Pam's House Blend - John McCain

McCain: Palin would 'make a fine president'

Pam Spaulding — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:30:00 GMT

How did the Arizona senator even say that with a straight face? Even worse, the man went on Meet the Press and when David Gregory asked him to comment on the soon-to-be-former Alaska governor's decision to quit her job, McCain couldn't even admit Palin was "quitting." Watch it (via Think Progress):

Asked by host David Gregory what he thought of Palin quitting her job as Governor of Alaska, McCain said, "I don't think she quit," adding "I don't know there was a quote, promise" that she made to the voters of Alaska. Gregory pressed:

GREGORY: Senator McCain, you have faced personal torture, personal attacks, political attacks, investigations. You have never resigned from anything. Is it consistent with your qualities of leadership to resign an elected post like this?
McCAIN: Sure.
GREGORY: It is consistent?
McCain said, "I know she's qualified. ... No doubt about it." He added, "I'm confident she would make a fine president." Gregory concluded by asking, "Knowing everything you know now, would you pick her again?" McCain unhesitatingly responded, "Absolutely."

McCain campaigners tell Vanity Fair that Palin's nickname was: 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Pam Spaulding — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Now you'll remember all of the BS boasting about the brilliance of Sarah Palin that went on in the McCain camp and by conservatives when she was selected as the failed presidential candidate's running mate. Don't you think it's professional malfeasance, hell, unpatriotic, to try to 1) foist her onto the American public as a strong, credible candidate, and 2) propel someone so wholly unqualified into the White House? We all called it back then, but now the McCainiacs are falling all over one another to say how brain-dead and incorrigible Palin was to Vanity Fair. (Raw Story):

According to the article, former McCain campaign staffers suffer from a collective "survivor's guilt" over the problem-plagued choice of Palin as vice-presidential candidate. The friction between McCain and Palin was so intense that it carried over into election night, when Palin wanted to address the Arizona crowd to whom McCain was to give his concession speech. After much back-and-forth wrangling, Palin didn't speak that night.
But trouble had been brewing long before that. Over the course of the campaign, one close adviser to McCain "was heard to refer to Palin as "little shop of horrors'" during the campaign.
...Palin's lack of aptitude in her new starring role as V-P candidate became obvious quickly. At times, it seemed as if she was more concerned with her popularity back home in Alaska than with the national presidential campaign that she was now a central part of.
"By all accounts, Palin was either unwilling, or simply unable, to prepare," the piece says. "In the run-up to the Couric interview, Palin had become preoccupied with a far more parochial concern: answering a humdrum written questionnaire from her hometown newspaper, the Frontiersman ... At the same time, she grew concerned that her approval ratings back home in Alaska were sagging as she embraced the role of McCain's bad cop."

And the Vanity Fair piece asks some really obvious pointed questions that I'd love to hear the answers to from the McCain/Palin supporters who knew what was up.

What does it say about the nature of modern American politics that a public official who often seems proud of what she does not know is not only accepted but applauded? What does her prominence say about the importance of having (or lacking) a record of achievement in public life? Why did so many skilled veterans of the Republican Party - long regarded as the more adroit team in presidential politics - keep loyally working for her election even after they privately realized she was casual about the truth and totally unfit for the vice-presidency? Perhaps most painful, how could John McCain, one of the cagiest survivors in contemporary politics - with a fine appreciation of life's injustices and absurdities, a love for the sweep of history, and an overdeveloped sense of his own integrity and honor-ever have picked a person whose utter shortage of qualification for her proposed job all but disqualified him for his?

Turncoat Joe the Plumber: McCain 'appalled me'

Pam Spaulding — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:30:00 GMT

I didn't want to write about this boob any more, but this item shows you all we need to know about the fraud without a plumbing license; he's just like the rest of the GOP backstabbers.

In a delicious bit of schadenfreude, after John McCain made Joe the Plumber his mantra in the waning days of his failed campaign for the White House, the turd drop-kicks him in public. The first bit of outlandish news is that he's writing a book (surely ghost written), "Joe the Plumber: Fighting for the American Dream," and now this (Think Progress):

WURZELBACHER: When I was on the bus with him, I asked him a lot of questions about the bailout because most Americans did not want that to happen. Yet he voted for it. ... And I asked him some pretty direct questions. Some of the answers you guys are gonna receive - they appalled me, absolutely. I was angry. In fact I wanted to get off the bus after I talked to him.
BECK: Really? Now why didn't you get off the bus?
WURZELBACHER: Um, you know, honestly, because the thought of Barack Obama as president scares me even more.

While he holds disdain for the Arizona senator, Joe shows his political savvy, saying "Sarah Palin is absolutely the real deal."

The LCR election post-mortem continues the delusions about a pro-gay McCain

Pam Spaulding — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Watching this organization flounder during the 2008 presidential campaign has been like observing a train wreck in slow motion. No matter how the Log Cabin Republicans tried to spin it, the man its party nominated for president, John McCain, expressed open contempt for LGBT rights even as he shook hands with LCRs and called them "my friends." The party continued to cleave to the bigot demographic all the way.

You'd think a public reality check would be in order, but unfortunately, it's not the case. Patrick Sammon, who is stepping down from his post at LCR:

"We had an election that didn't turn out as we hoped, but we had a progressive, pro-gay nominee, and the tenor of the campaign was 180 degrees different than four years ago," he said. "We've unquestionably made progress in four years, and I'm proud of the work we did."

Please help me out here -- what progress has been made to moderate the party? Marriage amendments were still supported and passed. Adoption ban in Arkansas...passed. Their nominee picked Sarah Palin who is loved by the professional Christian set.

I'm sure that there is slow change occurring at the state and local level, but what is driving that isn't coming out of DC or the LCR. It's the cultural change -- more people coming out of the closet and bringing anti-LGBT discrimination out into the open so it can be debated and challenged. One thing the LCR is right about is the need to broaden the GOP.

"There is a unique opportunity for Log Cabin to play a role in the redefinition of the Republican Party," he said. "Log Cabin has a critical role to play in that discussion, by pointing to places where candidates were successful, like Gov. Mitch Daniels in Indiana, who won with a campaign that was conservative fiscally but not socially. That's what we hope to advocate, and we want to try to engage the party in that dialogue."
Sammon said the GOP needs to "get back to the basics" to coalesce party members in the move forward.
Bob Kabel, chair of the D.C. Republican Party and a longtime Log Cabin member agreed, saying that the "party is obviously doing a lot of self-examination."
"I think that Log Cabin can be very helpful with that examination," he said. "There are so many candidates Log Cabin has supported over the years who have been inclusive rather than exclusive, and who have had successful careers. Log Cabin needs to continue to make the case that you win by broadening the party."

I just don't see what influence the LCR has had to wrest the Republican Party from its dependence on the fundamentalist, under-educated and bigoted base that we saw emerge in public as the McCain mobs. These people do not want a big tent GOP. They are stuck in the past, in denial, and looking to silence anyone who doesn't agree with their worldview.

The party will never draw the Independent voters if it continues down the path it did in 2008.

Sammon steps down from Log Cabin Republicans

Pam Spaulding — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Posted without comment, other than to ask who would want this thankless job?

News Release

For Immediate Release

November 13, 2008

Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon Announces Departure

National Board Conducting Search for Replacement

(Washington, DC)—Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon will be leaving his position early next year. "After five years at this organization and more than two years leading Log Cabin, I am ready to tackle new challenges. I'll be doing documentary filmmaking, which is what I did before joining Log Cabin's staff," said Sammon. "I told Log Cabin's national board earlier this year I would be moving on after the election. I'm proud of the progress we've made and I know Log Cabin is well positioned to impact the GOP's future direction."

"We thank Patrick for the excellent job he has done as President," said Log Cabin National Board Chairman Pete Kingma. "His communication ability and political skills served the organization very well."

Log Cabin's Board of Directors has started a national search process. "After Patrick's strong leadership, we are confident we'll find an excellent candidate to lead Log Cabin Republicans and the Liberty Education Forum," said Kingma.

Sammon will stay in his position until the end of January. "With the election behind us, it's a good time to make a transition," said Sammon. "I have put my heart and soul into this organization and I am proud of our achievements."

More below the fold.

In a tough election year, 75% of Log Cabin's endorsed House and Senate candidates won re-election as the organization provided more financial support than ever before to our congressional allies.

Under Sammon's leadership, Log Cabin built close ties with Sen. John McCain's campaign and had a strong presence at the 2008 GOP Convention. "Sen. McCain's inclusive campaign was an important step forward as we educate GOP voters about the importance of fairness and freedom for gay and lesbian people," said Sammon.

During the GOP presidential primaries, Log Cabin stood up to Gov. Mitt Romney's use of gay and lesbian families as a wedge issue. Our television and radio ad campaigns in Iowa and New Hampshire educated Republican voters about Gov. Romney's real record. "We're glad our Party nominated a candidate Log Cabin could proudly support," said Sammon.

Log Cabin helped secure 35 Republican House votes on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Their votes provided the margin of victory.

Sammon expanded Log Cabin's work on HIV/AIDS issues with the addition of Dr. David Reznik as a health policy advisor.

Log Cabin built strong ties to New York GOP state lawmakers. In the Assembly, the organization helped gain unprecedented bi-partisan support on a marriage equality bill. Log Cabin also built close ties with inclusive GOP State Senators, whose votes will be needed to bring marriage equality to the Empire State.

Log Cabin's "Republicans Against 8" campaign helped secure GOP opposition to California's marriage amendment. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his opposition to Proposition 8 at Log Cabin's national convention in April. "It is deeply saddening that Proposition 8 passed, but I'm proud of our work in gaining GOP allies to oppose the measure," said Sammon.

"I thank all Log Cabin members who provided generous support for our work. I'm grateful for your commitment to this organization," said Sammon. "I will continue assisting in any way I can to advance Log Cabin's mission."

"Log Cabin has a huge opportunity to influence the Republican Party's renewal in the months and years ahead," said Kingma. "The GOP's brand is severely damaged. Log Cabin will be an important part of the effort to revive our Party with a unifying philosophy that brings people together around inclusive GOP values instead of wedge issue politics," said Kingma.

And we thought the pre-election Palin leaks were bad: McCain aide calls them 'Wasilla Hillbillies'

Pam Spaulding — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:44:19 GMT

The knives really come out from the McCain insiders about Bible Spice's shopping excursions:

NEWSWEEK has also learned that Palin's shopping spree at high-end department stores was more extensive than previously reported. While publicly supporting Palin, McCain's top advisers privately fumed at what they regarded as her outrageous profligacy. One senior aide said that Nicolle Wallace had told Palin to buy three suits for the convention and hire a stylist. But instead, the vice presidential nominee began buying for herself and her family-clothes and accessories from top stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. According to two knowledgeable sources, a vast majority of the clothes were bought by a wealthy donor, who was shocked when he got the bill. Palin also used low-level staffers to buy some of the clothes on their credit cards. The McCain campaign found out last week when the aides sought reimbursement.
One aide estimated that she spent "tens of thousands" more than the reported $150,000, and that $20,000 to $40,000 went to buy clothes for her husband. Some articles of clothing have apparently been lost. An angry aide characterized the shopping spree as "Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast."

Just your average hockey mom.

McCain's flub: nearly credits "Joe the Bomber" for uptick

Pam Spaulding — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:00:00 GMT

McCain was being interviewed by a Norfolk, VA station about his prospects there when he had an interesting slip of the tongue...

Q: [W]ith Virginia a reliably red state dating all the way back to 1964, how come you're not doing better in the polls in Virginia?
MCCAIN: We're doing much better actually, there's a poll out today that shows we're within about three so we're moving up and moving up fast. And look, Joe the Bomb - uh - Joe the Plumber turned the whole thing around.

In other Joe news -- he was stopped for speeding ticket and let go. Why? You won't believe this asshattery:

Police stopped "Joe the Plumber" for speeding last week but didn't issue a ticket out of concern it would reflect negatively on the Toledo department, an officer's report said.
Officers tracked Samuel J. Wurzelbacher driving about 50 mph in a 35 mph zone in his Dodge Durango SUV on Wednesday, the police report said.
...Wurzelbacher was given a verbal warning because of that ongoing investigation and because a citation could have "negative repercussions to the department and city as a whole," according to the report, which lists "Patrolman Bailey" as its author.

McCain only draws 1,100 at Florida rally

Pam Spaulding — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Last one leaving turn out the lights. McCain threw a rally in Tampa today and the attendance was, ahem, sparse.

About 30 minutes before John McCain is scheduled to lead a rally outside Raymond James Stadium, looks like there's maybe 1,000 people here. What's up with that? On the day before the election? Bush drew at least 15,000 people to a rally just across the street on the Sunday before the 2004 election.

Did anything improve once the event began? He drew 1,100. Organizers had expected 11,000. When Obama was there over 8,000 came to hear him speak.

Gov. Charlie Crist couldn't wait to get out of there.

Republican Gov. Crist, who had previously agreed to do interviews with CNN and various local affiliates, bolted right after the rally with no explanation.

Joe the Plumber: 'I doubt Obama's loyalty to America'

Pam Spaulding — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I'm sick of this *ssclown taking up time on the airwaves. Since McCain and Palin have cleaved to the Ohio faux plumber-with-PR-firm as a mascot, will they take responsibility to this crap? Via TPM:

He has become a part of McCain's campaign, like any other surrogate. So here "Joe" is on TV just about an hour ago saying that people shouldn't vote for Obama because he doubts Obama's "loyalty to America".

I guess saying Obama reminded him of Sammy Davis, Jr. wasn't bad enough. But isn't it time someone ask McCain whether he's really willing to associate with this extremist?

New Obama ad touts Darth Cheney's endorsement of McCain

Pam Spaulding — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

It's the endorsement John McCain probably didn't want to receive. Dick Cheney embodies all of the dark days of the Bush administration -- the debacle in Iraq, constitutional lawlessness, and secrecy. It makes for a great Obama ad. Here's "Delighted":

ANNCR: Barack Obama. Endorsed by Warren Buffett and Colin Powell.
And John McCain's latest endorsement?
CHENEY: I'm delighted to support John McCain and...
CHENEY: I'm pleased that he's chosen a running mate with executive talent, toughness and common sense, our next vice president Sarah Palin.
ANNCR: And boy did McCain earn it. He voted with Bush and Cheney 90% of the time.
CHENEY: I'm delighted to support John McCain.
ANNCR: And that's not the change we need.
Approved by Barack Obama. Paid for by Obama for America.
OBAMA: I'm Barack Obama and I approved this message.

McCain on SNL: revenge on Bible Spice

Pam Spaulding — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:50:54 GMT

Free air time for McCain, and he appears to use it to rag on Palin. AP:

value="always" />
The presidential hopeful made a cameo appearance at the beginning of the show, with Tina Fey reprising her memorable impersonation of McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
...Earlier in the show, McCain and Fey, portraying Palin, said they couldn't afford a half-hour campaign commercial on network television like Democrat Barack Obama aired earlier this week. They said they'd sell campaign products on the QVC shopping channel instead.
Among other things, McCain advertised a set of knives to cut through pork in Washington. His wife, Cindy McCain, briefly appeared to advertise "McCain Fine-Gold" jewelry, a play on the campaign finance law McCain authored with Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold.
Fey, as Palin, advertised a set of "Joe" dolls commemorating Joe the Plumber, Joe Six Pack and her Democratic rival, Joe Biden. The pretend Palin also pulled out T-shirts saying "Palin 2012" and said she wouldn't be returning to Alaska after the election.
"I'm either running in four years or I'm going to be a white Oprah," she said.

The Wicked Witch of the Mid-West

ol cranky — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 22:46:45 GMT

Well actually, the only thing you have to do is switch out the W with a B and you have Shirley Nagel, who turned her Gross Pointe Farms home into a Halloween House of Horror that the kiddiwinks (and their parents) are sure to remember for years to come. There was no blood (real or fake) and the only howling that was heard was from the kids who, along with their, parents were grilled on their political views. Nagel, a McCain supporter in the cranky tradition of, well, John McCain, decided that she would only dole out treats to trick-or-treaters with the same political leanings as she has. No joke people, this lady made sure these kids knew they were put on notice as she told them:

"No handouts for Obama supporters, liars, tricksters or kids of supporters."

What's a good McCain (and we all know good = Christian) supporter doing corrupting the minds of children by celebrating Halloween any way?

x-posted at the disenchanted forest

FL: Palin rally is something out of 'All About Eve'

Pam Spaulding — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:15:58 GMT

I don't know how many of you all are fans of the 1950 classic film All About Eve...

The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded but aging Broadway star. Anne Baxter plays Eve Harrington, a willingly helpful young fan who insinuates herself into Channing's life, ultimately threatening Channing's career and her personal relationships.

It's pretty clear that the absurdity of the disintegrating McCain/Palin relationship looks remarkable like that of Margo Channing and Eve Harrington. Take this CNN article about a rally today in Polk City Florida:

At a boisterous Sarah Palin rally in Polk City, Florida on Saturday afternoon, one name was surprisingly absent from the campaign décor - John McCain's
Looking around the Fantasy of Flight aircraft hangar where the rally took place, one could see all the usual reminders that it was a pro-McCain event. There were two large "Country First" banners hung on the walls along with four enormous American flags meant to conjure the campaign's underlying patriotic theme. Many of the men and women in the audience wore McCain hats and t-shirts.
But on closer inspection, the GOP nominee's name was literally nowhere to be found on any of the official campaign signage distributed to supporters at the event.

Perhaps it's really not apt to compare the situation with the Academy Award-winning film. In this case it's more than just Bible Spice who has the knives out for the 72-year-old McCain - it looks like the GOP is an accomplice.

Jesus' General: Spermatazoan-Americans back McCain

Pam Spaulding — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Listen to Spermy discuss his group's endorsement of the Arizona Senator. The General notes that the nod came in spite of the fact that "some Spermatazoan-Americans expressed concern that millions of their brethren are murdered every time Rich Lowry see's Gov. Palin wink."

Eagleburger on Palin: 'She's not ready.'

Pam Spaulding — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:30:05 GMT

I wonder what the McCain campaign thinks of Republican supporters of this stature who would make frank comment like this about Bible Spice's gravitas. (HuffPost):

A former Republican Secretary of State and one of John McCain's most prominent supporters offered a stunningly frank and remarkably bleak assessment of Sarah Palin's capacity to handle the presidency should such a scenario arise.
Lawrence Eagleburger, who served as Secretary of State under George H.W. Bush and whose endorsement is often trumpeted by McCain, said on Thursday that the Alaska governor is not only unprepared to take over the job on a moment's notice but, even after some time in office, would only amount to an "adequate" commander in chief.
...Eagleburger explained: "I don't think at the moment she is prepared to take over the reigns of the presidency. I can name for you any number of other vice presidents who were not particularly up to it either. So the question, I think, is can she learn and would she be tough enough under the circumstances if she were asked to become president, heaven forbid that that ever takes place?
"Give her some time in the office and I think the answer would be, she will be [pause] adequate. I can't say that she would be a genius in the job. But I think she would be enough to get us through a four year... well I hope not... get us through whatever period of time was necessary. And I devoutly hope that it would never be tested."
...The indictment of Palin was all the more biting because both she and McCain have held Eagleburger up repeatedly during the past several weeks as evidence that the Republican ticket has firm standing and support within foreign policy circles.

Oh, my.

Joe the Plumber decides who is a 'real American'

Pam Spaulding — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:45:00 GMT

McCain/Palin campaign mascot Joe the Plumber is blowing the "Other" dog whistle at these stump appearances - he's fooling no one when he makes statements like this:

"Get out there and vote; it's very important," Joe said, after extolling the virtues of being well informed. "You get out here and get the American people back in charge of our government. Hold politicians' feet to the fire when they mess up. That's what we're out here to do. All right? Smaller government, you know? As far as everyone else here, well, that's the question and go ask them to vote for a real American, John McCain."

And what, exactly does that make Barack Obama -- an alien, a non-citizen, or is the litmus test for the presidency that one has to be a Republican? It's the old saw with a bigot twist for extra flavor coming from an unlicensed, tax-dodging celeb wannabe.

His 15 minutes are up. JTP has no brand worth selling. Besides, what happened to his plumbing business ambitions?

If he gets his way, Samuel J. Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe the Plumber," plans to enjoy a lot more than just 15 minutes of fame. Two weeks after emerging as the Republican Party's favorite proxy for the American working man, Mr. Wurzelbacher has signed a management deal meant to keep him in the public eye past next week's election and earn him some money at the same time, preferably as a show business personality.
"Joe the Plumber is fast becoming a brand," said Jim Della Croce, president of the Nashville-based Pathfinder Management group, who is part of the trio that will be representing Mr. Wurzelbacher from now on. "He is a dynamic speaker and an everyman who has become an overnight celebrity. It's going to be our job to find Joe's strengths and give him some options."

The ultimate humiliation for McCain: Faux News labels him (D)

Pam Spaulding — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:15:00 GMT

My, how the mighty have fallen. Over at the fabulous Jed Report, he screen captured a Fox News chyron:

You might recall the last time the network made this "mistake," it was when they labeled GOPerv Mark Foley "(D)". I guess this is Fox's way of tossing McCain under the bus.

Other signs of the feeble, weakening McCain campaign are below the fold.
* Look at this statement -- the official statement from McCain's camp -- about last night's primetime Obama ad:

McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds followed up after the ad aired: "As anyone who has bought anything from an infomercial knows, the sales-job is always better than the product. Buyer beware."

That's it? Wow. Bounds must have been busy reworking his resume instead of thinking up a better response.

* McCain camp trying to scapegoat Palin.

In recent days, a McCain "adviser" told Dana Bash of CNN: "She is a diva. She takes no advice from anyone." Imagine not taking advice from the geniuses at the McCain campaign. What could Palin be thinking?
Also, a "top McCain adviser" told Mike Allen of Politico that Palin is "a whack job."Maybe she is. But who chose to put this "whack job" on the ticket? Wasn't it John McCain? And wasn't it his first presidential-level decision?

* Conservatives plan secret post-election strategy session. Again, the body isn't cold, but plans are under way to remake the GOP.

The meeting will include a "who's who of conservative leaders -- economic, national security and social," said one attendee, who shared initial word of the secret session only on the basis of anonymity and with some details about the host and location redacted.
...Should McCain lose next Tuesday, the conversation will include who to groom as the next generation of conservative leaders - a list that will feature Palin at or near the top.
...Many on the right, both elites and the rank-and-file, see a rudderless party that is in dire need of new blood and old principles: small government, a robust national security and unapologetic social conservatism.

As long as they cling to that last bit of garbage, that is going to be an anchor on the party.

* And in a final bit of news, you know your campaign is in the sh*tter when you receive this thumbs up, available on grocery news stands around the country. (Weekly World News):

OCTOBER SURPRISE: UFO ALIEN NOW ENDORSES McCAIN!

Palin's comments on 2012 leave McCain aide speechless

Pam Spaulding — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:06:07 GMT

Boy, did he pick a real backstabber as his running mate. In her zeal to distance herself from John McCain as he begins to smell like week-old trash in 100 degree heat, Bible Spice, in an interview with Elizabeth Vargas for ABC, basically shouted out she's in the race for 2012. Talk about bad form - they haven't lost yet. I'm sure all the downticket Republicans have agita tonight.

And the McCain peeps were rendered speechless when asked to comment. Here's how it was covered on CNN:

Wolf Blitzer: And this just coming into the "Situation Room," the Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin now speaking out openly about her intentions in 2012 if, if she and John McCain were to lose this contest next Tuesday. In an interview with ABC News, Sarah Palin is now saying, she would be interested in remaining a serious national political figure, going ahead to 2012. She was asked what happens in 2012 if you lose on Tuesday, would you simply go back to Alaska?

Elizabeth Vargas of ABC News asked her and Palin said this, and I will read it to you verbatim according to an ABC News transcript: "Absolutely not," Sarah Palin says. "I think that, if I were to give up and wave a white flag of surrender against some of the political shots that we've taken, that ... that would ... bring this whole ... I'm not doin' this for naught," and that is a direct quote from Sarah Palin. Clearly, leaving open the possibility that she would be interested in leading the Republican Party in 2012 if she and John McCain were to lose this presidential contest right now. Let's go to Dana Bash. She has been covering the McCain campaign reaction from the rather blunt statement from Sarah Palin that she would in fact be interested in leading the Republican Party going forward after Tuesday if they lose?

Dana Bash: I just got off of the phone, Wolf, with a senior McCain adviser and I read this person the quote and I think it is fair to say that this person was speechless. There was a long pause and I just heard a "huh" on the other end of the phone. This is certainly not a surprise to anybody who has watched Sarah Palin that she is interested in potentially future national runs, and she is being urged to by a lot of people inside of the Republican Party if they do lose, but it is an "if" and people inside of the McCain campaign do not want any discussion that has an "if" in front of it six days before the election, they don't want any discussion at all, any kind of hypothetical talk about running for the next time around. So certainly, this is not at least initially being received well inside of the McCain campaign.

Wolf Blitzer: I am not surprised, not surprised at all. It is one of those "wow, she is talking about 2012 if we lose," that is not supposed to be something that you say. You are supposed to say, "well, I'm not looking ahead, I'm not looking ahead only to Tuesday," and those are the talking points she's supposed to be saying, but she is obviously blunt and she is looking ahead if something were to happen on Tuesday that she wouldn't be happy with.

GOP races floundering because of McSame drag

Pam Spaulding — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Best part of this WaPo article is Mitch McConnell's fundraising plea to be returned to office.

Sen. John McCain's struggles in a number of reliably Republican regions of the country are further complicating the already tenuous reelection prospects of some congressional Republicans, according to strategists in both parties and independent analysts.
Particularly difficult for Republican prospects is that McCain appears to be trailing badly in several moderate suburban districts across the Midwest and New England, while he is doing worse than President Bush did in rural conservative districts.
Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told MSNBC this week that "there's no question the top of the ticket is affecting our Senate races and it's making it a lot more difficult."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), in a fundraising appeal to supporters yesterday, conceded that a win by Sen. Barack Obama "is a real possibility" as he argued that he should be reelected to check Democratic "domination of the public debate."
...The apparent McCain drag on congressional races comes as voters increasingly cast blame on Bush and Republicans for the crumbling economy and at a time when the GOP's national party committees have little financial resources to defend an increasing number of House and Senate seats that are in jeopardy.
"McCain is just running so poorly now. He's collapsed in some districts. It's brutal out there for Republicans," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the independent Rothenberg Political Report.

Birds of a feather: Mitch McConnell, with Larry Craig.

Mitch wants to check the domination of the Dems? OMG. That's rich. Surf over to BlogActive, where Mike Rogers asks "What is Mitch McConnell Hiding?"

Like when I investigated and reported on Larry Craig after 26 years of rumors, I've turned fresh eyes on this case and recently noticed an interesting inconsistency with McConnell's public Army record. In particular, there is a differing answer to a section of his records titled, "Transcript of Court Martial." While every other section of McConnell's records without information simply "n/a," this particular section uniquely states, "not on file." Does that mean a McConnell court martial file exists? Only the Senator knows.
I also have reviewed copies of phone records showing a flurry of calls from the office of McConnell's patron in the Senate, Sen. Cooper, in the days immediately preceding McConnell's discharge. The calls abruptly stopped as McConnell was released from the service. It is also interesting to note that the UK archives show that despite a frequent correspondence during the years prior to his discharge, it was three years after McConnell's discharge before they exchanged letters again.
Is there a smoking gun on any story about McConnell? While for a host of reasons it's not possible to talk about the documents I possess, there certainly are enough serious and legitimate questions about his military service that deserve answers, not just to me, but to every citizen of Kentucky.