Have another point to make…call me crazy, but how is it fair that candidates don’t announce their running mates at the same time? It strikes me as odd, and clearly the Republicans were given more lead time to figure out strategically who to pick as their VP based on who they think can go up against whoever the Democrats picked. You know Palin wouldn’t have been picked if Obama had Hilary running w/him…McCain’s trying to win over the female votes. But I’m sorry…being a women we’re not that naive to pick someone just because of girl power. We’ve got issues to solve and I want to know what Palin stands for. And how about it that she’s not doing any media interviews? What have you got to hide Sarah Palin? And I’m tired of the sleazy, high school tactics that the Republicans are playing. Any logical human being can see through their dirty tricks. Give me a break! The statement about lipstick on a pig is just an old saying…and let me remind you that McCain used the same line when he attacked Hilary. Journalists and the media should stop reporting like they’re running tabloids and start drilling the candidates on real issues. Stop throwing distractions that don’t mean a damn thing to what’s really at stake. I guess McCain is too old to come up with his own campaign message and has to go out and steal Obama’s message on Change. Seriously, how can you talk about instilling change when you can’t even be innovative enough to produce your own campaign message?? One last thing to add. I’ve been in a beauty pageant and know just how conniving women can be. And it takes the more manipulative kind to actually win. Under the smile and make-up is where you’ll find the truth…and it ain’t pretty.

Cingred - You’re right on the money (no pun intended)! I was also thinking the same thing about the victory comment. If the republicans claim that we have reached this so-called victory in Iraq, then why are we still pumping resources (both money and people) over there, increasing the troops’ rotations, and haven’t rolled out plans to remove the troops? Instead they think we should continue to expend money and lives for a war that has spiraled out of control, and with no clear end in sight. Palin has good presentation skills, I’ll give you that. But again, no substance delivered in her speech. Republicans love to play dirty, throwing mud over the fence. I also hope Biden shreds her to bits on Oct 2nd…but you know what, the media and republicans will probably make comments to put Biden to shame for attacking a woman. Oh please! If you want to play in this field Missy, then step up to the plate and stop whining.

I don’t understand that poeple don’t think Palin has experience but the alternative is Obama with less experience. Also McCain 96 year old mother is in great shape and people are talking like he is dead already. Then Biden makes Obama ok except Biden is about the same age as McCain. Seems like everyone is talking out of both sides of their mouth. There are many stay at home dads raising families today and Palin’s husband is ready to step in so lay off the fact she is a mother.

What economic plan does Obama have? One of the major tenets of his economic plan is to raise taxes. He wants to repeal the tax cuts that Bush implemented. That will increase taxes on any family making over $31,850. He wants to increase taxes on capital gains. Well the last time I checked a majority of Americans own stock specifically in their retirement accounts. I will not bore you with a tirade. There is one question that I would ask Obama, “What is the primary purpose of a tax system, increase revenue or redistribute wealth?” From what I hear I suspect his answer would be the later. Most of his recommendations will not raise revenues and they will squelch economic growth. It is easy for a politician to be generous with someone else’s money. Hold on to your wallet when they talk about fairness. As for the definition of the rich look at the mess congress has made with the AMT.

GOP, It is not my intent to punish people for working hard, believe me I know that a successful career takes effort, time and education. I truly admire those that work towards good fortune and success. Congratulations you have been blessed; However please keep in mind that given our present economic standing it is so hard for a working middle class American to put a child through school for that exact education, and we both know that without that degree that child will probably end up a stat for unemployment; possibly due to the local factory closing and going overseas or working for minimum wage at a fast food restaraunt or worse yet collecting welfare because there just is no other option. So to ask for higher taxes on those that work hard and are making a comfortable living to contribute to offering that opportunity to others by supporting better education plans, and maybe keeping those factories open by keeping jobs here in America (for those that could not afford college and have kids), and to help the future of our economy is a reasonable request to me. I certainly hope whoever is elected does something about the state we are in! I truly believe that Obama is more geared towards boosting our econ than McCain. Quite Frankly Palin was McCain’s worst choice yet, she’s so right she is wrong, and I am mortified that she is even in a VP candidate role!

It’s so nice to hear from someone that has the **** to standup for what they beleive in…not just…. oh I’m a black man vote for me….unqualified…undecided….uneventful…that’s what the senate means to Barack Obama…. I would love to see a minority president….but not this time around….sorry… my future is in danger & the future of my children…vote for who you beleive in & if it’s Obama…good luck

I don’t know about anyone else, but as a working mother living paycheck to paycheck, I fail to see what Sarah Palin offers in effort to ease the economic burden that we all experience. Do we really think that McCain/Palin will not raise taxes for the middle/lower class white/blue collar workers. Here’s an idea, let’s not spend the 10 billion in Iraq and spend it here! And what victory are they referring to in Iraq! Is there victory in any war ESPICALLY this one! I didn’t know we went to Iraq to conquer, I thought it was to help…duh..right!!! I think her speech misconstrued Obama’s plan to increase taxes. His plan affects those making a qtr of a million in revenue! The more you make the more you pay, that’s how it should be! I also hope that whoever is elected in office taxes the hell out of companies that elect to ship our jobs overseas! Thanks to the Bush admin businnesses that choose to do so get tax breaks!!! Did she even mention any of these things in her speech…of course not she was too busy bashing Obama and the democrats keen sense of decorating style…really, was the greek pillar comment related to our political dilemma in any way! I can’t wait until Biden rips her apart Oct 2nd!

It was rather glaring where she was reading parts of the speech she had no connection with, unfortunately those were the only talking points that had content, the stuff she was comfortable with was just the beauty contest stuff, “We all want World Peace and my husband is a snow machine champion”. More than a few good slogans those speechwriters wrote. One more thing, the end of her speech, she said something to the effect of, “he is the one that is able to lead our country for the next four years! ” - now that I’ve never heard in the convention about a first run candidate. They usually say EIGHT years. Telling. Furthermore, I stumble in the clash awhile ago the Presidential Campaign TV Ads Getting a Little Nasty!, featuring her running mate McCain. A sooner or later you knew it had to start! The media is begging for it and the people want to see some fight in their candidates. So here ya go…and I am sure this is only the beginning.

The one thing she got right is that she is a pitbull with lipstick. Biden better not backdown.

Cingred, I cannot believe you are serious. You want to punish people for being successful by working hard and getting compensated for it. Obama is going to tax the hell out of everybody, INCLUDING YOU, just wait.

The ebay theme is still very inappropriate to me.

I am a woman and a mom. I watched Sarah Palin’s speech. I don’t care if she is a hockey mom or ran an office while she was taking care of family we all do that. But the bottom line is we had a president for 8 years who did not know what the names of countries were and where they were on the map when he was running for his first term. Look where we are right now. John McCain had several bouts with cancer he is 72 years old if something happens to him she will be the president. I do not want the country do be exactly where it is with George Bush. She will be a president who did not even have a passport until a year ago. She has no experience in foreign policy. Sorry but that not does make her equal to Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton has a law degree she is very smart has been in politics literally all her life. Barack Obama chose Biden I had my concerns about Obama but I respect Biden I always enjoyed his debates and knew he was very knowledgeable so eventough I was disappointed Hillary was not chosen I got over it because of Biden. Now the McCain campaign is not letting her answer the media well this is like a Hollywood movie. Bring a small town mom and make her VP. But I am not willing to gamble my future.

Every political speech is prepared by professional speech writers.

I agree that Alaska population is very small compared to many other states. Personally I wasn’t at all excited with her speech. For one thing the speech was written by a professional speech writer. Anybody can read from someone elses speech notes. She may have had some strong words about changes the whitehouse but like so many others before her once they get there they tend to sit back and let things move with the general flow. Again I ask why has MaCain been sitting there for 27 years and only now decided to do something for himself. Obama has been moved through the ranks very fast and that can only mean one thing. He is progressive and focused. Another point Obama is extremely popular overseas. I think America need as many friend as possible overseas in all corners of the globe. Britain, europe, asia. He brings diplomacy to the world scene not confrontation. I am looking at the USA from the outside but if I had the right to vote I know who I would be voting for.

The plane sold for $2.1 million on eBay. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/25/us/25jet.html?_r=1&fta=y&oref=slogin