Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Amirah Leslie Naim wrote: Here is a link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html Let me be clear - 95% of WORKING families will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I feel that throwing Welfare recipients into the discussion is a distraction and I am curious about your source for that conclusion. 60% of all taxpayers make less than $66,700. They will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I am really glad you raised the point, although again, I am flabbergasted that people still have misconceptions. Many people claim they don't know enough about Obama and I shake my head as it appears that in all honesty McCain has changed his positions so many time on huge issues (even speaking out about legislation he proposed) that if it weren't so serious, it would be comical. The information is out there for all to see and know. There is no reason to rush to judgement about McCain or Obama because an informed voter can get all the information they need. If you look at the graphic, the two tax plans are basically inversions of each other. McCain gives tax breaks to those who do not need it while Obama's tax plan gives more substantial tax breaks to WORKING families, those making less that 250K. Al Krigman wrote: From what I've read, the veracity of this statement depends on how you define tax cut. Isn't it true that Obama includes in his 95% the people who currently pay no taxes but will get monetary tax credits from the federal government? This is how I read what's being said. If so, then a portion of the 95% is welfare and not a tax cut for working people who pay a fraction of their wages to the government and think of a tax cut in terms of a smaller fraction. not taking sides here, just adding info: http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_obama.html .. UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Not a problem. Debate is good. My comments below: Obama said he could “pay for every dime” of his spending and tax cut proposals “by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens.” That’s wrong – his proposed tax increases on upper-income individuals are key components of paying for his program, as well. And his plan, like McCain’s, would leave the U.S. facing big budget deficits, according to independent experts. I have heard him explain his tax plan including closing corporate loopholes and rolling back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, many, many, many times. I object to nothing else other than the attempt to make it appear that he is trying to hide the roll back of the tax cuts to the wealthy. He twisted McCain’s words about Afghanistan, saying, “When John McCain said we could just 'muddle through' in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources.” Actually, McCain said in 2003 we “may” muddle through, and he recently also called for more troops there. Semantics. Really? Really? He said McCain would fail to lower taxes for 100 million Americans while his own plan would cut taxes for 95 percent of “working” families. But an independent analysis puts the number who would see no benefit from McCain’s plan at 66 million and finds that Obama’s plan would benefit 81 percent of all households when retirees and those without children are figured in. What does this mean? Ok if only 81% will get tax cuts, I am still all for the plan. However, in order to make a comparison they need to compare apples with apples. This factoid is comparing apples to oranges. It attempts to draw a contrast without the benefit of comparing two like quantities. Obama asked why McCain would define middle-class as someone making under five million dollars a year? Actually, McCain meant that comment as a joke, getting a laugh and following up by saying, But seriously ... I really don't think the state of the economy or the middle class is something to joke about, do you? They also fail to note that John McCain NEVER answered the question at Sadddleback. He joked about itseriously! Obama noted that McCain’s health care plan would tax people’s benefits but didn’t say that it also would provide up to a $5,000 tax credit for families. Touche. He said McCain, far from being a maverick who’s broken with his party, has voted to support Bush policies 90 percent of the time. True enough, but by the same measure Obama has voted with fellow Democrats in the Senate 97 percent of the time. And Dem iniatives are the reason our country is in this state?!? Yeah, those repubiclan policies have done us all good. Obama said average family income went down $2,000 under Bush, which isn't correct. An aide said he was really talking only about working families and not retired couples. And – math teachers, please note – he meant median (or midpoint) and not really the mean or average. Median family income actually has inched up slightly under Bush. I am sure median family income has creeped up. It is pretty heavy on the top pulling the median up. Add in the cost of goods going up and the net benefit is lower for all Americans. --- On Tue, 9/2/08, UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez To: univcity@list.purple.com Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 3:39 PM Amirah Leslie Naim wrote: Here is a link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html Let me be clear - 95% of WORKING families will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I feel that throwing Welfare recipients into the discussion is a distraction and I am curious about your source for that conclusion. 60% of all taxpayers make less than $66,700. They will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I am really glad you raised the point, although again, I am flabbergasted that people still have misconceptions. Many people claim they don't know enough about Obama and I shake my head as it appears that in all honesty McCain has changed his positions so many time on huge issues (even speaking out about legislation he proposed) that if it weren't so serious, it would be comical. The information is out there for all to see and know. There is no reason to rush to judgement about McCain or Obama because an informed voter can get all the information they need. If you look at the graphic, the two tax plans are basically inversions of each other. McCain gives tax breaks to those who do not need it while Obama's tax plan gives more substantial tax breaks to WORKING families, those making less that 250K. Al Krigman wrote: From what I've read, the veracity of this statement depends on how you define tax cut. Isn't it true that Obama includes in his 95% the people who currently pay no taxes but will get monetary tax
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
In a message dated 8/31/2008 3:59:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Let me be clear - under the Obama tax cut - 95% of Americans will get a tax cut. From what I've read, the veracity of this statement depends on how you define tax cut. Isn't it true that Obama includes in his 95% the people who currently pay no taxes but will get monetary tax credits from the federal government? This is how I read what's being said. If so, then a portion of the 95% is welfare and not a tax cut for working people who pay a fraction of their wages to the government and think of a tax cut in terms of a smaller fraction. Always at your service ready for a dialog, Al Krigman (Since I'm not going to vote for Bob Barr, you can think of me as one of those undecided independents) **It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547)
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
In a message dated 8/31/2008 5:25:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Perhaps you do not care for Obama and that’s all right, but one has to admit these are serious concerns. I thought I was equally critical of the whole lot of them, and merely suggested that a rush to judgement wasn't necessarily in anybody's best intererests. It's unfortunate that you (and others) read into my statement only opposition to the side you apparently favor. Always at your service ready for a dialog, Al Krigman **It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547)
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
I do not consider $50,000 in Federal Income Tax alone to be a fraction of my family¹s wages. Yes, it did sound like opposition to me, because I feel issues I mentioned before in my post have harmed this country both here and abroad. Therefore, it comes down to the persons involved since we both agree there is much amiss. Bob Barr as a Libertarian is an outrage. On 9/1/08 8:18 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 8/31/2008 5:25:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Perhaps you do not care for Obama and that¹s all right, but one has to admit these are serious concerns. I thought I was equally critical of the whole lot of them, and merely suggested that a rush to judgement wasn't necessarily in anybody's best intererests. It's unfortunate that you (and others) read into my statement only opposition to the side you apparently favor. Always at your service ready for a dialog, Al Krigman It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547 .
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Here is a link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/09/ST2008060900950.html Let me be clear - 95% of WORKING families will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I feel that throwing Welfare recipients into the discussion is a distraction and I am curious about your source for that conclusion. 60% of all taxpayers make less than $66,700. They will receive a larger tax cut under Obama than McCain. I am really glad you raised the point, although again, I am flabbergasted that people still have misconceptions. Many people claim they don't know enough about Obama and I shake my head as it appears that in all honesty McCain has changed his positions so many time on huge issues (even speaking out about legislation he proposed) that if it weren't so serious, it would be comical. The information is out there for all to see and know. There is no reason to rush to judgement about McCain or Obama because an informed voter can get all the information they need. If you look at the graphic, the two tax plans are basically inversions of each other. McCain gives tax breaks to those who do not need it while Obama's tax plan gives more substantial tax breaks to WORKING families, those making less that 250K. --- On Mon, 9/1/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez To: univcity@list.purple.com Date: Monday, September 1, 2008, 8:13 AM In a message dated 8/31/2008 3:59:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Let me be clear - under the Obama tax cut - 95% of Americans will get a tax cut. From what I've read, the veracity of this statement depends on how you define tax cut. Isn't it true that Obama includes in his 95% the people who currently pay no taxes but will get monetary tax credits from the federal government? This is how I read what's being said. If so, then a portion of the 95% is welfare and not a tax cut for working people who pay a fraction of their wages to the government and think of a tax cut in terms of a smaller fraction. Always at your service ready for a dialog, Al Krigman (Since I'm not going to vote for Bob Barr, you can think of me as one of those undecided independents) It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Sarah Palin is to Hilary Clinton as Alvin Chipmunk is to Pavarotti. With 5 kids and an Alaskan home base, citizens of the USA could actually reverse the current trend of a President MIA. Oh, right, no one knows where Cheney is either. Guess we'll have to follow the money. Liz -- Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Karen, I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development. I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details. It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her. This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. Click here to find the satellite television package that meets your needs. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3mzvzYE9dRGODUMe7S7frnmIjeWZnhUJGfssw4ZLXA9KycC1/
RE: [UC] Palin as prez
I read another good line: Women voting for Sarah Palin is like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:57:20 +To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: [UC] Palin as prez Sarah Palin is to Hilary Clinton as Alvin Chipmunk is to Pavarotti. With 5 kids and an Alaskan home base, citizens of the USA could actually reverse the current trend of a President MIA. Oh, right, no one knows where Cheney is either. Guess we'll have to follow the money. Liz -- Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Thanks Karen,I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development.I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details.It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her.This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to thelist named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, seehttp://www.purple.com/list.html. Click here to find the satellite television package that meets your needs.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Since we're on Sarah Palin descriptives I have heard the news media compare Sarah Palin to Dan Quayle. To compare Sarah Palin to Dan Quayle is to do a real disservice to Dan Quayle! As moronic as Quayle was, he came to the job with more than 10 years' experience in the House and Senate. My preferred nickname for Palin is dingbat. sj Original message Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:57:20 GMT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez To: univcity@list.purple.com Sarah Palin is to Hilary Clinton as Alvin Chipmunk is to Pavarotti. With 5 kids and an Alaskan home base, citizens of the USA could actually reverse the current trend of a President MIA. Oh, right, no one knows where Cheney is either. Guess we'll have to follow the money. Liz -- Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Karen, I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development. I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details. It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her. This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. Click here to find the satellite television package that meets your needs. Susan Jacobson, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Journalism Temple University [EMAIL PROTECTED] You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Yes. Thank you Karen for the information. However, I feel people should not underestimate the damage Gov. Pailn could do to the Democratic Presidential Ticket. She's a Social Conservative and Anti-Choice. Given Sen. McCain's steadfast opposition to Roe v. Wade during his long stint in the Senate, the Conservative Justices on the Supreme Court and Palin as running mate, we can pretty much kiss Roe v. Wade goodbye if he is elected. That is what Hillary supporters should consider before voting for this ticket. That is NOT what Hillary stands for at all. On 8/30/08 4:18 PM, Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Karen, I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development. I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details. It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her. This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
RE: [UC] Palin as prez
I think this selection may have had the opposite effect of what McCain intended. He has just made Hillary's job of persuading her supporters into Barack's camp infinitely easier. I was a disappointed and angry Hillary supporter--until Friday morning. Where can I get an Obama yard sign??? Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:28:37 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; univcity@list.purple.com Yes. Thank you Karen for the information. However, I feel people should not underestimate the damage Gov. Pailn could do to the Democratic Presidential Ticket. She's a Social Conservative and Anti-Choice. Given Sen. McCain's steadfast opposition to Roe v. Wade during his long stint in the Senate, the Conservative Justices on the Supreme Court and Palin as running mate, we can pretty much kiss Roe v. Wade goodbye if he is elected. That is what Hillary supporters should consider before voting for this ticket. That is NOT what Hillary stands for at all. On 8/30/08 4:18 PM, Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Karen,I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development.I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details.It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her.This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
RE: [UC] Palin as prez
Love it! Karen, I don't have a yard sign but I do have a window sign that I
would be more than happy to bring to you today! Another Hillary supporter that
I know asked me for a yard sign as well! McCain more of the same - incompetent
selections. Bush=McCain.
--- On Sun, 8/31/08, KAREN ALLEN [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
From: KAREN ALLEN [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [UC] Palin as prez
To: UnivCity listserv univcity@list.purple.com
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 10:07 AM
#yiv924473776 .hmmessage P
{
margin:0px;padding:0px;}
#yiv924473776 {
FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;}
I think this selection may have had the opposite effect of what McCain
intended. He has just made Hillary's job of persuading her supporters into
Barack's camp infinitely easier. I was a disappointed and angry Hillary
supporter--until Friday morning. Where can I get an Obama yard sign???
Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:28:37 -0400
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; univcity@list.purple.com
Yes. Thank you Karen for the information.
However, I feel people should not underestimate the damage Gov. Pailn could
do to the Democratic Presidential Ticket.
She's a Social Conservative and Anti-Choice. Given Sen. McCain's steadfast
opposition to Roe v. Wade during his long stint in the Senate, the
Conservative Justices on the Supreme Court and Palin as running mate, we can
pretty much kiss Roe v. Wade goodbye if he is elected.
That is what Hillary supporters should consider before voting for this
ticket. That is NOT what Hillary stands for at all.
On 8/30/08 4:18 PM, Glenn moyer [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Thanks Karen,
I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important
development.
I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience.
With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President
is
far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these
additional scary details.
It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems
inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like
her.
This was a frightening choice.
You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
http://www.purple.com/list.html.
You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
I certainly have some questions about the wisdom of this choice as well as the viability of Governor Palin to be a viable Vice President (assuming a president McCain would follow recent precedent -- although not Constitutional requirements) let alone a successor-president. But aren't these comments rushing to judgement? We haven't heard from her yet in any situation calling for substance. And, may I remind one and all that we still know next to nothing about Barack Obama or what he means when he says things like cutting taxes on the middle class or even change, and while Joe Biden has been spun as having strong foreign policy credentials, little has been said to back that assertion up. At the moment, we have two candidates nobody knows, one who changes positions about as often as most people in this neighborhood change socks, and one who -- a week ago -- nobody would have been able to define areas of expertise and experience for. I think this is what's meant by a pig in a poke. Always at your service and ready for a dialog. Al Krigman (A Libertarian who certainly won't vote for Bob Barr) **It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547)
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Al, With all due respect, it isn't that we don't know about Barack, it is that you don't! Every major news vehicle has done a side-by-side comparison of Barack's and McCain's tax cut. Go to CNN.com for the graphics. Let me be clear - under the Obama tax cut - 95% of Americans will get a tax cut. Seniors who have less than 50k in income will pay no taxes. Families that make less than 250 will receive a tax cut and this tax cut will be larger than McCain's plan. So if you don't know about Barack's plans at this point, it is because you haven't researched his plans. Go to his website and check out the issues section. If you have done that and you still don't know about Barack's plans versus McCain's plan than I think there is something else at play. --- On Sun, 8/31/08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [UC] Palin as prez To: univcity@list.purple.com Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:00 PM I certainly have some questions about the wisdom of this choice as well as the viability of Governor Palin to be a viable Vice President (assuming a president McCain would follow recent precedent -- although not Constitutional requirements) let alone a successor-president. But aren't these comments rushing to judgement? We haven't heard from her yet in any situation calling for substance. And, may I remind one and all that we still know next to nothing about Barack Obama or what he means when he says things like cutting taxes on the middle class or even change, and while Joe Biden has been spun as having strong foreign policy credentials, little has been said to back that assertion up. At the moment, we have two candidates nobody knows, one who changes positions about as often as most people in this neighborhood change socks, and one who -- a week ago -- nobody would have been able to define areas of expertise and experience for. I think this is what's meant by a pig in a poke. Always at your service and ready for a dialog. Al Krigman (A Libertarian who certainly won't vote for Bob Barr) It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Al, I believe we ALL have questions about this choice; especially in the wake of the slightly bewildered expression on Sen. McCain¹s face when he introduced her on Friday. Perhaps we might be rushing to judgment. However, since this choice was such an anathema to McCain¹s campaign so far, one has to ask themselves ³How?² and ²Why?² this person. How low are the neo-cons willing to go to continue their policies and power? Do they have McCain SO much under their thumb they would foist this person off on him he barely knows, who represents pre-1970¹s legal constraints on women¹s choice? Would McCain really even be the President at all since he apparently had very little control over picking his running mate? Do the American public wish for more world record quarterly profits while more people¹s homes are foreclosed? Will gas at $6/gal be borne by us? That¹s not to mention torture, secret prison sites, spying on citizens or the fact the VERY experienced true power behind the current throne answered, ³So?², when told more than 4000 Americans were killed in Iraq. Granted, Obama may not be all things to all people; no one is. Still, I believe he does not support the abovementioned policies and their disastrous results for the dwindling American middle class. Perhaps you do not care for Obama and that¹s all right, but one has to admit these are serious concerns. What does the Presidency mean when the candidate is arm-twisted into choosing a running mate? Will this office go the way The Constitution seems to have been going? Is this the direction the country should take? Sorry, just my two cents. On 8/31/08 3:00 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I certainly have some questions about the wisdom of this choice as well as the viability of Governor Palin to be a viable Vice President (assuming a president McCain would follow recent precedent -- although not Constitutional requirements) let alone a successor-president. But aren't these comments rushing to judgement? We haven't heard from her yet in any situation calling for substance. And, may I remind one and all that we still know next to nothing about Barack Obama or what he means when he says things like cutting taxes on the middle class or even change, and while Joe Biden has been spun as having strong foreign policy credentials, little has been said to back that assertion up. At the moment, we have two candidates nobody knows, one who changes positions about as often as most people in this neighborhood change socks, and one who -- a week ago -- nobody would have been able to define areas of expertise and experience for. I think this is what's meant by a pig in a poke. Always at your service and ready for a dialog. Al Krigman (A Libertarian who certainly won't vote for Bob Barr) It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv000547 .
[UC] Palin as prez
Thanks Karen, I'm glad you provided this info to the list. It's such a very important development. I was shocked when I heard Palin's basic background and lack of experience. With McCain's health history and age the chance that she could be President is far too high for such an outlandish choice. I felt that way before these additional scary details. It is obviously a bizzare attempt to get Hilary supporters. To me, it seems inconceivable that any women for Hilary would be swayed by a choice like her. This was a frightening choice. You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the list named UnivCity. To unsubscribe or for archive information, see http://www.purple.com/list.html.
Re: [UC] Palin as prez
Hmmmthings get interesting when you dig a little deeper and go beyond the surface stuff: An Ex-Beauty Queen for VP: Political Risk or Political Genius? By Heather Gehlert, AlterNet. Posted August 30, 2008. Sarah Palin may be more of a threat to Obama than Democrats are recognizing. Dismissing her would be just as dangerous as dismissing women voters. With no foreign policy experience and a political resume that could fit on my pinky fingernail, Sarah Palin is an absurd choice for vice president. Yet it should come as no surprise to the public -- especially to Democrats -- that John McCain chose her anyway. That's because the very issues that Democrats say make her a political risk -- her newness to the political world stage, her anti- choice stance, her opposition to gay marriage, her support of capital punishment, her disregard for the environment -- matter very little in determining the outcome of elections. Voters -- some of whom dissect policy issues daily, but most of whom don't -- ultimately cast their ballots based on emotion. Not logic. Not knowledge of the issues. This was supposed to have been the big take-away lesson of 2004. That debate, perhaps more so than any other since the first televised presidential showdown between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, showed that appearance, charisma, personality and likeability matter. Smarts are mostly a bonus and a distant second. In 2004, John Kerry was the champion debater. He was sharp, focused, intelligent. He could call B.S. on George W. Bush and poke holes in nearly any of his arguments. But he was also stiff. He seemed cool and disconnected, not just because of his body language but also because of his words. His policy prescriptions, detailed as they were, didn't connect with his audience. Four years after hearing him speak, I can only recall that, on an intellectual level, I agreed with his points. But I don't remember what he said. His words didn't resonate with me. They didn't stick with me in my gut. Bush, on the other hand, was the dunce. He wore a goofy smile and dodged questions in each debate. But he was the man people could imagine having a beer with. He drew crowds in with his drawl, spoke in a simple, unintimidating way, and so could get away with covering up four years of abysmal domestic and foreign policy. I probably disagreed with 99 percent of what Bush said, but I can at least remember some of his talking points. He said he worked hard and promised to work hard for American families. He said he understood American families. He said he would protect American families. Was that a load of bull? Of course. But it sure was delivered in pretty packaging. And, most importantly, it made a large number of voters feel good. Drew Westen, a clinical, personality and political psychologist who teaches at Emory University, explains this phenomenon in his recent book, The Political Brain: The Role of Emotion in Deciding the Fate of the Nation. (T)he vision of mind that has captured the imagination of philosophers, cognitive scientists, economists, and political scientists since the eighteenth century -- a dispassionate mind that makes decisions by weighing the evidence and reasoning to the most valid conclusions -- bears no relation to how the mind and brain actually work, Westen writes. When campaign strategists start from this vision of mind, their candidates typically lose. Simply put, people don't always vote for the candidate or the policy that serves their own best interests. That concept should be no more surprising in politics than in other parts of people's lives. If individuals always did what was best for them, they would consistently choose broccoli over cake; they would enter into relationships with the good guy (or gal) instead of the charming jerk who never calls; they would stick to purchasing necessities and use credit cards as a last resort -- only when there's not enough money at the end of the month to pay for groceries or utility bills. But we all know people who eat more sweets than they should, date charismatic yet inconsiderate cretins, and shop on impulse. Those behaviors might be unhealthy, but they sure can feel good at the time. That's the campaign strategy Republicans have perfected: manipulating our senses and emotions to make us act in ways that we'll later regret. ** In the short while since the news about McCain's choice for VP broke, we've learned a lot about Sarah Palin. We know that she played point guard on her high school's state champion basketball team. She's worked as a sports reporter. Her favorite food is moose stew. She's outdoorsy and comes from a family of hunters. She rides snowmobiles. She's a mother of five and a member of the PTA. She's a self- described hockey mom. Sarah Palin is also young. At 44, she's three years younger than
