By Barry

September 23, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Obama does = change, but not for the better. Who is going to pay for all that big govenment spending? Tax the companies, they have lots of money. that will only drive the price of goods and services up higher then they already are. Look what Pelosi and company have done to us in the last two years. “the price of gas will not go up”, vs the truth is it has gone up $1.50 a gallon and the “trickle down” price increases on everything because of that. McCain is not a great choice. Obama is a worse choice.

By Go Vote

September 23, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Gotitright will always have the last word because this person thinks they are always right and will never accept anyone else’s opinion. The fact is these 8 years have not been very productive and we need a new leader with new ideas. We are a global society and we have to interface with other counties more than ever; and the America cowboy (McCain/maverick)syndrome days have to end. We need a politician with diplomatic capabilities and will stand strong for our beliefs. I really wish there were other qualified candidates, but there are not. I do hold both candidates in high regard to go through this election process and may the best man win. Please exercise your rights and go vote.

By Peter

September 23, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

The Obama-McCain reactions to the crisis perfectly illustrate their leadership styles — a rash call for firing the SEC chief from McCain, a steady analysis and attempt to facilitate consensus from Obama. McCain does not have the temperament to lead America through its current crises. Obama has better judgment, a broader vision, and a steadier hand.

By Dan

September 23, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I agree that the unions played a hand in the downfall of manufacturing, but not for wage and benefit packages. The union failed to enforce rules by the corporation, which led to little or no productivity. They continued to protect and defend the union worker even when they were clearly in violation of corporate code of conduct. Many sleeping on the job, drinking on the job and drug use on the job. My father and sister were both union members and heard the complaints quite often. My sister retired form GM before the fallout 10 years ago. I’ve seen the pain Daytonians have suffered these past years. I hope and pray for a recovery so Dayton may capture its luster once again.

By Vermonter

September 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Leslie, I apologize for insulting you and I agree all have every right to express their opinion especially those with differing opinions.

By Janie

September 23, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Do any of you folks know the details of McCain’s healthcare plan? He will give each houshold $5000 toward health insurance. But in exchange, the tax benefit for employers will be gone. Therefore any employer offering healthcare will no longer be able to afford it and not offer to employees. But we can take our $5000 from McCain and put it down on a 12,000 per year policy if you are in good health. And for those who will be lucky enough to actually get healthcare from their employers, it will be considered taxable income. So if any of you McCain supporters have health insurance, before you cast your vote, you better get a good supply of your meds.

By Art

September 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Dan - the union killed dayton by demanding wages and benefits that are out of touch with the common man. It was just a matter of time before GM collapsed, and I am sorry to see it.

By Leslie

September 23, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Mike, I believe the Federal Government has grown way to large and is controlling way beyond it’s scope. During the democratic and republican debates which seems like an eternity ago now McCain said similar. McCain’s record does show that he goes against party lines. After enough of the line McCain voted 90% of the time with Bush I went and looked at each issue that McCain voted on to see what they were and if I agreed with his votes. I did not 100%, but when McCain voted 90% of the time they had to do with Iraq and I agreed. Those are just what passed. There were amendments upon amendments with junk thrown in. Just like the e-verify program in the house right now and Senator Mendez is holding that up trying to tack on 550,000 more H1B visas at a time when people are loosing their jobs. I believe the illegal immigration is part of our economices problem (I said illegal not legal). I have no problem with people immigrating here we are a country of immigrants. But I personally feel the amnesty program in the past and then continued influx of illegals has contributed to the downfall in our economy. I support the raids and I believe McCain will continue them. I believe he will support harsh punishment on employeers. I also believe that McCain knows that is part of the federal government’s job. Protecting our borders and our country. I thought McCain picking Palin was a good business move. I did not find it an insult to women. The fight between Hillary and Obama went on forever until we were all sick of it. Then when the campaigning came between McCain and Obama McCain could never get his voice heard. Palin gave that opportunity. All of a sudden people were listening. I admire an everyday working woman that has achieved what she has achieved. I’m impressed with a woman that fought the good old boy network. I personally know what that is like. I remember fighting similar battles and the nasty things that were said to me and about me. I do like that she sold the jet even at a lost. That she got rid of the Chef and that she preferred to live in her own house. I understand supporting the bridge and then changing her mind - happens in business all the time and in our daily lives. I do believe in drilling while we find better alternatives. This nation was built by the people not the government. The government did not invent the car, the first flying machine, the light bulb…etc. I’m surprised we the people have not come up with something better. There’s more, but I am waiting for the debates to make my decision.

By Glus

September 23, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Newsflash Dan, Dayton has been in decline for over 15 years. Mostly local politics are to blame.

By jneill7854

September 23, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

This year I will vote strictly on the issues. Our economy has put everything into perspective. I plan to vote for what is best for me and my family. Trickle down economics has not trickled down on middle class in years. My family cannot survive another 4 more years of loss. This year I will be casting my vote for Barack Obama. I am asking anyone who reads this to vote on issues. This country depends on the middle class America and it is clear that Barack Obama will stand up for the middle class. Please visit: www.american-dream.memory-of.com

By Dan

September 23, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

You can all squabble about who would be the better choice for president, only time will tell. For those that want to vote for McCain, I wish you all the luck. If I am not mistaken, unemployment is running around 7%. I don’t quite see trickle down economics working for Dayton, Ohio. Dayton is also on Forbes Magazine list of top 10 most dying cities(#4 to be exact). Remember it’s your job and your financial future at stake. If you ask, “Can it get any worse”, it can. Remember the seeds you sow are the ones you will reap for you and your family. If things have been great for you these past 8 years, more power to you. The stats say they haven’t or Dayton would be the thriving metropolis it used to be.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Steve - eerrr Howard, at least we are in agreement. Now, give us that donkey like yell that you are famous for!

By Glus

September 23, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

I am an ex republican who now considers myself an Independent conservative. Conservative, Liberal. You defend your side, I defend my side. I can list 100 reasons why my guy is better. You can list 101 reasons why your guy is better. Reading this post is like listening to congress. How in the world can we come together as Americans to improve and preserve our way of life? There is a cancer spreading across the world called radical Islam and we are going to need the brightest people of all colors and genders to preserve our lifestyle and culture as we know it. We need to encourage family & schooling. These are both conservative and liberal values. Maybe we can start there. Just a thought.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Leslie — nice post. I will never understand why people want our country to be like the Europeans. Who wants to pay those taxes and $9 per gallon for gas. We truly live in a bad country (sarcasm).

By Steve

September 23, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

gotitright - you got it right! I am Howard Dean. Thanks for elaborating. That (1) Gore would have us all walking to work and living in tents without AC, and (2) Kerry would have wet himself on 911, are certainly far worse than the issues I raised. Hey, wait, are you Karl Rove?

By Mike

September 23, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Leslie - fair enough. But I would like to know specifically why you think McCain and Palin will do a better job. McCain’s positions change daily (e.g., no regulation - tighter regulations) and what Palin would do is anyone’s guess; she’s not talking to anyone. I’ve asked alot of my Republican friends specifically what these two would do to improve our lot, but the most I ever get are ad hominem attacks on Obamma. So, specifically, what would they do get us out of the multitude of problems that face our country?

By Glus

September 23, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Ahen Leslie! This is America. We do not want to be like Europe.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Jen - Clinton left Bush with the dot-com bubble. If you think this is a hellish economy, then you need to compare it to past economies as I mentioned. Don’t just real off the demcrat talking points as if you know what you are talking about. Steve - is that you Howard Dean (eeeeeeehhhhaaaaa). Get over it, Gore lost, which is a good thing because he would have us all walking to work and living in tents without AC. Dude! some of you people just live in the past. Also, I expect Kerry would have wet himself on 911.

By Leslie

September 23, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Vermonter, I do get it. I understand your middle ground. I was a single mother making minimum wage and I worked hard to get where I am today. I give to United Way, but I tell them exactly where my money goes. Why? Because I don’t trust them. They pick and choose who they help. I’ve known plenty that needed their help and got none. Our social programs have been a mess and I do not like Obama’s plan to fix them. I’m still holding off for the debates, but I think McCain and Palin will do a better job. I would rather improve what we have than change our country to be governed like European countries. Insult me all you want, but that is my opinion and in America I am still allowed to have one and voice it.

By Steve

September 23, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone wonder what would have happened if we had elected Gore in 2000 or Kerry in 2004? There’s a good chance we would (1) be fighting two wars, one of which was unnecessary and based on lies, both with no end in sight; (2) lost the respect of the international community; (3) have an economy that is tanking and requires a massive federal bailout; (4) have experienced rampant cronyism and incompetence throughout the federal government; and (5) have record gas prices and home foreclosures. Boy did we dodge a couple of bullets there.

By Vermonter

September 23, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Leslie, I am amazed once again how you and your friends come up with stories to support your platform of keep your hands off my cash and hardwork. You just don’t get it do you. We are all in this together and we have to find a middle ground to make the system work for all of us that want to try. Not just the perfect and really wise Republicans. Telegram for Mr. Mongo…

By Jen

September 23, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Gotitright you can have the results you discuss when the Bush administration came into economy left behind by the Clinton administration. We had a surplus and world power. 8 years later we are reduce to this hellish economy and need a lifeline from other countries. Bush will go down in history as the one of the worst Presidents ever and why in the world would I want his puppet McCain to take over to practice his policies as President. I lost any respect I had for McCain when he picked Palin as his VP. Ben – Please don’t be so naïve and not realized that the Bush camp manipulated the National Intelligence to come up with the WMD report. Everyone was duped except Bush.

By Mike

September 23, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Great story Leslie - I could not had stated it any better except for the last line. This should read ‘Welcome to the Republican party where we elect the bottom-dwelling party animals like Bush and McCain to the highest office in the land.”

By excoolaidrinker

September 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Poor Joe better look in the mirror.

By Leslie

September 23, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Let me give you an analogy of our upcoming brain trust coming out of college: Father/Daughter Talk: A young woman was about to finish her first year of college Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth..She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his. One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school. Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn’t even have time for a boyfriend, and didn’t really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying. Her father listened and then asked, ‘How is your friend Audrey doing?’ She replied, ‘Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She’s always invited to all the parties and lots of times she doesn’t even show up for classes because she’s too hung over.’ Her wise father asked his daughter, ‘Why don’t you go to the Dean’s office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA.’ The daughter, visibly shocked by her father’s suggestion, angrily fired back, ‘That’s a crazy idea, and how would that be fair! I’ve worked really hard for my grades! I’ve invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!’ The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, ‘Welcome to the Republican party’. THIS explains politics in simple terms that even a Democrat can understand.

By Joe in Dayton

September 23, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Wow excoolaidrinker, did I hit a nerve. Fact is, you are a racist. By your statements it’s unambiguous. From your reaction I would also say that you are experiencing cognitive dissonance. Some of the symptoms include: insecurity, hostility, defensiveness, brusqueness agression, irritation.

By Stefan

September 23, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Ben- George Bush’s first loyalty has always been to those who hold his leash in this country and overseas, period. If John McCain was anything like the maverick he plays in his television and Internet ads, he’d have long ago personally led a bipartisan crusade to bring Bush and Cheney to account for their excesses. McCain has had almost 8 years to demonstrate some political courage, some modicum of willingness to risk his political future to do what was in the interests of the nation. When a Republican hero was desperately needed to blunt Bush & Cheney’s tyrannies, John McCain was derelict. When it came time to truly put ‘Country First’, McCain was AWOL again and again. Lastly, Ben, only a deluded Kool-Aid drinker could choose to ignore what is glaringly obvious to most Americans. Bush abdicated any and all responsibility watching over America’s economy long ago. He turned the keys of our economic kingdom over to his cronies and to unscrupulous corpo-terrorists- merchants of unmitigated greed who wouldn’t know loyalty to country or patriotism if it bit them on the fanny. Their fealty is solely to the almighty buck; long-term security and economic justice mean nothing to these criminals. Finally, Ben, if you really are naive enough to think there will be anything left for stockholders after this administration is done handing out golden parachutes so that these corpo-criminals can flee with their millions to some safe haven beyond the arm of extradiction, have I got a bridge to sell you!

By excoolaidrinker

September 23, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

you are a racist, plain and simple. I hope you don’t or never have children and that your type finally fades away. Our great country doesn’t need or want your type. Attack attack attack Joe, its all you liberals know. You are like a bunch of rabid dogs. By merely pointing out facts, you accuse me of being racist. I would be the first to vote for a QUALIFIED black person or woman. Unfortunately Obama is not that person. Obama attended a racist church for over 20 years where they preached racism but I am the racist. I am a racist like YOU are an idiot.

By Glus

September 23, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

No Ohio Lady, nobody is calling people stupid, Just misguided. Have you ever taken any anger management classes when you attended that college? I forget where you said you went….

By Joe in Dayton

September 23, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

“Even with the love affair the main stream media has with Obama, he can’t get any traction. People aint buying what he is selling unless you are black.” excoolaidrinker - you are a racist, plain and simple. I hope you don’t or never have children and that your type finally fades away. Our great country doesn’t need or want your type.

By ohio lady

September 23, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

fyi race is race is race it has been an issue, for a million years and will be for a million more. and black people didnt become stupid until voting for a black man was at issue, i have yet to hear barack obama bring up race at any point in fact he asked that race not be a deciding factor in this race. seems to me the only people bring race into this are the lame brains who want us to believe they arent. you an debate all you want but you cant debate this obama is black ohh big shock the secrets out there, now you can get back to the real issues

By Glus

September 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Well that explains it Ohio lady, an econ degree from a liberal college. By the way, it spelled CarnEgie.

By Joe in Dayton

September 23, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

“It’s Obama’s fiscal policies that will tank the economy and skyrocket energy prices. I’m still waiting for a response on how it will do anything else.” Gee Ben, so I’m waiting for a response on how McCain’s policies (whatever they are; I have checked the campaign positions statements in the last hour) will do anything different. At least with Obama we have a chance of pulling out of all the problems we have (not just the current economic crisis; we have so many others). But with McCain, we will undoubtedly get the same. If you disagree, please explain. How disingeneous to say that after 8 years of Republican rule in the While House and 6 years of Republican rule in Congress all are woes boil down to two years of Democratic majorities in Congress, consisting of one seat in the Senate and 31 in the House. The problems go back way longer than that. For example, we have two oilmen in the White House, but to this day we have no idea what took place in Cheny’s secret energy policy meetings with oil executives. Talk about transparency in government. These guys are crooks. In this case they don’t have to steal our money as we willingly give it to them after drinking their magic potion.

By ohio lady

September 23, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

ben thanks for the udate on the differences between economics and b.s or should i say politics, ill make sure to pass that on to my professor at carnagie mellon, where i got my masters in economics. you can debate as much as you want. the fact is if mccain had so much forsight in 2005 then why would he vote WITH george bush 95% of the time from 2005-2008, that makes him sound even dummer than before. what fool do you know gives a blind ok to walk the country into a recession knowing what is already coming. if he made this prediction in 2005 then it seems like he would have spoken up before the 2008 presidental race. and for all others freddie mac and fannie mae have contributed NOTHING, NOTHING AT ALL to the financing of the obama campagin, the only thing obama did was make a single phone call to the head of freddie mac and ask about his vice presidential candidate, all of a sudden they became campaign advisors. so stop making it like they are running his campaign that is a lie, that the mccain camp is using to scare you into voting for an inept, ogar that is still living in the dark ages, I would be afraid he is on this blog but he cant use a computer!know your facts man.

By excoolaidrinker

September 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Even with the love affair the main stream media has with Obama, he can’t get any traction. People aint buying what he is selling unless you are black. He continues to underhandedly play the race card and insult the very people he needs to vote for him. Then there are always his associations prior and current that he can’t explain or distance himself from. He can’t speak unless there is a teleprompter in front of him. Then there is arrogant mouthy Joe Biden who gaffes every time he opens his mouth and has been a member of the do nothing congress for 30 years. Thank you god. You have got to love that message of change. This is gonna be fun! Has anyone else notice how angry and nasty the Lib’s are? They again show their true colors. Obama was a failure clear back when he was a community organizer.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Jen, are you referring to the record 52 months of consecutive job growth under President Bush??? Check the facts. Compare the average interests rates, inflation, and unemployment to the previous decades (including the 90s), and you will find the avgs under President Bush are very good.

By benbengoaway

September 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Ben this is straight from BarackObama.com/taxes tell me, is this the TAX RAISE you were talking about???? * Cut taxes for 95 percent of workers and their families with a tax cut of $500 for workers or $1,000 for working couples. * Provide generous tax cuts for low- and middle-income seniors, homeowners, the uninsured, and families sending a child to college or looking to save and accumulate wealth. * Eliminate capital gains taxes for small businesses, cut corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and provide tax credits to reduce the cost of healthcare and to reward investments in innovation. * Dramatically simplify taxes by consolidating existing tax credits, eliminating the need for millions of senior citizens to file tax forms, and enabling as many as 40 million middle-class Americans to do their own taxes in less than five minutes without an accountant. Big business does not keep this economy going to the extent that consumer spending does. It is the consumer who spends money that keeps this economy moving. Clearly you need an economics lesson instead of using the GOP play book which has proven not to work. Republican controlled congress for six of the eight years of the Bush kingdom, so don’t give me this crap about higher gas prices these last two years blah blah crap. That was already in the works before dems took over. If we do not spend jobs will not be created, big business will go under and tax revenues will go down. Guess who spends the most??? People making between 40,0000-120,000 a year which tada equals the middle class so lets do the math ben, if we give money back to the MIDDLE CLASS they will in turn open small business spend more at Kohl’s Wal-Mart and Best Buy and get this economy running. LIKE someone once famous said IT’S THE ECONOMY STUPID!!!! Clearly Republicans have not and will not ever get it right.

By Alice

September 23, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

If Big Business is so good and helps the economy and Bush and McCain have been helping Big Business help us, why has the economy sucked for much longer than since just Jan 2007? Has Big Business not been investing in our country? Or are we really in good shape economically, but we’re all really brainwashed by that liberal media? I suppose we aren’t really losing our jobs or healthcare… it’s all just an illusion. Both the repubs and the dems have done far too little but Repubs have done little for longer. They have controlled the majority of our government since 1995. Obama wouldn’t kill small business, increase unemployment, stifle growth or skyrocket energy. Bush and the Republican-controlled government have already done that. According to a vote analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Quarterly, McCain was the administration’s most reliable supporter in 2007. Apparently,you were too. Fortunately for us, most of the country doesn’t agree with you.

By AJ

September 23, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Ben: I agree with you that the Congress has done nothing. I think this is regardless of which party is in control. I will also put more blame on Congress than the president. Repubs had it first and more recently Dems have had. They all have done nothing good. However, they have all done exactly what Bush has wanted. Congress tends to listen to the president. McCain has voted with bush 95% of the time. You follow? Obama’s plan is not perfect. However, increasing taxes on the rich(250k+), increasing taxes on corporations, and pulling out of this stupid war than Bush/McCain wanted and got will decrease spending drastically and increase tax revenues. McCain’s tax cuts favor the rich far more than the middle class. This is a fact. I do wonder Ben are you for or against this bailout? I am 100% against it. The market should correct itself and more government intervention will bring nothing but more pain in the long term.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

It’s Obama’s fiscal policies that will tank the economy and skyrocket energy prices. I’m still waiting for a response on how it will do anything else. Let me repost my earlier post for those that will respond without reading it——————————————————————— Big Business gets tax breaks because big business creates jobs, supplies the cities with tax revenues, and grows the economy. Not because they are all buddies. It’s called economics, and there are tried and true ways to grow the economy and taking away capital gains in an economuic downturn is not one of them. And because of the stockholder/investor effect, overhead (jobs for the middle/lower middle/lower class) are the first thing to go in most cases. And congress is the LEGISTLATIVE branch of the government, not the Presidency. The Do-Nothing Democratic controlled congress has been asleep at the wheel for the past two years, which just so happen to be the two years where energy prices have soared, and the financial markets thrown in turmoil. Barrack Obama can try to play the blame game, but the legistlature makes the laws, the executive just signs their approval or vetos.

By Joe in Dayton

September 23, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

So, Ohio will again vote against its own interests throw itself and the country further down the drain. What will it take? When is enough enough?

By A J

September 23, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

george: please tell us what red flags? Especially the one real red one. I really hope they hope they are substantive and not fear mongering in nature. You know, false stuff like he is a Muslim.

By Leslie

September 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

If all the rich supporting Obama (people that make more than $250,000) like the Hollywoods are so willing to be the only people paying taxes and they have so much money to throw around why don’t they do it now? They can give to the needy in America they don’t have to send it to foreign countries. They could give money to the Chicago schools that are so poor. They could give money to the Dayton school system. They don’t have to wait to be taxed. So why don’t they? It would be better spent than on the Obama campaign.

By AJ

September 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

To CONNIE: McCain is a good leader? How so? Just because he was a POW? Spare me. He has made terrible decisions. Palin was a terrible choice for a VP and that is reflective of the kind of person he is, her pick was purely political in nature. Obama hangs around bad people? You mean the false Aires stuff? Rev. Wright? Rev. Wright’s comments were correct given the full clip and proper content he was speaking on. Go search YouTube for the full videos and learn something. He was simply stating that 9/11 was a result of America’s terrible foreign policy. Bin Laden himself has stated this. McCain’s advisors for his campaign are all big time corp. lobbyists. McCain left/cheated on his ailing wife for that trophy wife he has now when he got back from the war. That’s not a factor in my decision not to vote for him, but just know the kind of man McCain is. McCain is going to continue exactly what Bush has done. Sell out to the big corps and whoever helps all his cronies. You need to wake up and realize this election is about the rich maintaining power and control of your life versus someone like Obama who will bring forth transparency, accountability, and most of all honesty. Something which McCain cant seem to do in this campaign or just in general.

By george

September 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I am for McCain. Check into Obama background. Dont buy what the mainstream media is trying to tell you. There are red flags everywhere,and one real red.

By Vermonter

September 23, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Ben, “Race in this election is a red herring” Are you serious? To say to everyone reading this blog that race will not have an effect on how people will vote is completely false and is a pathetic attempt to bolster your candidate. Please don’t get me wrong. I am not calling you a racist or McCain and his staff. I am just stating that racism exists in this country and it will play a part in this election. Vote with your heart not hate.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Wow, Jen and Skeptic, I don’t know if there was one truth during that entire rant. Skeptic, even Joe Biden called that add false and low. And Jen, national intelligence pointed to WMD’s, even democrats in congress admit that, it was a breakdown in intelligence gathering if anything. No matter how much you want to use the GOP as a scapegoat, just about everything you listed is false.

By Leslie

September 23, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

LOOK WHAT COMMENTS MCCAIN MADE in 2005 PRIOR TO THE SITUATION WE’RE IN TODAY> Sen. John McCain [R-AZ]: Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae’s regulator reported that the company’s quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were “illusions deliberately and systematically created” by the company’s senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight’s report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae’s former chief executive officer, OFHEO’s report shows that over half of Mr. Raines’ compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac. The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator’s examination of the company’s accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform. For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs-and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO’s report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO’s report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay. I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole. I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation. What was Obama busy doing PRIOR TO ALL THIS MESS> He was working with Acorn to pressure banks to give out loans that people couldn’t possible afford.

By Skeptic

September 23, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

McCain is 72, doesn’t know how to use the internet, and thinks the economy is fundamentally sound. If that doesn’t scare you, it should. McCain will follow Bush’s failed policies. We are falling behind the rest of the world in nearly every measure - economy, education, health care, etc. I am voting for Obama. It is time for a real change.

By Jen

September 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

This sad economy all started with the Republicans 8 years ago and not the Democrats. GW and his manufactured war of WMD that didn’t exist so his cronies could make out like a bandit and finish his daddy’s agenda. We little people today are paying a heavy price with our economy and lives. The Republicans started this turmoil 8 years ago when they controlled the House, Senate, and the Presidency and our economy has gone down the toilet since then. How do you go from a flourishing economy 8 years ago to a toilet economy of today? This 700 billion bale out is a last ditch effort for the Republicans to skim our tax dollar money to line their pockets before they lose control. Wake up Ohio…are you better off today than 8 years ago. I have friends out of their jobs and homes. McCain is a puppet and he will only say what you want to hear and will carry on GW’s policies once he is in office. McCain/Palin are not mavericks, but know how to spin the truth or lies. Talk about flip flop McCain can’t decide what to say and it is captured by TV. I hope that old man does not croak if he is made President with Palin waiting in the wings…scares me to death!!! Pray for our children and the mess this administration has left behind for them and us. It is important for everyone to VOTE however they want this coming election no matter who they chose. The US dollar is no longer the powerhouse currency and the rest of the world is celebrating. Quite sad. : ( . We need to come together as nation to become a great nation once again.

By CONNIE

September 23, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Obama has Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as his big supportors. Bill Clinton is the one who did the de-ruglator (however you spell it)on banks and financial institutes but had no one watching it. and congress has been for close to 2 yrs. obama hasn’t done crap in the senate but say he was present and people in illinos can’t stand him unless you are black. and to me this election is about race,sex or gayness.its about this country needing a leader not a great speaker and gazes out at the telepromter. McCain wants town meetings and Obama says no and why is that because he can’t answer questions unless he already knows what they are going to ask.Tell me how qualified he is. I am not a McCain fan either but Obama has bad judgement when it comes to people who he associates with and that is what my problem is with him.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

AJ - racism? Are you referring to the fact the 90% of AMs vote for Obama while about 50% W vote for each candidate? So, who are the racist? But, let’s not argue facts.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Race in this election is a red herring brought up time and again by the Obama campaign and supporters. I’d have no problem voting for Colin Powell or Condoliza Rice. Obama’s policy proposals will lose him this election, not the color of his skin, no matter how much he brings it up.

By A J

September 23, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

*Ohio just has too many racists, sorry, typo

By Ben

September 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Ohio Lady, it’s called Economics, not BS, and its taught at every business school in America. The economy was in a down turn when Bush took over, then there was 9/11, and by 2006, there had still been substantial economic growth. After the Bush tax cuts, income tax revenue went UP 20% over the Clinton administration. The law of declining average returns will go back into effect if you put in effect Obama’s propsed tax plans. Calling Obama clearly the best candidate is like calling a paddleboat the only way to cross the ocean. Not to mention that if McCain has no foresight on the economy, why was he the one sponsering the Financial Reform act of 2005 which pretty much called exactly what just happend with Fannie and Freddie? Try giving me answers instead of MoveOn.org rhetoric.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

…tax breaks that Obama proposes, not opposes, typo

By A J

September 23, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Why can’t someone say what is obviously a major factor in Ohio and likewise in other midwest and southern states. Obama is black and despite that fact that he is clearly the best candidate here regardless of your party affiliation. Ohio is just has too many racists. I am an independent and while I am not excited about either candidate. McCain has proven to have little to no knowledge about anything of substance, makes poor decisions, and most recently a chronic liar. Obama while no angel himself, has more intelligence and know how than McCain every will. McCain loves this country no doubt, but being a POW and a solider to not give you instant access to the oval office. I would rather entrust power to someone who was a Harvard grad(magna c*m laude) than to someone who finished in the bottom 1% the Naval Academy.

By ohio lady

September 23, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

here’s a funny thing, you can rant and rave as much as you want but one fact is for certain, the democrats have only taken over congress for 1 year, prior to that it has been 7 years of republican lead politics in washington and 8 year of george bush. so no matter what b.s is trying to be shoved down your throat, know this there has been more investigation into the gas prices, the war, the economy and large business collapsing in the past8 months than in the past 8 years. when you say you wont investigate your own you have to mean georgie pie, he has oil fields, or johnny boy who is a owner of big business. come one now get you head out of mccains a** and get in into you wallet. i’m sure the education system in ohio hasnt failed you so much as it left you not knowing how to count

By Ben

September 23, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

I hope you or your friends jobs are worth the $1000 tax buyoff that Obama opposes. Because corporations owe it to their investors to grow the company and profits, and jobs will be cut by the thousands to keep that profit margin and stock price. And for the ones that aren’t cut, have fun watching y9our 401K shrink as coporate stocks plummett because of reduced earnings. you tax big business when the economy is growing to fast (as it was in teh Clinton administration, those being justifiable tax increases), not when the economy is struggling. Raising corporate taxes in this economic environment is a recipe for disaster.

By Warpath93

September 23, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

The US needs to fire everyone - The Pres., VP, Congress and the Senate all at the same time. Let’s vote in normal people like a plumber, teacher, small business owner. This country will never be fixed until we nip it in the bud.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Big Business gets tax breaks because big business creates jobs, supplies the cities with tax revenues, and grows the economy. Not because they are all buddies. It’s called economics, and there are tried and true ways to grow the economy and taking away capital gains in an economuic downturn is not one of them. And because of the stockholder/investor effect, overhead (jobs for the middle/lower middle/lower class) are the first thing to go in most cases. And congress is the LEGISTLATIVE branch of the government, not the Presidency. The Do-Nothing Democratic controlled congress has been asleep at the wheel for the past two years, which just so happen to be the two years where energy prices have soared, and the financial markets thrown in turmoil. Barrack Obama can try to play the blame game, but the legistlature makes the laws, the executive just signs their approval or vetos.

By mccainmoreofthesame

September 23, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Ok first off OBAMA will NOT raise taxes on 95% of Americans, it is in writing go on his website and look. I doubt many people in the Dayton area make 250,000 or more or they would not be living here. I doubt more than 2% of the population in this state makes that much money, I’m a college graduate working on an MBA and I am not even close to that. And for you people that make over 250k your taxes will go back to the Clinton tax rate….of which you were not bitching about so the false claim that Obama will raise your taxes is a lie. Number 2 McCain will leave out over 100million Americans from his “tax break,” benefit only the wealthiest portion of Americans and kill this economy yet…You idiot hicks still praise him because he is against abortion and homosexuals….Maybe this election should be about your pocket book because god knows we cant have dem der gays in our neighborhood lol dumb hicks.

By John F

September 23, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

It continues to amaze me how the citizens of Ohio will vote against their own economic best interests. The bailout that John McCan’t is for/ no wait, against/ no wait, what do the polls say..should be know as the John McCain-Phil Gramm deregulation bailout program. I simply refer to it as the John McCain vasoline give-away.

By joe nilly

September 23, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

DemocRATs are funny. They only blame financial problems on Republicans because they have people without money fooled. Their fix to the economy overinflating is get a bigger balloon. They they overinflate that one. Got a pet project? Make a government office to govern it. Vote for me, I’ll give you money, but remember I own you now. Oh and you people who make too much you’re going to foot the bill. Perfect!

By Barry

September 23, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

I am really unhappy with both parties wanting to bail out big business at my expense. Here is an idea, make two lists. List a is the military, army corps of engineers, nasa, social security, highways, and things like that. List b is everything else (including but not limited to big business “bail outs” and social engineering programs). List a gets a modest increase every year. List b gets a trillion dollars slashed from it. I am really tired of runaway federal spending on things we don’t want or need. And both the repubs and the demos are to blame. Who cares about the sexual preferences of the three eyed snail darter in Wabash?

By Joe

September 23, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Actually, Ben, neither candidate can claim independence from the banking industry. Both received millions from securities and investment companies. But I agree will jneill. I am not going to vote for the party gives away our country to Big Business. As for being asleep at the wheel, McCain is the one that state publically that the economy is sounds days before the crisis came to a head.

By gotitright

September 23, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Just ask yourself why the Dems are not conducting investigations over the financial crisis. Don’t you think they would be investigating if it were the Republicans fault.

By Dan

September 23, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that despite all the economic hardship Ohioans are experiencing, they insist on electing a republican as president. Despite the financial meltdown that is occurring before their very eyes, they insist on voting for a republican for president. I grew up in Ohio and was proud to be from Ohio, but the ignorance I have witnessed in the previous elections as well as the one before us is unbelievable. I recommend you shed your biases, get educated and make an intelligent decision. The storm that is upon us will forever shape your financial future for the next 10 years.

By Ben

September 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

They should be easy to find Ron, 2 of them are Obama’s financial advisors and some of his biggest donors. JNeilll, I hope you like your $1000 tax buyoff from Obama when your job is cut because most major corporations have to have massive layoffs to meet their profit margins for thier investors. Unemployment would jump from 7.4% to 15% within 2 years with Obama’s fiscal plan. Major corps would have massive layoffs, and small businesses would be crippled. You raise taxes when teh economy is growing too fast (like Clinton did in the 90’s), not when the economy is stagnant with energy prices soaring. That is change I certainly don’t believe in or need.

By jneill

September 23, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

This year I will vote strictly on the issues. Our economy has put everything into perspective. I plan to vote for what is best for me and my family. Trickle down economics has not trickled down on middle class in years. My family cannot survive another 4 more years of loss. This year I will be casting my vote for Barack Obama. I am asking anyone who reads this to vote on issues. This country depends on the middle class America and it is clear that Barack Obama will stand up for the middle class. Please visit: www.american-dream.memory-of.com

By bud

September 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

fox news poll fair and balance right,also we in ohio vote McCain with a 7.4 unemployment rate god help us

By Ron

September 23, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Do you remember when the heads of the oil companies were interrogated in front of Congress. We need to do the same thing to the heads of Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac and we shouldn’t be bailing out people that couldn’t pay their car loans, etc. The line needs to be drawn somewhere.

By Ron

September 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I like that poll.

By Jim 5

September 23, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Obama’s party was asleep at the wheel while Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac crashed. Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee (Schumer) and Fannie Mae CEO (Franklin Raines) defended these cancerous companies causing the credit collapse we are now in. It is favoritism, cronyism, and special interest politics that caused this mess. Obama and his brand of Chicago politics can only hurt Ohio more.