Coughs and Bagels

Tal and I went to the pool in the morning while Candace and Abie went to the grocery store.

Today we had brunch at a bagel place in the West End and thick shakes. The bagel was good, but the chocolate shake was bitter.

The kids and I got slurpees and stopped in a park. We watched a rugby practice. AFL is supposed to be bigger than rugby here, but the so called battle of Brisbane between the Broncos and Dolphins boated twice as many fans as the AFL game we went to on Friday night. Both began at the same time.

Then the kids played on a playground. I watched some kids playing basketball behind them and resisted the urge to teach them how to shoot. They all shot two-handed.

We made it back to the hotel. Tal and I developed bad coughs and I kept feeling nauseous. We all chilled out for a few hours and then watched Australia’s Married at First Sight. Duncan did the right thing declining to continue with the American woman.

We went for a nighttime walk along the river. I was feeling bad, but otherwise it was a nice walk. We leave tomorrow.

Recap of the 2008 Election

It was a historic campaign (aren't they all?). Here are some of the highlights.

The two early favorites for the Democratic nomination were Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Here was analysis of the state of the race on 2/28/07. About Hillary Clinton: Let me first say that I love women. I have friends who are women and I even have women in my family. That being said, a woman cannot be president because they are too feeble and dainty.

About Barack Obama: I was the first to mention that his name rhymes with Iraq Hussein Osama. I won't be the last.

But there were other candidates in the running. John Edwards' attractiveness made me question my sexuality. John McCain spent five years in a North Vietnamese POW camp, which earned him the nickname "Maverick." Eh, it's not worth it if you ask me. Bill Richardson, as you can tell by his name, was the Mexican candidate. Tom Tancredo ran on the platform of shipping Richardson back to Mexico.

By March, the election was heating up. Here's what I had to say on 3/30/07. I was the first to compare Barack to JFK, by wondering if Obama would be the first Irish president since Kennedy. I thought Joe Biden might make another gaffe by saying something racist, but well-intentioned, about Mexicans. I reported that John McCain planned on vacationing in that tourist paradise known as Baghdad. I was the first to mention that Mike Huckabee's face looks like a beaver.

The debates were well on their way by 5/6/07. I was the one guy watching. I felt that Joe Biden and Mike Gravel should drop out of the race by that point. Biden was your friendly neighborhood racist. Oh c'mon, he didn't mean it like that! Gravel only kept running in order to embarrass his grandchildren.

On 7/23/07, I thought that John McCain Wayne's close relationship with George Pubic-Hair might cost him the election.

My analysis of the 463rd Democratic debate was delivered on 7/24/07. Apparently, Joe Biden performed nicely. He was the only one who can tell a joke. There's an old saying in Tennessee, I know it's in Texas, it's probably in Tennessee: You maybe probably shouldn't vote for president based on joke-telling ability. Also, I respected John Edwards' commitment to the poor and his ability to communicate with the dead. That'll come in handy as his wife has cancer.

On 11/1/07, John McCain unveiled a new campaign pledge penned by Tom Petty.

By 1/27/08, there was voting going on. In South Carolina, the question the media asked was: would black women vote for Obama (because he's black) or Clinton (because she's a woman)? And what if black people wanted a president with "experience" or white people wanted a president who would bring about "change?" Those people were forced to kill themselves or vote for John Edwards. It all reminded me of the days when Lincoln and Douglas used to have four-hour debates that usually consisted of more than one word. Although the media did portray the race as "beard" versus "shaved."

On 1/30/08 , I observed that Clinton campaigned like my six-year old cousin plays video games, changing the rules when they start to lose. I mentioned that Romney was slimy and I offered to blow up McCain's house (before I knew he had 6 more) and then build him a new one. I got the idea from his Iraq policy. I also wanted to disenfranchise old people.

I recapped Super Tuesday on 2/6/08. I also reported that Obama's "Change" signs were a big hit in the neo-nazi community. Except they blotted out the first and last letters. Those bastards.

On 2/7/08, I went out on a limb and predicted that Ron Paul would not win the Republican nomination, not least because his record for the biggest one day fundraising push on the internet was marred by the fact that he only he received "Ron Paul dollars."

By May, McCain had clinched the Republican nomination. On 5/2/08, I imagined who might be John McCain's running mate. The 16th most likely candidate on my list was Sarah Palin who is a young woman from Alaska and not a good choice. She would make McCain look old and Alaska is not exactly great preparation for a national campaign.

On 5/26/08, I updated my list of McCain's potential running mates. This time, Palin moved up to 13th most likely: Want to make McCain look like that creepy stalker dude? With her on the ticket, he's one awkward ogle away from going down in flames.

After a hard fought primary season, Barack Obama appeared to be the Democratic nominee. On 6/19/08, I wondered who Obama would pick as his VP. I thought Biden was a bad pick because enjoys making racially offensive statements. And he has a dangerously stupid plan for Iraq that would separate it into three semi-autonomous regions.

By 7/31/08, I was fed up with Obama's message of hope. Whenever I listened to him speak, this weird feeling rushed through my body. It occurred to me that the sentiment I was experiencing is usually called "hope." He gave me a sense of faith in humankind. It's sickening.

Obama apparently had some trouble attracting Jews. On 8/1/08, I asserted that was so because Jews don't like his slogan "Yes We Can." Jews tended to answer back, "But why should we?" And, "Exactly what am I agreeing to do?" And further more, "What can we do? Will there be running involved? Will there be time to stretch before we start running?" Or, "Is the rest of that sentence '... Kill The Jews?' I hope not."

On 8/5/08, I said that McCain likes it short and sweet (so does Cindy! wink wink). Specifically his policies, which he summed up by saying "the surge is working" and "the oil and Middle East crises will be solved through offshore drilling." I used clever analogies to disprove the wisdom of both sentiments.

On 8/23/08, I wrote an open letter to Barack Obama telling him that his pick of Joe Biden for his running mate was stupid. I actually heard Rudy Guiliani making the same points on This Week, which was funny, because some of the criticisms don't work if it's a Republican making them.

On 9/2/08, I talked about Sarah Palin's baby's baby bump.

On 9/5/08, I engaged with the historic nature of this campaign. Did you know that John McCain could have become the 44th ostensibly-straight white Christian man to hold the office of the presidency, especially if you count Grover Cleveland both times.

On 9/13/08, I had a not-so-exclusive interview with Sarah Palin. Do you know the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?

I reviewed the VP debate on 10/3/08. That's when I theorized that Sarah Palin was catchphrase -spewing robot, albeit an adorable one.

On 10/11/08, I realized that McCain was actually a secret genius when it came to the issue of the economy.

Did you know that black people can't make up their own minds when it comes to voting? I discussed the subject on 10/19/08.

On 10/20/08, I gave you 7 1/2 reason why your man voted for McCain. #4) You're married to Joe the Plumber.

On 10/28/08, John McCain made his last pitch to the nation. It read in part, "Senator Obama's surrogates have said that my supporters are racist. They've said some pretty nasty things about you and you know, I couldn't agree with them more."

So there it is. A ridiculously long review of a ridiculously long campaign. I trust that you found this review misinformed, offensive, and self-indulgent. But it should hold you over for a few days while I'm out of town. Thank you.

The Celebration Continues

I know things will not be easy. We have some difficult days ahead. I realize that Barack Obama will not be perfect. He is going to make mistakes. I understand that, even with his election, racism is (obviously) not a distant memory.

I promise to criticize and lampoon Barack Obama when deserved and discuss the injustices that remain in this country... just as soon as I finally stop crying from joy.

America Fulfilling Its Promise

Barack Obama is the next President of the United States of America.

A country built on the backs of slaves has elected a black man to lead us. This is a wonderful moment in American history. It is a most memorable occasion for black Americans. It is a proud day for all Americans. For me personally, it has a special meaning.

When we are young, we are told that we can become anything we want because we live in America. When I was five years old, I wanted to be the president when I grew up. At the time, I did not realize how silly it was for a Jew to hold that ambition. Barack Obama's election is another step towards America fulfilling its promise. While I will never be president, it is not because I'm Jewish. Tonight, all parents can more honestly tell their children that they can grow up to be whatever their abilities will allow.

But this would mean nothing if not for the personal qualities of Barack Obama. Symbols are nice, but they require substance to give them meaning. His election must not pacify this widespread desire for change. It must not cover the omnipotent injustices that still haunt this nation. Instead, it must fuel a desire to make this country a better one in which to live. I believe Barack Obama will work for the good of the nation and the world.

And if he can't turn things around, let's throw the bum out!

Presidential Election Predictions

There are my predictions for the presidential election as of Saturday.

Obama will win:
Cal, Con, Del, Hi, Ill, Iowa, Me, Md, Mass, Mich, Min, NH, NJ, NY, Ore, RI, Vt, Was, Wisc, DC, Col, Nev, NM, Ohio, Penn, Va, Mizz, NC.

McCain will win:
Ak, Ark, Ala, Id, Kan, Ken, La, Miss, Neb, Ok, SC, Tenn, Tex, Utah, Wy, Ari, Ga, Mon, SD, WV, Fla, Ind, ND.

Obama will win 337 electoral votes to McCain's 201.

Be sure to vote!

Why I Like Barack Obama

Barack Obama's potential election to the office of the presidency represents an important symbol in the history of the United States. He would be the first black president in American history. But Obama's strengths lie deeper than mere symbols.

I first heard of him while he was running for senate. I watched his keynote address at the 2004 DNC. It provided a glimpse towards a political landscape that went past partisanship. He reminded me that we really do have more in common with each other as Americans than we realize. In 2006, Obama made an appearance on Meet The Press where he knocked each of the late Tim Russert's questions out of the park and always with an air of grace.

When he declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2007, I was intrigued, but not yet ready to commit to his cause. In fact, I supported Bill Richardson because I more closely identified with the New Mexican governor on most of the issues.

My mind was changed towards Barack Obama because of the way he handled the Clintons' attacks prior to the South Carolina primary. He did not act like a normal politician. He truly rose above the small rhetoric that often defines campaigns. He avoided divisive decrees in favor of elucidating his hope for change.

While his words can sometimes remain in the clouds, he has taken profound stands on many of the important issues of the day, which is unfortunately rare in politics. I agree with him for the most part on most of the issues. Obama has resorted to some of the traditional pandering that accompanies campaigns and that is disappointing, but he has never claimed to be perfect. He has not called for the level of sacrifice that Americans need to make in order to fix this nation's problems, but he hasn't won the election yet either.

Fundamentally, my view of Barack Obama following his speech in 2004 has not shifted. He has continued to reinforce his reputation as a transformative figure in American politics. He has tapped into the American sense of optimism that has been lacking for so long. If elected, he will not be able to change everything. But he has presented this country with two very special gifts already: the belief that we can be a nation for good in this world and the idea that of many, we are one. For those reasons, I proudly support Barack Obama.

The Times' Endorsements

The HarazQuack Times endorsements will have a bigger impact than anything endorsed by the New York Times... at least for my family.

If you have read one word of this blog, you will know that I endorse Barack Obama for President of the United States.

For Maryland's 8th Congressional District, I endorse Gordon Clark of the Green Party. The Democrat, Chris Van Hollen, will win easily, but it is important to send a message to the Democratic Party that it needs to uphold a more progressive agenda. Van Hollen recently came around to the position of withdrawing (many of) the troops from Iraq. It would be irresponsible to call this a flip flop, situations change, but it was a judgement that he made too late. Clark is serious about the environmental crisis that we face and is not concerned with party politics that can sometimes prevent real change. Send a message to the Democrats and vote for Gordon Clark.

In the Board of Education races, I endorse Phil Kaufman for the at large spot and Laura Berthiaume in District 2.

I am voting for Question 1 because it would make it easier to vote for people who are unable to do so on Election Day. I'm voting against Question 2, because I do not support slots in Maryland. Less than half of the revenue will go towards education and, as PG County Executive Jack Johnson states, it is essentially a tax on poor people who may turn to slots for hope. I am for Question A because it would clean up the County Charter, repealing three sections that have been rendered moot by judges' decisions. I am voting against Question B because it gives too much power to any one Councilmember.

I do not endorse the way the Buffalo Bills have played the last two weeks.

McCain and Palin, Not So Scary

"If McCain wins, I'm leaving the country" is a common refrain among ill-informed liberals. Really? You didn't leave because of Bush, but McCain will drive you out? Seriously? And don't leave me with all of these Rush Limbaugh wannabees.

Unless America is even more racist than I think or it is uncovered that Obama and bin Laden have been secret pen pals for years, McCain isn't winning. But even if he did win, he's really not that bad.

There will be a Democratic Congress in both houses. Do you remember high school government class? Congress makes the laws. Look back to Clinton's achievements with a Republican Congress; he passed a mostly conservative agenda.

There is always a backlash against executive authority after a president abuses power. After Nixon left in disgrace, the president's power was reduced until the second Bush grabbed power like it was candy on Halloween.

McCain has pledged to be more transparent than Bush. A big reason for many problems America faces is thanks to the secrecy of the Bush administration.

McCain will probably die soon. That gives us Joanne Six Pack aka Sarah Palin. Many of the reasons above apply for Palin, excluding the transparency issue. In addition, I question her political cunning to gain the same clout as Bush in order to make the same mistakes.

So, to my liberal friends, don't be as moronic as Philadelphia Phillies fans; a World Series title couldn't have to a worse bunch of losers. And if you're still planning on moving if McCain wins, let's make sure that doesn't happen this Tuesday.

John McCain's Last Pitch

Welcome, my friends. Are you ready to change this country for the better? I know Americans are angry and fed up. Americans are sick of politicians in Washington who don't understand your needs. That's why I'm your man. I have 26 years of experience in the senate.

This economy is in crisis although the fundamentals of the economy are strong. This is no time to experiment with inexperienced leaders. We need experts. The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should, but my opponent doesn't seem to understand the economy. He advocates socialism. We need to nationalize the banks; we don't need socialism.

Senator Obama wants to raise your taxes and spread the wealth. Do you know that last president to raise taxes during an economic crisis? Herbert Hoover. I remember. I believe in the American Dream. I will cut your taxes and let you keep your wealth. You know who will raise your taxes? That cunt, uh, I mean, that one.

In Iraq, the surge is working. Iraq is a much safer place. Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. Osama bin Laden says so. We should listen to Osama bin Laden. We need more troops in Afghanistan. Senator Obama doesn't seem to understand Islamic fundamentalism. He wants to speak to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad without precondition. Should we talk to a leader who wants to destroy Israel or listen to bin Laden and continue to fight in Iraq? Senator Obama doesn't seem to understand.

Senator Obama's surrogates have said that my supporters are racist. They've said some pretty nasty things about you and you know, I couldn't agree with them more. I couldn't disagree with you more. I couldn't agree with you more. My supporters are the most patriotic, most god-loving, most patriotic part of America. Neither me, nor my supporters are racist. Congressman John Lewis, an American hero, made allegations that Sarah Palin and I were somehow associated with the worst chapter in American history, segregation, deaths of children in church bombings, George Wallace. That, to me, was so hurtful. That's why I initially opposed a holiday honoring Martin Luther King.

Let me make one thing clear to my supporters, Barack Obama is not an Arab. No, ma'am, he's a decent family man. He is not a terrorist. He pals around with terrorists. I don’t care about a washed up terrorist.

In conclusion, I want you to know that I'm a maverick. I voted with the president over 90% of the time. I am not popular with many members of my own party. I ask for your vote this November.

Joe the Plumber

All we hear is the concerns of Joe the Plumber. What about David the schmuck, Jimmy the rapist, O.J. the innocent, Maggie the awesome nurse, George the shitty president, Miri the hot, Trent the quarterback, or Muhammad the guy who is not a terrorist so leave him the fuck alone already he's just some kind trying to make a living who happens to be Muslim?

Nobody's talking about them this election cycle.

7 1/2 Reasons Why Your Man is Voting for McCain

We've all been there girls. The man we married is not exactly who we thought he was. We thought he was the funny, compassionate, stoic, sexy center of our world. But then we find out the truth. He's a Republican. And worse yet, he's a Republican who intends to vote for John McCain and doesn't take out the trash when we ask him to. We wonder what went wrong. Why is my man voting for McCain? Well girls, here's 7 1/2 reasons that may help you understand your man better.

1) Your man is either a secret or not-so-secret racist.
2) He was just pretending to care about the welfare of children to get you into bed. In reality, he likes his pick up trucks big and his assault riffles bigger... just in case one of those little snots gets in his way!
3) He's only pro-choice when it comes to his own illegitimate babies.
4) You're married to Joe the plumber.
5) You don't give your man the emotional support he needs, so he spends his nights jerking off to pornographic pictures with Sarah Palin's head photoshopped onto some naked lady's body.
6) Gay people and Iraqis give him the willies for no good reason.
7) His last name is McCain.
7 1/2) Your man believes in the fundamentals of small government and an aggressive foreign policy.

Black Voters

This campaign has taught me something profound about black voters. I had always been under the impression that black voters were less a voting bloc and more a group of individuals with a shared identity, who each held a unique set of values and issues that helped to determine their voting preference.

Wrong! Watching pundits- and not just on cable, but on "credible" network shows as well- has taught me that black people are very simple people when it comes to voting. Apparently, they were reluctant to vote for the black guy until he won a state that was majority white. Then they rushed to him. Evidently, black folks vote the way white people tell them to. I feel so foolish because I just never realized that was the case.

The other thing I've learned is that it doesn't matter that the facts don't support this theory. Black people in South Carolina supported Obama by a margin of 2 to 1 before he won Iowa (that's reluctance?). The percentage of black support rose for Obama only after the Clintons made some remarks that were deemed implicitly racist during the South Carolina primary campaign. The Clintons put down the source of the shared identity that connects black people with one another, which may help to explain the mass shift to Obama in the weeks before the South Carolina primary. Or so I thought.

Of course, I now know that even if the facts don't support the media's theories, as long as it's repeated enough, it becomes true. So, black people only voted for Obama because white people did so first.

The Women's Issues Hour with Brent Neverton

Here is part of the transcript from the Wednesday October 15, 2008 episode of The Women's Issues Hour with Brent Neverton...

Neverton: Welcome back to The Women's Issues Hour with your host, me, Brent Neverton. As you may know, we are a public affairs show that examines issues relating to women in society. I am rejoined by two distinguished guests, Alvin Meadows from the Daily Liberal on the left and Chad Pithington from the American Review on the right. Let's get back to our discussion of Governor Sarah Palin's qualifications for the vice presidency and her ideology.

Meadows: She's a cunt.
Pithington: I'd do her.

Neverton: Hmm, both of you raise interesting points.

The Final Debate

I had the (mis)fortune of watching the third and final presidential debate of 2008 in HD. I learned why John McCain blinks so much. He's trying to blink away the onset of another bout with cancer. His teeth could be the logo for the Cleveland Browns. McCain was writing his notes with a sharpie, probably because he couldn't read his own writing if he used a regular pen.

After Barack Obama, who doesn't look much better than McCain in HD, claimed that negative attacks had become the center of the McCain campaign, McCain inexplicably continued to attack Obama with ridiculous allegations before hypocritically asserting that his campaign is not about negative attacks.

McCain has a palpable contempt for Obama and it manifests in condescension. One fatal flaw (of the many) of the McCain campaign is that he claims Obama doesn't know anything about anything. The problem with it is that if Obama shows the least bit of knowledge on a subject, he disproves McCain's point.

At one point, McCain argued against "spreading the wealth." He wants the wealth to stay in the hands of the very few. It's too bad the value of your vote doesn't correlate with the amount of wealth you possess; McCain might have half a chance then. At the very least, McCain should get one vote this fall, from Joe the Plumber, but he might be the only one.

So, Obama won another debate and again, it was irrelevant, because he'll win easily, even if he had shown up to the debate in a wife beater and began by saying, "god bless Paraguay, the greatest country on the planet."

A Less Racist America

In the morning hours of November 5, millions of racist white people will pick up their newspapers and the few of them that can read will tell the others that a black man, Barack Obama, has been elected the President of the United States of America.

That will induce a call to action for these white people. They will congregate and react in drastic fashion. A mass suicide of millions of bigoted white folks will occur. And America will be a little less racist.

McCain and the Economy

The economy has hit a bit of a downturn. I make a few hundred dollars a month and I have now become the richest man in America. Ladies, I'm waiting for your call.

John McCain doesn't see it that way however. It's called leadership. A leader must be optimistic, even if that requires lying to his followers. George W. Bush perfected this trait. McCain is following nicely in his footsteps. In January, McCain told the American people, "I don’t believe we’re headed into a recession. I believe the fundamentals of this economy are strong and I believe they will remain strong."

In this regard, McCain is something of a savant. Every economic "expert" in existence believes the economy is either in a recession or worse. Only McCain has the insight to see differently. In fact, as late as last month, McCain reiterated, "The fundamentals of the economy are strong." But the great thing about McCain is not simply that he is a genius. He is also incredibly modest.

Last year, McCain mentioned, "The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should." Oh really, Einstein? I must respectfully disagree. McCain is even more humble than he is brilliant.

You see, some men see things as they are and say 'why?' John McCain sees things that aren't and says 'The fundamentals of the economy are strong.'

A Disappointing Debate

Neither John McCain nor Barack Obama said anything new of substance in this debate. The policy debates were simply restatements of the discussions they had the first time around.

I did learn a few things from both candidates however. Did you know that America is a great country? Apparently, it is. American workers are great too. Evidently, both candidates will fight for me, even though they've never met me and they don't know me from Adam.

I was disappointed in Obama's performance on the whole. He is leading and should win this election fairly comfortably. He should have been more ambitious and more concrete in what he expects from us and what we can expect from him. I was upset that he allowed McCain to drag him into several political tussles instead of staying above the fray.

John McCain came across as indignant. He seemed to totter on the edge of fury. At one point, he referred to Obama as "that one." It was as if he was inches away from calling Obama the n-word. Another occasion saw McCain inexplicably walk near Obama and glare at him as if McCain thought he was still in a POW camp. Then there was McCain's stalking of the questioners. By the end, McCain was tired. His earlier plan of ignoring the chair in order to stand had failed. Near the end, McCain became so tired that he even forgot to hold the microphone to his mouth.

I like Tom Brokaw a lot, but his incessant scolding of the candidates made me almost as uncomfortable as watching McCain. The line of the night belonged to Tom Brokaw who told the two candidates, "Now you're blocking my script." An apt end to a trite debate.

The Vice Presidential Debate

This is what I wrote before the debate...

What I expect at the VP debate tonight

What if Sarah Palin really isn't that stupid? Maybe she's just playing us all in order to lower expectations of her performance. Either way, the expectations are low. Politics are all about expectations.

I expect Palin to look just stupid enough to continue to frighten every liberal at the prospect of her attaining the presidency, yet to just exceed expectations enough to receive praise from much of the media.

I don't expect Joe Biden to win the debate easily and he will lose it in terms of expectations. He'll either come across as a bully, say a few stupid things, or (most likely) both. I've got the over/under on stupid things Joe Biden will say in the debate at 4. Biden has always been regarded as somewhat dim, only slightly more intelligent that a mentally challenged chimpanzee and with none of the cuteness.

But many people are missing the point. Elections in America have never been about who is smarter, they're about who is more popular. The history of the American presidency is filled with men who were semi-literate, right up until today.

I'd like to see a robust exchange of ideas about the various crises we face, but that's about as likely as chess supplanting NASCAR as the most popular sport in the South. In any event, it should be entertaining.
______________________________________________

I would change two things. Instead of stupid comments from Joe Biden, I would change that to off-putting comments. Also, I didn't expect Joe Biden to utilize the goofy and inappropriate smile throughout.

I've come to the conclusion that Sarah Palin is probably a robot- albeit an adorable one. Press the button and you get several catchphrases: "John McCain has stared evil right in the face" "I am a maverick" "Gosh darn." Joe Biden's manner of speech is like a snowball of rage.

In the end, Biden was more substantive (it would've been hard not to), Palin exceeded expectations (also would've been hard not to). But there was a loser tonight, the American people.

The First Presidential Debate

Barack Obama was extremely erudite in articulating his positions. That elitist egghead! Why was John McCain blinking so much? At about 9:45pm onward, it looked like he was very cranky and just wanted to go to sleep. He was probably missing a Matlock marathon or something. I finally realize why McCain doesn't want to talk with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; it's because McCain can't pronounce his name.

Anyway, let's be serious for a change.

I thought they had an interesting discussion on the economy and both did an effective job explaining their stances, even as Jim Lehrer (who did a good enough job) was needling them to answer his questions specifically that they were answering in a roundabout way. It came down to McCain making a good case for tax cuts, reduced spending, and less government regulation, while Obama gave an equally effective case for closing corporate loopholes, taxing the very wealthy, and advocating a role for the government in regulating the economy.

On the initial discussion about the war in Iraq, McCain did a more effective job explaining why we should stay than Obama did about why we should go. But McCain made a tactical mistake by returning to the subject. During a rambled response, he mentioned that the mother of a fallen soldier asked McCain to win the war. Obama rebutted by mentioning that the mother of another fallen soldier told him to make sure no other mother has to feel the pain that she must endure. Obama's response was more poignant than McCain's.

Obama understood the issues in Afghanistan and Pakistan to a far greater degree than did McCain. McCain believes that Iraq is the central front of the war on terror, even using bin Laden's words as evidence. Do we want bin Laden to dictate how we should fight the war? Is he going to give us an honest assessment or try to dupe us into a distraction? This was McCain's lowest point. I don't believe we should add more troops to the war in Afghanistan or go into Pakistan, but Obama made a good case for it. He advocated going after bin Laden and other high al Qaeda operatives even if they are in Pakistan. Most people would agree with that. McCain was in favor of continuing the same failed policy towards Pakistan, sending enormous aid without condition, which invariably goes into the pockets of the ISI and then to our enemies.

McCain looked lost on how to handle Iran. It was bizarre how he claimed that if Obama meets with Ahmadinejad, Obama is somehow legitimizing Ahmadinejad's positions. It was an absurd argument. I've talked to plenty of anti-Semites, that doesn't mean I'm legitimizing anti-Semitism. I'm Jewish. I'm trying to promote understanding through dialogue.

The line of the night went to Obama. He did not believe McCain could show restraint when it comes to war because he has called for the extinction of North Korea and sang a song about bombing Iran. Then McCain answered back by listing all of the military conflicts he has supported, which I found strange.

Overall, McCain was well informed. He made a tactical error by continuously claiming that Obama didn't understand the issues. Whether or not you agree with Obama, you have to admit he knew what he was talking about. McCain appeared to belittle Obama by constantly calling him naive. Obama was helped by low expections due to lingering questions about his experience. He showed that he understood the issues. All in all, the debate won't have much impact on which way people vote, but it was an informative discussion.

My Interview with Sarah Palin

Me: Welcome Governor.
Palin: I'm ready.
Me: That's good to know. Let me first ask you about your qualifications to be vice president. You've been the Governor of Alaska for less than two years. Before that, you were a small town mayor...
Palin: Being the mayor of a small town is kind of like being a community organizer, except you have real responsibility.
Me: Um, ok. A shot at Barack Obama and community organizers I see. But in that comparison, I believe your role as a small town mayor is aligned with Obama's eight-year tenure as a state senator. Regardless, let's turn to some of the issues. Voters might be concerned that you are the only candidate who does not possess foreign policy experience.
Palin: I do. Alaska is close to Russia. You can see Russia from Alaska.
Me: Well that's a new interpretation of the term foreign policy experience. Have you ever met a world leader, say, for example, Vladimir Putin, the prime minister of Russia?
Palin: In what regard?
Me: In what regard? Never mind, let's move on. If elected, what would be your main objective in the war on terror?
Palin: I'm sending my son to Iraq to fight the people who attacked us.
Me: Whoa, sorry, I thought I was magically teleported back to 2002. I'm back now. Ok, let's try this from a different angle. Do you agree with the Bush Doctrine?
Palin: ... ... ... ...
Me: Excuse me, Governor Palin? Your take on the Bush Doctrine?
Palin: Do you know the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?
Me: I'm not sure that's releva...
Palin: The lipstick! Hahahahahahahahaha!
Me: Alright Mel Brooks, let's turn to some domestic issues. Your pregnant daughter is underage and unwed; that doesn’t seem to mesh with your Christian conservative beliefs?
Palin: That is a private choice made by my daughter and my family. I would appreciate if we refrained from discussing that matter.
Me: Ok. But aren't you against the right to choose to have an abortion? By definition that position is advocating government interference into the lives of women everywhere.
Palin: Uh, um. Alaska is close to Russia. My son's going to Iraq. Um. Do you want to hear that lipstick joke again?
Me: No thank you, I'll pass. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to talk to me today, Governor Palin.
Palin: The U.S. shouldn't second guess Israel.
Me: Fine, whatever. We're done now. Just go away please.