Markets Plunge

But wait… I thought that we had to pass the bailout RIGHT NOW to prevent a CRISIS and that the bailout was the ONLY way to prevent an economic downturn?

LONDON - Asian and European stock markets plunged Monday as government bank bailouts in the U.S. and Europe failed to alleviate fears that the global financial crisis would depress world economic growth.

Or could it be that the bailout wasn’t really the right thing to do?

AP Smears Palin on Behalf of Obama

Wow.  The AP is soooooo in the bag for Obama.  Read the beginning of this story and tell me that it’s not an opinion piece:

WASHINGTON (AP) - By claiming that Democrat Barack Obama is “palling around with terrorists” and doesn’t see the U.S. like other Americans, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin targeted key goals for a faltering campaign.

And though she may have scored a political hit each time, her attack was unsubstantiated and carried a racially tinged subtext that John McCain himself may come to regret.

“Racially tinged?” Please.  The terrorist argument is completely provable.  Obama hangs around with Ayers, a terrorist.  The fact that Obama views the U.S. differently is also provable.  If you like Obama, he has a new vision for America that you like.  If you don’t like Obama, he has a new version for America that you don’t like.  Either way, he is a radical. 

The AP continues to disgrace itself. 

Ugh

It’s been a rough few weeks.  It’s interesting, in some relationships, difficult times pull people apart.  They expose the weaknesses in a relationship, wedge a screwdriver in the cracks, and pry it apart.  But then there’s me and My Wendy.  We’re closer than ever. 

Thank you, Darlin’.  I love you. 

Sports Day

Bad day for Wisconsin sports.  If it makes y’all feel better, the Cowboys won.  Oh, and the Lions lost. 

A&M Loses

You know… there was a time when A&M’s football team was known for their defense. 

Times Covers Ayers and Obama

The New York Times finally brings up Bill Ayers and Obama’s connection to him.  Of course, they attempt to cover for Obama, but at least they mentioned it. 

At a tumultuous meeting of anti-Vietnam War militants at the Chicago Coliseum in 1969, Bill Ayers helped found the radical Weathermen, launching a campaign of bombings that would target the Pentagon and United States Capitol.

Twenty-six years later, at a lunchtime meeting about school reform in a Chicago skyscraper, Barack Obama met Mr. Ayers, by then an education professor. Their paths have crossed sporadically since then, at a coffee Mr. Ayers hosted for Mr. Obama’s first run for office, on the schools project and a charitable board, and in casual encounters as Hyde Park neighbors.

[...]

A review of records of the schools project and interviews with a dozen people who know both men, suggest that Mr. Obama, 47, has played down his contacts with Mr. Ayers, 63. But the two men do not appear to have been close. Nor has Mr. Obama ever expressed sympathy for the radical views and actions of Mr. Ayers, whom he has called “somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8.”

[...]

That attitude is widely shared in Chicago, but it is not universal. Steve Chapman, a columnist for The Chicago Tribune, defended Mr. Obama’s relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., his longtime pastor, whose black liberation theology and “God damn America” sermon became notorious last spring. But he denounced Mr. Obama for associating with Mr. Ayers, whom he said the University of Illinois should never have hired.

“I don’t think there’s a statute of limitations on terrorist bombings,” Mr. Chapman said in an interview, speaking not of the law but of political and moral implications.

“If you’re in public life, you ought to say, ‘I don’t want to be associated with this guy,’ ” Mr. Chapman said. “If John McCain had a long association with a guy who’d bombed abortion clinics, I don’t think people would say, ‘That’s ancient history.’ ”

The Ayers story is really very simple.  Obama had a multi-faceted relationship with him.  Obama chose to have such a relationship knowing that Ayers is an unrepentant domestic terrorist.  This reflects on Obama’s (a) judgment and/or (b) character. 

Rachel Ray Loves Corn On The Cob

Beer Calories, Carbs, and Alcohol Content

For those of you tailgating for the Brewer game (yes, I assume that you are online and checking B&S), be sure to know your beer. 

Palin’s Charitable Giving Shames Bidens

Heh.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made considerably less money than rival Sen. Joe Biden, but the Palin family gave more to charity in the last two years than Biden has in the last eight combined, according to Palin’s tax records released Friday afternoon.

Palin, the running mate of presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and her husband Todd reported meager earnings from 2006 and 2007, at least by presidential-politics standards.

In 2006, the Palins paid $11,944 in taxes on $127,869 in income. In 2007, they paid $24,738 on $166,080.

But in 2006, they donated $4,880 to charity, and in 2007, they donated $3,325.

By contrast, Biden (D-Del.), Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s running mate, has donated a total of $3,690 since 1998 despite his higher Senate salary, according to an analysis posted by National Review.

Carlton?

What Just Happened?

Hat tip Charlie. 

Wisconsin Band Suspended

Ouch.

The University of Wisconsin marching band has been suspended while allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct are investigated.

The band won’t play Saturday during a nationally televised football game between the No. 18 Badgers and No. 14 Ohio State at Camp Randall Stadium.

The university made the announcement at a news conference Friday night, saying the behavior is consistent with conduct that put the band on probation in 2006.

The Bailout Passes the House

Democrats vote yea 172/63
Republicans vote nay 91/108

I guess larding up the bill made it easier to swallow. 

America is worse off today.  We will regret such a huge transition of power from the private economy into the federal government. 

HEADLINE: Joe Biden Steals Sarah Palin’s Child

Biden/Palin Debate Live Blog

Palin seems forced.  Didn’t like her answer that greedy lenders were responsible for the economic woes. 

Biden’s response about Obama voting to raise taxes on those earning $42k was weak. 

Palin very strong talking about her own record in cutting taxes.

Biden says they will give tax cuts to 95% making less than $350k and calls them “super wealthy.”

Palin, good response bringing up small business.

Gwen asking Palin to “defend” McCain’s healthcare plan… bias anyone?  Palin responded very well. 

Biden is getting rattled…

Biden ducked the question about what he would scale back in light of the $700 billion bailout.  He named one item - foreign aid - but then just talked about spending plans and tax increased.

Palin really taking control of this debate.  Emphasizing energy and own record on the issue.  Ducked the question too. 

GREAT answer to Gwen’s followup.  She hasn’t promised anything because she’s the VP. 

Palin hitting corruption on Wall Street again.  I hate that.  It’s true, to an extent, but she fails to put the blame on Congress, the Bush Administration, and the American people.  There’s plenty of blame to go around. 

Palin is weak in transitioning, but good once she gets into the topic.  It shows a lack of experience in high level debates, but I think that actually reinforces her persona. 

They [1] keep going on .. and on and on .. about taxes and tax breaks for the middle-classes.

Phhbtt.

If I cared about high taxes I would not have moved to Wisconsin, would I?

Hat tip Brian.

hehe… “the chant is ‘drill baby drill’.” Thanks Steele. 

Good for Palin for hitting Biden on record for clean coal.

The constitution calls for same sex benefits?  I must have missed that article. 

They both have too much makeup on. 

Biden, “We will end this war.”

Palin, “Your plan is a white flag of surrender.”

Good for Palin for pointing out Biden’s previous support for McCain.

WOW.  Palin hit Obama as Naiive.  Gutsy.  Risky but gutsy. 

Good response by Palin about Kissenger. 

“The theocracy controls the security apparatus in Iran...” by Biden.  True, but he didn’t name who Obama would sit down with other than Imanutjob. 

Biden should dye his hair red. 

Palin seems very rehearsed when she recites the names of foreign leaders when she mentions other nations. 

Biden was incoherrent on the nuclear test ban topic. 

Biden, “I gave the president the power.” Ego much? 

Palin hits Biden hard on “voted for the war but now oppose it.” Plays ‘outsider’ card.  Nice shot. 

Palin doing well continually bringing up Biden’s record and emphasizing McCain’s record. 

What’s the difference between “prevention” and “preemption?”

Role of VP… Palin rocked on this question.  Biden took up the attack and then seemed pretty weak. 

Biden: good answer about people’s motives.

Closing statements…

Palin ROCKED.  Straight talk right to the average American.

Biden did OK.  He had some great comments but also some cheap political shots. 

OVERALL:

Both candidates did well.  Compared to expectations, Palin did much better.  In balance, I thing it was somewhere between a a tie and a slight Palin win.