Anything But Presidential

E.J. Dionne's article in the Washington Post, titled "The Photo McCain Wanted,"was right on in it's description of how Sen. McCain manipulated the events that led up to the bailout meeting at the White House. All things considered, it turned out to be nothing but a staged photo op. Mr. Dionne contends in his article that Sen. McCain's agenda and that of the Congressional members already at work on the problem were not one and the same.
Mr. Dionne, Op-Ed contributor to the Washington Post, is a current Georgetown U. Professor, author of several books, including, "Stand Up Fight Back: Republican Toughs, Democratic Wimps, and the Politics of Revenge." He is also the recipient of numerous Awards for Excellence in the fields of politics and journalism. His politically viewed as slightly right of liberal.
In essence it all started when last week on Wednesday the 24th of September, President Bush addressed an extremely concerned nation and pointed out quite bluntly that the nation was indeed in a the "midst of a serious financial crisis, and the the federal government is responding." How was it then that earlier that day, John McCain had already talked of suspending his campaign, and postponing the debate? McCain was practicing the traditional art of posturing. He was setting himself up to come riding into town on his white steed and save the day. Some may even call him a Maverick.
According to Mr. Dionne's article, Senator McCain's people had been contacted during the day on Wednesday about the Thursday meeting. Senator Obama did not receive his invite from President Bush until 7:30 p.m. On Thursday Senator McCain met with Congressional House leaders. The same leaders who had earlier agreed to support the bill in it's current bi-partisan form. The final outcome of the House vote was nays- 228, yays- 205, Ayes- Dem- 140 Rep-65
Nays Dem-95 Rep 133. Didn't Sen.McCain hear Pres. Bush's speech about urgency and bi-partisanship?
Some would ask why would a Democratic House vote in favor of a bill to save the hide, possibly, of a Republican President whom in their eyes, and in the eyes of most of the nation according to the latest polls, is responsible for the current crisis to begin with? One possible answer. Out of a sense of responsibility, or duty? Another possibility? Political posturing? I think not of the latter.
Sen. McCain was supposed to win last week's debate against Sen. Obama easily according to most experts. Anyone who watched the debate hopefully saw that there are many more things that go into making someone "Presidential"than the substance of a speech. Although Sen. Obama at times seemed to defer to Sen. McCain and concede that he was right, he also showed me something that Sen. McCain failed to do. He showed me that he was considerate enough to admit his shortcomings, and to respect his opponent for his many years of knowledge and experience. What did he get in return for his doting affection. Not so much as even one glance, just sneers, smiles, and smirks. Please not let it go unnoticed that it was the results of the first debate that precipitated the events leading to Mr. Dionne's article. Senator John McCain was feeling the pressure and reacted poorly. Not very good qualities for a president if you ask me.
"The times, they are a changin." Bob Dylan.
Peace to all.
Thorton Mellon.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/09/26/ST2008092601327.html

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/stumper/archive/2008/09/29/the-bailout-bill-fails-should-we-blame-mccain.aspx



http://cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campaign

On the Campaign - Adam Nagourney - Election 2008 - Politics - NYTimes.com

On the Campaign - Adam Nagourney - Election 2008 - Politics - NYTimes.com

Seeing Through the Fog

I find it very unusual that Adam Nagourney titled his recent article " Candidates Strive to Break Through Media Fog. I mean does he insinuate that the media is in a state of fog, or confusion, or prehaps that they are deliberatly distorting the truth by laying down a smoke screen? One may assume that you are about to read an article about how the poor, always truthful politicians, have to work even harder to have their messages heard and understood.

The real truth has nothing to do with fog. Fog is a natural condition that occurs when ground moisture cools causing rising ground clouds.What Mr. Nagourney states so well in paragraph five has nothing to do with nature, but misdirection. Senators Obama and Mc Cain are "frustrated," as well as thier campaign managers seemingly because they aren't sure "what works." How about the truth; that works. ? He goes back to Science 101 and describes how the senior aides are "stumbling through yet again more fog," in the hopes of stumbling onto what it is that we are "paying attention to," and better yet "believing." Is this a Presidential election, or a magic show?

There is so much media available that sifting through all of it seems overwhelming at times. Not too long ago, citizens read newspapers, watched the local news, and listened to the never ending stream of political ads and accusations on tv and radio. There is much more media chatter available now, but Mr. Nagourney closes with a very important point. Both candidates will square off in three debates, and one vice presidential debate. Heres a real chance to see them all live, and onstage without the smoke and mirrors. Look em in the eye and then decide.
Thornton Mellon