Hi Friends: This blog is only periodically active. However, I write nearly every day on two other blogs: http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com and http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com. I hope you'll visit both. The material below was sent out today to my e-mail list, and it mentions both Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. Again, thanks to those of you who keep coming back here.
Artemis March is a excellent writer with great insight into the "Obama Phenomenon." She's been a staunch defender of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, although I admit her defense of the latter sounds much more plausible to me than her defense of the former. That aside, her pieces on the campaign and post-election period (in places like NoQuarter and The New Agenda) are very worth reading. She truly understands Obama's appeal -- and it scares her to death. She's worth googling. Her insights also contain the core of a strategy for defeating Obama in 2012 when, yes my friends, he will be running for re-election. :"The dog ate my birth certificate."
"Those caught up in his [Obama's] rhetoric feel like they are part of the "we," and that they are going to be part of something big and wonderful together. Others of us get an unsettling sense that even when he says "we," it's all about him, quite singular. We don't sense individuals in a crowd relating to him (as we do, for example, when Hillary Clinton speaks), but a fused entity lost in him. He is not offering to serve them or fight on their behalf. He is proclaiming that they can become part of him. Many of us get an eerie chill because this is the kind of messianic promise made by cult leaders, not politicians.
She says:"And that's just the beginning of the diametrically opposed reactions to Obama that have deeply divided feminists, progressives, and Democrats, and pitted friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, networks, interest group members and officials, former political allies, as well as demographic groups against one another. One of the things that keeps us so divided is that his devotees and even many of his converts seem to know so little about him yet consistently reject information that does not fit with their trusting view of him. Many pour out unprecedented-for "progressives"-nastiness, misinformation, and hatred to demean Hillary Clinton and then Sarah Palin, and to intimidate and even threaten those who don't agree with them. Their bullying has dominated campuses, caucuses, and the convention as well as the blogosphere and media. "Truth squads" aim to silence anything but unqualified admiration. "
"http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/11/16/anatomy-of-a-divider-part-1a-why-obama-cannot-unify/ [This piece and the related one are very worth reading]
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Palin: Defeating Obama in 2012
I love this particular blog. It was my first, and it was the one where I broke the news, very early on Aug. 20, 2008, that Sarah Heath Palin would be John McCain's choice for the V-P nomination. (Read below.)
Until Jan. 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day, I'll be cross-posting pieces at those two sites. Beginning with the presidency of President Barack Hussein Obama the columns on stevemaloneygop will deal with the Obama Administration. There will be approximately four columns per week, sometime more.
I hope you'll all visit both sites regularly. Thanks for stopping by!http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com
Is this the woman that will derail Obama's effort to be a two-term President? One hopes so.
This particular blog came to an end after the election of Nov. 4, 2008, but I now am blogging regularly at two sites: http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com/ and http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/.
Until Jan. 20, 2009 (Inauguration Day, I'll be cross-posting pieces at those two sites. Beginning with the presidency of President Barack Hussein Obama the columns on stevemaloneygop will deal with the Obama Administration. There will be approximately four columns per week, sometime more.
On the DraftPalin2012, I will be writing approximately five-six times per week. Almost all the columns will deal with Gov. Sarah Palin and her historic candidacy for the U.S. presidency. Yes, as the saying goes, "She's in it to win it."
I hope you'll all visit both sites regularly. Thanks for stopping by!http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com
Friday, November 21, 2008
Pro-Palin Organizations for You
Sarah Palin: Hope for Americans Valuing Freedom, Tolerance, and Opportunity
As we end the "grieving process" over the election of Barack H. Obama, we must turn to forming alliances that will ensure the self-absorbed President-elect endures the fate he so richly deserves: a one-term presidency.Some words about who's getting this e-mail. It includes Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and a few Libertarians. Recipients include African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans, as well as Australians, Canadians, and an Indian computer whiz.
Many of you are bloggers, including veterans of the "NoBama Mission" efforts. Some of the most creative political activists in the world are reading this, including one woman who helped ensure that every county in her state went for John McCain and Sarah Palin. Another person - a blogger - was a major factor in Gov. Palin's getting the Republican nomination, a fact she herself acknowledged.
If, as appears likely, Governor Palin chooses to run for the presidency, some people reading this should be the ones who play major roles in the campaign. Although you'll all make your own choices, my blog(s) will advocate the nomination and election of Gov. Sarah Heath Palin in 2012.
DraftPalin2012.blogspot.com will function as a clearing house for organizations and information helpful to the Governor's cause. I'll also work to coordinate "payback" for the Obama Campaign (which, trust me, is endless) and its media minions who are dedicated to smearing Sarah Palin and her family.My other blog (stevemaloneygop) will emphasize issues of concern to patriotic Americans who reject Obama's "Socialism Lite," his weakness on matters of national defense and security, and his disregard for constitutional principles.
Beginning this weekend, I'll be writing about two key questions: (1) "Why Sarah?"; (2) "Why now?" Short answers: (1) She's the best candidate with a chance to win in 2012, and, (2) if we wait until 2011 or 2012 to select a candidate, we might as well let Obama run unopposed.I won't really have a specific organization for you to join, but I urge you to sign up with effective, action-oriented groups like those highlighted below:
http://readmylipsticnetwork.com/ (RMLN)
This terrific site for bloggers and others is managed by Janet in Georgia. She says the following: "The Network originally came into being when the press started going after Sarah Palin. Some of our blogs were already going in full force supporting John McCain and / or conservative issues. Many of our blogs were rolled out, brand new, just for the Network. As we blogged, we grew. We attracted a wide variety of bloggers writing about a broad spectrum of issues. Our blogs are maintained by Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Republicans and those who aren't sure where they fall except they hold to the principles and values that have made our country the greatest in the world. . . . We've grown and we're still growing. We want to be the voice that is missed when you pick up the local newspapers or visit mainstream media websites."
"http://modernconservative.com/anystreet.php/ ("ModCon")
"Winning the war of ideas. One mind at a time." On ModCon's approach: There are 3150 counties in the US, and ModCon wants to organize in all of them. It is headed by some of the most effective voices in the conservative movement.
http://teamsarah.org/This is a big organization that's on its way to becoming HUGE. Right after the election, it had 45,000 members; now, it will exceed 60,000. It is endorsing Sarah Palin for President in 2012. It emphasizes timely, practical actions that are essential to political victories. Here's what it says about the Georgia senatorial runoff:
"Calling all Team Sarah members to make phone calls in the Georgia Senate runoff race. We cannot lose another seat in the Senate-- we must have Saxby Chambliss' vote to STOP Obama's radical plans."Please make phone calls to Georgia voters today and remind them how critical it is that the vote for Saxby in the runoff."You can access an online phone bank here: www.gop.com/phonebank
http://wam08.org/ ("Wake Up America")"Wake Up America (WAM) is a grassroots movement emphasizing effective cultural and political actions, including:
o Bringing about reforms in the Mainstream Media to better serve the public interest;
o Influencing mass media to report vital news & information accurately and objectively;
o Disseminating public information that increases integrity and transparency in Washington, D.C.;
o Supporting public officials to place the Will of the People over self-serving interests;
o Generating effective action in Congress on critical issues of concern to most Americans.
On DraftPalin2012, I'll be writing in the weeks ahead about other organizations that deserve your support. Which of the above organization should you join? I've joined all them. In fact, my hope is that eventually they'll combine forces and become the very large, effective group we need to win future elections.
NOTE: IF ARE OVERDOSED ON POLITICS OR WOULD OTHERWISE NOT WANT TO RECEIVE ANY FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS, PLEASE RESPOND WITH ONE WORD: REMOVE. i'M VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE "WAY FORWARD." Thanks.
As we end the "grieving process" over the election of Barack H. Obama, we must turn to forming alliances that will ensure the self-absorbed President-elect endures the fate he so richly deserves: a one-term presidency.Some words about who's getting this e-mail. It includes Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and a few Libertarians. Recipients include African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans, as well as Australians, Canadians, and an Indian computer whiz.
Many of you are bloggers, including veterans of the "NoBama Mission" efforts. Some of the most creative political activists in the world are reading this, including one woman who helped ensure that every county in her state went for John McCain and Sarah Palin. Another person - a blogger - was a major factor in Gov. Palin's getting the Republican nomination, a fact she herself acknowledged.
If, as appears likely, Governor Palin chooses to run for the presidency, some people reading this should be the ones who play major roles in the campaign. Although you'll all make your own choices, my blog(s) will advocate the nomination and election of Gov. Sarah Heath Palin in 2012.
DraftPalin2012.blogspot.com will function as a clearing house for organizations and information helpful to the Governor's cause. I'll also work to coordinate "payback" for the Obama Campaign (which, trust me, is endless) and its media minions who are dedicated to smearing Sarah Palin and her family.My other blog (stevemaloneygop) will emphasize issues of concern to patriotic Americans who reject Obama's "Socialism Lite," his weakness on matters of national defense and security, and his disregard for constitutional principles.
Beginning this weekend, I'll be writing about two key questions: (1) "Why Sarah?"; (2) "Why now?" Short answers: (1) She's the best candidate with a chance to win in 2012, and, (2) if we wait until 2011 or 2012 to select a candidate, we might as well let Obama run unopposed.I won't really have a specific organization for you to join, but I urge you to sign up with effective, action-oriented groups like those highlighted below:
http://readmylipsticnetwork.com/ (RMLN)
This terrific site for bloggers and others is managed by Janet in Georgia. She says the following: "The Network originally came into being when the press started going after Sarah Palin. Some of our blogs were already going in full force supporting John McCain and / or conservative issues. Many of our blogs were rolled out, brand new, just for the Network. As we blogged, we grew. We attracted a wide variety of bloggers writing about a broad spectrum of issues. Our blogs are maintained by Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Republicans and those who aren't sure where they fall except they hold to the principles and values that have made our country the greatest in the world. . . . We've grown and we're still growing. We want to be the voice that is missed when you pick up the local newspapers or visit mainstream media websites."
"http://modernconservative.com/anystreet.php/ ("ModCon")
"Winning the war of ideas. One mind at a time." On ModCon's approach: There are 3150 counties in the US, and ModCon wants to organize in all of them. It is headed by some of the most effective voices in the conservative movement.
http://teamsarah.org/This is a big organization that's on its way to becoming HUGE. Right after the election, it had 45,000 members; now, it will exceed 60,000. It is endorsing Sarah Palin for President in 2012. It emphasizes timely, practical actions that are essential to political victories. Here's what it says about the Georgia senatorial runoff:
"Calling all Team Sarah members to make phone calls in the Georgia Senate runoff race. We cannot lose another seat in the Senate-- we must have Saxby Chambliss' vote to STOP Obama's radical plans."Please make phone calls to Georgia voters today and remind them how critical it is that the vote for Saxby in the runoff."You can access an online phone bank here: www.gop.com/phonebank
http://wam08.org/ ("Wake Up America")"Wake Up America (WAM) is a grassroots movement emphasizing effective cultural and political actions, including:
o Bringing about reforms in the Mainstream Media to better serve the public interest;
o Influencing mass media to report vital news & information accurately and objectively;
o Disseminating public information that increases integrity and transparency in Washington, D.C.;
o Supporting public officials to place the Will of the People over self-serving interests;
o Generating effective action in Congress on critical issues of concern to most Americans.
On DraftPalin2012, I'll be writing in the weeks ahead about other organizations that deserve your support. Which of the above organization should you join? I've joined all them. In fact, my hope is that eventually they'll combine forces and become the very large, effective group we need to win future elections.
NOTE: IF ARE OVERDOSED ON POLITICS OR WOULD OTHERWISE NOT WANT TO RECEIVE ANY FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS, PLEASE RESPOND WITH ONE WORD: REMOVE. i'M VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE "WAY FORWARD." Thanks.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Palin for President Movement, Activists
Above: Wonders never cease. President of the Los Angeles chapter of NOW gives Sarah Palin a powerful endorsement (rally in Carson City, NV)
In general, I'm going to be on "hiatus" through December 1, 2008, although I will produce a few columns from time-to-time. Right now, I'm mainly involved in acquainting activists -- well over 100 of them -- with one another. These are people who are going to play a crucial role in helping us regain political power. They will be key individuals in defeating Barack H. Obama in 2012. So, keep returning, as you've always done -- and have a great Thanksgiving. Thank you and God bless.
[Note; If you're a political activist interested in finding the most effective ways to defeat Obama in 2012, please send me an e-mail at: TalkTop65@aol.com. If you're already on my mailing lists, you don't have to sign up again.]
Friday, November 14, 2008
Christians MUST Oppose Obama, FOCA
I sent the following message to Catholic activist Mary McCurry. Frankly, I want the RC Church to make a clear point: that one can be either a Roman Catholic or an Obama voter, but not both. If the Church does not make this point clearly before the 2012 election, it will descend into total irrelevance. It would become nothing more than one more social organization.
Mary, the response of the Roman Catholic Church to the candidacy of the most pro-abortion candidate in American history was thoroughly inadequate. Any politician or voter who supported Obama-Biden should be excommunicated.
For whatever reasons, the Church is unwilling to take that necessary step. Frankly, some Catholics, including priests, are willing to let the church become a civic/social organization with much diminished moral standing.
I am a Roman Catholic who is increasingly embarrassed by the timidity and moral drift of the Church leadership. Yes, prayer is extremely important, but it should not be seen as a substitute for moral courage. The fact that a majority of Roman Catholics voted for Obama is a sign that the teaching function of the Church is undergoing total chaos.
If a pro-life candidate, such as Sarah Palin, is running against a pro-abortion candidate, such as Obama, no Catholic can in good conscience vote Obama. The Church leadership needs to make that very clear to its members.
On the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act," which Obama has pledged to sign, which would open the floodgates to abortion-on-demand.It's essential that the Senate use a filibuster against this piece of extremist legislation. If that doesn't work, we will need to turn to the Supreme Court.
As Justice Scalia said recently, "The Constitution does not prohibit abortion. The Constitution does not permit abortion." What he's saying is quite clear: The U.S. Constitution does not address the subject of abortion. This is not Scalia's "opinion"; it is a statement of fact.
The Constitution is a written document, available for all to read. It's not a "living document," one subject to judicial whims. Also, it's not some figment of Barack Obama's addled imagination.
Abortion is therefore one of those issues covered by the Tenth Amendment. That means it is up to states and individuals in each state. Neither Congress nor the Court has the right -- the authority -- to usurp power belonging to the states and their citizens.
Mary, the response of the Roman Catholic Church to the candidacy of the most pro-abortion candidate in American history was thoroughly inadequate. Any politician or voter who supported Obama-Biden should be excommunicated.
For whatever reasons, the Church is unwilling to take that necessary step. Frankly, some Catholics, including priests, are willing to let the church become a civic/social organization with much diminished moral standing.
I am a Roman Catholic who is increasingly embarrassed by the timidity and moral drift of the Church leadership. Yes, prayer is extremely important, but it should not be seen as a substitute for moral courage. The fact that a majority of Roman Catholics voted for Obama is a sign that the teaching function of the Church is undergoing total chaos.
If a pro-life candidate, such as Sarah Palin, is running against a pro-abortion candidate, such as Obama, no Catholic can in good conscience vote Obama. The Church leadership needs to make that very clear to its members.
On the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act," which Obama has pledged to sign, which would open the floodgates to abortion-on-demand.It's essential that the Senate use a filibuster against this piece of extremist legislation. If that doesn't work, we will need to turn to the Supreme Court.
As Justice Scalia said recently, "The Constitution does not prohibit abortion. The Constitution does not permit abortion." What he's saying is quite clear: The U.S. Constitution does not address the subject of abortion. This is not Scalia's "opinion"; it is a statement of fact.
The Constitution is a written document, available for all to read. It's not a "living document," one subject to judicial whims. Also, it's not some figment of Barack Obama's addled imagination.
Abortion is therefore one of those issues covered by the Tenth Amendment. That means it is up to states and individuals in each state. Neither Congress nor the Court has the right -- the authority -- to usurp power belonging to the states and their citizens.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Morris: Palin Halted Democratic Landslide
Sarah Palin in Minnesota (in the red circle)I'll be writing tomorrow and this weekend about why Obama's toadies in the media dislike Sarah Palin. The only one who seem to like her -- in addition to me and my readers -- are the American people.
If you read Dick Morris' piece above (click on the link), you'll see the powerful, positive effect she had on the GOP campaign.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Our Country PAC Backs Palin
The following blog article on Sarah Palin and the Our Country Deserves Better PAC is from the New York Times. You can visit my regular Palin blog by clicking here.
As she seeks to recover politically from her failed election bid on Senator John McCain’s ticket, the big question for Gov. Sarah Palin has been whether her backers would remain enthusiastic over the long run.
As it turns out, over the past few days, about 1,000 people have donated tens of thousands of dollars to Our Country Deserves Better, a political action committee that is planning a pro-Palin advertisement later this month.
“We thought it would be appropriate to have the thank-you ad run around Thanksgiving,” said Joe Wiezbicki, the PAC’s coordinator. The group expects to shoot on Monday and raise “a couple hundred thousand dollars” to buy airtime nationally.
Our Country Deserves Better, based in Sacramento, was founded during the campaign to draw contrasts between Senator Barack Obama and John McCain, holding a cross-country, 40-stop tour and even running a pro-Palin commercial. Ms. Palin’s nomination brought praise from conservatives, and she drew large, enthusiastic crowds.
But now, Mr. Wierzbicki said, there has been “an absence of a pro-Palin cohort.”
“This woman’s reputation is going to be so damaged that she can never be a national political figure,” he added. So the goal of the ad is to “preserve her options.”
Mr. Wierzbicki said he was “surprised” by the response so far, which he called a “testament to her”, given typical post-election fatigue, especially on the losing side.
“I don’t think we would’ve seen the same level of response” if the planned spot were to defend Mr. McCain, he said.
NOTE: You can contribute to the Our Country Deserves Better PAC by clicking HERE.
Monday, November 10, 2008
What Sarah Palin Must Do
As a 20-year-old college student, Adam Brickley of Colorado Springs launched the Draft Palin for VP movement. Late in August Adam's "impossible dream" came true. He blogs at: http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/. The following is his advice to Sarah Palin:WHAT I WANT TO SEE FROM GOVERNOR PALIN
1. Don't pay much attention to 2012 speculation and focus on being Governor. Cement yourself as a presence on the national scene, but top priority is getting that gasline built (thereby giving yourself another major accomplishment as Governor and potentially lowering energy prices down here in the lower 48...you can run on that in 2012)
2. Launch "SarahPAC" as soon as possible. You are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fundraising potential, and lots of people will be happy to give you lots of cash to distribute to candidates around the country (this also gives you an excuse to occasionally go on campaign trips). You can use SarahPAC (or whatever you decide to call it) to establish a reputation for helping other Republicans win, and gain some loyalty from the Congressmen that you want to endorse your eventual candidacy.
3. Write a bestseller. The subject is irrelevant, though including a good deal of policy talk would probably be helpful. The American public needs to know that you are an intelligent and capable leader, so show them how smart you are. Plus, it never hurts to have to do a bunch of interviews to promote your new book, and if you wrote on energy policy, you could establish yourself as a "preeminent authority" on the subject.
4. DO NOT RUN FOR THE U.S. SENATE. You need to stay far away from Washington and continue to build your resume (and ensure that you get the credit for that shiny new gasline). If you want to run for something, run for re-election.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Gov. Sarah Palin: America's Hope
It's not exactly a secret that I have a new blog -- http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com/ -- that I hope to keep going through Inauguration Day, 2013. On that day, the woman above should be be installed as America's first female President. If you want to be a part of that process, please come to the DraftPalin2012 site and learn what you can do to make it all happen. In the future, this Campaign2008VictoryA site will continue. I'll cross-post columns on another site: http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/. I appreciate the 150,000-plus hits this site has had, and I hope you all keep returning.
If we have a million-plus activists, "boots on the ground," by 2011 -- including your boots -- we can take the next election. We can't win it by hoping. We can win it by working . . . organizing . . . and communicating.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sarah, Todd Palin Looking Great
I hope you'll go to my brand-new blog and see some superb photos of Todd and Sarah Palin. Tomorrow mornin (Tuesday), I'll be writing about Pennsylvania and why I believe McCain-Palin will win the state in a very close race. Above are some samples of the photos you'll see at http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
How McCain Can Win Election
Sarah Palin: Is this the face of America's next Vice President. (Note: Please visit -- and bookmark -- my new site by clicking on the following: http://draftpalin2012.blogspot.com.)
I expect Barack Obama to win the popular vote by perhaps three million ballots. However, that doesn't mean John McCain has no chance to win the presidency. How could that happen?
To emerge with a victory on Nov. 4, McCain needs to win Ohio, FL, PA, NC, and VA. Other than that, we're in great shape. :-)
However, we have a chance of winning those six states. If we lose one, I prefer it to be VA. McCain has a narrow window, but narrow is better than a brick wall. If McCain pulls off a big upset in a state, please God, let it be CO!
Critical point: If you hear a lot Tuesday night about the "Wilder Effect," you are allowed to cheer and have a couple of drinks. That refers to the time when Doug Wilder, of some African-American descent, was ahead in the polls by 9 points for Gov. of VA. In fact, he ended up winning by just under ONE percent. People fib to pollsters for much the same reason they hang up on telemarketers
I have a hunch Obama will get about 3-4% fewer votes (and McCain about 2-3% more) in battleground states than the polls suggest. If that doesn't happen, the Obaminable One probably wins. :-
(When I need sources of optimism, I look back to the Dem. Primaries, where Obama was supposed to win NH big (and he lost rather badly) and come close in PA (where he lost b y almost 10 points). Must have been "the Wilder Effect," right?
I expect Barack Obama to win the popular vote by perhaps three million ballots. However, that doesn't mean John McCain has no chance to win the presidency. How could that happen?
To emerge with a victory on Nov. 4, McCain needs to win Ohio, FL, PA, NC, and VA. Other than that, we're in great shape. :-)
However, we have a chance of winning those six states. If we lose one, I prefer it to be VA. McCain has a narrow window, but narrow is better than a brick wall. If McCain pulls off a big upset in a state, please God, let it be CO!
Critical point: If you hear a lot Tuesday night about the "Wilder Effect," you are allowed to cheer and have a couple of drinks. That refers to the time when Doug Wilder, of some African-American descent, was ahead in the polls by 9 points for Gov. of VA. In fact, he ended up winning by just under ONE percent. People fib to pollsters for much the same reason they hang up on telemarketers
I have a hunch Obama will get about 3-4% fewer votes (and McCain about 2-3% more) in battleground states than the polls suggest. If that doesn't happen, the Obaminable One probably wins. :-
(When I need sources of optimism, I look back to the Dem. Primaries, where Obama was supposed to win NH big (and he lost rather badly) and come close in PA (where he lost b y almost 10 points). Must have been "the Wilder Effect," right?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Important NYU Political-Psychological Study
I received the following request from Benjamin Cross, a psychology professor at NYU. I believe this is an important undertaking, and I'm going to participate. I hope you will also.
I am writing you on behalf of a research team from the Psychology Department at New York University, in the hopes that you might be able to help us with our timely and important research about the cognitive bases of electoral decision-making. We would be very grateful to you if you could possibly help us recruit politically inclined respondents to our survey by posting to your blog the link to the online survey we are conducting as part of this research. We began data collection in September, after the Vice-Presidential candidates were announced, but we are particularly interested in how people respond to the candidates when Election Day is around the corner.
Here is the link to the survey: http://www.psychsurveys.org/brietruesdell/2008elections
I am writing you on behalf of a research team from the Psychology Department at New York University, in the hopes that you might be able to help us with our timely and important research about the cognitive bases of electoral decision-making. We would be very grateful to you if you could possibly help us recruit politically inclined respondents to our survey by posting to your blog the link to the online survey we are conducting as part of this research. We began data collection in September, after the Vice-Presidential candidates were announced, but we are particularly interested in how people respond to the candidates when Election Day is around the corner.
Here is the link to the survey: http://www.psychsurveys.org/brietruesdell/2008elections
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Gallup Poll is Misleading
About the new Gallup Poll showing Obama ahead NATIONALLY among likely voters by 2% and ahead by a somewhat higher percentage among registered voters (in the "expanded" model):I'll be writing more about Gallup's so-called "expanded" model, which contains some major flaws. The expanded model looks for a very high turnout among the "new" Democratic voters. We heard the same thing in 2004, where there was high Democratic turnout -- which was offset by extremely high Republican turnout.
We also heard in 2004 (from Gallup and others) that 8 out-of-9 Independent voters were breaking for Kerry, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE ABSOLUTELY UNTRUE.
In 2004, Gallup also said Bush would win PA; he didn't; and that Kerry would win OH, which he didn't.The expanded model over-represents votes in a number of states that Obama is already going to win, including DC (not a state), California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Michigan. It doesn't matter in terms of electoral vote whether he wins those states 51-49 or 90-10.
Also, the "expanded" model doesn't include the Bradley Effect, which means Obama polls better than he does on election day (as happened in the PA Primary). Ironically, Obama's own internal polls (showing PA as close) are probably a better model than Gallup's.
On "likely voters": In past elections, between one-in-four and one-in-five "likely voters" did not vote. Among registered voters, the ratio of non-voters is significantly higher. I believe Barack Obama probably will win a majority of the votes cast in the U.S. However, because he's getting a disproportionate number of those votes in states McCain is NOT contesting, the Republican candidate conceivably could win a majority of the electoral votes.
That's a major reason for Obama's panicked return to Pittsburgh, which is the wrong city for him to visit, since he's already going to win the 'Burgh. McCain and Palin are going to the right places (including Beaver County, Hershey, and State College).
Note: If John Kerry had gotten 150,000 more votes in Ohio, he would have won a majority of electoral votes. Yet countrywide, Bush still would have won by 2.9 million ballots.
If John McCain wins FL, OH, and PA, he will be the next President of the United States. Keep your eye on Zogby, which hit the 2000 race dead-center.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
African-American: "Palin is Feminist"
Two remarkable women, Gov. Sarah Palin and Tanya Crews, author of the following piece and head of the Northeast PA section of The Coalition for a Conservative Majority
This past Tuesday, Sarah Palin made the most explicitly feminist political speech by ANYONE running for national office in the last 20 years. She said,"Women of my generation were allowed finally to make more of our own choices with education, with career, and I have never forgotten that we owe that opportunity to women, to feminists who came before us."
Palin added. "The belief in equal opportunity is not just the cause of feminists, it's the creed of our country — equal opportunity."
Many people are trying to marginalize this lady, and discredit her accomplishments. She has worked harder than Obama & Biden combined. She has more executive experience, as well as a a marked record of achievement and increased responsibility.
When was the last time you heard a MAN having a ethics violation for having his staff or security detail [suspend] women for him? When was the last time you heard about how much a man spent on his apparel?
Why don't we talk about the abuse of power and the subversive tactic to rid us of our Free Speech...and One person One Vote? Or are we to accept the thug politics and stomp all over the Constitution?
And what happened to that press complaint "We don't have access?" She is the MOST accessible candidate.
Electing Obama will set the progress of African Americans back 20 years. Women further. Remember when they first implemented affirmative action, and unqualified people were getting hired?This past week, I sat on a panel for [Anderson Cooper's] AC360. I thought my positions and arguments were valid and open for debate.
The attacks I have received, had NOTHING to do with what I said, -- But how I looked, or suggested that I was a slave of some sort...HUH? What? Let's talk about the issues.
One thing that needs to resonate among women is that in 2008 with 52% [of the vote], women decide. I ask each of you reach into your soul and open yous mind. There are 16.5% women who are still undecided, so help them decide McCain-Palin.
The "Iron Jawed Angels" of the past ask no less.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Sarah Palin: An American Heroine
I'll be writing more about Gov. Sarah Palin's remarkable rally Thursday night in Beaver, PA, a few miles from where I live. I have tremendous admiration for the Governor and her wonderful family. I met a number of superb women yesterday, including Alexandra, who was taping a program for HBO and Melissa Hart, a fine candidate for Congress in western PA.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Palin Superior to Hillary
Mistakes made, lessons learned in the 2008 Campaign . . .
Karen [a friend]: At one point in the JustSayNoDeal atmosphere I gave a ringing endorsement to Sarah Palin. I was told by a Hillaryite that by praising Sarah Palin so highly I had upset her because, by comparison, I'd made HRC look bad. Actually, I said nothing about Hillary Clinton, whom I admit I don't believe is in the same league as Sarah Palin.
Let me be frank: HRC is obviously a Party first person. Sarah Palin is country first. Your comment about the "maverick" (i.e., naive) political participants is accurate. Frankly, the hundreds of thousands of hours spent on "Denver" and on wild flailing at Obama were a gigantic waste of time and money. The time expended on Denver should have been spent organizing -- and raising money -- to defeat Obama.
Sen. Clinton and her husband, both labelled racists (and worse) by Obama, have been out campaigning for their tormentor. The excuse given is that Sen. Clinton "has to do what she has to do." I compare that to Dosteoevsky's comment that, "If God is dead, everything is permitted." As long as someone like HRC is held to no standards, she "lives up" to that just fine.
One reason I like Sarah Palin so much is that she is not -- and will never become -- a Washington insider. She is incorruptible and totally fearless. The Hillary Supporters who have faced up to reality (and it is horrifying to say the least) will be great allies. The ones who remain in fantasy land would be no help to us.
You raise a point that Chris, Katie, and I have not discussed; the crying need for political training -- basically, to acquaint people with what works and what doesn't. Also, we need to inform people about how to build small organizations into large ones.
As for bloggers, they can be great assets. At times, however, we sounded like the second coming of the Tower of Babel. At our worst, we were all trying to produce a "knockout" (one more juicy expose) but generally didn't lay a glove on BHO. The birth-certificate non-issue was a classic case. I doubt 1% of the voters can identify the name "Raila Odinga." Michelle Obama's Princeton thesis is of interest to almost no one.
What are Americans interested in? And of even more importance, what are they NOT interested in? I asked people many time to be brutally realistic with themselves, but that message didn't get across to many.
We also need to coalesce around a specific candidate. I've said I hope that will be Sarah Palin, but I'm open to other names (if there are some).
Karen [a friend]: At one point in the JustSayNoDeal atmosphere I gave a ringing endorsement to Sarah Palin. I was told by a Hillaryite that by praising Sarah Palin so highly I had upset her because, by comparison, I'd made HRC look bad. Actually, I said nothing about Hillary Clinton, whom I admit I don't believe is in the same league as Sarah Palin.
Let me be frank: HRC is obviously a Party first person. Sarah Palin is country first. Your comment about the "maverick" (i.e., naive) political participants is accurate. Frankly, the hundreds of thousands of hours spent on "Denver" and on wild flailing at Obama were a gigantic waste of time and money. The time expended on Denver should have been spent organizing -- and raising money -- to defeat Obama.
Sen. Clinton and her husband, both labelled racists (and worse) by Obama, have been out campaigning for their tormentor. The excuse given is that Sen. Clinton "has to do what she has to do." I compare that to Dosteoevsky's comment that, "If God is dead, everything is permitted." As long as someone like HRC is held to no standards, she "lives up" to that just fine.
One reason I like Sarah Palin so much is that she is not -- and will never become -- a Washington insider. She is incorruptible and totally fearless. The Hillary Supporters who have faced up to reality (and it is horrifying to say the least) will be great allies. The ones who remain in fantasy land would be no help to us.
You raise a point that Chris, Katie, and I have not discussed; the crying need for political training -- basically, to acquaint people with what works and what doesn't. Also, we need to inform people about how to build small organizations into large ones.
As for bloggers, they can be great assets. At times, however, we sounded like the second coming of the Tower of Babel. At our worst, we were all trying to produce a "knockout" (one more juicy expose) but generally didn't lay a glove on BHO. The birth-certificate non-issue was a classic case. I doubt 1% of the voters can identify the name "Raila Odinga." Michelle Obama's Princeton thesis is of interest to almost no one.
What are Americans interested in? And of even more importance, what are they NOT interested in? I asked people many time to be brutally realistic with themselves, but that message didn't get across to many.
We also need to coalesce around a specific candidate. I've said I hope that will be Sarah Palin, but I'm open to other names (if there are some).
Monday, October 20, 2008
Building Organizationally to Win Elections
The woman who will play a major part in America's Future'We must either organize effectively or we will fade away into irrelevancy and our country will become unrecognizable."
Dear Friends: As a "coalition of the willing," we will never win anything merely by having good intentions. We need to be big and focused. We will also need people -- our allies -- working full-time to attract members and the money needed to operate effectively.
We're facing groups like Moveon.org that are very, very good at one thing: raising money to spend on political causes. If they have money and we -- their opponents -- don't, then guess who wins? So, what we're going to face over the next year is the need "to raise money in order to raise money."
I'm hoping that in the next 12-18 months we -- our coalition -- can raise a million dollars, most of it used for organization/training/motivation of activists in all 435 congressional districts. My hope is that we could end up with at least 15 activists in every congressional district -- and perhaps 150-200 in some districts.
My hope is that over the next year we can attract 10,000 people who will contribute to groups promoting a "country first" agenda. Perhaps the goal might be to seek an average contribution of $100.
What would people get for their $100 (not exactly a huge sum)? They would get, first, an opportunity to start winning as early as 2010 -- and close to a certainty of winning in 2012. If we don't move forward aggressively, then we will win neither in 2010 or 2012. That's the selling point.
A pressing need right now is for venues (web sites) where we can start signing up people to participate -- and contribute -- for Victory 2010 and Victory 2012. We need to start identifying areas where we're strong (among military personnel and seniors, for example) and then using strength to get stronger. If we're getting 70% of the active military vote, we need to get those supporters to find other backers (e.g., active duty and veterans reaching out to friends and family members).
We need to keep teaching/training people how to build their circles of influence. Small groups absolutely must become bigger groups. Where groups don't have "auxiliaries," they need to create them. In the beginning phases, we need to raise money in any way we can -- through face-to-face with potential (big) donors, through direct appeals to Internet and other contacts, and through advertising. There's nothing wrong with telling members and other participants that are doing everything possible to raise money -- and that we want them to help us do so.
We will be doing so to help our side win -- period. People who are active full-time in building a winning coalition should get paid modest sums -- that is, enough to survive. I know people, such as Frank of "Democrats for McCain," who have quit their jobs in order to campaign full-time for McCain-Palin. Such individuals need more than just our admiration, as they can't survive on good works alone.
We need to begin building memberships in our organization -- I wish we'd call it something like "Country First" -- as rapidly as possible. After the election, we don't want people to do the usual: head off in ten million directions. Some organizations will have to change their names (e.g., "Clintons4McCain") and focus, but they should not just go-out-of-business.
There will be millions of individuals, such as moderate Democrats, who will be searching for a "political home." We need to convince them that we are that home.I'm sending this to various people who recognize the need to organize more effectively in their states -- and, especially, in their congressional districts. I'm not keeping these goals secret, because there's really no need to.
Some of the people who receive this will want to participate and some won't. I hope people will send their own views on how best to proceed. Our coalition needs input from many people.Overall, we cannot "define" ourselves in such a way that we establish the world's most cohesive (permanent) political minority.
Again, we don't need agreement on 100% of the issues. Instead, we will be a relatively diverse group held together by a belief that country -- America -- must come first.
I've been asking people to join ALL organizations that are committed to "country first." They include: http://wam08.com ; http://modernconservative.com ; http://dncreform.com ; and, http://clintons4mccain.com .
We aren't at a point where we can quibble over tactics or minor differences in political philosophy. We've got to get away from the view that we can somehow win politically by associating only with people exactly like us.
Overall, we should identify all demographics where we are strong -- and then build outwards.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Polls: McCain-Obama Race Close
As frequent readers of this site know, I have predicted that by the end of October John McCain would move slightly ahead in the national polls. The trend seems to be heading in that direction. See below.
Released: October 19, 2008 Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll: Obama 47.8%, McCain 45.1%McCain slowly gains on Obama UTICA, New York
"Republican John McCain continued a slow advance on Democrat Barack Obama in the race for President, moving back within three percentage points as the race begins to head down the stretch run, the latest Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby daily tracking poll shows.Data from this poll is available here
McCain now trails Obama by 2.7 points, down from the 3.9 point deficit he faced 24 hours earlier.Seven-point-one percent of the likely voters surveyed said they remain undecided.Obama lost five-tenths of a point from yesterday's report, while McCain gained another six-tenths of a point. It was the third consecutive day in which Obama's numbers slipped and McCain's numbers increased.
McCain has once again moved above 45% support overall, a mark he has not seen since the second day of daily tracking reports. Obama's slip under 48% support is the first time at that level in nearly a week. He now stands within one-tenth of a percent of where he stood when the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby daily tracking began almost two weeks ago. McCain is within two-tenths of a percent of where he was when the tracking poll began.During the 13 days of the tracking poll, Obama has led by as much as 6.2 points and as little as 1.9 points.
Except for a few hours of polling, this three-day rolling average of telephone polling now includes a sample taken entirely after the final presidential debate last Wednesday.
The Zogby tracking poll includes 1,211 likely voters across the country who were surveyed between Oct. 16-18, 2008, at the rate of about 400 per day. The survey, conducted using live telephone interviewers calling from Zogby's call center in Upstate New York, carries a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points.
McCain Up in Florida - Tampa Tribune Endorses John McCain
John McCain Leads in Latest Florida PollJohn McCain- 49%Barack Obama- 47%Survey USA, a prominent national polling firm, shows John McCain leading Senator Barack Obama in the state of Florida. The Survey USA Florida poll was conducted after the final presidential debate on Thursday October 16th.
Tampa Tribune Endorses John McCain for President
"McCain brings a lifetime of useful experience, including his grueling captivity in Vietnam and long Senate service. He believes in federalism, a strong defense and disciplined self-interest. McCain has been willing to cross party lines to work on tough problems. He co-authored a campaign finance law that failed to fulfill its objective, but he did muster the bipartisan support needed to try to control the buying and selling of public office."
EDITORIAL: "McCain for president, We need an experienced hand, not showy rhetoric" (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Released: October 19, 2008 Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby Poll: Obama 47.8%, McCain 45.1%McCain slowly gains on Obama UTICA, New York
"Republican John McCain continued a slow advance on Democrat Barack Obama in the race for President, moving back within three percentage points as the race begins to head down the stretch run, the latest Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby daily tracking poll shows.Data from this poll is available here
McCain now trails Obama by 2.7 points, down from the 3.9 point deficit he faced 24 hours earlier.Seven-point-one percent of the likely voters surveyed said they remain undecided.Obama lost five-tenths of a point from yesterday's report, while McCain gained another six-tenths of a point. It was the third consecutive day in which Obama's numbers slipped and McCain's numbers increased.
McCain has once again moved above 45% support overall, a mark he has not seen since the second day of daily tracking reports. Obama's slip under 48% support is the first time at that level in nearly a week. He now stands within one-tenth of a percent of where he stood when the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby daily tracking began almost two weeks ago. McCain is within two-tenths of a percent of where he was when the tracking poll began.During the 13 days of the tracking poll, Obama has led by as much as 6.2 points and as little as 1.9 points.
Except for a few hours of polling, this three-day rolling average of telephone polling now includes a sample taken entirely after the final presidential debate last Wednesday.
The Zogby tracking poll includes 1,211 likely voters across the country who were surveyed between Oct. 16-18, 2008, at the rate of about 400 per day. The survey, conducted using live telephone interviewers calling from Zogby's call center in Upstate New York, carries a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points.
McCain Up in Florida - Tampa Tribune Endorses John McCain
John McCain Leads in Latest Florida PollJohn McCain- 49%Barack Obama- 47%Survey USA, a prominent national polling firm, shows John McCain leading Senator Barack Obama in the state of Florida. The Survey USA Florida poll was conducted after the final presidential debate on Thursday October 16th.
Tampa Tribune Endorses John McCain for President
"McCain brings a lifetime of useful experience, including his grueling captivity in Vietnam and long Senate service. He believes in federalism, a strong defense and disciplined self-interest. McCain has been willing to cross party lines to work on tough problems. He co-authored a campaign finance law that failed to fulfill its objective, but he did muster the bipartisan support needed to try to control the buying and selling of public office."
EDITORIAL: "McCain for president, We need an experienced hand, not showy rhetoric" (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Friday, October 17, 2008
McCain-Palin in Home Stretch
I hope everyone will tune in to our Clintons4McCain Blog Talk Radio show on Saturday. We'll have to outstanding African-American guests, who will explain why they're opposing Barack H. Obama.
If you're not already making calls in support of John and Sarah, well, what are you waiting for? I received the following today from the McCain Campaign, and I can't say it any better than they did:
Team -John McCain and Sarah Palin were hard at work on the campaign trail this week, visiting with voters in battleground states and working day and night to reach out to undecided voters and energize supporters in the remaining days of the campaign.
John McCain came off a great win in his final debate with Senator Obama and the polls are beginning to tighten as we head into the final stretch. Yesterday, our campaign released a new TV ad highlighting this called, "Fight." John McCain and Sarah Palin are a team of reformers and fighters with a bold plan to make the next four years better for all Americans. Take a minute today to watch our latest ad by following this link.
Our country's economic troubles won't be solved by higher taxes and Senators Obama and Biden have laid out plans they say will "spread the wealth" around - taking more money from hard working Americans in the form of "patriotic" tax hikes.
If we're going to elect John McCain and Sarah Palin, we need your help. In the final days of the race, we need you to to pitch in and sign up to volunteer through our online phone bank. It's easy to use; you choose the state where you'd like to make calls and we provide the names, numbers and phone scripts. Please take a few minutes this evening or tomorrow to follow this link and make 20 calls for our campaign.
Our entire team, from our candidates to staff and volunteers, appreciates your support and dedication. Please get involved in the final days of the campaign. Your help can put us over the top on Election Day.
If you're not already making calls in support of John and Sarah, well, what are you waiting for? I received the following today from the McCain Campaign, and I can't say it any better than they did:
Team -John McCain and Sarah Palin were hard at work on the campaign trail this week, visiting with voters in battleground states and working day and night to reach out to undecided voters and energize supporters in the remaining days of the campaign.
John McCain came off a great win in his final debate with Senator Obama and the polls are beginning to tighten as we head into the final stretch. Yesterday, our campaign released a new TV ad highlighting this called, "Fight." John McCain and Sarah Palin are a team of reformers and fighters with a bold plan to make the next four years better for all Americans. Take a minute today to watch our latest ad by following this link.
Our country's economic troubles won't be solved by higher taxes and Senators Obama and Biden have laid out plans they say will "spread the wealth" around - taking more money from hard working Americans in the form of "patriotic" tax hikes.
If we're going to elect John McCain and Sarah Palin, we need your help. In the final days of the race, we need you to to pitch in and sign up to volunteer through our online phone bank. It's easy to use; you choose the state where you'd like to make calls and we provide the names, numbers and phone scripts. Please take a few minutes this evening or tomorrow to follow this link and make 20 calls for our campaign.
Our entire team, from our candidates to staff and volunteers, appreciates your support and dedication. Please get involved in the final days of the campaign. Your help can put us over the top on Election Day.
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