Poll: Debate watchers say Obama wins

Fifty-eight percent of debate watchers questioned in the CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll said Democrat Obama did the best job in the debate, with 31 percent saying Republican Sen. John McCain performed best.

McCain, Obama get tough, personal in final debate

John McCain repeatedly assailed Barack Obama's character and campaign positions on taxes, abortion and more Wednesday night, hoping to transform their final presidential debate into a launching pad for a political comeback. "You didn't tell the American people the truth," he charged.

Up-State New York County issues ballots with "Barack Osama"

The absentee ballots sent to voters in Rensselaer County identified the two presidential candidates as "Barack Osama" and "John McCain." In the United States, the best-known individual named Osama is Osama bin Laden, leader of the al Qaida terrorist group behind the 2001 attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City.

McCain, Obama clash over economic crisis

As Sen. Barack Obama looks on, Sen. John McCain answers a question at the debate in Nashville, Tenn.

Barack Obama and John McCain clashed repeatedly over the causes and cures for the worst economic crisis in 80 years Tuesday night in a debate in which Republican McCain called for a sweeping $300 billion program to shield homeowners from mortgage foreclosure.

As usual, a question about Israel made it's way into the US presidential debates - one would think US presidential candidates were running for prime minister of Israel.

In tonight's debate, the question was something to the effect, if Iran attacked Israel, would you use force to support Israel? To this, McCain dutifully repeated the now well debunked "wipe Israel off the map" and "stinking corpse" fabrications and vowed to never permit a "second holocaust." Obama to his credit, and a major reason I think he will be the next president, was not so vivacious in his support of the Jewish state. While Obama did his obligatory "Israel is our #1 ally in the Middle East" routine, he did not go as far as McCain in his statement of support for Israel and he certainly did not indicate a readiness to intercede with American blood and treasure on Israel's behalf. Obama, it seems, understand that Americans are in no mode to fight a 3rd war against an Islamic country - on it's own behalf let alone for Israel. He seems to recognize that there are costs associated with supporting the Jewish state, and the costs may be higher than the American people are willing to pay.

Expect the viewers to give a clear victory to Obama in tonight's debate and the gap between Obama and McCain to widen. Of course, the media will continue to emphasize the economy as the main reason for McCain's demise, but McCain's blind support for Israel and his readiness to use force against Israel's enemies is undeniably a major factor.

Obama starting to pull away

The Electoral College map that used to be a wash of red (with a few exceptions like the West Coast and the Northeast) is starting to look like the Smurfs are progressively marching across the country. (In other words, the map is turning a Democratic blue.)

The news media and political pundits will tell you the economy is the reason for Obama's surge. But I have another possible explanation. See my comments to the posts here and here. However, as relates to the US economy, Americans know who "control" their economy and financial institutions. Its the same people who "control" the US Congress - and, it AIN'T the American people...

U.S. 2008: Obama 49.3%, McCain 43.1%

Democrat Barack Obama has extended his lead over Republican John McCain in the United States presidential race, according to a review of 14 voting intention surveys conducted over the past 11 days. 49.3 per cent of voters would support the Illinois senator in the election, while 43.1 per cent would back the Arizona senator.

See my comments on this post. Expect the gap between Obama and McCain to widen as Palin continues to confess her love for Israel and the Jewish people, and the American people realize that in a McCain/Palin "America First" administration, Israel really comes first...

Ministers plan pulpit protest - will endorse presidential candidate

Defying a federal tax law they consider unjust, 33 ministers across the country will take to their pulpits this Sunday and publicly endorse a candidate for president.

Ron Paul: Reject the major parties, go for a third

"The strongest message can be sent by rejecting the two party system," Paul said in prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press. "This can be accomplished by voting for one of the non-establishment, principled candidates."

I agree - I don't see a dimes worth of difference between the two major parties...

World wants Obama as president: poll

US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama may be struggling to nudge ahead of his Republican rival in polls at home, but people across the world want him in the White House, a BBC poll said.

I don't want to be a spoil-sport here, but I wonder what the world knows that I don't. Really, I can't see a dimes worth of real difference between the two presidential candidates - they'll both controlled by Zionists and the Israeli Lobby. Clearly, McCain and Obama's "fight against lobbyists" don't include AIPAC...

John McCain In A 'Nutshell'-- Philanderer, War Pimp, Bush Policy Clone, and Neocon Liar...

(Without his shell, McCain is simply a nut that needs to be cracked, picked apart and exposed)

By Vincent L. Guarisco

Back in April 2007, I wrote a zinger about the foolish maverick John McCain after he returned from his triumphant walkabout on the brutal streets of Baghdad. Johnny Boy headed straight for the public airways, where he smirkingly gushed that the streets of Iraq are now 'safe.' The foolish war pimp tried to sell the lie that everything was cozy and secure, even as he strutted around wearing his bulletproof vest, surrounded by a heavily armed military entourage buzzing in air and on the ground all around him. Indeed, according to McCain, Baghdad was safe then, and it’s even safer today.

Gee, pass the prozac! I guess we're supposed to forget about the scores of GIs and civilians who have since met their brutal end in the very place McCain pranced around. Funny how ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, FOX and the rest of the sorry corporate media failed to do follow-up stories, to show those same streets marred with puddles of blood laced with intestinal tracks, brain matter -- clogged with body parts and various limbs scattered about on those same safe streets. When McCain made his announcement, more than 3,200 of his fellow servicemen and women had been slaughtered in Iraq, millions of Iraqis had been displaced, forced to flee the country or killed outright. Today, 4,147 Americans have been killed and we'll never know how many Iraqis, because we don't do body counts.

Moving right along...

I am a long-time resident and ardent voter in McCain's conservative home state of Arizona. I have lived near the banks of the Colorado River for the better part of 40 years. I’m a proud progressive liberal minority living among many hard-line Republicans in my local area, although I gladly admit the times are changing. The economic hardship under Bush’s leadership is quickly changing the political landscape, moving my locals away from their once cherished right-wing stewardship. Thank God for small miracles...

For me, the McCain saga began years ago. As a young boy, I still remember hearing stories about John McCain’s legacy as a hero. He first caught my attention when his plane got shot down during the Vietnam war and he was captured by the Viet Cong and imprisoned as a POW in the jungles of Hanoi back in 1967. At the time, being a young faithful lad, I prayed daily, not only for McCain, but for the safe return of all our POWs. Our teachers and parents, unlike those of today, were diligent in keeping us updated on what was happening over there during the war.

In 1969, I was ten years old. I was an impressionable school kid who was encouraged by my parents and teachers to write many letters to soldiers and POWs captured in Vietnam. I did this with great reverence; I was proud to show my support. Looking back on it now, it seems like a million years ago. When I first entered the political fray I was very naive -- just beginning to learn about the worldly tribulations of war and, with puberty factored in, I was also learning the value of family morals, love and commitment. Heck, I had just barely held the hand of my first girl friend and soon afterwards received my very first kiss. Ah yes, It was an exciting, innocent time mixed with love, war, hard knocks and many pleasurable moments. And I will never deny I was an excited impressionable boy who deeply admired my war hero, John McCain! He was an inspiration that guided my hand for many letters written to him personally, and to other GIs as well.

To be fair, I agree with those who maintain that McCain deserves our highest respect for his devoted service to our country, including what he went through during his captivity as a POW. Sadly, however, my respect for him abruptly ended when the mud wore off the bottom of his combat boots soon after he returned in 1973. He soon shattered that youthful admiration, which was replaced with a real lesson in 'betrayal' when I realized what he had done to his first wife, Carol Shepp, after he returned from Vietnam. Having knowledgeable parents is indeed educational, but not always pleasant to say the least. I was completely thrown back to learn that John had several extra-marital affairs and was often unfaithful to his loyal wife who had stood by his side through thick and thin. For me, it was a shameful, dark lesson that ultimately shadowed my view of him as I watched him heartlessly divorce her in order to further his shameful political aspirations.

As an emerging student of current events and history, my admiration for him was always a duel package. I sincerely admired Carol as much as him. I took great pride and interest in her too. To me, she was one of the most admired women of her day -- a sacrosanct patriot who deserved to be seated in the front row of Fourth of July parades next to Gold Star Mothers. She was a heroine, widely admired and loved by all of us for her unwavering devotion to her husband who was held as POW.

Carol was a rare, lonely soul who had the strength to carry on and to faithfully await her husband's return. And she did this at a time when many other wives and girlfriends were writing 'Dear John' letters to those still fighting in battle while learning they had no one to come home to. She was my revered role model from Philadelphia. I dreamed of meeting that special someone who might be just like her -- a precious angel. Unfortunately, Carol was thrown through the windshield of her car in a terrible accident that changed her life forever, rendering her permanently scarred and hobbling on crutches. As a result, Carol was a not-so-pleasant sight for her young unsympathetic husband who wanted to be seen on Capital Hill with a bathing beauty while stumping the halls for a new political career.

John McCain totally destroyed my respect for him with the uncaring, selfish, cold-hearted betrayal in how he dumped her. Indeed, I will never forget nor forgive him for the cruel way he showed his true colors. He quickly threw Carol aside and replaced her with Cindy Hensley, his new rich sugar mama, with whom he was having an affair. Hensley is a spoiled home wrecker, worth approximately 100 million, bred from the loins of a staunch Republican father who conveniently helped elevate Johnny boy within the DC realm. I'm not into Freud, but it's easy to wonder who came so ruthlessly after McCain -- Cindy...or her father?

And this self-righteous, self-serving animal wants my vote? Well, it will have to be a Hell's-Kitchen-burning-white-hot-winter November day in Bullhead City, Arizona before I would even consider putting a checkmark next to his pathetic name in the 2008 Presidential Election. Catch my meaning? Good.

As a final note, after Carol suffered her horrible car accident in 1969, she unselfishly refused to allow her POW husband to be notified of her serious injuries for fear it would not be good for him while he was being held captive. You know, out here in the Arizona desert we have an old saying -- if you put an expensive skirt on a fast moving rattlesnake, political horn-dogs like John McCain will chase it all the way to the Potomac River for a kiss, a hug and especially a vote...

I could go on about the many neocon atrocities McCain has performed throughout his career as a Senator and war pimp for the Bush administration. It’s an endless track record -- most of which is public record, easily found for those willing to take the time. So, for all you undecided skeptics, by all means, review his voting record for it is unbridled proof of how he constantly sold us out to K-street lobbyists. His record speaks for itself, the facts and figures are all there which prove he’s not on the side of working-class America. In fact, by his own admission, he does not even know how many homes he owns. And keep in mind, McCain believes Americans are not 'rich' unless they earn $5 million or more. Well, I hate to burst his multi-mansion bubble but, take a quick pop-quiz and ask a few average citizens who are now struggling to make ends meet -- how tough it is to hold onto their 'one' home that many are just one paycheck away from losing. Yeah, I’d say McCain is more than a little out of touch with our bottom-feeding needs to say the least.

Or ask a dozen or so jobless Americans who have already lost everything, including their homes. No confusion there folks. In fact, after living in their cars for awhile or, worse yet, after sleeping on concrete sidewalks, most of them would probably consider any cheap apartment to be the equivalent of one of McCain’s many mansions. And, bear in mind that McCain's veteran 'brothers in arms' are at the top of the list of homeless. Brother John, can you spare a dime?

McCain has 'arrived.' He's a real Bush kinda guy -- a marriage profiteering elitist who seems content to suffer from mansion-memory-loss and wants to be our next President. He is a pompous philanderer who dumped his crippled wife for a new pampered rich one whose daddy got him where he is today. Amazing.

Bottom line, many of you may have some reservations in supporting Barack Obama or Joseph Biden but, compared to Baghdad (neocon) Johnny, they are fricking saints. But at least no one can deny, they are both loyal and totally committed to those they love. Is it really that hard to believe they may actually share some of that proven compassion with us in their new leadership? Well, if not, consider the alternative choice. Yes, consider the harsh implications of placing another known war hawk into the Oval office for four more grueling years. An old stale nut who says he wants to keep us in 'safe' Iraq for another hundred years. A musical maniac who loves to sing: 'Bomb, bomb, bomb...bomb Iran.' And, oh yes -- while you're at it, tell 'Johnny Rich' how many mansions and condos he really owns. But most importantly, and this is crucial, let's remove this nut from his media protected shell, for all the world to see.

Thanks. God speed to the polls.

Vincent L Guarisco is a freelance writer from Bullhead City AZ., a contributing writer for many web sites, and a lifetime founding member of the Alliance of Atomic Veterans. Reprint permission is given as long as article content is not altered or changed and credit is given to the author. The 21st century, once so full of shining promise, now threatens to force countless millions of us at home and abroad into a dark abyss of languishing poverty and silent servitude; a lowly prodigy of painful struggle and suffering that could stream for generations to come. I’m wishing for a miracle, before it is too late, the masses will figure it out and will stand as one and roar. So, pass the word — it’s past time to take back what is ours — the American Dream where the pursuit of happiness, the ability to live in a free and peaceful nation is a reality. We bought it, and we paid for it. It’s time to take it back. For replies, send comments to: vincespainting1@hotmail.com

America’s Irrational Defense of Israel

“My number one priority in foreign policy is to protect Israel.”- Former House Speaker Richard Armey

As an American citizen, I’d like to think the number one “non-negotiable” of anyone who would be president is the security and the interests of the American people. Instead of reading from the same AIPAC-vetted script, McCain and Obama would better serve their country by reading from the same Constitution — the version enshrined in Washington D.C. not in Jerusalem.

Palestine in the American Imagination

Senator John McCain is greeted by an Ultr-Orthodox Jewish man as he arrives at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, March 19, 2008. (Photo: AP)

"As Palestinians hurriedly buried their loved ones in the Gaza Strip following a deadly Israeli onslaught, which further contributed to Gaza’s worst humanitarian crisis since 1967 [1], US and Israeli celebrities rallied at a Los Angeles benefit concert for the Israeli town of Sderot, located near the border of Gaza. [2] Hollywood movie stars Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, Valerie Harper and comedian Larry Miller mingled with Israeli celebrities such as singer Ninet Tayeb and others. Children from the Israeli town of Sderot, which received the lion’s share of homemade Palestinian rockets, were cheerful nonetheless. Song and dance, interrupted occasionally by solemn messages of support delivered via satellite by both Republican and Democratic Presidential candidates, replaced the cries of sirens the images of huddling families in the town’s shelters. It was a bittersweet moment, that of solidarity, a renewal of the vow made too often, that Israel’s plight is that of America, and Israel’s security is an American priority, and, indeed, ‘God loves those who love Israel’."

Deadly Fallout From Obama's Groveling Before Israel Lobby

"Watching the candidates pandering to the AIPAC crew makes one wonder if those in the Israeli Lobby’s audience felt any embarrassment at all by forcing such groveling for support on what were then three potential presidents of the United States. From what I saw on television, at least the leadership of AIPAC seemed to be reveling in the groveling as each of the three willingly handed over their dignity on national television as they bent over to kiss the behinds of the leaders."

'Ron Paul, US Eagle's second wing'

"Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich endorses Congressman Ron Paul, suggesting he may be exactly what the US administration needs."

Where Are Tears for GIs, Iraqis?

"It just seems to me that Americans do not really want change. That is the only way I can explain the outcomes of both races and that includes those who were the winners on the Republican side."

Election power of the Israel lobby

Hillary Clinton is among the strongest supporters of Israel [GALLO/GETTY]

"John Mearsheimer, who alongside Stephen Walt is the author of a controversial series of articles and a recent book on the Israel lobby, told Al Jazeera: "Almost all of the major candidates are falling over themselves to demonstrate how deeply committed they are to America's special relationship with Israel."

The one exception is Ron Paul which is one of the many reasons he gets my vote.