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GOP VP Palin's visit to Omaha draws thousands

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By ANNA JO BRATTON / The Associated Press

Sunday, Oct 05, 2008 - 07:30:18 pm CDT

OMAHA, Neb. — A surprise visit by Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin drew thousands of people to Omaha’s Civic Auditorium Sunday, the latest in a series of unlikely events in a Republican-heavy state that rarely sees candidates visit.

First, Democrat Barack Obama campaigned in the state for the party’s first-ever caucus in February. Then he opened an Omaha office to compete for the electoral vote tied to the state’s 2nd District.

Republican nominee John McCain has been in town for a fundraiser, and now his running mate is in town.

Story Photo
Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, greets supporters after a rally in Carson, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. (Chris Carlson)

Yvette Cordell, 41, of Omaha, says even though she plans to vote for Republican John McCain, she’s not sorry Obama decided to campaign in the 2nd District because “we like the attention.”

“Palin wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t that threat,” said Cordell, an independent.

Nebraska has given its five electoral votes to the GOP candidate in every presidential election since 1964, and presidential candidates rarely visit the state because Republicans have been so dominant. They enjoy a 178,000-voter advantage over Democrats in registered voters.

But this year, Obama’s campaign is targeting the state’s 2nd District, which includes Omaha. The state is one of just two — Maine is the other — that can split its electoral votes, although it’s never happened.

The vote would be essential to victory if the election ended in a 269-269 electoral tie, neither candidate reaching the needed 270 electoral votes. If Obama won the 2nd District vote, he’d have 270 to McCain’s 268.

A few blocks from the Omaha rally, Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson held a news conference where he said Palin’s claim that Barack Obama “pals around with terrorists” was “Swift Boat politics.”

Palin said the Democratic presidential nominee’s association with a 1960s radical is an issue that is “fair to talk about.”

Obama has denounced the radical views and actions of Bill Ayers, a founder of the violent Weather Underground group during the Vietnam era.

Nelson called the comments “a thinly veiled strategy to try to change the subject.”

Across the street from the Omaha rally, 22-year-old Trisha Clark held a sign that said: “I wear lipstick too but will never vote for you.”

She said Obama running mate Joe Biden “has done more for women’s rights than Sarah Palin ever will.”

“She’s no Hillary Clinton,” the Omaha Democrat said, referring to the former Democratic presidential contender.

But Connie Marmo, 53, an Omaha Republican, brought her own sign: “Sarah Palin for the Good Life.”

“I like her down-home talking,” Marmo said. “She’s a go-getter.”

The Obama campaign is opening its second office in Omaha, while McCain has so far relied on a volunteer effort in the state.

McCain held a fundraiser in Ashland in July, while Obama hasn’t been back to Nebraska since a rally the week before February’s Democratic caucuses.

Palin’s visit to Omaha is a boost for Republican Congressman Lee Terry, who’s seeking re-election in the district. The key to Obama’s Omaha effort is a huge voter registration drive, and thousands of new Democrats added to the rolls could boost Terry opponent Jim Esch, an Omaha Democrat.

Terry said the visit shows McCain is taking the 2nd District seriously, which he’s been suggesting since the Obama effort here started.

Obama campaign: http://www.barackobama.com

McCain campaign: http://www.johnmccain.com


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Jay wrote on October 5, 2008 6:56 pm:
" I really feel for the people who think that Palin's "down home talkin" is relevant to this election. Just like sitting down for a beer with "W" and look what he did for everyone.It really shows the true color of our citizenship taking the bait and the spin "be careful what you wish for". I wonder who read the newspaper for her and told her what to say? Good Luck to you all when they complete the collapse of what Bush started. "

 To Jay wrote on October 5, 2008 7:05 pm:
" Typical liberal elitism. Guess what? "Down home talkin" is what the middle class relates to. You know, the middle class. The economic engine of America. The people who can't be "community organizers" because they are at work supporting a family. "

 Yes we can wrote on October 5, 2008 7:13 pm:
" This woman ad all she stands for is a farce. Only President Obama can deliver us from this mess we are in. We all need to get behid him and put all of our faith in him. It's truly the only way to go. "

 Hoping wrote on October 5, 2008 7:14 pm:
" I am hoping that most Nebraskans will be able to see through this phoney charade that Palin is presenting. The question is do we really want 4 more years of Bush. Palin and McCain are proposing nothing new even though they declare to be Mavericks. I for one do not think we can survive 4 more years of the same. If Nebraskans will make an educated vote we will be on the path to recovery. "

 To yes we can wrote on October 5, 2008 7:24 pm:
" Thank you for making Obama sound more arrogant and elitist. I am sure that will really help your cause. "

 blue collar wrote on October 5, 2008 7:27 pm:
" i'm middle class and i resent down home talkin. i also resent McCain for chosen such a loser as Palin.

you bethca i think shes unqualified. the GOP has let blue collar & middle class jobs go overseas then has someone like her talk in a good ole boy accent and were supposed to buy it.
give me a break! "

 To To Jay wrote on October 5, 2008 7:28 pm:
" You know, the middle class. The same middle class that will get a tax break under Obama's plan. Unless of course you're a conservative elitist that makes over $250,000 a year.

Under McCain's plan my taxes go up just over $200. Under Obama's plan my taxes go down just over $600.

Under republican leadership more and more American jobs have been going overseas. How do you plan on supporting your family if you have no job? "

 mnhusker wrote on October 5, 2008 7:40 pm:
" Over the last few weeks, our leaders in Washington have proven that they can't be trusted with our money. Now Obama wants to get elected so he can push more government programs down our throat like universal health care. Do you seriously think government can handle anything? Anyone who voted for the bailout should be thrown out of office. "

 Another middle class Obama supporter wrote on October 5, 2008 7:59 pm:
" Not only does the "down home talk" of Palin nauseate me, I have a hard time believing that she “is just like” me when she has 5 sets designer glasses and I can’t afford to replace my one broken pair. "

 Gr8fulDude wrote on October 5, 2008 8:08 pm:
" How can Obama be an elitist? He only owns one house. He's also not offering universal health care, he's merely proposing national health insurance, how much you pay for it will depend on your income. McCain's health plan will force employers to drop 20 million off of their health plans and force employees to come up with the $12000/yr payments themselves. "

 To To Jay wrote on October 5, 2008 8:09 pm:
" I am a lifelong member of Lincoln's middle class. My father was a police officer; my mother a small business owner. We weren't poor, but my parents worked hard for what they had.

I, for one, would be afraid if Joe Sixpack were my president. "

 cheap talk wrote on October 5, 2008 8:15 pm:
" Do you really have faith in all the lip service we're getting? We're talking about politicians! It's an election year! If any of them ever accomplished 10% of what they promised pre-election, my car and house wouldn't be for sale and I could keep the kids in college. Wake up people. "

 Middle Class wrote on October 5, 2008 8:29 pm:
" Oh yeah, Sarah Palin's just like us, right? Just another Joe Six Pack. Except for the fact that she comes from the Heath candy bar fortune and has never had to worry about paying the bills a day in her life. But hey, she talks folksy, so she must be just like us. Never mind that rich liberal elitist that is Obama - you know, the guy who grew up raised by a single mom on food stamps. What an elitist.

Personally, I don't want someone "folksy" or someone "just like us" to be president or VP. I want to elect someone SMARTER than us. Obama it is. "

 nemo wrote on October 5, 2008 8:47 pm:
" I refuse to put all my faith in a man, whether it's mccain or obama, yes we can. Don't tell me how to vote ok? And to to jay, more taxes are not the answer. And no I don't make 250 thou, but I wish I did. Oh and my parents also worked hard and are right now living on social security so don't tell me about being middle class. "

 jason wrote on October 5, 2008 8:49 pm:
" God help us if the McCain/Palin get in office. Why would McCain have a person like that for a VicePresident??? She is so plastic and artificial, its insulting to think McCain thinks we feel she would be able to carry out any Presidential duties if something happen to him. UNBELIEVABLE!!! unless there is a republican group that is basically running things, putting words in their mouths and running these 2 like puppets. Scarey heh... "

 spending wrote on October 5, 2008 8:51 pm:
" Ask yourself will either of this two balance the budget. One is going to spend a trillion more dollars. That man barack obama. "

 josephine wrote on October 5, 2008 9:11 pm:
" To Middle Class, get your facts straight before you start sending out lies.
Sara (Heath) Palin is not related to the Heath Candy Bar family at all. You should search the internet (you know the thing Al Gore invented) first before you go and make up or perpetuate lies. "

 Michael K wrote on October 5, 2008 9:17 pm:
" It is funny how I am always hearing about the liberal media... This is the same media that is own by the military industrial complex. Lets be honest how many of you Joe six packs & hockey moms are hurting from having that beer with George W? Can you all not see clearly. Why do you all think it is great to leave this country to our kids in a much worse shape than it was left to us. It is not only unamerican but downright traitorous to vote this woman into the vice presidents office. This is the most serious vote you will ever make. So please make it wisely. By republicans standards if your a intellectual person and your educated at one of the finest ivy league schools your an elitist. They had better do some checking into their own ranks because my difinition of the word elitist mean someone who does not care for the common good of others who are not like them.... In the words of Howard Stern (wake up people) your not like them and you never will be if you keep voting against your own interest. "

 AF wrote on October 5, 2008 9:31 pm:
" To "spending" :

If your rationale for wanting to control spending is to slow the increase of the national debt, you might want to vote Obama instead. Economists estimate that while both candidates' budget plans would increase the national debt, McCain's would increase the debt by $1.5 trillion more than Obama's, over four years. Much of this is attributable to the fact that McCain is proposing another big tax break for wealthy Americans, representing a huge loss of revenue from people who can more than get by without it. "

 DR wrote on October 5, 2008 9:53 pm:
" It's fairy tale time again. Once upon a time.....or If I am elected...

I will never vote for Senator Biden and that leaves me only one choice. "

 you choose wrote on October 5, 2008 9:53 pm:
" One house, vs. how many does McSame have?

Harvard, top of class vs. 5th from bottom West Point.

Many people forget that McCain wanted to quit the republican party, not to many years ago, now he expects their support. What a maveric!

I'm to broke to vote republican this year....first time ever! "

 Misleading wrote on October 5, 2008 10:02 pm:
" Saying that Palin drew thousands is misleading, given that she was in the Music Hall of the Civic Auditorium, which only seats about 2400 "

 tito wrote on October 5, 2008 10:03 pm:
" Still waiting to hear from an Obama supporter what he has accomplished.......still waiting................should I stop back later to see if you found anything? "

 RE spending wrote on October 5, 2008 10:14 pm:
" I just feel obligated. While thinking about increasing the national debt, consider this report from the Tax Policy Center:

http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/UploadedPDF/411750_updated_candidates_summary.pdf

Although the analysis concludes that both plans would increase the national debt significantly, McCain's projected deficit would be greater than Obama's. The Executive Summary notes that, "Neither candidate's plan would significantly increase economic growth unless offset by spending cuts or tax increases that the campaigns have not yet specified."

You might also want to check out their analysis of the candidate's health care proposals. To my eye, Obama's plan looks only slightly more expensive than McCain's ($1.6 billion vs. $1.3 billion), and a good deal more effective. "

 LNKLiberal wrote on October 5, 2008 10:17 pm:
" Wow. She speaks to a crowd of 2500 in a city of 450,000 in *Nebraska* of all places. That's as good as she could do? In republican-central? Where was the accent? Where's the folksie talk and the coy winking and the flirty smiles? It's a farce. Small-town values include honesty, something her campaign seems devoid of. I'd like to see her practice what she preached. "

 Patriotic here wrote on October 5, 2008 10:27 pm:
" My mind keeps going back to Biden's definition of "patriotism". Paying taxes?? Really? Then my family is MUCH more patriotic than many others. We make well over $250,000/yr. b/c we're entrepreneurial and BOTH spouses work. And in our spare time we WORKED, building houses to better ourselves before choosing to start a family. Go ahead. Tax our business. But guess what? We'll pass along that price to the consumers. And cut the great incentive program we offer our employees. And we'll STILL live in a $150,000 house. Because it's the right thing to do. Yep! We'll be patriotic, all right. VOTE MCCAIN!!! "

 Cowboy George wrote on October 5, 2008 10:40 pm:
" I must tell you, as an independent, that I am very disheartened by the fact that McCain picked Palin. It seems to me that for him to pick someone like Palin is a slap in the face to many Americans. We will only have 30 more days to find out what this lady is about. Whether you agree or disagree with Obama, at least the American people have had a chance to vet him for the last two years.

Also, I agree with 'To To Jay' we have already had Cowboy George for the last eight years and look what "Joe Six Pack" has gotten us. "

 Pliny wrote on October 5, 2008 10:46 pm:
" " 'Down home talkin' is what the middle class relates to?" Please don't speak for us all. I work for a living and I know Palin is an idiot. Would you really rather elected officials fed you folksy-aw shucks-platitudes instead of talking to you about REAL ISSUES? We're smart, right? We can understand those things, can't we?
In the debate she kept pushing that her "strength" (even though the question was about shortcomings, but she'll answer just as she pleases) was that she was "just like us." Well, if she's supposed to be the "every man," then why not *any* man/woman? The whole premise is ridiculous.
Voting for the best candidate for the future of the country is our civic responsibility. Nobody should support a candidate just because s/he makes him/her feel smarter by comparison.

And she needs to keep her paws off the UNO Mavericks hockey team. They're the Mavericks- she's nothing more than a snake-oil salesman. "

 alexis wrote on October 5, 2008 10:53 pm:
" John McCain in 1989 was one of the Keating Five involved a savings and loan scandal that sent Charles Keating to prision. And who was it that turned snitch to save his own hide? None other than John McCain. And now he wants to be president when another money scandal is tearing this country apart? Do not let this fox guard the hen house. What do you have to say about that Sarah, or don't you remember???????????? Talking down to me by calling me joe six pack just shows how much you and John (associates with criminals) are out of touch with the middle class. "

 NObama wrote on October 5, 2008 10:53 pm:
" If you think your chosen one is going to give you a tax break, then I have lots of foreclosed houses to sell ya! "

 Navyman wrote on October 5, 2008 11:09 pm:
" To those that think McCain/Palin will have policies to ship jobs overseas, just look at Clinton who supported and is responsible for NAFTA. Also, who wants to have Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and Obama running the country. Pelosi and Frank were proud in front of their photo op bragging about a $700 billion bailout. They, along with Obama, were the biggest beneficiaries of campaign contributions by those running Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the main cause of the financial crisis. Plus, the press doesn't even ask how Obama will pay for all his programs, including his health care plan which will encourage businesses to drop their own insurance plans. And has anyone heard the mainstream media ask Obama about his extreme partial birth abortion views. Yes, he is in favor of a measure that even Biden didn't vote for and over 80% of Americans are against. "

 Re jay wrote on October 5, 2008 11:12 pm:
" I attended Palin's rally and it was a very positive experience that shows we have a top notch person headed for the white house. Out of Obama, Biden, McCain, and Palin it is very clear that Palin has the most experience and track record to actually fix Washington. People complain about how corrupt our government is and how bad overspending is and then insult the best person for the job. This is crazy!

Here are some of the key differences in this election:

1. Taxes - Obama says he is going to cut taxes for 95% of us, with trillions of dollars of new spending proposed and also never voted to reduce taxes in the Senate, we know this is a lie. With the current economy this will lead to a total disaster. You don't have have to have a degree in economics to figure that out.

2. Payroll Cap - Obama is going to remove the payroll cap for everyone. That means that a lot of people will spend $1000s of dollars on a service they don't even use. He doesn't consider it a tax increase, but it will come out of our checks.

3. Swift boat politics? I would hope the people of the US would like to know what kinds of friends Obama has. This could be a matter of National Security, we cannot ignore this in this day in age.

4. Energy - Obama seems to think we can get renewable energy tommorrow. Everyone else knows this is not true and we need to drill some to lead us to other energy sources. We have to stop giving trillions of dollars to countries that hate the US.

5. Bailout - If you don't approve of the $700+ billion bailout then why would you want to vote for a candidate that wants to add new government programs that will need bailed out. If you think this is bad wait until we have to bailout the medical industry for Obamas national health care plan. This is assuming that he doesnt bankrupt the US first. "

 To To Jay wrote on October 5, 2008 11:17 pm:
" Typical ignorant conservatism to scream "liberal elitism" any time someone points out that speaking with a "down home" accent shouldn't win you voters. This election should be about the issues. I've never understood why people want someone like them in the white house. I don't want someone like me. I want someone much much smarter than me to be in charge, and I want them to sound like it when they talk. I also want them to care about issues that affect me, but they don't have to sound like a hillbilly for me to know that they care. "

 Randy wrote on October 5, 2008 11:18 pm:
" Sarah Palin is not related to members of the Heath Candy Bar fortune. That's as far as I'll go to defend her. She is nothing but an attack dog, trying to pander to people's thoughts that a President should be an average Joe. Bush likes to portray himself as a Joe Six Pack Guy, even though his grandfather was in the US Senate for years, his father was President and he has an MBA from Harvard. The qualities that Bush has to seem like a real guy, is to butcher the English language, along with being a horrible President. Now the Republicans are trying to mold John McCain, a guy that has backed Bush for eight years, as a Maverick. He's a Maverick all right if having a wife worth over $50 million is what constitutes a Maverick, it certainly isn't his policies. Middle-class Americans,(and believe me after 56 years I'm middle-class, and after my 401k portfolio comes in the mail next week, probably lower middle-class)
should be voting on which candidate has a better position on taxes (Obama), health care (McCain's is far worse than my current BC/BS would ever be, Social Security (McCain wants to privatize it, put it in Wall St--that would work well) Yet every four years the Republican Party trots out crap like family values, gay marriage, Nascar Dads, anything to try to make the Democrats seem like the party of privilege. How in the world a guy that grew up the product of an interracial marriage, that once had to survive on govt subsistence (food stamps---Republicans hate them), went to Harvard Law School (where he was wildly successful) decided not to go into corporate law (rather at age 22, became a community organizer (something that Palin derides---even though she doesn't understand what the position ascertains) successfully went into politics, defeating the Clinton family political machine can be considered elitist and unworthy of a vote, compared to a 72 year-old stubborn old man, and a woman that has been a Governor of a state that is North of Vancouver for 19 months is beyond me. The mocking of different people/groups is nothing new in politics. Bush against Kerry, Bush against Gore, Reagan against well everyone, Nixon/Agnew against the Press, Youth, VietNam Protesters, you name it, George Wallace against the hate-mongering liberal elitist press and Washington, etc. Stop and use your mind, I have. I'm a registered Democrat now, but I've voted for Reagan twice, and shudder Bush once, the decision is quite easy. We need Obama/Biden. Now more than ever. "

 female voter wrote on October 5, 2008 11:26 pm:
" omg palin has the same private parts as me! mccain is so smart to have chosen a woman. now i know how to vote! "

 Proud student for McCain wrote on October 5, 2008 11:34 pm:
" I went to the rally and loved every minute of it! With the bailout in motion and 3 states now asking for a bailout, I don't want anyone in office that thinks the government should be spending more money on programs. Let's think accountability. Obama may be promising reduced taxes, but he's raising them on businesses. How do you think they'll pay for those taxes, just gladly take it out of their pockets? No, they'll be raising the prices of goods and fire employees to pay for their raised taxes. That'll sure help out our economy. I just hope Obama supporters actually check out the issues. Check www.barackobamatest.com and see where you stand. I'm voting McCain/Palin. "

 Go Sarah History is being made wrote on October 5, 2008 11:50 pm:
" She's Awesome and it was wonderful to see and hear her!!! She and McCain have our vote and Many others. I'm stoked!

I hope, at the end of this election, that people will come together and the venom will stop. Irregardless of WHO wins. Will YOU be the bigger person??? "

 LDE wrote on October 5, 2008 11:52 pm:
" Another definition of "Maverick" is "loose-cannon" and we have had that in the White House for eight years. Do you really believe McCain/Palin will buck their own party or reach across the aisle to the other party when they are resorting to "Swift Boat" tactics in this campaign? Get real people! Perhaps Nebraska Republicans are so lock stepped in Party idolatry that they can't see beyond their parochial noses. "

 To Spending wrote on October 6, 2008 12:39 am:
" You allege that Obamma will spend a Trillion Dollars. Bush has already put us a Trillion in debt and thats a fact.

I'll take the facts before I believe your allegations any day. "

 Ray-J wrote on October 6, 2008 6:14 am:
" The quote "she's no hillary clinton" hit it right on the head, if Sarah WERE a dem, they would fall over themselves yelling her praises.

Those of you who vote obama, good for you at least you voted BUT when it hits the fan, be good enough to admit your mistake. "

 Outside the Box wrote on October 6, 2008 8:27 am:
" I had no idea that Tina Fey was in Omaha last night. I bet it was another funny performance. "

 WCG wrote on October 6, 2008 8:29 am:
" When did being capable, well-educated, and smart become 'elitist'? Isn't that amazing? We've had an ignorant, 'down home talkin' Republican in the White House for eight years, and look where it's gotten us. We're in two never-ending wars, and one was with a completely innocent country (except that 'God' supposedly told Bush to attack them). Budget surpluses have changed to record-breaking budget deficits with his borrow-and-spend fiscal policies. And do I have to mention the economy?

But as dumb as Bush is, how dumb do you have to be to want to 'stay the course' with ANOTHER ignorant, faith-based Republican? McCain was 894th in his class of 899, and Palin... well, just listen to her. She actually thinks that the Earth is only a few thousand years old (which is well after the time that Sumerians learned how to brew beer), and that humans and dinosaurs lived together!

Barack Obama was raised by a single mother on food stamps, but through sheer ability and determination graduated from college (with a degree in foreign affairs) and from Harvard Law School (magna c_m laude, the very best of the best), and was president of the Harvard Law Review. A constitutional scholar, he turned down a lucrative legal career for community organizing in Chicago, then a very effective stint in the state legislature, and on to the U.S. Senate. Along the way, he has wowed everyone with his brilliance and common sense, and he has NEVER talked down to anyone. But no, he's intelligent and well-educated, so he's 'elitist,' huh? Gosh, we certainly don't want anyone smart leading our country! Golly gee, Mabel, let's elect a doofus just like us! "

 Cowboy George wrote on October 6, 2008 8:30 am:
" I wonder if "Ray-J" would be willing to admit that the last eight years has been a complete disaster for the middle class. Never has there been such a transfer of tax burden from the rich to the middle class. Even under Reagan (who I wasn't a big fan of) the middle class paid a smaller portion of the overall tax receipts. Look were that has gotten us. "

 S Laughter wrote on October 6, 2008 8:40 am:
" All of you people that think Palin is this next coming, are like sheep being led to slaughter. You are the same sheep that spent themselves into debt, spent this economy into a crisis, and agree with the bailout plan. she is the the slight of hand that you need to make yourself vote for McCain, then we are in trouble, because this duo will lead our nation to total ruin. Won't be hard since it is nearly on the brink anyways. "

 To Alexis wrote on October 6, 2008 8:48 am:
" John McCain was completely absolved from the Keating Five. Found totally innocent. The people who post here (most of them) don't care if Obama raises taxes on people with incomes over $250,000. BUT, they don't realize that they will be paying MUCH more for the goods they buy because the increased taxes on the wealthy will trickle DOWN to the middle and lower income classes. "

 JFC wrote on October 6, 2008 8:57 am:
" I am a woman, I don't where lipstick and think Palin is a poor excuse for who she is supposed to represent. ANYONE who is dumb enough to fall for that idiot is just that, "an idoit"! Wake American! You are going to get hosed again if you vote McCain/Palin! I don't intend to take any more! "

 Question wrote on October 6, 2008 9:09 am:
" What, exactly, is liberal elitism? "

 Republican wrote on October 6, 2008 9:23 am:
" Republicans are stoked. They have a lot of wind in their sail because Palin didn't fall on her face during the debate.

Now, in all fairness, it was very hard to call Sarah Palin's infommercial a debate. I believe in a debate, you actually have to address the questions. "

 HOPE08 wrote on October 6, 2008 9:33 am:
" I am a former Republican who supports and will proudly be voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden on Nov.4th!

McCain, along with his Republican henchmen, has turned into a win at all costs, lying, grumpy, lacking of character, desperate shell of a man. His choice of Palin was reckless, gimmicky and insulting. The Republican party politic has been a divisive, smear, slander, scorched earth, swiftboat machine with McCain/Palin at it's helm. This is NOT the America I believe in or trust nor are they the people I want to see running it (or ruining it).

Seriously people, Palin is NOT ready to be a heartbeat away from the highest office. I urge you to do some research on what she has done in Alaska. A lot of it isn't pretty, folks. This past Saturday, in Anchorage, 250 people showed up at a Palin rally - 1,500 showed up at a an Obama rally. Fairbanks, Juneau and Homer all had Pro Obama rallies that same day. Alaska is speaking out against their own Governor. Her approval rating is dropping and she is NOT the most popular Governor in America - contrary to what you've been told.

I am voting for Obama/Biden for what they will bring back to our country - dignity, stability, opportunity and the vision they have to move our country forward. The issues they have fought for and fighting towards have more to do with bettering Main Street (that's you and me), than the pseudo "Joe Six Pack" Palin or the pseudo "maverick" McCain.

People...WAKE UP! Drop the party politic and take some time to totally review the platforms and issues and make an educated and informed decision. The McCain/Palin ticket is on the attack and they want to distract Americans with smears, fears, lies and NOT talk to us, like educated adults, about the substance we need at this defining moment. It just makes me sad to think people will vote, against their best interest, all in the name of party loyalty. Such a shame.

I love my kids too much to let the Palins, McCains, Bushs, Cheneys and their henchmen rule the playground with their bullying tactics any longer. Not this time! I refuse to let them screw up my children's future!
Obama/Biden - for the CHANGE we NEED! "

 Vern wrote on October 6, 2008 9:39 am:
" Down home talkin? She sounds like a hick and she should speak properly to the position for which she is interviewing. I won't be voting for a republican or a hillbilly. "

 Hey WCG wrote on October 6, 2008 9:45 am:
" You bring up class rank, tell Obama to release his Columbia and Harvard transcripts. What is there to hide? "

 JB wrote on October 6, 2008 9:45 am:
" Just a programed robot saying lies and half-truths. Obama is leading with 353 electoral votes and McCain/Palin are desperate. "

 Hitcher wrote on October 6, 2008 9:52 am:
" When did the presidency suddenly become a matter of academic transcripts? The Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, was smart and well-educated also, with a PHD in math. And he was a one-man terrorist campaign, blowing people up all over the country until he was caught. "

 Bill wrote on October 6, 2008 10:06 am:
" Hopefully she didn't talk. Or, at least the GOP should have passed out earplugs. I heard the over/under on her saying "Maverick" was 22. I wouldn've bet on the over. "

 Ignorance and Blamers wrote on October 6, 2008 10:07 am:
" THAT is the definition of all the Yellers I see and block out. Who in God's green earth can "hear" anyone who INSULTS everyone who is not "like" him and is "ignorant" enough to think he/she is capable of running this country on arm chair politics.

Oh yes, I will add this. I am Sickened by those who are full of themselves and think they know better than others what our miltary do and encounter. To NOT even think of screaming about the war and say you "support" our military. Or dare to scream your rights to me that our military fight for Your right to rudeness.

Tsk Tsk

Sarah Palin is smart, articulate and wise. She doesn't need to hire multi million dollar "experts" to study whether we should use our own resources for one thing. She is for my RIGHTS as a woman. Not the followers of Hilary, who is educated all right. Who has been political all right. And who has been involved in some of the worse coverups that befell others b/c of their "power". They escaped moral accountability. THAT is contemptable, especially when they have Not made ammends for such.

Examples I pray my offspring escape! Oh, yes. My offspring. Sarah and I are "old fashioned" in our values and virtues. We don't believe in "murdering" life in your womb. Even IF it is a pregnant teenager. We believe ALL life is valuable. Much of you don't. This is the rift. "

 wow wrote on October 6, 2008 10:13 am:
" It amazes me how anyone with a brain can be confident in Palin, quit drinking the kool-aid and think for yourselves. Obama is no perfect candidate either, but the thought of that woman running this country (and she will when McCain croaks) is scary. I don't want someone "like me", I want someone smarter who understands politics and who will be respected by the people she will have to work with.

Unbelievable what people will convince themselves of when they have to justify voting Republican in every election because their priest told them those dirty liberals are going to rip their unborn babies from their stomachs.

Take the blinders off and think about how we got where we are today. You have your own brains, use them. "

 Eric wrote on October 6, 2008 10:32 am:
" Yes, Mrs. Palin, the connection between Obama and Ayers is absolutely "fair to talk about". While you're talking about it, though, please remember to point out that the same article you are parroting concluded that there was no reason to believe Obama agreed with or supported the ideals. Also point out that every other credible news agency that has investigated has come to the same conclusion. "

 Hee-Haw wrote on October 6, 2008 10:48 am:
" Gosh, I thought Hee-Haw ended years ago, and to think, I missed seeing Minnie Pearl!!!!! "

 Gregg wrote on October 6, 2008 10:57 am:
" I'm middle class and Palin scares me. Remember people, you're not just voting McCain for president, you're voting for Palin for president. If something happens to McCain, do you really trust her Joe 6-pack mentality and beauty pagent skills to run this country?! "

 wrote on October 6, 2008 11:09 am:
" How is that everyone feels first term Sen Obama is qualified for President and Gov Palin is not qualified for VP? "

 Dee wrote on October 6, 2008 11:15 am:
" Palin "wanted" to be in Nebraska? Whatever. As for the few "thousands" who were there to see her -- earlier that day there were 18,000 people at Civic for the Komen Race for the Cure... now THAT'S an impressive crowd. "

 tim r wrote on October 6, 2008 11:31 am:
" We are rightfully proud of our "elite" fighting force. If I need brain surgery, I want an "elite" doctor. Stephen Hawking is an "elite" mathematician, Warren Buffet is an "elite" businessman. Why would I not want an "elite" politician to be my President. Sorry folks, this time, I'm voting for the smart ones! "

 Hey WCG wrote on October 6, 2008 12:49 pm:
" You state: "Along the way, he has wowed everyone with his brilliance and common sense, and he has NEVER talked down to anyone."

You obviously haven't heard his talking down to people, just ask those bitter Pennsylvanians about it. Don't drink the Kool Aid too fast. "

 To tito wrote on October 6, 2008 12:51 pm:
" Here's an idea: How about you actually go and do some research for yourself on a candidate instead of expecting other people to do it for you? If you really want to know about Obama's accomplishments, there are plenty of resources available for you to use. That is, if you aren't too lazy to do it. "

 JB wrote on October 6, 2008 2:00 pm:
" Earmarks per capita: Wasilla with Palin $1000, Alaska $500 Ave State $50 Lincoln $38. Wanted the bridge, kept the money, built the road for it and wants a bridge to her house. "

 Nina wrote on October 6, 2008 2:26 pm:
" 'Wrote' should have figured out by now that the difference between Obama's and Palin's ability to lead is evident to those who have analyzed the content they have both had to say, and the manner in which they spoke. Get it? (Wink, wink) Also, I would ask another poster to remind us how 'trickle down' worked for Reagan, then for Bush, and given those performances of the theory, how it is expected to suddenly start working for McCain? "

 Jaclyn wrote on October 7, 2008 8:19 am:
" I am surprised we dont split our votes. that makes me sick! electoral votes are an unfair way to go. a vote for a vote should be the american way!! but then the repub would loose more !
vote against mcsame and failin. we deserve more!! wink wink take it back to high school cheerleading palin and go raise your kids!! youd be great for the pta or some less important position that requires min. knowledge!!!! "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 7, 2008 11:06 am:
" John McCain comes from a line of Admirals, had plenty of contacts for college (bottom of the class) at the Naval Academy and plenty of political contacts and money from the father of his heiress wife.

Barack Obama pretty much did all of the above for himself with college (graduated with honors), and developing his own political contacts.

John McCain was a raging adulterer for 3 years before officially scrapping his wedding vows and marrying a young new wife.

Barack Obama didn't commit adultry and dump his wife.

John McCain Has 7 houses and 13 cars (he's not sure, more of an estimate.)

Barack Obama has 1 house and I believe 2 cars at the most.

It's comical to read this spin but, WHO'S the elitist here? "

 Too Funny wrote on October 7, 2008 11:14 am:
" Yokel Yuppies making nearly $200,000 claiming to be Joe Six-Pack?

Rofl "

 Too Funny wrote on October 7, 2008 11:29 am:
" Yokel Yuppies making nearly $200,000 claiming to be Joe Six-Pack? I don't think Mrs. Joe Six-Pack wears $500 titanium glasses.

By the way, isn't there an Alaska accent available? Mrs. Palin sounds pure Canandian. "

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