Meghan McCain: Mamdani and His Wife Are 'Both Vile'

BULLSHIT -your family signs up for this as well, it's how it works. She is living in Gracie mansion off of tax payer dollars. My mom had to answer questions about being rodeo queen because of my dad's role in office.

Your wife celebrated the slaughter of Jews. You're both vile. https://t.co/Elpa6ujIQc

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) March 7, 2026

Biden Compares Trump to Goebbels

Joe Biden says Donald Trump is "sort of like" Nazi official Joseph Goebbels.

Goebbels helped carry out the systematic murder of more than six million Jewish people. This is a disgusting thing for a politician to say. pic.twitter.com/xJQFGpQD2k

— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) September 26, 2020

Unconscionable. Biden is a disgrace. His rhetoric is vile.

When @JoeBiden compared President @realDonaldTrump to the Nazi Goebbels he desecrated the memory of six million Jews who were murdered bc of ppl like Goebbels!

It’s an insult to my mother’s family who were all murdered at Auschwitz!

SHAME ON YOU JOE BIDEN!#UnfitForOffice pic.twitter.com/IajwWDjNxE

— Dov Hikind (@HikindDov) September 27, 2020

Biden’s comparing Trump to Goebbels is, without question, the single most disgraceful thing I’ve seen in a presidential election in my adult lifetime.

— Josh Hammer (@josh_hammer) September 27, 2020

Democrats and "Republicans" like Cindy McCain must stop claiming that Biden has empathy and compassion. 

They must stop claiming the country needs Biden to unite us. Biden, via his handlers/caretakers, spews the most incendiary, outrageous remarks about the duly elected President of the United States. 

Biden is not a good guy. 

Biden has no interest whatsoever in uniting the country.

Do not accept that lie.

John McCain

I love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey. pic.twitter.com/v27sEbboii

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 24, 2018

God be with John McCain, Cindy, and the entire McCain family.

Gwyneth Paltrow, War, and the Internet

Gwyneth Paltrow is 41-years-old, but she seems like a child.

Maybe it's because she's a child of Hollywood. She lacks compassion as well as common sense.

Not all, but many celebrities are so insulated from real life. They aren't normal people. They're "beautiful people."

That's why one should dismiss their ramblings. They have every right to express themselves, and we have every right to ignore their idiocy or express our objections.

Paltrow's latest stupid statement:

"You come across [online comments] about yourself and about your friends, and it's a very dehumanizing thing. It's almost like how, in war, you go through this bloody, dehumanizing thing, and then something is defined out of it. My hope is, as we get out of it, we'll reach the next level of conscience."

Of course, comparing the incivility of the Internet to WAR is extremely offensive, especially to those with loved ones currently serving in the military.

Cindy McCain shared her reaction to Paltrow's comments on Twitter.

Gweneth Paltrow is a joke. Her life is like taking bullets for a soldier. What a joke! My 2 sons serving in the military should talk to her.

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) May 29, 2014

Perhaps Gweneth Paltrow should go out on patrol with some soldiers. Kind of like a Red Carpet in her mind I guess!

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) May 29, 2014

I understand Cindy McCain's response. She's attempting to wake up Paltrow and those of her ilk.

Paltrow is really clueless. Pathetic.

Yes, Internet thugs are cruel, but their disgusting cyber slings and arrows can't be compared to what is experienced in war.

Good grief.

This highlights how incredibly out of touch Hollywood Leftists are with mainstream Americans.

Hollywood celebrities aren't heroes. Those fighting to defend our country and our freedom are the heroes.
________________

Video from TMZ here.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Getting Trashed on the Internet Is Just Like War
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John McCain on SNL

Roughly 72 hours before the candidates, the nation, and the world learn the result of the 2008 U.S. presidential election, John McCain appeared on Saturday Night Live.

He opened the show with Tina Fey as Sarah Palin at his side. Cindy McCain also made an appearance in the skit. She didn't have a speaking part. It was funny, very clever, well done overall.

McCain and his wife both looked so relaxed. They really appeared to be enjoying themselves. I didn't detect any stress, no "we're down in polls" sort of panic or desperation.

They just looked to be having fun.



Transcript

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN - "Good evening, my fellow Americans, I'm John McCain.

TINA FEY AS GOV. SARAH PALIN - "And, you know, I'm just Sarah Palin."

MCCAIN - "The final days of any election are the most essential. This past Wednesday, Barack Obama purchased airtime on three major networks. We, however, can only afford QVC."

FEY AS PALIN - "These campaigns sure are expensive. (She strokes the rich fabric of her jacket's lapel)

MCCAIN - "They sure are. So tonight, we come before you to give you some final remarks on our campaign."

FEY AS PALIN - "And, as part of our agreement with the QVC folks, we're gonna try and sell you some stuff."

MCCAIN - "This has been an historic campaign, so why not remember it with our line of collectible products. Such as ten commemorative plates that celebrates the ten Town Hall debates between Senator Obama and myself. They're blank, he wouldn't agree to those debates. Too bad. They're still nice plates.

FEY AS PALIN - "And who wouldn't want the complete set of limited edition 'Joe' action figures? There's 'Joe the Plumber,' 'Joe Six-Pack,' and my personal favorite, 'Joe Biden.' If you pull this cord, he talks for forty-five minutes.

(SHE pulls cord)

JASON SUDEIKIS AS SEN. BIDEN (O.C.) -- "I take the Amtrak to work every day. Then -- after work -- I take it home. Let me tell you something about Joe Biden..."

MCCAIN - "It's great if you want to clear out a party."

FEY AS PALIN - "Or keep deer out of your yard."

MCCAIN - "But we're not just here to sell products. We're here with a message. We are at a crossroads in American history. The leadership of the next four years will have many challenges and I believe my experience and my leadership will make a difference.

FEY AS PALIN - "Also too - sorry -- I need to remind you that there are just two minutes left in our 'Washington outsider jewelry extravaganza.'"

MCCAIN - "Are you someone who likes fine jewelry and also respects a politician who can reach across the aisle? If so, you can't go wrong with McCain Fine Gold.

(CINDY MCCAIN displays the "McCain Fine Gold" like a game show model)

MCCAIN (CONT'D) - "It commemorates the McCain Feingold Act -- and also looks great with evening wear. Thank you, Cindy."

FEY AS PALIN - "And what busy hockey mom wouldn't want to freshen up her home with Sarah Palin's 'Ayers Fresheners.' You plug these into the wall when something doesn't quite smell quite right. Also too, it's good because it reminds people about William Ayers."

MCCAIN - "Having trouble cutting through a tough piece of pork? Not anymore, with John McCain's complete set of pork knives. 'They Cut The Pork Out!'"

FEY AS PALIN - "So instead of going to one of those elite department stores with their liberal agendas and over-priced items and their gotcha return policies that violate your First Amendment rights, why not do your holiday shopping with us? (SHE turns to a different camera) Okay, listen up everybody, I am goin' rogue right now so keep your voices down. Available now, we got a buncha' these 'Palin in 2012' T-shirts. Just try and wait until after Tuesday to wear 'em okay? Because I'm not goin' anywhere. And I'm certainly not goin' back to Alaska. If I'm not goin' to the White House, I'm either runnin' in four years or I'm gonna be a white Oprah so, you know, I'm good either way."

MCCAIN - "What's going on over there, Sarah?"

FEY AS PALIN - "Oh...just talkin' about taxes." (SHE winks)

MCCAIN - "Look, would I rather be on three major networks? Of course, but I'm a true maverick -- a Republican without money. And I'm not like my opponent; my only showbiz connections are Jon Voight and Heidi from 'The Hills.' So, I'm here on QVC, and like QVC, this campaign promises you three things: quality, value and convenience."

FEY AS PALIN - "And great deals on juicers."

MCCAIN - "So when you go to the polls on Tuesday remember, 'Country First,' as a reminder all undergarments are non-refundable and Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!!!

McCain made another appearance during the Weekend Update segment.

He detailed his last-minute campaign strategies.

Although he was greeted with cheers and applause, there were a few boos. McCain smiled broadly and gave a double thumbs up, but he did acknowledge that he heard the couple of negative voices.

You can see that he received an overwhelmingly positive response. A smattering of boos didn't throw him.



Transcript

SETH MEYERS - "With the election only three days away, most polls show Barack Obama leading John McCain by a slight margin. Here to comment on his campaign strategy, Senator John McCain."

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN - "Thank you Seth. You know, a lot can happen in three days. And while I am confident that we will emerge victorious, I'm also considering a few radical last-minute strategies."

MEYERS - "New strategies, like what?

SEN. MCCAIN - "Well you know how people call me "the maverick"

MEYERS - "Yeah."

SEN. MCCAIN - "Well, I thought I'd try a strategy called the 'Reverse Maverick.' That's where I do whatever anybody tells me. I don't ask questions - I just go with the flow. If that doesn't work, I go to the 'Double Maverick.' That's where I go totally berserker and just freak everybody out. Even the regular mavericks."

MEYERS - "That doesn't sound like the best strategy."

SEN. MCCAIN - "It isn't. And here's another bad one. It's called 'The Sad Grandpa.' That's where I get on TV and go, 'C'mon, Obama's gonna have plenty of chances to be President! It's my turn! Vote for me!'"

MEYERS - "Yeah, I don't know if I'd do that."

SEN. MCCAIN - "Ok, then here's a good one. It's called 'The Charleston.' That's where I only campaign in Charleston, South Carolina. Really lock it down. Meet every single resident three or four times. Or how about 'The Forrest Gump.' That's where I just start jogging across America and eventually everything works out.

MEYERS - That might work.

SEN. MCCAIN - "Or maybe 'The Rocky IV.' I live alone in the wilderness and pull a sled through the snow until I'm in peak physical condition."

MEYERS - "How would that help you win an election?"

SEN. MCCAIN - "It won't. But if I ever have to fight Vladimir Putin, I'll be ready."

MEYERS - "Alright, well if you had to choose one strategy in the remaining days, what would it be?"

SEN. MCCAIN - "Seth, my basic strategy is the one I've stuck with since I started this campaign: connect with the voters, talk with them honestly about the issues, and stand by my record of service to this great country."

MEYERS - "And if that doesn't work?"

SEN. MCCAIN - "Probably the 'Double Maverick.'"

MEYERS - "Senator John McCain everyone!"

I thought the "Sad Grandpa" was really funny. McCain can deliver the lines effectively.

I liked his willingness to do self-deprecating humor. That stands in stark contrast to the arrogant air of Obama.

In addition to the McCain spots, there are two other skits worth mentioning.

First, The View.

Kenan Thompson played Whoopi Goldberg. Casey Wilson played Jennifer Aniston. Kristen Wiig was Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Fred Armisen was Joy Behar.

Armisen as Behar was priceless.

Host Ben Affleck did a good impersonation of Alec Baldwin, a guest on The View.

I think they were roughest on Hasselbeck, but all of them came off as nuts.

Second, Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

Ben Affleck was Olbermann. He played him as an absolute loon. In other words, it was a completely realistic performance, not exaggerated at all. Affleck was great. It was a terrific send-up of Olbermann and his show.

John and Cindy McCain were both on stage when Affleck said his goodnight. In total, McCain had camera time on three occasions during the program, just as Sarah Palin did when she made her appearance on SNL in October-- the opening, Weekend Update, and the ending.

Overall, it was a good show for a change, consistently good throughout.

New York Times Slams Cindy McCain

Shortly after the New York Times endorsed John McCain in the primaries, it began running hit pieces on John McCain.

Here and here and here and here.

On Saturday, the Times went after Cindy McCain.

No puff piece for Mrs. McCain. It wasn't a positive portrayal of possibly the next first lady. It was a hit piece on the spouse of a presidential candidate.

The McCain campaign responded.

John McCain's campaign is expressing outrage over a New York Times story that focuses on Cindy McCain's marriage to the Arizona senator, including her miscarriages, her past addiction to painkillers and her failure in Washington to fit in.

The campaign's outrage comes on the heels of a letter Cindy McCain's attorney, John Dowd, wrote earlier this month to New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller accusing him of biased coverage for not pursuing more information about Obama's personal life.

"It is worth noting that you have not employed your investigative assets looking into Michelle Obama," Dowd wrote in the letter, which the campaign has made public now in response to the latest report by the Times.

"You have not tried to find Barack Obama's drug dealer that he wrote about in his book, 'Dreams of My Father,'" he continued. "Nor have you interviewed his poor relatives in Kenya and determined why Barack Obama has not rescued them. Thus there is a terrific lack of balance here."

The McCain camp provided the letter to FOX News on Saturday, the same day the piece was published. In addition to the missive, the McCain released a scathing critique of the story, calling it "gutter journalism at its worst -- an unprecedented attack on a presidential candidate's spouse."

The New York Times defended its coverage of both presidential hopefuls and the story on Cindy McCain.

"The Times has reported vigorously on the backgrounds of the candidates and the influential people in their lives, including both prospective first ladies. We reported where the facts led us," Times spokeswoman Catherine Mathis said in a written statement to FOXNews.com.

"The story was a richly reported, completely fair, respectful -- even empathetic -- profile of a would-be first lady," Mathis added. "The material is almost all from named sources, and the McCain campaign has not disputed a single fact."

The McCain camp also condemned New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor, who co-wrote the feature, for e-mailing a 16-year-old friend of the McCain's youngest child, seeking more information on Cindy McCain.

"The New York Times has stooped lower than this campaign ever imagined possible in an attempt to discredit a woman whose only apparent sin is being married to the man that would oppose that paper's preferred candidate, Barack Obama, in his quest for the presidency," McCain campaign spokesman Michael Goldfarb wrote in the statement released Saturday.

"It is a black mark on the record of a paper that was once widely respected, but is now little more than a propaganda organ for the Democratic party," he added. "The New York Times has accused John McCain of running a dishonorable campaign, but today it is plain to see where the real dishonor lies."

Given Barack Obama's past remarks, one would expect him to condemn the Times for presenting such an unfair portrait of Cindy McCain.

Obama himself has decried such trash.

"I have said before and I will repeat again: I think people's families are off-limits."

Remember this from back in May?

Democrat Barack Obama has a message for Tennessee's Republican Party: "Lay off my wife."

Obama, his party's presidential front-runner, and his wife, Michelle, were asked in an interview aired Monday on ABC's Good Morning America about an online video last week by the state's Republicans taking her to task for a comment some considered unpatriotic.

The Republican Party "should I be the nominee, can say whatever they want to say about me, my track record," Obama said. "If they think that they're going to try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful because that I find unacceptable, the notion that you start attacking my wife or my family."

He called the strategy "low-class."

So will Obama chastise the Times, or will he send his personal thanks to Jodi Kantor and David M. Halbfinger for writing the piece?

Can Obama be trusted? Was he sincere?

Meghan McCain and Jay Leno

Last night, Joe Biden's son, Beau, was on The Tonight Show.

Wednesday night, John McCain's daughter, Meghan, was the guest.


(Screen grab/ NBC)

She was so bubbly and pleasant, very down to earth.

The first thing she did was say hi to her "little sister Bridget" in the audience. Very sweet.

They began with a bit of background. Meghan attended an all-girls Catholic school in Phoenix.

Leno said that he heard she used to be a Democrat.

Meghan responded, "I was not a Democrat. I was an Independent."

For Father's Day, she registered as a Republican. It was her present to her dad.

Leno asked her why she chose to be an Independent.

"My family has a complicated history with the Bush administration, and at 18 I just thought an Independent was more representative of my beliefs."

She really put a lot of distance between Bush and her dad with that.

She said she voted for John Kerry in 2004.

Meghan said, "But now, I have more faith in what the Republican Party can become because of... with my father. I just have faith in the future of the party and the way my father can reinvent it."

That sounds like "change" to me.

Meghan certainly is dispelling the notion that a McCain administration would be more of the same. She couldn't have made that more clear.

Currently, Meghan is working on her father's campaign as a blogger, McCain Blogette. She encouraged people to visit her site.

When Leno asked her if she was interested in running for office, she replied that she would never run for public office.

"Never. It's my promise to the American public. I will never run for office. Yes. Ever. Ever! I'd be terrible. I'd be horrible. Really. I talk too much."

Leno brought up Meghan's appearance on The View.

She said it was "weird."

Meghan was very nervous before the show. She said that Barbara Walters was telling her that she would be fine. Walters suggested that she should just hug everyone when she came out. Then when Meghan made her entrance, Walters didn't want to hug her.

She cautioned anyone going on The View: "She doesn't want to hug you."

Leno mentioned John and Cindy McCain's appearance on The View. Meghan said that she didn't see it.

"I know my mom is not pleased with it."

Leno asked what Cindy was mad about. Meghan answered, "I just think there's a lot of estrogen on that show."

Leno asked Meghan what she thought of Sarah Palin.

"I love Sarah Palin. She's awesome."

The audience cheered.

Leno asked about the press coverage of Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter's pregnancy.

Leno said that personally he didn't think the coverage was too much. He said that it was "part of the story" and they just reported it, "not negatively, not positively."

He asked, "Did you think it was too much?"

Meghan replied, "I'm just protective by nature. You know, I'm a daughter as well. And I can't imagine being pregnant at 17, and on the cover of People magazine with people judging you. So I'm going to come out and support... I mean, the media will do what the media does. But I think that she should be left alone to some degree."

Leno countered, "Well, I mean it has been... It was reported when it happened and then it just sort of ran it's course and went away."

What? Really? Does Leno live in a monastery? Is he isolated from the outside world?

I can't believe that's his take on it. Very insensitive. Extremely insensitive. Obviously, Leno doesn't watch Conan O'Brien. Maybe if he had a daughter, he would have a different attitude.

Leno then brought up Chelsea Clinton.

Meghan said, "She's really lovely...I really like her a lot. Class act."

Here's some news: Roberta McCain, Meghan's grandmother, is 98 years old, not 96.

The interview ended with Meghan plugging her new children's book, My Dad, John McCain. She called it a "gift from the heart." It's her dad's story using real pictures. She wanted to make his story more accessible to young people.

Meghan McCain is so genuine and likable. She certainly doesn't seem like a spoiled rich brat at all.

Her parents must be very, very proud of her.

John and Cindy McCain on The View

Last Friday morning, John and Cindy McCain were in Cedarburg, Wisconsin -- Small Town, USA.

This Friday morning, John McCain was on The View for the entire hour. His wife, Cindy, joined him well over half way through the show.

If you want an example of parallel universes, Cedarburg and The View would be a good one.

I wasn't able to see the beginning, but I did see John McCain struggle to explain to most of the women on The View what the role of the Supreme Court is -- basic civics stuff typically taught in grade school. They didn't seem to get it and neither did the audience. Why am I not surprised?

Elisabeth Hasselbeck asked McCain if he wanted to overturn Roe v. Wade. No softball question from Elisabeth.

McCain stated that he is pro-life and then he discussed the role of the Court, INTERPRETING the Constitution instead of creating legislation from the bench, and originalist judges.

He said that he thought the Roe v. Wade decision was bad law. Some in the audience booed. He said that in the event that Roe v. Wade would be overturned, the matter of abortion would be returned to the states. In other words, abortion would not become illegal in this country.

Whoopi Goldberg, somewhat shocked, asked McCain to explain what he was talking about regarding the Constitution. She asked if she should be concerned about the return of slavery.

Barbara Walters said she shouldn't worry. They would protect her. Good grief.

Goldberg is clueless. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution prohibits slavery.

The View hosts' response to McCain's remarks showed a complete lack of understanding of American government.

NewsBusters has the transcript.

Goldberg also asked McCain about the separation of church and state, suggesting that Sarah Palin is a religious extremist. Goldberg even said something to the effect that if, God forbid, something happened to McCain, Palin (the religious nutjob in Goldberg's eyes) would become president, a frightening thought for Goldberg. Very crass.

McCain clearly explained that the country has a rich history of religious values and Palin was making reference to something that Abraham Lincoln had said when she spoke of God and the war in Iraq.

Cindy McCain joined her husband for the last portion of the show.

Barbara Walters had the audacity to ask Mrs. McCain how many houses they have? That was an utterly lame question from the trailblazing female journalist Walters.

Mrs. McCain had a great answer. She said that this election is not about how many houses they own. She said her parents worked VERY hard to make a good life for her, and their homes are not an issue.

Goldberg also got in a question that echoed the message from Obama's new attack ad charging McCain with being computer illiterate. Goldberg asked how McCain planned to reach out to young people, as though he's out of touch with them. McCain reminded Goldberg that he has kids between the ages of 17 and 23.

I wonder if Goldberg would ask Obama how he can relate to people over 50. How does he plan to reach out to them?

At the end of the show, Walters thanked the McCains for being guests. She told them to tell Sarah Palin not to be afraid of them. How classless!

I should expect nothing less. It's The View.
_________________

More, from FOX News.

Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Here's another instance of the Obama campaign trying to control what's said and what's not, silencing free speech:

From The Corner's Kathryn Jean Lopez:

I’m at a Tribute to Cindy McCain lunch in Minneapolis. Elizabeth Hasselbeck from The View is emcing and she just announced : “Unlike the wife of another political candidate who shall remain nameless, [Cindy McCain] didn’t come [to cohost The View] with a list of topics we weren’t allowed to touch.”

Well, well, well.

I guess Barack Obama really does admire China. He really does want to make America more like it.

"Beijing looks like a pretty good option. Why aren't we doing the same thing?"

Of course in this case, Obama was talking about his belief that China's infrastructure is vastly superior to what the United States offers. His remarks shouldn't be taken out of context.

Nonetheless, his campaign's assault on free speech does bring to mind China's human rights record and censorship, as well as Obama's admiration for aspects of that oppressive regime.

President Bush and Mrs. Bush Address the RNC

Laura Bush is such a classy woman. She is so poised.

Think about it: In nearly, eight years in the White House, she has never flipped out. She has never had a scandal or been embroiled in any sort of controversy.

She has been a wonderful first lady and represented our country with such grace.

In her address to the convention, she said, "I'm proud that America's first female vice president will be a Republican woman."

Mrs. Bush talked about the strong intelligent women that have been part of her husband's adminstration, like Condoleezza Rice.

She said that President Bush made good on his promise that his principles would not shift and he wouldn't govern by polls.

"One thing has stayed constant, George remains a man of strong values with an endruing love for the United States of America."

She said that much has changed since she first addressed the Republican Convention in 2000. She offered some facts.

"In honor of our nominee, let's call it a little straight talk."

Mrs. Bush listed some of President Bush's accomplishments during his two terms in office.

Education-- "Student achievement is rising across the board. Test scores for minority students are at the highest they've ever been."

Supreme Court-- Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

Faith-based and community initiatives-- 35 governors have enacted such initiatives.

Aids Relief-- Thanks to the emergency plan for Aids relief, nearly 2 million people are receiving life-saving medicine.

"You might call that change you can believe in."

Afghanistan and Iraq-- 50 million people are now living in freedom.

"And let's not forget, President Bush has kept the American people safe."

That drew a huge cheer from the delegates.

After her introduction, George W. Bush addressed the convention from the White House.

First, he talked about Gustav, thanking the governors of the Gulf Coast and all the volunteers helping out in the region.

Bush gave "some thoughts about our nominee... the next president of the United States, John McCain."

But before getting into that, he said hello to his mom and dad, in attendance at the convention. Two presidents in one family really is remarkable.

Bush was unequivocal in his support for John McCain.

"He is ready to lead this nation."

"John McCain's life is a story of service above self."

Bush spoke of McCain's time as a prisoner of war.

"When he was released his arms had been broken but not his honor."

"If the Hanoi Hilton cannot break John McCain's resolve... you can be sure the angry Left never will."

That's a pointed remark.

He said that McCain knows human life is precious and must be defended.

He'll make tax relief permanent.

He'll lift the ban on off shore drilling immediately.

Bush said, "John is an independent man" who tells you when he disagrees. "Believe me, I know," Bush said light-heartedly.

In other words, a McCain presidency would NOT be a third Bush term.

He said that McCain "speaks straight from the heart."

John McCain had faith in our troops and supported the surge, saying he'd rather lose an election than lose a war.

Bush said that he has the courage and vision to be our next Commander-in-Chief, and he'll make the tough decisions required because we can't wait to be hit again by terrorists.

The president called Sarah Palin "strong and principled."

That was met by loud cheers and applause. Obviously, the Left's attempt to demoralize the Republicans over Palin have failed miserably.

Bush said he's optimistic about America's future.

When it's time to vote on the candidates' judgment, experience, and policies, Americans should cast their votes for the McCain-Palin ticket.

Bush ended his remarks by paying tribute to Laura Bush.

Then Mrs. Bush returned to talk about what a great first lady Cindy McCain will be.

Mrs. Bush concluded, "We leave the White House with deep gratitude for your support."

"Thank you very much for your encouragement and your prayers."

Laura Bush has a quiet grace about her that belies her strength. She's an incredible woman.

Cindy McCain has similar qualities.

Laura Bush and Cindy McCain Address RNC

Hurricane Gustav altered the plans for the first day of the Republican National Convention.

Politics took a back seat. Country first.

CINDY McCAIN: I am so proud to standing next to Mrs. Bush as we work together to extend our support to relief efforts in the gulf.

As each of the gulf coast governors just expressed to us, their challenges will continue in the days ahead. I would ask that each one of us commit to join together to aid those in need as quickly as possible. As John has been saying for the last several days, this is a time when we take off our republican hats and put on our American hats.

In that spirit, we'd like to ask that you go to a website called "cause greater" – or www.causegreater.com -- that will allow all of us to aid those who have been affected by Hurricane Gustav.

________________


Country First: Serving a Cause Greater than Self

Help deliver aid to those in need who are affected in the gulf coast.

________________

Transcript of remarks by Laura Bush and Cindy McCain

McCain and his Houses

The most important issue on the campaign trail today: John McCain is unsure about how many houses he and wife, Cindy, own.

POLITICO: How many houses do you and Mrs. McCain have?

McCAIN: "I think, uh... I'll have my staff get to you... It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."

I think it's a mistake for Obama's camp to be focusing on McCain's property.

Why would they want to go there, given Obama's very shady real estate dealings with Tony Rezko?

From Politico:

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers said in response: "Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses? Does a guy who worries about the price of arugula and thinks regular people 'cling' to guns and religion in the face of economic hardship really want to have a debate about who’s in touch with regular Americans?

“The reality is that Barack Obama’s plans to raise taxes and opposition to producing more energy here at home as gas prices skyrocket show he’s completely out of touch with the concerns of average Americans.”

At a campaign appearance in Chester, Va., on Thursday morning, Obama said: "Somebody asked John McCain, 'How many houses do you have?’ And he said, I’m not sure. I’ll have to check with my staff. True quote: I’m not sure, I’ll have to check with my staff. So they asked his staff and he said, at least four. At least four! ...

"If you’re like me and you’ve got one house – or you were like the millions of people who are struggling right now to keep up with their mortgage so that they don’t lose their home — you might have a different perspective. By the way, the answer is: John McCain has seven homes. So there’s just a fundamental gap of understanding between John McCain's world and what people are going through every single day here in America."

That's right Obama is just a regular guy, struggling to pay off college loans, and keep a roof over his head. Right.

"If you’re like me and you’ve got one house – or you were like the millions of people who are struggling right now to keep up with their mortgage so that they don’t lose their home — you might have a different perspective."

Blah, blah, blah.

GIVE ME A BREAK!

We're not like you, Obama. My one house is not like your one house.

Yes, most of us know how many houses we own, but we also know that there are 50 states.

"Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it."

But I digress.

There's no way that Obama will succeed in painting McCain as a wealthy, out of touch elitist when he's jetting to Switzerland for a $10,000 a plate fundraiser hosted by George Clooney.

Obama is romping in Hawaii's surf, while his half-brother George is living in a shack in Nairobi on less than one dollar a month.

Couldn't Obama send George a few bucks from some of the millions he has made from book sales?

After all, Obama did mention George in his autobiography, "describing him in just one passing paragraph as a 'beautiful boy with a rounded head.'"

Speaking of out of touch, Obama is out of touch with his own family.

Let's focus on Obama's brother's house, a tiny 6'x 9' shack.

Couldn't wealthy Obama send George just a little money to help his brother upgrade to a stately 12'x 18' shack?

The Obamas may not be as wealthy YET as the McCains or own as much property, but I don't think convicted felon Tony Rezko did any favors to help McCain acquire a mansion or a lot, like he did for Obama.
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OBAMA'S ATTACK AD on McCain and his houses:

Handshake Injures Cindy McCain

From the Los Angeles Times:

The rigors of campaigning caught up with Cindy McCain on Wednesday. She suffered a minor wrist sprain when an "enthusiastic supporter" shook her hand at a fundraiser.

Later in the afternoon, she stood beside her husband, GOP presidential hopeful John McCain, wearing a soft cast on her right arm supported by a black fabric sling that sported a sparkly brooch.

"I'm absolutely fine," she said.

...The injury occurred at a noon luncheon at the Shenandoah Banquet, Golf and Conference Center in West Bloomfield, Mich., the first of the day's three McCain fundraisers. The handshake aggravated an old carpal tunnel condition for which the candidate's wife had wrist surgery several years ago.

That supporter must have been very enthusiastic.

I'm sorry Mrs. McCain suffered the injury, but I'm glad it's not John McCain walking around with a sling.

That would just be more fodder for comedians and MSNBC commentators to make more lame jokes about "old man" McCain.

McCain at Sturgis

John McCain is a smart politician.

His stop at Sturgis, a gathering of Harley bikers from all corners of the country, was the perfect place to find a ready-made audience of thousands to address.

McCain hit all the right notes at the Buffalo Chip Campground for the annual honoring of veterans during the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Joined on stage at the well-known Sturgis rally venue by his wife, Cindy, daughter, Meghan, Sen. John Thune and Gov. Mike Rounds, as well as military veterans, McCain argued that Obama's energy plan was based on weak conservation premises rather than needed oil exploration drilling.

Referring to recent comments by Obama that properly inflated tires and well-tuned cars can help reduce the need for more oil production, McCain continued the "drill now-drill here" message that has become a focus of his energy plan.

"I'll tell you that when I'm president, we're not going to be paying $4 for gas. We're going to drill offshore, and we're going to drill now," McCain said. "My opponent doesn't want to drill. He doesn't want nuclear power. He wants you to inflate your tires."

McCain spoke for only about seven minutes, focusing on the two issues he discussed in more detail with a few local journalists during a bus ride from Rapid City -- where he was to spend the night at the Hotel Alex Johnson -- to the Buffalo Chip, by way of Interstate 90 and a circuitous sidetrack on dusty gravel roads. During the ride, the Arizona Republican predicted a rousing response to his energy points, and wasn't disappointed. The crowd reacted with cheers and the roar of strategically placed Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the audience.

McCain got a similar response when he criticized Obama for wanting to set time lines for withdrawing troops from Iraq.

"My opponent wants to set a date to come home," McCain said. "I want us to come home with victory and honor, so we'll never have to go back again."

..."As you know, not long ago a couple hundred thousand Berliners made a lot of noise for my opponent," McCain said. "I'll take the roar of 50,000 Harleys every day."

He might not have gotten quite that many Monday night. But at times, it sounded like it.

That line about Obama appealing to Berliners was a good one.

I also liked that Cindy McCain mentioned the military service of her sons.

His wife, Cindy, also paid tribute to the crowd, saying: "I'd like to thank all of you for your support of our troops, and here's why: I'm many things in my life, and one thing I'd like to be is your first lady. But more importantly, I'm Jack McCain's mother and Jimmy McCain's mother, one in the U.S. Navy and another one in the Marine Corps, an Iraqi vet."

The fact that the McCains' children are proudly serving in the military should be noted.

The Dems' favorite chicken hawk label certainly can't be applied to John McCain and his family.

If I had a dollar for every time I heard some lib say that the Bush twins should be serving in Iraq, I could buy a Harley.

McCain should make a stop in Milwaukee for Harley's 105th anniversary celebration at the end of August.

A visit could serve as a nice place for McCain to springboard to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. It would also provide some balance at the celebration, politically speaking.

Vocal Obama supporter Bruce Springsteen will be appearing at the Roadhouse at Milwaukee's lakefront to close out the rally festivities on August 30.

Will Springsteen deliver one of his trademark anti-Bush, "America sucks now" rants during the concert?

I hope not.

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More:

Politico

AP

Reuters

Revolutionary Michelle Obama

Barack Obama has said it repeatedly. His wife Michelle is off limits. Do not criticize her. Everyone is on notice. Leave Michelle alone.

Obama's orders are meant to give Michelle a pass, but she has another shield to prevent challenges from opponents. She has something else to protect her -- the color of her skin.

From Sophia A. Nelson, in the Washington Post:

There she is -- no, not Miss America, but the Angela-Davis-Afro-wearing, machine-gun-toting, angry, unpatriotic Michelle Obama, greeting her husband with a fist bump instead of a kiss on the cheek.

It was supposed to be satire, but the caricature of Barack Obama and his wife that appeared on the cover of the New Yorker last week rightly caused a major flap. And among black professional women like me and many of my sisters in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, who happened to be gathered last week in Washington for our 100th anniversary celebration, the mischaracterization of Michelle hit the rawest of nerves.

Welcome to our world.

We've watched with a mixture of pride and trepidation as the wife of the first serious African American presidential contender has weathered recent campaign travails -- being called unpatriotic for a single offhand remark, dubbed a black radical because of something she wrote more than 20 years ago and plastered with the crowning stereotype: "angry black woman." And then being forced to undergo a politically mandated "makeover" to soften her image and make her more palatable to mainstream America.

Sad to say, but what Obama has undergone, though it's on a national stage and on a much more prominent scale, is nothing new to professional African American women. We endure this type of labeling all the time. We're endlessly familiar with the problem Michelle Obama is confronting -- being looked at, as black women, through a different lens from our white counterparts, who are portrayed as kinder, gentler souls who somehow deserve to be loved and valued more than we do.

...You name it, and black women have achieved it. The most popular woman on daytime television is Oprah Winfrey. Condoleezza Rice is secretary of state.

And yet my generation of African American women -- we're called, in fact, the Claire Huxtable generation -- hasn't managed to become successfully integrated into American popular culture.

Nelson concludes:

...With all the challenges facing professional black women today, we hope that Michelle Obama will defy the negative stereotypes about us. And that, now that a strong professional black woman is center stage, she'll bring to light what we already know: that an accomplished black woman can be a loyal and supportive wife and a good mother and still fulfill her own dreams. The fact that her husband clearly adores Michelle is both refreshing and reassuring to many of us who long to find a good man who will love and appreciate us.

...It's how so many black professional women feel. And our hope is that if Michelle Obama becomes first lady, the revolution will come to us at last.

Allow me to sum up this piece:

America is a racist country.

Black women are treated differently than their white counterparts, "who are portrayed as kinder, gentler souls who somehow deserve to be loved and valued more than [black women] do."

Michelle Obama is attacked because she's black, not because of the content of her statements and not because of her remarks or her positions on issues.

Successful white women aren't attacked the way black women are.

If you criticize Michelle, count yourself a racist.

That's a load.

Criticism isn't an outgrowth of skin color. Cindy McCain has been ripped apart by Dems, and she hasn't said anything nearly as controversial as Michelle Obama. Cindy McCain is attacked on a very personal level. Her statements aren't questioned. Her personal attributes and her appearance are being picked apart.

Of course, there are racists. There are still people caught in the past, but the racists are in the minority now.

Legitimate criticism is grounded in what an individual has to say and how an individual conducts herself.

Michelle isn't attacked for being black. She's being held accountable for what she has said. That's as it should be.

Nelson's view of reality, that white women are "portrayed as kinder, gentler souls who somehow deserve to be loved and valued more than [black women] do," is wrong.

It's an absolutely ridiculous, sweeping comment.

White women in general aren't portrayed as kinder and gentler. Does the name Hillary Clinton ring a bell? Give me a break. White woman Hillary was portrayed as a bitch.

Nelson's racial views are inaccurate, but they are how she sees things. So, she puts her hope in Michelle, that as first lady she'll bring "the revolution" to black women like her at last.

Apparently, Barack Obama isn't the only savior in the family.

Unaired Letterman Top 10 List Smears Cindy McCain

From Brent Baker of the Media Research Center:

Letterman's 'Top Ten Surprising Facts About Cindy McCain'

From this week's e-mailed Late Show Newsletter, "an exclusive un-aired Top Ten List edited from the 6/23/08 broadcast," the "Top Ten Surprising Facts About Cindy McCain."

10. Keeps slim by wrasslin' gators

9. Spends half her day reminding John to take his pills

8. She designs and builds custom made choppers

7. Once at Bloomingdale's, got into a fistfight with Hillary over a pantsuit

6. Each time Tiger Woods winced in pain, she muttered, "Suck it up, princess"

5. Other men she finds sexy: John Adams, Beethoven, Regis

4. Wrote hit song "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" while visiting family (sorry -- that's surprising facts about Cyndi Lauper)

3. Ringtone: (Shake Your) Moneymaker

2. Can dead-lift a full keg of beer

1. After guesting on "The View," claims Barbara Walters hit on her

Will next week's Late Show Newsletter include a similar Top 10 List smearing Michelle Obama?

Would a list featuring negative images of Michelle and mocking her be a big laugh? Would a list trashing Obama be entertaining to them?

I highly doubt that.

That's about as likely as Letterman choosing to wear an American flag pin in his lapel.
___________________

Visit the Late Show website.

The "Top Ten Surprising Facts About Cindy McCain" edited from the June 23, 2008 broadcast can be seen by clicking on "Dave TV," then "Dave's Monologue."

Choose June 23. That will provide a link to the video of the unaired Top 10 List slamming Cindy and John McCain.

Cindy McCain and Jay Leno

I don't know much about John McCain's wife Cindy.

I know a lot about Hillary Clinton's spouse. (Actually, I know more about Bill than I want to know.)

I also feel I'm getting to know quite a bit about Barack Obama's wife Michelle. She's very active out there on the campaign trail. As the Dem primary process lingers on, I'm learning more about the sort of person she is.

To date, Cindy McCain has been in the shadows compared to Bill and Michelle.

That's why it was nice that Cindy was a guest on Wednesday's Tonight Show.

She made a stunning entrance, wearing a bright yellow jacket and slacks. When I say bright, I mean BRIGHT.

Jay Leno was a gracious host. He was very courteous.

They didn't talk politics. Only when Cindy told of the family gathering to discuss McCain's potential run for the presidency did she even mention any issues at all. She said she was impressed that her kids were asking questions about things that matter to them, like global warming and the war. They wanted to know what their dad would do as president.

(Don't they ever watch him on Meet the Press?)

Leno didn't bring up the Democrats at all. Not once. Cindy didn't either. She only said he'll be a great president.

What I learned about McCain's wife, Cindy:

--They have seven children, four together.

--She drives race cars.

--McCain is a bad driver.

--She's a pilot.

--When she first met McCain, he was following her around an hors d'oeuvre table at a party. She was avoiding him because she thought he was weird.

--McCain looks cute in dress whites.

--They both lied about their ages. She said she was four years older and he said he was four years younger. They didn't find out the truth about their ages until they applied for a marriage license. She said their marriage was based on a "tissue of lies."

--She said McCain is not too old to be president. She said that this summer he is going to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim with two of their sons. She brought along McCain's walking stick and invited Leno to join them.

--She was addicted to painkillers after spinal surgery. She hid her addiction from McCain. When he confronted her about it, then she stopped using.

--She had high blood pressure. She thought she could manage it through diet and exercise. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough. She had a stroke four years ago. Rehab wasn't easy, but she has recovered.

--When discussing how McCain's campaign hit rock bottom last summer, Leno complimented his determination to keep going. Leno said, "He's a tough old bastard."
Cindy agreed.

John McCain and Vicki Iseman

UPDATE: McCain says report on lobbyist not true

John McCain emphatically denied a romantic relationship with a female telecommunications lobbyist on Thursday and said a report by The New York Times suggesting favoritism for her clients is "not true."

"I'm very disappointed in the article. It's not true," the likely Republican presidential nominee said as his wife, Cindy, stood beside him during a news conference called to address the matter.

"I've served this nation honorably for more than half a century," said McCain, a four-term Arizona senator and former Navy pilot. "At no time have I ever done anything that would betray the public trust."

"I intend to move on," he added.

__________________

Oh goody!

Thanks to the New York Times, we get to talk about John McCain and ethical lapses and sex.

It's a bit strange that the Times would run a hit piece on the Republican presidential candidate that it chose to endorse less than a month ago.

Early in Senator John McCain’s first run for the White House eight years ago, waves of anxiety swept through his small circle of advisers.

A female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client’s corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself — instructing staff members to block the woman’s access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity.

When news organizations reported that Mr. McCain had written letters to government regulators on behalf of the lobbyist’s client, the former campaign associates said, some aides feared for a time that attention would fall on her involvement.

Mr. McCain, 71, and the lobbyist, Vicki Iseman, 40, both say they never had a romantic relationship. But to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity.

It had been just a decade since an official favor for a friend with regulatory problems had nearly ended Mr. McCain’s political career by ensnaring him in the Keating Five scandal. In the years that followed, he reinvented himself as the scourge of special interests, a crusader for stricter ethics and campaign finance rules, a man of honor chastened by a brush with shame.

But the concerns about Mr. McCain’s relationship with Ms. Iseman underscored an enduring paradox of his post-Keating career. Even as he has vowed to hold himself to the highest ethical standards, his confidence in his own integrity has sometimes seemed to blind him to potentially embarrassing conflicts of interest.

Is it surprising that the Times would run this smear job now after sitting on the story for months?

Not at all.

It's exactly what I expect from a publication that splashes the nation's classified anti-terrorism programs and other classified information on its pages.

The Times lost credibility long ago. It's a liberal propaganda rag. It's shrinking, literally.

So, it smears McCain.

The article claims to address his tragic flaw, a blinding confidence in his own integrity leading to reckless behavior.

It doesn't.

The Times offers no evidence of an inappropriate relationship between McCain and lobbyist Vicki Iseman, just whispers and gossip.

It rehashes the Keating Five scandal. Wow. There's news.

The stuff involving Iseman is really low. Once again, the Times relies on unnamed sources for its story. Its vague and shadowy allegations are built on sand.

It's tabloid trash.

...Mr. McCain said that the relationship was not romantic and that he never showed favoritism to Ms. Iseman or her clients. “I have never betrayed the public trust by doing anything like that,” he said. He made the statements in a call to Bill Keller, the executive editor of The New York Times, to complain about the paper’s inquiries.

The senator declined repeated interview requests, beginning in December. He also would not comment about the assertions that he had been confronted about Ms. Iseman, Mr. Black said Wednesday.

Mr. Davis and Mark Salter, Mr. McCain’s top strategists in both of his presidential campaigns, disputed accounts from the former associates and aides and said they did not discuss Ms. Iseman with the senator or colleagues.

“I never had any good reason to think that the relationship was anything other than professional, a friendly professional relationship,” Mr. Salter said in an interview.

He and Mr. Davis also said Mr. McCain had frequently denied requests from Ms. Iseman and the companies she represented. In 2006, Mr. McCain sought to break up cable subscription packages, which some of her clients opposed. And his proposals for satellite distribution of local television programs fell short of her clients’ hopes.

The McCain aides said the senator sided with Ms. Iseman’s clients only when their positions hewed to his principles.

It's disgusting that the Times is attempting to damage McCain like this.

In response, his campaign released this statement on Wednesday night:

“It is a shame that The New York Times has lowered its standards to engage in a hit-and-run smear campaign. John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has never violated the public trust, never done favors for special interests or lobbyists, and he will not allow a smear campaign to distract from the issues at stake in this election.

“Americans are sick and tired of this kind of gutter politics, and there is nothing in this story to suggest that John McCain has ever violated the principles that have guided his career.”

I think it's a terrible miscalculation on the part of the Times to try and derail McCain by challenging his integrity.

According to the Associated Press, "Aides said the senator would address the allegations at a news conference Thursday morning."

I think this will backlash on the Times and the lib media. I doubt that Republicans, conservatives and moderates, will abandon McCain. I expect the opposite to happen.

When under attack, the party will be more likely to band together. Independents will be put off by the slimy politics of personal destruction.

Actually, I think the Times and its sleazy smear piece will serve to solidify support for McCain.

A big question: Why now? Why today?

Could it be that making McCain the big story was meant to deflect attention from the Democrats embroiled in such a messy battle for control of the party?

The infighting and the threats and the whole super delegate struggle are showing the Dems to be far from united, organized, and ready to lead.

Could it be the hit piece on McCain was intended to take some heat off of the Obamas?

Barack as an empty suit was really beginning to resonate. Negative reaction to Michelle and her disgraceful comment, "for the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country," wasn't ebbing. The fainting phenomenon at Obama rallies was getting continued scrutiny. A number of embarrassing moments and matters were piling up.

Compare that with McCain and the Republicans. McCain's adversaries were becoming considerably less critical in recent days. It was smooth sailing for the Republicans as the Dems continued to rip at each other.

Simply put, I think the Times ran the story now to change the subject. That might have been an effective tactical move if the story was solid. It's not.

Instead, I think the Times is unintentionally helping to close the "enthusiasm gap."