-time military expert, Rache would also grill McCain on the issue of fundamental people powered LGBT rights.

              by kevinspa on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:43:37 AM PDT

      •  We Love Keith,

        but I don't imagine he's exactly at the top of the list for moderators for the Repubs. Sometimes, it's good to "not belong"!

        by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:44:09 AM PDT

        •  Rethugs don't like Keith O because

          he's a true hard hitting journalist. He's tough but tender but does not give an inch to foolishness. He's brilliant but modest, as he puts it, he's an AMERICAN first. He asks the tough questions and demands the correct answer when it comes to fundamental issues like LGBT marital rights. The Rethugs are afraid of a brilliant human being like our beloved Keith O.

          by kevinspa on Fri May 09, 2008 at 11:07:44 AM PDT

          •  A-Freakin'-Men!!

            Wonderful words!!

            by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 11:20:52 AM PDT

  •  Right on

    Crotchety old fart vs. The Rebirth of Cool.

    by Subterranean on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:00:15 AM PDT

    •  Gawd Mcnut is OLD!

      Everytime I look at that man I feel like I am looking at grampa, he doesn't look like he could even handle all that is involved in being a President from a phyiscal standpoint.  

      by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:03:09 AM PDT

•  Maybe McCain thinks he's still got a

  chance to win over the Bush sponsors.  If he paid attention to FEC reports, he'd realize their money is on Huckabee.

  by hannah on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:23:52 AM PDT

•  Do we have a Senate challenger for this guy?

  I'm assuming we do, but do we have a good one? It's be great to beat him twice in one election.

  by greatn on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:24:46 AM PDT

  •  It would be especially good

    If we could get him to spend valuable campaign time fighting for his seat. Sadly, I doubt that he's sufficiently unpopular in his state to worry about it.

    It occurs to me that one annoying quasi-argument we're not going to have to hear this time around is how a Senator can't win the presidency, or how crucial executive experience is for the presidency. There, as elsewhere, the media will suddenly discover their deep respect for the storied legislative tradition of the Senate.

    Perhaps, too, we'll get elaborate, bending-over apologias for some of McCain's more "nuanced" Senatorial votes.  We'll learn that it's in fact no big deal if a Senator voted for something, and then voted against it.

    It's surprising how quickly they can reevaluate everything they ever knew if McCain's candidacy gives them a convenient reason to do so. :-(

    by Dale on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:39:35 AM PDT

    •  Yes that will be interesting that this time the

      MSM cannot say that a Senator has not won the Presidency since JFK. As a Senator will be President, that is one known fact.  So the Senator thing will be tossed around this time around as a negative.

      by wishingwell on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:49:21 AM PDT

  •  For McCain? He's not up this year. n/t

    by MissLaura on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:07:04 AM PDT

•  We have to keep McBush on the defensive...

  and some people on here still think McBush is an honorable man.  Those some people are fucking stupid...there, I said it.

  by Los Diablo on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:24:49 AM PDT

  •  ignorance is McBush's friend

    TV watchers will never find out the truth about McBush, but this website will help:

    The Real McCain.com

    The Brave New Films folks have been working on this for a while, and the cut through the media spin to reveal the slimy McBush in all his glory.

    by MD patriot on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:29:43 AM PDT

•  Two things that seem to escape us here,

  1. The voter ID law, sanctioned by the Supreme Court will hurt us in November.

  2. McCain hitched his caboose to the Bush-train for one main reason (besides leeching off the Bush gravy-train), and that is for Bush to use any and all means to help McCain in the general.  Bush still controls this government, like it or not.

  Those two facts, and the current state of the McCain-love-fest-media are our biggest hurdles in November.

  by AlyoshaKaramazov on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:25:06 AM PDT

  •  Ask the Nuns in Michigan

    It won't hurt in the short run but would hurt us in the long run. I think when Dems take controll of both houses and the Presidency they will rectify this voter ID nonsense.

    by eddieb061345 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:30:33 AM PDT

    •  Those Nuns Were in My Fair State,

      Indiana. Our state legislature must be afraid of penguins or something.

      by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:37:59 AM PDT

    •  but it's before Nov. 4th that concerns me

      I still think Obama will win, but the shenanigans will be thick and furious.

      by AlyoshaKaramazov on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:39:23 AM PDT

  •  get ready for lots more independent contractors

    doing all sorts of things, such as vetting voter rolls against felon lists and mailing certified letters to registered Democrats and challenging the registration of any that are returned

    by entlord1 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:52:40 AM PDT

•  visit the real McCain.com

  Great site, and their videos show who McBush really is, bush 3, the next disaster!

  The real mccain.com- videos and comments that show McCain's true self

  Senator, you've said that the economy is not your forte and you've demonstrated some confusion about Al Qaeda and Iran. Do you think your opponents campaigns will suffer because they don't bake or can't bowl?

  That's one of the comments from the site, plenty more from people who are not fooled by the RWCM spin on the so-called "maverick" who is really a bush suck-up slime.

  by MD patriot on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:25:32 AM PDT

•  I think it's gonna be like Spinks-Tyson

  Months of super hype and:

  ::::::

  by nowheredesign on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:26:04 AM PDT

•  Thanks to George Bush...

  Republicanism is quickly turning into a fad.  And John McCain is left holding the hula hoop.

  by BA BarackUS on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:26:31 AM PDT

•  Remember, folks

  Satan Himself polled higher than Bush right now, as He was cast out of heaven.

  by Randomfactor on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:26:37 AM PDT

  •  Cheney polls higher than Bush?

    Wow!

    by Ken in MN on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:30:50 AM PDT

    •  No F*ckin' Way!!

      I don't believe it although evil VS stupidity is a difficult choice.

      by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:38:53 AM PDT

      •  Stupid led by Evil is the worst. n/t

        by llamaRCA on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:04:00 AM PDT

        •  I Wish I Could Rec'd More Than Once

          because that's just brilliant.

          by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:42:25 AM PDT

•  I scream every day at my TVeee

  There is NO reason for the TM to wait. They should be all over him about Hagee. They should be all over him about his wifes taxes. They, I fear will only scrutinize him when they are  pushed, and pusged HARD!

  by eddieb061345 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:26:47 AM PDT

  •  It's HRC's Fault

    By staying in the race, the newsmedia focuses on the Clinton/Obama race.  If she would finally concede, it might be possible for the media to finaly focus on the McCain news.

    Right now there is virtually nothing about McCain's gaffes.  It's all HRCs and Obama's.

    Right now a vote for HRC in any of the upcoming primaries is a vote for McCain.  To the extent she doesn't lose and lose big, she'll keep the pyschodrama going.

    by CTReformedRep on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:29:32 AM PDT

    •  Don't blame HRC

      The media has been sucking McSames C*** for a very long time now. As he himself said the media is his base. He said he intends to rely on the media to get "HIS" message out! Shameful.

      by eddieb061345 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:33:46 AM PDT

      •  If HRC dropped Out

        It would shift the focus of the newscycle from Obama/HRC to McCain/Obama.  That is just how it works.  She needs to accept reality as do her delusional supporters.

        She can't win at this point and is only hurting the chances of Obama winning the GE.

        But she won't get that message to the extent her supporters keep backing her.

        It's time to make a decision who do you want to see in the WH next January McCain or Obama???

        If you don't want McCAin then it's time to shift and work to get HRC out.

        by CTReformedRep on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:42:00 AM PDT

        •  I agree with CT, absolutely spot on

          by wishingwell on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:51:30 AM PDT

          •  Yep - it is indeed decision time here 'my friends

            It's time to make a decision who do you want to see in the WH next January McCain or Obama???

            If you don't want McCAin then it's time to shift and work to get HRC out.

            Lets get after it.

            by Timothy J on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:55:06 AM PDT

      •  Well, it's worked for Bush.

        McCain just isn't subtle enough to let it happen.  He's shown his hand so he's vulnerable now because we can strike hard at the Media.

        by llamaRCA on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:05:13 AM PDT

    •  so true CT as they are so focused on Hillary

      and when she will get out. That is the big story and nothing much else is talked about.

      by wishingwell on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:51:04 AM PDT

  •  After the beating they gave Teresa Kerry...

    ...never mind...

    by Ken in MN on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:29:52 AM PDT

  •  Cheer at your TV instead

    watch Countdown- Keith was on the Hagee story last night

    by nicolemm on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:42:30 AM PDT

•  This is Why WE have to END the Psychodrama

  The democrats can't focus on Demonizing McCain because they're still focused on nominating a candidate.

  Hillary has somehow got to be convinced that she has lost.  This way the news cycle will get off of her or Obama's latest gaffes and onto McCains.

  by CTReformedRep on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:27:14 AM PDT

•  I'd vote for...

  ...the carrot...

  by Ken in MN on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:27:59 AM PDT

•  May not help, but won't drag? Insignificant? nt

  by AllanTBG on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:28:54 AM PDT

•  Kill McCain's chances with healthcare

  No matter how anyone feels about the future of healthcare, DEM or REP, NO ONE will like McCain's plan to strip employers of the tax advantage they have to give employees healthcare, since most Americans have health insurance thanks to their employers.

  by karenc13 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:29:01 AM PDT

•  I can't find the chameleon

  by 88kathy on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:32:35 AM PDT

•  Sure wish I could recommend this

  but I'm glad it's blaring its trumpet on the front page.

  McCain is in for his long awaited rotation on the spit of scrutiny.

  by bumblebums on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:33:12 AM PDT

•  McCain on the road in Oregon

  while Gordon Smith stays in DC!  The news here is that Smith wants voters to have few reminders that he is a Republican.

  by ZeroSum on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:35:35 AM PDT

•  McCain keeps delivering for lobbyists!

  Supporting land swaps in Arizona which have put millions of dollars into the pockets of his developer supporters.

  Sen. John McCain championed legislation that will let an Arizona rancher trade remote grassland and ponderosa pine forest in Prescott for acres of valuable federally owned property that is ready for development, a land swap that now stands to directly benefit one of his top presidential campaign fundraisers.

  Initially reluctant to support the swap, the Arizona Republican became a key figure in pushing the deal through Congress after the rancher and his partners hired lobbyists who included McCain's 1992 Senate campaign manager, two of his former Senate staff members (one of whom has returned as his chief of staff), and an Arizona insider who was a major McCain donor and now is bundling campaign checks.

  When McCain's legislation passed in November 2005, the ranch owner gave the job of building as many as 12,000 homes to SunCor Development, a firm in Tempe, Ariz., run by Steven Betts, a longtime McCain supporter who has raised more than $100,000 for the presumptive Republican nominee. Betts said he and McCain never discussed the deal.

  Yep, when push comes to shove, we can count on John McCain to continue the policies of George W. Bush, selling out the country's interests for a hundred thousand dollars at a time.

  by CA Libertarian on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:35:46 AM PDT

  •  At last some real press coverage

    Just read this piece too and it seems that McCain not only loves lobbyists, he also loves providing government land to developers. Doesn't seem to be a man of the people, does he?

    by MagisterLudi on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:44:55 AM PDT

  •  Front page above the fold on msnbc also n/t

    by rugbymom on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:24:05 AM PDT

    •  Arghhh, my eyes!

      You should have warned me there was a Cindy McCain video on that news page.

      by CA Libertarian on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:33:47 AM PDT

•  Any GOP Running for Office

  with any cojones should tell GWB to stay the heck home, order lots of take-out, and keep his pie hole shut.

  by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:36:05 AM PDT

  •  The American people

    know FULL WELL why Bush is not traveling around helping these incompetent bozo's get re-elected.

    by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:53:50 AM PDT

•  McShame Lied He Said He Voted For Bush When

  There is people that confirm what Arianna Huffington Said. His Lie Is All Over NYT WaPo and LA Times

  He Is A Lying Scumbag who dont deserve to run a corner store much less the WH.

  He Is "Straight Talking" Out Of His Ass.

  by DFutureIsNow on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:36:07 AM PDT

•  Sorry... "squeeing"?

  MoveOn puts you to the (f'ing difficult) test -- a test a lot of reporters could stand to take before they write their next stories squeeing over all the awesome straight-talking maverickness.

  Squeeing would be a great word, if only it was one.  Very visual!  I vote we make it an official word!

  It will be fun defining McAnal!  He certainly has gotten a pass so far.  Let's hope that ends soon!  If only Hillary would STFU.

  by Red no more on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:36:51 AM PDT

  •  Agreed

    It sounds cute, dirty and diminutive all at once.

    by hypusine on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:39:00 AM PDT

  •  As the English Professor Here,

    I'll congugate! Squee - Squeed - have squeed - are squeeing...

    by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:40:59 AM PDT

    •  Oooohh...

      I even correctly surmised that squeeing is the present participle of squee.  Not bad for an engineer...

      by Red no more on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:16:16 AM PDT

      •  You'd Get an "A" in My Class!

        Bravo!

        by CityLightsLover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:41:27 AM PDT

  •  Urban dictionary

    Entry for "squee".

    Appears to be an emerging word, and your reference is consistent with the definition.

    by CA Libertarian on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:44:26 AM PDT

    •  Lovely!

      I guess it's a little too new for dictionary.com.  I always like it when I learn a new word!  A very good one, too!

      by Red no more on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:09:03 AM PDT

  •  I'm amazed by how many people

    in this thread don't know squee.  Trying to think where I picked it up since it obviously wasn't here, but it was definitely somewhere online.

    by MissLaura on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:08:32 AM PDT

    •  It's a great word-

      It just sounds so... appropriate!  I'll have to practice using it - I don't want to sound behind the times!

      by Red no more on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:10:22 AM PDT

    •  Squee.

      

      by Chris in West Seattle on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:11:21 AM PDT

  •  I took the quiz

    McSame is apparently too kind a nickname, he's actually worse than Bush in many ways

    by nicolemm on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:43:34 AM PDT

•  Shouldn't that superdelegate count be updated?

  Off-topic I know, but just sayin.

  by hypusine on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:37:44 AM PDT

  •  Yeah, time to update the scoreboard!

    by Chris in West Seattle on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:11:48 AM PDT

•  please stop

  please stop calling the media traditional, main stream, main stay, main anything. they are owned by 5 corporations and are very right winged. call them what they are "the bias corporate media". thanks and have a nice day.

  by bill123 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:44:03 AM PDT

  •  Here, we call them the traditional media.

    Kos discusses here.

    by MissLaura on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:10:20 AM PDT

    •  OMC

      Old Media Cartel.

      And one can talk to all the influential media people over a golf cart.

      by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:20:34 AM PDT

      •  The Elitist media

        by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:29:12 AM PDT

•  Media to carry McBush's war water like Dumbya's

  The media war cabal will pounce on Obama with both feet.  They thought they had war win-win with McCain and Clinton. Pundits won't just throw the kitchen sink, now it will be the garbage can.

  Obama will need some preemptive strikes for negotiations  preferably delivered by strong recognized surrogates.

  by exploring on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:47:45 AM PDT

  •  I don't think so.

    It's not what I'm seeing on msnbc, even cnn -- the lobbyist-on-the-bus stories are out there, Cindi not releasing her tax returns, the huge flip-flops on tax cuts and just about everything else, the Shia-Sunni confusion, it's all there. And he's been out of the limelight.

    I think the mainstream press realizes they got snookered by Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld et al, and would rather not be embarrassed like that again. Not all, but many.

    by rugbymom on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:27:35 AM PDT

    •  Believe if when TV shows McCain flips 500 times

      Hell I haven't even seen Hagee but one or twice.

      by exploring on Fri May 09, 2008 at 11:20:41 AM PDT

•  Link to excellent Arizona article

  http://www.wmsa.net/...

  SNIPPETS:

  McCain received only a mild rebuke from the Ethics Committee for exercising ''poor judgment'' for intervening with the federal regulators on behalf of Keating.

  To McCain, some constituents are more equal than others:

  During Keating's eventual trial, the prosecution produced a parade of elderly investors who had lost their life's savings by investing in American Continental junk bonds.

  by LNK on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:51:54 AM PDT

•  But they won't start writing about the real

  mcsame - at least until we make them. Not point out that they won't - MAKE THEM.  And it's going to take a lot of effort to make them this year - at least as much as to get out the vote and craft the message combined.

  by power2truth on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:55:29 AM PDT

•  Election Systems Integrity = #1 issue

  The Republicans can only win by cheating.

  See:
  http://youtube.com/...

  "Now many of our Christians have what I call the goo-goo syndrome — good government. They want everybody to vote. I don't want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down."

  Emphasis is mine.

  See also:
  http://www.democracynow.org/...

  by LNK on Fri May 09, 2008 at 08:57:01 AM PDT

•  GOP is attacking Obama with lies

  by Alyosha Popovich on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:01:22 AM PDT

  •  Of course not.

    And you are a conspiracy theorist for even daring to suggest such a terrible thing.

    Nudge, nudge... ;)

    by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:10:56 AM PDT

•  This is awesome. He is tying himself to the

  Republican Senate candidates the Dems have targeted in the drive to 60. Once he becomes "Four More Years" McCain, they are going to be forced to distance themselves from BOTH their incumbent president and their nominee.

  Weren't Collins, Coleman and Smith all dissenting GOP votes on Iraq War issues over the past 18 months? How do they explain running with a man who is more hawkish than Cheney? Love to see that question asked of them...

  by Chrispy67 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:01:38 AM PDT

•  I think it's time we HELP the Republicans

  hear me out - I am almost 60% serious.

  The BEST way for them to get re-elected at this time is  to DISTANCE THEMSELVES from Team Bush.

  It can be done and Republicans are uniquely qualified and experienced at this sort of flip-flopping.

  They are really fractured over McCain and it's not going to help him one bit to keep sucking up to Bush.

  The more they dis bush, the better they will look to their constituents.

  Although.....this is the rope they bought themselves.... they can dangle from it.

  by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:03:35 AM PDT

•  Take Lindsey Graham's "McCain=Bush Challenge"

  On Sunday, South Carolina Senator and John McCain water carrier Lindsey Graham issued a challenge. Claiming on CNN that McCain "is his own guy," Graham then threw down the gauntlet, "Good luck making him George Bush."

  Challenge accepted.

  For more details on why a John McCain victory in November means a third term for George W. Bush:
  "Take Lindsey Graham's John McCain Challenge."

  by Avenging Angel on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:03:40 AM PDT

•  Coattails, my friends, coattails!

  Thanks for the question, ya little jerk.

  

  by Chris in West Seattle on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:06:01 AM PDT

  •  4 people in dire need of a laxative.....

    by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:07:26 AM PDT

•  There is HOPE for John McCain.

  Bearings can be replaced and my mechanic will do it cheap.

  by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:06:30 AM PDT

•  McCain "promises" to nominate Roberts and Alitos

  When the good folks of Maine and New Hampshire find out that a President McCain would nominate non-people powered judges who do not support fundamental people powered LGBT marital rights, they will reject him unanimously. The American people will continue to rally around Sen. Obama and his promise to nominate people powered judges who understand that the fundamental people powered right of LGBT Americans to marry is essential to our Constitution.

  by kevinspa on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:10:41 AM PDT

•  McCain/Clinton?

  Some talking head said McCain was considering asking the Clinton to be his VP.  Nothink could make me sicker than the thought of those two together. mccain would do it but, would hilldog?

  Personally i like Obama/Bishop.  Sanford can bring the experience Barack lacks to the table.  

  McCain/Clinton?!?!? UGH!

  by scentlover on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:10:44 AM PDT

  •  Undesirable Product Interaction Warning!

    Either product separately has known problems, but create a toxic gas when combined.

    Please contact local poison control if these products appear to be combining...

    by xxdr zombiexx on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:16:07 AM PDT

    •  McCain = bleach, Clinton = ammonia

      That sounds about right.

      McCain likes his women bleach blond, and the ammonia smell summarizes my physical response to Hillary's speeches.

      by CA Libertarian on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:38:36 AM PDT

  •  McCain/Clinton

    That would be worth it just to see the right wing nuts heads explode.

    Clinton is not a good commodity to be holding.

    by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:59:08 AM PDT

•  McOld is a nut

  Obama bitched slapped McNut yesterday on CNN yesterday, and rather then answer it like a man McNut sends his snarky pittbull out with a MEMO!!!

  McCain is a McWhiner if he can't answer a good old fashion bitch slap from Obama with his own resonse.

  by jackieca on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:51:36 AM PDT

•  They Are Both Sucky Speakers but

  I'll give the nod to McBush as being a hair better than Idiot Boy.

  by RoddieH on Fri May 09, 2008 at 09:59:22 AM PDT

•  McCain is an idiot

  It was obvious to me that Obama was talking about McCain's "moral compass".  He was talking about his age.

  What a fucktard.

  by Drdemocrat on Fri May 09, 2008 at 10:59:28 AM PDT

•  McCain trashed Bush at Hollywood party

  and says he didn't vote for him in 2000

  link

  by SunWolf78 on Fri May 09, 2008 at 11:03:33 AM PDT

•  McCain and Rev. Moon

  McCain Senior Advisor helped arranged Rev. Moon coronation:
  http://rawstory.com/...

  by LNK on Fri May 09, 2008 at 12:21:49 PM PDT