The Battle of the Bracelets

In the midst of very terse exchanges on foreign policy and the economy, both candidates made an attempt to connect with their bases on their Iraq war policy stances.  Pushing up his sleeve, Sen. McCain made reference to a bracelet given to him by a mother of a U.S. soldier who basically said "make sure you win this war, so my son didn't die in vain."  Not to be outdone, Sen. Obama retorted, "I too wear a bracelet given to me by the mother of a soldier who told me that no mother should have to go through what she has gone through."  "We need to end the war in Iraq." I feel a little shallow for wearing a bracelet because it looks good.

Seriously though, I believe both candidates did a good job of connecting with their bases last night.  Problem is, I really don't know how well either of them did of connecting with independent voters who will be deciding this election.  It is clear, however, that the candidates do not have a whole lot in common.  Together, they are the modern day "Odd Couple" (I'll let you decide who is Randall and who is Klugman).  

Then there is the issue of pre-condition diplomacy, aka  preparation.  Pre-condition diplomacy is code for friendship with benefits.  It's a bully tactic  the GOP loves.   It's the equivalent of the bully-shakedown for your lunch money on the playground.  I got your back if you give me your lunch money loser!  Since when do we need pre-conditions to have a conversation?  One of the reasons we are so hated around the world is because we have an air of imperialism about us.  Sen. Obama is a consensus builder who is trying to bring a sense of restorative justice to heal the international wounds of the current administration.  Yet, he is painted by Sen. McCain as naive for wanting to get back to some good ole' fashion campfire talks with heads of state.  

Meanwhile, Gov. Sarah Palin is trying to get better resolution out of her binoculars....... 

 

   

Tis the Season

With John McCain two timing Letterman for Couric; a U.S. economy that is seemingly going down the toilet; and Sarah Palin doing her best Barney Fife impersonation on the campaign trail, I'm getting a little sick of the political season and look to focus renewed energy on another passion of mine--NBA basketball!!!!

Training camp begins tomorrow for many NBA teams  and I will be particularly interested on seeing how well the big man tandem of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol works out for my beloved Lakers.  I've had to go into the witness protection program after our dreaded nemesis--Boston Celtics pounded us in the NBA finals last June.  Now, the disguise is off; I'm looking to get some sun on my pale skin and I'm ready for the Lakers to take the title this year!

Problem is, with our ailing economy, I won't be able to afford the inflated ticket prices at the Laker's box office.  Worse than that, living in NM, I won't be able to afford the cost of the flight, hotel and the ticket broker prices since all Laker home games are sold out.  

Thank goodness for NBA League Pass!!

Pitbull with Lipstick

Governor Sarah Palin answered any questions about her ability to connect with her base last night.  Her introduction to the American public was a quick glance at her family album and a glaring stare back at the Democratic presidential ticket.  The direct hits to Sen. Obama's resume, particularly his community organizing experience is sure to get a response.  Having worked the majority of my life in community-based organizations, the role of an organizer is pivotal in connecting community resources to those most in need.  I'm sure there were plenty of others aside from Sen. Obama that found this offensive.  

Amidst all the attacks and cynicism, there was little to be found by way of substance.  What is your plan to improve the economy?  What are you going to do to improve health care for the uninsured and underinsured?  What is your plan to withdraw troops from an unpopular war?  I'm pretty sure Sen. John McCain will cover these points in his acceptance speech tonight.  However, Gov. Palin is the one who continues to tout all of her executive experience, so what would she do to bring about change if she was the Commander in Chief?

One thing is for sure, if this campaign turns into a brawl--which, invariably it will--the self-proclaimed pitbull with lipstick will be ready to fight.