The Gaming Den

Normally, campaigns release potential budgets... You know, filled with bullet points and numbers which might work one way or another, and so, it's mostly a wash, but at least gives you an idea of what they want to do, though not whether they can do it.

McCain didn't bother with the numbers part. So not only do we know he can't do what he wants, he can't show us what he wants to actually do.

Also, 300 economists? Well, probably not, but what they even signed off on doesn't include the proposals he's been touting on the stump. Including all the talking points in this campaign video.

(And what's up with that? What does suspending gas taxes have to do with conservation? Or opening up the coastlines (which we use to eat) to oil drilling in ten years have to do with being serious on the climate now?)

Remember, it's not just that I'm a party-line Democrat. It's that the Republicans are just sold out and being flatly dishonest. You need to know how badly they're trying to hoodwink the country. If they aren't going to play the game, why should you give them a chance?

-Crissa

However, in the context of the broader political campagin, McCain is kicking ass and taking names. Despite the Obama love/hype machine in operation, McCain is within 5-6 points of Obama in the polls, and doing well in likely swing states.

Surprisingly.

I have no idea why.

The mainstream media is John McCain's base.

Seriously, if anyone else had presented an economic plan with assertions instead of numbers they would have been laughed off the public stage, and with good cause. John's air-conditioned media bus and BBQs for journalists really make them lean his way. It's not even particularly subtle.

Check out this piece and its links for more details.

My favorite bald-faced lie of the campaign is how McCain actively opposed the Webb Bill (an expansion of education benefits for veterans), didn't bother to show up for the vote, and then tried to claim credit for its passing.

cthulhu wrote:However, in the context of the broader political campagin, McCain is kicking ass and taking names. Despite the Obama love/hype machine in operation, McCain is within 5-6 points of Obama in the polls, and doing well in likely swing states.

Surprisingly.

I have no idea why.

Well, the polls don't really mean anything until after both conventions are over with, so don't be too concerned.