This election season seems to have gone on for much longer than past contests. So much has happened over the course of the campaign – in the race and in the world.

This is a historical election – and not only for the obvious reasons – This is the first election in which two sitting US Senators are running and this will be the first time, since 1960 that a sitting Senator will be elected (that is, selected by the electoral college) President.

Also, this is the first time that neither of the nominees was born in the Continental US. Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, and John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone.

John McCain, if elected, will be the oldest first term president.

In an October 31, 2007 Quinnipac University National Poll: Former Governor, Rudy Giuliani, and the then “Republican front-runner” held a very slim 45 – 43 “lead” over Senator Hillary Clinton (despite the perception that she is “unstoppable”).

Interestingly, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain were tied 43 – 43.

Today, Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll shows Barack Obama leading John McCain 51 – 46.

Post from: EveryJoe

One Week.

Post from: EveryJoe

What Would Opie Do?

The New York TImes reports that Vice Presidential Candidate, Sarah Palin (and her family members), was the recipient of quite the shopping spree.

Reports from the Republican National Committee indicate that some $150,000 was spent to outfit Ms. Palin and her family, so to equip them with the clothing necessary to wage a nationwide campaign.

The receipts show that, in September, the RNC shelled out some $75,062 at Neiman Marcus and $49,425 at Saks Fifth Avenue

These expenditures are legitimate(ish) campaign costs of the RNC – such an expense from the McCain-Palin fund would have been prohibited.

Almost 90% of the clothing in question was originally purchased was bought by Jeff Larson, who served as chief executive of the host committee for the Republican National Convention, in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Mr. Larson has since been reimbursed by the RNC for his expenditures (made at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Barneys and Atelier New York).

The RNC insists that at the end of the election all of the clothing will be donated to charity; if any items are retained, Governor Palin would have to pick up the cost of the garments as income.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Candidate’s New Clothes.

Just this past weekend, Barack Obama’s campaign announced that they raised $150 million dollars – in September alone. It’s a mind boggling amount.

Where is all of this money coming from?

The September financial reports for both Barack Obama and John McCain released the information for several donors who made “big” donations.

Per the campaign finance laws individuals are permitted to donate just $2,300 per candidate, per election (primaries and the general election are counted separately).

However, individuals are permitted to donate an additional $28,500 to their national political party, and an additional $10,000 to their state committee(s).

Donors can earmark (ie get their donations to the candidate) by giving money to “joint committees” – those that are set up to benefit both the national party and the candidate.

According to the reports issued by Obama, over 600 donors gave $25,000 or more to his campaign in September.

Senator McCain’s records show that, through September, over 300 individuals have donated over $50,000 with some donors giving $70,000+ by “adding in” state parties as beneficiaries.

In previous elections donors were able to avoid the caps on campaign contributions by making large donations to campaign organizations (”soft money”) – These funds were used to promote various political issues/agendas without expressly endorsing one candidate. The perception was/is that the individual candidates did not receive the monies and therefore there are no caps on gifts. The McCain (yes, the same McCain) – Feingold Campaign Reform Act of 2002 restricted the use of “soft money” by the National Parties.

You can track the amounts given by: party, state, candidate, etc, with the interactive Presidential Campaign Finance Map on the Federal Elections Committee (FEC) website.

Post from: EveryJoe

The Business of Giving.

Click here for a complete transcript of the debate.

Post from: EveryJoe

Viewers view Obama as winner of 3rd Debate.

This weekend – it’s Pennsylvania’s turn (again).

Apparently Sarah Palin was not too turned off by the “gotcha” grad students of Philadelphia. She is returning to the City of Brotherly Love on Saturday to drop the puck at the Philadelphia Flyers’ season opener against the New York Rangers. The Flyers will be honoring the winner of the “Ultimate Hockey Mom” contest, and they invited the nation’s “most popular Hockey Mom” to participate. No word on whether Palin will be answering questions at the concession stand.

Also on Saturday, Barack Obama will be making multiple appearances throughout Philadelphia. He visit, North Philly, the Northeast, Mt. Airy and West Philadelphia – holding a rally at each site. No tickets are necessary, but it is recommended that you “RSVP”. Last week, in Philadelphia, Obama supporters held a free concert that featured rock legend, Bruce Springsteen.

Obama’s running mate, JoeBiden, will be in Scranton, PA (his hometown) on Sunday – Biden will be joined by Senator Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton.

Post from: EveryJoe

Why it’s great to be a Swing State. Pennsylvania.

Find the full text of our live blog after the jump.

2nd Presidential Debate (10/07/2008)
8:52
tonight’s debate will begin in about 7 minutes
8:52
the format tonight is “town hall”
8:53
the candidates will be taking (preselected) questions from audience members. the audience is made up of undecided voters
8:54
Tom Brokaw of NBC News will be the moderator
8:56
Tonight’s debate is taking place in Nashville TN – at Belmont University
9:00
the debate is scheduled to last 90 minutes
9:01
Tom Brokaw knows the questions – but the candidates do not
9:01
it has begun
9:02
80 uncommitted voters are in the audience
9:02
questions are from the audience and internet
9:03
TB- many questions have to do with the economy
9:04
1st question – with the econ on the downturn – what is the fastest solution to bailout the people?
9:06
Obama – a lot of you are worried about your finances – i believe that this is the final verdict on the Bush admin – it hasn’t worked. we need to take action. step one – make sure that bailout works – oversight – to protect investors – and we need to overview CEOs. Step 2 – middle class – tax breaks, help for home owners and state governments.
9:08
McCain – Americans are angry – it’s our job to fix this problem. Energy independence. Lower taxes for everyone. Reduce spending. This problem has become so severe that we are going to have to do something about home values. The Secretary of Treasury would buy up bad mortgages. Would it be expensive – yes. I know how to get America back to work – it’s my plan
9:09
Brokaw asks – who would you name as secretary of treasury>
9:09
McCain – that’s a tough question – it should be someone who the american people identify with
9:10
we need to have trust in our officials
9:10
Obama – Warren BUffet would be good
9:11
it’s not enough to help those at the top – we need someone who will look out for the middule class. It’s getting harder and harder to save and to retire.
9:11
Next question: through econ crisis – and bailout package – what in the package is going to help people out
9:12
McCain – i think it’s a rescue. I suspended my campaign to go back and make sure that tax payers would be represented.
9:14
Fannie Mae was the crux. they lended greedily – democrats avoided change. Obaqma was the highest recipiant of Freddie Mac money in history. We’re going to have to buy up bad loans – but Freddie and Fannie were the catalyst.
9:16
Obama – what’s in the package for you – right now the credit market is closed – businesses can’t get loans. we had to take action to alliviate this. But let me correct Senator McCain. It was deregulation – but 2 years ago I wrote to Paulson and the Fed Reserve about sub prime loans – I went to Wall Street and talked about deregulation. but I’m not going to point fingers – this is the beginning of the process – the secretary has the power to strengthen homeowners
9:16
brokaw – are you saying the econ is going to get worse?
9:17
Obama – no – but we need to act. We need to help ordinary families stay in their homes and deal with issues of engery
9:18
McCain – it depends on what we do – I think we need to help homeowners. We need to get rid of cronyism
9:18
AMericans are the best workers – we gotta give them a chance
9:19
Next question: How can we trust either of you with our money when both parties got us into this global crisis?
9:20
Obama – I understand – but we need to remember – when George Bush came into office – we had a surplus – no longer – largest increases in budget deficit and debt.
9:21
we’re going to need to work this out – but we do need to make some investments – but we are going to cut as well – we’re going to represent your interests and not the lobbyists
9:23
McCain – i understand your mistrust – I have a clear record of bipartisianship – Senator Obama has never taken on his party. We need reform. I have fought against big spending and earmarks. Senator Obama voted for every increase in spending – he voted for nearly $1billion for pork barrel spending
9:23
800 billion in new spending.
9:23
***800 billion doesn’t seem so much in the light of the bailout
9:24
Brokaw – health care, energy, social security – what is your priority?
9:24
mccain – all 3 are important
9:25
bi partisianship will be needed to work on these – I can do that
9:26
Obama – energy – we have to deal with today – it’s bad for your budget and our national security
9:26
[Comment From Laura]
Obama knows the local cost of gas in Nashville — good for him
9:27
healthcare is priority #2 #3 is education –
9:27
[Comment From Laura]
Education!! Yes!!
9:27
but McCain said we need to go back to our records – and yes, we do
9:28
Senator McCain approves additional tax breaks to big business
9:28
Brokaw chides them again on time management
9:28
What sacrfices will you ask american people to make?
9:28
[Comment From Laura]
Oooh. He’s asking about sacrifices
9:29
McCain – we’re going to have to cut programs
9:29
I believe that we have to eliminate earmarks
9:29
spending is going to have to be cut in america
9:30
i recommend a spending freeze
9:30
[Comment From Laura]
overhead projector — did McCain mean it was one of the good ones or one of the bad ones? Unclear sentence structure
9:30
[Comment From Laura]
We’re not rifleshots here — huh?
9:31
Obama – on 9/11 all of the country was ready to come together – and one opportunity that was missed was a call to service
9:32
We have to think about how we use energy
9:33
clean coal technology and safe nuclear
9:33
[Comment From Laura]
Conservation at home — a lesson I remember from the late 70s in grade school! Obama’s bringing it back! It’s about time.
9:33
Brokaw – how will you break the bad habits of too much credit?
9:34
Obama – I think it starts in Washington – it means looking at the spending and the revenue side.
9:35
a freeze is an example of unfair burden
9:36
McCain – Obama wants to raise taxes – the last president who raised taxes during economic crisis was Herbert Hoover.
9:38
Next Question: huge unfunded obligation of Social Security – would you give congress a date certain to reform Social Security
9:39
Obama – we’re going to have to take on entitlements – but we’re not going to fix Social Security or Medicare until we talk about taxes.
9:39
I want to cut taxes for those who make less than $250K
9:40
i want to make health care affordable. McCain wants to make tax cuts – that is not fair – and it doesn’t work. we need to get our tax policies right and make them work for the middle class
9:40
[Comment From Laura]
Cuts for CEOs promised by McCain, says Obama
9:41
[Comment From Laura]
“our wonderful Ronald Reagan” says McCain
9:41
McCain – it’s not that hard to fix Social Security – we know what to do – it’s not that hard – we’ve done it before – we need to sit down and get it done
9:42
Medicare is a little more difficult – but we need to get the best people to come up with a plan
9:42
back on taxes – obama has voted 94 times to increase taxes or against tax cuts
9:43
Next Question – Congress moved pretty fast – what would you do to make sure that congress moved fast for energy and environmental issues
9:44
McCain – i have disagreed with the Bush admin – and we kept the debate going
9:44
what’s the best way to fix it? Nuclear power – it’s safe and it’s clean -
9:44
Obama is opposed to it – but we can do it
9:45
Obama: this is one of the biggest challanges of our times
9:46
and we need to make an investment
9:47
new energy would create a new economy – and jobs
9:48
Browkaw – should we fund a project to make new technology or should we fund private sector
9:48
[Comment From Laura]
McCain was just a butt about the time constraints, I think “*I’LL look at ya, Tom”
9:49
McCain is not answering the question -
9:49
talking of pork and off shore drilling
9:50
Next question: health care has become a successful comodity – should it be sold as such?
9:50
Obama – through my travels – this is the number one priority
9:51
we have a moral and economic responsibilites
9:52
we’re going to work on lowering costs – if you don’t have health care – we’re going to get you the same health care that we have. McCain has a different approach – he’s going to give you a tax credit – but he’s going to tax your employer based health care
9:54
MCCain – health care costs go up – let’s make it more efficient – Obama wants the goverment to do this and that – he’s going to fine you if you don’t insure your employees. Under my plan you’ll be able to cross state lines -
9:55
we have to give people choice and the wherewithall to do it
9:55
[Comment From Laura]
Did McCain just say hair transplants?
9:55
yes
9:56
McCain – health care is a responsibility – everyone should have the opportunity to have health care
9:56
[Comment From Laura]
I thought so — I went into the kitchen for a second
9:56
Obama – I think it should be a right
9:56
[Comment From Laura]
What is with all this talk about fines??
9:57
they have preagreed to time limits -
9:57
[Comment From Laura]
Health care is a right says Obama, citing his own mom
9:57
[Comment From Laura]
I agree that “pre-existing conditions” are a BIG deal
9:57
[Comment From Laura]
What if you change jobs and are forced to change insurers as a result? What will you do about pre-existing conditions? I hate that rule.
10:00
[Comment From Laura]
At my last job if you didn’t pay a HUGE extra premium for obstetric care (and I mean HUGE) your pregnancy would be pre-existing and not covered.
10:00
Next question: how will all the economic stress affect our ability in peace keeping situations in the future
10:01
MCCain – we are peace makers – we need to know when it is benefical to the US – and that can only be made by someone who knows – preventing genocide and terrorism. My record will show that I can do it
10:01
Senator Obama was wrong about Iraq
10:03
Obama – Senator McCain suggests that i don’t understand – he’s right – i don’t understand how we invade a country that had nothing to do with 8/11 – Senator McCain supported that – but it’s been a strain on our people and on our finances
10:03
The Iraqi government has a surplus – but we’re spending $10B a month
10:04
[Comment From Laura]
Darfur!! Yes!
10:04
Brokaw – a situation where the situation is grave but not national security at stake
10:06
Obama – maybe not national security – but moral obligation – when genocide is happening – and we stand by – then that deminishes us – but understand that we’re not going to be able to be everywhere all the time – so we have to work in concert with our allies – we could be helping at little to no cost – but only if we can mobilize
10:07
McCain – if we had done what Obama wanted to do – we’d have a much more dangerous situation – Obama would have brought them home with defeat – I’ll bring them home with honor.
10:08
We need to be able to beneficially affect the situations
10:09
Next Question: should the US respect Pakistani sovernity or go after terrorists
10:09
Obama – part of the problem is that we should have finished the job before we went into Iraq
10:09
[Comment From Laura]
Bin Laden — we let him escape
10:11
We can’t coddle a dictator – we need to encourage democracy – make sure that they have a stake in working with us. We will kill Bin Laden we will crush Al Quada
10:12
McCain – Obama would annoounce that he would attack Pakistan
10:12
our relations with pakistan is critical because the border areas are being used be terrorists
10:13
we need to get the support of the people -
10:14
Obama wants to follow up
I want to be clear – if Pakistan is unable or unwilling to take out bin laden – we will
10:14
[Comment From Teni Martin]
McCain Comes across as angry, accusatory and desperate
10:14
I agree that we have to speak and act responsibility
10:15
the pakistani people don’t like us because we supported a dictator
10:15
[Comment From Teni Martin]
Between He and Palin’s nasty antics they have lost my vote
10:16
[Comment From Teni Martin]
Then he smirks and stands cockily on the sidelines like he is grandstanding…that is so 7th grade…not Presidential at all…
10:16
Brokaw – Commander says that we can’t win in Afghanistan
10:18
Obama – Iraqi government needs to take responsibility – we need to send more troops to Afghanistan – we need to gain popular support and a government that is responsive to the afghani people
10:19
McCain – we need to do a lot of things – we need to have the same strategy – Obama won’t admit that he was wrong about Iraq – people need to feel safe to lead normal lives
10:19
Next question: how can we apply pressure on Russia for humanitarian issues
10:20
MCCain – I warned long ago about Vladimir Putin -
10:20
we have to show moral support for Georgia and Ukraine
10:21
The Russians must understand that these activities are not acceptable
10:22
Obama – resurgance of russia is a central issue – for the most part I agree with Senator McCain – but we also have to assist them with financial and concrete help for the economies – back in april I said that the situation in Geogia was unsustainable -
10:23
making sure that we can see and anticipate the challanges
10:23
Energy is going to be key when dealing with russia
10:24
is Russia an evil empire?
10:24
Obama – they’ve engaged in evil actions
10:24
McCain – maybe -
10:24
McCain – I think we can deal with them – but we will defend our interests
10:25
[Comment From Laura]
I can’t believe the cold war is back in play 20 years on . . . this all fits in with Palin’s end times stuff, doesn’t it?
10:25
Questions – if Iran attacks Israel – would you defend?
10:26
[Comment From Laura]
OOooh. tough one.
10:26
McCain – we would not wait for the UN -
10:26
[Comment From Fwd Up]
what the hell is McCain talking ab out
10:26
iran is well on their way to get nuclear weapons -
10:26
[Comment From Laura]
pre-conditions again
10:27
[Comment From Laura]
joining with our allies? like SPAIN???
10:27
Obama – we can not let iran to get a nuclear weapon
10:28
it would increase the possibility of nuclear weapons to get in the hands of terrorists
10:28
we need to use all the tools at our disposal
10:28
[Comment From Laura]
preventing the worst case scenario is important says Obama
10:28
[Comment From Teni Martin]
Didn’t Palin announce that she was for attacking Pakistan ?
10:29
she retracted that
10:30
we’ve got to try to get talks understanding that we won’t take military off the table
10:30
[Comment From Laura]
she doesn’t know what she’s saying half the time, I fear
10:30
[Comment From Teni Martin]
When she was sitting with McCain ?
10:30
Question – what don’t you know – and how will you learn it?
10:30
[Comment From Laura]
A zen-like question about learning
10:30
[Comment From Laura]
from New Hampshire
10:31
[Comment From Laura]
Obsama
10:31
[Comment From Laura]
Obama’s doing the single mom thing again, which I think is legit
10:32
[Comment From Laura]
typo before — watching and typing is hard!
10:32
[Comment From Teni Martin]
I think she AND McCain are too hot-headed and angry and as full of themselves as G.B. and will keep our wonderful country (at least it USED to be ) Down the wrong road. It hurts that we have gone from a beloved nation to one of the most HATED countries in the world !!!!!
10:33
McCain- what i don’t know is what’s going to happen here and abroad
10:33
but I have spent my whole life defending this country – I know what it’s like to get through dark times
10:33
[Comment From Laura]
mcCain — I’ve spent my whole life serving this country
10:34
I believe in this country – I believe in its future
10:34
That concludes tonight’s debate
10:34
[Comment From Laura]
I’ll rest on my record says “outsider” McCain
10:35
[Comment From Laura]
Interesting night
10:35
a much different format – no closing statements
10:35
[Comment From Laura]
I think Obama takes it, but then I agree with him 95% of the time
10:36
[Comment From Laura]
I like McCain a LOT less than I used to, though
10:36
[Comment From Laura]
He used to be my “consolation prize” if the GOP won — no more
10:37
[Comment From Laura]
The scary racist attacks and the faux-suspension drama and all that have made me see him as scarier than W — I hope I’m wrong, but that’s how it strikes me
10:38
[Comment From Laura]
But they both did okay tonight, I think, even though I think Obama did better
10:38
it will be interesting to see what the pundits say
10:38
[Comment From Teni Martin]
I am raising a Grandson and I want HIM to be proud of who he is and where he lives..Jesus was a Liberal and said we ARE our Brothers keepers not just responsible to ourselves and our immediate friends…I do not believe McCain can see below himself to try and comprehend what it is like to have to decide weather we are going to have meat 5 times this week or give up two more nights so I can buy my Grandson a 13.00 pair of sneakers from Walmart. Or what it is like to have to save 2.00 a week to have the money to replace a worn tire before winter hits…..I’ll vote Obama
10:40
Chris Matthews this that this debate got to a lot more substance than he had expected
10:41
James Carville is on CNN. He thinks Obama won the debate
10:42
bill Bennet – doesn’t think that the camgaign lives up to the man or the story and that tonight was not what it needed to be
10:42
[Comment From Laura]
I have begun to worry that Palin is pushing McCain’s campaign around and that’s REALLY why they’ve been keeping her limited
10:44
Well, I’ll leave you to digest the debate and the pundits’ views thanks for participating! One more debate.

Post from: EveryJoe

Presidential Debate Live Blog.

Rovito is not a journalist, nor is he studying to become one – but, following his exchange with Governor Palin, he has been thrust into the political limelight.

Post from: EveryJoe

Temple Student or “Gotcha” Journalist?

Joe Biden was sedate and almost careful, while Sarah Palin went on the attack and broadcast her “homespun” charm to the viewers.

Find the complete transcript of our Live Blog after the jump.

Sorry about the delay = the computer is being very ornery today
9:18
The vice presidential candidates are speaking about taxes
9:18
Sarah Palin suggests that Barack Obama’s tax plan is a backwards step
9:21
Sarah Palin is talking about health care
9:23
Joe Biden is now speaking about the promises that their administration will not be able to keep – foreign aid is the one he suggests they will have to slow down
9:24
Sarah Palin speaking about the energy plan – that Obama voted for tax breaks for oil companies
9:24
Palin Says that she took on the oil companies
9:28
Joe Biden says that Obama wants to return the surpluses of the oil company to the people
9:28
Palin says that John McCain brought together the parties to get the bailout bill
9:30
Joe Biden says that Barack Obama was on top of the mortgage crisis while mccain didn’t know that it existed
9:30
Palin has gone back to her record on energy
9:31
that energy independence is the key
9:31
Palin is asked about the changes in the climate
9:31
Palin says that there are changes – and that we need to clean up the planet
9:32
we’ve gotta become energy independent – because other countries polute more
9:33
Biden – I think it is man made – this explains the differences – if you don’t understand the causes – then you can’t come up with a solution
9:33
John McCain has voted against energy alternatives -
9:34
China is poluting – we need to be greening jobs and exporting technology
9:34
Palin – “drill baby drill”
9:36
Clean coal – Biden – look at my record
9:36
Next questions – do you support granting same sex benefits?
9:39
Biden – absolutely
9:39
same sex couples should be afforded the same benefits as hetrosexual couples
9:40
questions turn to Iraq
9:41
What is Palin’s plan for withdrawal in Iraq
9:41
she says there should not be a premature withdrawal
9:42
Biden says they have a plan – the same plan that is in negotiation now
9:42
Time to have over responsibility to the Iraqis now
9:43
Palin says “your plan is a white flag of surrender”
9:45
[Comment From Guest]
malachi and talibani?
9:45
[Comment From Guest]
is that right?
9:45
[Comment From Guest]
He’s looking at her — she’s looking at the camera
9:45
what is the greatest threat?
9:46
biden – we need to focus on pakistan
9:46
iran would be dangerous – but they don’t have weapons now
9:47
McCain says that the terrorists are in Iraq – they’re not – they’re in Afghanistan
9:47
Palin says – both are extremely dangerous
9:47
an armed iran is dangerous to consider – israel is in jeopardy
9:48
Dangerous dictators are people who Barack Obama has said he would meet with
9:49
that is dangerous – they should not be met with without preconditions
9:49
former Secretaries of State have said that enemies should be met with – are they wrong
9:49
Palin – no – but it can’t be without condidtions. Diplomacy is hard work
9:50
Biden – can I clarify? it’s not true
9:50
our friends and allies have been saying – sit down and talk
9:51
McCain said that he would make an agreement but he wouldn’t sit down
9:51
McCain said that he wouldn’t sit down with Spain
9:52
Regarding Israel – Palin – a 2 state system is the solution
9:52
[Comment From Guest]
and the Spain gaffe rears its head
9:53
Biden – no one in the US Senate been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden and I wouldn’t have joined the ticket if Barack didn’t agree
9:54
But this administration has been an abject failure
9:55
[Comment From Guest]
Love for Isreal all over the place
9:56
I can’t really figure out what Palin is talking about – she’s talking about change – when the question was about George Bush
9:56
Biden – McCain has not said how or when he will make changes
9:56
[Comment From Guest]
She’s hitting the talking points, but all mixed up
9:57
Question – what should be done about the use of weapons/
9:57
Palin – our enemies can’t get weapons
9:58
but McCain is different than George Bush on Afghanistan
10:00
we spend more in 3 weeks in iraq than we have in 7 years in Afg
10:00
Biden – our commanding general in Afg said that a surge principle will not work
10:01
[Comment From Guest]
Nook-you-lerr — Palin pronounces it just like Bush
10:02
Intervention – Biden supports intervention in Darfur
10:03
Biden says – i don’t have a stomach for genocide. we should move the world to act
10:04
Palin – i’m an outsider – you politicians are for something until you’re not for it
10:04
Americans are hungry for straight talk
10:04
we support the no-fly zone in Darfur
10:05
We called for divestment for our investments in Sudan
10:06
biden – the line that should be drawn is 1. if we have the capacity to do something 2. when a country commits genocide they forfeit their right to say that you can’t come in
10:07
Palin is insisting that Biden is changing his story about the war
10:09
[Comment From Guest]
How on earth does McCain “know how to win a war”???? No one has explained that yet
10:09
Question – how would your Admin differ from your running mates?
10:09
[Comment From Guest]
CNN’s undecided voter tracker seems to look good for Biden
10:14
[Comment From Guest]
She’s commenting on education in ungrammatical sentences/
10:14
[Comment From Guest]
Yikes — she like the veep having more authority
10:15
[Comment From Guest]
Good — Biden’s getting back to education
10:16
Biden- as VP I would take the legislative initiative – and consult with the president
10:17
Palin – the VP would have, by virtue of the constitution, more power – not just in the executive branch but in the legislative branch as well
10:17
[Comment From Guest]
Biden is kicking some Cheney butt! Yea!
10:18
Biden – that was invented by Cheney – it’s clearly not a part of the const
10:19
Palin was asked her weakness was – but she’s talking about how she does have experience
10:19
and her world view
10:20
[Comment From Guest]
we’re PERFECT?!
10:20
Biden says his one weakness might be his passion
10:23
[Comment From Guest]
Every time she reverts to maverick the CNN voter meter goes down
10:25
can you think of a single issue which you were forced to change due to the current circumstances?
10:25
[Comment From Guest]
ideology of judges
10:26
biden – I led the charge against Judge Bork – I was the first to say that we need to look at ideology
10:26
[Comment From Guest]
the women on the CNN meter are loving the Bork remarks
10:26
Palin – no I haven’t comprimised – we always seem to get things done
10:27
[Comment From Guest]
She has never changed her mind, apparently, and the voters aren’t liking it
10:28
Biden – i have been able to work across the aisle – I have never questioned the motive of my fellow senators
10:28
[Comment From Guest]
Biden has learned a lesson — and people are liking it
10:28
Palin – I have people of all backgrounds in my family – but the policies have to speak for themselves
10:28
[Comment From Guest]
Palin is reverting to family again
10:29
[Comment From Guest]
ooh, when she started on the “killing jobs” claim the meter went down
10:31
[Comment From Guest]
OK, they’re liking her closing since she’s hitting on “middle class”
10:32
[Comment From Guest]
whoa, looooooong quote from Reagan
10:32
Closing statements
10:32
[Comment From Guest]
They’re liking Biden’s closing a lot, too
10:33
[Comment From Guest]
Interesting . . . .

Post from: EveryJoe

VP Debate – Live Blog

McCain had said that he would take part in the debate if Congress took action to address the crisis facing Wall Street. It seems unlikely that such action will occur before the debate, but senior campaign advisers told McCain that it was politically crucial that he attend the debate.

Both McCain and Barack Obama have announced that they will return to Washington, D.C. after the debate.

The debate will take place in Oxford, Mississippi, at 8 PM EST. Jim Lehrer will be moderating.

Post from: EveryJoe

McCain Will Be At the Debate