DISQUS

dad · 1 year ago

Nice job Jim!

hit_escape · 1 year ago

Nice job thinking on your feet. I'd probably shake his hand and be tongue-tied. You've set a good example for citizens everywhere. Speak up, because our wonderful press will not!

sittenpretty · 1 year ago

BRAVO send to Rahcel and Keith ASAP.....applause

canuck55 · 1 year ago

Oh yeah Jim!
I agree, Rachel would love to interview you for her new show, starting Monday. I plan on being in front of the tube (LCD display?) for the show, with a fine mixed cocktail in hand in honour of Rachel.

sittenpretty · 1 year ago

oopsie teh sorry for double post

HereinDC · 1 year ago

I feel like I was there. That was great "reporting"
Thanks Jim and family.

erykah · 1 year ago

Wow, good for you!

martha · 1 year ago

Jim and family - Thanks for your service!

Ben Dover · 1 year ago

Huge thank you's to Jim and his family.

That's hero status in my book.

PKHamil · 1 year ago

Most of us wouldn't have the nerve to speak up. Good for you ! The fact that they didn't answer does not surprise me at all. Excuse me for changing the subject but I am curious about something else. We the people did not elect Bush but he's there just the same. Doesn't anyone think that may happen this time too ?

WatchmanD · 1 year ago

Touche! Jim and Family
Celebration time is near
I feel a purge coming on

November 5th the purge worked!

Obama/Biden 08

AdrianBrowne · 1 year ago

They can run but they can't hide from Americablog!

How refreshing to hear a real question.

The RNC is gonna have to send Sarah back to the shop to grind down some of the uglier welds.

anotherdumguy · 1 year ago

How dare you! For five and a half years he couldn't vote against GI bills.
Did you know he was a POW?

donotmakemecomedownthere · 1 year ago

This is exactly how Kings and Queens in the 17th-century behaved.

And then they were beheaded. ba-da-boom

Indigo · 1 year ago

Yeah, guys, good job. Has your phone line started to click on and off yet? You can bet you're on The List.

vkobaya · 1 year ago

This was in Firedoglake.com:

Sarah Palin is Republican marketing a not credible candidate.

People stood in line to buy Pet Rocks, this is no different.

Republicans have been doing this extremely succssfully for decades. Reagan, Bush I, Bush II, now McCain and Sarah Palin. And then when they failed as with Clinton, we saw how bitter, hateful, resentful and petulant they were that we wouldn't buy that particular pet rock. For God Sake, they impeached Clinton when we didn't buy the pet rock they were selling that time.

vkobaya · 1 year ago

On second thought, the Republicans aren't selling the pet rock, but the next fad, the pet screw.

Bozzy54 · 1 year ago

..but their base is rock hard stupid for sure and willing co-conspirators at this point for supporting the McC/ Palin ticket.
Did others catch a few of the views of them on the trail to gether, McCain is shameless and actually a bit chagrinned for it is NOT HIM the crowd appalauds/cheers but the new on the scene pit bull in lipstick and he stands to HER side looking awkward but pleased as it gets spun about what large crowds and etc as if for them BOTH when NOT.
Any catch the story of the FLAGS ripped off from the Dems and handed out at the Colorado Rally and with the story that the DEMS had just bundled them for trash so a vendor took it upon himself to "rescue" (steal) them for the McCain rally..McC told the crowd how much he LIKED those waving flags at the event...ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME and the receiver of stolen property to boot !!! It is outrageous and yet never held accountable !!!!

michjon · 1 year ago

campaign for Obama ;its the most crucial election of our time ! Hit the streets ! power to the people. Palin is more dangerous than Al Queda.

WDemDem · 1 year ago

I dunno - Jim kinda sounds like a community organizer type to me ;)

Kudos to Jim and his family!

Bozzy54 · 1 year ago

on another blog, someone reminded folks that Jesus was a "community organizer" and Pontius Pilot was the GOVENOR at the time....think it is a point that should be shoved back in the good Christian faces who are blindeyedly supporting this GOp duo !!!

michjon · 1 year ago

The GOP rules by fear and lies . Read "1984 " that is where this country is headed . Did you see Bush " big brother "on the huge telescreen at their convention. Its happening . get out and help elect Obama before its too late. The GOP is pushing the same perpetual war that Orwell wrote about in is book.

donotmakemecomedownthere · 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your lunch with other A-bogglers. I think your photography skills are just fine. It's the candidates that are a little blurry. ;

mirth · 1 year ago

Jim, you and your family make me proud to share this state with you! Your reporting is as fine as your actions in confronting these two when staying quiet would have been less risky - when I've eaten there it's been filled with white Republican types. El Pinto is huge. How fortunate, for you and for us, that you were in that particular front patio area. Thank you for seizing the moment, for exercising your citizenship, and for telling us about it.

And thank you to John and Joe for getting this post up.

mirth · 1 year ago

Two related news reports;

McCain, Palin stop by Albuquerque restaurant.

McCain: NM is a must-win state. (This - and video - about his earlier "rally" at the Convention Center in downtown ABQ.)

cmpnwtr · 1 year ago

Good effort! The media won't do their job so citizens have to.

I have it on absolute authority that a tanning bed was installed in the governor's mansion in Juneau, AK at high taxpayer expense for the benefit of Sarah Palin and her public beautification.
If that were Obama or Biden, or another public servant, wouldn't the press be all over that?? Seems a bit elitist to me for a reformer governor who wants to save the citizen from waste and abuse.
Palin should be asked about her tanning bed and the public expense it cost.

Rob Mule · 1 year ago

Nice job and in light of the silly and absurd questions asked this morning by Stephie, old man Schieffer and equally mummified underwear model Tom Brokaw inquiring bloggers and some home video might be all the televised truth we get...

AdmNaismith · 1 year ago

I probably would have just screamed and tried to stab them both with a butter knife.
Nice job keeping your cool and being so blunt.

LuZenMyMnd · 1 year ago

I want Someone, Anyone to ask Palin about her racist rants. http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/09/05/alaskan...

She, along w/McShame have the mindset of the 60's. Talk about racial tensions. A leopard doesn't change his spots.

Butch1 · 1 year ago

You see, they are republicans and they don't have to answer any of our "dirty" questions, especially the "hard ones." What an evil joke those two are playing upon this country. I'd laugh if it wasn't so serious.

Butch1 · 1 year ago

. . . almost forgot, great job and kudos to Jim and his family!!

Kansaskitty · 1 year ago

Wow, I saw them on the teevee buying salsa. Little did I know a citizen journalist was there accosting them as the press should be doing. You put all the press corpse to shame! Good work! I love it that your wife had the presence of mind to make an Obama sign and flash it at them.

cowboyneok · 1 year ago

I hope the press doesn't think they deserve Pulitzers this year when an average American family does a better job at asking valid questions to McCain/Palin!

tlsintx · 1 year ago

way to go Jim!

isn't McCain tiny!

Styve · 1 year ago

Great reporting!! Did Jim get any pics of the moment when McCoverup met his wife with an Obama sign?? He is so intellectually feeble. Listening to him on MtP this morning was more unsettling (read embarrassing) than watching most of Reagan's or Bush's idiotic efforts before the camera.

cowboyneok · 1 year ago

I think the entire family should receive Pulitzers for doing what the traditional media can't seem to do. If Sarah Palin won't answer questions then why can't journalists approach them, like this American family, and ask them before and after events or when they stop at public places? When they WON'T answer simple questions that are being asked to them it is big news. When they answer stupidly, like the Senator Stevens question it is even BIGGER news!

TheOtherWA · 1 year ago

A debate from 2006 with the candidates for Alaska governor is on CSpan right now. Palin vs. Knowles vs. Halcro.

devis1 · 1 year ago

Great story--Jim, Angela, Andrea and Caterina kudos!!!

HarpoSnarx · 1 year ago

Thanks for having the courage to ask.

Thank Gawd they didn't sic the secret service on you and your family. I fear it will come to that.

piniella · 1 year ago

McCain wants the veteran issue to just go away. His voting record really is terrible.

http://radamisto.blogspot.com/2008/08/mccain-ve...

Wesinoregon · 1 year ago

I'm ready and waiting for an October surprise.

FunMe · 1 year ago

OH MY GOODNESS.

If any post needs to be spread around EVERYONE it is this one.

Is this what you want for a President and VP.

The same as bush?

McCain=bush

All they do is IGNORE "We the People". This post speaks volumes!

This must be shared with MANY people, especially republicons and independents!

yoli · 1 year ago

Thank you, you did great, will pass this along!!

Asphyxia8 · 1 year ago

She's Caribou Barbie! Why should she have to answer any questions?

A-8

dca202 · 1 year ago

When McCain was forced to "pick" Palin for hi running mate, he sold out the last bit of integrity he had left. His hugs with Bush and siding with the religious right, have made him smaller as an individual.
We all know it was the RNC, in an effort to hold on to their neocon base, that made the "choice" for McCain. Now they are joined at the hip, because no one wants to see McCain without Palin. She is his Dick Cheney, with lipstick.
Of course the RNC and Rick Davis dare not unleash her for fear of what she maight say or not say. She must be tutored first. What, she doesn't get a teleprompter to go.
As for change, "my friends" the only thing the Palin/McCain ticket would ever change if they made it to the White House, diapers.

alapoet · 1 year ago

THANK YOU for asking each of them a question that needs to be asked.

Too bad they didn't see fit to answer.

IheartNYC · 1 year ago

I suppose you are considered the "liberal media" now. And here you thought you would just stop and get some lunch.

AverageJane2 · 1 year ago

That would be the ELITE liberal media.

2MuchCoffee · 1 year ago

Check this out... early part has MSNBC video of these guys in NM:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/2659344...

ahenringer · 1 year ago

Once again on a feature of a McCain fluff photo opp where no questions are asked, the piece is used to focus on "weaknesses" within a humble answer from Obama and the fluffy passiveness as star power on the McCain campaign.

If the media had been balanced let alone remotely liberal, they would have mentioned at least once her viewpoints, her belief in book banning, her disbelief in climate change and the two week need for massive media training that she is under going before her "interviews" start.

If you value the constitution and whatever power you have left as a citizen, please vote Barack Obama for the next president.

albanygranny · 1 year ago

Good for you Jim, Angela, Andrea, and Caterina! It's going to take a village to raise a democracy!

artypants · 1 year ago

This is another fine example of the one-sided liberal media undermining the values Americans have in the Republic. Don’t you realize that by holding true to character, McCain and Palin symbolize the fight for freedom that independently minded U.S. citizens long for? Your stupid questions of “substance” mean nothing to mavericks whose lives are filled with so many important day-to-day, nose-to-the-grind-stone drudgery that headlines are all that really count toward decision the making process. Getting bogged down in the minutia of “substance” and “issues” is just another way the elitist liberal media is out of touch with real Americans. Even elitist business media recognizes that: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f1984d88-7cd5-11dd-8d...

ahenringer · 1 year ago

I thought you were being sarcastic until I read the link you offered here.

I sympathize with the point. The juvenile commentary toward Sarah Palin is anti-populist, largely sexist and it is ironic, given that Obama is a populist candidate, libertarian media like the aforementioned in the link Bill Maher will call her a stewardess instead of coming up with much more forceful and reasonable objections to Gov. Palin's policies. But the media is a 15 year old boy at this point. Journalism is about taking power to task. It's about asking questions like this blogger did in New Mexico, so that power doesn't tyrannize the populous. Journalists used to be bus riding, dive bar divers who had their ear to the stomping grounds of the wealth and power that governs this country beyond the awareness of the power of the people.
The Iraq War is not minutia. The car of veterans coming home from duty is not minutia. How and who will care for those who sacrifice their lives for us under the belief that it is for our day to day safety is of national concern.
If the media has been on one side lately, it is that of their advertisers and owners: General Electric, Rupert Murdoch, Disney, Time-Warner, Sumner ("But it happens that I vote for Viacom. Viacom is my life, and I do believe that a Republican Administration is better for media companies than a Democratic one.") Redstone (Viacom) all of whom are notoriously and self-righteously conservative. These are also deeply elite people. They are high brand salesmen who will go at literal war with anyone who threatens their monarchies.
Real mavericks are the real journalists out there literally fighting for their right to report these days. Naomi Klein. Mark Schapiro. David Talbot. Will
Evans. Craig Pyes. Amy Goodman who was, with her producers, recently physically assaulted at the Republican convention by secret service and other "security" even though her press badges where in plain sight.
None of these people are elitist. All of them work very hard to inform us on our the abuses of power in a distracted by irrelevant headlines America that is growing out of touch with itself.

artypants · 1 year ago

My god, ahenringer, what a thoughtful response.

I agree with everything you say. Unfortunately your response and my agreement
with it is the problem. We are fighting a war of easy answers and the nuance
between voting for a Vietnam vet and voting against someone who doesn't
support vets with positive legislation is lost on middle America. They are too
dumb to vote for what is best for them. The do cling to guns and religion.
It's very ugly but very true and unless the Democrats can simplify, clarify,
and unify the message, the Presidency will be lost for four, possibly forty
more years.

Telling the electorate that you are going to help them and then describing how
in a sophisticated way is not successful. Portraying yourself as a sturdy,
stoic character with a commitment to personal values and then making deals
that cater to the super rich is successful. Voting irregularities aside, vast
numbers of nincompoops are voting for the exclusionary elitists with
compelling stories. Substance does not matter for these idiots.

azdem · 1 year ago

Palin = Puppet, McCain = Lame

nicklepickle · 1 year ago

They probably consider legitimate questions merely static and background noise.

MrBlifil · 1 year ago

36 comments?

This is a significant post, perhaps one of the most important in Americablog history. With a neutered press corps, there's only the internet and YouTube generation available to demonstrate accountability from public officials.

itsamadhouse · 1 year ago

The message at the DNC convention was completely wrong and just a waste of valuable air space -
The message is not that Bush=McCain - The message should have been..."If you thought Bush was bad, McCain is much worse"
People will vote for the status quo - If you say Bush=McCain you are falling into their trap - Get it?
Bush is the worst president in our history and McCain will be worse than Bush!
Now, that's a message.

howardsend · 1 year ago

this post caught me on a morning when I was feeling very depressed by the news that Sarah Palin is so attractive to people who believe her lies: about being a reformer, about being in the corner for special-needs kids, about being against pork. When she is none of these. And now I hear from this young father about his encounter with her--and he has lifted my spirits. Just his being out there, along with his wife--and others like them--is enough for the moment. We have work to do, though--

bobhenline · 1 year ago

Unbelievable! How can you dyed-in-the-wool liberals expect that these people have time to answer your questions? Come on now, these are the political elite of America, they don't have time or energy to waste on us mere mortals. They have lies to create, illegal wars and imprisonments to plan, new "aggressive interrogation" techniques to invent... all while taking time out of their busy days to shred the Constitution just a little bit more. You really can't expect them to make up a good lie on the spot without a speech-writer or campaign advisor behind them, can you? It should be enough that you were allowed to bask in the glow of such superior human beings for a short period of time. Remember: John McCain doesn't necessarily speak for the John McCain Campaign, the neocons haven't given him back his free speech rights. Just think about what they're planning for yours.

msshell · 1 year ago

I agree with itsamadhouse that McCain is an even worse speaker and idiot than Bush - and I never thought I would EVER say that about anyone. He is a doddering old fool who parades his wife and VP pick like two trophies. What is Cindy McCain's deal anyway? She walks behind him (and now Sara too) with her pink cast on (at her convenience) like an idiot. I think she is a germaphobe who doesn't want to shake hands with the "filthy masses" and wears her cast to get out of it. Where was her cast when she was holding Palin's son, Trig, looking so adoringly at him during Sara's convention speech? They are all phonies and robots of the Republican party - Tools and Fools. How anyone could vote for them or any Republican after their convention is beyond me. Every speaker told obvious lies and blamed the "liberal Democrats" for everything that is wrong in Washington when the they OWNED Washington for the past 8 years. Bill Clinton even had a Republican congress but because he made sense he did get enough cooperation to accomplish some good stuff. I can't believe these two could possibly win an election. How stupid are the American people to even support them at 47%???

Son_of_Ed · 1 year ago

Jim, Angela, Andrea and Caterina

You're lucky he didn't order you to sit down and call you big, little or medium-sized jerks.

Be of good cheer.

megskee · 1 year ago

Hi! Send this to all media outlets so that people will know the Straight NoTalk Express.

Can't wait to read this on CNN, NY Times, Politico, Newsweek, Time, ABC...

ekena · 1 year ago

Awesome. Imagine if more American families take your lead--ask McCain/Palin point-blank questions of substance at these photo opps?

sammachestnut · 1 year ago

Sarah Palin looks just like Pat Loud in An American Family - only Pat was prettier!

Wire · 1 year ago

Congratulations! I guess you can call yourself a member of the elite media now! ha!

LanceThruster · 1 year ago

What I appreciate about the story is the valiant attempt to ask pertinent questions (when did merely asking a question of a public official running for election require such steely nerve?). Anyone who's ever tried knows that it not always that easy and often the focus is too much on the questioner's agenda (attempts to put someone on the spot in order to try to make yourself look good) and less on actual issues.

Instead, a member of this New Mexico family asked questions that I would most certainly be interested in knowing McCain's and Palin's response to. However, their combined non-answers might have well have been (to paraphrase the Official Whitehorse Souse), "Who cares what you want to know?"

The purpose of these photo-ops is to show how the candidates interact with the "regular folks" but the actual details of this encounter shows just how much disdain they have for the unwashed masses. If Sen. Obama had done something even remotely similar, this would be bouncing around the echo chamber non-stop.

dem101 · 1 year ago

IIplayed the video that was on MSNBC via the link below… I find it ironic that I didn’t hear any one shouting OBAMA/BIDEN as they were getting on the bus… I don’t think the account happened the way the Bolger says it did.

By the way OBAMA has had many gaffs such as the one being reported by this Liberal nut head, that don’t get any coverage.

And lastly McCain has supported veteran benefits more than any democrat that is currently in both houses of congress. This last bill was not supported because the Dem’s tacked on so much pork barrel spending (i.e. Ear Marks) that would have cost the US tax payer billions of dollars. So as veteran and as taxpayer I’m glade he didn’t support it, that show’s me he’s still the only one that will cut spending and allow me to keep more of my own money to send myself or my kids to college.

This Regan Democrat is voting for the McCain-Palin ticket!!!

Icebone · 1 year ago

Liar or simpleton, dem101? Certainly not a Demcrat.

Widely reported, and more on McCain's stats in the Senate on vet votes at: http://tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AI...

McCain says he has "a perfect voting record from organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion," but according to a report by factcheck.org, neither of these groups even releases congressional scorecards.

The truth is, veterans' organizations that do have consistently given their fellow veteran dismal ratings.

On an A-F scale, he gets a D rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America (Obama got a B+). McCain, himself a Vietnam veteran, has voted against the Vietnam Veterans of America on 15 out of 23 key issues (Obama voted with them 12 out of 13 times). (Icebone: all Democrats in the Senate outscored ALL republicans - and Lieberman - shocker)

On a 0-100 scale, the Disabled Veterans of America give McCain a rating of 20 percent (Obama got a rating of 80 percent). And VoteVets.org has been extremely critical of McCain's opposition to the new GI Bill to increase education benefits for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama and 74 other members of the 100-member U.S. Senate voted for it.

roooth · 1 year ago

No, McCain has NOT supported veteran benefits more than any Dem and I can't tell you how tired I am of rightwing nut jub knuckle dragging mouth breathers making unsubstantiated accusations about Dems followed by unsubstantiated and undeserved praise for corrupt repugs.

Go away, troll!

BorninUSA · 1 year ago

If your kids are boys you won't have to worry about college costs; McCain intends to reinstate the draft.

VMPT · 1 year ago

I have some news for you dem101, first your NO Democrat, second McCain's voting record on Veterans issues is nothing but despicable, all the major Veterans organizations rate him very very low, one of the worst in the Senate. Perhaps you need to spend more time educating yourself on facts and less time repeating Reich Wing talking point lies about Obama so you won't sound so ignorant. You have a lot of nerve talking about billions of tax payer monies being wasted after eight years of an administration with disastrous economic policies that McCain has said numerous times that he plans to continue.

nailbunny · 1 year ago

Why didn't McCain SAY THAT, dem101? It would be a good answer. Perhaps, because if it became public record it could be refuted. In other words, if what you say is true, I would think McCain would have been quite happy to say it. But you know it's not true, don't you?

Kudos to Jim & family! Everybody keep an eye out for that bus and have some paper and Magic Markers ready!

peace1970 · 1 year ago

You are amazing! Finally some real questions...not a shock that both stayed silent...typical, if all you have are lies and smears than there isn't much else there to say.... I love that your wife and son were there with an Obama sign...I could just picture it all and it gave me a boost!!
Obama/Biden!!

Goliadkin · 1 year ago

According to the kindergarten ethics that the Republicans practice, your questions were unfair, disrespectful, and inappropriate.

Congratulations! More of us need to speak out like that.

aquarius2 · 1 year ago

Maybe that is what should happen at each and every McCain stop. Real citizens answering real questions. Think about it, if might force the anemic duo to halt all public appearances.

thunder · 1 year ago

Look at this website.

http://www.laprogressive.com/2008/09/05/alaskan...



I hope this is not true

politicallyconcerned · 1 year ago

Excellent work. If only the MSM will be as "tough"

shari74 · 1 year ago

Please log onto

www.sarahpalinisajoke.com This whole thing is an agenda playing itself out to transition us into a military state - they picked palin a long time ago, that's obvious, she didn't just come up from nowhere, if you believe that, you were born yesterday. I stumbled on to the agenda in 2005 doing research at a law library going back thru the Congressional Records - then i drove around the US and had a good look for myself

these big mega churches are all satellite linked, they are trying to overthrow the united states - how much more evidence do you need?

rosiebond · 1 year ago

Sarah is a wolf in sheep's clothing - BEWARE
The reason that she doesn't answer is that she doesn't know !!
We need answers any way we can get them so keep a couple handy just in case those two pop in to your restaurant!

aerospaced · 1 year ago

All Sarah will do is give us a slice of the MOOSE TURD PIE !!!, from the MOOSE TURD PARTY !!!

Alrightythen · 1 year ago

Okay, I'll admit straight up-- I'm watching/listening to this whole thing from Canada. There, you know. But I have close family ties with the U.S. (go Michigan!) and so am allowing this butting in... It is with incredible sadness that these past 8 years I have watched the continual fragmentation of a once progressive and fabulous nation. Man, revv up! Rattle the Cage youse guys! Just keep the questions coming until their heads explode. This is sooo a situation where regular folks can upset the apple-cart.

Anyway, the whole world (well, LOTS of it) really is watching right now and I just wanted to say that people like Jim & Angela give me hope. We're pulling for ya.

jUK · 1 year ago

Get real. I'm sure you never heard about Obama's famous "Can't I just finish my waffle?"

Alrightythen · 1 year ago

You talking to me? If so, I could care less what you say about Obama-- I'm not on the Obama train, either. Look, yours is a nation in real economic trouble right now & this is a super-crucial election. As much as the popular press wants to make this into a personality contest, Americans need to resist all that hype. The real question here is: What does each party stand for? If nothing else, the Dems can always be counted on for their protectionist policies in the global arena. Your country has a-- what is it?-- NINE TRILLION dollar debt and is spending in the neighborhood of 10 billion dollars a month on the war in Iraq alone. Who's going to pay for all of this? Not only that, heaven help you all if your debtors call in the loans. Who's going to own your ass then? It's just not in your best interest to elect a government that has a very long history of not protecting the interests of American workers.

jUK · 1 year ago

You're right. But I'm afraid of the much-hyped tax hikes if Obama is elected. Am I just a victim of the fear mongering of the far right??

Alrightythen · 1 year ago

I can't speak to that re: victim of fear-mongering. You can pretty much expect tax hikes no matter which Party gets elected. Your government is really no different to ours in that respect-- whether it's a liberal or a conservative politician they ALL say they're going to lower taxes while they're campaigning & then taxes always go up once they're elected, regardless of their Party. The question for me if I lived in the States would be: okay, so which Party has the best record for job creation/protection? I know the Republicans are always going on about how they put country first but they don't. I'm looking at this issue from the outside, with no stake in the outcome & therefore no particular agenda and what I see from 8 years of Republican governance is more & more jobs going off-shore. In that respect I think Obama nailed it-- it really IS time for Americans to say "Enough!". And to both Presidential candidates, I'd add. Call them both up on the merciless destruction of economic security/stability for the people of your country. America used to stand for something good, even though the mark was sometimes missed & mistakes were made. We Western countries have all made some pretty serious mistakes. But to live in America used to mean something valuable & if you had a job you could put a roof over your head & feed your kids. WTF is going on? Who's got the best shot at bringing that back? Man, I'd be all over Palin right now-- touting reduced taxes with Republicans while also pushing forth her opinions about abortion only if the mother's life is in danger & (Palin's interest in) banning books. Well, who's going to regulate that? Bureaucrats. Employed by Government. Paid for by the people via increasing taxes. And drilling in Alaska that McCain is now supporting-- what a boon to Alaska! And who's going to pay for that? I've been voting for some 35 years now & I'm so tired of the nonsense & deification of politicians. They're just people like everybody else & they really really really need to be called up on the crap they're spewing. I think y'all need to speak out and speak up. If ever there was an election where politicians needed to be reminded of how the U.S. Constitution starts, it's this one. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now.

ahenringer · 1 year ago

The biggest tax hikes to the middle and working classes have been applied by Republicans. This is one reason why you barely have a middle class anymore. But the rich are getting to the point that they can't remember how many houses they own, or answer honestly why they will not support the GI Bill even as they run for President. The cheapest way for everyone is when everyone gives a fare share.
But the McCain plan involves taxing your health insurance from work, more sales taxes, etc. etc. All strategies that impair the economic mobility of the average American. Indeed, under McCain our taxes continue to pay for the increase of the already astronomical war debt, big health insurance companies, drilling in environmentally vulnerable locales, our taxes will pay for any drilling that will further their payoff and forestall an actual, workable, intelligent solution, our taxes will go to the bureaucracy of surveillance and a culture of paranoia including the banning of books by Mark Twain and William Faulkner. There are solid differences between the candidates. Let's get behind the one who will get behind us! Obama 08!

Alrightythen · 1 year ago

Well said. And absolutely correct. It astounds me how so many people don't seem to notice how much conservatism costs. I did a forensic accounting about 15 years ago between Canada & the U.S., comparing the real dollar costs of taxation & what we call "pricing". Turns out that while Americans have more cash-at-hand from their paychecks than Canadians, paying directly for public services (that are covered by our taxes) actually costs the 'average' American more. One of the things that really gets to me is how Republicans use the word 'freedom'. Well, that's the cheap & easy word. Freedom isn't necessarily such a good thing. I think the more valuable word is 'liberty' & I think a lot of people see them as having the same meaning. Republicans may well bring freedom (& I think Obama nailed that one, too, in his DNC speech) but it is liberty that we all need. The erosion of the middle class is happening all over the Western world. And in the name of freedom. It's sickening really. It's absolutely unconscionable that the fastest rising group declaring bankruptcy in the U.S. right now is seniors. Who treats their elders that way, or foists that kind of 'freedom' (from security in their old age) on their older citizens?

Tyler2002 · 1 year ago

McCain and Pallin need to be more diligent about doing their homework and preparing themselves to give honest straightforward answers to the people they are asking to vote for them. I shake my head at this grossly irresponsible and disrespectful way to treat citizens. um um. Not a good sign.

roooth · 1 year ago

Oh, for heaven's sake! they have NO INTENTION of giving honest answers!!

They can't tell the truth and get elected.

Their only intent is to run out the clock before anyone finds out too much about them.

And they certainly have not intention to treat citizens with respect. They are only interested in doing only what they need to do to win.

Tyler2002 · 1 year ago

Yeah, well, o.k., but I still want to put my two cents in and stand up for what is right. Someone, somewhere might be listening, and sometime remember what I said. O.K.? O.K.. Tyler 2002

culturemaven · 1 year ago

Not surprised at all. When McCain was in town a few weeks ago for a $1000 a plate fundraiser, a group of protesters greeted him with numerous signs. His response? That creepy grin and a thumbs-up! He's so clueless.
BTW, you should have seen the luxury vehicles headed up the hill for that fundraiser! No doubt about it, McCain's supporters are incredibly wealthy and want to keep the status quo.
And Palin a hot babe? Oh for goodness sakes. Maybe to a Republican. Y'all need to get out more often.

caroleinohio · 1 year ago

Straight talk my ass! These Republicans are despicable. "Don't dare talk to me other than kiss my ***!" Is how that came across. I hope Palin gets peeled like an onion -- what a fake! Yet, the religious wrong will vote blindly -- they could put up a moose and as long as it was against abortion and touted biblical nonsense -- but they'll vote for them. How do you fight that? Are there that many religious kooks out there?

caroleinohio · 1 year ago

Straight talk my ass! These Republicans are despicable. "Don't dare talk to me other than kiss my ***!" Is how that came across. I hope Palin gets peeled like an onion -- what a fake! Yet, the religious wrong will vote blindly -- they could put up a moose and as long as it was against abortion and touted biblical nonsense -- but they'll vote for them. How do you fight that? Are there that many religious kooks out there?

Freebird9 · 1 year ago

From Another Fed Up New Mexican. Kudos to Jim and family. Thanks for asking the tough questions our 4th estate should be asking. No free rides folks, give em hell and ask, ask, ask away. Someone who wants to lead our country or be in the #2 position in the USA needs to answer the questions from the citizenry. After all won't they be working for US? Damn Straight. Time to take it back. Time to do the job the Press won't do.

Remember TWEAK!! HE GAVE HIS ALL, LET'S NOT DISAPPOINT HIM OR HIS MEMORY.

Freebird9 · 1 year ago

Besides who stops at El Pinto in Albuquerque and DOESN'T EAT? Pander, Pander ain't that better. Now that speaks volumes to this 14th Generation New Mexican. Buying Salsa. Wow. Eat the red or green, McCain/Palin or is too HOT for ya? bwahhahahaha
sarcasm intended.

Croasdaile · 1 year ago

Special comment from a senior citizen..how much I enjoyed this story and how you could think-upon-your-feet. Hats off to you!!

JohnSarah08 · 1 year ago

I was unaware that Obama and Biden answer every question asked them at appearances by the thousands of people they meet on a daily basis. I guess they never make stops just to shake hands and meet people, whether it is just for a photo op or not. Come on guys. At least be fair. Lets talk about the issues conservatives and liberals disagree on. There is no need to hate these people, they just have different ideas than you do.

June · 1 year ago

'Reagan Democrat' is a contradiction in terms. You are no Democrat. You are a Republican, and an ill-informed one at that - a believer in myths. If your fellow veterans really matter to you, then do some research. Bypass Fox and Rush , visit the Library of Congress or United States Senate website and search John McCain's actual voting record. You'll find it's deplorable. Whatever will you do then...? As President Kennedy said, "The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived, dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive, unrealistic. Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. If what happens to this country really matters to you, start paying attention.

pamike42289 · 1 year ago

"reagan democrat" is an oxymoron.. just come out and say youre a republican.

wasillaresident · 1 year ago

I live in Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla, Alaska. She is a religious radical and doesn't think twice about steppin on ANYONE who gets in her way of just one more rung on the political ladder. She has ditched the state of Alaska and (not even once) has she addressed our State since Sarah's Big Adventure started. She is a CLIMBER...and NOT a thinker.

Freebird9 · 1 year ago

try as they might McCain and Palin are not the agents of change they are the same thing as Bush/Cheney. Same thing same song.

perspective68 · 1 year ago

@Dem101
You did spell it -Regan - Dem.You meant Vegan-Dem? Surely Shirley you did not try the old paradox "Reagan-Dem"
that is so yesterday nobody laughs at it any more. It was a bad joke,now it's just sad.
Seriously you are more a "troll-on-the-roll"?
And please people don't underestimate those glasses and I am intimidated by the media crap she is feeding everybody.The reason she is staying away from interviews and official position taking on important issues is because she is following the old saying"open your mouth and remove all the doubts".If she starts talking she may show everybody what a despicable route she would take this country on if elected.And I don't just mean the hockey mom,5 kids,he-is-still-my-guy platitudes.I am talking the bad economy,no-global-warming,religious nut,book-banning,happy-go-shooting,abuse of power and so on stuff she will implement and it will affect our overextended pocketbooks,air we have to breathe,school education we provide for our kids that scares me.And she does not want us scared of her,that is why she is n ot talking.Her followers whether those in power now or the ones that are ready to drink the Kool-Aid in the future are trying to scare us with bs made up about Obama-Biden.And half of this country is falling for it.As said by many smart people in the last days she is up there with George Bush,but in my book she is more dangerous,that is why she is hiding her claws right now.
Congrats to your great attempt to interview her,like many already said,you got guts and style most talking heads should take lessons from you!

joewg3 · 1 year ago

I find it funny that anyone actually thinks Obama hasn't/wouldn't do the exact same thing! Both candidates do the same thing to the crappy mainstream press corp. As far as voting against the GI Bill... what else was in the bill he voted against? It's easy to cherry pick one item from a bill that contains hundreds of other items. I don't like when any party calls people out for that. Both parties vote against bills all the time because they contain other language/amendments that they don't agree with.

- Good job to Jim to actually attempt to get answers from a politian. We should be nailing all of the politians. They work for US.

- Not so good job to Jim's wife for an Obama sign. Seriously, why would McCain want to talk to a blatant Obama supporter who will bash him. Use some common sense.

Michigander2 · 1 year ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KjsEs46C70

This video was done by a McCain fellow pow and also attended the Naval academy with McCain. It is thoughtfully done and he says McCain is not cut out to be President of the United States.

Please watch and pass it on.

Alrightythen · 1 year ago

Wow, Karen Hughes on Larry King tonight repeated the ridiculous Republican mantra about government-managed health care that I have been listening to for decades: the government gets to choose your doctor for you. Where? In China? Cuba? Certainly not in Canada. I have lived in a public health care system for well over 50 years and I can tell you this: I have ALWAYS chosen my own doctor-- no restrictions ever ever ever (when I was a child my parents freely chose our family doctor). I can get a second opinion when I want. I can see my doctor as many times as I want or talk to her on the phone without charge to me. I have never paid for any tests (X-ray, EEG, MRI, etc) I've had-- even when I requested them (as opposed to my doctor ordering them). I have never paid for an ambulance. The few times I have been in hospital I have received excellent, timely care & all my needs (including medications) have been covered-- the only extraneous costs have been for non-medical options like tv and phone. I can have a private room for a nominal extra fee. Now, any referral to a specialist is done by my doctor so I need to ensure that I have an excellent relationship with her & that she is an advocate for my needs. But it's my responsibility to find another doctor if mine isn't a good advocate for me. I currently have 2 doctors I see routinely (GP & Gynecologist) & that's covered. My choice to have 2 doctors has never been questioned & always paid for under my health insurance. I can receive treatment at any hospital I choose. I have never had substandard medication foisted on me. I have never been denied treatment because the government doesn't support it. If the services I need are unavailable in my community my health insurance pays for me to be transported elsewhere to get the care I need & my expenses are covered while I am receiving that care. I can travel anywhere in my country & know that because there is a national standard of health care I will receive the same services I would at home. Fees for health insurance are on a sliding scale from $0 to about $72/month. For Americans who are interested in public health care I urge you (if you haven't already) to educate yourselves about different successful systems-- France probably has the best system in the world, but Scandinavian countries are pretty good, too. For Americans who have swallowed the Republican propaganda I have questions: with the way HMOs get to veto coverage I'd say you already have a regulated health care system-- how is what HMOs do different to public regulation of health care? Don't HMOs decide which tests a person can have coverage for? The thing about government regulation is this: government in democracies is accountable to the people; citizens have recourse mandated by law. Private business is not accountable in the same way. Finally: My house is never in jeopardy due to health care costs. I can lose my job & I still have access to the same standard of care I had when working. Yes, my taxes are higher than yours and I am okay with that because I know that if anything happens to my health I will NEVER have to worry about not being able to afford everything I need to get better. Something to think about.