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10/11/08
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29 comments
campaign 2008
Cheering crowd greets Todd Palin at Palmyra rally
PALMYRA, Maine — Alaska’s “First Dude” Todd Palin received an enthusiastic welcome to Maine Saturday afternoon while attending a barbecue and pressing the flesh at the Moosehead Trading Post. Palin, husband of Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, apparently prefers the “First Dude” moniker, as many of the women in the estimated crowd of 500 that filled the trading post’s parking lot in anticipation of pallin’ around with Palin, were wearing pink sweat shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Maine’s 2nd District welcomes Alaska’s 1st Dude.” Palin wasn’t on hand to give a formal political speech, but he did say a few words about his wife, Sarah, and Republican presidential candidate John McCain before wading into the crowd to shake hands and sign autographs. Political observers believe McCain has a chance to win the state’s electoral vote from Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Palin’s visit to Central Maine and another planned for Presque Isle on Sunday were scheduled to take advantage of that possibility. “It’s great to be in Maine.” Palin told the cheering crowd. “It reminds me a lot of Alaska, but you’ve got more colors in your leaves than we do.” He said that when it came to getting results, his wife and McCain “can point to their record, unlike others who can’t point to their record.” Palin received another loud cheer when he reminded the gathering that the McCain-Palin ticket had received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association. “Sarah and I are very active outdoors, hunting, and it’s a great endorsement,” he said. Reacting to the crowd’s support, Palin added that “Just from the looks of you, you guys are excited about this race.” The crowd was an even mix of men and women and included youngsters in strollers and seniors using wheelchairs. Parked cars stretched for more than a mile along Oxbow Road in front of the trading post as people of all ages took advantage of the beautiful fall day and the free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, apples and cold drinks at the event. Stephanie Bridges of Corinna spent three hours in a cloud of smoke over a hot grill flipping burgers as fast as her nephew, Christian Brown, could run them to the serving table. Bridges, who works at the Village Square Restaurant, said she volunteered her time because it was a good cause. “I’m a old hand at flipping burgers, but my grill doesn’t give off as much smoke as this one does,” she said. Free food aside, most of those who attended the rally said they were compelled to show up because of their belief in the McCain-Palin message. “He spent five and one-half years in a prison camp in Hanoi,” Korean War Army veteran Bob Lucas of Dexter said of McCain. “He deserves this. I don’t have to say any more.” Another Army veteran, Lee Norton of West Gardiner, said he rode to the rally on his three-wheel Honda Goldwing solely because of Sarah Palin. He said he served at Fort Richardson in Alaska during the 1970s and that the corruption of the oil industry was prevalent even then. “I didn’t know how I was going to vote but as soon as McCain brought her on, it was like a breath of fresh air. She took on the oil companies and cleaned things up,” Norton said. “This is the first political rally in my life. I heard it on the news and decided to come up.” Sandra Doyan of Winslow said she and her husband, Bob, support McCain-Palin “because of taxes. He’s not taxing us and I like that. I like his policy on drilling for oil along with alternatives. I also believe in putting up more nuclear plants. Christine Mathies of Hartland said she supported McCain because “I think he’s somebody I think will protect our country. I just believe he’s the right man for the job. Keeping our country strong is important to me. Keeping it strong and not socialistic.” There also was a small group of protesters at the rally, including Katrina Bisheimer of Bucksport, who was ordered off the property by sheriff’s deputies when she attempted to walk through the crowd carrying a sign reading “Women and Polar Bears against Palin” and “Freedom for Women and Polar Bears.” “Another view should be allowed to be expressed,” she said as a deputy led her to the perimeter of the property. Palin’s appearance in Maine came shortly after the Alaska legislature released a report on his wife’s activities involving attempts to fire state trooper Michael Wooton, who had been involved in a messy divorce with Palin’s sister. The report found that Gov. Palin abused the powers of her office by pressuring those working for her to fire her former brother-in-law. When Republican party spokesperson Jennifer Webber was asked if Todd Palin would respond to the investigative report, she referred reporters to a statement issued by the campaign claiming that “the governor acted within her proper and lawful authority” and that the inquiry was led by supporters of Barack Obama and that the Palins were “completely justified” in their concerns about trooper Wooton. “I’m not surprised that he won’t talk to the press,” observed Doug Hufnagel of Belfast. “It seems to be a family trait, fending off the press.”
Comments
http://tinyurl.com/43gajh
The report has been out for an entire *day*, _BDN_.
http://download1.legis.state.ak.us/DOWNLOAD.pdf
Good grief.
Ever heard of Google?
http://tinyurl.com/43gajh
who cares. Here we go again, proving the right to choose is not really a choice at all. Feminist and left wing liberal make this very clear. This movement is nothing more than a group supporting murder. It's not about rights or choices at all. Sarah is an articulate, qualified, successful, christian woman who made a CHOICE. She choose to be a mother and not a murderer. She choose to stand up against a corrupt state trooper and stand up against the boss that won't do his job to fire the rogue trooper. Amaziingly how this trooper's behavior isn't the forefront of the media report. She choose to lead Alaska into prosperarity. She choose to say yes to being the vice-president of the greatest nation on earth. And she choose to allow those that preach and demand tolarence and acceptance to degrade her, belittle her name, defame her family, and try their best to find some dirt on her. HYPOCRITES. WHITED SCEPULCHERS. PIT OF VIPERS. The true agenda is really revealed by feminist and liberals. You truly hate her. She represents everything you are not. She loves her husband and her family. Her husband loves her. Are you jealous of her successful family? If you can't find dirt you make things up. The whole troopergate investigation and media dialogue is truly disgusting. Even the report has conflicting statements within. The media and left wing are desperate to find dirt on someone they are so scared to have as VP. Get something straight if Obama the messiah gets to be president rest assure we will have more socialist idealogies, we will quickly progress toward a one world government and society, and economy. Anyway I digress, thank you Todd Palin for being a loving, supportive husband, and father. Thank you for not being intimidated by your wife's successes and position. Thank you for being a manly man. Thank you for coming to Maine and really showing us that you and Sarah are down to earth and being a breath of fresh political air. Thanks for being one of us! yes a fresh breath of the same political air. thank you getreal is a product of Fox News or possibly simply delusional. Most intelligent people want the truth and will seek it out from the least biased sources they can find. It takes guts to run for office - but check each candidates] records out. McCain and Palin have poor records on the environment, alternative energy, and adhering to the truth. Cronyism and personal retribution influences their decision-making. When I drive around and see the McCain/Palin lawn signs on working class properties, I wonder if these people have a clue what the Republican platform is all about. Incidentally, freedom of choice means simply that the government does not interfere in women's personal decisions. When the government starts dictating what I do with my body -- that is not just socialism-- that is right out of Brave New World (Aldous Huxley) and 1984 (George Orwell). Incidentally, both parties support a kind of socialism -- what do you think the "bailout" was? Barry Goldwater is spinning like a top in his grave and this administration's travesties and the untruths spoken by McCain/Palin. Gee...so many intelligent comments here, too. I'am glad I'am not the only one who has some brains. By the way, "getreal"...I enjoyed your posting. Don't worry about these others...they just simply have nothing on the subject matter to say. See how they "hit and run"? Look closely at the vernacular and construction of the comments. Oh no, getreal, say it isn't so! There the Republicans go again spewing their hate. Amazing that you don't have the ability to educate yourself and actually make an informed choice. Instead, your choice is to believe lies and distorted facts that McCain/Pailin are trying to get people to believe. While you are worried about hugging your beer huggies and the triggers on your guns, there are many of us that are worried about the economy, insurance, places to live, our families and the environment. I could go on but I won't because I would hope that you get the idea. Then again, I doubt it so I guess I will spell it out: We worry about real issues that not only affect our lives now but in the future too.
As far as the report holding Sarah Pailin responsible of ethics violations.... you have to remember that this investigation was requested by a bipartisan group. In case you don't know what that means.... it means that Republicans and Democrats wanted an investigation.
And, again I will say that never in my life have I ever seen such hate and fear being spewed during a campaign such as McCain/Pailin have done Karruka: I want to thank you for realizing that I am an intelligent person. I seek the truth and have balanced both Obama and McCain carefully. I was leaning toward Obama until I did check the records. Environmental control and alternative energy is wonderful and I am for it. However, hugging a tree or saving the black flies will not keep you safe from threats from oversea or at home. Obama has no record of leadership, never served in our military, and a plethura of other things he has not done. The working class people are also intelligent to place those signs out front of their homes and they thank you for seeing their intelligence. Like those working families, I am tired of paying for state welfare benifits, tired of paying exceptionally high taxes on products and property. Just look at what democratics have done for Maine. I too disagree with the bail-out. I don't like the idea that both candidates signed for it. We are not going to like things in either parties or either candidates records. But I choose McCain/Palin. They both entail leadership, strong capabilities to make hard desisions, both have served in capacities where leadership and hard desisions were/are necessary. I am sorry if they offend the politically correct agenda. I have notice that people who can't communicate or haven't actually stopped to think about what they say start to fling insults. I am not offended that you think that I am delusional but lay aside your CNN biased intelligence and research the truth for yourself. You will find Obama grossly lacking in the necessities to be president. About freedom of choice, that is what it is a choice and my point to that was Sarah made a choice. Yet she is slammed, degraded by people like you because she chose life. Have you ever studied abortion, seen the horrific pictures, seen the terrible trauma women go through for years after one. Congress won't allow scenes of abortion to be presented to them. TV won't air scenes of abortion. Because if people stopped to see what abortion was really about there would be no abortion. Freedom isn't all about the things that you get to do, freedom also can guide you to say no. We hate to be told no. It would be sad if we had to take responsibility for our actions. Anyway, I know this merry-go-around about abortion gets no where, but just so you know Karruka, I am glad your mom chose to have have you so we can have this dialogue. Oh Elmerfudd, you were better as a cartoon. I am worried about the ecomony, insurance, places to live. So you know, I don't drink, I don't own a gun, and I do support the environment, and I have lost my home in these hard times. Just because McCain/Palin point out the facts about Obama doesn't make it hate or fear. Obama needs to grow a back bone and take the punches as they come. I say this because harder punches will come if he is president. He will face harder and bigger challenges than a campaign. Elmer, Maine has been Democratic for years. Has a failed democratic govenor. Our State has had no reform in years, highest taxes, anti-business, and full of welfare receipents. This sums up most of Obama's plans as a nation. Congress has been democratic for a couple years...they did a hell of a bang up job! Bush may be asleep at the wheel, but there are dozens of Senators and Congress people just as copable. It's okay for the democratic left to tear Sarah Palin to shreds but dear God don't touch the almighty Obama. He can speak and articulate better than McCain but that is all it is talk. All he ever says is, is what's wrong, what needs to be done, and this wasn't done right...but never offers real workable ideas or plans. Elmer it's time to stop being animated and it's time to come to life and realize McCain/Palin will lead, keep us safe, fight for business, and all citizens of America. Todd Palin is a loser just like Sarah. She abused her limited power and she allowed him to help her work her grudge against a trooper who divorced her sister. The whole family is just a bunch of losers. Sarah needs to withdraw her nomination. And she needs to be impeached.
Losers ! People PA-leeeeeeeeeeeeze.
The entire Country is in a financial meltdown caused by George Bush and the rest of the Republicans !
Wake up !
Republicans have never been good for this Country. thanks TODD for coming to Maine - Alaska and Maine should stick togather as we both enjoy the outdoor freedom we have. I have friends in Alaska and have visited you state and it cannot be beat! I respect you and Sara and your family for standing up for what's right. THANKS For most people it seems history is what happened last week or last year, it is not all their fault, most people are to busy making a living to find out for themselves what the truth is. When you watch only the mainstream newsmedia's nightly news reports, you can cut and paste the main talking points from NBC to CBS to ABC, etc. There was a time when CBS's Walter Cronkite (The Most Trusted Man in America) was the only source of our news. We barely noticed what a powerful medium television had become as a tool to mold public opinion. It was during WalterCronkite's tenure and the Vietnam War that the major news media went from just reporting the news to becoming giant propaganda machines designed to engineer outcomes they deemed desireable in our society. The danger comes when information that goes against the thinking of the major news outlets are not given the proper airing for all people to hear and make up their own minds. Fox News at least tries to present both sides of an argument and gives equal time to people with divergent points of view and because of this they are hated by people who only want to hear what what jives with their preconceived notions that have been shaped largely by the mainstream news media. The truth about both John McCain and Obama is out there, but few people who have already made up their minds want to bother sifting thru all the rhetoric to determine who is the best candidate. The truth is I'm afraid is that both of these candidates are deeply flawed and have pasts that would disqualify them in normal times. But these are not normal times and we are forced to make a decision between a young inexperienced one term senator with a troubling list of associations with both homegrown and foreign terrorists. His best friends are Franklin Raines, Tony Resko, Bill Ayers, Louis Farrahkan and of course the Rev. Wright. He has taken money from Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac and voted not to institute controls on Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac that might have prevented the current financial crisis. His fellow Democrats such as Chuck Schumer, Barney Frank and Chris Dodd all had a hand in derailing any legislation that might have prevented this crisis. McCain has his own history with the failed Savings & Loan and a divorce but that is ancient history compared to Obama's actlions. McCain has been known to have a temper and his age weighs against him. On the other hand no one can doubt his patriotism or love of his country or his courage in the face of danger, he has been tried under fire and proved his mettle. Obama has had problems wearing a flag pin, and reportedly at least once has refused to "Pledge Alligience to this Country. His close associations shows he is at least sympathetic to radicals left wing groups and individuals that have reviled this Country as a "Terrorist Country" and on at least one occasion thought we had 57 States. Not a good omen! So what to do? I have made the decision that Sarah Palin despite the Mainstream Newsmedia bias against her is the best chance we have to clean up Washington. She has an 84% approval rating and no other elected official can top that. She has said she is Pro-LIfe for herself but believes each woman has the right to make up her own mind and has never said she would seek to make abortion illegal. She is a very quick study, is feisty and unafraid of the Washington insiders and News Media, has a positive outlook that will be much needed in the months ahead. She has proven track record fighting corruption in the oil industry and in her own Party as well as the Democratic Party. She is young and energetic and will be there for McCain to make sure the right things get done to turn this country around. Obama does not have the patent on change, it is in the public domain and just because McCain and Bush are both Republicans doesn't mean McCain doesn't have his own agenda that will bring the change people are looking for. So for myself I will hold my nose and Vote for McCain and get Sarah Palin in the bargain, because the alternative is just to scary to contemplate. Thanks to BDN for what seems to be a fair, straight up news report. Facts, quotes, even from the other side. There's another breath of fresh air. Basdfs, swann2001, and Bertie, appreciate your statements. Very well worded comment swann2001. As one of my friends says when talking about who to vote for: check none of the above and lets start over. Why isn't there term limits on congress/senators? I wonder if there were limits, would we end up with fresher ideas and less lobbying?
Don't vote for McCain/Palin......vote for ABAMA/BIDEN....you'll be sorry if you vote for Republican....the republicans get us in trouble all the time!!! Now its going to take another 8 years to straighten us out... IF YOU PERSONALLY BELIEVE IN SMALL BUSINESS, FREE ENTERPRISE AND GUN OWNERSHIP YOU HAVE TO VOTE IN REPUBLICAN SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. DON'T BELIEVE ME CHECK THE VOTING RECORDS AT NFIB WEBSITE. Charette & toomanypapers,
Again, the Democratic Party has been in charge of both houses of congress since the 2006 mid term elections.
Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) is the chairman of the Financial Services Committee.
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) is the chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana) is th e chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.
I was at the rally in Palmyra. When Mr. Palin said McCain will lower taxes, some people behind me cheered.
Palin forgot to mention that the Republican party lowers taxes for millionaires. The rest of us have to pay HIGHER taxes to make up for this loss of revenue.
McCain, Bush, and their Wall Street pals have brought economic ruin to America. Now the rest of us will have to pay higher taxes forever because of the $700 billion giveaway to Wall Street.
Anybody who's happy about this can join the other lemmings following McCain and Palin off the cliff.
This former Republican is voting for Obama. IF YOU PERSONALLY BELIEVE IN SMALL BUSINESS, FREE ENTERPRISE AND GUN OWNERSHIP YOU HAVE TO VOTE IN REPUBLICAN SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. DON'T BELIEVE ME CHECK THE VOTING RECORDS AT NFIB WEBSITE. LovetheCOuntry,
Are you forgetting the Sen. Obama also voted for the $700 billion giveaway and that.
Here are some facts:
In 2000 the bottom 50% of taxpayers paid 3.9% of federal taxes. In 2006, we paid only 2.99% despite an average increase of over $4 grand a year in that same time period.
The top 1% (the rich) paid 37.42% of federal taxes in 2000. That percentage increased to 39.89% in 2006
The facts regarding the tax cuts during this administration are cut and dry. The tax cuts under Bush shifted the tax burden towards the rich and away from the poor. Anyone who says otherwise is ignorant of the facts. What struck me is the concrete policy positions that McCain supporters were able to list as reasons they support McCain. Compare that to the hilarious responses when people are asked about why they support Mr. Hope-n-Change. He certainly doesn't make it easy for the Obamatrons. Beyond supporting abortion and infanticide, what definitive positions has the One ever taken that don't get nuanced or thrown under the bus when the winds change? HopeyChangey is a con-man par excellence. Many of the comments here merely serve as a reminder as to how "leadership" starved some Americans have become. The only reason McCain was a POW is because he was a lousy pilot, who, if his father had not been a famous Admiral, would have been didmissed when he crashed his first multi-million dollar aircraft while he was still in training in Texas. (He lost another one before being being captured in 1967) On the day he was shot down, the A-4 he was flying was capable of out-maneuvering the SAM that had locked onto him. Instead of taking that evasive action, as he had been trained to do, the "maverick" made the decision that would drop him into the enemy's clutches. Hero? Perhaps not. Todd Palin for McPresident!!!! Think for one minute that Good ole' Todd and Sarah are fit to be first in line for the White House ??? You might what to do some research. ... http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/10/10/palin_chryson/ Then, you just might want to go to Fact Check http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/he_lied_about_bill_ayers.html and get a glimmer of the magnitude of lies that Palin has been mouthing off about. In defense of her, I suppose you could attribute it to the lack of educational pursuits on her part - say, like picking up a newspaper. TO GETREAL: Sarah Palin did have a CHOICE,,,,the thing is she wants she wants to stop me from having a choice and that's wrong!!! Even though he didn't serve in the military, Obama offers experience in transforming communities to help people with no health insurance, build educational programs, and serves in a different way. I am encouraged by his fundamental skills and values, and his openness to learning taking a strategic approach to our nation's problems. If you're curious to better understand Obama's experience coupled with his fresh perspective, take a few minutes to check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNaFb58C63o . I'd be curious to hear your thoughts...
Inmypajamas - here are some concrete policy positions that are reasons I am voting for Obama: 1) He is committed to increasing early childhood education. I was a teacher in an under-resourced NYC inner-city school. My students came to school ill-prepared, and it wasn't because they didn't want to be prepared. They had parents who were working multiple jobs and were stretched thin. Obama understands the importance of building an educational foundation for children so they are set up for success in school. His program proposal will make things easier for parents, teachers, and kids, which will help our country overall in the long term. Plus, I lived in Arizona for three years and was extremely disappointed by the education system there. I am very concerned that McCain's action (or inaction) there would become reflective of our country at large. We are in enough trouble as it is. 2) I am encouraged by Obama's approach to build alternative energy businesses in the US. Not only will this help our economy in terms of jobs and deter us from energy dependence on foreign nations, but it will also help us deal with the bigger issue related to global warming. 3) He will eliminate federal taxes for senior citizens making less than $50,000. My grandmother is 97 years old and running out of money. She needs a break. 4) Obama is planning to build efficiencies in the health care system so wasted time and dollars are eliminated. His reform plan will impact the average American family by saving them $2500 each year.
I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you'd like additional examples. I could go on... 24 days 'till election! 62 days \till Christmas! Cannot wait until they are both history! getreal: I don't consider, that those two are promoting the facts, when people are shouting "kill him" and "off with his head" and making other threats directed toward Obama at McCain/Pailin campaign rallies. I also don't believe that they are promoting peace when at one of the rallies in Florida someone shouted a racial slur at an African American reporter. McCain/Pailin have brought racial undertones to their campaign. This is not what this country needs. People should be able to move past this; especially our nations politicians.
People are "shredding" what Sarah Pailin has to say, not attacking the person. If she actually had something intelligble to say then people may respond more positively. I personally feel that she is ignorant to many issues that are affecting this country.
While you are right that Congress has been Democrat for a couple of years they have also had to face the battle of Bush vetoing many of their proposals. It makes it kind of difficult to fight for the people of this country when the president doesn't believe in doing the same.
Maybe, if people could get past the color of his skin then they would actually be able to hear Obama and his answers to fixing this country.
I do have a question for you getreal, regarding one of John McCains proposals. How is a $5000 insurance tax credit going to benefit the millions of people that have lost their jobs due to the economic downturn?
Who needs to come to life now?
Better get all the Archway Cookies you can munch right now. The company just closed down. "Another one bites the dust!" |
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