How do you stop a train that long ago left the station? How might you un-ring a bell that rang weeks months, or even years, before you knew the chord was struck? How can a countryman, or woman rewrite history? How might a Clinton, or two reclaim entrance into the White House? Perhaps, she [or he] has already done what, since Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination, no one expected. The Clintons have found a way through the front door of the White House prior to 2012. Days ago, President-elect Obama met with Hillary Clinton to discuss her role, and her husband's, in the Oval Office and in international affairs. Senator Clinton emerged as the candidate for Secretary of State.
On Sunday night, November 16, 2008, twelve days after an historic Presidential Election, Americans watched the couple who represents the culmination of their efforts. Barack and Michelle Obama appeared on 60 Minutes. Journalist Steve Kroft sat with the President-elect and his partner and pondered all that had occurred and would possibly be. Television screens flickered. People felt elated, exhausted, energized, or just excited. Few knew what would come. However, most agreed, after the 2008 Presidential Election, everything was different.
Palin, Palin, Palin. No matter where you might turn, eyes are on Sarah Palin and her trek. The Vice Presidential candidate ponders the future, her fun, and the follies of elections. The Governor does not wince, when she contemplates the win that escaped her and her fellow nonconformist, the man at the head of the ticket John McCain. Sarah sees no personal failures. Nor does the Alaskan resident recede when asked of possibilities. Might she pursue the Presidency, G-d willing. Sarah ponders it all. Live, from The Last Frontier, the maverick shares memories and muses of what might be.
Conservatives clamored; if Americans elected Barack Obama as President, unthinkable change would transform the planet as we know it. Republicans warned, there would be war in the streets throughout the land, people would respond violently. An international incident would certainly occur. World leaders would test the "inexperienced" Commander. Certainly, the Illinois Senator would be stunned, awash in angst. If Obama were in the Oval Office, it would become more obvious. He was not prepared to command a country as great as the United States of America. The people, from every nation would take advantage of the inexperienced leader.
With overwhelming voice, Americans have voted to move beyond the dark times of the past eight years. "Yes We Did" (Archive No. 0838). Now, if the nation can just survive the next two months, 17 days, 19 hours, 59 minutes and 42 seconds.
Quick note: I'll be out of town so no new cartoon next week. Back November 19.
It was the Friday before Election Day 2008. The sun was low in the sky. My spirits were also near to the ground. As the days focused on "change," turned to months, and near two years, I had begun to lose hope. Too much time had passed. The Bush Administration overturned too many laws. In the recent past, the country had transgressed back into the future. Others were blissful, certain a better world would come. I was not confident. Near an hour before, Eddie, a young man who has lived on Earth for less than a quarter of a century, said he may not vote. He did not have faith that we, or he, were the change a country could believe in. for Eddie, "Yes we can" equated to "No he would not."
In this election year, America has made history. Throughout the country, people are able to vote early. Millions have decided to take advantage of what never was this easy to do, contribute to the greater community. The question is will the once apathetic, those who felt powerless, or the people who were willing to be labeled as lazy participate.
Might any of these individuals be deterred by the rumors. Absentee ballots and tallies transmitted before the official election date will not count. Ballots are altered by machines or perhaps, inept poll workers. Proper attire must be worn or a constituent will be refused a place at the polls. Could citizens consider the lines are long as an excuse to wait or a reason to forfeit the role they may play in the future of this nation. There is much to ponder.
With less than a week until Election Day, it's starting to look more and more likely that the GOP will be cast "Back to the Wilderness" (Archive No. 0837) by voters. But beware: The last time Republicans were banished, they came back strong, first with their "Contract With America," then with a scary brand of neoconservatism implanted on the born-again blank slate of George W. Bush. Lord only knows what they might come up with this time.
Back in seven with my post-Election Day toon.
Andrew toon@offthewahl.com
Some may wonder why a man as experienced as John McCain might have chosen a Vice Presidential candidate with so many skeletons in the closet. Many muse; what might have possess this chap to do as he did. Males among us know what women have wondered about. Chaps will confess; "There is something about Sarah."
Sarah Palin speaks and America listens. This evening, on October 21, 2008, the Vice Presidential aspirant shared what she believes are her strengths in an interview with Cable News Network Drew Griffin.
Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin vowed on Tuesday to use her executive experience to tackle government reform and energy independence if she and Sen. John McCain win this year's presidential election.
"It's going to be government reform because that, that is what I've been able to do as a mayor and as a governor, you, you take on the special interests and the self-dealings. Yep, you ruffle feathers and you have the scars to prove it," Palin said Tuesday in an interview with CNN's Drew Griffin.
"You have to take that on to give the American people that faith back in their own government. This is their government and we've got to put it back on their side," she said.
The American people are the allies Palin seeks in her pursuit of the Vice Presidency. However, she realized, belatedly, earlier in this month she offended a few. Sarah Palin expressed her sincere sorrow.
The Chief Executive from Alaska, Palin proclaimed, surely, her words were misconstrued. She never meant to imply that the patriotic values of some are evident in "the real America," the "pro-America areas of this great nation."
"'Live from New York, it is Saturday Night Live.'" These words rang out on the 18th of October 2008. Just as they have on the sixth day of the week for years, this statement signaled a time for wit with perhaps a bit of wisdom unexpectedly sprinkled through a script. On this particular evening, 14 million viewers tuned in. All hoped to see Sarah Palin as she entered the entertainment scene. Two weeks before Election Day, the Republican Vice Presidential nominee took to the stage. For months, Tina Fey, with a satiric flair, played the Chief Executive. On this date, the humorist stepped aside. The actual Alaskan Governor was in the studio ready to spoof her self.
While Sarah Palin preformed admirably on the set, the former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell did not applaud her performance. Indeed, the United States Army General, Powell who served under four presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and our current President Bush, stated that he was clearly troubled by the choice of Sarah Palin. While she was excellent for comic relief, General Powell does not think the possible Vice President is fit for the Oval Office.
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. ~ Bible. I John 4:20
Not in my backyard. Not in my neighborhood. Not on street corners in my community. Certainly, not amongst my friends, and never in my family! These are the cries heard 'round America. In rural regions, in urban boroughs, in the suburbs, and in the city proper the public clamors, "We are not colorblind." The defense voiced in earlier days is a thought from the past. In the United States of 2008, people see shades. Skin, pitch as coal, casts a shadow. Deep-seated bigotry is displayed on the surface. Today, racism is not only rampant; it is visible on every crossroad. Please consider the campaign trail. Intolerance is evident in the Presidential Election, 2008.
No, I don't think John McCain had any racial intent when he oddly referred to Barack Obama as "that one" during last night's debate. But it was dismissive and a poor choice of words, especially in light of McCain's nasty anti-Obama ad, "The One," from earlier this year. In debates, it's often the little things that stick, and "That one" just might be that thing for this one. My latest toon, "What's in an Article?," (Archive 0835) reflects on the moment.
Sarah Palin performs admirably, or was that Tina Fey. It is difficult to discern who is who. It is perhaps a greater challenge to determine which said what. Days ago, Katie Couric of CBS News, interviewed Vice Presidential nominee Palin. The original statements and much of the script is virtually identical or so it would seem. Tina Fey, may have meant to perform in parody. However, in the satire the humorist altered little. Indeed, Tina Fey directly quoted the Alaskan Governor. What a wondrous world. Wit and wisdom are one.
Regardless of a point of view, it may be true, the election coverage need not be the source of tragedy. There can be some comic relief. Please take time to laugh a little, cry a lot; weep for the Veep who may soon enter the White House. Moan for the United States citizenry Governor Palin may serve. Ponder the prospect, Sarah Palin, informed, innovative, a cause for intrigue, and an inspiration to others may soon preside over this country. The chances are good. Sarah Palin, if elected on the McCain ticket in 2008, may become President of the United States in the near future.
Please consider how important your ballot might be. Become conversant. Consider the issues and the individuals you believe might or do not represent your positions. Cast an aware vote. Research the candidates. Respond to more than the label Democrat or Republican. Realize, an election is not just a Party or political postures. Prominent may not equate to profound.
If you would, please share your thoughts on matters of import in this campaign season. You thoughts teach; no one else can tell your tale. I thank you.
Tonight, during the first Presidential Debate, in the year 2008, John McCain empathically claimed to know his chum of more than thirty years. The Arizona Senator strongly stated former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, would think Barack Obama wrong. Senator McCain repeatedly reassured the public that the Ambassador would not think it wise to negotiate with rogue nations such as Iran. John Sidney McCain reminded us of the refrain, Barack Obama is "naïve." Yet, it might be puerile to ponder that friendship ensures explicit agreement. Relationships may remind us of a capricious certainty and why countries engage in combat.
Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.
The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. ~ Ambrose Bierce (June 24, 1842 - 1914) American Editorialist, Journalist, Author, Satirist
Two issues of national import flooded the airwaves on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. On every radio and television station, broadcasters spoke of the economy and the elections. Journalists reported, tonight, the current President of the United States will address the nation, One of the persons who hopes to occupy the Oval Office after George W. Bush departs will not speak directly to the people. For Senator John McCain, the fierce urgency of now is offered as the reason he will suspend his campaign. The Presidential aspirant requested his rival do as he decrees correct, delay the debates. Whilst an audience estimated to be near one hundred (100) million anxiously awaits word from the self-proclaimed "reformer," John McCain muses his presence in Oxford, Mississippi would be unwise. As Americans have witnessed on the campaign trail, enter one Grand Old Party boy; exit the other. Some suggest the Republican President and the Party nominee are rapturous; they love theatre of the absurd.
Today, you, dear reader, can do as no one has done before. Any of us in North America can view the full version of Slackers Uprising is now available for free to all residents of the United States and Canada. In the land of liberty, please take some. Be bold; be brave. Prepare to find reasons to partake in the democratic process. Get ready to click for a film, or cast a ballot for the next President of the United States.
The hype may heighten; still there is work to be done.
Americans already confident that their chosen candidate will win the Presidential election, may wish to assess what happens quickly. People are fickle. A voter can vacillate. Someone may say they will cast a ballot for one candidate or the other. However, when a constituent finally places pen to paper, punches a card, pulls a lever, or touches a computer screen, one never knows what that person will ultimately do. No matter what any individual tells a pollster, every citizen must remember, people change their minds.
The only certainty is the notion nothing is constant. Each of us must recall, how capricious any human being can be and how imprecise public opinion polls are. Even election results can be other than they appear to be. When humans are involved, anything can happen.
The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund asks each of us to consider our values and the ethics of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Environmental experts also join these protectors of the natural world when they inquire, would we rather have science survive or the ideology of a singular prominent person, Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin. A woman who could potentially be a heartbeat away from the presidency holds dear a practice that might cause some to cry or cry out. Governor Palin, as an elected official, a churchgoer, and as a citizen promotes her personal fondness for aerial wolf and bear hunts.
Mother of five Sarah Palin ignites the race for the White House. Like an arsonist, this female is the flame, and every moth is drawn to her. Men and women alike, crowd into community events just to gaze upon this combustible personality. Since the Republican Convention ended, everywhere Sarah Palin travels, throngs of voters follow. The constituents wish to catch a glimpse of this Hockey Mom. "Sarah" as she is called, is thought to be one of them. She is the average American.
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