I wish I had picked this reaction to the first Obama vs McCain debate up on the weekend - better late than never;
I noticed this in Obama's books as well, especially the second. He'll often discuss an issue, apparently showing a great range of empathy for both sides and state a real objection, and then he'll ignore that and go on to state his position.That may work for issues such as his position on abortion, but economics is a matter of hard parameters. Obama doesn't seem able or willing to comprehend that, or do the hard work to assemble any reasonable policy position. I don't think he's able to do this.
The next president - any conceivable president - will have a very hard time of it. Pretty much all the wiggle room is gone. After last night, I literally believe that Obama isn't capable of understanding it. Maybe he's not very bright. Maybe he just dislikes quantitative thinking. But for whatever reason, his current stated policies are an exercise in fantasy.
Next year's priorities need to run along the lines of making sure that poor people in the US have enough to eat. To be babbling about expanding early childhood education?
McCain did not impress me, but he appeared to understand that we have our butts in a tight crack and are going to be facing some very rough circumstances.
Anyone who watched last night's debate and can still consider voting for Obama loses my respect. There's a limit to how far one can defy reality and live. That man is currently outside the parameters of the land of the living. It's probably due to inexperience.
Debating the Debates
What a Country!
By the Peasant Philosopher
A Statist, a Socialist, an Eco-Nazi, a Nationalist and a Neo-Fascist.
How do any of these people help Canada stay a democracy?
Maybe I’ll watch the American debate tonight.
www.peasantphilosopher.com
Posted by: The Peasant Philosopher at October 2, 2008 7:33 PMo/t
The vast left-wing conspiracy caught red-handed:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/decisioncanada/story.html?id=40f7b669-d2fd-428f-bc6e-d4517ccf0952
Posted by: Gord Tulk at October 2, 2008 7:58 PMThe problem with economic slowdowns is that they're partially a self-fulfilling prophecy. I've had three different community newspapers call my store today practically BEGGING for advertising.
Problem is, I'm not wealthy enough or well established enough to pay ca$h money for everything so my little computer biz has an operating loan. I'm watching the carnage down south right now and wondering exactly how long I'll continue to have an operating loan. So I'm simultaneously trying to put some cash aside for a downturn while paying down the operating loan a bit faster. That means cutbacks on non-essentials like advertising.
I'm also cutting back on the depth of my inventory. Before where I would have kept four Uninterruptable Power Supplies in stock I'm now only keeping one. I'm reducing my selection of computer monitors to only a few of the best sellers. Same with printers.
I'm not the only business doing this. I know that by cutting back I'm affecting the economy, but damn it, I don't dare NOT cut back when I'm seeing what I'm seeing happening to the world economy.
A large part of the coming recession will be because of the sensible actions of business owners like myself. Now, if we have a leader who inspires confidence and who offers a sound plan, I'll maybe feel like taking a chance and spending more. Maybe.
I'd feel a lot more comfortable with Harper as PM in the financial sense. Anyone else...might as well just lock the damn doors and go on welfare. I suspect the same will be true in the U.S. if Obama is elected. Whatever carnage we're seeing now down south will be greatly magnified if that doofus is elected.
Posted by: Sean at October 2, 2008 8:09 PMI've concluded that Obama is number-challenged. I don't think he can visualize quantities or imagine adjustments. Things are big and small for him and are changed by lifting his chin.
If he's elected, his budget director will be a high turnover position.
Posted by: Wurstman Ever at October 3, 2008 10:50 AMLeftists think that every problem can be solved by looking at it subjectively, and by including feelings, self-worth, and warm fuzziness as judgement criteria. To solve a problem involving numbers is beyond their capacity.
Posted by: grok at October 3, 2008 11:44 AM