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John Ibbitson's America

It's time for Obama to dig in and deliver

JOHN IBBITSON

From Monday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 7:39 AM EST 25/08/08

As convention opens in Denver, fairytale campaign that galvanized Democratic Party's base not playing so well outside it ...Read the full article

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  1. Randal Oulton from Toronto, Canada writes: Hillary should run as an independent.
  2. Brian Dell from Stockholm, Sweden writes: So many things to do in Denver when you're Dem.
  3. Paul Byer from Canada writes: McCain should take Hillary as his running mate. I'm sure she would take him up on it.
  4. Phil Gardner from Canada writes: Hey ! I'd rather have a fairytale any day over a continuation of the Nightmare that we've had since the Republicans took over the USA government eight long years ago !

    GO Obama GO ! The world needs men like you !
  5. Michael Karassowitsch from Nelson, BC, Canada writes: Oooh, now the media is creating drama again! And John Ibbitson is jumping in with both feet.

    Firsts the Media Swarm decides Obama is Cinderella and they play it out of every nook and cranny. It was obviously embarrassing for Obama, but then, why look a gift horse in the mouth, right?

    Now it seems we have decided that Obama is in big trouble. To me it feels like a natural occurrence given that America has been primed for fear for 2 generations. So you have an (embarrassing) blow up in Georgia, the fearful and the hawks all get all antsy. The grizzled veteran moves up a few points.

    The way the Media Swarm is playing it, (with the intensity of you name it, extra marital tryst, financial shenanigans, whatever), it is more about the intensity and the implication that there is something wrong than what it is actually about. If they play it up long enough we can then have the Media Swarm dart in the new direction of promoting Obamas big come back.

    First there was Citizen Kane. A big fish who defined the news. Now, not unexpectedly, that has devolved to the little fish - all the little fish, reporters and opinionaters spontaneously, by an as yet undefined natural principle, suddenly 'thinking' the news in a new direction.

    Please be serious. This is not a reasonable nor news-worthy 'opinion'. It is newspeople reporting on news people only. If you want to do this, you should go over to writing for sitcoms.

    MK
  6. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Unfortunate that Obama has lost a lot of the women voters, but, I still think he was wise to shy away from Hilary as a running mate. Women don't vote as a bloc and I am sure a lot of them will start to come back to the Democrats once the campaign starts.
  7. gender bender from Espanola, Canada writes: First Obama was the cinderella story although he did say some rather big fibs about his past and when he is behind in the polls around election time then we will be swamped by the pitch that he is the victim of racism.
    It's all so predictable.
  8. Jah Nee Kah Sun from Canada writes: It's too bad that Obama was the best that the Democrats could come up with. McCain should be easy to beat with a 'top drawer' candidate, but Barack will have to do.
  9. robert quinn from Japan writes: Thumbs up for the little witty, courtesy of Brian. Smack upside the head for Phil. Nightmare? You're already living in fairytale land. Get out from under that mushroom, friend. It's almost too easy to address Mr. Ibbitson's laundry list of complaints: The six-year war for Iraqi oil is over. That's why it's not on television anymore. America won and is happily mired in the second largest pool of reserves in the M. E. (so we're told repeatedly). China gets the consolation prize--Africa. Al-Qaeda gets its cheque cashed. Lower house prices mean more young marrieds and first time buyers can enter the market. Houses were overpriced anyway. The economy is maybe, finally, almost entering a recession after seven consecutive years of solid growth. Business cycle anyone? It's happened before. It will happen again. High gas prices. The greens are in heaven. They've been advocating this very policy for years. No more SUV's. Everyone's happy, right? It's green. Green is good. Smile as you pump your money into the Japanese car industry. But Ibbitson is correct in writing that the Dems (and their Canuck worshippers) are just shy of being in panic mode. If the estimates are even close to accurate, Hillary's Harridans could throw this election to McCain. Now that would be a perfect wrap to the show.
  10. Canadian Abroad from London, United Kingdom writes: Some good posts already.

    McCain's crew are smart to attack the character rather than the policy. Most people decide who to vote for based on this. Those who have been paying attention already, have decided (more than likely). Catching the 'undecided' voters now is what counts and McCain and Co know. (More likely than not its the Co who know).

    To address the authors question as to why Obama doesn't play up McCain's flaws... I have a thought on one.

    1. Can't use the internet - Obama already has the youth, and the under 45 demographic. Attacking McCain on this doesn't gain very much because I bet there are a number of people 50 and especially 60 who don't use it much either. Those who do are already tuned in to the election and probably have decided who they are voting for already. What does he do to get these voters instead? Biden - Old, white, and from the Rust Belt.

    It is all about those tuning in now. The rest of us know already.
  11. Jake ---- from Canada writes: Obama will win, He will pick McCain apart in the debate. After the debates Americans will see how simple minded McCain is. The thing that is great about Obama is he will unite the country unlike the republicans.
  12. Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: 'Jake ---- from Canada writes: Obama will win, He will pick McCain apart in the debate. After the debates Americans will see how simple minded McCain is.'

    Maybe, maybe not. If he does as Bush did during his debates, to use an earpiece with someone telling him what to say, then McCain might not sound like the bumbling fool he's looking like now.
  13. Political Crone from Canada writes: I am older than John McCain and can use the internet and even a Blackberry. I come from exactly the same background as John McCain and I can say without hesitation that being an Admiral's child makes for an unnatural childhood, especially if you are a boy. Military men (in the U.S.) of McCain's generation, think of women as accessories and their whole thought process is far removed from that of the general population. Winning is what matters. This could be a very dangerous man in power.
    Added to that possibility is the reality that McCain is not just chronologically old, he 'thinks' old and that is far worse.
    The United States is like an patient under anaesthetic waiting for an operation. Here come the doctors - one is dottering, unable to think on his feet, and there is a hint of a tremble. One is young, brilliant, empathetic and agile. Which one would you want to use the scalpel?
    If Obama does not win this election it will be because he is Black. The progressives of my generation (and McCain's) will have failed to achieve victory over the most insidious disease of our time - racism.
  14. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: With Bush polling in the low 30's, the economy tettering, wars on two fronts, the Democrats should be facing a cake-walk in Nov.

    Looking back in 2000 and 2004, what happened? Are there some fatal flaws in their standard bearer? Bush was a weak candidate compared to McCain, yet he managed to win the 2 terms.

    In 2007, conservative group rated Obama as the most liberal senator, and Biden as the third most. The mainstream American electorate is still centrist and may be slightly to the right of past centers.

    Still, the election is Obama's to lose. No excuses like the Supreme Court stole the election, or the electorate is too racist, or they have the money. The chosen one of the Democrats is supposed to win this year with the alignment of the perfect storm against its foe. He is more a messiah, and not a false prophet ?
  15. Sam I. AM from St. Louis, MO, United States writes: 'Phil Gardner from Canada writes: Hey ! I'd rather have a fairytale any day over a continuation of the Nightmare that we've had since the Republicans took over the USA government eight long years ago !'

    'Nightmare', Phil????
    ANd, how has it been a 'nightmare' for you? Are you nuts, or just socialist?
  16. Duane Freemantle from writes: As already mentioned it seems that McCain has his work cut out for him when he will have to debate Obama. McCain's rebuttal on Obama's policies have been weak, very weak and sometimes silly. More because he has missed the point of Obama's message, and did not seem to understand the weaknesses in them.

    Hillary Clinton knows running as an independent will not accomplish anything. She knows she can not win as an independent. She is still heavily in debt from the primaries. She will not be welcome back into the Democratic party (whether Obama wins or not). Obama will rewards Hillary Clinton upon securing the presidential election, and she knows this.

    What is troubling is the resentment that some diehard Clinton supports have toward Obama. Clinton ran a campaign that was second to only Obama. The primary is the primary; and the general election is the general election. It is important not to confuse the two. Many people who supported Clinton in the primaries have made their choice based on who will best represent their interests.
  17. E C from Trophy City, United States writes: There are going to be some mad and embarrased voters, who are drinking up the Obama Kool-ade, come November. They need to really do their homework, to see if the are truly making the right choice. When you take away a telepromter, he becomes a babbling fool. There was a comment that I read about politicians (and this applies to Obama) do they really work for the interest of the people who have voted them into office? The answer was NO. Their sole objective to to get re-elected and make a career inside the beltway. People like Nancy Pelosi, Dinghy Harry Reid, John Murtha, Ted Kennedy, John 'The Liar' Edwards, all need to be voted out of office.
  18. gender bender from Espanola, Canada writes: I love it when a plan comes together.I said earlier that when the polls show obama is losing that it will be blamed on racism and he will be the victim which no doubt he will play it up.Well just 6 posts down and he has already lost because of racism.How much racism was there when he was nominated over Hilary who was supposed to be the shoe in and how much racism was there when he won 80% of the black vote.
    When the votes are in I am betting he will win the vast majority of majority black ridings maybe all of them but political crones will complain of racism.What a joke
  19. Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: Political Crone from Canada ... excellent post.
  20. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Political Crone from Canada writes: ...
    If Obama does not win this election it will be because he is Black. The progressives of my generation (and McCain's) will have failed to achieve victory over the most insidious disease of our time - racism.

    =============

    the U.S. had made great strides in the past few decades, there may be some elements of racism remaining and race may still play a faator. However it is human nature to lean towards people similar to one's background while weighing the policies and other factors. Otherwise, would one not treat the 95% support of Obama by African-American, as racist?

    The Democrats have lost the previous two elections facing a weak Republican opponent. Race persumably was not a factor then. Conversely if Obama wins, then U.S. will be the least racist of all countries?
  21. Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: Ibbitson should do a little fact checking in his article. Obama is in fact leading among women voters, by 6-20% in fact depending on what poll you look at. Second, Bush was leading in polls in August 2000. In fact he was leading Gore 53/39 just before the DNC, and Bush LOST the popular vote in 2000. Same in the 2008 elections. What election is Ibbitson talking about when he says the Democrats are usually 'far ahead'? Thirdly, his 'faux pas' on Saturday is a slight overstatement. If we want to focus on misstatements and slips of the tongue, shall we look at McCain's oratory powers? McCain claimed it was 'common knowledge and has been reported in the media that al-Qaida is going back into Iran and receiving training and are coming back into Iraq from Iran; that's well known.' Not really. Iran, a mostly Shiite country, is suspected of helping Shiite extremists and not al-Qaida, a predominantly Sunni group. McCain referred to the Jewish holiday of Purim as 'their version of Halloween here.' It actually celebrates the Jewish people's escape from annihilation within the Persian Empire - but close try. In February, McCain accepted the endorsement of Pentecostal Rev. Rod Parsley, who supported President Bush in 2004. In his book 'Silent No More,' Parsley writes, 'The fact is that America was founded, in part, with the intention of seeing this false religion (Islam) destroyed.' Parsley calls Allah 'a demon spirit' and refers to Islam as 'a faith that fully intends to conquer the world.' And to top off this heaping helping of insanity, look back to January, when he compared Planned Parenthood to the Nazis. These facts are hardly played in the media, yet Obama, is portrayed as being given a free pass by the media. Funny thing even though the nut bar who 'swiftboated' Kerry (a guy associated with white supremicist groups) is currently trying to 'swiftboat' Obama.
  22. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: Ibbitson should do a little fact checking in his article. Obama is in fact leading among women voters, by 6-20% in fact depending on what poll you look at....

    =======================

    The best site to look at polls, is this site daily updated average of all recent polls.

    http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/us/generalelectionmccainvsobama-225.html

    Obama is right now ahead by 1.5% and from no more than 5% in past months. Now since woman outnumber man, it is not reasonable to assert there is a gender gap of 6 to 20%.
  23. J C from Canada writes: Hmmmm.... McCain lacks judgement....and he lacks character. Look at his past. Are you kidding me? He will lie and twist (as per the instructions of his handlers) to obtain what he wants. Spoiled , non-motivated army brat, adulterer, opportunist...despite his kindly, soft voiced appeals....he's not a good choice. His service to his country has been far from exemplary...except...like hundreds of others, he was taken as a POW. While I will credit him with surviving that and will never denigrate that experience, his behaviour before and after that experience has been less than honorable. His involvement as one of the Keating Five (google it) is very disturbing. So...character and good judgment are not John McCain's forte. Obama should win...but you know, despite all protestations, that R word seems to be part of the social fabric...here and in the US. Shameful. But then again...miracles do happen.
  24. Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: In 2007, conservative group rated Obama as the most liberal senator, and Biden as the third most. The mainstream American electorate is still centrist and may be slightly to the right of past centers.

    ----

    Actually this is largely a falsehood. Americans are actually, in their majority liberal. The problem is you have a very ideologically and well ffunded and organized right wing minority there.

    I mean on all the major issues: abortion (pro roe vs wade, 63%), social security (strongly support it), most don't believe that death penalty deters crime (55%), even gay marriage (here it is a 50/50 split), universal health care (62%) Americans are left of center.

    The 'war on terror' has trumped all this. The idea that the country is on the verge of immediate attack helps the far right have influence well beyond its actual support in the population. But people realize ths is not in their interest, and that is why Obama's opposition to the Iraq war and themes of change moved him from an promising young senator into the presidential candidate. It was Iraq that killed the Clinton nomination.
  25. Old blue from Canada writes: People really seem smitten by the Obamamessiah but many seem to be anticipating his loss and have already named the rascist card as being the primary reason.
    Maybe, just maybe, people don't like his politics and the direction that he wants to take the country.
  26. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    I know how Obama can win the election!!

    I know he spends over 2 million bucs a day already, but that isn't enough.

    He needs to send some fed money to the state level, register it, then pull back the cash and spend it federally!

    Let's say 13 million worth. That will push him over the top!

    Of course, the elections people and the Repubiclans will cry foul and try to impeech him over this 'scandal', but it will be worth it.

    It's the only way to guarantee victory....
  27. Old Sam Dark and Dirty from Republic of Newfoundland, Canada writes: Duane Freemantle from writes:Hillary Clinton knows running as an independent will not accomplish anything. She knows she can not win as an independent. She is still heavily in debt from the primaries. She will not be welcome back into the Democratic party (whether Obama wins or not).=======

    Duane, The Democatic party is still the party that Bill Clinton brought from the duldrums and put back on the map. If you think the Democrats are going to turn their back on him then you are mistaken.

    As long as he is still alive then having the Clintons in your corner is essential to winning the presidency as a democrat. Obama knows this and it is the reason he is giving them both Prime Time speaking slots at the convention.

    As for you assertion that Hillary will not be back in the party...if Obama fails to win this election then it is almost guarenteed that Hillary will be the next nominee of the Democtrats in 2012 and that is pretty much certain.

    If Obama thinks he will have an easy time in the general election then he is even more inexperienced that I thought.
  28. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    Is Mr. Obama an American citizen with the right to run for the office of President of the US of A?

    Why is the Globe and Mail not speaking to this issue. It seems timely and revelant to this reader.

    Reference:

    http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=9920
    Quote

    Is this legal filing on Obama's birth certificate part of a carefully prepared ploy to trigger a crisis at the Democratic Convention? The suit was filed in Philadelphia five days prior to the Democratic Convention.

    Philip Berg is close to Hillary Clinton. Is this action being launched because Hillary Clinton was not chosen as Obama's running mate for the office of the Vice President?
    Quote_Un

    No wonder Mr. Obama acceptance speech is to be delivered in a football stadium seating 80,000 and away from the confines of the Clinton supporters.

    Seems like Hillary is not going easily into the night.
    ~
  29. J C from Canada writes: Old Blue... your use of that term colours your rhetoric. Just because people are energized by Obama's 'youth' and his apparent wish to make a change does not mean he is 'The One'. I applaud Obama's dream to make needed changes. However...we all should be realist enough to recognize that big changes will take a long time to implement. Considering the state of the US government and it's image outside of the US...we should all hope that Obama's desire fore change can take place. With republicans guiding McCain...that won't happen.
  30. Paul F. from Toronto, Canada writes: CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Obama is right now ahead by 1.5% and from no more than 5% in past months. Now since woman outnumber man, it is not reasonable to assert there is a gender gap of 6 to 20%.

    ----

    Actually completely reasonable. There is something called the undecided voter. And they are mostly female at this point.

    Among decided voters, Obama has an advantage among women.

    http://www.gallup.com/poll/108022/Candidate-Support-Gender.aspx
  31. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul F. Thanks for the comment. It is difficult to define exactly what is center.

    You used several social issues to illustrate your points. They are many other issues that comprise what are important and how they relate to being center in the political spectrum.

    The U.S. president in the past few decades, since Jimmy Carter, has been either Republicans or conservative Democrat (as per Clinton and his Democartic Leadership Council). That perhaps is more my point in that Obama/Biden are both rated on the extreme liberal end.

    Actually, nothing wrong with labeled liberal, or so called extreme liberal, it is really policies compatible with the main stream voters that drive the results.
  32. Will Stewart from Stop cribbing Bill Kristol, Canada writes: Count on Ibbitsen for regurgitated conventional wisdom from the laziest of the US media that still buys the 'Straight Talk Express' crap from their barbecue buddy, John McCain. Polls before the conventions are always fairly tight. But what really matters in the US is electoral vote. And if you look at the way the polls have consistently split since Obama had the Democratic nomination wrapped up in June, he wins in a cakewalk, no matter which way you slice it.

    Ibbitsen is a 'concern troll.' He pretends to be concerned about supposed weaknesses in the Obama camp, but he's really pushing Republican talking points. Look at previous columns he's written on Obama and you will find a close correlation to the McCain campaign themes of the day.
  33. Andrew E from Canada writes: I spent last night in a roomful of about 100 Toronto Liberals... senators, MP's, backroom types and some future candidates... they all want Obama to win, as they believe it will help Dion if we go to the polls after the US election.
    I wonder why the Liberals call Steven Harper a US puppet, when it seems that all they do is obsess about the US race?

    Oh yeah, I remember now. Pot, meet kettle.
  34. Steve D from Canada writes: Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: 'Jake ---- from Canada writes: Obama will win, He will pick McCain apart in the debate. After the debates Americans will see how simple minded McCain is.'

    Maybe, maybe not. If he does as Bush did during his debates, to use an earpiece with someone telling him what to say, then McCain might not sound like the bumbling fool he's looking like now.'

    Political Crone from Canada writes: 'If Obama does not win this election it will be because he is Black.'

    First of all Jake and Guy, McCain will destroy Obama in a head to head. This is why Obama is afraid to take him on. Obama reads well from a teleprompter--the end. Saddleback is only part of the story on this.

    And Crone--If Obama wins it will be because he is black. Geraldine Feraro hit the nail on the head and is it a coincidence that obama is getting 95 % of blacks in the polls. That will certainly not hurt. Plus if its not an advantage why presidents-on-the the-currency and 'By the way did I mention he's black?' stump speeches.

    Regardig Hillary, the 3 am VP announcement was rightly seen as a gratuitous swipe at Hillary but hey, maybe the Clinton's don't hold grudges.
  35. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Paul F, thanks for the link on the gender gap poll, it was informative.

    In the election, we are talking about the actual voters, versus some general preference by women. For the woman gender gap to be say 10%, the man gender gap will need to be somehting like 15%, which is huge though not impossible. To achieve 20% female gender gap, that may only with a candidate like Hillary, and in no way can Obama achieve that.
  36. Mr Spock from Canada writes: Can someone tell me where the influx of conservatives come from?
    In every single globeandmail message board, there are 50 'different' cons preaching the same talking points before anyone gets a word in.

    Obama is the only hope for the American economy. McSame says anyone under 5mill$ is not rich - that disqualifies Obama, who he tries to paint as elitist with same brush.

    Unfortunately corporate media, wal-mart and big business is going to spend Obama into the ground... land of the 'free'..
  37. Political Crone from Canada writes: CM from Toronto - You raise some interesting points. However, changes in racial attitudes in the United States have not taken place in just the last few decades. There are many 'landmark' events that can be cited. For example the Supreme Court decision to integrate public schools. That is more or less where I came in, as I was teaching in St. Louis at the time. There has been fifty years of measurable change, and almost as many steps backward into to the darkness as steps forward toward the light. No, I do not consider Obama's Black support to be racist. American Blacks support him because they trust him, though doubtless they trust him because he is Black. This lack of trust for White leaders grows not out racism but out of experince with broken promises. There are, of course Black racists, and Oriental racists, as well as White racists. Racism is an illness of mind that is an equal opportunity invader. I think Obama's huge Black support grows out of pride and hope. On the whole, I believe the vast majority of White Americans are not racists though many hold negative racial attitutes based largely on lack of real contact. It is an effort to analyse people and situations, it is easy to think in stereotypes. Suffice to say Blacks have come to know White people better than White people have come to know Blacks. Racial attitudes are extremely complicated. Still, the choice in this election is clear and I stick by my comment. If the better candidate, who happens to be Black, does not win, I think it will be because he is Black.
  38. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Mr Spock from Canada writes: Can someone tell me where the influx of conservatives come from?

    -------------

    From the planet Vulcan.

    Live long and prosper !
  39. Liberals are OK ............. If you cook em long enough from Canada writes:

    Sniff ..... sniff....

    Is that toast I smell?
  40. Liberals are OK ............. If you cook em long enough from Canada writes:

    When he loses it will be because he is an elitist, smooth talking, pompous a$$ with no experience................ who happens to be black.

    Not the other way around.
  41. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Why do our Libs keep on touting the 'Obama victory will help us' line??

    Obama is a brilliant orator---Dion??

    Obama is keen on ramping up Afstan efforts---Dion?

    Obama is on record as saying that the next international GHG treaty must rope in China, Brazil, and India---Dion?

    Obama fovours a continental Cap-and-trade re local GHG---Dion??

    Point is this--Obama is RIGHT of Harper; if anything, Obama's policies mesh with Harper's.

    Only idiots would equate Obama with Dion---oh wait--that's who the LPC are counting on...

    BTW--if Obama opens up NAFTA I don't think I want Dion representing our interests. The guy can't even raise a few grand to pay off his own debt--no way should he be trusted with decisions that will affect Canada for years and impact trillions of dollars of trade.
  42. Christopher Coady from St. Thomas, Canada writes: I don't know why this is even a headline. The americans will screw up this election just like they do everything else! They have a chance to really change things, but the republicans throw better insults then Obama and thats how americans choose their president. Its not about the issues. Its about whoever can make the other one look the worst. Sadly Canadian politics is beginning to look much the same.
  43. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:

    An antoganistic relationship with the American Admininstation would be good for Harper's poll numbers. Canadian's always rally behind a PM who opposes our big brother.
  44. CM Chen from Toronto, Canada writes: Political Crone, thanks for your perspective.

    Also, what is racist? The U.S. demographically now has white in the minority. If Hispanics tend to vote for Spanish speaking candidate, is that racist. If conservate whites tend to vote for a conservative republican, is that racist? Certainly Blacks voting for Obama is no more racist than the above.

    From my perspective, Canada and U.S. are amongst the least racist countries in the world. Try visiting ethnically homogenous, nationalistic countries where you stand out.

    If Obama loses, race may be a factor, but much less so, racism.
  45. Hank M from Hamilton, Canada writes: 'Liberals are OK ....writes:

    When he loses it will be because he is an elitist, smooth talking, pompous a$$ with no experience................ who happens to be black.'

    And if JMcC loses it... what will be his excuse? Will it be because he is a bumbling, hot-headed, old-fart..... who happens to not be able to raise half the election funds or stimulate new voters that BO does?
  46. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    Hi Spicy...

    I would disgree... Dion, the guy who can not 'raise money' is exactly the guy who you want in a negotation... on North American Union.

    The guy that easily pays his debts... does so, with the contributions (money) of others, not us own. So who is contributing to Mr. Harpers campaign funds? Would they be corporate citizens with an interest in specific trade matters?

    Please correct me?
    ~
  47. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:

    Opening NAFTA, while bad for Canada, would be popular with the left who still blame it for the loss of our manufacturing industry. It is ironic that the American left feels the same way. Where did these five hundred thousand Canadian manufacturing jobs go, Mexico?

    We don't have a free trade agreement with the Chinese, in spite of Martin and Chretien's efforts.
  48. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    iPhone--

    Hi.

    I'm not sure about the conspiracy-theory shenanigans--they change every day.

    You allude to an interesting point---

    Harper raises gobs of cash from grass-roots people---he is a fundamentalist ideologue and must be feared.

    Obama raises gobs of cash from grass-roots people--he is a wonderful person that simply can't help that people want to shower their cash on him.

    People who love Omama are thrilled that he has millions more cash than McCain. These same people freak out that Harper holds the same advantage over Dion.

    How do you reconcile this??
  49. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    :-- Uncle Fester

    Oh, please Uncle Fester... you do not want a Free Trade deal with a country pays it works 1-2 $ per day.

    Do you?

    The point is, is that you have been listening to the US free trade mantra too long and not thinking. Countries need to safe guard their strategic interests to protect the intellectual and social values within the country.

    We need selective balanced trade.
    ~
  50. Robin M from Canada writes: Barack Obama is the only person that can heal the Democratic party and finally rid them of the whinny drama king and queen that are the Clintons. Everything they do and every where they go they see a
    right wing' conspiracy, which has caused more turmoil than necessary in the Democratic party.

    Obama will be a pragmatic leader and a good a steady President. Joe Biden is just what he needs in a Vice President. Someone who will challenge him and with whom Obama can hone his own skills. John Ibbitson is writing from a Clinton point of view and not from the point of view of those Americans who are fed up with politics as usual. I thought he was a better reporter than that.. so it is disappointing to see he is taking the tack of the past...

    Following is an article that sums up well what Obama has had to deal with during this long campaign.

    http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorialopinion/oped/articles/2008/08/25/breakingthecordwiththeclintons/
  51. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Is Joe Biden, Barack Obama's Dick Cheney? In that here we have a candidate (Obama) that is perceived to have a shaky/suspect grasp of foreign policy (i.e., weak), a platform long on words and short on details and in order to shore up his weakness, chooses as his VP someone perceived as being strong when it comes to foreign policy and the political game itself. Is it just me or didn't this same sort of scenario play out 8 years ago? Not to say that Obama is Bush, but Bush got a free ride by the media, Bush had basically no knowledge of foreign affairs/policy (probably still doesn't) and all he talked about was 'compassionate conservatism'. Bush picked Cheney to shore up his foreign policy short comings etc and Cheney had no intention of running for President and could attack Gore with impunity. So, in picking Biden, Obama hopes to shore up his foreign policy shortcomings, use Biden to attack McCain (Obama has stated as much) all with the comfort of knowing that if elected, he knows that Biden won't in the back ground keeping a presidential run in the back of his mind (like what would have happened had Obama picked the Clintons). So, is Biden Barack Obama's Dick Cheney? In some ways, I would have to say Yes. How's that for 'Change'?
  52. Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Obama has yet to prove he is a US citizen. Let me repeat that, it isn't certain he is eligible to be prez.

    Mr Biden will help, but Barry is going to school. The Ayers thing hasn't been cleared up and a few dozen other minor details the Dream hasn't quite cleared up. No big bounce from the Messsiah tour and the MSM has been running interference for him. OOH it is going to be fun.
  53. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    M Nolz--

    Interesting perspective--thanks for that.

    Who is Obama's Rummy?? That will matter too.
  54. Murphy Red from Jonesville, Canada writes: Jake ---- from Canada writes: The thing that is great about Obama is he will unite the country unlike the republicans.

    You must be living in fantasy land...Obama would tear America apart...He is the biggest divider since the continental divide...
  55. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    Hi Spicey...

    I do not know much about politics, but what I see I do not like. The stage has been set, with two (2) politicians that appear to be compromised by special interest groups. I do not believe that Special Groups should be involved in politics. They do not have political standing.

    I have read Ron Paul's book, The Revolution and I find common sense arguments put forward... alas there are only two candidates for this important office. The 'hard realities' of debt are going to hit the fan... and their are only these two compromised candidates for office. It ain't going to be pretty.

    The USA can/could fix this problem but it requires a radical re-think of most every thing political. Regretably, no one is going 'fish' (not cut bait) on this topic until the corpse is cold.

    This is so very avoidable. [There is only one country in the world today, that can make a meaningful contribution to science and the arts and possibly democracy. It is the US, and it is really screewing up... due to creeping corporatism and the hegemony project.]

    Darn!


    With specific regard, to Obama and McCain... both look bad to me. So I see no hope here. The war machine is toooo entrenched. Ordinary citizens are toooo dis-empowered by the local electoral officials.
    --

    I am watching very closely, the Ron Paul organization in Nevada and Florida, next week, as it looks like the only hope for democratic change will need to come from a new direction.
    ~
  56. COASTER--- EAST THAT IS from Canada writes: Obama and Hillary would have won this in a landslide , but than they would have had to duke it out to see who gets top billing , either way its should be interesting to see who wins the white house , the war horse McCain , or the Second coming of Obama.
  57. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    :-- Hi Prairie Boy...

    Maybe Obama's slip in the speech referring to Mr. Bidden as the next President was FREUDIAN. It may be that he is referring to privliged information??

    If there is a credible legal argument re: his citizenship... well you know what happened in 2000... the courts will decide. So Obama steps aside this week?
    ~
  58. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Robin M--

    The gloab processor uses underscores to creat italics.

    I cleaned up your link and reposted it for you via tinyurl--use it whenever you have clunky links:

    http://tinyurl.com/6n9c3p
  59. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    iPhone--

    You say you don't know much about politics but have read Ron Paul.

    Uhh, this makes you more knowledgable than 99% of people... :)

    I agree that Obama-McCain are like Betty and Veronica--pretty much the same...
  60. Political Crone from Canada writes: CM Chen -
    I have lived in Africa and travelled widely. I know what it is to be a 'minority.'
    Hispanics are demographically considered White. They do not usually vote in a block. Those from Cuba in Florida tend to vote Republican for misguided reasons to obvious to mention. New Mexico is the most 'Hispanic' state in the U.S. It split 50/50 in the last election.
    I have lived in Canada and the United States for almost an equal number of years. I have also lived in many different States. The racial attitudes you speak of, and admire, are limited to specific States and in some cases areas within specific States. In Canada, there are also limitations. My own observations in Canada are that Native People and Sikhs are the victims of the most overt negative racial attitudes.
    What is racism, you ask? Way too complicated for this Thread.
    There is a fine book by Bantam on Racism. It defines it and discusses what creates negative racial attitudes.

  61. iPhone from Canada writes: :-- Spicy... is the 'http:' creating the embedded field... above?
  62. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Obama's Rummy? Hmmm that's difficult - how many hawks are there to pick from from the Democrats? Could he pick Powell as Sec Def - not to say that Powell is a Rumsfeld, in the negative sense??
  63. Karunaratne Jeyatilleke from Canada writes: Obama will be the darling in this election. Hope nobody comes into the scene claiming to be his baby's momma!
  64. Ed Op from Canada writes: I don't think this slump in the polls means anything. Obama has been quiet lately and not really pushing any kind of message - positive or negative - over the last month or so. Once his campaign gets rolling - this week will tell - we'll see his numbers climb again. The strength of his campaign rests on his charisma and his ability to rally Americans round his dream. When they don't see or hear him they drift; when he's rolling, they come around. I think their timing is perfect. Just watch the momentum build over the next couple months. In this race, the last thing Obama wants to do is peak too soon. It has to be a steady build right to the end.

    Or so I hope. More Republican rule would be especially dangerous for the world right now.
  65. Dropped Acid - Climate change is a socialist conspriacy (I don't think...) from Canada writes: Prairie Boy from Canada writes: Obama has yet to prove he is a US citizen. Let me repeat that, it isn't certain he is eligible to be prez.

    --------------------

    Yikes - now that is grasping straws!
  66. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Robin--here's your walkup road link:

    http://tinyurl.com/6g7av8
  67. Dropped Acid - Climate change is a socialist conspriacy (I don't think...) from Canada writes: gender bender from Espanola, Canada writes: I love it when a plan comes together.I said earlier that when the polls show obama is losing that it will be blamed on racism and he will be the victim which no doubt he will play it up.

    -----------------------

    Considering the multitude of quotes from people who are voting for McCain for the sole reason that Obama is black, it doesn't seem too far fetched. My personal favorite quote was from some woman in LA - 'If Obama wins, 'they' will think they run the world now...'

    BTW - I find it's only the racist ones that worry about this dynamic. If you vote for McCain for any other reason, you wouldn't be stating that 'it doesn't make you racist' - plenty of legit people who aren't racist are in fact voting for McCain - and they never bring this up. Only the racist ones do.
  68. iPhone from Canada writes: .
    :-- Dropped Acid, and the Climate Changed

    Excellent handle!
    ~
  69. Overtaxed and underlaid from Canada writes: The media is totally making a story out of nothing. The popular vote in the polls mean nothing - around 40-45% of America are hardcore redneck Republicans, nothing is ever going to change that. The only thing that matters is the electoral map.

    Once Clinton's backers get their collective thumbs out of their mouths and back Obama, he'll be in good shape.
  70. c rob from Halifax, Canada writes: This much I can tell you folks. You will see a green man from Mars as President of the United States before you ever see a woman there. Take a look at political representation throughout North America and then tell me that gender is not an issue. It is.
  71. Norman Petit from Canada writes: Overtaxed and underloved is correct - the redneck and fearful old person vote either is or has reached its peak. It is the 6% to 9% swing vote that counts the most.

    What interests me most is the Republican philosophy that in order to support a candidate you have to revile his competitor in exchange. You must mock him, compare him to a teenage girl and compare his facial attributes to past presidents. It's shameful.
  72. Pat Simonson from Canada writes: Obama is the only hope for the American economy

    This is the funniest thing I have ever read.
  73. Vivaldo Latoche from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr. Ibbitson, your observation about Sen. Obama's qualifications and experience seems to be correct. You wrote: 'An that is the point. In terms of experience and qualifications, a Biden-Obama ticket would have made more sense.'

    But for the Democrats it is too late to change to see this ticket. All what is left for them is to try harder although the writing seems to be on the wall. This is also a good lesson for our Canadian politicians who were too enthusiastic with the populist politician South of the Boarder. Populist ideas do not pay off at the end of the day.
  74. Beer and Popcorn from Toronto, Canada writes:
    The only fairytail where Obama is concerned has been going on in the media - there is very little correlation between the voting mood in the U.S. and the media's portrayal of it.

    One would thing Mr Obama was winning win 99% of the vote, not results in line with John Kerry's run..
  75. wwww bbbbb from Toronto, Canada writes: John's right; it's time for Obama to show up to this election. I would say to keep on the seven houses bit. It perfectly shows how out of touch mccain and most republicans are with the common folk.
  76. Ob Server from Canada writes: One day you're a senator with a social work background and zero experience in economics and the next day you're president of the United States. All things considered, it's not very appealing but really how much worse that GWB can Obama be? Having said that, McCain wins because he carries the mid-west....but it will be an interesting race to watch. The fun starts after the conventions.
  77. K Morris from Toronto, Canada writes: Jake ---- from Canada writes: Obama will win, He will pick McCain apart in the debate. After the debates Americans will see how simple minded McCain is. The thing that is great about Obama is he will unite the country unlike the republicans

    ___________________________________________________________

    According to the type of performance Obama had at the Saddleback forum, I am sure McCain is affraid, very afraid. Obama without the teleprompter is useless. Speaking of simpleminded since you brought it up how about Obama's energy plan, we can eliminate our foreign oil dependancy by inflating our tires and getting regular schedualed tune-ups.

    I'm sure McCain is really affraid to debat this clown. Obama is full of hot air, the same kind he wants us to inflate our tires with.
  78. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Obama made $4MM last year and bought a million dollar mansion - yeah, real salt of the earth kinda guy! I'll have a Stella please and thank you!
  79. charlie brown from Canada writes: Norman Petit: Using terms such as 'redneck' and 'fearful old person' are raceist and ageist slurs. It's shameful!
  80. Jim Q from Halifax, Canada writes: I've got $10 on McCain. NEVER underestimate the Democratic talent to snatch defeat from the very jaws of victory.

    Jake -- You talk as though Americans give a G-Dmn about whether McCain appears 'simple-minded.' 90% of America and Canada are similarily 'simple-minded.' They like simple-minded. It speaks to them and makes them feel justified in their own views. Coming off smarter means coming off condescending. In the world of glamour politics, smart does not necessarily mean good.

    Americans are scared, right now. They want to play it safe. A conventional Republican campaign will play to that. The moral ambition of the Democrats will only scare and confuse the woman and man on the street.

    K Morris is right. McCain by a stride and a half. No contest.

    Pity, though.
  81. Ed Op from Canada writes:

    M Nolz:

    Name one American presidential contender who was not a multi-millionaire.

    Regular folks don't run for President except in make-believe. You don't really believe in all that American Dream crap do you?
  82. Non Partisan I AM Canadian from Canada writes: If Obamma does not win this election; the United States is a real real messed up place.
  83. M Nolz from Toronto, Canada writes: Ed Op from Canada writes:

    Name one American presidential contender who was not a multi-millionaire.

    Regular folks don't run for President except in make-believe. You don't really believe in all that American Dream crap do you?

    ----------
    Not in the least - but labelling one guy as out of touch for having married a rich hottie and having 7 homes when you made $4MM last year and just bought a $1MM mansion strikes me as a tad bit hypocritical. Hopefully Obama doesn't believe in all that American Dream crap.

    Of course, all politicians are elitist in someway.
  84. Norman Petit from Calgary, Canada writes: Charlie Brown - Please don't try the politically correct route with me. What I said is the truth. If it hurts, go find a mirror.
  85. Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Deliver what, exactly? The guy is nothing but vapor.....as are most Democrats.