My vote is for Mickey Jones. If the rest of the world knew him as well as those of us who live in Simi Valley do the choice would be a no brainer.

I second the Mickey Jones response Ed. Mickey is a true patriot and would make a fine running mate for any candidate. His long and illustrious career headlining the stage and screen are proof that he is more than capable of handling the pressures associated with being a Vice President. Paul’s Italian Villa had better start cooking now because come January I have a feeling that they may be called upon to cater the inauguration!

Mickey Jones would be a great choice! I’m surprised that his name didn’t come up earlier!
Here’s my favorite Mickey Jones clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CofNKSMJ2A

http://www.mickeyjones.com

The oil companies are really on the ball. When this little mess in Georgia fisrt happened, I mentioned to my father that I was surprised that oil prices hadn't gone up because of it. THe Caspian sea region is rich in oil. Prices did finally go up after the situation is pretty much over and dropped the next day. They like to raise oil prices on B.S. excuses, but when there is actually a valid concern they can't even respond in time.

Oh and speaking of oil. The democrats have been pointing the finger atpresident Bush and the republicans for being in the pocket of big oil, yet prices have kept going up more and more ever since the congress has come under democratic control. They have done nothing but sit back and let the prices go up and let their constituents suffer the cost. Prices only started coming down after the people themselves were able to reduce demand because they couldn't look to the government for help. I hope this election season, whatever douchebages are up for re-election are put out to pasture. That goes for both parties. New president, new house, but unfortunately only a third of the senate is up for election. THis is the same congress that wanted to end the war, we're still there, gas prices still at an all time high. These pathetic excuses for leaders have done nothing and even gone so far as to turn the lights off in the capital, Nancy Pelosi and then tried to deprive the press of its first amendment right to be in the building.

I don't blame the government for the foreclosure crisis, this was caused by free enterprise and greed in the private sector. Greedy people giving loans to underinformed naive people. The government shouldn't have to hold your hand all the time. They pave the roads, but what you do on them is on you.

My guess for VP

Mickey Jones or Mitt Romney.

Romney was my pick for the republican candidate, but if my horse comes in second it's still a place bet.Jones would be a great choice as well.

My pick for President (not and endorsement) John McCain.

My vote would be (none of the above) My guy didn't make it on the ballot.

Here’s a little background on our man Mickey Jones for those unenlightened out there. Since it sounds like we are all throwing our collective support behind Mickey Jones as McCaine’s VP I suggest we organize meetups and an aggressive emailing campaign to spread the word that Mickey’s the man!
Everyone on board?

Mickey’s Bio:
Mickey Jones has enjoyed considerable success in the music business both as a musician and a singer. Mickey's musical career
In the past few years he has added acting to his already outstanding credits, having been featured in numerous guest star roles in hit TV shows such as "Northern Exposure," "Hearts Afire," "Evening Shade," "In the Heat of the Night," "Matlock, "Baywatch," and now Mickey can be seen as Peter Bilker, one of the K&B boys, on the smash ABC-TV series "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen. Some of Mickey's feature films include "Drop Zone" with Wesley Snipes, "Total Recall" with Arnold Schwarzenegger, "Tin Cup" with Kevin Costner and Rene Russo and Mickey also performs one of the hit songs in the film "Double Bogey Blues", "The Sunchaser" with Woody Harrelson, "Nadine" with Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger, "Extreme Prejudice" with Nick Nolte, John Carpenter's "Starman" and "National Lampoon's Vacation" with Chevy Chase.
It is said that actors are judged by the impression they leave on their audience. Mickey Jones leaves a lasting impression.
To not know Mickey Jones by name is understandable, but to not recognize him is surprising. Jones has played hundreds of characters with one basic premise-that you do the same things you would do in real life.
"Acting is reacting to a situation. The trick to it is, don't act. You have to ask yourself the questions; How would I act? How would I feel? I don't think acting is difficult, I think we all do it everyday, without the camera," Jones said.
The difficulty for Jones came-at least initially-in finding work. This was a very different situation for him compared to his early career as a musician. Mickey played with some of the biggest artists in the industry.The First Edition,(10)years, Trini Lopez,(8 years), Johnny Rivers,(3 years) and Bob Dylan,(2 years) and all sought out Mickey for his talent in playing the drums. Yet, Mickey can remember as a young child wanting to be an actor. He thought he would like to play the bad guy in films he saw and by coincidence many of his roles are just that.
But don't misunderstand: Mickey Jones is not a bad guy. He's a hard worker. He doesn't take getting a job lightly and he worries that each job may be his last. His hard work has paid off in roles on the highest rated television show in the country. Most of the public recognizes Mickey as Peter Bilker, one of the K&B boys on "Home Improvement" but Mickey has also guest starred on such hits as "Northern Exposure," "Evening Shade," "Heart's A'fire" and "In the Heat of the Night." Mickey also enjoys working in feature films such as "Sling Blade" with Billy Bob Thornton, "Tin Cup" with Kevin Costner, "Drop Zone," "Total Recall" and many more.
For the past several years, you have seen Mickey on TV everyday as the big biker on the most aired commercial in television for the breath mint, "Breath Savers." No one will ever forget that little old lady telling Mickey, "I agree, I've enjoyed your breath ever since 96th Street."
Mickey Jones spends much of the time participating in charity events. He feels that television has been, in many ways, misused and feels obligated to strive for a higher standard. Mickey further propels his notion by giving his time to programs such as D.A.R.E. and career planning for local high school kids. He is also a reserve police officer and participates in annual drinking and driving diversions during the holidays.
"Sometimes you have to make a stand for what you know is the right thing to do," says Mickey. Fearing kids reactions; he doesn't do beer commercials anymore.
His charity work is also a means to his favorite activity-golf. As a child, his father, Fred, who was a scratch player, introduced Mickey to the game of golf. Mickey would caddie for him on occasion. Mickey recalls telling his father, "Dad, I love you but this is the dumbest game. Now I wish I had listened to him."
To Mickey, playing golf was the waste of a day. That is until he hooked up with a man by the name of Kenny Rogers in a group called "The First Edition." Mickey recalls Kenny playing golf nearly everyday while the group was in Las Vegas. It took a lot of persuading by Kenny to get Mickey on the golf course. When Mickey finally broke down and went, he remembers that he played horrible. He did, however, have one 3-wood shot that went 230 yards and that shot hooked him on golf for the rest of his life. "I love this darn game but it hates me. It is the worst narcotic I can think of, it is very addicting," Mickey says.
When he's not playing golf or working, Mickey enjoys spending time with his family. He is the father of five and grandfather of six. Lately, he has spent a lot of time with his youngest grandson, Trace, who is 5. Trace's dad, Jim Mullen, holds six title belts in full contact kickboxing so Trace goes from room to room practicing his kickboxing moves. Jim is currently the WKA North American Heavyweight Champion and the WWDF Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Mickey attributes much of his success to his wife, Phyllis. They try to spend as much time together as possible and whenever they can fit it in, they love to go to the movies. Phyllis gives Mickey stability and has shown him that life is a learning growing thing. "She is the better half of this act, I married well above my station in life," Mickey says.
Mickey's hobbies include scuba diving, video and golf. To quote Mickey, "I'd play golf every day if it was humanly possible. My loves are my family and my work and golf."
Mickey's life is going in a good direction but not by coincidence. He credits his Christian lifestyle and a positive mental attitude. He applies that attitude to the things that he loves.
His early success in the music industry and his big success in acting have all pointed to his winning philosophy, a philosophy that has produced a solid marriage and a strong family structure.
"If you love it and you want it bad enough and you're willing to do it for free, you'll find a way to make it happen," Mickey said.
And make it happen, he has. Mickey Jones will keep making it happen, not because of some high rolling agent or outrageous stunt but by doing what he knows best, making it real.

Seriously, Mickey Jones could probably be elected to the city council in Simi Valley if he tried.

Is this some kind of sick joke? Mickey doesn’t go for second place!
McCaine should be Mickey Jones’ VP!

Go Mickey!

I also know Micky Jones - now that would be an interesting pick!

If Mickey Jones was a drug I'd buy it by the ounce!

The Jones, Biden debates will go down as the greatest in history. Lincoln, Douglas, move over! There’s a new debate king in town and he’s riding in on a steel horse!

The only potential problem I can see with Jones is that he lacks any political experience at all. But I think that he can easily overcome this obstacle by highlighting his extensive experience in area of beard growing.

OK....

Somebody here has way too much time on his hands or else an overzealous press agent.

I posted this before: If McCain is smart he will pick Tom Ridge; if he is dumb he will pick Romney.

Brian, what did you think of Biden's speech last night? Can you see why I'm so excited he's on board now? He's a fabulous speaker and hits hard when he needs to.

I think it's going to be either Lynne Cheney or Elizabeth Dole. More likely Lynne.

While I think that the Dem’s convention has been pretty good so far I have no doubt that the real fireworks will come next week in Minneapolis when Mickey Jones takes to the stage. His experiencing delivering perfectly crafted lines on movie sets will definitely shine through and will no doubt get the McCain the jumpstart it needs to pull up to the White House. I can’t wait to see Mickey shine and bring the house down!

Where I come from we have an old saying and I think it applies today as much as it always has.
You can take the water out the melon but you can never get the seeds past the rhine.

God Speed Mickey!

Personal choices:
No. 1 choice - Former New Jersey Gov. Christie Todd Whitman - cut taxes in New Jersey, social moderate, executive experience, environmentalist/conservationist. Although, I thought her book "It's My Party Too" though true in many parts, had a whiney title. She might capture disgruntled Hillary votes. I haven't heard her name tossed around however, so doubt she is seriously being considered.

Least favorite choice - Mike Huckabee. While I enjoy watching him on Colbert Report and believe him to be genuine and very personable (sometimes to the point of goofy), I realized that he is a social conservative and a fiscal liberal - neither of which I am.

While I agree that Whitman would be a good choice I think I have agree with the previous comments and throw my support behind Mickey Jones. Over the weekend CNN did a piece about Jones and I was quite surprised to hear about all of his impressive accomplishments over the years. It’s truly amazing that someone with a resume as impressive as Mickey Jones’ has managed to fly under the radar for so long. But luckily for all of us it appears that those days are coming to an end.
In case you haven’t heard, the Mickey Jones train is about to leave the station on a non-stop trip to the White House. All Aboard!!!!

Brian, I’m intrigued by all of this Mickey Jones talk. How come I have never heard of him before today? Could you please shed some light on this ma of mystery for those of us who don’t know anything about him?

While I don’t know anything about Mickey Jones I have to say that the level of support I’ve been seeing is impressive and I think I’m sold on the idea of a McCain/Jones ticket.

Not to jump the gun but if McCain is only going to serve one term who do you think Mickey Jones will chose as his VP in the 2012 election?

I don’t know about you but I can’t wait for the Jones-Clinton showdown in 2012!

McCain/Jones 08
That still makes me smile, those two names together give me hope that we as a nation are not lost.

I feel the Republicans and the Democrats have gone way off topic here. Both sides have taken to armchair politicians as their prime constituents. If Mickey Jones were to join the campaign as McCain's VP, the word 'landslide' would be an understatement in describing the Republicans' victory this Fall.

I strongly support Mickey's bid for VP. Anybody who's read his book knows how strongly he feels about public health care and still maintains his stance on 'Family Values'. Especially after Benny Hinn challenged his liberal approach to Gay Marriage. Additionally, Mickey was dead-on with his 'Heartland-Energy-Farming' plan.

Mickey Jones for VP!

Who cares who McBush picks for his vp! I would vote for a yellow dog before I would vote for McBush. I saw McCain on Leno and I swear McCain was wearing a life alert bracelet!

Chauncy,
I agree with you 100 percent. If we could incorporate just a few of the basic building blocks of Mickey’s energy plan into lives, the world would be a much better place. As a father of five children under the age of ten I fully support any candidate who will work hard at making sure my children will have a world to grow up in.

I am also very intrigued by Mickey’s ambitious goal of colonizing the moon within the next ten years. I know many people have doubted that his plan will work but I for one hope Mickey doesn’t back down. Did Kennedy back down when everyone said we couldn’t even go to the moon in the first place? NO.

Three words come to mind when I think of Mickey Jones: YES WE CAN!

If the McCain chooses a 'Down-home' 'Gool-ol-boy' from Simi Valley like Mickey Jones, they'll suffer a mountain of embarrassment and a boatload of 'What-the-hell' on their long march home after losing the election.

Barak is still the strongest candidate we've seen since the Clinton's in '92.

If we're choosing hypothetical VP candidates, why not choose somebody who's political history is not tainted by Kenny Rodgers or acting gigs with Dwight Yoakam. Somebody who could kick Mickey Jones' bearded ass: SID HAIG.

You are so right about Mickey Jones' space program proposal. When NASA discovered Methane on Jupiter's moon Titan, Mickey was the first one to come out with a comprehensive mining program. Can you imagine the "Mickey Jone's Pipeline" all the way from Titan?

Steve, I’m a little taken by you’re comments. To insinuate that Mickey Jones is a hypothetical candidate is very offending. We’re talking about a man who has given many years of his life to try to make the lives of others better.
But your statements highlight another problem with our current political system. When a new candidate appears on the scene that doesn’t fit into our normal pre-conceived notions of what a Democrat or Republican should be people tend to write them off as “hypothetical� or as a joke. Mickey Jones is not a joke my friend. I think you owe Mr. Jones an apology as well as the legions of Mickey Jones supporters out there who aren’t afraid to support a candidate that’s different and for change. Steve how would you like it if referred to you as a hypothetical voter?

Mickey Jones 08!

Are you guys for real?!

I've been touting Mickey's Health Care Plan for decades! It is pure genius!

Did anybody catch the article about Mickey in Time, a few weeks back? It was a pretty interesting piece that mostly talked about Mickey’s recent trips to Africa, Iraq and North Korea. I only wish that it was a little longer, it wasn’t until the very end of the interview that they touched on Mickey’s research on the new citrus based bio-fuel.

Did anybody catch the article about Mickey in Time, a few weeks back? It was a pretty interesting piece that mostly talked about Mickey’s recent trips to Africa, Iraq and North Korea. I only wish that it was a little longer, it wasn’t until the very end of the interview that they touched on Mickey’s research on the new citrus based bio-fuel.

Every year it's the same thing. The morons of the state assembly can never finalize a budget on time. These people are completely out of touch with reality. Would they really run their own lives this way? If anybody should be being paid minimum wage, it's the douchebags in the assembly. Do us all a favor california. Whoever is up for re-election, vote for the other guy.

I don't know what pisses me off more. My tax money going to fucking breeders who shouldn't be having kids, or incompetent adults who shouldn't be running a state. Here's a suggestion, until the budget is passed, none of you jerks gets paid.

Well said David! If Mickey Jones were in the state assembly I think he'd get that budget passed in a heartbeat.

If it ain't broke (yet), don't fix it: Dick Cheney!

Can anyone actually name anything heroic McCain did in the service? I have always read that a hero completes his mission and does not get captured by the enemy the way McCain did. I have also heard that McCain cracked under pressure. I feel sorry for him, but how does that qualify as heroic? I heard too that McCain will not allow his Navy fitness reports to be released, why?! What is he hiding?

"not get captured" - you mean shot down during a mission?
"cracked under pressure" - I'd like to see how you handle 5 years of torture
"not allow his Navy fitness reports to be released" - I'd hate to see anyone be forced to publish medical records from recovery from 5 years of torture and imprisonment. It's not enough that he releases his current records?

McCain asks not for pity, and of the two presidential candidates, displays a lot more humility and humor, which considering all the above, makes him heroic.

John McCain is a bona fide hero. Five years as a POW in Vietnam. What did Obama do for his country again?

BTW, the backdrop for Obama's speech looks more like Nuremberg than the White House. Remember, the Nazis were Socialists too.

You nailed it Leslie, I see you've read 'That would be me' by Mickey Jones.

What are you talking about besides a smear. It is obvious that Nazi's wouldn't support Barack Obama or his platform. It is sad you are so blinded by rage you couldn't see past Nazi propaganda. They were not left wing regardless of what their title, which was designed to sucker in dumb people.

Guess what? You lose:

http://www.catb.org/jargon/html/G/Godwins-Law.html

John McCain admitted he knows nothing about economics or our current economy. John McCain is over seventy years old and could die during his term in office. Who he picks for Vice President could become President.

The DOW Jones will drop around 300 points tomorrow and 138 on Tuesday because the person choosing the Vice President doesn't know anything about economics and our economy.

Chauncey-
Haven't read anything by Mickey Jones but I did meet him once at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in Santa Paula about 10 years ago.

The thoughts are my own.

I am shocked that someone compared something like 80,000 Americans waving our American flags around a stage designed to remind of us our values to Nazis. I don't think the Americans gathered there looked anything like Nazis or a Nazi rally.

You shouldn't insult Americans like that nor belittle the great evil the Nazis did to humanity by using them to make cheap political shots.

The only person that reminded me of a Nazi is you for your attack on American values of democracy.

Your ability to debate is really pathetic.

You're right. Forget about the Nazis. Jim Jones and his cult down in Guyana would have been a more accurate comparison.

You should apologize for the failed policies of your party instead of calling your fellow Americans murderers.

Why not own up to your party's failures?

The biggest cult in America is those that continue to think Bush is a good leader.

Well, since you obviously just came from the Obama Kool-Aid consumption party, I will forgive you for your over-exuberant, nonsensical statements.

I will not apologize for anything. I am proud to be a Republican. I am proud that we have a president who gives his full attention to the number one priority of government to its citizens - national security and the safety of its people.

Barack Obama offered nothing in his acceptance speech but the same old platitudinal promises that lacked substance, depth, and specificity. He is clearly not up to the job. He is a charlatan with no plan and John McCain will defeat him soundly in November!

In case any of you are still reading this thread, Mcain's running mate is Alaska Govenror Sarah Palin.

The comment above this one makes me chuckle!

McCain just lost the election. Choosing Palin over Mickey Jones was the final nail in his coffin. I wonder if Mickey Jones will continue to support McCain after this fatal mistake. If I were Mickey Jones I’d distance myself from McCain in preparation for the 2012 election. Everyone agree?

Here's an srticle I found while surfing the web this morning that pretty much killed my hopes and dreams for the next four years.

DENVER (AP) -- John McCain kept his vice presidential pick a closely guarded secret hours before the high-stakes announcement Friday as top prospects seemed to drop away and speculation moved to darkhorse candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
With an announcement scheduled in Dayton, Ohio, an associate of National Hero Mickey Jones says that the icon had been informed he is not McCain's pick. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak for Jones, who up until hours ago had been viewed as a frontrunner for the second position on the McCain ticket.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Wow, this one came out of left field. An ultra-conservative woman? I don't think she'll pick up the Hilary voters, sorry. And her lack of experience will show when she debates Biden.

Dear Kastner & Partners advertising agency from Manhattan Beach:

Please quit posting about your client and ruining the threads for the rest of us.

Mickey Jones once said Sarah Palin would make a better VP than himself. It sounds to me that McCain must have made an offer to Jones, who in turn deferred to Palin. I'm still disappointed.

What happened to free speech and opinion in a open forum?

Brian, I champion your politics and thoughtfulness to allow open and free speech in this venue.

Wow Chauncey,
I think you may be on to something there. I wasn’t aware that Mickey Jones had said that about Palin. That statement is just further evidence to Jones’ character. He is not only a true American he is my hero.

Enough already with the Mickey Jones crap! This guy barely qualifies to be vice-president of a biker gang, much less the United States of America. Take a look at his homely, ugly mug and I'm sure you'll agree.

His ability to get two-bit roles in made for television movies or commercials must be slipping; therefore his press agent is pushing him on a political blog. How utterly pathetic is that!

In my opinion Mickey Jones' greatest performance was as the crooked mechanic/local sheriff in the movie Vacation. For my money that was his finest hour as an actor and the crowning achievment of all his work.

Good choice Dan! Personally I loved his work in Saved By The Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas or Total Recall. Bottom line is this man is an American Hero and an Icon!

All I know is that when Mickey is VP and our country is under attack he will not be hiding in any undisclosed locations! He’ll be out on the front lines poppin ’ wheelies and sayin F You terrorists!
Now that’s the kind of man I want in charge.
GO MICKEY!

Dear Kastner & Partners advertising agency from Manhattan Beach:

You are SPAM. Blogs do not have to accept posts from Spammers. Go buy an ad somewhere. Evangeline has had great success with her billboards. Try that.

I am in no way affiliated with Mickey Jones professionally. I am just a big fan who supported his bid for Republican VP under McCain. I'm sure the host of this blog would agree with me.

Thanks for this forum Brian.

By the way... Check your data again fool! There are obviously many fans in many parts of the state.

Brian, somebody is posting as me. Please delete.

So - if anyone is interested - maybe we can discuss the real VP choice of Palin. As a life long republican - I am not wild about having this woman as a heart beat away from the presidency. This election is not only about the security of our nation, but also the economy. As governor of the state of Alaska - she has less than 2 years on the job ... what really qualifies her for the national stage.

Chauncey,

Stop being so negative!

Focus on the positive:Palin is a better speaker than McCain and she does not appear to be taller than he is.

That about covers it . . .

Is Tina Fey even going to need makeup?

Sue,
I'll tell you I'm interested in... Mickey Jones!

He'll always be VP in my heart.
XOXO

By Paul Begala
CNN Contributor

-- John McCain needs what Kinky Friedman calls "a checkup from the neck up."

In choosing Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate, he is not thinking "outside the box," as some have said. More like out of his mind.

Palin a first-term governor of a state with more reindeer than people, will have to put on a few pounds just to be a lightweight. Her personal story is impressive: former fisherman, mother of five. But that hardly qualifies her to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

For a man who is 72 years old and has had four bouts with cancer to have chosen someone so completely unqualified to become president is shockingly irresponsible. Suddenly, McCain's age and health become central issues in the campaign, as does his judgment.

In choosing this featherweight, McCain passed over Tom Ridge, a decorated combat hero, a Cabinet secretary and the former two-term governor of the large, complex state of Pennsylvania. iReport.com: 'McCain pick might be a gimmick'

He passed over Mitt Romney, who ran a big state, Massachusetts; a big company, Bain Capital; and a big event, the Olympics.

He passed over Kay Bailey Hutchison, the Texas senator who is knowledgeable about the military, good on television and -- obviously -- a woman.
Don't Miss

* McCain picks Palin as running mate
* Election Center 2008

He passed over Joe Lieberman, his best friend in the Senate and fellow Iraq Kool-Aid drinker.

He passed over former congressman, trade negotiator and budget director Rob Portman.

And he also passed over Mike Huckabee, the governor of Arkansas.

For months, the McCainiacs have said they will run on his judgment and experience. In his first presidential decision, John McCain has shown that he is willing to endanger his country, potentially leaving it in the hands of someone who simply has no business being a heartbeat away from the most powerful, complicated, difficult job in human history.

Undecided women liked [Sen. Hillary] Clinton because they saw her as qualified to be president. This pick is an insult to them. But I am always intrigued when politicians think out of the box.

-Hilary Rosen
Huffington Post
Devout Clinton Supporter

I think that this pick was an insult to Mickey Jones!

Bitter Ferraro applauds McCain's extremely poor judgment

http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/08/29/this-might-do-it-for-mccain/all-comments/#comments

If Hillary Clinton's female supporters back McCain based on this choice of PTA President and Hockey Mom, I will personally begin a campaign to repeal the right to vote for women.

Palin's tap is neither a brilliant gambit nor a desperate gamble. It's the GOP's acknowledgment that despite their efforts they may well be looking at being locked out of Congress & the Administration for the next eight years. They may even see the SCourt swing to the left.

With a Party splintered into Evangelicals, Conservatives & Moderates....and losing all hope of attracting non-partisans....the GOP may have decided to rejoin America as a party of influence and ideas rather than as one of extremism and obstructionism. To do that they need to rebuild their organization from the bottom and that means a concerted effort to attract new conservative leaders to government, from local to state to federal offices.

Palin could be the figurehead the GOP has in mind to rally those leaders. She's done it herself. She's a young mother and can bridge generations and genders. She's been a steady rock of conservatism and has the charisma to attract a grassroots following. Now she can do it on a national scale.

Palin may not be the GOP's choice for president in th future but if the Party plays out the right strategy she may become the king (or queen maker) of a new and improved conservative GOP in 2016...just in time to face off against Hillary.

Palin has a hairdoo just like the singer in the B-52's. Palin also is a tool of big oil and she likes to shoot and kill small animals and she hates polar bears and wolves. Dobson of Focus on the Family was quoted as saying he is now backing McCain because McCain made the pick he was told to make by the Christian coalition. Any respect I had for McCain is now gone!

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Rep Boehner, of Ohio, the top Republican in the House, said of possible plans to cancel the GOP convention due to Gustav.... "...the best way we honor (showing concern for the people of New Orleans) is to help Americans who are in need."

After working diligently during the past three years to rebuild and protect New Orleans from future catastrophic storms, the Republican administration's plans are coming to fruition just in time to prevent a Katrina-like tragedy.

Bush's plan was unveiled yesterday when federal emergency management officials screamed,

"RUN AWAY! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!"

Subsequently, the White House announced that the plan worked perfectly AND it was a lot cheaper than fixing the levees.

While we're at it, let's not overlook what was recently uncovered about "Regular Joe" Biden.

Five military deferments until he could finally get a permanent medical disqualification.

So now let's see all of you treat Biden the same way you treated Cheney.

Voter,

Nope, I'd rather keep laughing my butt off at the absolute hypocrisy and desperation of McCain's handlers in forcing him to select a fundy NRA- pimping, wolf and polar-bear killing, science hating, Creationist who has had 1.5 years of experience running a state with only ~5 major highways and around 600,000 people. Before that she ran Wasilla, town of around 6,000 people, strip malls, lots of gravel mines, and three Wal-Marts. Alaska has one of the highest high-school dropout rates in the nation, and one of the highest poverty rates.

Palin, of course, will have a hard time handling any Veep responsibilities with her Down's syndrome baby to take care of. Plus, she will have to give advice and assistance to her daughter, Bristol, who is 5 months pregnant and planning a shotgun wedding to her boyfriend Levi. All of which McCain knew before he announced this train wreck of a woman as his sidekick. Too bad the Repubs don't get a do-over--I'm sure there are many who would like one. So much for abstinence-only education, it just doesn't seem to work that well, huh? And apparently, Christian fundamentalist teenagers are just as horny as the rest of America. However, should the American people show themselves to be as stupid as they were in 2000 and 2004, it will be a brilliant maneuver on Palin's part to get the support she needs for her very sick infant (75% of whom suffer heart and digestive problems requiring surgery, and all of whom require constant occupational and educational therapy) and at no cost to her--I certainly hope all of you Republicans enjoy paying for the Veep family's medical bills, because that's exactly what will happen! Bwahahahahaha!

You are a truly sick individual. But I hope you and the Daily Kos keep it up. Your kind of hate will ensure a Republican win in November.

It doesn't matter what the oxyMORON named "got hope" posted or that equally moronic Evangelical voters are falling all over themselves to turn this into a pro-life crusade when they would have crucified any Democratic candidate's daughter with Karl Rove as the Centurion who hammers the nails.

What IS important is how Barack Obama responded...

"Let me be as clear as possible," Obama said. "I think people's families are off-limits, and people's children are especially off-limits. This shouldn't be part of our politics. It has no relevance to Gov. Palin's performance as governor or her potential performance as a vice president."

Obama said reporters should "back off these kinds of stories" and noted that he was born to an 18-year-old mother.

"How a family deals with issues and teenage children, that shouldn't be the topic of our politics, and I hope that anybody who is supporting me understands that's off-limits."

***

Obama became annoyed when asked about a Reuters news service report that quoted an unnamed senior McCain aide saying that Obama's name appears in liberal blogs speculating about Trig's parentage "in a way that certainly juxtaposes themselves against their 'campaign of change.' "

"I am offended by that statement," the Illinois senator retorted, not letting the reporter finish his question. "There is no evidence at all that any of this involved us.

"We don't go after people's families; we don't get them involved in the politics. It's not appropriate, and it's not relevant," he added. "Our people were not involved in any way in this, and they will not be. And if I ever thought that there was somebody in my campaign that was involved in something like that, they'd be fired."

I've posted this before when we were talking about John Edwards. Personal and family matters should not be politicized. Children, especially, should be left out of the mix.

However, the trooper issue with Palin really does concern me.

With all these potential albatrosses around her neck, Palin should have known that she could be a liability and politely declined for the good of the ticket. But she is obviously ambitious and did not.

Kay Bailey Hutchison, Olympia Snowe, or Christine Todd Whitman would have all been wiser choices.

It's easy to excuse Palin's tap as a typical shoot-from-the-hip move by McCain but the reality is that he's not the only one who gets to choose his running mate. That it appears there was virtually no vetting of Palin as a possible VP suggests that McCain was coerced into the choice and the likely culprit would be money.

Today it was reported that McCain raised $47M in August...much of it arriving since the Dem convention. Find out where its coming from and there will be the movers behind Palin's shot at the national political stage.

Here is a very important, and, for me, still unanswered question for the presidential race: What has Obama done?

When responding to this question, please focus on the past (not future) tense and refrain from using the word "change." I'll bet I don't get any decent responses to this question.

He hasn't lied. He hasn't flip-flopped on every issue. He hasn't pandered to BigOil. He hasn't made one poor strategic judgment after another. He doesn't support Bush's foreign & domestic policies. He wasn't involved in the Lincoln Savings debacle. He hasn't helped add to the US's growing deficit. He never proposed to another woman while still married. He doesn't think the Nation should "stay the course" its on.

That's what Obama's doing.

Just as I thought, a listing of things he "hasn't done", which is pretty easy to come up with, since he hasn't really done anything up to this point.

I'm still waiting...

All this attention Palin is getting may be hurting the McCain campaign. Nobody is talking about him. What a distraction!

All this news will help McCain. The democrats will be burned for attacking the mother of a Down's Syndrome child.
Women will be offended at the anger Dems speak with about teenage sex and a mother's nightmare of dealing with it.
The Dems are replacing the Republican angry white men with their own.

So much for Obama's positive message...it is being drowned out by frightened, angry Democrats.

I have a question for the readers. Do you think any of our current Board of Supervisors are qualified to become VP?

Our County has roughly the same population as Alaska and it is not segregated and out of touch with Americans.

Our County has to work with other Counties and Government agencies throughout the entire state of CA.

Being a mayor for a small town of 6500 people is not very challenging, being a City Manager would make you more qualified, anyone can be elected to Mayor/City Council as long as you are 18.

I think you can reasonably compare the qualifications of Palin to those of a Freshman County Supervisor, If I was to compare say, Peter Foy to Palin I would say he is more qualified than Palin with his business experience, and he was a Boy Scout Dad also.

Palin was basically in the right place at the right time and became elected because of a scandal that opened the door to let her in.

I personally am insulted that the Republican's are actually taking Palin serious. Women will not fall for this stunt, liberal and conservative. Conservative women who stay home with their children and home school will wonder where Palin's priorities lie and liberal women will not respect her pro-life positions. Women will look extremely close at her qualifications, they don't want the first female VP to make a mockery of women.

Smooth move on Palin's part to make sure that her entire family is well taken care of for life, I can't blame her for that, yup, yup.

I feel sorry for her newborn baby with Down's Syndrome having his infancy taken away from him while his mom campaign's and drags him around the country. No time for bonding in the Palin household/which is a tour bus presently. Many children with Down's syndrome have heart problems, sensory issues, and need multiple therapies, this can compromise the immune system with all the traveling he will be subjected to every virus out there. I don't consider it family values to make the child take a back seat to Mom's ambitions. Now Mom is having her oldest daughter , pregnant care for her child while she does photo op's. Palin would do better to have someone care for him at his home for the next two months.

I read where Palin was in TX doing a speech during her eigth month of pregnancy, her water broke and she called her Dr. who told her to get OFF her FEET and go to the hospital. She went on to give her Keynote Speech and was having contractions while she spoke. Then against Dr's orders she boarded the jet to go back to Alaska while she was in labor and the child with disabilities was being born one month early. She put the life of her child at risk to give a speech and fly home rather than give birth in Texas. That is not respecting the sanctity of life that is very much risking the life of her child that she professes to have unconditional love for.

A woman with such poor judgement does not have my vote.

A woman with so little qualifications certainly does not have my vote.

A woman or man that drags their pregnant teenage daughter through public scrutiny while they run for VP does not have my vote.

I was leaning towards McCain but was undecided until he made his VP choice, I am an independent/moderate voter.

I will now vote for Obama/Biden.

Q-
You are just going with the safe vote - which is now the boring Obama/Biden ticket.

You are probably an angry, woman-hating man that's just looking for an excuse.

Ah, I knew the ad hominen attacks would come around sooner or later, Voter, I don't blog on DailyKos, by the way, but the people who do are a lot more informed than most of the the people commenting here. And when I want to see hate, I just turn on Hannity and Cole or Glenn Beck.

Let me expand my comments, because some of you commenters apparently think I am attacking Trig Palin.

I'm not attacking Palin for having a baby with Trisomy 21. That's her decision, I'm sorry she was put in that position. I'm sure her OB told her the huge risk in having a baby over age 40 and the risk she faced in producing a child with genetic problems and resultant mental defects. This is the risk every over-40 woman takes when deciding to either begin or continue a pregnancy.

I have a problem with her stating that it is God's decision to give her an infant with Down's syndrome, and her stated intent to make every woman in this country potentially have to face the same risk if she and McCain get elected in November.

Obama can draw all the parallels he wants between his 18-year old mom and Bristol Palin, but to me that's apples and oranges. It's 2008, and we should be keeping unwanted pregnancies down to a minimum, not shrugging our shoulders and saying, "Well, kids will be kids!" But Sarah Palin wants to limit my kids' access to birth control and that is unacceptable.

She talks about the challenges her daughter will face as a teenage mother, but as governor she cut funding for halfway houses for teenage moms. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/09/02/palin_slashed_funding_to_help.html
Unacceptable.

She states in her speech in Dayton OH last Friday that she turned down federal money to build the Bridge to Nowhere, but records show she was lobbying for federal money for that project and other infrastructure projects in her state. Her lying and hypocrisy are unacceptable.

She claims to be a fiscal conservative, but as Mayor of Wasilla, she saddled her city with a huge debt, and as Governor has advocated giving budget surpluses back to the residents of Alaska, while at the same time pushing bonds for improvements. That kind of muddle-headed fiscal policy is unacceptable.

I have hope that America will choose a different direction this November. But then again, I had hope in 2004, and look how that one turned out.

You gotta be kidding me, Marie. You say that personal and family matters shouldn't be politicized, yet on numerous occasions you've used your kid's pesticide poisoning incident to pimp Hannah-Beth Jackson. Unbelievable gall!

Oh man! Palin's voice is unbearable. She'll be a bust. Wait two months.

For most Democrats, her voice must have sent a chill down their collective spines because she spoke the truth. The truth that they're not used to hearing, having drowned themselves in the Kool-Aid of the charlatan speech-maker Obama (who hasn't done a damn thing that would qualify him to President of the United States of America).

LOL! Yeah. She sent chills down Democrats spines. MUAH! You're so stupid you must be Bubba Kidd.

She sent chills down Democrats spines? MUAH! You're so stupid you must be Bubba Kidd.

Nobodyopolous (such an appropriate name),

Sarah Palin has energized the McCain campaign in a way no one could have ever predicted. This is yet another example of McCain's independent, maverick streak, playing itself out on a national stage.

He took quite a risk with his selection of Palin (something Obama would never have thought of doing - going with the safe pick, Hair Plugs Biden). Even Obama can't speech his way out of that pathetic pick. The risk has obviously paid huge dividends and the home run he has hit with his VP pick will now pave his way to the White House.

Go McCain/Palin!!!

Hey up there, "Pesty,"

BIG difference between me publicly thanking Hannah-Beth for helping keep kids safe and other people picking on a unwed teen-age mother for political reasons.

Long timers on this blog might recall that I mentioned this incident long before Hannah-Beth actually announced she would run.

Her diligence in helping us with this issue and also helping Simi folks with their perchlorate issues, even when she wasn't representing that district, is one of the many reasons I support her. (Strickland voted against the bill to get perchlorates out of the water, too. Of course.)