The Straight Talk Express

I found this video quite interesting and felt that as election time is drawing ever closer, it may be a good idea to present some opinionated videos and information on each of the candidates. The views expressed in the video do not necessarily reflect the views of myself or this blog. We are here to present you with information and draw your own conclusions.

Money and Politics

It has often been said that both money and politics go hand in hand. To be successful in politics, you have to have money. The argument is valid, as of course gaining political power in itself is a money game. We see on TV each night how each candidate is spending their campaign money, who has a surplus of funds and who is hitting it rough. I recall reading an article not too far back addressing the possibility of whether or not a middle class person could ever ascend to the highest seat in the nation. While I like to think this possible, it is clear that without adequate funding, no candidate can ever really be successful. Therefore, while citizens of all classes have the opportunity to run for political office, only the wealthy have the opportunity to win. Keep in mind that I am addressing higher positions, not small state or local offices. That very message itself is quite moronic, that although we are "all created equal" according to the constitution, the wealthier will always have a say in how us financially less fortunate individuals lead our lives. I understand money and I understand politics and I am well aware that this is the way it is and essentially always has been. However, I like to think that somewhere down the line in the history of our country, a candidate from the poorer classes will emerge and gain the support of the American Majority (middle and lower classes) to become president of our great country.

McCain and Rice GOP ticket?

For several months now many analysts and folks interested in politics have said that the Democrats could potentially put together a dream ticket with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. News flash, the Republicans appear to also possess the potential to put together a similar ticket. The only negative of Condoleezza Rice appearing on the ticket is that she has never held a political office and her ties to President Bush. With Rice as the GOP Vice-Presidential candidate, the Republicans will be unable to use the experience issue against Barack Obama, seeing that Rice has no experience outside her Secretary of State post. However, Rice is a highly educated conservative who can help McCain steal independent votes away from the Democrats. She can only help John McCain appeal to conservative voters and has been a pretty efficient Secretary of State. Besides Rice, Mitt Romney has also been mentioned as a leading candidate to earn the nomination. Romney is clearly being considered due to his appeal to conservative voters. McCain has a tough decision ahead of him, but if Rice is chosen, the 2008 election will surely be even more interesting.

Is Pulling Out of Iraq Realistic?

I am all for pulling out of Iraq and bring the troops home. I feel like we are fighting in a war and risking the lives of thousands of Americans for the wrong reasons. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have both said that if they should be elected to the presidency, a large majority of the troops will be coming home. While I am completely for this withdrawal, I realize the problems that could arise from such an action. A withdrawal seems to signify an admission of defeat and leaving the unstable Iraqi government to fend of Al-Qaeda by itself. Many people tend to feel that should that be the case, it's Iraq's problem. Many also believe that a withdrawal would do a disjustice to the thousands of service men and women who lost their lives fighting for our country. To make a withdrawal possible, we need to be training the Iraqi army and police force to deal with the Al-Qaeda threat. It is their country and it will ultimately turn out to be their fight. To how far an extent can American blood be spilled to further a war that never should have taken place in the beginning? I just hope that whoever the next President is, that he or she makes the right decisions on Iraq and closes the political divide present in the United States today.

Random Political Headlines

The Presidential campaign of Illinois Senator Barack Obama has seemed to be rather interesting over the last few weeks. After weeks of being the front runner for the Democratic nomination, things seemed to change a bit after Obama's pastor made some questionable comments. Just a day ago, Obama received a key endorsement by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson, should in all likelihood, help Obama gain votes among the American Latino population. Obama did the right thing standing behind his pastor, no matter the degree of ludicrousy of his comments, Obama showed that there actually is loyalty somewhere in the political world. Let's face it, nobody is perfect, especially politicians. However, it is good to see a candidate stand behind their decisions and not make excuses for their stupidity. If you are looking for a perfect candidate, one without any skeletons in their closet, you are about as dumb as Donald Trump is rich. If you have gazed at CNN or MSNBC over the last few days, you have seen the pastor chaos, Geraldine Ferraro spurting garbage and the faithful New York Governor auditions where two candidates have already been eliminated. Politics is about negative publicity, nobody has ever succeeded in politics praising their opponent. How can I forget to mention John McCain, who received very positive criticism over his well thought out comments concerning Iran. I'm sorry, that was a lie, even I can pretend I am a politician every now and again. It is pretty sad when a Presidential candidate fails to remember who the players are in the Iraq war. Perhaps, important knowledge is no longer relevant in politics.

How Important is Experience?

Experience has always been something associated with the presidency. We as a country have had very experienced individuals elected to the Presidency and on occasion we have also had those that lack "experience". In my opinion, no matter how much experience you say you have or what your credentials state, the Presidency is a position like no other in the country. Character and personal traits are taken more into consideration when judging how well a candidate is suited for the Presidency, as experience is a transparent benefit. Americans can relate to character, much more appropriately than they can relate to political experience. In the 2008 election, opponents of Senator Barack Obama downplay his own political experience. I recall watching an episode of the Daily Show in which John Stewart replied something to this effect in response to Obama's supposed inexperience "What happened the last time an inexperienced Senator from Illinois was elected president?" Of course, he was referring to the legendary Abraham Lincoln, the President credited with ending slavery and closing the darkest chapter in American history. Lincoln, who succeeded James Buchanan to become President, was also considered mildly inexperienced. Buchanan, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the most experienced Presidents ever elected to office. We all know, it was the "inexperienced" Lincoln who cleaned up the mess the "experienced" Buchanan Presidency left behind. The same goes for Dwight D. Eisenhower, the least experienced President ever elected into office. With absolutely no political experience, just his military generalship, the Eisenhower Presidency goes down in history as perhaps one of the most successful in US history. So, as Barack Obama faces people who question his experience today, just remember that experience has failed us before and character has yet to let us down.

A fork in the road.

In this 2008 election voters are coming out in mass numbers to have their voice finally heard. Why you may ask are people so passionate about politics when for the past two decades voting has been viewed as more of a chore than a civic duty and a privilege? The answer is simple. These Americans are all huddling around one single premise that seems to have found a place on the democratic candidates political platforms. The idea of change is appealing to almost all voters in this upcoming election. After eight years of George Bush's failed policies America's citizens are looking for a leader with the inept ability to carry us to this new world where America is the true super power that it is quite capable of being. The question is who is more apt to bring about change in government? Hillary Clinton with her recent surge from Tuesday's primaries and caucuses seems to be pushing the message of change to the working class and the elder electorate. However, Barack Obama has inspired the crucial youth vote with his inspiring speeches, his determination, and his mindset .that together we can overcome; as his campaign phrase states"Yes we can." Change itself is not an easy premise. As Barack and Hillary have both stated "change" comes from the bottom up. The divide among Democrats mostly comes from their opinions of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton. Mr. Obama has frequently been scrutinized over his "lack of public service" and experience if you will. Although in our past as a country revolution and change has never come from those who live with outdated mindsets. Change comes from those who challenge the norm. Barack Obama has also been heavily scrutinized for his position on foreign policy. In a very bold and powerful move he has publicly stated that as President of these United States of America he will meet with foreign leaders face to face and rather than using brute foolish violence. He will follow the teachings of some of the greatest presidents and peace bringing people this country has ever seen and push diplomacy farther than hate. Mrs. Clinton however stands by the policy that we should not recognize our enemies and "give them the satisfaction" of acknowledging them. However, only through compromise can change happen. In the upcoming election the issue of experience will surely come up again. It is arguable to say that Barack Obama has legions of experience working with the downtrodden and desperate of Chicago as a community organizer. However, Hillary Clinton has had eight years of experience alongside her husband, former President Bill Clinton. In this upcoming election the vote will not be easy but we as Americans must see past skin color, gender, religion, and the past in order to look to the future with the man, or woman, who will take us there as brothers and as fellow citizens of this great country.

Potential VP's: John McCain GOP

As election day is approaching and John McCain has all but sealed the Republican Nomination, it is time to take a look at who he potentially may choose to balance his ticket. McCain lacks with the conservative base and needs to select a candidate that appeals to conservative voters and independents alike. Several leading candidates for the nomination include:

Joe Lieberman: Does Joe Lieberman really have a chance to be named VP? If McCain plans on winning, probably not. The independent buddy of McCain, Lieberman has a history of strong foreign policy appeal. However, being a left winged independent, a Lieberman selection will not please conservative Republican voters. With that in mind, it appears McCain's best buddy will remain off the ticket.

Mike Huckabee: I had to throw Huckabee's name into the mix here. Huckabee should be applauded for his "comeback kid" mentality, however he has to know when enough is enough. While a Huckabee oval office seems pretty unlikely, Huckabee may still have a chance to appear on the Republican ticket, as John McCain's running mate. Huckabee has adequate support among conservatives and tremendous support among Evangelicals. However, many conservatives who dislike him, also dislike McCain. While Huckabee may be a good choice for VP, he doesn't quite balance the ticket.

Marsha Blackburn: Quite the intrigueing pick, Blackburn hails from Tennessee and carries quite a bit of conservative support with her. Like Rice, Blackburn has the opportunity to steal some of the overall momentum the Democrats could have going into the election. Republicans view her as a "rising star" and she is definitely someone to watch come nomination time.

Rudy Giuliani: The former Republican front runner may get some consideration from McCain but personally I feel he carries too much baggage to get the nod. Giuliani will become a tool that the Democrats will pick apart if he is indeed selected. I have the feeling that "America's Mayor" won't become America's Vice President, at least for another four years.

Condoleezza Rice: The current Secretary of State poses to make the 2008 election even more interesting. Imagine the possibility of a white male presidential candidate and an African American female pitted against an African American male and a white female (or vice versus). Rice has the experience, serving under both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. However, her connection to Bush proves to be her biggest downfall.

Tim Pawlenty: The youthful governor of Minnesota, Pawlenty has adequate conservative support and could potentially help McCain win the state of Minnesota come election time. His support for McCain at a very early stage in his candidacy could potentially help him gain consideration. Overall Pawlenty stands a fair chance at getting the nomination.

Another notables include:
Jim Demint
Colin Powell
Mitt Romney
Mike Pence