McCain said to choose Alaska gov as running mate.

[Sapiens]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_mccain_veepstakes


McCain said to choose Alaska gov as running mate.

DENVER - John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate on Friday in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

Two senior campaign officials disclosed Mccain's decision a few hours before the Republican presidential nominee-to-be and his newly-minted running mate appeared at a rally in swing-state Ohio.

Palin is a self-styled hockey mom and political reformer who has been governor of her state less than two years.

Palin's selection shocked numerous Republican officials.

In making his pick, Mccain passed over several more prominent prospects who had figured in speculation for months — Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge among them.

At 44, Palin is a generation younger that Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, who is Barack Obama's running mate on the Democratic ticket.

She is three years Obama's junior, as well — and McCain has made much in recent weeks of Obama's relative lack of experience in foreign policy and defense matters.

Palin flew overnight to an airport in Ohio near Dayton, and even as she awaited her formal introduction, some aides said they had believed she was at home in Alaska.

She is a former mayor of Wasilla who became governor of her state in December, 2006 after ousting a governor of her own party in a primary and then dispatching a former governor in the general election.

More recently, she has come under the scrutiny of an investigation by the Republican-controlled legislature into the possibility that she ordered the dismissal of Alaska's public safety commissioner because he would not fire her former brother-in-law as a state trooper.



What a setup. So the Republicans are made to concede the election.

[phirang]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_mccain_veepstakes



What a setup. So the Republicans are made to concede the election.

What a relief! Now I can sit tight in my upstream infrastructure equities, given that Obama is going to absolutely annihilate McHoov.

[metalman]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_mccain_veepstakes



What a setup. So the Republicans are made to concede the election.

wow :eek:

i mean.... wow :eek::eek::eek:

they really, really, really, really don't want to win this, do they? dump it on the dems and pick up the pieces in 2012.

[flintlock]

I thought McCain was slow, but I didn't see this coming. Just a poor decision on so many levels. A weak attempt to pick up unhappy Hillary Clinton supporters. Will cost him big time.

McCain rags Obama on no experience, then picks the former Mayor of Wasilla( pop 9000) to be the likely president when he dies or is incapacitated.

It will be yet another historical nomination. The first MILF VP.:D

[metalman]

I thought McCain was slow, but I didn't see this coming. Just a poor decision on so many levels. A weak attempt to pick up unhappy Hillary Clinton supporters. Will cost him big time.

McCain rags Obama on no experience, then picks the former Mayor of Wasilla( pop 9000) to be the likely president when he dies or is incapacitated.

It will be yet another historical nomination. The first MILF VP.:D

they really, really want to lose...

Palin circles the wagons: Transparency a casualty (http://palininvestigated.blogspot.com/)

http://palininvestigated.blogspot.com/

Seems like just yesterday, Sarah Palin was on a passionate crusade for open and transparent government. Fighting the Randy Ruedrichs and the Greg Renkes of the world, demanding a government that allowed a clear view for all to see from the outside.

Today it appears time for Palin to write an obituary for that noble crusade.

In a shocking interview with Anchorage Daily News Reporter Lisa Demer (http://community.adn.com/adn/node/129950#new)on Thursday, Palin's Communication Director Bill McAllister defended the administration's abandonement of their "open and transparent government" promise by saying it didn't really apply to everything.

[jimmygu3]

I thought McCain was slow, but I didn't see this coming. Just a poor decision on so many levels. A weak attempt to pick up unhappy Hillary Clinton supporters. Will cost him big time.

McCain rags Obama on no experience, then picks the former Mayor of Wasilla( pop 9000) to be the likely president when he dies or is incapacitated.

It will be yet another historical nomination. The first MILF VP.:D

Yeah, and McCain's wife would be the first GILF first lady.

[metalman]

and she's , like, so into it and ready and stuff...

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2HSMvqluT0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2HSMvqluT0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Andreuccio]

The first MILF VP.:D

That's why I love iTulip: the opportunity to view issues from a variety of perspectives. :)

[phirang]

Great: Obama is the next president.

Now I can get back into solar equities...

[metalman]

Great: Obama is the next president.

Now I can get back into solar equities...

yes, it's time.... off 50% since ej was bashing them on cnbc, except for the bloated stocks with the huge p/e's...

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/f/fslr
p/e 100

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/s/spwr
p/e 153

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/a/amat
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/h/hoku
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/s/stp
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/o/oegy.ob
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/e/eslr
p/e inf

if those valuations look rich, check the vc trends...

AVA Solar Continues Quest to be Next First Solar, Huge Round Soon to Close
August 27, 2008 at 1:00 PM

In their quest to create the next First Solar, VC investors are making enormous bets on new solar technologies, including the difficult Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) materials system.

I’ve just learned from a very reliable investor source that AVA Solar, a CdTe photovoltaics manufacturer in Colorado, has received a term sheet for a :eek: $100 million round at a $750 million pre-money valuation :eek:, with $50 million of that round coming from DCM. A contact at AVA Solar declined to comment.

Valuations in these stratospheric ranges are becoming the norm for solar startups with very high expectations and very low revenues such as Solyndra, Nanosolar and Miasolé.

http://greenlight.greentechmedia.com/2008/08/27/ava-solar-continues-quest-to-be-next-first-solar-huge-round-soon-to-close-493/

[phirang]

yes, it's time.... off 50% since ej was bashing them on cnbc, except for the bloated stocks with the huge p/e's...

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/f/fslr
p/e 100

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/s/spwr
p/e 153

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/a/amat
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/h/hoku
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/s/stp
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/o/oegy.ob
p/e inf

http://chart.finance.yahoo.com/c/1y/e/eslr
p/e inf

if those valuations look rich, check the vc trends...

What's wrong with paying for 60x's earnings :rolleyes:

[Rantly McTirade]

The worst part of this selection is that Mrs. Palin has five children, four of whom are under 18 and the youngest is a Down's Syndrome child under 18
months old. The woman has no business holding any job outside the home-it makes Hillary Clinton's narcissism and cultural Marxism look like
Mother Teresa. On the other hand, her maternal skills seem rather suspect, as her oldest has decided to become a Hessian;and in a twist
that simply invites conspiracy spinning, he 'verbally' committed on September 11 last year to start his new job on September 11 this year-can you say cynical political manipulation showing utter contempt for
the voters.

[c1ue]

I don't know about Mrs. Palin's choice necessarily being a completey bad one.

For every poke at her lack of credentials and experience, the rebound goes right at Obama.

While I do think it is scary that Governer Palin is waiting in the wings to take over should something happen to McCain, then again it could also be argued that she is purely in the backup position.

Is it better to train someone on the job or have someone learn in the 'apprentice' position? :rolleyes:

Plus she IS a woman - another clear departure from the traditional old white man Republican.

She is the McCain counterpoint to Biden; young female newcomer vs. old hand Demo insider.

[phirang]

I don't know about Mrs. Palin's choice necessarily being a completey bad one.

For every poke at her lack of credentials and experience, the rebound goes right at Obama.

While I do think it is scary that Governer Palin is waiting in the wings to take over should something happen to McCain, then again it could also be argued that she is purely in the backup position.

Is it better to train someone on the job or have someone learn in the 'apprentice' position? :rolleyes:

Plus she IS a woman - another clear departure from the traditional old white man Republican.

She is the McCain counterpoint to Biden; young female newcomer vs. old hand Demo insider.

America's economy is collapsing and the repubs are throwing up Hoover 2.0 and Redneck Hockey Mom as leaders?

OBama's plan aint great, but it sure as hell is better than McHoov.

[flintlock]

Unfortunately, the American presidential race has become "American Idol-ized". The candidate with the best points for style, looks, and dancing ability wins over substance. This applies to both parties.
Pretty creepy to think that McCain wants the job so bad he's willing to risk entrusting the welfare of a country of 300 million to a lady who, while probably very nice, ran a state of 670,000 for less than two years. Before that she was a part time mayor of a town of 9000, and helped run her family fishing business. She may agree with 90% of my politics, but then again so does my mother. But I don't think my Mom should be VP. They treat the selection of VP like its some sort of joke.

I think Palin may have a good future in politics, she just hasn't been involved long enough in any meaningful way to justify her selection. George Bush is famous for his bad judgement in selecting the people around him. Looks like McCain will be just as bad.

And yes, I agree pretty much the same could be said about Obama experience wise. :D

[WDCRob]

I want to know if he actually has a Big Red Button with "Panic" written on it sitting somewhere handy at all times? Or is it more of an internally driven thing?

[GRG55]

Unfortunately, the American presidential race has become "American Idol-ized". The candidate with the best points for style, looks, and dancing ability wins over substance. This applies to both parties...

This isn't anything new in politics, nor is it restricted to the U.S.

Years back, in a political contest in Canada, a stylish, articulate, but inexperienced candidate responded to the same criticism from his opponent with the rejoinder "Style is substance". He won.

[jshare]

The first MILF VP.:D

Funny you should say that... http://vpilf.com/

[raja]

While I do think it is scary that Governer Palin is waiting in the wings to take over should something happen to McCain, then again it could also be argued that she is purely in the backup position.

On the other hand, she's backing up a 72-year-old man :eek:

[BiscayneSunrise]

Palin may have only been governor for just 2 years but governor is a 24/7 job whereas being a Senator is more like being a board member. Kind of there, checks in every quarter to see what's happening but no real responsibility other than oversight. She may be young and inexperienced but she is slated for the number 2 role where Obama with arguably the same experience is the number 1. Why the snit over her experience level but not his? I mean this election is about change, not experience, right?

So it's not so much about experience as it is leadership, determination, vision and decision making abilities. She has taken on the Republican establishment in Alaska and won, then took on the bureaucrats in Juneau. Obama seems to have advanced, by and large, by.... well, I'm not sure. His image and rhetoric? Maybe someone can help me here.

I have known a few women (and men) like her in the business world. They may be awfully young but they have a maturity and a presence well beyond their years. My guess is that anyone who underestimates Palin does so at their own peril.

I believe this pick by McCain belies many of the criticisms leveled at him early on. Too old, too senile, his heart's not in it, just got the nomination because it was his turn, the next Bob Dole, etc. He has shown to have run a pretty shrewd and aggressive campaign. No doubt, the McCain campaign is seeing a major spike right now in contributions and volunteers from conservatives and evangelicals. This VP pick shows he is anything but predictable and it certainly was a game changer.

[Jim Nickerson]

Funny you should say that... http://vpilf.com/

What is MILF and VPILF?

I noted an article saying how pleased the Bible-beaters are that Ms. Palin is an evangelical whatever.

Then I found this photo that is posted to be Ms. Palin.

http://valleywag.com/assets/images/valleywag/2008/08/SarahPalin1.jpg

What do you call those shoes? FMP's for all you acronym lovers.

[Lukester]

Jim -

That is almost certainly a photomontage. I know a little bit about doctored images. The head is the superimposed image. There is also the question generally, of "plausibility".

[Jim Nickerson]

Jim -

That is almost certainly a photomontage. I know a little bit about doctored images. The head is the superimposed image. There is also the question generally, of "plausibility".

Luke, since you are apparently in the software business, I find your opinion credible, and for the sake of all evangelicals everywhere, I pray you are correct. If not, the Republicans are doomed, I say doomed.

[Lukester]

I like McCain (sort of, in a vague way, with copious reservations, etc) but this choice for a running mate seems to me to embody everything that is hopelessly dysfunctional about the American "mature democracy". According to Bloomberg she was chosen to "appeal to women voters, but also to counter concerns that McCain is too old". And they then go on to sagely opine, that this choice could "blunt McCain's accusations that Obama is too young for the job, because Palin is also too young". If I were a campaign strategist, I could not imagine a more dumbass series of "considerations" for picking running mates.

All of these vapid electioneering idiots will lead us right over the fiscal cliff. Barak Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden, and Sarah Palin. Oompah bands booming, flags waving, "new hope for America" chanting crowds of Democrat and Republican peabrained partisans all waving their colors and thinking in sound bites. The entire political dog and pony show - over the cliff, and they'll drag us along with them.

"Appeal to women voters, but also to counter concerns that McCain is too old" - this sort of asinine "strategizing" tells us everything we need to know about the nation's collective IQ at the most critical point in perhaps the past 100 years. What are they thinking? "Put America back to work"?, "Make America Safe"? Not one of them even mentions the former Comptroller General David Walker's concerns. As a campaign issue in 2008, it seems relegated to "another plank in the party platforms".

"Appeal to Women". "Appeal to minorities". "Appeal to the rust belt". "Appeal to the bible belt". "Appeal to liberals". "Appeal to conservatives". What is wrong wth this picture? Does it evidence an elaborate ritual of window dressing or a nation coming to grips with it's most critical issues?

[$#*]

At least Palin looks so much better in a dress than Rudy:

http://bp3.blogger.com/_uExTzMIDd1Y/R5nSCJswFaI/AAAAAAAAAgs/9gkOWxvaCxs/s1600-h/Sarah-Palin-Vogue.jpg


<object width="425" height="344">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4IrE6FMpai8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></object>

[Lukester]

Only in NY!! New Yorkers have a zanier sense of humor than the rest of the country. And this drag impersonation, by a Mayor!?? Folks, it only ever happens in NY! :D

[$#*]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20080830/capt.cps.nlc34.300808043859.photo04.photo.default-512x378.jpg?x=400&y=295&q=85&sig=VjP_G52513wC_aLGH4ABxA--

Palin seems very happy for being selected by McCain but she has no illusions about her future ...:)

[GRG55]

I like McCain (sort of, in a vague way, with copious reservations, etc) but this choice for a running mate seems to me to embody everything that is hopelessly dysfunctional about the American "mature democracy". According to Bloomberg she was chosen to "appeal to women voters, but also to counter concerns that McCain is too old". And they then go on to sagely opine, that this choice could "blunt McCain's accusations that Obama is too young for the job, because Palin is also too young". If I were a campaign strategist, I could not imagine a more dumbass series of "considerations" for picking running mates.

All of these vapid electioneering idiots will lead us right over the fiscal cliff. Barak Obama, John McCain, Joe Biden, and Sarah Palin. Oompah bands booming, flags waving, "new hope for America" chanting crowds of Democrat and Republican peabrained partisans all waving their colors and thinking in sound bites. The entire political dog and pony show - over the cliff, and they'll drag us along with them.

"Appeal to women voters, but also to counter concerns that McCain is too old" - this sort of asinine "strategizing" tells us everything we need to know about the nation's collective IQ at the most critical point in perhaps the past 100 years. What are they thinking? "Put America back to work"?, "Make America Safe"? Not one of them even mentions the former Comptroller General David Walker's concerns. As a campaign issue in 2008, it seems relegated to "another plank in the party platforms".

"Appeal to Women". "Appeal to minorities". "Appeal to the rust belt". "Appeal to the bible belt". "Appeal to liberals". "Appeal to conservatives". What is wrong wth this picture? Does it evidence an elaborate ritual of window dressing or a nation coming to grips with it's most critical issues?

Interesting thread for this outside observer of the proceedings.

One thing seems obvious however. Based on the cable news coverage [CNN, etc.] I've been sampling (totally unscientifically), the GOP has stolen vast amounts of media airtime from the Dems from the moment they shut the lights off in Denver.

One thing about politics; "they may not be saying nice things about you, but at least they aren't ignoring you"

[Rajiv]

Then of course there is this ---

Bristol Palin was out of sight for the last five months of her mom Sarah Palin's reported pregnancy, and no one in the Guv's circle saw signs of pregnancy. Some pictorial evidence, and four month old articles from the Fairbanks Newsminer raise serious questions.
<object height="344" width="425">

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EnBjwZ93n6Q&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></object>Also Sarah Palin Is NOT The Mother [Photos+Video] (http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223)

Yesterday, with the news of Sarah Louise Heath Palin inexplicably being chosen as a Vice-Presidential nominee, the attentive American public was also introduced to her character. Unfortunately for all of us, it was filled with multiple instances of backtracking and outright lies. While Alaskans had been giving her an 80% approval rating, recently 87% of Alaskans polled on the subject of TrooperGate believed she was lying.


Now, I've known liars in my life. Their single core problem is not with themselves, but those around them. If they're never called out on their twisting of truths and fabrications, they simply continue to make larger lies.


Well, Sarah, I'm calling you a liar. And not even a good one. Trig Paxson Van Palin is not your son. He is your grandson. The sooner you come forward with this revelation to the public, the better.

[babbittd]

wow :eek:

i mean.... wow :eek::eek::eek:

they really, really, really, really don't want to win this, do they? dump it on the dems and pick up the pieces in 2012.

McInsane continues to have no chance.

First in the middle of a recession he says he doesn't know anything about economics and some conservatives defended that, becuase why should the President know about minor details such as, for example, the causes of inflation? Phil Gramm, his chief economic advisor, pulled his stunt. And now this. They choose a woman with less political experience than me, that no one in the galaxy accept on Planet Alaska has ever heard of and she is supposed to be one heartbeat away from an old guy with a history of cancer.

What a joke. They are not throwing it, they are just morons. Why spend the money if they are throwing it? They could save that for future elections.

[Lukester]

Babbittd -

I notice everyone making comments on the upcoming elections is sort of sliding and gliding and sashaying into their "standardized political positions (or is it "gun-turrets"?). I'm a free agent in these elections. I could go anywhere on the map and place a vote. I don't think Obama is the worst presidential candidate I've seen, by a long chalk. But you are running down McCaine's Vice Presidential running mate like she's pathetic. Have you taken a closer look at the hack Obama has hitched his wagon to? You are a real smart guy. I respect virtually all of your posting here. But don't let the "gun turret" mindset blind you to the warts on Obama's running mate. He's a rhetorical jouster and career senator, jaundiced, populist, and shorn of discernible principles, right up there with the "winners" in that category. Palin may be a peculiar pick (and I wouldn't even be surprised if Rajiv's posted you-tube scoop on her was real) but she at least has had a brifer history in office, so is saddled with somewhat less of that sort of history. I don't mind Obama too much but his running mate selection has me breaking out in hives.

McInsane continues to have no chance.

First in the middle of a recession he says he doesn't know anything about economics and some conservatives defended that, becuase why should the President know about minor details such as, for example, the causes of inflation? Phil Gramm, his chief economic advisor, pulled his stunt. And now this. They choose a woman with less political experience than me, that no one in the galaxy accept on Planet Alaska has ever heard of and she is supposed to be one heartbeat away from an old guy with a history of cancer.

What a joke. They are not throwing it, they are just morons. Why spend the money if they are throwing it? They could save that for future elections.

[babbittd]

Babbittd -

I notice everyone making comments on the upcoming elections is sort of sliding and gliding and sashaying into their "standardized political positions (or is it "gun-turrets"?). I'm a free agent in these elections. I could go anywhere on the map and place a vote. I don't think Obama is the worst presidential candidate I've seen, by a long chalk. But you are running down McCaine's Vice Presidential running mate like she's pathetic. Have you taken a closer look at the hack Obama has hitched his wagon to? You are a real smart guy. I respect virtually all of your posting here. But don't let the "gun turret" mindset blind you to the warts on Obama's running mate. He's a rhetorical jouster and career senator, jaundiced, populist, and shorn of discernible principles, right up there with the "winners" in that category. Palin may be a peculiar pick (and I wouldn't even be surprised if Rajiv's posted you-tube scoop on her was real) but she at least has had a brifer history in office, so is saddled with somewhat less of that sort of history. I don't mind Obama too much but his running mate selection has me breaking out in hives.

edit: It may not have shown completely yet, but I'm equal opportunity basher of both parties and am just hoping to make out financially on the whole thing. For the time being, I've given up on the sucker's play elections for the White House and Senate.

[babbittd]

Rajiv,

Here's what one article says: http://townhall.com/blog/g/9b3375c7-6a27-4b5e-9204-b267282a1ce1

the DailyKos is wrong on when the photo was taken. It was taken, and published, by the Anchorage Daily News in 2006. Baby Trig, a child with Down's Syndrome, was born on April 18, 2008.

[Rajiv]

See the TPM version (http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/08/palins-leaking-amniotic-fluid.php) of waterbreakgate:

and here (http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/08/water-breakgate-8312008-new-an.php)

also the opednews version of the story - BabyGate: Explosive New Details and the Smoking Gun Photomore pics, (http://www.opednews.com/articles/BabyGate-Explosive-New-De-by-the-web-080901-771.html)

Also can a 7 month pregnant woman ever sit like shown in the video below? Or for that matter should she even try to?


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There is something here that is not quite right -- along with Sarah Palins other issue like the [/URL][URL="http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/09/palin_likely_to_testify_soon_u.php"]troopergate probe (http://www.opednews.com/articles/BabyGate-Explosive-New-De-by-the-web-080901-771.html)

[Lukester]

Rajiv -

It's a good thesis and quite plausible. Could be an election buster for McCain. Now proceed to "stress-test" your own thesis. The procedure of actually giving birth involves a whole extended chain of medical personnel. All parts of the process are logged at a natal clinic or hospital. Your thesis may be hugely probable but until it's proponents are seen to rigorously examine the plausibiity of those "weak spots" they are not credible.

Stop and think. Two or three dozen medical personnel and hospital staff A) don't leak a whisper of anything irregular in her actual childbirth at that hospital, and B) every last one of them risks loss of their licensing to practice by engaging in a cover up. It's called malpractice to engage in systematic cover ups in any hospital and it is not taken lightly by licensing boards. A scrupulous conspiracy proponent will look at the weak spots early on n their theory and give them a good going over.

Oh, and you can add the concealment within medical records anywhere of the birth of this baby to her daughter. Lots of assorted medical staff suddenly becoming real adventurous with the good standing of their license to practice.

[Rajiv]

Lukester,

The records will be there, but medical records are confidential, and are not accessible to reporters -- It is easy enough for Sarah Palin to make her medical records public -- it is quite remarkable that this has not yet been done. I am still waiting for it.

A woman taking responsibility for the birth of an illegitimate grandchild is something that has been quite often done before, with the connivance of doctors, nurses and hospitals to avoid embarrassment to the families affected, particularly when the families are well regarded in "society" and politically well connected.

In this whole episode, even as I have posited it, Sarah Palin has done nothing illegal, and hence no whistleblower shall jeopardize their career by violating patient confidentiality.