Politics and Culture

1. Obama's getting some unlikely heat for his decision to skip a military hopital visit. His conspicuous absence looked bad, obviously, but it's in keeping with Obama's personality: Obama isn't much for displays of piety whether it's flag pins, putting one's hand over one's heart, or visiting troops, "I'll show how I feel about the troops by bringing them home and raising their pay," he'd say.

I'm kind of like that, as my wife constantly reminds me. Personally, I don't think Obama hates soldiers. I also don't think he particularly likes them, with his rote, "they're doing a magnificent job," whenever he's asked about the surge. He's lukewarm if not quite Kerry-like disdainful.

2. Polls indicate that maybe- just maybe- Obama's overseas trp was his Dukakis tank moment. If so, here's why:

a. The speech in Berlin was ridiculous and people don't understand why he had to give one in the first place- too obviously political. Conservatives have been successful in spinning it negatively. If Obama had just met with leaders, he would have been better off.

b. People see Maliki's "endorsement" of Obama's "plan" as a vindication of McCain's original promotion of the surge strategy. The fact that Obama's withdrawal plan wouldn't even be possible without the surge that he opposed is easy for voters to understand. Obama looked petty and dishonest when he wouldn't admit the obvious concerning the surge. McCain almost did the same by insisting on "horizons" instead of "timetables." Guys, just be strait.

Anyways, the public is relieved to know that the war will be over and they don't thank Obama.

c. The soldier thing above.

3. If Tim Kaine will assure Obama Virginia, he should pick him. Republicans would have to make it up with another state, obviously, and, except for New Hampshire, it will be tough to flip a Kerry state. Tim Kaine isn't experienced, but the rookie label is hard to stick on people.

If states weren't a consideration, a moderate like Bayh would be better.

4. obama/Democrats looked bad and Bush/McCain/Repulicans good on oil drilling. Once people asked, "Well what is wrong with drilling?" the shift was inevitable because there really isn't any logical reason not to safely exploit resources.

5. Two things that's bothered me most about McCain's campaign:

a. His bus chuck of Phil Gramm. I liked that McCain joked about it at first. He should have just said, "Gramm meant...his position has some validity...and he's a valuable person." Getting rid of somebody because of one wrong phrase makes McCain seem shallow, unbecoming in an "honor" candidate. It also makes it intellectually dishonest to pin the charge on Obama.

b. His flop on housing bail outs. It's not a principled stand. Besides, most people aren't in trouble and it will end up hurting as much people as it helps as all market distortions do.

6. "The Democratic party, in its quest for power, has managed a propaganda campaign with subliminal messages, creating a God-like figure in a man who falls short in every way...It seems to me that if Mr. Obama wins the presidential election, then Messrs. Farrakhan, Wright, Ayers and Pfleger will gain power for their need to demoralize this country and help create a socialist America."

Jon Voight, genitor of:

Good job.

One by one:

a. That's the Democratic party's job.
b. Obama does fall short from being a god, yes. And, he's generally lacking in knowledge.
c. I don't think the three men mentioned will get power directly.
d. I think socialism leads to demoralization.
e. I think Obama leans socialist. He wants universal medical care and redistribution of wealth.

Invite me to your next family reunion and I'll rewrite you paragraph to avoid easy lefty jabs. Yes? OK.

"The laudatory coverage of Obama proclaiming him a "new" kind of politician actually covers up not only his very politician-like behavior but the fact that he's the least experienced candidate for leader since King Tut.** Obama's policy prescriptions and choice of company suggests that he's comfortable with socialists and may want to move us in a European direction. Socialism leads to less personal independence and more government dependence. People who don't primarily rely on their own efforts to succeed become resentful and, eventually, "demoralized."

7. McCain is on record for criticizing Ted "bridge to jail" Stevens as is Sarah Palin. McCain can use this to his advantage if he's asked the question, "I've never been afraid to criticize people in my own party. Country first."

I still like Palin for veep.

**Contrary to the Batman television series, King Tut was a boy.