Sarah Palin's Ties to Jews for Jesus

Among everything else, does Sarah Palin support Jews for Jesus?



http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/3/10452/19058

Sarah Palin was in church two weeks ago when David Brickner, the Jews for Jesus founder, stopped by to spread a little anti-Semitism. Brickner has been quoted as describing terrorist attacks on Israeli's as God's judgment of unbelief of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity.

And here is what Palin's pastor had to say about Brickner: "He’s a leader of Jews for Jesus, a ministry that is out on the leading edge in a pressing, demanding area of witnessing and evangelism."

Does it bother you? Is Sarah Palin responsible for the actions of her church and her pastor? Is it yet more proof that Sarah Palin should not be our next VP? Let yourself be heard!
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A Live Mic Can Be A Dangerous Thing

Check out what Republican strategists say when they think the mic is off... Turns out we're not the only ones skeptical of the Palin pick for VP...

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/212920.php


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Experience? Shmexperience!

In a surprising moved aimed at hooking disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters, the McCain campaign has tabbed Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate...

Surprised? Me too. Sure, Palin (pronounced PAY-lin) is a woman and she is supposedly a populist Republican (???) but she also has served less than two years as the governor of Alaska, making her roughly as qualified as the mayor of Baltimore (~650,000 people, give or take a grizzly bear or two)

What do you think, is this a good move? Has McCain lost all ability to attack Obama on issues of experience? (I say he has). Is this a sign that the McCain campaign is panicking, a radical effort to shake things up and change course before it is too late? Or will Sarah Palin signal a "game changing choice" as Karl Rove suggests, the first ever populist, reform minded beauty queen in the history of the Republican Party? Leave your comments here. One thing is for certain, we are in for a wild ride.

P.S. St. Louis is in for a treat when Joe Biden and Sarah Palin meet in the Vice-Presidential debate here in October. Early word is that Palin's after-party will be held at Morgan Street and the Big Bang, in order to fit in with her age group (Oh it is so much fun to be able to make experience jokes aimed at the McCain ticket!)
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Masterpiece?

People are calling Barack Obama's acceptance speech last night a political masterpiece, with one commentator likening it to a symphony...




Sometimes, there is so much hype and so much anticipation, that one can't help but disappoint. Unless, of course, your name is Barack Obama. Sure, the campaigns will get bogged back down in minutiae and silly media creations, but for one night at least we saw how great Barack Obama really can be.

NEWSFLASH: Sources are reporting that a private plane flew into Ohio, sight of today's McCain VP roll-out, late last night from Alaska, home to Alaska Governor and VP hopeful Sarah Palin. Who you ask? More to follow....
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Bill Clinton: Obama Ready to Lead

Bill Clinton stepped up big and Joe Biden gave us a hint of things to come


Joe Biden:



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The Big Guns Rumble in Denver

Who's stepping up to the plate tonight for the Dems?

Tonight you have your pick of the litter. To celebrate Barack Obama finally becoming the official nominee (without that pesky presumptive tag in front of it) we get not just one over-confident white politician who likes to hear himself talk too much, we get two!

Yes, I am talking about Bill Clinton and Joe Biden! Both will speak tonight, but the one I am really looking forward to is Bill. With Biden, you know you are going to get the typical rah-rah VP speech. With Bill though, you never quite know what you are going to get. He is like the crazy uncle at this point, the one who gets invited more for the sweet potato casserole that he used to bring but now is kinda just there.

I know I know, I just offended all the Clintonians out there, but really, what has Bill done for Obama in this race? No, I don't hold against him what he said during the primary, I understand the dynamics of a campaign. But dude, get over it. Hillary lost, she did a remarkable job lost night of showing the nation she is moving on, now it is time for Bill to do the same. If he doesn't the media gets to continue speculating that Bill is using his political genius to undercut Obama and get Hillary back in the White House in 2012 so he can spend some more time around DC interns. It's ridiculous, it cheapens his legacy for people to suggest he would do that, and he needs to put an end to that speculation tonight by showing the world that the last Democratic president supports the next one.

NEWS FLASH: Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi will be playing during Obama's acceptance celebration tomorrow night. That's one Jew (the Bon Jovi drummer) and one Jewish-sounding rock star. Not a bad haul people!
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The Rebirth of Hillary

Hillary Clinton resurrected herself and her party's chances last night, as she delivered a rousing, passionate much needed endorsement of Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention


Last night was certainly a night to be a pundit. Everyone on the airwaves spoke with bated breath in anticipation of Hillary Clinton's next move. Would she sabotage Obama in a jealous rage? Would she deliver a tepid endorsement, leaving the door open for her supporters to stay home? Would she provide the ringing endorsement that so many felt was necessary to Obama's chances at the White House? Would she finally leave Bill?

No, No, Yes, No

Last night, Hillary Clinton reminded all of us why she is a force to be reckoned with, whether it is on the floor of the U.S. Senate or out on the campaign trail. And surprisingly it is not just because of her awesome ability to pull off the pumpkin orange pantsuit.

No, last night, Hillary Clinton stood behind Barack Obama in a way that told her supporters, if you stay home or vote for McCain because you think that's what I want, you're crazier than Zell Miller on a good day. She said it loud, she said it proud, and she threw in a few good cracks at McCain along the way.... No Way, No How, No McCain being one of the best.

So bravo Hillary, not only have you kept Barack on the yellow brick road to the White House, but you maintained your status in the leadership of the Democratic party as well. Was it genuine or simply self-survival? We may never know, but it worked and for now that's all that matters.

One side note: if you only watch 30 minutes of convention coverage each night, make sure it is the Daily Show, 10-10:30 in St. Louis. It provides not only the funniest but also some of the most insightful coverage available. Check it out.
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The Gloves Are Off

Thoughts on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention and what to watch for tonight

The first day of the DNC is in the books, and it did not disappoint. (If you missed either Ted Kennedy or Michelle Obama, both their speeches are posted on the blog). Some quick thoughts on what went down:

Nancy Pelosi: The House Speaker kicked off the festivities with some ol' fashioned McCain bashing. She wasn't quite on her game, but if a House Speaker stumbles over a few words when no one is watching, did it really happen?

Claire McCaskill: Our own junior senator showed a little spunk in painting the Barack Obama story as the perfect picture of the American Dream. Granted, she used the phrase American Dream about 78 times past the point of effectiveness, but her point that Missouri provides a great view of the rest of the country and is neither a red state nor a blue state is right on. If you're not registered in Missouri, do it now.

Ted Kennedy: The standard bearer of the Democratic Party, battling brain cancer, caps off a remarkable journey to Denver with an unexpected and rousing speech that likely choked up even the most cynical of cynics. Do yourself a favor and watch it. There are few genuine moments in politics, Senator Kennedy provided one last night.

And then there was Michelle. With the country salivating to get a look at the Harvard educated prima donna who is ashamed of America, Michelle Obama did something remarkable last night. It's not that she looked like First Lady material. She looked downright presidential. She spoke of a father with multiple sclerosis and a husband driving home from the birth of their first child at a snail's pace with a father's caution. She spoke of goals that are limited only by the heights of our dreams. And, most importantly, she spoke of the greatness of America, the country she is proud to call home. She silenced critics who said she can not relate to the averge person and eased concerns that she is "not American enough" to serve as First Lady. She will be an asset to the campaign in the months ahead, you can count on that.

As far as tonight's schedule, I have three words for you. Hillary. Rodham. Clinton. Will her tone be one of unconditional support for Obama? Can she avoid the underhanded compliments and pot shots that have marked much of the Clinton support for Obama? Namely, can she provide the picture of leadership just seen from Michelle Obama? If the disgruntled Clinton supporters are going to become loyal Obama volunteers, the transformation must begin now...
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This Time We Listen To Our Hopes Instead of Our Fears

"A current of history meets a new tide of hope..."



Michelle Obama showed tonight just what type of First Lady she would be... one who leads by example and who speaks out against injustice, a leader very much in the vein of her husband. Check it out for yourself, more recap to come in the AM.
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Kennedy Steals the Show

Senator Kennedy makes a surprise appearance in Denver...



The symbolism here is stunning. As Republican senators are falling over one another to avoid the Republican Convention, here is a man, Senator Ted Kennedy, who will not allow ANYTHING to keep him away from the Democratic Convention. I have been slow to buy into the Obama-hype, but this got me worked up. For when a man with a brain tumor can say that "this for me is a season of hope" it is clear this is bigger than all of us.

Also, if you click the bottom right of the video, you will be able to watch most of the speeches from Monday night. Michelle Obama's speech, along with a recap, will follow when available.
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Denver: Round 1

Live from Denver, it's the Democratic National Convention!

If you're like me, the dousing of the Olympic Torch in Beijing last night left you a little empty inside, and a lot empty on your Tivo order. Luckily though, the Democrats are coming through, replacing atheltic theater with the highest form of political theater imaginable, the Democratic National Convention

Let me quickly point out the irony here. NBC just finished an exhausting two weeks of Olympic coverage (someone check on Bob Costas and make sure the little guy is all right!) which featured hours upon hours of primetime coverage of volleyball and table tennis. Now, the seminal moment in the last 4 years for the Democratic party, and how much coverage do the major networks devote to it? One hour of late prime time (10-11pm ET) each night for the four nights of the Convention. The Convention will be on network TV in total less than the Olympics were on NBC any given night! Ludicrous.

Anyway, just because the Big Three are ignoring the proceedings does not mean everyone is, or that you should too. CSPAN (glorious CSPAN) will have gavel to gavel coverage all week, and CNN and MSNBC will have it for you live all afternoon and evening Monday-Thursday.

So why and what should you watch? Let me run down the highlights real fast, and then come back each day for a recap of what went down the previous night and what to look for in the night ahead...

Monday:

The Return of Ted Kennedy - The standard bearer of the Democratic Party (and proudly representing my home state of MA!) provides the emotional kickoff you won't want to miss. It is unclear whether he will speak, but the man traveled and is appearing against doctors orders, so you know he means business

Michelle Obama - The wife of the Man Who Would Be President does her best First Lady impression. Will her embarrasment to be an American come through?

Tuesday:

HRC (thats Hillary Clinton for the casual fan) takes the stage in a spot about 49.98 percent of the party had hoped to see Barack Obama speaking in. Saying the atmosphere will be tense does not begin to describe things.

Wednesday:

Roll-Call: In a little bit of presidential theatrics, the delegates from each state each announce who they support. Hillary's name is being entered into nomination, which means there is still a chance she could kick Obama in the groin, grab brass ring, and ride off into the sunset with the nomination. Granted, the chance is small, but its Hillary so anything goes.

The Vice-Presidency isn't worth more than a bucket of warm spit: Or so the saying goes at least. Anyway, the well-groomed Delaware senator (sorry, I couldnt resist) Joe Biden gives his VP speech a go. And thus everyone in the Obama campaign holds their breath for the next two months that he doesnt say anything toooo dumb

Thursday:

The Man Himself: Obama accepts the nomination (unless Hillary or John Edwards steals it that is) (ok, John Edwards isn't getting within 2000 miles of this convention) in front of 75,000 screaming fans at Invesco Field, home of the Broncos. Word has it that Obama has PROMISED that all four of the originial Beatles will also be on hand, so you don't want to miss this one.

Well that's all for now, check in all this week for updates, followed by the same for the Republicans next week from St. Paul!

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Say It Ain't So Joe!

Former Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate to kick off Republican Convention with George Bush? Stop the world I want to get off!

I defend Joe Lieberman. Maybe it was a New England thing, maybe it was a Jew thing, maybe it was a Grandpa thing. But when he seemed in 2006 to be in his figurative political grave against up and coming, Iraq War hating Ned Lamont, I told everyone who would listen that Joe had to be the one. Sure he sounds like Bush Lite when talking about the War in Iraq, but thats just Joe being Joe. It's like when you let Grandpa ramble for 10 minutes at the dinner table about how they don't make peas like they used to. He's part of the family, so you let a few things slide.

But not this. Next week, the Democrats (Joe Lieberman's political party of choice, along with the rest of Yid Nation) will be gathering in Denver for the Democratic National Convention, aka the biggest political blow-out in 4 years. But will Joe be tapping the Rockies along with the rest of his freedom hating, latte sipping, limousine liberals? Not a chance.

Instead, Democratic Senator Joseph I. Lieberman will be hard at work preparing his speech for the week after, to be given just before our esteemed Preident Bush takes the stage in Minnesota at the Republican National Convention!

I get it Joe, you think the surge is working. That's great (wrong, but great). But what I don't get is the betrayal. You were mere millions of votes from being one mis-chewed pretzel away from the Oval Office, as a Democrat, and now all of a sudden you are supporting the other guy? The guy who is a replica of your opponent back in 2000, but with a better back story? Joe, bubbe would not be proud.

I don't know, maybe I'm giving us too much credit here, but don't you get the feeling that this sort of betrayal isn't really a Jewish thing to do? I know no one in the mainstream media is blaming the faith for his actions, but it's all a part of the story, and it does reflect badly. So shame on you Joe. You have let your people down Joe. On second thought, maybe you are more of a Republican than I thought.
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