Historic Palin-Obama Conest Coming?

Is this the woman that will derail Obama's effort to be a two-term President? One hopes so.

This particular blog came to an end after the election of Nov. 4, 2008, but I now am blogging regularly at two sites: http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com/ and http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/.

Until Jan. 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day, I'll be cross-posting pieces at those two sites. Beginning with the presidency of President Barack Hussein Obama the columns on stevemaloneygop will deal with the Obama Administration. There will be approximately four columns per week, sometime more.

On the DraftPalin2012, I will be writing approximately five-six times per week. Almost all the columns will deal with Gov. Sarah Palin and her historic candidacy for the U.S. presidency. Yes, as the saying goes, "She's in it to win it."

I hope you'll all visit both sites regularly. Thanks for stopping by!
http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com/
http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/

Joe The Plumber Was Right

The number of ignorant people in America is growing much faster than the number of intelligent ones." (Chris H, paraphrase)

The Saturday morning business segment on FOX News has its moments of silliness and posturing. But if you listen carefully, you'll learn more about jobs and the economy in one morning than the average Obama Supporter has learned in a lifetime.

For example, "the top 10% of wage-earners [Joe the Plumber is smiling] pay 80% of federal income taxes." Barack Obama knows this startling fact, but you'll never hear him or and other left-wing Democrats admit it.

The average American, according to various surveys, knows nothing about the huge "patriotic" (?) "contributions" (?) made by high wage earners. Our typical American apparently believes -- falsely, absurdly -- that high wage-earners pay little or nothing in taxes.

People like Obama and Biden make lucrative careers out of fostering such illusions. Alas, when its comes to economic knowledge, the average American is relentlessly . . . average. As such, he or she is the custodian of a vast horde of misinformation.

Another FOX insight: since the stock market crash in 1987, how much has the "tech-heavy" NASDAQ index declined? In fact, since that sharp market decline two decades ago, the NASDAQ has gone UP by 486%. That number takes into account the the recent decline.

If you focus on that time period (1987 until now), it would have been wise to put ALL your money in NASDAQ equities. Your investment then to now would have skyrocketed. Oh, and if you'd been able to put a portion of your Socal Security contributions into the NASDAQ, as Bush and McCain proposed -- and Obama opposed -- you'd be looking at an affluent retirement. Of course, your involuntary "contributions" to the Social Security Trust Fund really didn't grow at all -- since the money went out as fast as it came in.

Again, we turn to FOX: What about Obama's plan to dole out $500 (or more) to all Americans earning less than $250,000 a year? Isn't that just what he calls it, a tax "rebate?" No, it isn't because the $500 would go both to most of the 60% of wage earners who DO pay taxes -- and to all the 40% who don't pay taxes.

In other words, for approximately 100 million Americans who don't pay federal income taxes, the $500 would be a welfare check. It would be especially welcomed by Obama's core demographic: the tens of million of non-income-tax payors who will be voting for the Illinois Senator.

There are just a few paragraphs in this piece. But they contain information that most American voters should know -- but don't.

The smart Americans, those who are economically savvy, will not generally be voting for Obama. The stupid Americans -- those who know as much about economics as they do astrophysics -- will cast their ballots heavily for the Illinois Senator.

Why do left-wing Democrats like Obama continue humoring -- and deceiving -- ignorant people, uninformed voters? They do so because it's good politics. They may end up wrecking the economy, but -- unfortunately -- such demagogues will rarely lack for "work" themselves.

Putting Obama in charge of the economy is like making Rev. Wright president of a theology school.

Sarah Palin's motto is: "Serve the people." Her motto, unlike Obama's, is NOT "delude the people."

HILLARY: WEAK, IRRESOLUTE OBAMAPHILE

One of America's most cynical women . . .

Let's see: during the Democratic Primaries, Obama branded both Clintons as racists -- and added that Mrs. Clinton was a warmonger and a liar. So, both of them are now wildly campaigning for their tormentor -- the man Mrs. Clinton labeled as no more than "a speech he gave in 2002." Yes, Barack Obama is an empty suit, but, well, he's also a Democrat.

I sent the following to one of "Hillary's" staunchest supporters -- a woman who, unlike her political "heroine" -- is now campaigning for McCain-Palin.

I would like to say that I think it's time you and other former Hillary Supporters step up to the plate and label her actions on behalf of Obama for what they are: disgraceful, despicable, and immoral. I realize Hillary's Supporters demand almost nothing from her, and she certainly lives down to their expectations. If this is the real Hillary, she would make a terrible President.

She's a weak person, easily intimidated and totally focused on her absurd "career." It is a career based totally on riding on the coattails of men with no respect for her -- Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. John McCain and Sarah Palin have been completely respectful of her. In return, she's joined Barack Hussein Obama, Chicago politician, heaping garbage on them.

Clearly, she values Party over County, and that's not exactly a quality we want in a person that might occupy the White House.

America's Economy is Basically Fine

Thanks to Mike Devine ("Gamecock" on Red State for acquainting me with the material below.)

Recently, John McCain said America's economic "fundamentals are good." Of course, Barack Obama and his horde of know-nothings immediately rushed out with a commercial indicating that McCain must be clueless because he was not presenting the kind of hysterical message we were hearing on CNN and MSNBC. As the article by Max Boot (an excerpt below) shows, what McCain said was factually (key word) correct.

Of course, in the world of BHO and David Axelrod, little matters like truth count for nothing -- and demagoguery counts for everything.

Here's the link to Boot's profoundly important essay that appeared in the LA Times.http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-boot24-2008sep24,0,96527.story

The following is an excerpt from the article:

"What the pessimists ignore is that the fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong. Indeed, the World Economic Forum has ranked the United States as the world's most competitive economy for the last two years. (The new survey comes out next month.) Its statistics show that per-capita gross domestic product in the U.S. consistently has grown faster than in other developed economies since 1980.

Looking deeper at the causes of American competitiveness shows that we score especially strongly not only in domestic market size (No. 1 in the world) but also in such areas as time required to start a business (No. 3), venture capital availability (No. 1), the cost of firing an employee (No. 1), ownership of personal computers (No. 2), university/industry research collaboration (No. 1) and quality of scientific research institutions (No. 2).

"The availability of venture capital might be affected temporarily by the market turmoil, and we should worry if Democrats gain control of both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in November because they might exacerbate what the survey found to be the two most "problematic" issues for doing business in the U.S. -- high tax rates and cumbersome tax regulations.

"But whatever happens in the next few months, most of the other advantages that have been powering the U.S. economy forward for decades will remain unchanged.

So too will another vital statistic: population growth. According to federal statistics, the fertility rate in the U.S., where each woman has on average 2.1 children, is now the highest among major industrialized economies. We are above replacement level while Europe, Japan and other industrialized economies have long been beneath it.

That means that, even as our major competitors have to cope with graying populations, declining productivity and increasing pension costs, our population will remain relatively youthful and vibrant, notwithstanding the retirement of the baby boomers. This advantage is enhanced by our ability to attract and integrate hardworking immigrants from around the world."

Barack Obama, meet Max Boot.

Max Boot is a contributing editor to Opinion and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Sandra: Phoning for McCain-Palin

If Pennsylvania is a battleground state -- and it is -- then Beaver County, where I live is Ground Zero. The Democrats have a registration edge in Beaver County, but we intend to win it big for SEn. McCain and Gov. Palin.

"We cling to our God . . . and our Children" -- Sarah, Todd, and Trig Palin

Note: It's absolutely critical that all of us reach out to as many people as possible to indicate our support for John McCain and Sarah Palin. Here's how you can do so: Make Phone Calls from Home. . . Reaching out to undecided voters in your state. That's vital to spreading the word that John McCain and Governor Palin are the right choice for voters all across America. That's why we're asking you to take a few minutes or even a free evening to make calls for John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin. You can call your local McCain or GOP office and volunteer, or you can phone from home in your spare time. Visit www.JohnMcCain.com/PhoneBank to get started today.

When I've asked people in Beaver County, PA, where I live (yep, we're those God-loving, gun-toting folks that Barack despises), over the phone to volunteer their time for the campaign, they almost never do. When I ask them, face-to-face, how often do they volunteer? So far, always.

At the Beaver, PA GOP headquarters yesterday -- and "Beaver" differs from "Beaver Falls," where Joe Namath grew up, three women volunteered -- Dee Byers, Darlene Cutlip, and Sandra Boyde. Actually, Dee's husband volunteered her, which as a long-time husband myself, I told him could be risky business. Did I sign her up? Of course. "In love, war, and politics, all is fair."

The volunteer I'd like to highlight is Sandra Boyde, who lives near the Ohio line. She mentioned she had converted various relatives, including in-laws, into rabid supporters of McCain-Palin, and she was prepared to do the same with friends and neighbors. She's pretty, smart, and funny.

Then, I heard her talking to the volunteer coordinator ("Kyle," a gal Kyle, not a guy Kyle). She mentioned that she might have trouble doing a lot of door-to-door work because she was undergoing chemotherapy.

She told me she had experienced a recurrence of her cancer, which had first surfaced six-and-a-half years before.Sandra is volunteering to make phone calls to voters, probably a whole lot of calls. She has children who do football and all the other things we wish WE were doing. She's not too tired to reach out to voters, to be an essential part of the ground game. Of great interest to me, she's a great deal like Sarah Palin, a person of real courage -- fearless and even at peace with the hand she's been dealt.

Most people who make calls, offer yard signs, and bang on their neighbor's doors probably don't do so because they're so much fun They do these things because the "other guy" (Obama) is doing it. If we don't do it better than he, we probably will lose.

If a person like Sandra accepted losses easily, she wouldn't have been in the Beaver, PA, GOP office offering to help. She's NOT sitting around bemoaning her fate. Instead, in a small way, she's making history.How critical is Beaver County?

If PA is a battleground state -- and it is -- then are Ground Zero. There's a Democratic voter registration edge, but there are early signs that we could win big here. Our surveys -- and we're not Gallup -- show McCain could win by two-to-one.

The "Sarah Palin Effect" (remember God? remember guns?) is off-the-chart. When Gov. Sarah appears here, as she will, the multitudes will gather.

The Ground Game is more than get-out-the-vote. It's also wake up the voter, and remind him or her that he or she has a big decision to make.Please join Sandra, Dee, Darlene, and yours truly as volunteers.

You may have to be persistent to get the attention of campaign people to guide you in the right direction. You presumably will have to endure the "Great Yard Sign Shortage of 2008."Sadly, political campaigns are nick-of-time, hit-and-miss events. They are not well-oiled machines. They are, "Oops, didn't anybody ever put oil in this thing?"

So, volunteer on JohnMcCain.com. Call up your local McCain office. If you don't have a local McCain office, create one. If you wait for orders from on high, you may end up waiting unto eternity.A good step is to call up the local Republican office. If you're a Democrat or Independent, call anyway. Trust me, you will find that Republicans are among the most harmless of God's creature.

Why VOLUNTEERS have to be persistent in volunteering is one of the riddles of the universe. But tough times demand tough people, much like Sandra, whom I met today and who, with her family, will now be friends for life. I don't know exactly what her "stands" are on the "issues." I don't exactly care either.

NOTE TO BLOGGERS AND OTHER ONLINERS: The best thing you can do with the blog columns and thoughtful e-mails you write is to turn them into 200-to-250 word letters to the editor of your LOCAL newspapers. I bet you'll find the the following links will connect you with every newspaper in America -- from Alabama to Wyoming. What about Guam? Well, what about it?

OBAMA'S POLITICS OF TRIBAL IDENTITY

Apparently, about 90% of American Blacks are ready to vote for Barack Obama, a politician who would do nothing to lead them out of poverty, miseducation, and hopelessness. For most punds and observers, that's an article of faith: that Blacks will waste their votes once again on a bogus-racial Messiah, Obama. Read on . . .

"During decades of researching racial and ethnic groups in countries around the world-- with special attention to those who began in poverty and then rose to prosperity-- I have yet to find one so preoccupied with tribalistic identity as to want to maintain solidarity with all members of their group, regardless of what they do or how they do it.

"Any group that rises has to have norms, and that means repudiating those who violate those norms, if you are serious. Blind tribalism means letting the lowest common denominator determine the norms and the fate of the whole group.

"There was a time when most blacks, like most of the Irish or the Jews, understood this common sense. But that was before the romanticizing of identity took over, beginning in the 1960s.

"Back in 19th century America, the Catholic Church took on the task of changing the behavior of the poverty-stricken Irish immigrants, in order to prepare them to rise in American society. As this transformation succeeded, employers' signs that said "No Irish Need Apply" began to disappear in the 20th century.

"The Jewish community likewise made many efforts to change the behavior of immigrants from Eastern Europe, to enable them to better fit into American society-- and to rise in that society.

"The Urban League and other black uplift groups made similar efforts to prepare their fellow blacks to rise in American society. In fact, those efforts began to pay off in dramatic reductions in poverty among blacks, even before the civil rights laws of the 1960s.

"The unanswered question is why an approach with a proven track record, not only in American society but in various other countries around the world, has been superseded by a philosophy of tribal identity over-riding issues of behavior and performance.

"Part of the problem is the "multicultural" ideology that says all cultures are equally valid. It is hard even to know what that means, much less take it seriously as a guide to living in the real world.

"Will time and energy spent on rap music and wearing low-riding baggy pants like guys in prison-- as badges of identity-- provide as good a future for young people as learning math, computers and the English language?

"Romantic self-indulgence and self-deception are things that some people can afford when they reach the point where they can afford identity angst. But millions of other people will remain mired in poverty if they believe such notions."

read it all by clicking below. . . The remarkable essay in Real Claear Politics is by Thomas Sowell. It was sent to me by Mike Devine, of Charlotte, NC.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/the_high_cost_of_racial_hype.htm

Mike Devine blogs regularly at: http://gamecock,blogtownhall.com/

WHY THE CLINTONS DESPISE OBAMA

Can Bill Clinton support Obama? He certainly can PRETEND to do so. But he can't -- in good conscience -- support a man who although with his surrogates and media toadies labeled his wife a warmonger, a liar, and a racist. He especially can't endorse a man who, along with his top advisers, branded Bill Clinton himself a racist. Seemingly, just about anything is possible in politics, but some things that are possible are not plausible -- such as forgiving a former opponent for despicable conduct.

The following CNN story suggests why you should take with a grain of salt any suggestion of an endorsement of Obama by the Clintons. A man who plays the worst form of racial politics, Obama, should not be a serious candidate for President.

Bill Clinton: Obama camp 'played the race card on me'

Posted: 10:27 AM ETFrom CNN Political Producer Alexander Marquardt, CNN's Chris WelchFormer president Clinton campaigned for his wife in Pennsylvania recently.(CNN) — On the eve of Tuesday’s critical Pennsylvania primary, former President Bill Clinton accused Barack Obama’s campaign of playing the race card against him.

After the phone interview with Delaware radio station WHYY Monday night, a stray comment of his on the issue was also recorded before he hung up: “I don’t think I should take any s*** from anybody on that, do you?”


The former president had been asked whether his remarks comparing Obama’s strong showing in South Carolina to that of Jesse Jackson in 1988 had been a mistake given their impact on his wife Hillary Clinton’s campaign.


“No, I think that they played the race card on me,” said Clinton, “and we now know from memos from the campaign and everything that they planned to do it all along.”

“We were talking about South Carolina political history and this was used out of context and twisted for political purposes by the Obama campaign to try to breed resentment elsewhere. And you know, do I regret saying it? No. Do I regret that it was used that way? I certainly do. But you really got to go some to try to portray me as a racist.”

He added that the way Obama’s campaign had reacted was “disrespectful to Jesse Jackson” and that the former presidential candidate had told him he was not offended, and that “we all know what’s going on."

UPDATE: At a Pittsburgh press availability,Obama was asked about Clinton's charge that his campaign had drawn up plans to use 'the race card.'

Hold on a second,’’ he said. “So former President Clinton dismissed my victory in South Carolina as being similar to Jesse Jackson and he is suggesting that somehow I had something to do with it? You better ask him what he meant by that. I have no idea what he meant. These were words that came out of his mouth. Not words that came out of mine.’"

Palin: Obama's, Biden's Worst Nightmare

"Biden is a windbag. Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air."

On the Plain choice: I had a short post up at 2:30 a.m. that said I had information (from Sharon and one other) that Gov. Palin and her two teen-age daughters and perhaps others had flown from Anchorage to Dayton, where she would be named Friday as McCain's running mate. The story came from people who put two-and-two together, and the media was still falling all over itself at 11 a.m. this morning.

Charles Krauthammer said at 11 McCain should choose Fred Thompson. Good God!

At that point, I said to my wife we already had enough old white guys (Biden, McCain) and we needed a woman, preferably Sarah . I went to sleep Friday morning believing it was Sarah and woke up to her picture on the screen on FOX (and others).

I never bought the Campaign's decoy statement that, well, everybody on the list was flying in (Romney, Pawlenty, Huckabee, the Easter Bunny, Peter Rabbit). It made no sense, but many reporters bought it. Did they believe McCain was going to have a parade of also-rans?

The national media -- generally a bunch of lazy oafs -- was mad on Friday because nobody told them first. Charles Cameron of FOX was the only one early this a.m. who did a process of elimination and came up with Sarah. Then, the other people at FOX and CNN (and the idiots at MSNBC) dropped the ball.

They thought it couldn't be Sarah because she wasn't on their list . . . and so how could he dare to nominate this (wonderful) woman they knew nothing about. Amazing.

When she gave the speech -- she had given others the media had ignored -- everyone knew immediately "how" McCain could select her. With the speech and that amazing family -- the working-class husband, the beautiful, unintimidated children -- Sarah blew everyone out of the water.

Gee, where's she been?" Good question. Sometimes the very best things are invisible even though they're right in front of us.

Sarah is Barack Obama's worst nightmare. She is an ethical person. She is extremely tough physically, psychologically, and spiritually. She will beat Biden up very badly. He's a windbag, and she's a breath of fresh air.

Biden got 9,000 votes in the Primary. Mrs. Clinton got 18 million. Go figure.

Democrat's Universal Health-Care Scam

Hilary's health care plan and Barack's plan are both scams. They'll drive up the cost of health care and drive down the quality of care. That's not the way they present their cockamamy schemes/scams.

I just told a PUMA ("Party Unity My A-s") from GA that's on board with McCain that it is always a bad idea to look at any politician as perfect or anything close to perfect. They all have strengths and weaknesses. Just saying that should not cause people (Hillaryites) to break into tears or a fit of anger (you don't do either).

I disagree with Hillary's approach to health care, and it's not because I don't believe everyone shouldn't have health care. I'll send you an article I read in The Economist, and it talks about how millions of Americans are going overseas (India, Southeast Asia, South America) to GOOD hospitals, better than most here, to get care that sometimes costs one-fifth as much. It is a form of early competition that is driving down prices a little in the U.S.

Health care in the U.S. COSTS TOO MUCH. My wife suffered a stroke in 1991, and it has been a challenge to say the least. (She's on Medicare as well as Medicare prescription drug.) She takes many medications. We save $800 a year by getting prescription drugs by mail order -- same drugs, no co-payment (except for one drug), delivered right to our door.

Almost everybody you see going to the pharmacy could save significant money. But they don't because "the insurance pays for it all." Well, the insurance fairy doesn't just dole out money. The costs come out of people's pockets -- yours and mine.

Sharon, you didn't hear Hillary (or Obama) tell you about anything I just mentioned. I'm talking about getting health costs down by tens of billions, but there is no real incentive for people to do what WE (wife and I) DO. Also, there is a lot of fraud in Medicare, but nobody really wants to stop it.

I believe John McCain will do these things. If they aren't done and we just declare "universal health care," there will be a financial and health care emergency soon after.

Why are big hospitals (Obama's wife worked at one) pouring money into Obama's campaign? Because they think they'll make less money under him? Why can't somebody like me appear at a Town Hall with Obama (or Hillary) and discuss the fact that I just showed how to save the people in the U.S., say, $50 billion a year? Let me send more people overseas to get GOOD care (until U.S. hospitals drop their prices), and I'll get those savings up to $150 billion. And I'm not even running for anything.

Oh, we couldn't do what I just suggested about a real debate. We need a bunch of adoring cheerleaders in the audience instead.

Who's going to pay for the new doctors, nurses, technicians, supplies, and facilities we need for universal health care? You are, not the insurance fairy -- or "the government," which will pay by using your money. And what will drive costs down? Nothing.

If you are sick and need good treatment under universal care, will you get it? Do they in Canada? No, they don't. They wait years for treatment you would get here in a week.

Does John McCain know these things? I believe he does. In fact, even a dimwit like Obama knows the score, but he pretends not to. It's much easier to blame everything on George Bush.

I do wish I were the nominee for President. Like Reagan, I would demand that I get to take a nap after lunch everyday. :-) Thanks for replying.

If I were HRC, I know damn well what I'd do tonight (in her speech at the convention). Sharon, what would you do?

Democrats "Party Loyalty" Sinking Fast

Lifelong Democrats increasingly are deserting the sinking ship that is their Party . . . That has huge implications for Republican candidates . . .

This has been one busy week, and it's only Wednesday. I've been posting mainly e-mails from Democrats who are no longer comfortable being Democrats. Many of them are now disgusted Democrats, or Independent, or -- in some cases -- (shudder) Republicans. If you scroll down, you'll see some examples. I'll have up more tomorrow.

Consider the following comments by Latonia, a Democrat totally dismayed by her Party:

"I don't understand why Republicans aren't trying to figure out how to come together and beat nobama. It seems that both parties have serious flaws. As soon as this election is over - I am going Independent - no party loyalties for me."
Latonia

Republican candidates should go after those disgusted Democrats. In many case, there own represenatives are major factors in their disgust. Democrats like Jason Altmire and Patrick Murphy accepted campaign "contributions" from Obama. Then, they (coincidentally) backed Obama during and after the Pennsylvania Primary. Altmire will claim that's not true -- that he was "undecided." In fact, he fawned all over Sen. Obama during the primary season. It's a good idea to never believe anything Jason Altmire says. As for Murphy, a veteran, he jointed the anti-military wing of the Democratic Party as soon as Nancy Pelosi winked at him.

If these are the kind of congressman Pennsylvania wants, then God help us!

By the way, Altmire's opponent is Melisss Hart. Murphy's is Tom Manion. They need your support to defeat their morally corrupt opponents.


The following shows the usual pro-Obama media bias, but if you read between the lines, it says a lot about Clinton backers going to McCain. Barack Obama expressed his general contempt for the people of Pennsylvania (supposedly "clinging" to our guns and our God), and no one has forgotten the remarks.

http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/08/20/news/hz_standspeak.20080820.a.pg13.hz20_ttbrazil_s1.1890771_loc.txt
Ex-Clinton supporters show at McCain gathering


BY BORYS KRAWCZENIUKSTAFF WRITER
Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:28 AM EDT

A brother of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton and local Democrats who backed her unsuccessful presidential campaign socialized privately Monday with a top surrogate of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain.

The private gathering featured Carly Fiorina, McCain’s top economic adviser, and took place at the Dunmore home of political consultant Jamie Brazil, a longtime friend of Clinton’s family who has signed on as paid national director of McCain’s Citizens for McCain Coalition.

The attendees included Tony Rodham, Clinton’s youngest sibling, his wife, Megan, and their two children; attorney Kathleen Granahan Kane, who coordinated Clinton’s presidential campaign in northeast Pennsylvania during the Pennsylvania primary election; and Virginia McGregor, the sister of Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty.

With the Democratic National Convention less than a week away, the gathering raises questions about the support Illinois Sen. Barack Obama can expect from former local supporters of Clinton, who dominated voting in the northeast in the April primary election. Clinton won 74 percent of Lackawanna County Democrats, to Obama’s 26 percent.

Fiorina’s day-long local visit, part of a two-day bus tour of the state, was aimed at talking disenchanted former supporters of Clinton into supporting McCain. The private gathering was not a fundraiser.

“I think there’s going to be a groundswell of support for McCain,” said Lackawanna County District Attorney Andy Jarbola, a Republican and one of the people who attended. “I think a lot of Hillary supporters are going to be for McCain.”

Efforts to reach Brazil, Rodham and a spokesman for Clinton were unsuccessful.

Ellen Mellody, the northeast spokeswoman for Obama’s campaign, declined to comment on Rodham’s presence at the meeting, but said Obama’s backing by Clinton and Gov. Ed Rendell is supplemented by growing local support.

“We’re seeing huge support and momentum throughout the region,” Mellody said. “Currently, we have over 1,000 volunteers, many of which are independent Republicans and former Clinton supporters and volunteers. We expect to sign up hundreds more in the coming weeks. We have three offices open in the region and we are opening two more shortly.”

Kane said her presence at the gathering should not be read as a sign of support for McCain.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure. I’m trying to get as much information as I can on both of them,” she said when asked if she’s backing McCain. “I would have loved to see her as president. We still have a week to go. You never know what’s going to happen at the convention. I think she would be a fantastic choice (for vice president).”

Kane said she didn’t read Rodham’s presence as a sign he’s supporting McCain.

“No, it definitely does not. The reason he was there was because he and Jamie are very good friends,” Kane said. “I think that was just a social call.”

McGregor declined to say if she’s supporting Obama, but said she attended because Brazil is a friend.

“I was always a fan of Carly,” she said.

McGregor’s appearance also is no indicator of the position of her brother, Doherty, she said.
“It didn’t mean anything,” said McGregor, who ran Doherty’s successful 2005 re-election campaign. “I’m just a housewife. I’m a nobody.”

Doherty has publicly endorsed Obama.

Fiorina spoke briefly about McCain’s economic policies, but mostly mingled with her audience, Jarbola said. About 20 people attended.

After dropping by Brazil’s home, Fiorina addressed a public event at the Ramada Inn in South Abington Township. About a third of the audience was Democrats, based on a show of hands Fiorina requested.

Fiorina peppered her Ramada remarks with references to Clinton . . .

Brazil is a longtime close friend of the Rodham family and a friend of Rendell, who also supported Clinton.

Rendell is endorsing Obama, although he has said he will vote for Clinton when her name is placed in nomination at the convention next week.

Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds Evie Rafalko McNulty, a Clinton convention delegate who plans to support Obama after the convention, lamented Rodham’s appearance at Brazil’s home for the private get-together with Fiorina.

“Poor Hillary,” she said. “You can pick you friends, but you can’t pick your family.”

McCain Draws Even in Gallup Poll!

McCain's continued strong performance in the national polls (see below) has positive implications for GOP candidates around the country. Obama has a big lead in three large states -- Illinois, New York, and California, as well as a huge lead in the District of Columbia -- and that suggests McCain is doing well in most of the other 47 states. McCain has a decent chance to win PA, OH, VA, FL, MI, MN, and CO -- all battleground states. PA's GOP candidates must emphasize that they are strongly "NoBama."

(McCain, light green, Obama, dark green

The Aug. 12-14 polling shows a slight dip in Obama's support, which had ranged between 46% and 48% (averaging 47%) in August. McCain has averaged 43% support among registered voters so far in August. Thus, the closer margin seen in today's results is due more to movement away from Obama than toward McCain. Twelve percent of registered voters now say they are undecided or supporting another candidate, which is on the high end of what Gallup has measured this year.

Voter preferences have been closely divided between Obama and McCain in each of the last three individual nights of polling, underscoring the notion that the race has tightened for the moment. This could to some degree reflect Obama's absence from the campaign trail while he vacations in Hawaii. He will return to the spotlight over the next few weeks upon naming his vice presidential running mate and accepting his party's nomination for president at the Democratic national convention, and both events have typically been associated with a bounce in support for a presidential candidate.

On Thursday, the Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns announced an agreement to put her name into nomination for president at the convention. Given that the race has been tight for the past few days, it is unlikely this announcement is related to any change in Obama's support.
Since early June when Obama clinched the nomination, he has averaged a three percentage point advantage over McCain in Gallup Poll Daily tracking. (To view the complete trend since March 7, 2008, click here.) -- Jeff Jones

Obama's Effect on GOP Candidates

The following paragraphs discuss races involving John McCain, Melissa Hart, Tom Manion, Toni Gilhooley . . . and Marina Kats.

I'll have a new column up on Tuesday evening (and it will function as the Wed. a.m. column). In the meantime, I have two column on other blogs that may be of interest). The first one is at: http://camp2008victorya.blogspot.com. It deals with "Seven Reasons Obama Will Lose "(nationally). Of course, it's critical for Pennsylvania congressional candidates that John McCain win this state -- and hopefully, win it big. To a large extent, "as McCain goes, so go the congressional challengers."

Another column discusses my political relationships -- over the past three months -- with Hillary Clinton Supporters who will -- or, in some cases -- may support John McCain. In several congressional races -- including Hart-Altmire, Manion-Murphy, and Gilhooley-Holden -- the Democrat basically stabbed Mrs. Clinton in the back. The Republican candidates need to exploit that face -- and even make it part of their advertising campaign. No Democrat in Pennsylvania or elsewhere can support Barack H. Obama without carrying some of the baggage he brings.

Also, I hope Marina Kats keeping asking her opponent, Schwartz, if she supports Obama, including his contempt for Pennsylvanians outside urban areas.

Obama, Dems Destroying U.S. Economy

If you're into YouTube, here's a link to an extremely important video by Carly Fiorina, former CEO of H-P and a strong possibility for V-P on McCain's ticket.

The video is about why she supports John McCain and her praise of Hillary Clinton. Very, very good message http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8qq3hrw5fk

The video could serve as a model for all Republican candidates, especially those working hard to get backing from Hillary Supporters. On another blog, I write today about "My Life Among Clintonistas," talking about who those Hillary Supporters are and what they want from candidates. I work closely with Democrats and Independents in the effort called NoBamaMission. I'm one of 15 national leaders.

________________________
There's a diehard Democrat named Mike Pasternak who regularly "comments" on my blogs, always using stale Democrat talking points. My western PA political ally (Stacy), who blogs at (http://smartgilrpolitics.blogspot.com/.) answers Mike, who is a "yeller dog Democrat," one who would vote for a yellow dog before he'd vote Republican.

Mike is a classic PA Democrat, dumb as a doorknob. [The following was sent to congressional candidates and staff members in PA, IL, CA, and elsewhere.]

The information Stacy provides [scroll down] will be useful as you draw-and-quarter your opponents on the energy question. Her reply focuses on Jason Altmire, a human slug, but it applies to Democrats generally on energy.

I continue to work everyday on "NoBama" efforts, and I believe they will pay dividends for our congressional and senatorial candidates. Clinton Democrats (many of them are really "Reagan Democrats") are asking me which Democratic Superdelegates (e.g., Altmire and Murphy) stabbed Hillary in the back, and I'm providing the information.

If you or your staffs want to look for useful information on this subject, you can find it at: http://dncreform.com. It shows which congressional reps and Senators (Kerry, Kennedy, Rockefeller, Bob Casey, others) favored Obama and how much money they got from the Obama Campaign. One way to stay off that kind of "hit" list is to do what Cong. Tim Holden did and NEVER declare.

The list consists mainly of congressmen whose districts (Altmire, Murphy) went heavily for Clinton but whose endorsements Obama. I hope Melissa Hart says, "Jason Altmire stabbed Mrs. Clinton in the back," or, "Jason kicked Sen. Clinton under the bus for his own political advantage." No Hillary Supporter in his or her right mind would vote for Altmire (or Murphy, or Holden, or Sen. Dick Durbin, or Pelosi).

Of course, someone like Tom Manion can use the same charges against Patrick Murphy, who strongly supports Obama even though his district went massively for Hillary Clinton. There is growing understanding among Hillary Supporters that people like Murphy and Altmire have real contempt for most Democrats.

In districts where a delegate/representative endorsed Mrs. Clinton, the congressmen are still vulnerable because they're generally allies of individuals (Pelosi and others) who are perceived as having shafted Sen. Clinton.

Overall, the Democrats remain totally vulnerable on gas prices. Obama's solution (and they will all follow his lead) is to do nothing and let gas prices double, so as to ensure "conservation." Of course, that would wreck the economy and destroy 10 million jobs, so it's not really a good "solution."

The following are Stacy’s comments eviscerating Democrats’ talking points on energy:

Stacy says to Mike [the Democrat], "You are being misleading saying that Melissa Hart and Congress did nothing [in the past on energy]. I continue to do research on this subject and I found out some interesting things.


"12/1/2001-House was controlled by Reps., but Senate was controlled by Dems. House passed Energy plan that included drilling in ANWR as well as funding additional nuclear power. Senate Dems would not let the bill pass.

"2002: Senate again continued to kill a bill that would have drilled in ANWR, nuclear power, and tax incentives for alternative fuel.2003-Rep.controlled both Houses.

The bill AGAIN passed the House, but the Dems led by Senator Schumer killed the bill in a filibuster.I have plenty more examples and could continue to list them, but as far as I can tell Melissa Hart did her job in Congress.

"What has Jason Altmire done in the two years he has been in Congress with both houses being held by Dems?"

Future columns this week will deal with R. Craig Williams against D. Joe Sestak, and R. Marina Kats v. D. Allyson Schwartz. The column below deals with the crucial issue of gas prices and how to present it to PA voters.

DEMOCRATS CAUSED HIGH GAS PRICES

Democrats caused high gas prices -- period. Barack Obama now has a pathetic commercial playing in Pennsylvania and elsewhere claiming that it would take 7 years for drilling offshore and in ANWR to generate increased domestic oil supplies.

I have news for the windbag Obama: if a Democratic President (Bill Clinton) hadn't vetoed legislation providing for ANWR drilling, we would have that oil -- and refined gasoline -- right now. Obama likes to mislead the public -- and so do the Democratic representatives and Senators whose solution to high gas prices is to do nothing.

I'm asking people like Melissa Hart, Tom Manion, Toni Gilhooley, Craig Williams, Marina Kats, and Lou Barletta to put up billboards on every highway in their district. In Melissa's District, they'll say: "Like High Gas Prices? Blame Jason Altmire. Vote Melissa Hart!"

I hope every candidate mentioned in this paragraph does something similar. The Democrats caused high gas prices for reasons that are incomprehensible, and their solution is to let them go higher -- much higher. They are short on ideas and long on rhetoric.

Please support the GOP candidates mentioned above by clicking on their names and making a small donation. I have -- and will again.

The American prople are getting extremely nervous: they realize that the Democrats' solution -- which is to do nothing -- could end up destroying our economy. If gas prices continue to rise, which people like Obama and his supporters think is a good thing, it could bring this country to its knees. Obama and congressional buddies call it "conservation". Sane people call it devastation.

No candidate is exploiting this issue more effectively than Melissa Hart, running against Jason Altimire in the 4th congressional district (where I happen to live). Altmire, who vote metronomically against increased domestic oil production and refining capacity. The following is a release from Melissa's campaign; it should be a model for other GOP candidates in Pennsylvania and across the country.

PRICE OF GAS IS MORE THAN $4.00 FOR A MONTH AND COUNTING

When will Altmire act to ease the pain at the pump?


Cranberry Township, PA – Today marks one month since the national average for the price of a gallon of gas hit $4.00. As Congress returns from its week-long vacation after a month of doing nothing to ease the pain at the pump the average price of gasoline has now reached an all-time high of $4.11 per gallon.

“I’m skeptical that any steps will be taken in this final congressional session before summer break that will help to reduce gas prices. Jason Altmire and his House leaders have yet to begin even talking about expanding American exploration or increasing American production capabilities. The topic of energy is not even on the Pelosi agenda this week. Priorities in Washington are completely out of sync with what Americans need,” stated Melissa Hart.

According to the Washington Post, Capitol Briefing, July 7, 2008:

“The House has a considerably lighter week on tap, as the chamber will consider dozens of uncontroversial bills on the suspension calendar and will also take a measure requiring the preservation of White House e-mails and bills creating a new national historic trail in New York and a new section of ‘National Wild and Scenic Rivers’ in Massachusetts.”

“Altmire continues to recite the Speaker Pelosi talking points about forcing companies to drill on 68 million acres they have leased where resources are lacking. He persists in promoting sham “use it or use it” legislation to end such leases as a way to increase domestic supply and make our country less dependent on foreign sources. This would do nothing and is in fact already law.”

Hart added, “Demanding that oil companies drill on the 68 million acres which do not contain significant resources is not a solution. It is simply a continuation of shameless political posturing. Congress must permit responsible drilling for oil and natural gas in the most promising areas – ANWR and the Outer Continental Shelf.”

Currently exploration is off limits on 97% or 1.7 billion acres of the United States Outer Continental Shelf and 94% or 658 million acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

“America needs more supply, we need more refining capabilities and we need it NOW. An overwhelming majority of the country supports expansion of domestic drilling. It’s time for Altmire to start listening to people that elected him, not his Washington DC leaders,” said Hart

According to a recent CNN/Opinion Research poll, 73% of Americans favor an expansion of offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in currently off-limits U.S. waters.

“Altmire has said NO to responsible drilling in ANWR, NO to exploration off our coasts, NO to opening other federal lands, and NO to new refineries. The ‘no we can’t’ approach is the wrong mind-set for our Congressman. Increasing domestic supply and pursuing the best alternatives for our energy future should be a priority mission for America. When this country comes together and makes this a priority, it can be done quickly and safely.”

“Each day the Congress wastes is another day that families, farmers, charities and business owners will continue to struggle with their increasing bills. There is no end in sight for truckers, delivery businesses, airlines, etc. The big challenges are only beginning now for those who use oil to heat their homes.”

###


Alicia Collins
Campaign Manager
People With Hart
P: 724.779.4750
F: 724.779.4714
Email: alicia@peoplewithhart.com

Coming soon: columns on Craig William's superb run for Congress in PA's 7th District against Joe Sestak, a person who clearly care more about his Party than his country. Sestak is another favorite of Nancy Pelosi's and ane enemy of domestic energy production. I'll also write more about how people like Jason Altmire and Patrick Murphy stabbled candidate Hillary Clinton in the back -- in exchange for hefty campaign donations from Barack Obama. Also, I'll be writing soon about Marina Kats's run against a truly disgraceful woman, Allyson Schwartz.

Barack Obama's "Dukakis" Moment

NOTE: AS THE LINK TO YOUR RIGHT SHOWS, THIS SITE IS NOW A PROUD MEMBER OF THE VAST NOBAMANETWORK.COM. I HOPE YOU'LL ALSO JOIN. MILLIONS OF AMERICANS ARE BANDING TOGETHER TO DEFEAT BARACK OBAMA AND THOSE CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT HIM.

My previous column was about the impending defeat of three PA Democratic congressmen: Jason Altmire, Patrick Murphy, and Tim Holden. Perhaps surprisingly, the picture below is going to play a role in those defeats. I label it "Obama's 'Dukakis' Moment." Recall the images of Michael Dukakis riding around in an ill-fitting helmet in a small tank -- a ridiculous grin on his face. It's becoming clear that Obama -- inexperienced, wildly liberal, and increasingly racist in his ads and statements -- is going to lose states like Pennsylvania, which he vilified in his "bitter" comments. That is good news for candidates like Melissa Hart, Tom Manion, and Toni Gilhooley. Read below for comments on the Democratic candidates' "Obama Problem."


An active duty military person sent the above comparative graphic -- a devastating one -- to Larry Johnson, an expert on military matters and security, who blogs at: http://noquarterusa.net/. I urge you to acquaint yourself with Larry's online work; he's as good as it gets. Beneath this paragraph I have an excerpt from Larry's column entitled "Barack Obama Folds on General Clark." On my other blogs today I'll be talking about Gov. Kathleen Sibelius' ridiculous comment that people who call the lightweight Obama "inexperienced" or "too liberal" are using code words for racism. Kathleen, that dog won't hunt anymore.


Kathleen, Obama is not only inexperienced and wildly liberal, it is he who is the racist. As Larry Johnson says in the following graph, Obama is also a coward -- a man who kicks his surrogates under the bus when it's to his political advantage.

"Judging from Barack’s behavior in the aftermath of [General Clark's] comments [critical of McCain] Clark may be having second thoughts. The North Vietnamese tortured John McCain for years but he resisted until he was physically broken and scarred for life. What did it take to make Barack crack? Some pointed criticism from Republicans. Barack was not hung by his arms and beaten by bamboo. Nonetheless, in a quintessential display of cowardice as a leader, he sold out Wesley Clark. Note to Clark–nice try General, but it is time to realize that Barack does not stand and take the fire. He cuts and runs. He is a coward. "


Note: More later Tuesday on why Jason Altmire is symbolic of the Democrats' problem this year. Jason is wrong on guns, wrong on gasoline prices, and wrong on choice of political companions (Obama, Pelosi, and Murtha). "And down goes Jason, down goes Jason," to paraphrase the radio call on the Ali-Frazier fight. He was rasie a gazillion dollars from special-interests but the voters will regard him with revulsion.

As you'll see at the beginning of this column, the goal here is not only to defeat Barack Obama, but also those who enabled him to steal the Democratic nomination from Hillary Clinton. High on the list of such people are Jason Altmire, Tim Holden, and Patrick Murphy. The candidates opposing these malicious individuals are Melissa Hart, Toni Gilhooley, and Tom Manion. They need your support.

Second Amendment: Hart Blasts Altmire, Pelosi

If you want to preserve your Second Amendment rights, please contribute today to Melisss Hart, who will oppose the anti-gun crusade of Nancy Pelosi. Melissa's opponent, Jason Altmire, cannot have it both ways: claiming to be pro-gun yet voting for Pelosi to lead the House and gun-hater Obama to preside over the nation. In voting for Pelosi, Altmire and Holden have trampled on western PA values. Read on . . .

BULLETIN ON SUPREME COURT UPHOLDING SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS:

Sent following to Melissa Hart, Toni Gilhooley, Tom Manion, and Steve Sauerberg: [Note: if you're looking for the piece on the Democrats almost unanimous opposition to producing domestic energy, please scroll down to a couple of columsn. Sauerberg is opposing Obama crony Dick Durbin for an Illinois seat in the U.S. Senate.

Frankly, anyone who votes for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker or Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader is not a supporter of Second Amendment rights. In the House, the Speaker has absolute power over what gets considered and what doesn't, and Pelosi's attitude against gun rights borders on the hydrophobic.

Supporters of Pelosi backers Altmire, Murphy, and Holden who are also for gun rights are kidding themselves. Their advocacy of the Second Amendment becomes nothing more than an empty campaign promise.The first act for both men in 2007 was to vote Pelosi in (unanimously) and their first act in 2009 would be to do the same.

Also, their favorite presidential candidate, Obama, has a terrible record on gun rights, and if Altmire, Murphy, and Holden support him for President, they are misleading their constituents. An Obama presidency would set gun right back 200 years.

John McCain supports Second Amendment rights -- while Obama and Pelosi do not.It's that simple. No gun owner in his or her right mind can vote for Altmire, Murphy, or Holden, let alone an anti-gun extremist like Senator Durbin. The NRA and the Gun Owners of America (GOA) should laugh such people out of office.

(In Durbin's and Obama's cases, they basically have said they would appoint or vote for leftist judges who would disregard the Second Amendment, just as Clinton appointees Breyer and Ginsburg did.)

HART LAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING IN

SUPPORT OF SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS

[See material below in boldface]

Cranberry Township, PA - Former Congresswoman Melissa Hart today released a statement praising the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Heller case. [Note from Steve: Please contribute to Melissa Hart today in order to preserve your second amendment rights.]

“The United States Supreme Court made a very good and important decision today with its ruling on the Heller case. Now, citizens of Washington, D.C. can enjoy the same Constitutional rights as residents of the 50 states. This is likely the most important Second Amendment case of our time. The ruling is likely to spark legislative initiatives all over the country in the coming weeks to restore Second Amendment rights of many whose cities have infringed on the right of an individual to bear arms,” said Hart.

The last time the Supreme Court heard a case on the Second Amendment was in 1939. (United States v. Miller)

“I have always believed that the Second Amendment right to bear arms is an individual right – and not only a collective right, as some gun control supporters have claimed. During the years I served on the State Senate and the U.S. House Judiciary committees, I was a strong and constant leader on protecting Second Amendment rights.

"I sponsored legislation which stopped municipalities from frivolously suing firearm manufacturers. I supported the end to the D.C. gun ban, as well as, the states right to carry reciprocity legislation. I also prohibited the re-authorization of the far overreaching assault weapon ban. The policies we set during that time provided a favorable environment that made the decision today possible.”

“This case reminds those of us who are truly concerned about degradations of the U.S. Constitution and our individual liberties, that we must not allow ourselves to be fooled by those who claim to support Second Amendment rights, but act in ways that weaken them.”

“Jason Altmire may claim back home in Western PA that he supports our Second Amendment rights, but in reality he has ‘gone Washington’ and one of the first votes he ever cast in Washington, D.C. was to elect anti-gun Nancy Pelosi to Speaker of the House. As long as Speaker Pelosi controls the agenda in the House, she will ensure that pro-second amendment legislation never sees the light of day.”

“An example of the inaction on the part of Speaker Pelosi and this Congress is The District of Columbia Personal Protection Act, (H.R. 1399). It was introduced March 8, 2007 to repeal the DC gun ban; however that bill has now been sitting in committee for 15 months with no action taken.”

“I have fought consistently to protect our Second Amendment rights against anti-gun legislators and their trial lawyer supporters who tried to bankrupt the American firearm manufacturers, kill the good jobs they provide and try to get the courts to take away our rights. As I did for 6 years in Congress, I will not just talk about protecting our Second Amendment rights and hunting traditions, my actions and votes will continue to match my words.”

Democrats Caused Gas Price Spike

The column below is from my national blog focuses on one senatorial race -- Illinois Republican Steve Sauerberg against Sen. Dick Durbin. But the points apply to every race for federal office, from the presidency on down. (http://sauerbergforussenate.com)

Of course, the Democrats want to blame George W. Bush for everything but President Bush has been warning for many years about the consequences of our "addiction to oil." He has been emphasizing the need for more production.

The Democrats should not get away with scapegoating, because the responsibility for mushrooming gasoline prices is theirs and their alone.

Gasoline prices are what is going to defeat many Democrats in this year's election. It will be the reasons for the currently unexpected losses of congressional representatives like Jason Altmire, (opposed by Melissa Hart), Tim Holden (opposed by Toni Gilhooley), Patrick Murphy (opposed by Tom Manion), and Allyson Schwartz (opposed by Marina Kats). They're the ones who voted to prohibit oil exploration and refinery expansions. George W. Bush did not "force" them in ways that have led to the disaster of $4-plus gasoline prices.

Barack Obama has said basically that skyrocketing gas prices are a good thing. He is going to regret such comments. People who believe rising gas prices are good thing are not going to get elected to anything.

When the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, Nancy Pelosi said she was "going to do something" about gasoline prices. She has. Under her "leadership," gasoline prices have gone up 75%. That's a point Republican challengers should drive home every day.

Issue #1 in the coming election is going to be the rapidly rising gasoline prices. It will not be Iraq, nor will it be health care or the overall economy. So . . .

How can individuals like Steve Sauerberg, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois (opposing Sen. Dick Durbin) pull off a totally unexpected victory? He needs to get across the point that re-electing people who are the causes of the nation's problems is a form of political insanity (i.e., doing the same thing repeatedly and hoping somehow for a different result).

A key point GOP challengers for federal offices must make is this: Only 22% of the American people approve of the performance of Congress, but many people are quick to defend their local person. In fact, Dick Durbin -- and many others like him -- ARE the Congress.

Durbin has been part of it since 1982, and anything that's wrong with it is frankly his fault. He's not somehow divorced from its failures. They're HIS failures.

Left-wing Democrats like Durbin have sought to blame the oil companies. In fact, it's not necessary to love those companies to recognize that they are in fact the ones that produce all the oil and gasoline. The producers are not the cause of the pain we all feel at the pump. The cause of the problem is a Congress that seeks to deflect blame -- and that has voted repeatedly with environmental extremists.

Over the years, Durbin and his allies have done everything in their power to ensure a rapid rise in gas prices. Voting against production -- and against creating new refineries -- is now exacting a terrible cost on the American people.

During Dick Durbin's tenure in Congress (since 1982), gasoline prices have more than tripled! (See http://moveondickdurbin.org).

What did Durbin do to prevent the gas price catastrophe? Nothing. What did he do to warn the American people? Nothing. So, what can we expect from a future Congress full of Durbins? Would you believe gasoline at $6-$7 a gallon (or more)? What is Durbin's plan to prevent such an economy-destroying development? He has none.

In fact, his approach is to ensure the U.S. produces LESS oil -- presumably so we can become more dependent on the Hugo Chavezes of the world.

The people of Illinois will re-elect someone like Durbin at their peril. He's presiding over the destruction of the American way-of-life, and he shouldn't be rewarded for that.

Getting Votes From Hillary Backers

What's the best way Hillary Supporters can exact payback? By actively opposing people like SuperDelegates Patrick Murphy and Jason Altmire who basically stabbed Mrs. Clinton in the back. A simple, clear message. For political reasons, Mrs. Clinton may even endorse such turncoats, but her supporters know she will be holding her nose with both hands. "And down goes Murphy . . . and down goes Altmire . . ." What a pleasant thought.

Before I go to bed (early Thurs. a.m.), let me send a personal/political message to Tom Manion and Melissa Hart. I think both of you should go after Hillary Supporters with a vengeance. (And in a slightly different way, the same is true of Toni Gilhooley and Marina Kats -- Marina get that web site up soon!)

[In the 2008 election, women's votes are going to be critical to winning. On my national blog(s), I have a column by Jean Avery, an expert on female voting tendencies. Jean says, Jean Avery's comments follow: "Last week, Howard Dean and friends gave delegates to someone who wasn't even on the ballot and took half the delegates from a candidate who was. And, by the way, she was also the first woman with a serious shot at the Presidency. Suddenly millions of American women who hung their hopes on Hillary are the Desirable Voting Bloc. (Sure, Hillary had male supporters, but because many women's motives differed, their response to her rejection may differ too.)"]


Pennsylvania candidates (male or female): Tell the Democratic women in your districts -- and they voted overwhelmingly for Hillary -- that the Democrats' "Boy's Club" -- and call it that -- sold Sen. Clinton down the river. Cite Howard Dean, Bob Casey (much hated among Hillaryites), Patrick Murphy, and Jason Altmire. Heck, throw in hapless Tim Holden for good measure. (In due time, I'll figure out what to do with Allyson Schwartz.)

Manion can say how Murphy defied the wishes of his constituents, which happens to be true. Melissa Hart can note that Jason Altmire cast adoring glances at Obama and dithered until he could safely endorse Obama, which also happens to be true.

Make this a campaign issue. Ask to speak to Democratic women, individually or in groups. Don't let anybody forget what the "Boy's Club" did to Hillary. Talk about how Howard Dean gutted the Hillary votes in Florida and Michigan. Talk about how Pennsylvania Democrats either supported the "conspiracy" (Murphy, Casey) or colluded in it (Altmire).

Say -- many times and at all decibel levels -- that the Boy's Club doesn't deserve to remain in office. Make it your mantra. Recognize that 90% of winning is acting like a winner. When you reach 40%-plus in the polls, start declaring victory. Voters love bandwagons.

Do these things, and you will get one-third of the votes that went to Hillary Clinton. Also, one-sixth of the Hillary voters will stay home (or vote for Ralph Nader? or George Washington?).

In short, rub the incumbents' noses in the degradation and defeat of Hillary Clinton. If they get just half the Hillary voters to show up on November 4, they are not going to like what they see on Election Eve.

I wrote Wednesday (scroll down) about Hillary Supporters taking out revenge on Democrat "SuperDelegates" that supported Obama -- even though their districts or states voted heavily for Hillary Clinton. When the angry Hillary backers get through with them those delegates will not feel very super.

About 10:30 a.m. Friday (right here), I'll attempt an answer to an overwhelming question: How exactly do Republican candidates for federal office -- including John McCain -- go about getting the votes -- and financial support -- of the Hillary backers?

I can imagine GOP congressional candidates, some of them very dear to me, saying, "Hey, I don't agree with Hillary on much, so how can I can her supporters to back me?"

First, understand that Hillary Supporters aren't from another planet. As our fellow Americans, they share a lot more with us than we -- or they -- might imagine. For instance, the vast majority of Hillary backers do support our American soldiers. In fact, Hillary's voters are a lot more likely to KNOW -- or to have in their family -- one or more American soldiers.

The same is not true of Obama-philes. To them, soldiers are somebody they see on TV. Twenty percent of Democrats say they hope the U.S. loses the war in Iraq. Very few of them -- almost none, I'd guess -- voted for Hillary Clinton in the Dem Primaries.

Even though I have one wife and five daughters and various grand-daughters, I don't claim to be an expert on women. Even Dr. Freud (not a big favorite with feminists) felt called upon once to ask, "But what does a woman want?"

In coming up with an answer to that, I'm going to rely on my long-distance friend, Jean Avery, from Seattle, Washington. She's as good as it gets on understanding the hopes, fears, and thoughts of female voters. Jean blogs at http://moms4mccain.blogspot.com/.

She's the one who brought to my attention the avalanche of angry generated by Mrs. Clinton's loss of the nomination. I wrote about that on Tuesday on my Hillary Supporters for McCain site. I also provided the very long list of web sites for Hillary-ites who now intend to vote for McCain.

Caution: Jean, a mom herself, is also a Princeton grad (perhaps one of the few things she shares with Michelle Obama). However, she's promised me not to use too many big words. (When people found out I had been a college English teacher, they used to worry about their grammar!I think it cost me invitations to parties.)

As always, thanks for visiting. If you have comments, please either use the "comments" section or send them to me via e-mail at TalkTop65@aol.com.

P.S. Jean's material will appear on Thursday on my HIllary site, and, since Jean has lots of great material, more will appear here on Friday.

Tom Manion v. Patrick Murphy

To new visitors, and there will be many coming in over the next six-eight weeks, thanks for coming. I'm trying to bring this blog to the attention of 500 or so Pennsylvanian movers-and-shakers, so that it might have a real influence on the campaigns. I'm also asking my friends on BlogTalkRadio -- and I have many such friends -- to invite the candidates supported here to appear on various radio shows. I want to do my part to make the candidates famous (and for more than "15 minutes"). If you visit here regularly, tell your friends and family members that I exist! I believe that Patrick Murphy (see below) is sorry that I exist, but you can't please everybody.
Please visit Tom Manion's site -- and offer him your support.

If you want to see a terrific video interview of Melissa Hart (4th CD), well, click on the link following: Watch Melissa's interview with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette staff writer Bill Toland. Melissa talks with Bill about why she will take back the 4th Congressional District. She also discusses several important issues including gas prices and student loans. Melissa's web site is at: http://peoplewithhart.com.


Note: My column "Ted Kennedy: A National Disgrace" is now up at my national blog.


The following a line that every Republican candidate should use in his or her campaign. (It's attributed to former basketball star Charles Barkley (I'm trying to verify that he said it).

"The poor have been voting for Democrats for 50 years, and they're still poor."

A truth you won't hear from Obama or Rep. Patrick Murply: If a political party has a solid hold on a certain voting bloc, the last thing it wants to see is that group somehow disappear (i.e., in this case, have the poor get "un-poor").

THIS WEEKEND I'LL BE WRITING ABOUT TOM MANION V. "MODERATE" DEMOCRAT PATRICK MURPHY IN THE "BUCKS COUNTY" CONGRESSIONAL RACE. A "MODERATE DEMOCRAT" IS SOMETHING LIKE A CAT THAT BARKS. CONGRESSMAN MURPHY'S FIRST ACT IF HE'S RE-ELECTED WILL BE TO VOTE FOR SAN FRANCISCAN NANCY PELOSI FOR SPEAKER. That really tells you all you need to know about Patrick Murphy, one of the Beltway's young-men-on-the-make.

I support Tom Manion, but I do not speak for him. I speak for myself (and, I hope, millions of Pennsylvanians who are disgusted by the kind of cynicism and self-aggrandisement Murphy stands for. )

Tom Manion's son, Travis, was a Naval Academy graduate who died for his country in Iraq. Yes, Patrick Murphy served in Iraq . . . as an Army lawyer. He didn't "fight in Iraq" in any way, shape, or form.

In Congress, Rep. Murphy has joined Barack Obama and other left-wing Democrats calling for a precipitous retreat from Iraq. Murphy may have no grasp on the national security issues involved in Iraq, but he is very good at reading opinion polls.

Tom Manion can't say it, but I can: Congressman Murphy, like Obama, has taken positions on Iraq that inevitably embolden the enemy and thus endanger the lives of American fighting men and fighting women. Can anybody really deny that? Barack Obama did not earn the backing of Hamas' spokesman in America by proposing that the U.S. be tough on terrorism.

As for Murphy, I wonder if his stand on Hamas is as ambiguous and contradictory as Obama's. It's clear Murphy hasn't raised millions of dollars from left-wing groups by taking strong stands on anything that would offend the people at Moveon.org.

There is a way to criticize U.S. policy in Iraq in an honorable manner. But that way is not by offering what's in effect two thumbs-up to insurgents and mass murderers.

Congressman Murphy endorsed Barack Obama for President on August 21, 2007. It was an amazing acts -- and one totally at variance with the Democrats (not to mention the Republicans) in his district. In the 2006, Murphy showed he knew little about Bucks County, and as a certifiable Beltway type, he hasn't learned much more.

On April 22, Bucks County voted for Hillary Clinton by 70,253 to 41,793 for Obama. Hint: Bucks County wants nothing to do with the likes of Barack Obama.

Thus, with his backing of Obama, Murphy has spit in most of constituents' eyes. Any Hillary Clinton voter who backs Murphy in 2008 is joining him in heaping abuse on Mrs. Clinton's campaign. Murphy has clearly joined Howard Dean and other leftists who make up the "Democrat's old boys club" whose main purpose is to deny Mrs. Clinton the nomination.

What does Rep. Murphy think about Barack Obama's sneering comments about Pennsylvanians who supposedly "cling" to our guns, religion, racism, and xenophobia? In fact, as a Pennsylvanian, I know Obama talks about a state that doesn't exist. Murphy has been "strangely" silent. Perhaps he agrees with Obama?

Patrick Murphy is an ambitious man, too ambitious. He has a very bad habit of looking to his own future, rather than that of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, or the nation.

Murphy reflects the kind of cynicism and self-aggrandisement that have completely soured the American people on Congress. He doesn't deserve the votes of residents of the 8th district. Instead, he deserves their rejection.

Former Marine Tom Manion, like John McCain, is a warrior-through-and-through. He's a man with a lifetime of experience -- in contrast to Murphy, who's an individual who's spent a lifetime planning his next career move.

Stephen R. Maloney
Ambridge, PA

Hart,Gilhooley: Congressional Upset Winners

CLARIFICATION: My line that "A vote for Jason Altmire is a vote against John McCain" elicited a pig-like squeal from one Altmire backer. My point is simple: Melissa Hart supports John McCain. Jason Altmire, who did everything but kiss Barack during the primary, apparently supports Obama. Melissa Hart supports John McCain's positive agenda for change, and Altmire does not. Thus, "a vote for Altmire is a vote against McCain." Even Altmire's political boy-toys should be able to grasp that point.


BULLETIN: Scroll down to see Republican candidate Mike Livingston's (2 district, Philadelphia) press releases challenging Rep. Chaka Fattah's questionable fundraising practices. (More on this important subject tomorrow.)


Important Note: scroll down in this column for critical questions regarding Hillary Clinton and her campaign.

On my national blog today: "I wouldn't mind one bit if John McCain says -- in strong terms -- that the Democratic nomination was stolen from Mrs. Clinton. The thieves were Howard Dean and Barack Obama. The crime scenes were Michigan and Florida, whose delegates were denied Clinton." Say it, John!

"Let me win, but if I lose let me be brave in the attempt."

One thing I'm suggesting -- and everything I recommend is a suggestion -- is for Republican congressional candidates (all of them) to embrace John McCain. He has an excellent chance of winning Pennsylvania -- and frankly, of winning nearly every country outside the Philadelphia area. (He may not win Allegheny County -- Pittsburgh area -- but he will come close.)

For example, in my own district --the 4th, west and north of Pittsburgh -- Democrats hold a significant registration edge. However, based on past performance of Republican presidential candidates, John McCain could win the 4th by 40,000-plus votes. Most McCain supporters will vote for Republican Melissa Hart for Congress. (George Bush won this supposedly Democratic district in 2004 by 31,000 votes.)

I'm aware some consultants would advise Melissa to endorse McCain in a soft vocice but not to highlight the fact she's doing so. Their point would be that she does not want to turn off any potential Hart voters who are Obama supporters. That argument is absurd. How many Obama voters -- liberals to a fault -- are going to vote for conservative Melissa Hart? They might number in the low hundreds. They might number less than that.

Melissa should portray herself as part of the "McCain-Hart" team. She should rely on McCain's electoral strength to help take her over the finish line ahead of opponent Jason Altmire. Because Obama is unpopular in the 4th -- he lost my county (Beaver) by 28,000 (for Hillary) to 12,000 -- Altmire is going to pretend he never heard of Barack Obama, but I doubt Melissa will let him get away with it. She should pin Obama to Altmire like a tin can on an alley cat's tail.

I hope Melissa puts it this way: a vote for Jason Altmire is a vote against John McCain. She can justify that statement by saying she supports McCain's moderate-conservative agenda while Altmire opposes it. She can remind voters that Altmire fell all over himself to vote for far-left San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi for Speaker. She might add that her first action in Congress would be to vote against Mrs. Pelosi. (Actually, Altmire fawned all over Obama in the Primary -- until the Illinois Senator's "clinging" to religion and guns remark.)

I would give the exact same advice to Toni Gilhooley in the 17th District (Harrisburg and parts east). Run as part of the "McCain-Gilhooley" team.

Her opponent, Democrat Tim Holden, masquerades as a "conservative Democrat," which is less a political description than an oxymoron. If Holden returns to Congress, his first act -- like Altmire's -- will be to vote for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker. Of course that will mean that Pelosi will not even allow a vote on any of the "conservative" measures Holden supposedly supports.

Frankly, if Holden wants to be a conservative -- or even a "moderate" -- he's registered in the wrong Party.In the 2004 presidential race, George Bush polled 48,000 votes more than John Kerry. If McCain's strength continues to build, he could win the 17th by 55,000 to 60,000 votes.

Because of that fact, I think Toni might give at least a fleeting thought to what kinds of drapes she'd like to have in her office in Congress. If she runs a great -- and cost-effective -- campaign, she can win this race. Right now, Toni, I, her husband and her closest supporters are the only ones who deeply believe she'll win, but we happen to be right -- check out those McCain numbers again -- and the conventional wisdom is wrong.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is going to be pouring money into the 17th District next October, money they don't current expect to spend. They will be in a panic about a possible loss by the colorless Holden of a supposedly "safe" Democratic seat. However, they will find that, just as "money can't buy you love," it also can't buy you an election.

One thing Toni needs to consider seriously -- and Melissa might also consider it -- is to seek out Hillary voters. Gee, how could they do that? Perhaps by showing how the Democrats' "old boys club" -- establishment people including Howard Dean, Jason Altmire, and Tim Holden -- shafted Mrs. Clinton. They did so, in part, by denying the seating of delegates from Michigan and Florida, two of Clinton's strongest states. They also did so by bullying her to get out of the race.

In Toni's district, as in Melissa's Hillary beat Obama like a rented mule. Having Obama at the top of the ticket is not going to be a pleasant experience for Holden or Altmire. They will claim to be running "their own campaigns." That means they hope Obama spends a lot of time in Oregon and Montana. No such luck, guys.

I predict a win by Melissa Hart. I predict a major upset win by Toni Gilhooley.

But for that to happen, they need YOUR support. I urge you to go right to their web sites and volunteer to help. It doesn't matter what state you're in. They need help from all over the nation.
http://peoplewithhart.com/
http://gilhooleyforcongress.com/

Tuesday morning: "Marina Kats: How to Defeat Allyson Schwartz" (I suggest that Marina, who emigrated from Russia and became an extremely successful lawyer and entrepreneur run as the embodiment of "The American Dream"). I also recommend she contest Schwartz for every one of the 77,000 Hillary (primary) voters in Montgomery County -- and then go after the tens of thousands of Hillary supporters in Northeast Philly. If voters in the 13th district want a strong, decisive, effective woman, then "Marina's their gal."

ABOUT HILLARY CLINTON AND HER CAMPAIGN (Will see endorse McCain?)

The following two paragraphs are from my new -- and popular (to my amazement) blog called "Hillary Supporters for McCain." From all appearances, Mrs. Clinton will not win the Democratic nomination for President, but she will continue to play a major role in determining who wins the general election. (I hope you take a look at the "Hillary" site. It is definitely not part of the usual "Hillary bashing.")

Dear Friends: I'm hoping this blog (the "Hillary" site) becomes one of the most fascinating -- and useful -- ones in the political blogosphere. You can help me achieve that end by taking various steps: (1) bookmarking the site; (2) visiting regularly; (3) sharing your own thoughts about the various articles (either through the "comments" or by writing me at TalkTop65@aol.com); and (4) telling your friends and political allies about this site and providing them links to it. Thanks for your support. On my Pennsylvania blog, I have a piece about two congressional candidates (Melissa Hart and Toni Gilhooley) whom I'm urging to link themselves closely to John McCain's presidential bid. It's a strategy I believe is applicable to most Republican congressional candidates across the nation. If you agree, please forward it to your own favorite congressional candidate.

One key question that hasn't been answered yet is whether Hillary supporters should back John McCain -- and if so, why? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Another critical matter is how Hillary should endorse Obama. If she believes he would be a bad President, should she endorse him at all -- or perhaps rest her wounded spirit incommunicado in Hawaii? If she has to choose between Party and country, won't she choose country? If I had any direct contact with Senator Clinton, these are some of the questions I'd ask her -- respectfully but forcefully.


BULLETIN: 2D DISTRICT CANDIDATE MIKE LIVINGSTON BLASTS CHAKA FATTAH'S QUESTIONABLE FUNDRAISING PRACTICES

The following are two press releases from Mike Livingston for Congress datedMonday, May 12. For those who may not have received it, I have also attached acopy or my initial campaign announcement February 12, 2008. More informationabout my candidacy is available at my website www.livingstonforcongress.com. Ican also be contacted by telephone 267-847-0528 or at this e-mail address. I am the Republican candidate in the Second Congressional District, the seat that iscurrently held by Rep. Chaka Fattah. --Mike Livingston

MAY 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LIVINGSTON CHALLENGES FATTAH TO DEBATE

ON ISSUES

FACING SECOND DISTRICT

Mike Livingston, the Republican candidate in the Second Congressional District,today challenged the incumbent, Chaka Fattah, to a series of debates on issuesfacing the district."The Second District has not had a seriously contested election in more than adecade," Livingston said.

"I challenge Rep. Fattah to a series of debates onthe issues facing our district, including education, crime, taxes, the energyand housing crises, and national security issues. These debates could besponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Committee of Seventy, or othernonpartisan organization, and would be held at a time and place of our mutualchoosing. It appears likely that this years' presidential candidates will hold a series of similar debates; why not here in Philadelphia?"

In challenging Fattah to debate, Livingston said he expected domestic issues,notably taxes, crime, and education, to be the central themes of his campaign."In talking to people throughout the district, I have found that the sameitems--personal safety, school quality, worries about high taxes and declininghome ownership--come up time and again. My approach to these issues differsfrom that of Rep. Fattah, but I hope that we can have a frank and constructivedebate about them."Livingston also thanked voters who came out to support him in the April 22Republican primary. "It took a little bit of courage to brave the long linesof Obama and Clinton supporters and vote for a hometown candidate on a day whenthere were hardly any contested races in our party. I am grateful for yoursupport and will do my best to be worthy of it," he added.

MAY 12, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELIVINGSTON, FATTAH

FILE FIRST QUARTER FEC STATEMENTS

Mike Livingston and his opponent, Rep. Chaka Fattah, recently filed quarterlystatements with the Federal Election Commissions. The reports say much aboutthe candidates and their campaigns.Livingston's report, filed April 15, shows $15,150 in contributions, all but$1,000 from individual supporters. While modes compared to some districts,this represents the largest sum raised this early by an recent Republicancandidate in the Second District, and is close to the largest amount anychallenger has raised in the entire election cycle. (Full information isavailable at www.fec.gov; to access the report, punch in the candidate's nameand follow the prompts for committee information and report history.)By contrast, Fattah reported receipts of $129,392 of which more than 3/4($98,500) consists of PAC contributions. While Livingston (like Barack Obama)relies principally on small contributions, the Fattah data, which include thelatter part of 2007, do not include a single contribution of under $500."The quarterly reports demonstrate the issues at stake in this election and theimportance of change in the Second District," said Livingston in a statement."While presenting himself as a champion of the weak and oppressed, Chaka Fattahremains one of the members of Congress most dependent on PAC money and oncontributions from lawyers and lobbyists with a stake in the political process.He is a charter member of the "pay to play" culture than I and others aretrying to change."

The next quarterly reports are due July 15.