Red Meat Translation of Obama advice to GOP

by George Dienhart

The Michelle Obama Damage control train has left the station. To wit, a quote from Sen. Obama:

"The GOP, should I be the nominee- I think can say whatever they wanna say about me, my track record. I've been in public life for 20 years. ... If they think that they're gonna try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful. Because, that I find unacceptable. ... The notion that you start attacking my wife or my family - you know, Michelle is the most honest, the best person I know. She is one of the most caring people I know. She loves this country. And for them to try to distort or to play snippets of her remarks in ways that are unflattering to her I think is ... just low class. And I think they - most of the American people would think that as well. I would never think of going after somebody's spouse in a campaign. And for - especially for - people who purport to be promoters of family! values ... to start attacking my wife in a political campaign, I think ... is detestable."

I’ll break this down for you- here’s your Red Meat Translation:

"The GOP, should I be the nominee- I think can say whatever they wanna say about me (Can we start with your lack of detail on any policy?), my track record (Both years as a Senator? I say both because you’ve spent most of your ONE term campaigning for president). I've been in public life for 20 years (The same amount of time you’ve spent as a member of Rev. Wright’s church). ... If they think that they're gonna try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign (actually, she made herself an issue), they should be careful. Because (Microsoft’s paperclip reminds me not to start sentences with “because”- just some grammar help there, Barry), that I find unacceptable. ... The notion that you start attacking my wife or my family - you know, Michelle is the most honest, the best person I know. She is one of the most caring people I know. She loves this country (She loves’s it- she’s just not proud of it. Kind of like a cat that’s to dumb to learn to use a litter box. You know, you still love it, it just embarrasses you by taking a dump in your Father in Laws shoe while you are eating dinner.) And for them to try to distort or to play snippets of her remarks in ways that are unflattering to her I think is ... just low class (Okay- we’ll stick to big issues like her fund raiser with weather underground terrorists). And I think they - most of the American people would think that as well (Apparently, he’s never picked up a newspaper) . I would never think of going after somebody's spouse in a campaign (Not even Bill Clinton? Does he remember that Huffington Post Headline- Obama Slams Bill Clinton). And for - especially for - people who purport to be promoters of family values ... to start attacking my wife in a political campaign, I think ... is detestable."

 

 

MSNBC backs me up.

by George Dienhart

Ahead of the curve twice today- MSNBC reports that McCain will be relying on party money- just like I said earlier in the day (and wrote last night).

You can read the MSNBC piece here.

Kinda of like Jesus- only older. (Quote of the Day)

By George Dienhart

Okay, I added that last part after thinking of the Senator Saturday Night Live appearance. Georgia State GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart said

"John McCain is kind of like Jesus Christ on the cross," Everhart said as she began the second day of the state GOP convention. "He never denounced God, either.”

There you have it.

Is President Bush an asset to the McCain camp?

by George Dienhart

I have to say that I suspected that this was going to be Obama’s strategy all along. In order to win, he needs a favorable contrast with someone. The McCain/Obama contrast doesn’t favor Obama, so he is left running against President Bush. I suspect this will be a good thing for Republicans, and President Bush. This is a high-risk strategy for Obama, and it will leave him constantly reacting to initiatives put forth by the McCain camp. In essence, this means that though he chooses to run against President Bush, he is in effect running against both men.

Liberals may be licking their chops at the premise of running against the Bush legacy, but in the end, it will not have the effect so desired by Democrats. President Bush is still extremely important for in the fundraising arena. Since fund-raising is perceived as a McCain weakness, the massive amount of money that President Bush can raise for the RNC is a formidable weapon- a weapon that can be deployed to John McCain’s benefit. Let’s look at some numbers…

So far, Obama has raised $234,745,081 to McCain’s $76,691,826. In the 2004 Election, President Bush raised 374,659,453. In 2000, he raised $193,866,253. Obama currently has about 51 million on hand to McCain’s 10 million. That’s a big head start for Obama, but we must look at some other facts first.

In the 2006 election cycle, an unpopular Bush authorized his PAC to spend 21 Million dollars supporting Republicans in various congressional elections. It is not inconceivable to have a sitting president raise this kind of cash- he’ll probably raise considerably more as most of his appearances will be made to raise money for others, with the money going into their PAC. This group would include the RNC. So far this cycle, the RNC has raised 123,452,533 to the DNC’s $72,828,785. That’s a 50 million dollar difference right there- and most of this money will go to the McCain campaign. The Senatorial and Congressional wings of the party have their own PACs, each generating 50+ million dollars each thus far. Therefore, our new presidential totals are Obama 123 million McCain 133 million. President Bush is most likely good for another 3-5 million dollars if he continues to keep a low profile.

Liberals are now screaming that I am making assumptions about the future, and where the RNC and DNC will spend their respective monies. I can justify that. As much as the far left screams that Republicans are stupid, they are not. The people holding the purse strings already know that the congressional elections are going to be a blood bath for Republicans. They also know that the best-spent political money is money spent on a winner. The Republican with the best chance to win is McCain. As, such, pro-McCain functions and groups will win the lions share of their money. Again- much of this RNC money will be made at events headlined by President Bush. This money will prove to be the “great equalizer” that the McCain campaign needs. The best part of this strategy is that President Bush will never need to be within 1000 miles of John McCain for it to work. Obama won’t reap a similar benefit from Bill Clinton. There is too much animosity between the Clinton’s and Obama now. Look for a relatively quiet election season from the Clintons.

I mentioned another thing that that George Bush will bring to the campaign. That thing would be Christian Conservatives. These are overwhelming pro-life voters. While they are not one issue voters, they do vote heavily on this one issue. The gift that President Bush has already given are his supreme court nominees. McCain has pledged nominees similar to Justice Roberts and Justice Alito. Christian Conservatives may say that they are not going to turn out now, but when they realize how tantalizingly close they are to overturning Roe v Wade, they will turn out in droves. 2 more justices will most likely retire under the next President. The choice for the Christian Right is between having justices that will throw this back to the states (where it belongs) and justices that will kill this issue for another 30 years.

With the Christian Right turning out for Obama and RNC fundraising equalizing the money situation, voters will turn to other issues and realize how far out of step Obama is with the rest of the country. Moderates will then gravitate toward McCain. This should give Republicans at leat one thing to look forward to, in what may turn out to be a brutal cycle.

Hero in action

by George Dienhart

Fox news has a photo essay of a Marine surviving a hail of gunfire. This man is on the front lines defending our way of life- thank you. See the photo’s here.

 

Funniest thing you will read today

by George Dienhart

Read this.

How much would you have paid to be sitting next to Bill?

What did Bloomberg say about McCain?

by George Dienhart

I think they might be right on Lieberman. There needs to be an (R) after his name though, and soon. It’s an interesting choice that strikes at Obama’s weakness with the white middle class. Here’s what Bloomberg said…

McCain's list would include former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, even with their frosty personal relations during the presidential campaign; Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty -- if he can avoid silly moments like talking on a radio show about his lack of a sex life with his wife -- and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman. Lieberman, who ran as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2000, is now an Independent and a McCain supporter. If McCain thinks the social right of the Republican Party won't bolt even though Lieberman has been pro-choice on abortion and pro-gay rights, a good hunch is this is his personal preference.

Bloomberg agrees with Red Meat...

by George Dienhart

On Obama’s choice for VP. Remember- you read about Jim Webb here, first. Here’s what Bloomberg has to say…

For Obama, here's a good bet for a shortlist: former Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sam Nunn, a favorite of the party's conservative wing; current Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden; Reagan's former Navy secretary and now Virginia Democratic Senator Jim Webb; and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

This summer when people say that Bloomberg called it- tell them we called it first…

As if they don't have enough money...

by George Dienhart

Our “allies” in Saudi Arabia have denied the President’s appeal to lower crude oil process. From CNN:

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia’s leaders made clear Friday they see no reason to increase oil production until customers demand it, apparently rebuffing President Bush amid soaring U.S. gasoline prices.It was Bush’s second personal appeal this year to King Abdullah, head of the monarchy that rules this desert kingdom that is a longtime prime U.S. ally and home to the world’s largest oil reserves. But Saudi officials stuck to their position that they will only pump more oil into the system when asked to by buyers, something they say is not happening now, the president’s national security adviser told reporters. “Saudi Arabia does not have customers that are making requests for oil that they are not able to satisfy,” Stephen Hadley said on a day when oil prices topped $127 a barrel, continuing to set records. “What the Saudis wanted to tell us was we’re doing everything we can do ... to meet this problem, but it’s a complicated problem.”

No, what the Saudi’s want to tell is “We want more money” and “Yes, we forgot that little thing back in 90-91 where you came over here and saved us from being over run by Iraq.”

With friends like these…

Energy independence means doing away with these 2-bit dictators who seem to be more willing to be helped than to help. It means we need to be drilling in the Gulf and in ANWR. It means we need to start building John McCain’s 20 nuclear power plants immediately- and we also need the refineries he has promised. The change we need does not come with Obama’s smiles and platitudes- it comes in our energy policy, and McCain is the only one to announce one. If only he would drill in ANWR.

 

 

 

Coke bust in PTC

by George Dienhart

I have two messages to convey on this one- thanks to the PTC police for catching this guy. The second is what the hell is going on here?

In the last year PTC has suffered numerous school lockdowns, and drug related arrests. There was even a potential shooting at McIntosh High School. I think it might be time to start remembering these things when stating in the election booth. Most of us did not move here to close to crack dealers and tattoo parlors. The city leadership needs to get a handle on what’s going on within the cities borders.

Text of Atlanta Christian College press release

by George Dienhart

ACC has narrowed down it’s list of new locations to 2- both in South Metro Atlanta:

 

EAST POINT, Ga. – Atlanta Christian College’s board of trustees announced today [May 15] that the cities of Newnan and Peachtree City are currently the top two venues under consideration in the college’s relocation process.

Atlanta Christian College announced in October 2007 that they had outgrown the East Point location where their campus has been since its founding in 1937.

“We are honored by the number of cities and communities throughout Georgia that have expressed interest in becoming the new hometown for Atlanta Christian College’s main campus,” said interim President Dean Collins, an organizational effectiveness consultant and 1979 ACC graduate.

“We want to choose the city that will not only be a great new location for Atlanta Christian College,” Collins said, “but will also allow us to partner with a community to bring growth and educational opportunities.”

Collins told the Peachtree City Council at a May 15 meeting that, while he is continuing to receive regular inquiries from communities interested in hosting the campus, Peachtree City, along with Newnan, to date, have “made the most compelling cases to be our new home.”

Atlanta Christian College is working with the city of East Point to discuss the best use of the college’s current campus, including utilizing a portion of it to house the college’s new adult degree completion program.

Atlanta Christian College’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. The college’s vision is to be the college of choice for students seeking a Christian learning community that is academically challenging, spiritually vibrant and globally engaged.

ACC offers degree programs in seven areas of study, ranging from biblical studies to business, and currently enrolls approximately 400 students. The new Access program offers associate and bachelor’s degrees for adult learners, as well as online courses.

News and information about Atlanta Christian College’s relocation process can be found on the college’s web site at www.acc.edu/onthemove. You may also email the college with any questions or concerns at OnTheMove@acc.edu. The president and board chairman will answer questions biweekly; the questions and answers will be posted on the site.

 

This weeks meet the press.

By George Dienhart

Be sure to catch this week’s meet the press- it’s staring Obama’s future running mate, Jim Webb.

From NBC-"Exclusive! Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) joins us to talk about Democratic politics, the state of the Iraq war, and his new book, 'A Time to Fight: Reclaiming a Fair and Just America.' "

Bush Wedding

by George Dienhart

I haven’t covered anything on Jenna Bush’s wedding, but I found the menu interesting:

 

Fried oysters on tostadas

pork flautas

 mango fresco

shrimp Mexicali

Lump Gulf crab parfait, layered with avocado and heirloom tomatoes, with fresh basil olive oil.

Grilled Rio Grande ranch flat iron steak with roja sauce with arbo chilis

potatoes with poblano pepper gratiné

spinach sautéed with pine nuts.

Bride's Cake: Tres leches

Groom's Cake: Chocolate

Churros with chocolate

chips with chili con queso

breakfast burritos

 

I’ve always been a sucker for a good breakfast burrito.

California Dreaming

by George Dienhart
The politico called it a gift for John McCain and at first glance, it is hard to argue:
“California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban: In a 4-3 decision, the justices rule that people have a fundamental 'right to marry' the person of their choice and that gender restrictions violate the state Constitution's equal protection guarantee. The scope of the court's decision could be thrown into question by an initiative already heading toward the November ballot. The initiative would amend the state Constitution to prohibit same-sex unions. The campaign over that measure began within minutes of the decision. The state's Catholic bishops and other opponents of same-sex marriage denounced the court's ruling. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who previously has vetoed two bills in favor of gay marriage, issued a statement saying he 'respects' the decision and 'will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn' it."

Sen. McCain does not support same-sex marriage, which is dead on with the beliefs of most conservatives. That is not the gift. The gift they refer to is the conventional wisdom that every Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) initiative has brought out Republicans in droves. Ironically, this act by the ultra-liberal California Supreme Court may have put California in play for McCain.
Conventional wisdom says that yes, this is a huge victory for McCain. In the coming days, you will hear that it was the DOMA initiative in Ohio that won the election in 2004. That statement is most likely correct. It may not have been the DOMA that won the election for the President, though. The DOMA supporters had a very effective organization in place. This issue does not just skew to the right- it points directly at the right. Therefore- an extremely effective conservative organization on the ground, the Ohio organization won the state for President Bush, and inadvertently the nation. I do not believe this was a case of conservatives coming out for a pro-DOMA president. It represents that pro-DOMA voters are overwhelmingly Republican. There is an important difference, which we will address later.

This though made me think that we needed a statistical analysis of DOMA results. I found information on 29 DOMA initiatives. 28 have passed- only Arizona’s did not pass- it was narrowly defeated in 2006 (51 to 49 percent). How many of these resulted in turnout increases? I found turnout data on 19 of these ballot initiatives, out of which 17 resulted in measurable increases. The data gets more interesting. 24 races involved either a Presidential of Gubernatorial race on the same ballot. Republicans won 18 of these races. Interestingly, Idaho was the only state where voter turnout was down. Going against conventional wisdom, this state’s gubernatorial race was won by a Republican.



Upon further analysis-, most of the states that were won by Republicans were states that are normally states that are safely Republican- the same held true for Democrats. The anomaly is Ohio. The Democrats thought they had this state. It was a battleground state and both campaigns put forth time and money. The difference was Republicans squeezing extra votes out of the Ohio DOMA effort. This was a side effect of the DOMA- it was not a brilliant tactical move by the Bush team. Our data points out that normal rank and file Republicans carries out most of the activism in DOMA initiative elections. In Ohio, DOMA organizers knew that this was going to be close election and were successful in getting new conservatives involved in the political process. It is here that there is hope for the McCain campaign, and for Californians wishing to pass family friendly laws. Californians will organize on this issue, but the McCain Camp needs to ensure that they organize strongly enough to give his campaign the critical bounce that could handily win the election for him.

There is someone that both of these groups need to connect with. Honestly, they need to do more than connect- they need to motivate him to move from Ohio to California and take the reigns of this effort. His name is Phil Buress, and he is the chairman of Ohio Campaign to Protect Marriage. He is the man that is largely responsible for the passage of the Ohio DOMA. Buress is grudgingly supporting McCain. He told Christian World magazine “McCain wasn't my first choice, and I'm not sure about him now, but we've got a zero chance of getting a conservative Supreme Court justice out of either Clinton or Obama. I don't know whether we've got a 25 percent chance, or a 50 percent chance, or a 100 percent chance with McCain—but it's better than zero, and I'm going to do everything in my power to help get him elected. He's our best shot."

While that falls short of a resounding endorsement, it is an endorsement nonetheless. It also means that Buress is likely willing to work for McCain. The best job for Buress is to make use of his talents in turning out DOMA voters in California. If California is to amend its constitution in favor of pro family laws, it will need a strong and experienced leader to run the effort. The benefits to the McCain camp are obvious. Both organizations should be on the phone to Phil Buress- the sooner the better.

Quote of the day- Statement from the Tennessee GOP

"While Mrs. Obama has trouble being proud of the country where she earned degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and then became a multimillionaire, her husband makes statements that belittle average Americans' response to the difficulties of life."

See a speacial video from the Tennessee GOP HERE