My Week in Review

Back in the Saddle Again

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:43:00 +0000

I'm proud of Barack. There's no other way to put it; it does sound a little condescending. But this man's confounded the right wing with his balanced approach and effort to include just about every kind of philosophy in his cabinet.

After the countdown to the election, the countdown to the inauguration seems much more tolerable. And kudos to President Bush (I never thought I'd write that sentence) for the graceful way he's handled the transition.

The difference between the Bush administration and the Obama administration is clear in one fundamental aspect. Bush was insecure about being President; he overrelied on Cheney and was afraid of dissension in policy discussions. Obama, on the other hand, seems to welcome it. His team of rivals has included everyone except poor Chris Dodd.

And some in the right wing seem unable to fathom that they've lost. They talk about going into the wilderness as a transformative experience instead of a place where they've been banished.

Well, it is good to be in power again. And one thing a politician told me many years ago, "It doesn't matter what the other side says if you've got the votes."

The Parade of Obama's Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:11:00 +0000

As President-elect Obama marches his new nominees forward in a series of press conferences, one can't help but feel impressed. In addition to the audacity of nominating Senator Clinton, the President-elect has demonstrated superb judgement of character and qualifications. He is unafraid of admitting his lack of knowledge in many fields and has shown a propensity to reach out for those who may be wiser than he. How does this compare with President Bush who filled FEMA with political hacks and demanded strict allegiance to neo-conservative values?

It's good to have the adults in charge again. It seems like January 20th can't come soon enough. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much, but I was too young to remember the Camelot of the Kennedy days, and this must have been what it was like. It's amazing how much Bush and the Republicans did to mess up this country and our image in the world in just eight short years, but justice did finally come, even if it was justice delayed.

It will be a long time before the American people are willing to trust the Republicans again. I hope they enjoy their time in the wilderness.

Hillary! A Worthy Secretary of State

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:06:00 +0000

It's nice to know the adults are back in charge. To have a President with the inner security and confidence to open us his cabinet to political opponents. A President who doesn't have to declare "I'm the decider."

The riveting story of the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State appears to have concluded as a greaet success story. Hillary has transcended past aspersions declared in the heat of the primaries, and all the more power to her for it.

And she'll be a great Secretary of State, too. People have been asking whether she will be able to subordinate her views and carry out President Obama's policy. They forget she used to be a lawyer whose main job was to represent the best wishes of her clients.

Take that Rush Limbaugh and all you other plotting conservatives. In an attempt to play a spoiler in the internal Democratic primaries, Rush, and others like him, including Laura Ingram, pushed Republicans to go to the polls (in states that allow cross-registration, often on the day of the election) and cast a vote for Hillary to prolong the Democratic contest and Democratic divisions.

But the plotters and manipulators had their own deceitfulness boomerang against them. By lengthening the race, they helped Barack Obama start campaign organizations in almost all 50 states, and it was that experience on the ground that helped him to win.

In addition, by strenghtening Hillary's hand, they made her a stronger force with almost 18 million voters, and it was that strength that Barack considered as one element in appointing her.

So, now, thanks to your own deceit, and, of course, Hillary's inherent skills, you not only have the most liberal Senator in the country running the place, but the dreaded Clintons back in the game, too.

And my thoughts can be summarized in one sentence, "Thank God, for the sake of our country."

A New Dawn with Barack

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:08:00 +0000

It's rather disgusting to think that there are some segments of American society who are not celebrating Senator Obama's victory, who don't realize what it means to our image abroad, who are consumed with their petty jealousies or the need to fit into their social circles.

Yes, only in America could something like this happen, but for some it is an occasion of misplaced mourning or even the opportunity to stock up on their firearms in fear of the future.

Who are these groups? There are members of the "religious right," the most extreme, out-of-touch people, living in their own bubble of hatred, hatred totally antithetical to everything Jesus represents. In more affluent areas, they have no sympathy for the suffering caused by the Bush administration, for Katrina and even worse, the systematic promotion of the rich at the expense of all other classes in our great land.

There are also groups misled by the Joe the Plumber campaign, who hold on to their overflowing wallets and pocket books with desperation and hoarding, who are afraid of contributing a little more to the land that has given them so many opportunities.

Perhaps, most pitiful, there are also groups misled by Republican politicians, by the sophistry of Sarah Palin, et. al., who don't realize these charlatans are just playing one group against another in a divisive campaign where nobody really wins, except the candidates themselves and their high-rolling contributors.

As for me, I look forward to a new dawn in America, a new time of hope. Not to say that all the problems will be fixed immediately, but, at least, we will be making progress, moving in the right direction again. Maybe, just maybe, President-elect Obama will make an impact on these poor misled souls, and when they see the value of an intelligent President, not just someone whom you would like to have a beer with, a "Joe Sixpack," they will come around and re-discover the generosity inherent in this land, the reason why this country's heart moves in a more liberal direction in the long run, despite deleterious intervals where we have been misled by powerful interests beholden to noone but themselves, and the perpetuation of their own power.

Victory: Anecdotes About Obama's Election

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Victory! After 2000 and 2004, I forgot what it felt like. The exultation, the renewed hope for our country. And this time, of course, it was extra special.

-- To see tears streaming down Jesse Jackson's face.

-- I passed the stewards of our housing complex on my walk the next morning (they happen to be black) and just started clapping. They shook my hand and beamed at me.

-- Passing a black woman on the street, still so happy, I started clapping again. She exclaimed, "Obama," as we went our separate ways.

-- Today, passing a girl with a beautiful Golden Retriever, I said, "What a beautiful dog. Obama should choose a dog like that." She laughed.

-- A close friend whom I tried to convince (she ended up voting for the other side) sent me an email saying she was impressed when Obama said he was everyone's President now, not just for the people who voted for him.

-- Bill Maher, in his late night comedy show, said he was even proud of the country, and that it's nice to see the adults in charge again.

-- I emailed a Democratic friend about the wave of joy sweeping our land.

I know there are difficult issues now to be solved, but I have faith in the ability of our President-elect to address them in a competent, intelligent manner.

October surprise, GOTV

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 03:10:00 +0000

Well,it looks like we've avoided an October surprise this election. Not for want of trying, however. All of sudden, we're bombing Pakistan like crazy. The reason why: to catch Osama bin Laden before the election and boost McCain.

However, you can't just turn an effort like this off and on, then expect to succeed. Maybe, if Bush had caught Osama bin Laden before now, the results might have been different.

Anyway, the last few days of an election, any election, are all about GOTV -- get out the vote. Maybe, the Republicans are beginning to rue their efforts to make fun of Barack Obama because he was a community organizer. Community organizers know how to get out the vote!

Anyway, like all Democrats, I'm just a little nervous. We've been within inches of the brass ring before only to have it snatched out of our hands. I'll be happy on Wednesday after Barack has been elected, and the image of this nation makes a big turn for the better.

Let's all get out and vote with our own families first. My Dad is in his 80s, but I'm driving him to the polls!

McCain tactics, Jeremiah Wright and Shakespeare

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 20:01:00 +0000

Look for the Republicans to pull out the last stop in their disgraceful campaign next week: a full court press on the Reverend Jeremiah Wright.

Even if the (air quotes) "McCain campaign" refuses to raise the topic in a last shred of decency, surrogates will do the dirty work for them.

Why?

Because it is the Republicans who are more interested in winning the election than the good of the country. Despite all their lofty rhetoric, they are the ones who are the real traitors.

It makes a mockery of John McCain's slogan, "Country First."

The real tragedy here is not so different from Shakespeare's MacBeth, the ultimate story about someone who would do anything (or say anything) to accede to the throne. Like MacBeth, a decent man who was unfortunately misled, McCain was once a decent man, too. He had the gumption to protest the Bush tax cuts for the rich and to prevent the "nuclear option" in the Supreme Court confirmation process in the U.S. Senate.

But, as they say, bad company corrupts good morals. McCain's fatal error occurred when he hired Rove's accolytes to take over his campaign's tactics. All he really had to do was to be who he was, and the election would have been close (and it may still be). But if McCain loses, and it's looking increasingly that way, he will rue the day he signed on to the Republican right-wing attack machine.

McCain and Bush's October surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:48:00 +0000

George Bush and John McCain are planning an October surprise to steal the election from Senator Obama.

What is it?

No less than the capture or killing of Osama Bin Laden. The clashes along the Afghanistan/Pakistan border have picked up notedly during the past three weeks, and the reason should be clear to anyone who has observed the political preoccupation of the Bush White House.

Bush believes in the "war against terrorism" with a single-minded fervor and even believes he became President just for that purpose. What good would all his efforts be if Obama became President and focused on the domestic economy instead?

When it happens, remember that this blog predicted it first.

Pit Bull Sarah Palin, a Disgrace to the Assembly of God

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:52:00 +0000

How do you define demagogue?

A demagogue is someone who stirs up the crowds, who appeals to the baser elements of human nature.

And what is Sarah Palin doing?

She is appealing to the base, to the right-wing fringe of the electorate, and they are frequenting her rallies with cries of physical revenge against the Democrats.

How well do we know Barack Obama?

I say, how well do we know Sarah Palin? I know her because I can judge by her actions. Yes, she is a pit bull, as she herself characterized her own personality.

But what kind of pit bull? Not the kind that protects her young but the kind who lunges at and bites innocent people. The kind that must eventually be controlled because it is not fit to live in a civilized world.

Sarah Palin is a disgrace to her gender, a disgrace to her party and a disgrace to her religion. A disgrace to the denomination I belong to, the Assembly of God. If for no other reason, it is for this one that she must be defeated.

Coming Down the Homestretch

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:33:00 +0000

I've got to hand it to Obama. He deserves to win this election because he has out-thought, out-maneuvered and out-spoken his rival candidates every step of the way.

To bring down the Clinton machine, he realized the importance of the caucuses and created a grassroots organization from scratch to get his supporters to the "polls," even though it may have consumed an entire evening as opposed to travelling to a local school to pull a lever.

And this was despite the fact that the local Democratic organizations, including district leaders, ward captains and elected officials, were often bound through loyalty and expediency to support Senator Clinton.

To beat the Republican attack machine, the Obama campaign did not panic but maintained a cool demeanor in the face of one crisis after another. While the McCain people were constantly reacting to events and re-calibrating their message, Senator Obama's team built an email and donor base, leveraging organizations already in place in nearly every state, thanks to the long primary challenge that Republicans were hoping would sap the Democrat's strength.

The results may still change, but just like the Clinton primary, it seems the Obama team knows how to build a lead and run out the clock.

How Republican Consultants have Messed Things Up

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you wonder what world these political consultants live in. They've made so many fundamental errors in the Republican campaign, it almost makes me pity them. However, their errors can be condensed into two...the mishandling of Sarah Palin, and the mishandling of John McCain.

Number one error: Sarah Palin. By shielding her from the press and any meaningful exchanges, Republican consultants have made her so nervous, that when she does speak to a reporter, it's an unmitigated disaster.

From her history, she seems like a competent person. How much better would it be to let her make a few mistakes at the beginning and then trust her to learn the ropes. She seems like a quick study.

Number two error: Putting McCain in a strait jacket. McCain was beloved by the press and the public for his freewheeling honest style. In their obsession about staying on message, the handlers have made McCain into something he never really was, a standard politician. Their claim about maverick is now based in the past and not the present.

How much better would it be to let him make a few mistakes, that can even be endearing to the American people. It's the reason why he got where he is today. Instead, by bottling McCain up, you create explosions of independence that are risky and will eventually lose the campaign.

By repressing McCain and Palin, the handlers have created an untenable situation. You must let people be who they really are, and let the chips fall where they may. By imposing the strategy for George W. Bush on an entirely different ticket, the handlers have created an unmitigated mess.

He Who Laughs Last

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:39:00 +0000

Not to belittle the horrible week our country has experienced, but let's be real. Politics is politics, and the new focus on the economy has turned the tables on the McCain campaign. The problem about relying on personalities (Rick Davis, McCain's campaign chairperson, said their campaign was not about issues), is that when real life intrudes, when issues rise to the forefront, there's nothing left but fluff.

Even worse than having no issue background is to be on the wrong side. McCain, and Republicans at large, favor deregulation of the financial sector, and that deregulation was largely responsible for the financial meltdown we experienced this week. You can't just erase twenty years of your life, change positions, and expect noone to notice.

I have faith in the American people. They may have been duped by George W. Bush for eight years, but eventually they catch on.

The Republican diversion-distort-smear campaign will no longer fool the American people. As the urgency of real world problems intrudes upon the campaign, they will be forced to take stands on the issues, face up to previous errors, and be held accountable. They will have no place to hide any longer.

Justice will prevail, and we will pass the torch to a new generation, a new Kennedy, to lead us.

10 Palin Errors in Interview with Charles Gibson

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Sarah Palin made many errors, both strategic and tactical, in her interview by Charles Gibson. Here are just 10 of them:

1. When asked if she felt ready to become President of the United States, Sarah Palin showed no appreciation of the magnitude of the job. She should have expressed humility. Instead, she talked about her "wiring."

2. When asked about the Bush doctrine, she tried to bluff her way through it. Instead, she should have asked Charles Gibson what he meant. This is not a common term, and a little honesty about her unfamiliarity with it would have been in order. Instead, she showed insecurity about her knowledge of foreign affairs.

3. When Sarah Palin was pressed about "The Bridge to Nowhere," Charles Gibson was gracious and asked if she wanted to revise and extend her remarks. Instead, she stuck to a story that is clearly contradicted by the facts, newspaper articles and even a photograph showing her wearing a sweatshirt supporting the bridge.

4. Another opportunity missed: Sarah was asked about earmarks she supported, such as one to study the mating habits of crabs. She could have acknowledged that the spending was ridiculous; instead, she passed the blame to educational institutions.

5. When asked about support for an Israeli attack on Iran, she repeated the same phrase several times, "Israel has the right to defend itself," instead of engaging in Charles Gibson in a conversation of the matter. This gave the impression of someone studying for a test instead of a mature understanding of the issue.

6. Throughout the interview, Sarah Palin looked nervous and uptight.

7. Sarah Palin called Charles Gibson by his nickname, "Charlie." She should have shown more respect and called him "Mr. Gibson." Her choice of the other moniker seemed an ineffective attempt to curry favor.

8. When Sarah Palin was asked about three things she would change in Bush economic policy, she seemed unable to answer the question. She fudged the answer in a "blizzard of words" and then the items she cited were not real changes.

9. Sarah Palin's attempt to win Hillary Clinton supporters seemed insincere. She should have mentioned some of their policy differences and then, perhaps, noted some Hillary people were supporting her anyway.

10. Sarah Palin failed to enunciate an overall worldview or philosophy. She wasted an opportunity to defend conservative thought in general and show a sophisticated understanding of how her stands on the issues tied together . Given the amount of time she spent preparing for the interview, you would have thought she would have done more than just respond to the questions on an piecemeal issue-by-issue basis.

There's one major theme common to almost all these points. If Sarah Palin had really acted like the normal Mom she claims to be, and not a talented politician, she would have been more honest and she would have been capable of admitting when she was wrong

Sarah Palin is a Distraction

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:19:00 +0000

As Bob Herbert noted in The New York Times, Sarah Palin was selected to provide a distraction from the issues in this race.

What did the Republicans avoid by choosing her? Well, they didn't discuss the foreclosure crisis. They didn't discuss health care. They didn't discuss education.

Instead, they made the race a referendum on character and personalities, the very thing they accused Barack Obama about.

However, this change of focus comes with some very real dangers. How well can we evaluate a person in just 60 days, especially when she is being kept under wraps and shielded from the press corps? She does have a compelling life story; the problem is that the story is so compelling, it distracts people from the real concerns they should have for the next occupant of the White House.

The Republicans may not know how to govern, but they sure know how to campaign. By making Sarah Palin inaccessible, they are keeping the distraction going. Each time she does make an appearance, it will generate increased scrutiny and increased distraction. Now, she is going to be interviewed by Charlie Gibson of ABC News, and how many people will watch that?

The real question, in my opinion, is whether the American people will be fooled again. They voted against Al Gore's sighs, against John Kerry's windsurfing, against Michael Dukakis riding around in a tank. When will they vote on the real issues that affect their every day lives?

The Democratic Convention, A Week of Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:04:00 +0000

I can't help it. I'm hopeful. It started with McCain's failure to remember how many houses he had. It grew with the appointment of Joe Biden for Vice President. And it is reaching a crescendo with the Democratic Convention this week.

Why can't everyone see what I see? The hypocrisy of the Republicans, the distortion, the smears. The attempts at diversion and failure to talk about the issues as opposed to Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton. The Democrats are real people, not images to fool the public every four years.

Still, I hope this time will be different. The people will throw off the yoke of Republican rule and a government run for the rich and other campaign contributors. The youth will rise up as one to vote in a charismatic, intelligent candidate whose motto for everyone is "Yes, we can."

It could really happen. I hope it does.

Rick Warren forum

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Well, I must admit a small amount of gratification about the coming "debate" between Barack Obama and Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. As an evangelical Christian myself, and a committed Democrat, I see the Democratic Party fulfilling Jesus's model much better than the Republicans.

My Pastor frequently notes that Jesus mentioned poverty in the New Testament far more than heaven and hell. The problem with compassionate conservatism is that you have to say it in the first place. We all know liberals are compassionate, and I've been shocked at some of the callous statements and positions widely adopted by Republicans.

For example, if I were a minority, especially a Hispanic, I would flee the Republican Party post haste. They are reverting to the most prejudiced, nativist arguments in their zealous drive to deport illegal aliens, even if it means splitting up families.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the debate and am curious about the questions to be posed. For a long time, I've said the Christian religion is about more than just two issues. God bless you, Rick Warren, for recognizing that.

Opening Ceremony at Beijing Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:46:00 +0000

Since the political scene is quiet for the moment, and the Obama-McCain race has momentarily faded into the backgroud, here's some thoughts about the Olympics instead.

First of all, the opening ceremony last night was astounding. As a fireworks afficionado in the first place, I was stunned by the pyrotechnics display at the Olympics ceremony. And the videoscreen running around the top of the stadium was breathtaking. That's better than a widescreen plasma TV for sure!

I'm looking forward to taking a break from politics myself and rooting for the likes of Dara Torres and Shawn Johnson. Sports and politics have a lot of similiarities when you think about it. There's a clearcut winner and loser, and close only counts in horseshoes.

Perhaps, the bitterness and name calling in the Presidential race will subside now that noone is listening to it, at least for the next two weeks anyway.

Sick and tired of Republican tactics

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 23:55:00 +0000

I'm sick and tired of Republican tactics. They trot them out every four years, and just enough people are influenced that it works.

Don't they have any honor? Will they do anything to win an election? Apparently so. I just hope people catch on to them, and it produces a great big backlash.

Whether it's Willie Horton or windsurfing or Dukakis in a helmet...is this the way we really want to choose a President?

I'm sick to the stomach about these negative advertisements and am afraid, quite afraid, they might work.

Are we really going to choose a President by the person who has the most effective commercials? Will we miss out on the brave new frontier of an Obama administration and choose the tired, pay-back-the-rich and campaign contributors of another Republican administration?

I thought John McCain might be better than this. That he experienced the knife-in-the-back tactics of the Bush team in 2000 and would run a better campaign. But there he is feigning innocence and calling out OBAMA for playing the race card.

I remember a friend of mine who relayed quite a good joke. What would I be if I weren't a Democrat? The answer: Ashamed.

Hypocrisy by the Right

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Barack Obama answered all John McCain's complaints about his overseas trip today with one simple sentence.

He said he was surprised by Mr. McCain's reaction because it was Mr. McCain who suggested he should go.

That's not to mention all the countdown clocks maintained by Fox News and similar "august" institutions, noting how many days it had been since Senator Obama last traveled to Iraq.

These guys are such hypocrites, they don't even acknowledge when you take their advice.

Meanwhile, Senator Obama was treated to a hero's welcome, and you know one reason why?

Because he was an adult who actually listened to their concerns and showed a modicum of intelligence. It's been eight long years under President Bush, and American citizens aren't the only ones chafing for a change.

Meanwhile, John McCain has sold out to the Republican establishment, and despite his infrequent attempts to renew his maverick status, he is totally trapped by them.

This man is not the same as the one from 2000 for many other reasons. He's become significantly older, forgets key facts and becomes nasty and ornery when things don't go his way. After eight long years with Bush, must we suffer through the childish snits of another Republican?

Obama Overseas

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:15:00 +0000

It makes me proud to be an American:

--To see the noblest aspects of our nature, not the caricatured picture of our greed.

--To see anything is possible in America, for anyone of any race.

--To see the world looking to our leadership again.

--To think we will be cheered in Europe instead of causing riots in the street.

--To have hope again for the future of our world.

--To be inspired again.

--To believe a rising tide will lift all boats, not just the rich.

--To know government may accomplish positive change instead of partisan rancor.

--To be rid of the hypocrisy of politicans using religion for personal advantage.

--To celebrate our diversity rather than having it used as a wedge to divide us.

--To see a future President who has a pretty good jump shot.

To see Obama overseas.

Obama, The Republicans and Catch 22

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Here's just a few "Catch 22" situations and hypocrisy I've observed from the recent campaign.

1. Obama is criticized for his position on Iraq and then when he moderates his stance, he's accused of being a flip-flopper.

2. When there was a lot of violence in Iraq, we had to keep the troops in to maintain stability, then when the violence declines, we have to stay in or all our gains will be lost.

3. We needed large tax cuts as a peace dividend when the economy was going well, then we needed large tax cuts as a stimulus when the economy was going poorly.

4. Bush tried to open ANWAR for drilling before energy prices went up, and we needed to drill after prices went up.

5. Bush was planning to invade Iraq before 9/11, then the tragedy was used as an excuse for war after 9/11.

6. We needed to cut Social Security always at all times. The current exemption of higher earnings from Social Security taxes would fix the situation, but somehow that isn't proposed as a solution.

7. Somehow regulation of the market regarding oil speculators isn't mentioned as an alternative to lower gas prices, even though everyone seems to agree that it's the speculation, and not supply and demand, that is driving the increase.

8. McCain says the economy is not his strong suit, then spends all his time campaigning about it.

9. Bush is a good President for McCain's private fundraisers, but then is shunned in all public situations.

10. McCain is a maverick and an orthodox Republican at the same time.

This is just a short list of contradictions, lies and deception. I'm sure the reader can think of many more.

10 Suggestions for Obama and McCain: Try PR 101

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Here's a note to both candidates regarding some fundamental tenets of public relations (see my company website at www.cioediting.com -- Cut-It-Out Communications -- for my professional qualifications).

1. First, get all your ducks in a row. Both Obama and McCain need to control their own surrogates a little more. Wesley Clarke shouldn't be making controversial remarks on Face the Nation, and Charlie Black shouldn't be fantasizing about political implications of the next terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

2. Choose no more than three talking points and stick to them. Both campaigns need to emphasize just a few themes to the exclusion of all others. I know there seem to be so many great topics out there, but the impact gets minimized when it's Iraq one day, the economy the next, and health insurance third. Bill Clinton had a way to focus when he told his campaign, "It's the economy, stupid."

3. Decide who's your target audience. It's nice for McCain to be concerned about the environment to go after independents, but his support for the Bush tax cuts tends to drive them away.

4. Pay attention to details. Things like the ugly green backdrop for McCain's speech after Obama won the nomination... And, if Obama's going to triangulate by talking about "refining" his Iraq policy, he'd better be prepared for the reaction, and not have to call another press conference to explain it.

5. Be consistent. McCain can't complain about Obama's failure to consider the realities on the ground in Iraq and then criticize him for flip flopping when he announces his trip to do so.

6. This one's primarily for McCain: Learn how to read a teleprompter already. It may be cute to brag you've never used a computer, but this tends turn off voters younger than 70. If you can't handle fundamental electronic equipment, maybe you should find a less demanding occupation.

7. Another for McCain: When your opponent has the eloquence and persuasive charm of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., all rolled into one, it might be helpful to learn how to give a speech. Like when to smile, when to pause, when to pause and smile, etc. You can't hold town hall meetings for the entire campaign.

8. Stick to your strong points. I know Obama's a capable guy, but why does he want to fight the campaign on national security, his opponent's best asset? Is this a matter of egotism? And why does McCain brag about his age during every speech?

9. Provide a long-term vision. We're all sick of the daily back and forth on who said what when.

10. Don't triangulate. This favorite tactic of Bill Clinton doesn't work when there's 24/7 cable news coverage, and every word you say is being recorded for posterity.

Just a few minor tips for the pros and their campaign staffs...

A Place Called Unity

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:02:00 +0000

It was political theater at its best in Unity, NH this week. It's not that I don't believe Hillary. It's just got to be so incredibly hard for her to do this, and she deserves all the kudos she gets. Just imagine being the favorite to win the Democratic nomination and then the Presidency, only to see it all slip away. It would have crushed other people, but Hillary did what she does best, pressing on despite all the clamor around her. It was that poise in the face of the Monica Lewinsky scandal that earned her stripes. Despite all the humiliation, she took counsel and decided to save her marriage.

This time, she's saving her political career and her husband's legacy, and I have no doubt she'll do it. Hillary does indeed love her country, and she's come out of this campaign with the admiration of all around her. I heard on TV the other day, she's in the same league as some of the noblest leaders of recent history who didn't quite make it: Al Gore, Hubert Humphrey, Adlai Stevenson. That's quite a rarified atmosphere, and I look forward to what she does with her new power. I have only the highest expectations.

The New McCarthyism: A Challenge to John McCain

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:47:00 +0000

I am sick to death of the cynical efforts of the Bush administration to equate any disagreement with their viewpoint on the war of terrorism as tantamount to unpatriotic beliefs. Since when, in a democracy, is disagreement and healthy debate on the issues transformed into personal ad hominem attacks on the individuals making them?

This is, in fact, the new McCarthyism, and I challenge John McCain to disavow it once and for all by firing his chief strategist, Charlie Black. Today, Charlie Black invoked the spectre of a terrorist attack on U.S. soil as beneficial to the McCain campaign. After a few non-denials, he issued a typical political non-apology.

Does Senator McCain have the courage of his convictions and his vow to run a campaign on the issues without innuendo or fear-mongering? Does he really belief in the honor and respect needed to do so?

If he does, it will require some hard decisions on his part. Firing Charlie Black would send a strong signal that Mr. McCain means what he says.

Barack Obama in a Landslide

noreply@blogger.com (Willy Gissen) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Am I missing something, or does it look like Barack Obama will win the November election in a landslide?

Almost every issue is in his favor. People are fed up with gas at four dollars a gallon, and two oil men are in the White House. The Republicans aren't even trying to reduce the price, other than using the issue to promote drilling offshore and in the Alaskan wilderness. And this is just a hypocritical effort to enact legislation they have sought for years.

Other than gas, there's the rising cost of food and a general malaise in the economy. This weakness can be attributed directly to the financial effects of a huge deficit, primarily because of the war in Iraq and taxes heavily skewed to favor the rich.

How can the Hispanic vote go Republican after that Party stoked the flames of nativism and prejudice? They endorsed the break-up of families and punishment for some of the lowest tiers of our society, people who struggle every day to just make ends meet and fill some of the jobs no other American would touch.

What about universal healthcare and the fact we are the only developed country in the Western world without a safety net for our citizens? How much longer will the Republicans be able to veto legislation such as the Children's Health Insurance Program?

And regardless of your opinion of the surge, how come the Republicans voted against a GI bill designed to offer veterans a free education after putting their lives on the line for our country? This is not a Democratic or Republican issue; it's only the same thing we did for veterans returning after World War II.

How about all the Republican scandals? The corruption, the outing of CIA agents like Valerie Plame, the usurpation of power in the executive branch, or holding civil judges to a political litmus test? Not to mention Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, warrantless wiretapping, the use of torture such as waterboarding, suspension of habeas corpus and other civil liberties.

What about the ongoing shameful response to New Orleans? President Bush promised a Marshall Plan to rebuild the area. Well???

I know John McCain is not as bad as George Bush; that's a very low bar. But someone, or some Party, must be held accountable.