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[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: You may be right Muppy - I hope so -- muppetmel, 11:05:10 02/10/08 Sun [1]

This whole election process has been very interesting so far. It seems to me that it hasn't (so far) been as devisive as in the past, meaning the lines between Repubs/Demos have been blurred a bit by force of necessity (not a lot of options on either side). Again, all this could change when the real campaigning (the presidential election) starts.

For the record, this is the first presidential election campaign I've followed closely, so I can't really compare to other elections.

The other thing I think might shoehorn McCain in is what has emerged as a neck-and-neck race for the Democrat nominee. The liberal side seems quite split down the middle between Hilary and Obama. Really fascinating!

I'm hoping in the end to see a McCain-Thompson slate and Presidential win, a middle conservative and a running mate more "hard right." We need strong, visionary leadership and a partnership that bridges all sides to get through this awful and troubling period in history, not only in terms of the WOT but also the enormous issues America is facing, particularly the immigration issue, health care and a shaky (tanking!) economy. I say "we," because obviously what happens in America affects Canada and the world.

A McCain-Thompson win would continue the repair to relations between Canada and the U.S. started under Bush and the Stephen Harper government -- badly torn asunder during the Clinton-Chretien years. I'm afraid that likely would deteriorate again if Hilary were to win. Not sure at all about Obama, but I'd be hopeful that he would be a relationship builder.

I do see this electoral process heralding change and rebuilding trust, which I think foundered badly because of the divisiveness heightened during the Bush administration.

As for Bush, I've admired him throughout his administration (throw tomatoes here...) until recently. I've been troubled by his soft approach on immigration and I thought he wavered on his support of Israel (a personal priority issue for me of course), but not one iota on the WOT (which is partly, but not exclusively tied up with the fortunes of Israel).

Jeannine, I can't promise I'll post here more. I've stayed away purposely because it gets too angry and too personal. I'll probably beat a hasty retreat if it does again. But if it stays civil, I'll be here, and I'm certainly appreciative of the way you debate! :-)

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> I read this piece I thought was kind of interesting recently. -- HF, 21:41:15 02/10/08 Sun [1]

Now, it was in an admittedly exceptionally liberal article in Rolling Stone, but the mag does publish PJ O'Rourke so...

Anyway, it said that in '04 the Republicans got a lot of the conservative-leaning independent vote with the anti-gay marriage bills. The article noted that this time around, the "hot button" Repub. issue is immigration and that it's really weird because if you survey the population it's revealed that roughly the same percentage that supports banning gay marriage supports more lenient immigration laws. So while in '04, the conservatives were picking up a good part of the independents, this year they're totally alienating them and sending them to the Dems. No idea if this is actually true or not, but as a "let whoever wants into the US come in" kind of gal, I find the theory fascinating.

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[> [> [> [> [> It will be interesting -- SB, 08:15:57 02/11/08 Mon [1]

to see who McCain will pick as his running-mate. I've always thought he was somewhat of a straight-shooter and said what he felt no matter what his party thought. As a matter of fact, when I took the survey below it came out with him on top and Obama second! Who knew? I've always said I was a liberal with a few conservative tendencies, however. LOL

My hope for him is that he picks a runningmate somewhat moderate also. I doubt this will happen as he will want to pick up the more conservative votes, however if indeed he goes with Huckabee he may well lose a lot of moderate repulican voters as Huckabee's rhetoric has been tantamount to a theocracy as far as I'm concerned. Admittedly I'm as left as they come when it comes to social issues, but that man scares me. Added the fact that McCain is no spring chicken anymore, you may just well have to be able to picture his runningmate in the president's seat, which hopefully most states (not around ME obviously) will not be able to do for Huckabee.

I'm so pissed at the Democratic Party right now, I may have to become an Independent! I've long since thought this country needs to get out of this 2 party system. Maybe there was a time for it, but I think that time is over and we can do better. Maybe someday....

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[> [> [> [> [> [> Hi Belle! ITA on Huckabee, he's way too far right for me. I think the -- sami, 09:32:08 02/11/08 Mon [1]

ideal match-up this year would be McCain-Obama, or even Obama-McCain, but I guess that will never happen with our two party system.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> I became an independent years ago for the same -- LAwoman, 13:46:28 02/11/08 Mon [1]

kinds things you mentioned, especially being pissed at the Democrats. See, I'm pretty liberal on many issues and that party often isn't liberal enough IMO. I would love a true multi-party system where maybe I could find my niche (and I'm not talking about those itty-bitty parties you see on the ballot but not much anywhere else). Until then, I will stay independent.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> I'm more pissed -- SB, 06:47:43 02/12/08 Tue [1]

about what the Party has done to Florida. First the State party bends over and gives the republican legislators what they want....an early primary knowing the delegates won't count. Hence, most voters didn't even go to the polls knowing their vote meant nothing. NOW go figure? They really NEED Florida delegates because the race is so tight and they are talking about just giving the delegates according to the vote. Hellllo? The only fair thing to do would be to vote again, but that won't happen either. Either way...both candidates have reasons to be pissed, but they also lost face when they kissed-ass to the party when it threatened them not to campaign here and they stayed far far away as if we had the plague.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Ah, you're in Florida! Well that would piss me off too. -- LAwoman, 12:16:07 02/12/08 Tue [1]


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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Ooops, that didn't sound right. Being in Florida wouldn't piss me off, what you -- LAwoman, 13:44:24 02/12/08 Tue [1]

described going on there with the voting would piss me off. Sorry if it sounded like I was dissing your state! *crawls away embarrassed*

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> LOL That's okay...this state DOES suck. Don't get me started. -- SB, 07:35:51 02/13/08 Wed [1]

I abhor living here. I wouldn't tell anyone that it's a great place to live because it's not. My homeowners insurance was close to $5,000 last year. Both my husband's family and my family are both here and we've both worked at our same jobs for almost 20 years so we feel very 'stuck' in our current situation. We couldn't sell our house if we sold it for our mortgage payoff right now. There is so many homes for sale in our neighborhood and no one is buying. It's not like we are rich and can afford to just go buy something somewhere else...wait until our house sells and live off our savings. Unfortunately, we're not exactly 'risk takers' either and it would be very scary to pick up and move when this is all that you know. We're such weenies!

Even with all that....we still feel very lucky to even HAVE jobs and a house that we can afford the payments on I guess. :-)

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> I'll join you in weeniedom. I'm in a somewhat similar -- LAwoman, 11:49:15 02/13/08 Wed [1]

situation here. Not a risk taker. Have a good job and a house. But the cost of living in LA is high. But most of my family is here and I actually do like living here for the most part. I can't see myself leaving for a variety of reasons.

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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Hahaha! Only cuz of the humidity. ;-D -- muppetmel, 16:11:59 02/12/08 Tue [1]


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