patently idiotic
Which ones? And what is the McCain alternative that you find to be less than "patently idiotic?"

The one about everyone getting healthcare to start. Sounds nice, actually translates to bankruptcy.

I'm no McCain fan but that's because he's not conservative enough. He is a notch to the right of Obama, that's why he'll get my vote, but he's several notches to the left of where I'd like, that's why I'm not flying across the country to help him out (like I did for Bush).

You've hit the nail smartly on the head Karol. IMO McCain will inevitably suffer because his is the party which has been in power for the last 7 or so years.

PS have you heard of a rapper called MIA?

Yes, MIA is huge here.

He is a notch to the right of Obama, that's why he'll get my vote, but he's several notches to the left of where I'd like, that's why I'm not flying across the country to help him out (like I did for Bush).

Uhhh, you do realize that McCain is to the right of Bush?

Nope, not on any of the issues that matter to me.

He's to the right of the Bush that's leaving office in January, but still far to the left of the Bush I campaigned for twice...

That's true too.

Obama's plan - so you can actually read it: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/issues/HealthCareFullPlan.pdf

And I'm not sure how the health care spending suggested here will bankrupt us any faster than when we buy up all of the distressed mortgages, CDOs, preferred stock in the Wall St. banks...oh yeah, and fight two wars that are costing billions a day... But hey, those are problems both candidates are going to inherit, I guess...

I guess the difference is -- spending money on health care for Americans - to me, anyway - seems like the compassionate and right thing to do.

how can anyone deny that obama believes in socialistic policies?....Obama used the term "spreading the wealth" a few days ago and biden said it was patriotic to pay more taxes...help out the little guy.

by the way...I'm making a pledge not to mention Mike Huckabee again....until Nov. 5th...when 2012 begins.

Karol,
I know you don't like when people bring up the fact that the Republicans have abdicated libertarian economic principals -- and yes, it's old and tired, and wholly unoriginal.

But I think it goes a way towards explaining why McCain (and local Republicans) are having such a tough time. It used to be that you knew what Republicans were about: Lower taxes, lower spending, social conservatism and a strong national defense. The Democrats have never had core values as a party, and so were naturally the reactive party.

But the Republicans have ceded this advantage after 8 years of George Bush, and then nominating the least Republican Republican in the race. Personally, I think it's over.

Joe, I actually completely agree with you that Republicans in power have messed up the Republican brand. Not just one economics, on everything! And I agree that McCain was the worst candidate of the bunch.

Karol, I feel slightly better knowing that you thought McCain was the worst candidate :)

"Joe, I actually completely agree with you that Republicans in power have messed up the Republican brand"

Republican BRAND???

That just about says it all.

At least you can have years in opposition luxuriating in the political boutiques looking for the brand that suits you best. Getting your kicks from some silver tongued snake oil salesman saying what you want to hear. Give him (or her) your time and support. Watch with amazment when the closer to power they get how the "lies water down and the promises rust". Principles evaporate. Sometimes for hard, well thought out pragmatic reasons, but mainly for electoral gain and career furtherence.

Stay away from power and the brand will remain untarnished for you.
It is the same how years in power messed up the Communist brand.

Really, what do you expect from your leaders?
Events have dictated Bush's actions in the same way that they do for every other leader.
Do you think honestly Thatcher and Reagan were much more right wing than GW Bush?

For someone who struck me as being wordly wise and switched on, don't tell me you still have faith in politicians? Surely?

Urbane, principles are what make up the brand. If people don't know what you stand for, they won't vote for you. If Republican used to mean a set of things and no longer does, people won't vote for you. Reagan was easily more rightwing than Bush. And no, of course I have no faith in politicians, I believe there are, at most, marginal differences between them. The best part about the probable Obama win is just how not different he's going to be from every other leader we've had.

"...how not different he's going to be from every other leader we've had."

I'm not sure what you mean by "not different," but Obama will be one of the worst we've ever had.

Liberals propagate this myth that Bush "stifles dissent." Wait till Obama is elected: any criticism will be decried as racism. The Secret Service has visited someone just because an Obama-loving pollster twisted the lady's words. How will it be when he's actually elected?

Conservatives blast Bush for his massive spending increases that would make LBJ and FDR envious. Obama will make Bush look frugal.

Liberals blast Bush for pre-emptive strikes, starting unwinnable wars, etc. Obama said he'll simply bomb a Pakistan if we think Osama is hiding there -- leading to the downfall of the Pakistani government as militants take it over and get their hands on nukes. Great!

Conservatives blast Bush for the inefficacy of tax "rebates" versus actual tax cuts. Obama will convolute the tax system so that everyone will be taxed to hell and back.

He's not just different. He's a whole lot worse.

I totally agree, Perry. His supporters think he's going to sweep into office and we'll all be holding hands while singing kumbaya and enjoying our nationalized health care.

Obama hanging out with shady people? How about Obama and ACORN? ACORN is more than just "shady." It would appear to me that ACORN should be investigated for violation of federal and civil RICO statutes (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act). Obama's relationship with ACORN shows a long-standing pattern of behavior and close association with ACORN---an organization attempting to, and/or conspiring to commit fraud. This may include mail fraud and wire fraud. Investigate ACORN and Obama under RICO.