McCain Meltdown or Obama Blew It? The “Bail Out” and True Servant Leadership

by Randy on September 25, 2008 · Comments

Oh please, you know me, I think Obama blew it. Sorry for the suspense ::: grin :::

So, you all know by now that McCain suspended his campaign to go back to Washington to work directly on the “Bail Out” legislation for Wall Street. Obama (and his surrogates?) respond in a weird way. They respond with comments that sound similar to a President should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time (multi-task). I can’t find a transcript but I believe that is what I heard Geraldine Ferraro say on FOX. Obama fully intends on keeping to his campaign schedule and wants the Presidential debate to remain scheduled for Friday.

This may seem unrelated but hang in there … The cost of Hurricane Ike has been reported by The Houston Chronicle today as being between 27 to 53 BILLION dollars. We all have seen the devastation of that Hurricane and I wouldn’t think twice if either candidate wanted to be hands on in helping with the situation.

Now imagine the pricetag of that disaster not being 27 to 53 billion … but all the way up to 700 BILLION.

They are saying that the DAMAGE done on Wall Street is around 13 to 14 times GREATER than the high estimation of the disaster brought on by Ike. No … nobody is being picked up off their feet and blown into the the Pacific by 200 mph wind. BUT, millions and millions are losing billions and billions and BILLIONs of dollars.

It appears everyone is to blame for the current financial crisis from the Executive and Legislative branches of government, past and present, Democrats and Republicans, as well as Wall Street and their apparently greedy corrupt unethical practices.

I am not an economist or a son of one. I am not even sure my math above is right. However, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that MY and YOUR taxes are going to be committed to the tune of 700 BILLION by the very people who created this problem. They are going to use our hard earned money to either do the right thing OR to cover it up, gloss it over and try to make themselves a little richer monetarily and politically.

You bet your … yeah … I want every single Senator and Congress person to be there IN PERSON to do a good job and to be held to account for every single commitment signed into law. There are over 300 million Americans who are now going to have to pay a 700 BILLION dollar tab.

We elected you to serve our best interests … show up and do the job you have already been elected to do Senator Obama.

I think every single Congressperson and Senator should be there in person OR fired. I do not want 700 Billion to be secondary to anyone’s campaign goals.

I really like the fact that McCain is going to be on Capitol Hill during this truly horrible time. In the past, I have been on The Hill a handful of times myself. I know it is much different situation but I do know it is much more effective talking with Senators and Congressmen face to face instead of from afar via email and in between my other appointments.

I like that McCain took 700 BILLION so seriously he wanted to be there “hands on.” I understand what Obama is saying but he looks foolish trying to spin this as something that isn’t necessary. He has to know that most people will see McCain’s action as a good and necessary thing.

At the same time, McCain better work his tail off to prove that he is not just a participant but an advocate for the people. Not only advocate for us but also compel his colleagues to do right by us.

I can honestly say, this is the first time I have been hoppin’ mad at Wall Street and the Federal Government concerning money. It could go without saying but I am praying …

and watching …

and voting …

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B.T.Carolus 09/25/2008 12:12 AM 1 point
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Great...so this has been a 750 billion dollar summer! "We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle" -- Winston Churchill.

Anyway, the Obama campain should consider that the primary occupation of their candidate at the moment is Senator, and consider how it will look if Senator McCain gives a rousing speech in the Senate during a national crisis, whilst Senator Obama gives a speech in front of a handpicked crowd somewhere in Ohio.

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editorgal 09/25/2008 09:43 AM 1 point
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I enjoy your historically perceptive comments, youngin'!

I, too, am tired of the government reaching its hand into my pocket, and then not spending my money in ways I find meaningful. I'm supposed to have a voice via my senators and representative. Call me cynical and jaded, but mostly I see my elected officials trying to serve contractors, campaign contributors, and BIG business.

Hey, I'm not opposed to folks making a living, making profit, being successful. I do resent it when my support of their pocketbook is garnered without my permission due to exorbitant taxes - at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Don't even get me started!

So, yeah, all those folks up on the Hill had better roll up their sleeves, make mega pots of coffee and get the sandwich fixin's and dig themselves in until they come up with not only a workable solution, but one with accountability and oversight. "When will they ever learn?" (song title escapes me, due to my advanced years!)

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Randy 09/25/2008 08:23 PM 1 point
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I love that quote by Churchill. One of my fav's.

Right on with the second paragraph.

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Shanie 09/25/2008 02:49 AM 1 point
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Glad i can see some sort of young opinion here..

I'm a 'fresh to the election' 18 year old girl whose really interested in Election 08 and the view you guys have on it. Check out my blog: blondegirlpolitics.blogspot.com
Your comments would be greatly appreciated :)

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http://blondegirlpolitics.blogspot.com

Randy 09/25/2008 09:47 AM 1 point
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Well, you youngin's are welcome any time.

And since you are young I won't pick on you for the blatant self promotion :).

Or ... is that what I just did? ::: grin :::
Come back any time :).

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Your Friend, I prmise 09/25/2008 02:32 PM 1 point
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No chance this is only a ploy to derail the V.P debate? If the McCain camp doesn't want reporters asking the pitbull questions, I doubt they want Biden throwing questions her way. Besides, the senators are about to go on vacation. As if McCain didn't see this as a way to give himself pause after Obama took the lead in the polls.

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Randy 09/25/2008 08:22 PM 1 point
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I don't think so. McCain can't do a stand alone speech worth a toot but he is a whole different kinda' guy in a town hall or debate. As for Palin, I have no idea. My theory is that she is willfully choosing what she will or won't do and because she isn't the Presidential pick it would be very important for her to do so. As someone who does a fair bit of media I don't jump on every offer given no matter how manipulative or demanding they might get. I am probably transferring my thoughts on to her so suffice it to say ... I don't know.

I am certain McCain thinks this is more important and not running from the debate ... does it also help with some nefarious dodge of the VP debate? Maybe but I doubt that was the primary motive.

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Howard 09/25/2008 10:43 PM 1 point
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We are facing the worst economic melt down since the great depression. McCain says it should take first priority over politics. Obama says if you need me, call me, I'll be at the debate hall. Then, Obama says McCain should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. First of all, Obama has never set aside his personal ambition for the good of the country. He has no sense of priority. The economic problem is huge, will effect Americans for decades, and deserves more than a Presidential candidate's rubber stamp, or blank check. The walk and chew gum cliche is about as trite as Obama's slogans ... like 'change we can believe in'. Unlike Obama, McCain is responsible, and has genuine leadership qualities. Obama will say, or do anything to get elected. McCain puts Americans, and America above politics, and personal ambition. No Wright, no Pfleger, no Farrakhan, no Rezko, no Ayers, no mean Michelle, and NOBAMA !!!

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Randy 09/26/2008 11:44 AM 1 point
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Hi Howard. Thank you for your comment. I agree with almost everything you say but ... I just don't think Michelle is mean or bad. In the broader context of what she was saying I don't think she meant it anywhere near the levels she is being charged with. Why spin her into the mix when the rest of the crowd is enough to be a BIG WARNING to anyone considering voting for Obama.

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Brady 09/29/2008 01:02 PM 1 point
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Howard, I wasn't aware Obama was a supporter of Farrakhan. Do you have a citation for that?

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http://someguysarenormal.blogspot.com

Randy 09/29/2008 08:26 PM 1 point
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Oh yeah, that's true. I heard it the other way around ... that Farrakhan supported Obama and Obama denounced Farrakhan's more outlandish remarks ... or something. I am too lazy to google it right now.

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saberman 09/26/2008 10:59 AM 1 point
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McCain's suggestion of postponing the debates while he does whatever to help the economic crisis is either a cynical attempt to benefit from the misery or a "meltdown" in the sense that he has so little understanding of the situation that he does not want to embarass during a debate. It may be a combination of the two. We would be very foolish to give four additonal years to the same Republican leadership that got us into the terrible situations that we face today. And I am pleased that the polls are showing that the American public is finally starting to figure out that McCain represent a continuation of the inept and corrupt Bush leadership.

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Randy 09/26/2008 11:42 AM 1 point
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Hi Saberman, so ... how do you really feel?

Thanks for adding your thoughts.

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Gina 09/28/2008 07:36 PM 1 point
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During the Economic melt down, Obama is the one who responded like Bush with Katrina ... not McCain, as Obama would have us believe. After all, it was McCain who once again prioritized the melt down above his campaigning. It was Obama who put his campaigning above the melt down. Even if McCain was unable to influence the committee working on the melt down ... at least he tried ... at least he showed up ... at least he put Country before politics ... and, before his personal ambition ... unlike Obama. I say ... forget all the rhetoric ... talk is cheap ... check the actual records (and voting records) of these two candidates.

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Randy 09/28/2008 08:36 PM 1 point
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Agreed. Obama did that also when he tried to compare his running his campaign to Palin's executive experience. One small problem ... she was actually elected by the people to run the people's business. He developed and runs his campaign for the sole purpose of getting himself elected.

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