"Drill Baby, Drill" - The RNC You Didn't See on TV

If you fail to point out what your opponents are lying about, what chance do you have with the public. Every unanwered assertion, every manner in which to denigrate the McCain-Palin ticket needed to get addressed. And Palin clearly should have had great range in this regard.

Imagine, Reid using the word "shrill" in his press release. The man and the Dems are beyond recognition at this point. Over the top. Disgusting in their attacks.

The Republicans are moderate by comparison in my own view.

"Obama himself"

Another example of the wannabe intentionally misinformed disinformer.

I'd also point out that the Democratic attacks on McCain at the convention were a great deal less snide. Obama even went well out of his way to praise McCain's patriotism, his record, and his service. Those attacks that I saw fell into three basic categories:

1.) Specific disagreement with McCain on issues of substance. Pelosi's speech was the best example of this, listing an issue and ending with "and John McCain was wrong."

2.) Characterization of a McCain Presidency as "four more years," a thematic repeated quite often with the statistic that McCain voted with Bush upwards of 90% of the time.

3.) Characterization of McCain as a wealthy man who is a little out of touch with every-day America. This theme usually played along with the "not sure how many houses I own" line or the "thinks $5 Million is middle class" line.

The Democrats didn't go after McCain for being old, for being infirm, for cheating on his wife, for his involvement in the Keating scandal (there may have been a non-prime-time mention of this), or for any of those things.

He's got one, it's just mostly in the Illinois Senate.

Even so though, legislators vote on freaking everything; that's one of the reasons they rarely make good Presidential candidates: that extensive record is a vulnerability.

Even after a few years in the Senate Obama has more than enough votes to engage his record... it's just that John McCain has much much more to engage.

Also, and this continues to fascinate me, the Republicans are aware that Palin has more executive experience than John McCain right? I kept waiting for someone to pull Rudy aside and remind him that that "Zero" comment could as easily apply to the Republican nominee.

I am not a non believer, but all of this God and Jesus stuff, is not solving one problem that we are facing in this country today. The Republicans concentration on their religious beliefs is in my opinion a head in the sand approach to running this country.

We know that this is not the true feeling of McCain but it is where he has to be he feels to get elected, but he is dodging the real problems in doing so and in the end it is my opinion that he and his bible right will be on the outside looking in.

As for Palin she is just what the right ordered and I still feel that as the real her plays out they will find they have a devil in their mist and we will see how good their prayers are then.

Sally Y.

Even you as a non believer still refer to God and the Devil. This should be proof to you that religion, no mater what religion, is the bread and butter of this country. It was partly founded on this platform.

My question to you is that do you really want someone with their finger on the "button" to not have any faith base system?

I had someone tell me that a person with no religion would end up making the same "basic good" choice on morality. I had to laugh at this. I told them did you ever look at what happens to people in the middle east? Or the laws? or the punishments? Even in some Asian countries as well.
I use to believe in the basic good of all humanity. Until I got older and realized the the "Basic Good" is a vision of the society faith.

Democrats attack policies, they do not use rhetoric that amounts to labeling Republicans enemies.

Concered American,

You missed the "not" before "a non believer".

Also, Concerned, You are aware that Obama has a deep Christian Faith, right?

Behind My Screen,

Does Obama have faith...yes. But have you heard his preacher of 20 year hate. His mentor frankly scares me :-)

I was referring more to the ideas of removing faith from the person that a lot of people think should happen when someone is in an elected office.

Concerned American please re read what I wrote I said I was not a non-believer I do believe in God and yes I think they have a Devil in their mist. I repeat all of the God and Jesus stuff is not solving our country's problems.

Concerned American,

If you support all the ideas of your preacher, then I think you have a problem, Not Obama.

Behind My Screen,

I said mentor. That doesn't mean believe all said.

I believe you need to make educated decisions. But Obama may not believe everything his preacher has taught him. But 20 years of hearing the same thing tends to influence any individual.

You labeled him a mentor.

Adam - How can you agree with this point? You believe that oil will be done as an energy source in the blink of an eye? You think the world economy will change? We give up on this asset and the world wins, becomes far ahead of us while we listen to T-Bone Pickens and his wild claims about getting off of oil while making billions with Gore investing in wind.

We reached peak oil a good long time ago. The rest of the world may or may not have yet, but we were the beginning of the oil age and thus tapped out sooner.

Perhaps we can agree that neither foreign producers or our own Big Oil will give anyone (other than themselves) sufficient advance warning that we have or are reaching peak oil. Indeed, there are credible independent sources who are already suggesting that Saudi Arabia has already passed their peak in oil production despite their claims otherwise.

But whether world oil production has peaked or not, the meantime increasing volume of carbon emissions can not be viewed as a good thing in terms of dealing with the issue of global warming.

The point is that global warming is global and so rapidly expanding economies like China and India will continue to increase their volume of such emissions as long as oil driven vehicles dominate the transportation market. And such domination will continue until such time as America, as a mature economy, takes the lead and leads the way by shifting to a clean energy based economy whose unit cost is less than or at minimum equal to the price paid in an oil-based economy.

And the point is the sooner the better we do.

Some broken comments on this subject:
1) We really don't know where oil comes from. Do a search. More reports are coming out that it may come from deeper in the earth. Dino leftover might just be leached in.
2) Did you miss the coal comment last night. We have more coal then any country has oil. We can get gas from it....
3) Oil and electricity are 2 separate subjects. Oil produces very little of our electric power. So tell me how wind will get us off of oil. The electric car is way off and our power grid couldn't handle the load.
4) Global Warming. What a money making load. I think it was Sweden or Findland where they were complaining about loosing a glacier. Well they are finding forgotten mines where this glacier has been for 1000's of years. But you won't see this article on Gores website.

Politicalcenter,

Adam is a True Libertarian. He will never talk about a policy that requires the government to be involved. His position is actualy very easy to admire because it is based on contemplation of what is best for the country where as the Republican position is based on what will get them the most votes and help their buddies out in Corprate America the most.

Concerned American,

We replace the Natural Gas electricity production used to add peak power with wind and then use the natural gas as out main source of transprtation fuel. We already know how to transport it, we have a small but growing infrastructure for fuel stations. It is about half the price of gasoline for a distance traveled, honda has been making Civics and selling them in the US for 10 years that run on NG. Honda also sells a home fuel station that you connect to your NG pip and you can fuel up at home.

sorry, I didn't mean to give you to a party affiliation. :-)

Behind My Screen,

I agree with you on NG. :-) I am thinking of converting my big v8 jeep over to it.

If I had my way with it...Natural or H2 gas would be more of a short term solution until fuel cells and electric motors become more efficient.

But don't forget that we still have to drill for it to get a viable supply and oil usually coexist with it.

Tesla Roadster. The future of cars.

I think the PC crowd is destroying what we once were. Politician should be able to talk tough and carry a big stick. I'm not a fan of the feel good crowd and lets hold hands and make everything gray crowd. We have winners and losers. I remember a while back in grade school bowling league when they started giving everyone trophies. I quite after that.

You are also talking about politics. It's a dog eat dog world. Do you think Putin care what your feeling? Do you think Bin Laden is sitting somewhere wondering if his bombs are killing more people of his own race? I don't think they were being mean spirited. I think they are more worldly.

I loved the Pitbull comment. I want my daughter to be strong.

I want my daughter to be strong too. I would hope that she would be able to defend herself without belittling others and their accomplishments. She came across petty and vapid. This was her chance to introduce herself to America and all I know is that she can (sort of) deliver one-liners. I wanted to hear where she stands on the economy, abortion, education , etc. - that would have been impressive, that would have shown that she has something of substance to say. I don't want a pitbull as my President or VP. I want an open, reasonable and kind human being who can be tough when they need to be. I actually agree with you about there being winners and losers but I don't think that has anything to do with the comment I made. I have not heard any of her supporter here point to specific policies proposed in her speech - it is all about how tough she is. With nothing to back it up being tough isn't enough.

I think she laid our her position on some of those topics. No one is going to get specific on topics like this in any speech. Go to the websites. I think we know where she stands on abortion. Look at here family. She sides with McCain on the economy. I am sure more will come out after last night. Debates are coming. I'm sure she will be interviewed to death.

She had to attack. And I do have to give credit to Obama about family being out of bounds. As soon as her name became public, the media ripped into here with so many untruths and negativity. She had to show strength. She is number 2 to the presidency.

I also saw a lot of passion in her during her speech as well. When she talked about her family and in some other areas as well. I think the near future is going to be very interesting.

Is she new...Yes
Does she have more work ahead of her...Yes
But in the long run we are electing join McCain.

1. Many women have children with special needs - that does not automatically mean that they want to deny all women the right to choose what is best for them. Looking at her family tells me nothing about her position on abortion. She should have clarified it outright.
2. No she didn't have to give Obama any credit, but the fact that she didn't tells me something about her character.
3. What a cop out so say that we are electing McCain and not her for President - it reeks of insecurity when that is the way supporters deflect questions about her readiness to lead.

First off, the chant "Drill, Baby, Drill" smacks of big oil which in turn just reminds me of the current administration and their ties to big oil. The same companies who were supposedly making record profits as the price of gas was skyrocketing this summer. I have no problem with using our own oil to lessen our dependency on foreign oil but only as a stop gap while we focus more on other more renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources.

Secondly, Concerned-American, am I reading you correctly in that you want the US to be more aggressive and sink to the level that our opponents (whether they be nation states or transnational groups [read terrorist]) go to? I am one week shy of having 20 years in the USAF and believe that might does not make right. Diplomacy should always be the first option and military might the last. Don't get me wrong, we need a strong military to back up our convictions but military might should never trump diplomacy.

I too want my daughter to grow up strong, but strong in the sense that she has a positive self image of herself and the knowledge that when you resort to name calling and attacking another person (or group) either physically or verbally all you are doing is showing your opponent that you have no substance. If both parties can walk away with something other than cuts and bruises, everyone wins.

Politics has turned into a dog eat dog sport; however, what politicians should never loose sight of is the fact that they are working for someone, in this case, the best interest of the American people. In McCain's case, it definitely seems like he has some good ideas; however, to me, it looks as though he is bending to the pressures of individuals/groups who don't necessarily share his same opinions and view points.

First off, the chant "Drill, Baby, Drill" smacks of big oil which in turn just reminds me of the current administration and their ties to big oil.

Well, in my mind, without big oil I'd have a hard time driving, working, buying things, etc. so I'm grateful for big oil--an industry owned by a huge swath of the American people, with extremely low profits compared to other industries, and yet providing one of our most basic necessities.

"But in the long run we are electing join McCain. "

For not that long a run I would think, Concerned American. He's 72 with many bouts with cancer and how good do you think his ticker is.

I don't want to wake up and have the mayor from Northern Exposure the leader of the world.

EDK - True, they do provide us with a very important basic necessity. My problem with them is that some oil companies provide it at the expense of the American people. Just because it is a necessity, doesn't mean that the American public should be expected to bend over and take what ever they decide to give us. Also, even though I'm in no way a conspiracy theorist, I do believe that if it weren't for some of the oil companies having very powerful friends in the halls of government we might be much further along in realizing cheaper alternative fuels.

For not that long a run I would think, Concerned American. He's 72 with many bouts with cancer and how good do you think his ticker is.

Those of us concerned about McCain's age should realize that longevity is genetic. McCain's mom is 95 and going strong.

alfie--

The oil companies are not perfect. One problem is that we have to buy oil through hostile nations such as Saudi Arabia, hence the desire to drill our own. I believe in all energy sources, including oil, nuclear, wind and solar etc.

alfie-omega

Thank you for your service! I really mean that. We have a long history of military in our family and proud of everyone.

I do believe in diplomacy. Do I think we need to build up our military and invest in it? Big YES. I'm sure you heard also that freedom isn't free (not relating to taxes). I think we agree on this subject. But I also believe that many people are forgetting our past and how it relates to current events. For instance. We know that Iran is supporting and also committing people to kill our troops in Iraq. And some people want to negotiate with them.

Sarah didn't do any name calling except for herself really. Pitbull with lipstick. That was great. I agree with the name calling comment as well.

I also believe that she represents more of the average American than any of the candidates. Husband a laborer and a union worker. Loving family thats not perfect but sticks together. PTA. Hockey mom....

Watch C-span gavel to gavel coverage with no spin or opinions. I am convinced that I can undersand what I hear without being told what I heard by someone who is making assumptions and I am judging from what I heard and believe.

Wow what a statement from the left coast.

1) Speeches: Do you think anyone in politics today write their own speeches? We now have career speech writers who work with image consultants who work with other consultants. But the people do review and practice their speeches so they know what they are saying. Obviously Obama doesn't write his as well. You think he would be a little more eloquent when he is interviewed uh..uh..uh.
2) Your questioning Palin as a leader?? She has gone from City counsel to VP in a short quiet period of time. I think that talks about leadership.
3) Have you read any of the overseas reaction to her speech they are applauding her.
4) Pro-life is about ripping a child out of you body. Not war different subject. See below.
5) War: War is a last resort but sometime necessary. When did she say she was pro war? She is for defending this country.
6) ..."principals and practicing deception against those principals" Welcome to all politics. Not just the GOP.
7) Mostly bleeding heart stuff.
8) I agree with a lot of what Ron Paul says. But he is to much of a loon.

Welcome to the light NM. I always wondered how all the intellegent Republicans I know could twist their minds into pretzels to fit all the incongruities. Some of them are finally freeing themselves and it must be such a relief.

Pro life is anti women and pro war is also pro neo-con and it is obvious that she is pro neo-con. Also you send the life you saved in your child and send him willing to kill and maybe get killed, that does not resonate with me as a mother.

Pro life is anti women and pro war is also pro neo-con and it is obvious that she is pro neo-con. Also you send the life you saved in your child and send him willing to kill and maybe get killed, that does not resonate with me as a mother.

I think it's unwise to take very "grey" issues and cast them as black and white. This leads to divisiveness and misunderstanding. Pro-war is often actually the desire for security and peace--it is not simply a desire for war for war's sake. And Pro-life vs Pro-choice is an issue so full of complexities--it's completely disingenuous to say that it is anti-woman to be pro-life. That debate is far more complicated and emotionally charged.

So true. Big Oil is our pusher.

Linda, I agree on her voice it is just like nails on a chalk board goes right through me. I had decided already but Palin added to the mix didn't change my mind one minute.