Debate #1: Stalemate or Stale Rhetoric?

Debate #1: Stalemate or Stale Rhetoric?

McCain: “We are winning the war in Iraq.” (Repeat x20.)  He implies Obama and the Democrats want to “lose” the war in Iraq.  Ludicrously simplistic in addition to being untrue.  It’s not a football game.  I was hoping for a more indignant response from Obama:  “Dude - there’s nuance here!”  Something to that effect.

McCain: “I want to put an end Ethanol subsidies.”  I hope you’re listening, farmers.

McCain: “Senator Obama just doesn’t understand.”  This is the same Rovian tactic (strategy?) used by Bush against Kerry in 2004.  Lamentably, Americans fell for this drivel last time.  Will we, as a nation, be so gullible again this year?  Obama (and the moderator) let McCain get away with this, and it was usually the last word. Obama has shown time and again that he not only possesses a clear and thoughtful understanding of our nation’s current and future needs, but that he surrounds himself with qualified experts rather than cronies and yes-men, a hallmark of the GOP.

McCain: “The troops and veterans know I love them and will take care of them…” Interesting, when McCain either chose not to vote or voted against every major piece of legislation regarding veterans’ benefits since 2005 (see below.) Yet he still supports dumping billions of dollars into the bottomless pit of Iraq and requiring troops to repeat tour after tour.

McCain: “When I was with Ronald Regan in 1983…,” “Back in ‘Nam…,” “When I lived through the first Great Depression…,” “When Pa bought our horseless-carriage from Henry Ford…” (All of these quotes are verbatim.) This guy is old. Republicans, who have suddenly become extremely PC, howl about ageism, but it’s a valid issue.  Good thing Senator McCain picked a highly qualified, knowledgeable running mate.

Palin: “Blah, blah… Obama wants to lose the war, blah… he doesn’t understand… blah, elitist… blah, blah, wants to sit down and talk to Iran?  That’s crazy talk!… blah blah.”    Wait… it wasn’t Palin who said that, it was Giuliani.  Weak.  Seriously, where was she?

Palin: (crickets…)

Veteran’s Issues - Obama (source)

Date	Bill Title	Vote	Outcome
05/22/2008	GI Bill and Other Domestic Provisions S Amdt 4803	Y	Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 22)
01/22/2008	Defense Authorizations Bill HR 4986	NV	Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 3)
10/01/2007	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 HR 1585	NV	Bill Passed - Senate (92 - 3)
02/02/2006	Tax Rate Extension Amendment HR 4297	Y	Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
11/17/2005	Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment S 2020	Y	Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
10/05/2005	Health Care for Veterans Amendment HR 2863	Y	Motion Failed - Senate (48 - 51)

Veteran’s Issues - McCain (source)

Date	Bill Title	Vote	Outcome
05/22/2008	GI Bill and Other Domestic Provisions S Amdt 4803	NV	Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 22)
01/22/2008	Defense Authorizations Bill HR 4986	NV	Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 3)
10/01/2007	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 HR 1585	NV	Bill Passed - Senate (92 - 3)
02/02/2006	Tax Rate Extension Amendment HR 4297	N	Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53)
11/17/2005	Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment S 2020	N	Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 55)
10/05/2005	Health Care for Veterans Amendment HR 2863	N	Motion Failed - Senate (48 - 51)

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