1) Brian,
Nice blog. Its refreshing to see someone from the "other side" respectful of good campaigning and candidacy. Even if you don't agree with their policy at least you can see their strengths and use that to reason when forming a decision about who you are going to vote for. I don't feel like most people are like that, in general.

I think most people vote for a party or candidate because their parents are voting for that party or candidate, or have for years. I don't vote for the party but for the candidate in most cases. I try my best to take in equal amounts of information from both sides so that I give each candidate a fair chance.

My views on the DNC last night pretty much align with what you said with the exception of Biden's inaccuracies on McCain. I actually watched his speech twice and thought everything he said was accurate with what I have read/heard. What exactly did he say that was wrong?

2) Well, he did call McCain George. LOL

3) Brian: I missed the coverage last night? What did Biden say that was inaccurate about McCain? Does anyone else think that Bill Clinton is getting grumpy? I didn't see him last night but every interview he has had lately, he is always such a crab! Snapping at reporters....Jeez!

4) he wasn't grumpy last night! I'll outline some of the distortions a little later today.

Two of them that come immediately to mind are this:

-getting accused of voting down a minimum wage hike 19 times, because he doesn't care about families. While I don't have all the research, this must be a distortion if you know how Congress works. What is almost certain is that these bills were either tacked on to a larger piece of legislation McCain voted down, OR they had junk tacked on to them (suck as pork spending) that caused McCain to vote no. Congressional votes are way more complicated than Biden let on. How many times did McCain vote for a minimum wage hike? We were never told. That would give me a better clue as to whether or not McCain saw a need for this. It was a political stunt, plain and simple.

-the whole Afghanistan argument was nonsense. Biden blasted McCain for saying 3 years ago that our mission there had succeeded, since we were not reading about it anymore. Then said we should listen to Obama, who said 1 year ago we need to send more troops there. What a ridiculous comparison! 3 years ago, everyone felt Afghanistan was hugely successful, outside of the capture of OBL. And in that 2 year span between McCain's statement and Obama's, history change. Evil resurged. Conditions altered. I'm sure McCain feels otherwise now, and to say 3 years ago that we had succeeded doesn't necessarily say we had permanently succeeded. It's a little like someone saying in 2004, "New Orleans is a large, thriving, growing city in the United States," and then being called a fool in 2008 for saying that 4 years ago. What's missing is the reality of Katrina, of course. That's what Joe essentially did. Biden was looking for contrived weapons in this line of thinking, not arguments. Sadly, many will buy into them and believe the accusations without doing the homework.

5) soundchick, I agree with you, Bill Clinton has been sounding like an angry old man as of late, but last night he was shining brightly! He is a great speaker and he rose to the occasion.

6) I echo Denny's sentiments. I always enjoy reading your posts even if I don't agree with everything. You're someone that I actually want to debate because I know you'll listen to my points and thoughtfully respond.

Anyway, you didn't mention Michelle's speech - any thoughts? Also, who's your favorite for McCain's VP pick? (sorry if you already mentioned that elsewhere, I've been gone from the internets lately.)

7) I thought Biden's speech was great. I thought Hillary's speech was great also.

Bill and Michelle's speeches seemed like they really didnt have their heart into it.

I wonder if Barak will finally give specifics tonight.

8) RM - That is so funny. I thought Bill and Michelle gave the best speeches - more heartfelt! They didn't yell as much but it seemed very genuine to me.

9) I thought Michelle was very genuine.....just probably a little nervous! I think she was trying very hard to do a good job. I didn't like Hillary's speech because it was more about her than about Obama.

10) Sally- I wasn't all that impressed with Michelle's speech- almost no content for an undecided voter, much less, a McCain leaner. Still, she came off a bit more likable than previously, and of course, the kids are adorable.

As for McCain's veep, I've drunk too many of the speculations to be clear.
Romney? Maybe. Wouldn't be too bad.
Pawlenty? Maybe. Better than Romney, but won't immediately attract voters (if at all).
Lieberman? Doubtful. Might start to give McCain a lot of trouble, though.
Ridge? Maybe. Though pro-choice, I think he and I would agree on almost everyone else. Might help get PA to go red.
Palin? Please! She rules! But only 2 years in the governship of Alaska means probably not. Not yet.
Rudy? Nah. Though he's a pretty good attack dog.
Jindal? One day, my friend. But not this time.
Huckabee? I'd be fairly happy, but this ain't happening.
Petraeus? Doubtful, but would be a slam dunk pick. Good luck trying to attack him! I recommend drinking drano as a safer alternative to going after this war hero politically.

I don't know who it's going to be. I'll say Pawlenty or Ridge. But I hope it is someone more dynamic than those two.

McCain might leak his pick tonight before the Obama speech. I think that would be a great move. Distract the coronation and build momentum heading into the RNC. Prediction: tonight doesn't pack the punch they hope it does. They have raised the bar of expectations higher than Obama (or anyone?) can meet.

11) Oh, a little research revealed that McCain wanted states to set their own minimum wages, not the federal government. So Biden's little dig about him essentially trying to starve families and being careless is nothing short of slander.

12) I fully expect McCain to leak his pick tonight for the exact reason you stated.

13) There is no way that Michelle can potray her self, other what she is: An Elitist Liberal Female. She is very much out classed by Lynn McCain. I used to not drink Budweiser much, but she is a major stock holder, from now on make mine a "Budweiser">

14) Right. Because Mrs. McCain's not female at all. I don't think Michelle is trying to portray herself as male. Why do you insist on throwing the "female" part in there? Especially when your "better" option is also female?

Does your wife know you hate women?

15) Somebody needs to lay off the FOX news channel.

16) Hmm, how does a black woman from a working class background get labeled as elitist?!
Because she's intelligent and well educated?

17) Perhaps by not acting (gasp) "black." Whatever that is.

18) And, of course, if she acted "black" there would be some seriously racist comments.

19) Hey Beano who you calling Elitist?

Did you scarf down your fat balls with delicious greasy HFCS sauce?

http://images.salon.com/comics/tomo/2008/04/28/tomo/sto...

20) Aunt P- I wouldn't go as far as to call her an "elitist," but her previous statements about "first time in my adult life I'm proud of my country" and "America is a mean country" probably reveal her real beliefs, or, it was just really, really sloppy. I don't believe, though, she ever apologized for either comment.

That said, it was wonderful seeing a functional black family achieve such a thing as the nomination of a major political party for President. I'm sure if I was older, I'd appreciate such a thing even more. The best thing, IMHO, that could come out of an Obama Presidency would be that there is racial healing in America and more health in black family life. I just hope those two things can happen by other means :^)

21) Well there was the "fist bump," Pegi. I believe FOX news called it a "Terrorist Fist Jab."

22) News flash: Obama now leads by 6 in the Gallup Daily Tracking Poll. I expect that to become 10-12 points, post-convention.

23) Wow, I didn't think there would be such a negative take on Michelle a woman who definitely has made her way through life with hard work, etc. And how is she outclassed by Lynn McCain?

24) You're exactly right, Brian, that you would appreciate last night more if you were older. (How wise of you to get that!) For those of us who had to live through the decades of abuse and injustice towards black people, last night was a glorious milestone indeed for this country. Whether Obama wins or loses in November, I think he has greatly contributed to better race relations in this country and has been a splendid role model for young African-Americans. Forty-five years ago today Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. If he could come back today, I think he would be very pleased.

25) Brian, I never heard about the "America is a mean country" comment, but I can sort of understand her comment about the first time being proud of her country. I have had many times in my adult life not being proud of what our country was doing - the evil perpetrated (not sure this is the right word) on people of color before, during and after the civil rights era, Nixon years, Viet Nam war, Reagan/Ollie North Iran/contra mess, invasion of Iraq without a just cause, torture... Being a woman of color had to strongly affect her life experience with negatives that many of us never experienced as Americans. Sloppy yes. Does it need an apology? Not so sure.

I agree, I think Obama winning the election could do more for racial healing than anything since Martin Luther King Jr.'s march on Washington AND their beautiful family could help promote health in ALL families' lives, not just black families.

Brian, what does IMHO mean? I'm too old to get some of this code!

26) Nancy, we were typing at the same time and were on the exact same track. Your thoughts were in my head!

27) I think it means "In my Hamrick opinion."

28) Erika, I agree, I REALLY want to know how a woman like Michelle Obama could be considered "outclassed" by Cindy McCain!!! Absolutely no contest in my book!

29) Hi Pegi! You know what they say about great minds!! LOL

30) Really, Sally?! Or not really?

31) Nancy,
Oh yeah, we got 'em, girl!

32) Pegi, I think it means "in my humble opinion." But I'm like you with these abbreviations, I don't know too many of them!!! LOL

33) Thank you, Nancy, that makes sense. I'm embarrassed. I like Sally's definition, though.

34) Oh come on, Bean! You call Michelle Obama and elitist but nothing about Cindy McCain????? Get real! Let's face it. You will NEVER say anything bad about your precious Republicans unless one of the talking heads allows you to. We already know what you're going to say so why bother? I may not agree with all of Brian's politics, but at least he has a mind of his own and is open to debate.
Brian, although I am not a self described political junkie as you, I do try to do my reading. One of the things I keep asking about and no one seems to be able to respond in an intelligent manner is why the Republican party is so gung ho on McCain. I know the obvious reason...clinching enough votes for the nomination, duh! 8 years ago when he was trying to run for the presidency, his own party threw him under the bus. The rest of the party labeled him as too soft and wishy washy and now they're all about him. His politics haven't changed. That's pretty darn hypocritical. I'm assuming you plan on voting for McCain. Is it the lesser of 2 evils for you, or is it more than that? And something else I recently learned about was the Keating 5 scandal and his role in it. I'm really surprised the media hasn't starting beating that drum. Maybe they will after the convention. If not, could it be a media bias? Just some thoughts!

35) Sally, careful where you use that phrase- I've got it copyrighted (ok, not really)

Soundchick, thanks for the affirmation of my open-mindedness. That is always a personal goal about most things.

People are excited about voting for McCain because they do not want Obama. It's that simple: this election is about Obama. McCain is not the GOP dream candidate, but in the minds of conservatives, he is a great improvement from Obama. We don't want anyone's taxes raised. We don't want any more voluntary killing of life in the womb (this is our view, let's save the abortion debate for later). We think government can be more of a problem, than a solution. We think the world is more dangerous than many Democrats will acknowledge. We want Supreme Court Justices who interpret law by the letter and not by the cultural flow. We don't think the United Nations is a very competent body to depend on, even though we wish it were so and have labored with the hopes it would be- so there are times we have to act with perhaps few friends behind us instead of the whole world. McCain helps us achieve, possibly, some or most of that.

So no, it isn't hypocritical- I'm not about to get a Johnny-Mac tattoo on my lower back, or even the peel-off variety from a box of Corn Flakes. We ain't all that thrilled with him. But all the GOP rising stars are 45 years old or less, and need time to ripen, so here we are. And just like '96, the GOP seems to always nominate the "next in line." Most Republicans are not "all about McCain," but we would say, "he's the best we've got to choose from now!" He was my third choice in the primaries behind Huckabee and Thompson. Lesser of two evils? In some sense, yes. McCain, to me, represents a better candidate than Dole (96) a little worse than Bush (2000), but better than Bush (2004) and much better than President Bush (2004-2008). He's no Reagan, but he has the experience to make America better and keep America as safe as possible.

I learned about the Keating 5 too, and believe McCain was not found guilty of anything else but some poor judgment (others I think were legally found guilty of crimes).

36) soundchick - I can't answer for Brian but can answer one of your questions for myself. For me - McCain is the lesser of two evils. I am not big on government involvment in my life - I see no point in socialized medicine - I want the money I earned to go into my pocket and now towards a bunch of government programs that enable those that are on welfare to keep living off of my tax dollar. I may not agree with alot of conservatives Republican (I am alot more liberal then they like) but on some key issues - I fit in perfectly as a Republican.

37) I am enjoying being a spectator to this conversation with so many people I know and love!!!
Brian, your blog was very well done!
I do want to add that I have enjoyed watching much of the DNC and thoroughly appreciated Michelle's speech!! I thought she did an outstanding job and I loved seeing the girls "talking" to their dad via satelite!! The Obama family is precious and I really feel then can relate to the all-American family in today's insecure world.

38) Personally, I'm an Independant. I vote for both sides of the aisle. There are things I like and dislike about both parties so I can't stand to put a label on myself. I'm kind of middle of the road on government involvement and I haven't seen any plan where socialized medicine would work. In the Keating 5 scandal, McCain was not convicted of anything but you at least have to give him dumbass or shadiness points, but what politiciam doesn't have some degree of that? I think a lot of Republicans might feel differently however if they were truly poor in their adult lives and in need of assistance to help feed their children or themselves. We're all only about one step away from living on the streets. If we didn't have at least some social programs/government intevrention, where would any of us be? It was a government program that caught and prevented the further influx of toys from China having lead paint. Just one example, maybe kind of minor in some eyes, but if that agency wasn't around one of our kids might have gotten sick from one of those toys.

39) soundchick - I have to argue with one statements you made

"I think a lot of Republicans might feel differently however if they were truly poor in their adult lives and in need of assistance to help feed their children or themselves."

Wrong - at least form me - I have been adult, living in low income houseing and forced to apply for food stamps, medicaid and WIC. I used those programs for a short period of time to get us through a rough part of life and I have no problem with funding those programs for short term use. But the programs are being used as a lifestyle and an excuse for people to sit on their asses and not bother to try and take care of themselves. Anytime a pregnant, jobless married woman with no insurance can walk through the door of the welfare office and be turned down because her 2 year old Toyota truck (a bare bones truck that came with no A/C and no back bumper, with a cracked windshield) is worth too much money, yet there are people picking up their "I had another baby" check and food stamps after parking their practically brand new Cadillac out front - there is a problem. When you are in a grocery line and the people in front of you pay for their order with food stamps and are talking about how their dog is gonna eat so good that night because of the steak they just bought him - there is a problem. Menawhile - in my cart were the cheapest things I could find to feed my family. We had no pets because we could not afford them. So I have been there and I still say we need to cut the government programs. There is too mush waste in our government and we need a small, less intrusive government.

40) Brian, IMHO (in my Heinzel opinion):

You wrote: "We want Supreme Court Justices who interpret law by the letter and not by the cultural flow." Not to take this thread too far off track, but I couldn't disagree more. The law has to be dynamic. It if didn't change because the cultural mores and values of our nation changed, then slavery would still be legal in parts of the country and women couldn't vote. (I'm guessing there are some people floating around here who might be OK with that...) Two extreme scenarios, I know, but hopefully you see what I'm saying.

As far as McCain being the lesser of two evils is concerned, I've really enjoyed watching the far right-wingers deal with McCain. My favorite radio station in Bloomington changed overnight to a 24 hour conservative talk station (Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, Levine, Savage, etc.). I kept listening and have for a year now. It makes the drives to Champaign go quickly and honestly I find it endlessly entertaining. Anyway, during the primaries, they all lambasted McCain big time. But when it was clear he would be the nominee, they had to do back flips to get on board. But, as one of them said, Obama is wrong 110% of the time; McCain, only 60%. So that's something I guess. How do you galvanize a base around that though?

41) I don't know how I missed this blog for so long. I'm nursing a flu-like symptom while preparing to go to Vegas for a bachelor party this weekend. I've taken more vitamins today than I have in the last decade.

Anyway....I'd also like to say that I look forward to debates with Brian, as you are always respectful and intelligent, and I hope you know that I respect your opinions as well.

justmeg- when was the last time the republicans actually decreased the size of government and taxes...without blowing up the deficit? It really doesn't count when you just spew 'small govt., lower taxes', and then pass the bill to the democrats and leave them to be the responsible ones. Yes, I absolutely agree that republicans slash funding for social programs, like school lunch and education funding, for instance, but I don't remember a president in my lifetime(Reagan, Bush1, Bush mini) that actually followed through with any of the small government bs.
-Reagan blew up the budget with his war on drugs, that has proved to be very profitable for terrorists and king-pins. It's simple supply and demand. He also had his many pet wars, and financed many of today's wack-job dictators.
-Bush1 had the Gulf War
-Bush mini, well, throw a dart at the board. Take a look at the current deficit compared to when he took office.
That reason is a cop-out. That says to me that you vote that way because that is what's comfortable to you. That's how your parents voted, etc. That's fine, but it simply isn't true that republicans make the government smaller and more efficient, they are just very, very good at selling that horseshit to you.

The elitist thing-
People that call intelligent, powerful, respectable people elitists are ignorant, jealous, and disappointed in themselves for not turning out better than a forty something year old black woman, born to a normal middle class family, who worked her butt off to become the person she is.
Get over your tractor driving, Budweiser drinking, livermush eating ass and do something with your own life that you can be proud of.
By the way, did you miss the fact that Budweiser was sold to a Belgian company? The only thing that Lady McCain did was be born into an uber rich family that delivers beer for Bud, among others. They are a distribution company that now delivers crap beer made by Belgians.
How the fuck does that make her any more an American than Michelle Obama?

The proud to be an American thing-
This is probably no surprise, and I won't be running for president or first lady in my lifetime, but I have rarely been proud of my country in my lifetime. The times that I have been generally have nothing to do with politics. I am proud of my family, I am proud when I see people reach out to help others. I am proud that there are some people brave enough to stand up and protest, and I am proud that we are able to do that, but I am rarely proud of American politics and policy(which is half-assed and half-true at its very best), and am absolutely appalled at how we continue to deny equal rights to all people, and even allow some to starve and die of curable diseases.
I'm out. You guys are Matt free for the weekend. Sorry for the spew.

42) Matt for President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

43) I completely agree with Matt on the proud of America deal. Although, it maybe wasn't the best thing for Michelle to say politically. However, I have to respect her honesty, but it probably helps that I understand what she's saying.

And also, Budweiser tastes like urine.

44) meg - Hope you didn't misunderstand me, but I do agree with you on that. Especially here in Illinois, I don't know why we don't have some kind auditors/auditing system to weed out the people like that. I've been spouting that idea for 10 years or more. Still, no politician has ever tried or recommended it, that I know of.

Oh, and Budweiser doesn't taste like urine, it tastes like ass.

45) Is Cindy McCain's nickname "Lynn"? It's one thing to mess up bloggers' names here but Cindy McCain's? That spells trouble. For god sakes, put down the Budweiser when typing... and pick up a Pabst Blue Ribbon!

Do you mean "out classed" b/c she ("Lynn") was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and wears more makeup than Bozo the Clown?

46) Wisconsin has a program called Wisconsin Works or W-2 that explains a bit about Meg's issues. It's great on paper. Many fall through the cracks.

http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/w2/wisworks.htm

47) Nancy, you are a very supportive aunt!

48) This is an exciting and interesting blog. I am not very political. I vote for the candidate and not the party. Honestly I am pretty politically ignorant and every time I try to understand what is going on I just feel overwhelmed trying to sort through what is the truth.
The first time I head an interview with Michelle Obama I said to my husband, I like her, she' not lying. To label.her an elitist-I just don't get it. She has worked hard all her life and is a wonderful role model for women, period. We are not voting for first spouses, we are voting for our next president. Picking the spouses apart I think is a diversion and distraction.What I am seeking is a change from the mess we have been in, I don't have the words or knowledge to be any more specific. I do strongly believe that the way you live your personal life is a revealing look into your heart and what your real ethics are. I just can't vote for McCain just because he was a prisoner of war. I can't vote for someone who is part of the existing political quagmire. I am going to take a leap of faith and vote for someone I believe really will take us in a new and better direction. I have been wrong more than I have been right in my political choices and its hard to take a risk and even vote at all. I am grateful to be an American and to even have the priveledge to express my views and the freedom to express my doubts and disappointment in our leaders of the past. I don't want to loose this priveldege so I will continue to vote.

49) I am proud of the United States liberating Kuwait.
I am proud of the United States' performance and attitude at the Olympics.
I am proud of the United States' scientific advances, including our gains against cancer and our research on Mars.
I am proud of the United States balancing a budget (both parties deserve credit) in the 90's.
I am proud of the United States' efforts to fight AIDS in Africa.
I am proud of the Unites States' giving billions of dollars to impoverished nations.
I am proud of the United States defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan. While still ongoing in some sense, we've made tremendous progress.
I am proud of the United States welcoming people from all nations to live here legally.

That is a list I came up with off the cuff, in about 90 seconds. If I was Mrs. Obama, I would think there was something in the 8 years of Clinton for which she could be proud of. I think she just exaggerated and spoke on feeling. Like I said, it was at least sloppy.

50) Pegi, I wasn't kidding! (You and Bob did a great job!!!)

51) Thanks for the support, Aunt Nancy, but I won't be seeking any political office. I wouldn't be able to be such an angry loud mouth if I did.

52) You'd have two votes, Matt! Aunt Janet would vote for you, also!!
Go Matt!!!! And Sarah would make a great first lady!!!

53) Matt, seriously why arent you proud of your country? Are we perfect, no way. But we are the best country on earth, bar none. Where else can someone like Obama, a poor fatherless child, have a legitimate shot at becoming president.

Then you have numerous stories like the one about Chris Gardner, who Will Smith played in Pursuit of Happyness, about a homeless black man who became one of the top stock brokers and built an empire.

Or I can tell you about my brother who was broke, on food stamps, and built the top Physical Therapy company in the US out of his basement.

We should all be proud to be Americans. We have more opportunity here than anywhere else on earth. All it takes is a little perseverance.

Do we have too many homeless and down trodden people? Yes. But we provide welfare, free schools, transportaton subsidies, rental subsidies, soup kitchens, etc. We even have bankruptcy so people can get a chance at a new beginning.

As far as our status with the rest of the world, again we are not perfect. But we provide billions of dollars of aid to foreign countries. During the tsunami, we immediately sent relief with no questions asked. There is no doubt that we have done more good than harm. I am not downplaying the bad that we have done but on the whole, I think the world is better off with a United States of America in it

54) Yeah, they would have field day with me as First Lady. I'm a huge elitist.

55) I'll say!!! LOL!!!

56) Rick, I like your feel good stories and agree that we should all be proud to be Americans, but to say this, "But we are the best country on earth, bar none" concerns me. Not necessarily that YOU said it but many people believe that in a very selfish way. Our society is so selfish and it stems from that statement. I may be taking it our of context, but it's taken in it's literal sense too often. It's sad how others in the world feel about our country.

57) It bugs me how the national anthem is played before every sporting event, every play at the MUNI here in Springfield.....everyone has to put their hand over their heart otherwise they are un-patriotic and/or un-American. Yes, also how so many people think that this country is the best in the World.....in what way? Best in terms of industrial capacity and potential in many areas. But we are also lacking in so many other ways. For example our crime rates are pretty hideous and we have, by far, the largest prison population per capita in the world.
It also drives me nuts how people say "God bless America" constantly. How about "God bless The World"? There are many places in the world that in desperate need of some blessings.

58) Yeah, what George said. Nice to have another perspective there.

59) If you let x=any country, I have NEVER heard anyone from x say "God bless 'x'". ...and I have traveled to many more countries and met many more foreign natives than the average American.
Its all about the jingoistic mindset that gets perpetuated from generation to generation by such practices.

60) Carrie,

I understand what you are saying. I certainly did not mean it in a conceited way. I was just pointing out to Matt and others the many many reasons that we have to feel good about our country.

I am sorry that they get so wound up about the few challenges that we may have. Not to run from them but I think you have to look at the positives in life. As someone once told me, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are usually right"

61) What George said. :)

62) I agree that America(especially Americans) can be great, but again, I am rarely proud of my government.
When we reach out as a nation to help people or other nations in need, it is at the insistence of the people, not policy makers. When we rise up to feed and clothe our own that have fallen, it is at the insistence of the people, not policy makers.
I have never been and never will be an America is #1 kind of person. I have seen just enough of the world to know better. I think it's naive and arrogant to neglect the greatness and obvious similarities of all people, in all nations.
God bless us all. We sure as hell need it.

63) Rick, Yeah, I kinda knew what you meant but it's still scary to me that people really believe that in the literal sense. We all should be proud of our country, not just on 9/11 and July 4th...

George,
I agree with this: "For example our crime rates are pretty hideous and we have, by far, the largest prison population per capita in the world." But... other countries' prisons don't have cable TV, classrooms, HEALTHCARE, air conditioning, food approved by the dietitians, etc. I bet if we started cutting off guys' wee wees when it fit the crime, I bet we'd start seeing a dramatic drop, wouldn't you say?

64) One thing that makes us great is that we have the right to protest our government. For example, flag burning, I am personally against it but respect the right of others to do it. It makes me more sad than mad, but I wont refuse them the right to express their beliefs. Not too many other countries on earth would allow it though.

One barometer that I use is to see where we stand in the world is to look at how many people are trying to come to our country. Based on that metric, I think we are still held in high regard.

65) Brian, I think she has learned her lesson.

I am impressed with this discourse. I'm proud to be an American humzooer.

I am watching Obama right now. Damn, the whole family is beautifully color coordinated!

66) I think "THE SPEECH" fell a bit short. Let's see what the talking heads, and the Humzoo world thinks.

67) I thought it was good, although not his greatest. More nuts and bolts, and some very honest doses of reality, which impressed me a lot since it was in such a high profile environment. I'm actually really tired of the republican bashing, so I wasn't impressed by that, but they are sending their message, and preparing for the inevitable liberal bashing of next week.

Al Gore hit it out of the park. He was by far my favorite of the week.

..and Barney Smith was awesome.

68) Damn, Gore was there? I loved Barney Smith, too, plus the woman from Pittsboro, NC.

69) Matt, there you go again! I agree with every word you said!! (as always)

70) "i pRefeR a mAn whO WiLl bUrn tHe fLaG aNd tHen wRap HimSeLf iN thE CoNstiTutIon tO a maN wHo wiLl bUrn thE ConStitUtioN anD tHen wRaP hImSeLf iN tHe fLag."

-- moLlY iViNs

71) If that speech was in any way short of expectations, I'd like to see what it was supposed to be like. It was absolutely brilliant. I've never seen a person of that position have such talent, passion, understanding and intelligence. And yet he's humble.

But alas, his performance was not the crowning moment of the night. That belongs to Flips! What's up yo! Hells yeah.

72) This is in response to George's comment...and I'm really late, I know. We are such a self-centered country. My latest example--the one that got me thinking about it before I even read this comment: I have a Romanian exchange student in one of my classes. The other day, she'd pulled up Googlemaps and was showing us her home town. One of the students responds, "Oh. Wow. It's really pretty. I thought it'd be all dirty and old." I cringed when I heard that. I think that comment sums up the attitude many Americans have about other countries, and I think that's sad.
Rick, everything you've mentioned has to do with making money--rags to riches and all that. I think that typifies American thinking: money and self.
Maybe I'm just cynical and pessimistic, but while there are things that people in our country have done to make me proud, I'm not exceptionally proud of America most of the time.

73) For one thing, Dave, "Change we can believe in," actually sounded like a typical liberal speech given by any candidate the Dems have put up over the past 25 years. The content is the same.

If you'll forgive the comparison, Obama has going for him what pentecostal preachers (the really heretical ones) have going for them. Half of attracting the crowd is how you use your voice (pauses, tone, volume increases, etc.), how you project confidence. He has this mastered, no doubt. But when you hear him enough, for me, it gets a little old, and you start to focus more on the content.

I lol'd that he said about McCain, "If you don't have a record to run on, then you have to belittle your opponent." (paraphrased) Look who's talking! And I thought the speech could have flowed better organizationally- it seemed more like a loose bunchings of rhetoric and political proverbs.

74) Barney Smith was awesome!

75) How soon can I order my Barney Smith t-shirt?

76) You already can: http://shop.cafepress.com/item/299237284
However, CafePress is cool and you could create your own and sell them if you wanted to. Looks like there's a lot of places. Here's another one: http://skreened.com/someofnothing/pro-obama-barney-smit...

77) Thanks soundchick! I am loving those shirts. Go Barney!

78) It's Palin! This the only time in my entire life I've been excited about a GOP running mate! Trust me, some of you liberals will disagree with her policies, but you will be impressed with her confidence, character, and intelligence. This was the best choice McCain could have made!

There are 2 "scandals" concerning her that both have pretty simple answers. More on that later.

79) Sounds like a new blog, Brian!

80) I started one already - and just did some reading on her - interesting stuff

81) As the blog cools this afternoon, one last response to Sally way up near the top. Yes, the law is dynamic, but not significantly so. The law should change as a result of LEGISLATION, not judical fiat. Trust me, as one who works for a living fighting against people who read into written documents whatever they want, this human tendency is a drawback, not a plus.

I am a believer in constitutional amendments, so the illustration about slavery is not applicable.