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2008.10.27

Palin holds rally in Salem

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican vice presidential candidate, is holding a campaign rally at Salem Stadium today. Watch here for dispatches from the inside -- and outside -- the event.

Posted at 04:09 by Meg Martin | Category: News events, Political news events | 34 Comments

34 Comments »

Never in our history have the stars been aligned to where all forms of our government and all forms of media are on the same side of a political philosophy. Obama and company are on the verge of controlling how we think, how we work and what we share in a society H-bent on becoming the exact opposite of what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote our Constitution. Have we seen the last of our checks and balances so essential to keeping a government honest? It's been painfully evident during the campaign just how unfair the media can be, and how mind-controlling they want to become. Being politically correct with your vote is not necessarily being politically correct!

Comment by Paul Eveland — October 27, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
Amen Paul

Comment by John — October 27, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Dear Paul,

You are so ignorant that it makes me laugh. America has always been a country, for better or worse, where its citizens are free to think, work, and share as they please. It even allows fools like you to say what you want. It's unfortunate that you think the media has been unfair to McCain and Palin, when in reality, the media has reported the facts, and just the facts. It's embarrassing that your candidates have behaved like immature, inexperienced children. The McCain/Palin campaign have done all that they can to smear the name of an honest, educated, and decent man who is only the viable candidate for true change.

I encourage you to think about the last eight years we have had in America and the turns that we have taken. If you really think that McCain (who has voted with George Bush over 90% of the time!!!!) will be able to do anything to turn around the war in Iraq or the economy, I think you are foolishly mistaken. Go Obama!

Comment by Jeff Barnes — October 27, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
Amen Jeff

Paul I hope you forget to vote

GO OBAMA !!!!!

Comment by John Mccain — October 27, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Here's to your 90 percent comment Jeff.

http://www.kansascity.com/273/story/818085.html

Comment by Chase Dooley — October 27, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Jeff,

It doesn't help to encourage someone to think about what you've told them after you have smeared them in the previous paragraph. It's people like you - opinionated, know-it-all, RUDE people - who pushed me, an undecided voter, far from the side you are advocating.

I think you should count to ten before you type - you're doing your cause no good.

Comment by honestly... — October 27, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
It's people like Jeff that make me lose faith in this country.
And to see someone with that audacity supporting Obama just makes me want to vote for John McCain more so than I did before.

Comment by Kate Brune — October 27, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
Clarification: that's $3,690 that Joe Biden shared as he pleased with charitable organizations, over a TEN year period.

Average Americans would like to share as we please, not as we are coerced.

Unlike Joe Biden, we don't have to be coerced to give an average of 2% of our salaries to charity (not to mention what we are already contributing to bloated and inefficient government programs through our taxes).

Comment by Patty — October 27, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Well, Jeff, I hoped you enjoyed that America. If Obama wins this thing those days will be considered the "good old days".

Comment by Lynn — October 27, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
you can say what you want about an average citizen "smearing" another in a blog and say that it is people like them that make you want to vote McCain. But have you not heard the consistantly NEGATIVE message coming from McCain himself. It has to be the most disappointing campaigns I have witnessed. Can anyone actually tell me something (details) he is going to accomplish as president??? (grasshoppers chirping I'm sure) All McCain has done is attack, attack, attack. Which is what I recall our country doing for the last 8 years. America is now a "bully" in the entire worlds eyes. Not the image I relish!!!!

Comment by brian — October 27, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Paul, you are right. The Founding Fathers had a lot of things in mind when drafting the constitution, including the consideration of non-whites as less than human and women as too unintelligent to vote. If by "H-bent on becoming the exact opposite of what our Founding Fathers had in mind when they wrote our Constitution," you mean electing someone who is not white and male just because he is white and male, then thank God for evolution of thought.

Comment by KMR — October 27, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
While I don't believe that Obama can deliver on all the promises he's made, and I think that McCain would be a much better president than Bush, I also believe that we should take a look at the facts and make a decision based on what our country needs most. While I keep hearing lots of arguments about how Obama "scares" people (the reasons based mostly on unsubstantiated claims), I hear almost nothing about what John McCain will actually do differently than Bush, which, I feel, is exactly what JM needs to be focusing on. We hear a lot about Obama supporting "big government," but this is despite the fact that Republican administrations have been responsible for the most astonishing increases in national debt over the past thirty years. It also seems important to note that while Obama would raise taxes an additional 8.7 to 11% for people who make between 0.6 and 2.5 million a year, that's a mere 1.1% of our nation. Also, from what I can see by looking at his plan, the overwhelming majority of Americans won't see an increase in taxes. And as for health care, what scares me is McCain's idea to give the uninsured a measley 5,000. Anyone who's had the slightest health problem in recent years--or even given birth to a child--understands that 5,000 is next to nothing. The bottom line for me is: who makes the most sense for this moment in history? Who seems to represent the interests of the majority of Americans and seems capable to inspiring hope and good will among the greatest number of people? Who is calling for those who can make sacrifices to make them? And who seems most likely to make America a nation that other nations can admire? That answer, for me, is becoming more and more clear.

Comment by Matthew — October 27, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Matthew, I'm with you when you're right.

Obama all the way. Those "good ole days" mentioned above weren't always good. Time for some positive change.

Comment by Beth Bohr — October 27, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
The biggest problem with the upcoming election is not whether one tax policy is better than the other, or whose healthcare plan will provide the biggest benefit. What has been most evident over the last month is the bigotry that has been displayed by a large amount of the population. Regardless of who you plan to vote for, it is important to remember that both candidates are just as unproven as the other--neither one has been President before--and just because they say something, doesn't make it gold in your pocket. Tax cut or no tax cut, you have to evaluate a candidate based on what they say and how that reflects upon their potential to lead. Neither candidate is going to destroy our fundamental rights, eradicate checks and balances, or support terrorism. What has occurred lately is appalling in that debates regarding the election have turned into a name calling match. McCain supporters aren't ignorant and Obama supporters don't advocate terrorism. Remove emotion from the equation and examine the bottom line with a level head and in a civilized manner--come January 20th, who will be best equipped to lead our nation.

Comment by Ethan Wechtaluk — October 27, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
Palin was so sad tonight- she didnt present a vision for me or my family- just attacked and used the old lines we are all sick of. I went in as an independent- I left as an Obama supporter

Comment by Scott — October 27, 2008 @ 9:19 pm
jeff,
it is incredible to me that someone can consume as much kool aid as you have. im not sure how anyone can be convinced that the media has been factual, in fact, the media is doing the american people a horrible disservice. average everyday americans need to rely on the media to question obama's relationships with rezko and other large financial donors with questionable intentions, just as it questions who buys sarah palin's clothes. our country is quickly headed for down the path of socialism and people need to understand exactly what marxism is and what history has taught us about it. its about time someone uncovered the obama "change" for what it really is, and let the american people vote on the facts.

Comment by Ben — October 27, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
I respect the traditional conservative values, but Bush and the Republicans have spent us into bankruptcy. They have led us into an endless war which is killing our military and reducing our security. They have squandered our international good will and made us look like fools to the rest of the world. They have enriched themselves by raiding the US Treasury, and when that money ran out, they just borrowed more and signed our names, and our children's and grandchildren's names, to the promissory note. They are corrupt to the point of being criminal. Wait til you see Bush's list of pardons on January 19th. How anyone could vote for McCain and his silly sidekick, who cares more about Saks Fifth Avenue than Main Street, is beyond me.

Comment by Earl Eakin — October 27, 2008 @ 9:44 pm
Paul:

Sorry, but I had to laugh at your concern that an Obama win would mean the end of federal checks and balances. In my opinion, Bush/Cheney have eradicated the very concept of checks and balances with their signing statements, refusal to share information, penalizing anyone who disagrees, acting in secret, and considering themselves above the law.

Obama is a constitutional attorney. He taught constitutional law and -- from everything I have heard and read -- he has great respect for our constitution. And contrary to what Rush and Bill O' might say, Democrats don't try to control "what we think, how we work...." We're big proponents of free speech; and, I would add, of checks and balances, civil liberties, and the Constitution.

I think your fears are overblown. Remember: no one could possibly be as bad a president or do as much damage as George W. Bush.

Comment by Bobbi Hoffman — October 27, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Matthew - need to correct something you said - McCain would give each
$5,000 to pay towards health insurance - that's about $415 a month.
Remember - this would not be to buy your health care - it would be to help buy group insurance which would pay much more for health care when needed than just the premium.

Comment by Jim Jenkins — October 27, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
What no one seems to remember during these campaigns full of promises, is that neither party can say with absolute certainty that their plans will come to fruition once in office. They still have to get their ideas past the house and senate. By the time the proposed plans are revised and edited to finally get a positive vote from both sides of congress, it will likely look nothing like the original plan.

I am not voting based on empty promises that can't/won't be met by either party.

Comment by Melinda — October 27, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
R1 is what's so frightening about America right now.

Comment by Ted — October 27, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
Well i have to say that for once in a president election I can not tell who is telling the most lies or hiding the most illegal deeds.I have no idea who to vote for.The obama gang could not have raised such large sums of money with the economy like it is unless some of it came from some source other than working stiffs pockets.Hence no vote for obama. On the other hand can you trust a clone of what we have had for the last few years?hence no vote for Mccain.I think I am going to look at both of these as not worthy of any votes and cast my vote for the vp. Biden:if he was going to such great things to help me,Where has he been?hes had 30 odd years and my lot is no better thanks to him. Palin:She has more experience than Obama,Wash.d.c. doesnt own her{she is a true outsider},she is young,a parent who knows rough times,and besise that she is cuter than all the rest. Well inthe end the chick gets my vote.She has bagage coming in but it pales when you look at all the rest.Mccain/palin has my vote .He is I thike in worst health than he lets on and for that reason she will be the top dog. We men have made a mess out of this great country so why not give the women a try. The females run and keep most of americas homes in order where the men want to admit it or not.Give her a chance we might just be suprised.

Comment by charlie — October 27, 2008 @ 11:05 pm
To paraphrase, "Never before have our three branches of government been aligned on the same side of political philosophy"... you mean 2000 and 2004 don't ring a bell?

In 2000, the two elected branches of Federal government Republican Executive(that's president for ya'll), Republican Legislative majority (both House of Representatives and Senate.

In 2004, same. Republican Executive, Republican majorities in both legislative houses.

In the 2006 vote, HOuse of Representative became Democratic by 32 reps.
The Senate became majority Democratic by 1 or 2 votes depending on how you see Lieberman, the ex-Democrat,now Independant for McCain.

Majority of Judicial Branch( Supreme Court) through all of the last 8years was appointed by Republican Administration.

Good luck Paul on your lack of short-term historical perspective.

Regarding the line, "same side of political philosophy." As thinking, caring Americans, who want the best for our families and friends, surely we all understand that the complexities of life demand far more than simply 2 sides of a philosophical coin. I Pray that we understand this and demand deeply well thought out, intellectually challenging solutions from our leadership.

I for one demand that the President and all political leadership be both civic minded on a higher order than I could hope to attain, AND SMARTER than my gifts or education.

Yes, they should sound and act like they are smarter than us....the citizens, because we need the best and the brightest to steer this nation...NOW.

Finally, Paul. If you are struggling with being controlled by some sort of media derived propaganda. I suggest turning the channel. Try out a media source that You have never tried before. Let it challenge you to think a little outside of the box you have constructed for yourself.

Keep in mind that the role of the 4th Estate (the Press ya'll) is to CHALLENGE. They are there to demand transparency. Challenging political leadership with actual questions, for example: "How does being being geographically close to Russia provide you with the experience in foreign affairs?" is not the same as sharing a philosophical perspective as the opposing side. the press is supposed to ask questions.

Comment by Ken — October 27, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Dear Matthew,

You sound like a reasonable person sincerely struggling to identify the differences between the Obama and McCain platforms. While this forum is not appropriate for details, I encourage you to review the voting records of both candidates. You will find that McCain has opposed many pieces of legislation precisely because unrelated spending is added to the legislation.

Obama is for more spending, McCain is for less spending. Obama thinks government is the solution to problems, McCain believes that American people can provide more effective solutions than the government. I don't want a health care system that is run by the same bureaucrats who run the post office, the social security administration office, more recently the transportation security administration or any other government agency I have ever encountered.

While it sounds compassionate that funding for lower income programs will come from higher taxes on only 1% of the population, I'm glad that top 1% hasn't thrown in the towel and moved to another country out of frustration because they're already paying 40% of the taxes that fund those programs.

Regarding McCain's $5000 toward health care, that's a TAX CREDIT to offset the purchase of a health care plan for those people that are not currently insured. So if my health care plan costs $200 monthly, a $5000 tax credit pays for my health care plan. The $5000 is not a payment to individuals for health care COSTS, it's a tax credit to apply to the cost of the insurance plan.

One last thing to think about is that people who work hard to start a business and have that business grow enough to rise to the top 10% of wage earners are not only paying 70% of the taxes that fund programs for the rest of us. Those are the people who create jobs for the rest of us too. They make the products and provide the services that give us the standard of living that still inspires people from all over the world to immigrate here.

I hope this information helps in your decision-making.

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have."

Comment by Max — October 28, 2008 @ 12:05 am
I would rather have a roller coaster economy and a free market's ups and downs, and pinch pennies every so often, than have our borders open to all the terrorists in the world to continue their killing spree on our safe and secure homeland. Keep the fight on their lands.....

An economy will recover, but we need to keep our lands safe and secure to give it a chance.

Service to our country in a war, compared to a community organizer?? Is it that hard of a decision?????

Comment by BTL30 — October 28, 2008 @ 12:06 am
Paul,

You say "America has always been a country, for better or worse, where its citizens are free to think, work, and share as they please."

Share AS THEY PLEASE is the operative phrase in our republic.

I guess that explains why Joe Biden has donated less than $3,062 (one eighth of one percent of his income) to charity in ten years. The AVERAGE American contribution to charity is 2% of their income.

AVERAGE Americans do share, elitists like Joe Biden don't. But they want to take the hard-earned money from AVERAGE Americans and in the words of Obama, "spread the wealth around". Hear Obama's interpretation of the constitution and how he believes that "reparative redistribution" can best be accomplished here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck

Comment by Patty — October 28, 2008 @ 12:22 am
Why was my previous comment removed? Is there censorship on this blog?

Comment by Max — October 28, 2008 @ 12:24 am
My greatest disappontment is that this election has been narrowed down to
issues that are out of the realm of what a president is going to be able to effect. I am so disappointed that "85% of the nation list the economy as their greatest concern." I work as a finacial planner. My wife and my investments took a hit that cost us more than my salary was fifteen years ago, but was it the President's fault? No, it was society's own selfish greed. I cannot believe the inaccuray of the political advertisements that "entire savings were wiped out." No one lost entire savings. Most of what was lost was inflated gains of the past six years. To me, the economy is about fifth on my "greatest fear" list. My fears are seeing another attack similar to the ones of 9-11 on American soil, seeing drug abuse unravel the very fiber of society, of being hit by a drunk driver on our highways, of seeing third trimester pregnancies aborted, and of having to watch the weakening of the very foundation
our country was created. One last aside to Jeff, as long as we're throwing stones, how can a party have the audacity to question the experience of a Vice-President who serves as the governor of a great state, when the last two democratic presidents served as the governor of ARKANSAS and GEORGIA?

Comment by Jerry L. Haynes — October 28, 2008 @ 4:53 am
Is there censorship on this blog? I notice that comments that 3 comments that are not pro-Obama have been removed.

Comment by Max — October 28, 2008 @ 8:31 am
My PRIMARY issue is Life.
If the candidate doesn't support life,
I have no respect for him/her, and will
not give him my vote.

Men will always disagree about the economy,
and there are arguments to be made on both sides,
but the issue of Life trumps everything.

Comment by Joe ForLife — October 28, 2008 @ 8:40 am
In the time of the Founding Fathers, the press was very biased but everyone knew this and discounted that information. Now we have allegedly unbiased media sources (networks, daily papers, etc.) that are all deeply biased in favor of Obama. Some of the Roanoke Times editorials are so far from reality that a humorist couldn't write them. Take the time to read online versions of The Wall Street Journal, The National Review, or the Weekly Standard and you'll see the real Obama...Socialist, deeply corrupt (bribes from Tony Rezko, clandestine payments to ACORN) and vile race-baiter (he didn't call Jeremiah his spiritual mentor for nothing; comments on reparations as a civil right).

Comment by JerryF — October 28, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
i was there it was awesome but very cold

Comment by kymber — October 31, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Could you imagine this woman Could have been Vice President and a McCain heart attack away from being President.. Thats why i voted for the lesser of the 2evils... shes TRASH McCain gave the election to Obama when he picked her

Comment by Mark — November 11, 2009 @ 10:00 am
All you Obama voters happy now? Extremely high jobless rate, big job losses, government control of the auto industry and banks. Now the New World Order cronies Obama, Pelosi, and others are pushing for govt control of your health care. Oh but wait!.....if all thoses hundreds of thousands of health care workers lose their jobs due to medicare reimbursement cuts, ole messiah Obama will create extended jobless benefits for them......further widening the deficit and robbing generations to come from anything. If Bush were in power now, all the media would be bashing him about all of the above mentioned. You Obama idots better come to your senses and realize what is going on in this country before it is too late! If you want to watch truth...watch Fox News, support Sarah Palin for the mess that she is going to have to clean up in the future. God bless and save the United States.

Comment by Don — November 20, 2009 @ 1:26 pm