For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Democrat operative takes on McCain's age (paragraph break eliminated):
Despite a recent promise from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean not to make Sen. John McCain's age -- he turns 72 in August -- an issue in the presidential campaign, a senior Democratic operative has started a new website designed to draw attention to just that fact. Called "Younger than McCain", the website is being run by Steve Rosenthal, a former political director at the AFL-CIO and executive director of America Coming Together, a massive soft money effort organized around the 2004 presidential race. Rosenthal is now a partner in The Organizing Group.
Putting aside the politics and your personal views regarding the GOP nominee, is his age a factor? The fastest growing segment of our population is over 70. People are living into their hundreds. Is this a foolish issue for the Dems to focus on? Does it mean they'd rather compare ages than experience and qualifications? Are they punting on real issues, and, instead, focusing on such trivialities for a reason? Or, assuming Obama is the nominee, is this a wise strategy because of his relative youthfulness?
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Despite the temptation to
April 18, 2008 - 09:55 ET by mattmDespite the temptation to point out the shallowness and vacuity of the age issue, I'd have to give the Dims a little bit of a break, since age is really the only major difference between the three remaining candidates.
So, just for grins, let's consider the age issue to be a legitimate one. We have a young neophyte with practically no experience, we have an embittered middleaged backseat driver and we have a very experienced elder statesman. If wisdom comes with age and experience, then McCain would have to be considered the best of the three.
AARP
April 18, 2008 - 10:01 ET by AgnosticWhere is the AARP when you need them? Oh yeah, the are supportive of the Democratic party.
I don't have an issue with his age
April 18, 2008 - 10:03 ET by sarcasmoEspecially since McCain's mom is still around. McCain's former bout with melanoma is sorta an age/sun-exposure issue, though, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Favorite pope moment so
April 18, 2008 - 10:06 ET by balboaFavorite pope moment so far: "That was an awesome speech, your holiness."
-Dubyah
The actual quote was "Thank
April 18, 2008 - 10:54 ET by mattmThe actual quote was "Thank you, your Holiness. Awesome speech." Something wrong with that? Awesome is an awesome word to use when put in awe by the greatness of something.
The term "awesome" has
April 18, 2008 - 11:12 ET by motherbeltThe term "awesome" has been diluted and degraded until, in today's vernacular it means nothing more than "totally cool." (I commented on the song, but deleted it when I realized you had posted the link to the video... GMTA!
From M-W online, "awe" is
: an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
However, for "awesome" they, too go with the modern, "cool" degradation:
inspiring awe <an awesome task> b: terrific, extraordinary <had an awesome time>
And of course, President Bush is an idiot, so he couldn't possibly be smart enough to be using it in its original meaning, could he? <sarc>
Sounded a little goofy.
April 18, 2008 - 11:12 ET by balboaSounded a little goofy.
Only because the meaning of
April 18, 2008 - 11:17 ET by motherbeltOnly because the meaning of the word has been trashed by a generation that says "Those shoes are awesome!" (and we relate the word to the way it is currently used) and everything Bush says is fodder for ridicule.
It's not his age
April 18, 2008 - 10:08 ET by Increase MatherThe problem with McCain is not his age, it's:
McCain/Feingold
Keating Five
Gang of Fourteen
Amnestygate
He spent so much time in the Senate "reaching out" to Democrats, he forgot he was supposed to be a Republican.
Twice, in 2001 and 2004 he nearly jumped partys.
So, tell me, why should a conservative vote for this guy?
Age
April 18, 2008 - 10:27 ET by iveseenitallWith age come wisdom and conservatism. I hope it's so with McCain. It's not with Hillary; she's a partisan socialist/communist. Barry is simply a young, immature fool (and a socialist/communist). He really can't handle adulthood, much less the presidency. And that chip-on-her-shoulder, nasty wife of his. Talk about immmature! Scheeze.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Three Words
April 18, 2008 - 10:36 ET by OldSailor88JUAN FREAKING HERNANDEZ!
Noli habere bovis, vir!
OldSailor88
April 18, 2008 - 10:38 ET by DelsaI am headed for the shower with a good laugh.
Thanks
Youth and Inexperience
April 18, 2008 - 10:21 ET by Hero SquadSomebody had to post it:
"I want you to know that also I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience." - Ronald Reagan, 2nd 1984 Presidential debate
Chronological age means very little to me... unless the candidate is a little too green.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
The history-impaired
April 18, 2008 - 10:26 ET by sarcasmoTry their hand at unintentional comedy.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Age is just a number or so we've been told.
April 18, 2008 - 10:30 ET by terrigWe have the first waves of baby boomers telling us how age is not a factor in their lives (of course we have had to hear how wonderful this particular age group is since they landed on the planet in 1946-this first wave). However, it is funny to me that this same bunch of people who tells us age means nothing (many were the same ones who marched against and spat upon those who like McCain served) are telling us that he's too old.
And now, today's Shrub
April 18, 2008 - 10:31 ET by Roger the ShrubberAnd now, today's Shrub Report®:
Judging by the vehement defense of Senator Byrd's age (90), I find the Democrat(ic) hand-wringing over someone who is 72 to be laughable.
Two huge WW2 figures fell on this date: 1943: US naval intelligence intercepted a message which resulted in the shooting down of a plane carrying Admiral Yamamoto, the architect of Pearl Harbor, and in 1945: Ernie Pyle was killed by Japanese machine gun fire on a small island near Okinawa.
So, who is profiting from the housing crisis?
Angry, bitter, gun-totting Pennsyltucky white folk visit Kennywood.
Here is a sad story. Which side would you take?
Karl, are you playing with the weather machine again?
A funny captionfest (pardon the language within).
Yesterday this Shrubber informed you of chinese weapons shipping to Zimbabwe. South African dock workers are refusing to unload the weapons. Good for them! BTW, today is Independence Day in Zimbabwe. Independence from GB, only to be enslaved by Mugabe.
Wow.
Another sign of progress in Iraq.
Quiz time, folks!
A special gift just for you, Blonde! Cue Nelson Muntz… O, and Blondie, here's another Florida story in your honor!
Hermione Just Got Paid.
The biggest 80's movie a-holes (once again, pardon the language). What, no Chet from Weird Science?
And finally, the Pope's weekend schedule is released.
I put in my two cents on
April 18, 2008 - 10:52 ET by Hero SquadI put in my two cents on the 80s list. Pretty good, but I thought they missed another one.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Chet from Weird Science,
April 18, 2008 - 11:11 ET by balboaChet from Weird Science, Hardy Jenns from Some Kind of Wonderful, Steff from Pretty in Pink, Diane Cort's dad from Say Anything (judgement call), Mr. Hand from FTARH.
Good picks, Bal. Hardy was
April 18, 2008 - 11:57 ET by Roger the ShrubberGood picks, Bal. Hardy was such a wuss, getting b-slapped by the chick from "Howard the Duck"...
I had to look this up,
April 18, 2008 - 12:06 ET by Roger the ShrubberI had to look this up, because it was a good exchange between Blane and Steff in Pretty in Pink:
Blane: You buy everything. You couldn't buy her, that's what's killing you.
Steff: I don't wanna listen...
Blane: That's it, Steff. She thinks you're sh*t. And deep down, you know she's right.
I suggested Prof. Jerry
April 18, 2008 - 11:58 ET by Hero SquadI suggested Prof. Jerry Hathaway from "Real Genius." William Atherton got two other mentions, but I thought this was his most underhanded role.
Three cheers for Ed Rooney props, though.
And yes, Chet should be there, too.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Thanks, Shrubster,
April 18, 2008 - 20:06 ET by BlondeI had no idea...that's quite a "whoopsie".....bull in a china shop indeed.
I hadn't heard about the shattered trophy.
GO GATORS!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
McCain and his age.
April 18, 2008 - 10:32 ET by donsalimanNow if I wrote and said,please don't vote for Hillary Clinton because of her sex,or Obama because of his color,I can see it now, of how racist I am or how I don't want Clinton because she is a women. They would be correct,so why is it OK to knock McCain because of his age?
I am 70 years young this last Jan. and believe me,I am in better shape than a lot of young people and am not ready to stop and die.
Where is the ACLU when you need them?oh forgot,they only defend the Liberals
If someone started a
April 18, 2008 - 10:57 ET by sublight68If someone started a website called "Righter than Obama" (Ted Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Karl Marx, etc.) it would immediately be branded racist, hateful and a distraction from the issues.
Cries to shut it down in order to "preserve democracy" would erupt throughout the Leftist blogosphere.
McCain is too old
April 18, 2008 - 10:32 ET by DelsaOk so..
McCain is too old
Hillary is 60 and forgets after eleven at night
Obama is too young and has zero experience
Resolve it by voting for the very old guy, with a younger, ready from day one to take the helm, VP.
Resolve it by voting for
April 18, 2008 - 10:54 ET by motherbeltResolve it by voting for the very old guy, with a younger, ready from day one to take the helm, VP.
Delsa, that is why I have said that McCain's choice of VP is crucial. (So those who have propose Liddy Dole need to rethink that one).
Let's face it, there is a good chance McCain will not seek a second term, and at 76 I think if he wanted to, he would be strongly "discouraged" by the RNC. I think that's why he is getting his "turn" right now. I wouldn't be suprised to discover that this was a backroom deal he made with the bigwigs.
I agree. I'll feel better
April 18, 2008 - 11:00 ET by sublight68I agree. I'll feel better about pulling the lever for McCain if I can convince myself I'm really voting for a strong conservative VP, setting him or her up for a run at the top spot in 2012.
"Hillary is 60 and forgets
April 18, 2008 - 11:09 ET by Chris Norman"Hillary is 60 and forgets after eleven at night"
Then she'll really be sharp when she gets that three am phone call, huh?
I Told You So
April 18, 2008 - 10:41 ET by OldSailor88A couple of weeks ago when the Rev. Wright controversy broke, I made a comment stating my curiosity as to where Rev. Wright lived and what kind of car he drove. Well well. Check this out.
He's going to be living amongst the very people he railed about. Not only that, this humble man of the cloth will have access to a $10,000,000 line of credit to live on. Poor man. It's a good thing that he practices what he preaches.
Noli habere bovis, vir!
I love this:
April 18, 2008 - 10:58 ET by motherbeltI love this:
“Some people think deals like this are hypocritical. Jeremiah Wright himself criticizes people from the pulpit for middle classism, for too much materialism,” said Andrew Walsh, Associate Director of the Leonard E. Greenberg Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life with Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.
He IS practicing what he preaches! He's shunning "middle-classism"...it's not good enough for him!!
He must really be one of
April 18, 2008 - 12:34 ET by ricklailHe must really be one of the "gab it and grab it" (properity-name it and claim it) preachers
If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.-Lewis Grizzard
And Leon freaks out in 3...2...1...
April 18, 2008 - 10:59 ET by BDWASHINGTON — Houston-based KBR has again been selected to participate in a 10-year military logistical support contract valued at up to $150 billion, the U.S. Army announced Thursday.
The Army Sustainment Command, at the insistence of the Government Accountability Office, had re-evaluated its decision last summer to award the massive contract to KBR, Fort Worth-based DynCorp International and Fluor Intercontinental of Greenville, S.C.
But after rebidding the contract, the Army chose the same three players.
Jim Loehrl, the Army Sustainment Command's executive director for acquisition, called the selection process "painstaking and thorough."
BD, Leon may be freaking
April 18, 2008 - 11:27 ET by motherbeltBD, Leon may be freaking out, but he won't be posting...at least not under that name. He posted yesterday under the name "The Gunslinger" and said that he (as Leon) had been banned.
It will be interesting to see what his next "virtual persona" will be.
He's such a drama queen. I
April 18, 2008 - 11:37 ET by Jack BauerHe's such a drama queen. I bet he hasn't been "banned," but wants to make out he's being censored.
Cool
April 18, 2008 - 11:47 ET by Roger the ShrubberLeon wants to make out with you, Jackson?
Yes, that is much more
April 18, 2008 - 11:48 ET by BDYes, that is much more likely....
I shall be on the look out
April 18, 2008 - 11:44 ET by BDI shall be on the look out for the next incarnation of Hater/Leon....
Age descrimination... Ask
April 18, 2008 - 11:20 ET by Clear thinkerAge descrimination...
Ask any Democrat if anyone should be descriminated against for any reason, and their answer will be.. "no, we don't believe in descrimination".
Then ask them about age descrimination and wait for your moment to call them a hypocrite. It won't take long!
"Abstain from McCain"
Don't forget about Christians.
April 19, 2008 - 00:31 ET by Britcom---
Communist vs. Statist '08
Q. Is Panamanian born John McCain a "Natural Born Citizen"
Watch me
April 18, 2008 - 12:01 ET by SemperrightHey all,
At 2p.m. EST today, tune into the Military channel to see your old buddy Semperright. I went to Morroco and built a siege tower for the discovery channel. The one hour show is called "Superweapons of the Ancient World: The City Destroyer" I lead the design and build team. It's a good show I promise.
Here's the listing link. It's on a couple more times over the next month.
http://military.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=52.13227.24884.4119.3
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
That was close. I just
April 18, 2008 - 12:31 ET by ricklailThat was close. I just called the wife and told her to set it up to tape at 2. I'll watch it tonight because to me Friday night is the most boring except for Man Vs Wild.
SEMPER IDEM
If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.-Lewis Grizzard
Rick
April 18, 2008 - 13:26 ET by SemperrightI have a link so you can watch it online if you're interested.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Hey Semper.... I'm
April 18, 2008 - 13:54 ET by bigtimerHey Semper....
I'm very interested in the link online if the one above isn't it.
Thanks....
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
BT the link
April 18, 2008 - 14:29 ET by SemperrightHere is the link for anyone who wants to see the show. One of the timberframers I was on the show with put the show on his server.
Thanks to Al
http://video.sipschool.org
Username: sipschool
Password: 1234.qwer
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Semper....thanks so much,
April 18, 2008 - 14:37 ET by bigtimerSemper....thanks so much, for this and all you have done for this country...
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
BT
April 18, 2008 - 14:42 ET by SemperrightThank you,
I appreciate the kind words.
Hope you like the show as fun as I had doing it.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Semper, I am sure I am
April 18, 2008 - 14:49 ET by bigtimerSemper, I am sure I am going to enjoy it, plus the reason I wanted the link is my husband left for the week-end and I want him to see it to when he can too, we can watch it together.
Got the link saved.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Churchill
Video
April 19, 2008 - 00:24 ET by BritcomAn amazing program. I love these kind of shows. Great job.
I was surprised, the video ran great, not one stop for buffering on my 750k connection. Very professional web tech.
---
Communist vs. Statist '08
Q. Is Panamanian born John McCain a "Natural Born Citizen"
Wow, wow, wow!
April 19, 2008 - 15:53 ET by BlondeThanks for sharing that....it was excellent! A fine production, and an interesting glimpse into the past. Seemed to be very well researched.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend it to all here.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Thanks Blonde
April 20, 2008 - 22:04 ET by SemperrightI'm glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time filming it.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Thanks
April 18, 2008 - 14:26 ET by ricklailIn addition to getting my wife to TIVO it, I found out that I could do it through the Direct TV web site.
"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." A.W. Tozer
Rick
April 18, 2008 - 14:32 ET by SemperrightThe DVR (digital video recorder) is the best thing since the iron lung. I only have an hour or so a week to watch tv. It's nice to watch exactly what you want on demand.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Where's your utility
April 18, 2008 - 15:51 ET by Roger the ShrubberWhere's your utility kilt?
Thanks for sharing this. it must have been an amazing experience.
I have watched a part of it and will finish it over the weekend.
Shrub
April 18, 2008 - 22:53 ET by SemperrightI need to get the kilt. The kilt rocks. Don't mock the kilt.
It was pretty cool to see what went into making a show like this.
I'm glad you are enjoying it.
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference.
The MARINES don't have that problem."
President Ronald Reagan - 1985
Limbaugh A Liberal?
April 18, 2008 - 12:09 ET by ChuchulainnI quote from Dansaliman up above: "Where is the ACLU when you need them?oh forgot, they only defend the liberal"
Here is a quote from a fairly well known news organization: "Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh probably never expected the American Civil Liberties Union to become one of his staunch supporters. But the privacy rights group was on his side Monday when its Florida branch filed a "friend-of-court motion on behalf of Limbaugh arguing state officials were wrong in seizing his medical records for their drug probe." Source: FoxNews.com 1/12/04
Either Limbaugh is a liberal or your statement is inaccurate. Don't worry, you have ten years on me, but I have senior moments too!
Is this anti-Semitic?
April 18, 2008 - 12:28 ET by GothampcDoes this article seem a bit anti-Semitic to anyone? When reading it, I didn't feel right about it. The author seems to list all the bad things that can go wrong for Passover celebration. To me it sort of comes across as "those inept Jews".
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04182008/news/regionalnews/oy__that_passover_gives_jews_such_tsuris_106994.htm
The first (since Orange County) of many??
April 18, 2008 - 13:03 ET by sarcasmoThat's what I suspect, anyway. Jefferson County, Alabama, is about to default on its bonds. Note the Federal environmental consent decree buried in the story, which means locals can blame the Feds & vice-versa. Ultimately, the responsibility will again fall on taxpayers, though.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Generations of corruption...
April 18, 2008 - 17:34 ET by sarcasmoIt runs in the family, apparently.
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Yech.
April 18, 2008 - 19:50 ET by sarcasmoI just saw a new "climate change" commercial featuring Nancy Pelosi & Newt Gingrich. Yuk. “As a rule of thumb, Congressional legislation that is bipartisan is usually twice as bad as legislation that is partisan.” -- Thomas Sowell
He put it well...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Sarc
April 18, 2008 - 20:07 ET by ricklailI don't know of any subject that Dr. Sowell does not put well. I have read all the man's books and can't wait to read his lastest column.
"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." A.W. Tozer (Pharisee=modern day liberal)
Newsbusters Staff :
April 18, 2008 - 20:34 ET by Clear thinkerNewsbusters Staff : HELP...
Why has the comments function been turned off on Brents thread about Ben Steins movie?
"Abstain from McCain"