The failing has not gone unnoticed by McCain himself, and as true to his form, what does he do when things are not going his way?  He goes with his gut and makes another gutsy move.  This time, pandering to the public and the media to provide a false-tense that he is suspending his campaign to go to Washington to make sure this bailout is pushed through.  Now at first glance, this may actually seem like a non-political, non-partisan move on his part.  Yet, as with many of the other falsehoods that John McCain and his team has put out in the past few weeks, if you just scratch barely beyond the surface, you begin to see what a political stunt this is.  Now I can go into details why this is so, but I think David Letterman is really spot on in his dissection of the situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E

John McCain has been throwing a lot of hail marys in his campaign.  His selection of Sarah Palin was one.  His push for putting up ads and talking points that focuses on the personalities instead of the issues was another one.  Yet this maybe the biggest one of them all.  Most media outlets and the general public are calling him out on this as well.  It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, but one thing is for sure - the debates will continue tomorrow, with or without John McCain.

Now for the record, I have nothing against Islam as a religion and myself have several Muslim friends and acquaintances.  However, I do understand politics and the American people’s fear of having a Muslim Commander-and-Chief, since the sworn enemies of America are Islamic extremists.  The America of today, will not elect a Muslim president - that is the reality.  However what I do not understand is the ignorance of some of the American people, to falsely accuse Barack Obama of being a Muslim, when he is clearly not.  This is not something that is based on opinion, it is fact.  The answer is boolean: true or false, night or day, black or white.  And perhaps at the core, that is the issue right there: black or white.

In this day and age, it is not kosher to say you won’t vote for a black president, because that will clearly be racist.  We are living in the 21st century after all, and the American society is beyond that.  No, no instead they say what is politically correct which is, “I can’t vote for Barack Obama because he is Muslim.”  When what they really mean is, “I can’t vote for Barack Obama because he is black.”  Sound outrageous?  Perhaps.  But in this day and age of political correctness and innuendos, is it really that outrageous to say something acceptable to hide what your true feelings are?  It doesn’t take a genius to do that as Bush has mastered that art form over the past 8 years he’s been in the oval office.

The whole subject of judging a person by the colour of their skin is so ignorant, yet it will be ignorant to pretend that it does not exist.  Just like it is ignorant to claim Obama is Muslim and to justify not choosing to vote for him based on that lie.  Perhaps that’s how George W. Bush was elected, and look where that got the American people.  Eight disastrous years that brought on a phony war and over 4000 Americans killed, a failed foreign policy and alienated allies, an economic crisis of a size that hasn’t been seen since the Great Depression, a housing crisis that is leaving millions of Americans homeless, an exploding annual deficit that will peak to over 500 billion by the end of the year and a national debt that has nearly doubled from 5.7 trillion to over 10 trillion during Bush’s term.

The freedom to vote and choose is a privilege not a right.  I accept the fact that people will have differing opinions and those opinions may not align with my own.  However, to form an opinion based on a well known facade, and to hide behind that facade because you are too cowardly to admit your true feelings … then that’s just what it is: cowardice.  May God bless America and keep it from being the land of the free and cowardly.  Amen.

What I found refreshing was that these former secretaries left their partisan banners at the door and had a honest, intelligent conversation about the real world challenges that the next President will need to deal with in the ever changing global climate.  They covered various topics such as the recent Russia-Georgia conflict, the Middle East and more specifically Iran, the use of the Guantanamo Bay torture camp, as well as the changing role of America on the global playing field.

On the Russia-Georgia conflict: The consensus was brash actions and sabre rattling is not the solution.  Colin Powell was most critical of McCain’s statement “We are all Georgians now” with the response, “One candidate said that, and I’ll let the candidate explain it for himself.”  Powell, as well as the rest of the panel agreed that Russia is an important ally to have and it would be irresponsible to jump to one side of the conflict without fully analyzing the situation and understanding the interests of both Georgia and Russia.  He even went as far as laying the blame of the conflict on Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, indicating that he was lighting a flame in a room full of combustibles, and the resulting conflict was predictable and avoidable.  Interestingly enough, a call to restraint without jumping to the backing of either side was a position that Barack Obama took.  John McCain on the other hand, put out his “We are all Georgians” speech without too much thought of the consequences or meaning of his words.  Perhaps it’s because one of his closest advisers on foreign policy is a former lobbyist for the Nation of Georgia, that McCain had such a harsh tone.  I’ll let the people past judgement on that one.

On initiating talks with Iran: Once again there was a consensus from the panel that the next administration must start dialogue with Iran or other nations that may not hold the US in high regard.  They were all flustered with why there currently isn’t any dialogue with these nations, and emphasized that diplomacy and multi-lateral negotiations with the help of other UN countries was the key.  Warren Christopher put it bluntly, “We can’t be complacent about the nuclear possibilities in Iran, but nevertheless we cannot afford not to have a comprehensive dialogue to see if it can be stopped because, frankly, the military options here are very, very poor.”  Again, seeking diplomacy and a multi-lateral discussion with other UN countries on Iran is a policy that Barack Obama has put forward.  Of course, this approach has been ridiculed by John McCain as being naive and never one to withhold an opportunity sabre rattle, McCain is well known for his “Bomb Iran” joke.

On torture and Guantanamo Bay: All members of the panel agreed that the Guantanamo Bay prison camp is unconstitutional and should be shut down right away to signal to the world that America actually follow actions that it preaches.  The torture of the POWs there is unethical, and it reduces America’s credence in the free world as well as alienates its allies.  This is one thing that both candidates agree on, however, the opinion on the rights and treatment of the prisoners is where Obama and McCain diverge. 

Finally, a theme that was persistent during the whole conversation was the acknowledgement that the role of America is changing.  The days where America can work solely as a demander of other nations is no longer a reality.  As other nations have grown into power, something that should not be seen as a threat to America, it is now more important than ever for America to be a leader and respect the needs and positions of other nations.  The need for America to patch up the relationships with their allies are paramount to any foreign policy decision moving forward. 

I found it quite interesting that although John McCain is generally viewed to having the advantage and experience in foreign policy, it is actually Barack Obama’s ideas and views that are closely aligned to what the panel is suggesting.  Perhaps with everything else, judgement and intellect does outweigh go-with-your-gut instincts and experience.  I am looking forward to the debates this coming Friday, and see if Obama can use his judgement and temperament to trump McCain on his strongest suit: foreign policy.  It’ll be interesting to watch indeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK3Y1KPzW9k

Although some people may say that all politicians break their promises, I would counter that to say there is a difference between being ambitious and promising things on the campaign trail that the candidate will try to fulfill in an ideal situation, and blatantly lying about your opponent and what he stands for, as well as making up accolades and achievements of what you and your ticket has done. This is the contrast between the messaging of Barack Obama and John McCain. While John McCain’s team is putting out ads that are making false claims about Obama’s record such as: voting to teach kids sex in kindergarten, calling Sarah Palin a pig, raising the taxes on the middle class - all of these lies have been debunked by independent non-partisan outlets - Barack Obama hits back with telling people the truth about McCain and his own voting record and policies. Here’s a list of recent ads from the Obama camp:

- McCain and His ties with Lobbyists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjS5sjxTnwo

- McCain against Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xIZtXq7JiE

- McCain’s Failed Grasp of the Economy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6reQLzgywzk

- McCain on Social Security:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czo0w3Xs3NM

- McCain on Health Care:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWX6d7r-bpk

- McCain’s and Palin’s False Accolades:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBtbG5xjFBY&NR=1

As if that is not enough, other independent groups that represents people who’s interests will be trampled on by the McCain-Palin ticket have released their own searing ads on the ticket’s stances on various issues:

- McCain and his anti-choice stance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9JHNIdZOYQ

- McCain and his ties to Oil Lobbyists:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPuoAWaVStE

- McCain and Sexual Predators:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0kiLoMY1hg

- Palin on Aerial Wolf Hunting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQobIUE1zTU

Now there is no argument that these ads are a part of negative campaigning. Anytime you take down your opponent as opposed to promote your own policies or candidate is considered negative campaigning. However, to say that an election can be won without any negative campaigning would be naive. The main difference here, is that the McCain camp tries to put out ads and talking points that do not reflect their opponent’s views and also misrepresents their own to such an extreme level that it is called lying. And what’s the best way to call that out? To tell the truth. And because the truth can sometimes be so damning, it’s the best type of negative campaigning that you can do.

Take this ad that concisely sums up McCain’s contribution to the last 8 years of failed policies and decisions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJThPjvscFs

There is no better surrogate to remind people of John McCain’s history and policies, than John McCain himself. Sorry John McCain, but the truth does hurt, especially when it’s coming from your own mouth.

It’s hard to say at the moment if this is the right move, however it has become clear that a move had to be made. After standing on the sidelines for so long, pushing the deregulation legislation of banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions that lead to this disaster, it’s about time the government did something to try to correct their mistakes. And let’s be clear about it, this was a mistake that stemmed from decisions made during a Republican backed Congress and Senate. In fact, it’s John McCain’s own economic advisor, Phil Gramm that pushed through this legislation while he was in the Senate.

Having this predicament happen during the final weeks of a presidential election gives the candidates, Barack Obama and John McCain a chance to show the American people how they would react to such a crisis. And the results on each candidate’s approach is day and night.

Here is a video that shows the contrast between the two candidates:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmfeesYmx1Y

On one hand, you have Barack Obama, who presents himself as a statesman, pushes asides partisan differences and attacks and provides a calming demeanor and tone, a clear grasp and understanding of the problems, as well as concise policies and steps that need to be taken. On the other hand, you have John McCain, who looks lost and confused, unconfident that he knows what’s going on and why it happened, and pettily lays all of the blame on Obama without following it up with any justification.

McCain’s failure to grasp and understand the situation is obvious, and he is clearly uncomfortable talking about the economy. The following video from the Rachel Maddow Show sums up McCain’s week of gaffes quite nicely: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNGa6Ujyaf4

Perhaps it’s the fact that the McCain team does not have any new ideas on the economy and how to solve the current problems which has lead his campaign to focus on attacking Obama’s character and have outcries about lipstick and pigs. This is contrary to Barack Obama, which has a concise and intricate plan that he lays out repetitively during his stump speeches and made available online:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM6zILb_FUU

I believe that the past week’s event has reminded people the importance of the coming election and how critical it is to have a leader with the right judgement and vision to bring the country back on track. In a time where America faces an economic crisis, wars on two fronts, a failing foreign policy, and a government that is failing the American people … now more than ever it’s important to put the right type of leader in the White House. If this week is any indication on how they will lead, there is no contest that the choice must be: Barack Obama.

Unfortunately the world view of America has seriously deteriorated over the last eight years and there is good reason for that.  From reaching a sympathetic climax from the world after the tragedy of 9/11, America has lost its course and alienated many of their allies.  The invasion of Iraq against the decision of the United Nations is one reason.  The unconstitutional torturing of POWs in Guantanamo Bay is another.  But the greatest factor is probably the whole hubris and total disregrad of other nations by the current administration.  To make things worse, this mentality is even applied to citizens of America.

The failure to respond to Hurriance Katrina and support New Orleans is one disaster.  The failure to respond to sure signs of a mortgage meltdown is another.  The failure to do anything that will curb America’s addiction and dependency to foreign oil after 9/11, especially since these profits are fueling the nations that are supporting extermist groups against the United States, is probably the biggest failure.  And now when democracy comes into play and the Americans who have been affected by all of these failures finally have a chance to respond by voting, the party responsible for these failures would like to take that away!  I was absolutely disheartened when I read this article in the Michigan Messenger where the GOP is attempting to block families who have been served a foreclosure notice from voting.  This is probably the most unpatriotic and un-American thing that I have heard, and something that I would think was even beyond the Republican party.

The premise that the GOP is using is that these families no longer live in these houses and therefore should not be voting in that district.  That of course is absurd, because anyone familiar with the foreclosure process knows that even when one has been served with a notice, that is not mean that the family loses their house right away.  In fact, in most cases this opens the door for further negotiation with the financial institution to come up with some type of repayment plan that is satisfactory to all parties involved.  But that is beside the point.  The point is, these are still American citizens and to suppress them from having the opportunity to speak their minds is, in my view, a violation of the basic rights of an American citizen under the Declaration of Independence.

It has become crystal clear that the Republican Party has decided that they will do anything possible, from outright lying in front of the media and in their smear ads, to abusing the fundamental rights of American citizens and intimidating the most down on their luck American people.  This is disgusting, this is repulsive and this is outright vile.  I pray that the American people see this for what it is, and exercise their fundamental right to vote and choose to against these tactics and bring back the America that stood for what it was founded on: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

In his commentary last night on Countdown, Keith Olbermann states his view on the topic:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#26614824

Watching the clip, I can understand the anger and outrage he feels with the way the Republican Party under George W. Bush and now under the McCain campaign as well, has marginalized this event and abused it as a political tool of fear mongering.  His statement of:

I (John McCain) will rather win an election, than catch Bin Laden.

is very telling.  I’m just glad somebody in the news media is speaking out on this subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r76Q4vVa2As&NR=1

The sad thing is, the Republican party has mastered the art of telling blatant lies, again and again, to a point that those that are uninformed will take them as fact.  However, with just a little scratching of the surface, it will be quickly revealed how distorted some of these points are.

As the clock ticks down to November 4th, I ask all of you that have the right to vote in this critical election, to be informed and don’t believe everything that you hear … especially the rhetoric coming from the GOP talking heads, without doing some research on your own.

To be fair, politics is not a game for the faint hearted.  For what is at stake, all parties that play this game must be playing to win.  However, I find it very disturbing when watching the RNC how angry, harsh and sarcastic the attacks were, while there was very little or no substance to their words.  To take people’s words out of context is one thing, but to tell blatant lies with a straight and smiling face is going to a whole new level.  And to watch the misinformed crowd just drink up the Kool-Aid and getting all raucous and fired up from these attacks was even more disturbing.  Maybe being Canadian, I am just too naive to this side of the political spectrum.  I am too naive to understand how a party who’s base members align themselves with conservatism and good Christian religious beliefs and values, can encourage and relish this type of politics.

The newest member to this game is Republican vice president candidate, Sarah Palin.  On Wednesday she gave a strong and sharp acceptance speech during the convention that earned her the a self-described “pit bull with lipstick” title.  However, although I will give her credit for her delivery and ability to lift the crowd, I found the content and the sarcastic tone of her messaging too over the top.  After playing victim and having the McCain camp accusing the media of sexism and attacking her family, she came out with guns a blazing - and mocked, ridiculed and outright lied about Barack Obama and his family, while stretching the truth on her own accomplishments.

Here’s a fact check breakdown of some of the items in her speech:
http://news.yahoo.com/story/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check/

As I said before, politics is not a game for the faint hearted.  Alls fair in love and war … and you can reasonably put politics in that sentence as well.  But to honestly to come off with such harsh attacks, telling blatant lies in her first speech to a national audience is not necessarily the first impression you want to portray to those you want to convert.  In fact, it will only add fuel to your competition as displayed by Obama’s record hauling fundraising of over $10 million in a day, the day after her speech.

The RNC focused on the attacks on Obama and his family and conveniently ignored the most important issues on the minds of Americans.  So let me sum it all up with a fusion of two well known statements.  Sticks and stones my break my bones … but it’s the economy, stupid.

Well, it looks like John McCain has taken that concept to a whole other level, as he and his supporters have continued to use the fact that he was once a POW as the answer to any difficult question McCain can’t answer or to deflect a campaign gaffe he makes.  When asked what he knows about the economy, his answer - he was a POW.  When asked about his foreign policy experience, his answer - he was a POW.  When the topic of his extra-martital affairs came up regarding cheating on his first wife, his supporters defended him with the answer - he was a POW.  When trying to put out the negative publicity of McCain not knowing how many houses he has, a problem most Americans can’t relate with, his supporters defended him with the answer - he was a POW.

It doesn’t take a genius to fingure out what is going on here.  Whenever John McCain has a “McCain Moment”, he is quick to pull out the POW card to distract people away from the topic.  If I do recall, Monopoly only has two of these “Get out of Jail Free cards” and the McCain camp has long exhausted that number.  The scary thing is, this is not a game that is being played.  The current presidential election is being held at a critical point in the global society.  With the American economy in a recession, the push for innovation stagnating, future powers such as China, India and Russia emerging, the United States needs a forward thinking leader that is in touch with today’s challenges, to be able to compete.  It is obvious that McCain does not have the abilities or the judgement to do so.  He trivializes his own POW story by using it out of context and deflecting critical questions that need to be answered.  This is not what you want in the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.

John McCain may think that the whole presidential election is a game, and that’s his prerogative to do so.  I just hope and pray that the American people do not just play along, and hold this event in the serious lime light that is required.  McCain has used up all of his POW cards … time to call him on it.

For more examples of McCain abusing his POW story, check out the article on: Daily KOS