THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

Wow!

Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow!

Wow.

Lady Thatcher, your legacy shall be continued, and her name is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the next Vice President of the United States.

The democratic party is now in a state of either denial or full blown panic. With all due respect to Evander Holyfield, Sarah Palin is the real deal.

The emotions in the luxury box I was in at the XCEL Center were a mixture of elation and jubilation. Grown professional women were crying the moment she entered the room. The glass ceiling has not been broken. It has been shattered into thousands of tiny pieces.

Most importantly, it was shattered by somebody who is qualified for the job. The meritocracy that is America lives on and shines bright in this woman.

My only worry before her speech is that nobody should be forced to speak after Rudy Giuliani. He remains perhaps the greatest executive to ever lead a city, and he had the crowd fired up.

Then Sarah Palin walked in, and the electricity nearly blew the fuses.

Some of her remarks are below. They may have a shelf life of 1000 years.

“John McCain refused to hedge his bets on a war to free people from an enemy of America.”

“Pundits and pollsters who wrote him off overlooked one thing…the caliber of the man.”

“After 22 years of service, he refused to break with the troops. A the mom of one of the troops, that’s the man I want as commander in Chief.”

“On the outside, families seem typical. We are.”

“For families with special needs children, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

“This is America. Every woman can walk through every door of opportunity.”

“My opponent takes issue with my small town. We grow good people in these small towns. These people grow food, run our factories, fight our wars, love our country in good times and bad, and are always proud of America.”

“The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull…lipstick.”

“When I ran for city council I didn’t need focus groups or polls. I knew these people and their families.”

“For those who don’t understand what a  small town Mayor does, let me tell you what the job entails. A small town Mayor is like a community organizer, except with actual responsibilities.”

“John McCain does not talk differently to people in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and San Francisco. Wherever he goes, John McCain is the same man.”

“I’m not a member in good standing with the Washington elite. According to them, that is a disqualification for me alone. News flash…I am not going to Washington to seek their opinion. I am going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”

“The Alaska luxury jet…I sold it on Ebay.”

“The state budget is under control. We have a surplus.”

“I told Congress thanks but no thanks on the bridge to nowhere.”

“As for oil and gas, take it from a girl that knows the north slope. We’ve got lots of both.”

“Drilling will not solve everything, but that is no excuse not to do anything at all.”

“Our opponent has two memoirs, but not one law or reform. His war speeches never mention victory except when he is talking about his own campaign.”

“What is his plan after pushing back the waters and healing the planet? To grow the government and reduce American strength.’

“Victory in Iraq is in sight. He wants to forfeit.”

“Al Queda wants to end America. He worries someone won’t read them their rights.”

“Barack Obama wants to promote change to advance his career. John McCain promotes his career to advance change.”

“Some people talk about great things. Leaders like John McCain actually do great things.”

“John McCain is not looking for a fight, but he’s sure not afraid of one.”

“Harry Reid said that he cannot stand John McCain. No accolade is better proof that we chose the right man. Maybe what he was driving at was that he cannot stand up to John McCain.”

“The Presidency is not a journey of self discovery.”

“The world of threats is not a community, and it doesn’t need an organizer.”

“Only one man in this election ever erally fought for you in places where winning is survival and defeat is death.”

“It’s a long way from a six foot cell in Hanoi to the Oval Office.”

“There is a special confidence of those who have seen evil, and overcome it.”

“For a season, one can inspire with words. For a lifetime, John McCain inspires with his deeds.”

After the speech, I remarked that Sarah Palin is not only the second coming of Lady Thatcher, but that she had more testosterone (the actual word was less dignified) than the entire democratic party.

A woman heard me and mentioned that she also had more of it than most of the republican party as well.

Sarah Palin is right about another thing. The left despises her. The attempts to destroy her continued moments after she finished speaking. The National Organization For Women has proven again that they only care about liberal women.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/09/04/do0404.xml

 

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/04/not-again-palin-slashes-another-childrens-programby-increasing-funding/

 

http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/9b700e35-6a2f-49ed-a80b-f5f44660dc77

 

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/welcome_back_dad.html

 

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/515sdsvu.asp

 

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NzAzZjM0NWU0MWExNjM4ZmU0ZjE1YTNlNWZhZWJlODk=

 

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/whats_so_special_about_sarah.html

So what are the downsides to Sarah Palin? Well for one, her husband is not me.

Second of all, getting a face to face interview with her became next to impossible after she was selected to be on the ticket.

Third of all…see number one.

She may not be the Iron Lady, and she may not be Michael Steele, but steel is what her nerves are made of, to go with her razor sharp tongue and lightning quick mind.

I have not been this excited since George W. Bush put the world’s terrorists and media critics on notice with three words. Those three words apply to any leftist that thinks that they have what it takes to match up with her. Those words apply to factions of the left, from the smug elitists to the vicious smear merchants.

Those three words leave me emboldened as I race to embrace the ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

In the immortal words of the Dub…

BRING IT ON.

eric

Yes, there is a political speech being given by John McCain tonight. Yet when he finishes, more explosive action will be taking place.

The Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants host the Washington Redskins in the National Football League 2008 Kickoff Thursday.

Some say the Republican National Committee should be shot for having McCain close the convention the same night that the NFL opens their season.

Much blame goes to the democrats, as usual. A gentlemen’s agreement between the two parties allows the party in power to hold their convention second, and get last licks. The conventions are done by August. The democrats deliberately picked August 25-28, figuring the republicans would have to go earlier, and not interfere with Labor Day.

This should be another example that republicans lose when they cower like children, and win when they simply deck the left at every turn. Yes, the left again tried to cheat. The republicans simply started on Labor Day.

Nevertheless, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was gracious enough and patriotic enough to delay the kickoff until McCain finishes his speech.

Thank the Heavens that I have multiple televisions. After the speech, politics goes on the smaller television and the NFL goes where it belongs, on the big screen.

I have waited 7 months for football. I am ready to eat raw red meat and bite the bark off of trees. Tackling random objects is happening.

As pumped up as I am about politics, that pales in comparison to my narcotic addiction to the NFL.

I want the Oakland Raiders to win the Superbowl, and hope they do not fall 10 games short. We shall see if the Silver and Black are back soon enough.

So let’s kick this 2008 NFL Convention off with the words that inspire men everywhere a television, a burger, and a beverage are in the same room.

Giants vs Redskins…

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!!!!

LET’S GET IT ON!!!!!!!!

eric

The 2008 Republican Convention in Minneapolis is about electing Arizona Senator as President and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin Vice President. Yet the second night of the convention was about reminding America of President George W. Bush. History will vindicate this great man, and that history starts now.

I literally conducted about 30-40 interviews. Most of them were 3 to 5 question “walk and talks.” I now have blog material through the election itself.

In a major thrill, radio legend Hugh Hewitt interviewed me on his radio program for a couple of minutes to promote my blog. Hugh Hewitt is the preeminent blogger in America, and it was an honor.

www.hughhewitt.com

In another major thrill, Miss Texas came up to me and told me that she saw me heckling back at protesters the other day, and was grateful. She is running for Miss America. She was not allowed to be interviewed about politics, but she was allowed to answer non-political questions. It was a fun interview. I told her that my girlfriend is my Miss America. She was touched, and her fella is a lucky man not just because of her beauty, but her pleasant disposition.

There were so many speeches that covering even perfunctory remarks from all of them would be overload.

Congresswoman Michele Bachman was spectacular, as was Senator Norm Coleman. They will get coverage in a column entitled “Minnesota North Stars.”

Miles McPherson, a defensive back for the San Diego Chargers spoke in his capacity as a minister. I did not boo, but could not cheer for an anti-Oakland Raider.

Fred Thompson gets the Zell Miller award for A+ stemwinder. He fiercely defended Sarah Palin against slimeball attacks. He movingly spoke of the heroism of John McCain. Fred Thompson was the hit of the night.

His remarks will be covered separately because I also heard him speak earlier in the day at a blogger meeting. He had different material for the pair of speeches.

Joe Lieberman is a fine man, an all around great human being. Fred Thompson had the crowd fired up, and Lieberman, to put it charitably, calmed people down. He is 100% right on the war, and is a pleasant person. Thompson should have spoken last.

Heck, Thompson should have spoken twice.

Laura Bush spoke for the second time in as many nights, and her remarks also will get more attention later in the week.

Tonight President Bush was forceful. He hit back. His critics are not fit to shine his cowboy boots, and he finally swung his steel toe up their lily livered hides.

For 8 years he has been told to be bipartisan while the left has slandered, slashed, and torched him.

Tonight was his night.

“The Governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas are working together. The coordination is going well. Yet there are still risks. Citizens affected should listen to your local officials before deciding to return home.”

“There are no finer examples of decency and integrity than my mom and dad.”

“I have stood in ruins of buildings knocked down by killers and vowed to grieving survivors that I would not let them down.”

“I know the hard choices that can only be made by a President.”

“John McCain had his bones broken. His honor was never broken.”

“If Hanoi Hilton could not break him, the angry left never will.”

At that moment the crowd leapt their feet and cheered. I pumped my fist in the air. Yes, he did go there. He called out the hateful bigots that are a cancerous element of our society. It is not their views. It is their disgusting methods of expressing them.

I remembered why I loved this guy. For 8 years he held his tongue on these bullies and monsters on the left. He finally decked them between their disgusting enraged eyes.

I would have clapped for an hour had he not continued speaking.

“John McCain will make the tax relief permanent. He will lift the ban on offshore drilling today.”

“He is not afraid to tell you what he believes. Believe me, I know.”

“In the face of retreat, I ordered the surge. One man in the face of doubters stayed resolute.”

“He said that he would rather lose an election than lose a war. This is the vision and courage required for our next Commander in Chief.”

“We have to stop future attacks before they happen, not wait to get hit again.”

I love this man.

“When the debates have ended, and the ads have all run, and it is time to vote, cast your ballots for John McCain and Sarah Palin.”

He then offered a self deprecating remark.

“With Laura Bush speaking, you have clearly traded up.”

I fought back tears as he was ending his speech. Then the floodgates opened.

I realized that while I believe in and will vote for John McCain, it takes time to develop affection for somebody. I voted for George W. Bush in 2000. After 9/11, I supported him even more. By 2004, I was one of the true believers.

Now I am saddened that he is leaving office.

My only criticism of him was that he was too gracious.

He finally let his worthless critics get theirs.

The lilliputians in the demagoguic party are slinking somewhere.

As for the Dub, I hope he goes after his critics with a ferocity that unleashes on them.

If not, he has me to happily do it for him.

This is not because of the republican party. I simply believe in him personally.

I love this guy, and am thrilled that when the dust of his speech settled, he was where he always was…standing tall in the saddle.

George W. Bush led a military that took down the Taliban and kicked Saddam’s hide. Then Dubya branded a big old metaphorical “W” on Saddam’s hide for emphasis.

This man let the world know that after dealing with those monsters, the angry left can’t touch him.

May the protesters see that quote in an endless loop until what is left of their heads explode.

Thank you President Bush. God Bless you sir.

Your words rang true, and it was an honor to hear them.

eric

Today was supposed to be a day about so many things, but right now sadness has entered the realm of the Tygrrrr Express.

Jerry Reed has passed away.

Yes, the Tygrrrr Express is about politics and football, but the very name of my blog comes from the Song “Bandit Express,” featured in “Smokey and the Bandit 3.”

From “Eastbound and Down,” to “Texas Bound and Flying,” Jerry Reed was the perfect bootlegging quarry for Burt Reynolds, aka “The Bandit.”

Other great songs by Jerry Reed include:

The Uptown Poker Club

Lord Mr. Ford

The Preacher and the Bear

I love you (What can I say?)

Alabama Jubilee (Hail the gang’s all here)

Guitar Man

Yet the Smokey and the Bandit movies will be his legacy.

Another great song from those movies includes:

The Legend

The Tygrrrr Express is grieving.

From the Adam Sandler movie, “The Waterboy,” to his many songs, he truly was “The Legend.”

Burt Reynolds is still with us, and I hope he lights a candle for his buddy.

Fred the Bassett Hound has his ears even droopier than usual tonight.

One guitar man has just entered Heaven, Eastbound and Down.

Farewell Snowman.

eric

The Tygrrrr Express is partying in Minneapolis. It has been a thrill ride a minute.

Yes, this has been an unorthodox start to the convention, but there are so many things to see and do. Memories to last a lifetime are the rule, not the exception.

First of all, I am sleeping at a sportsbar in Downtown Minneapolis known as “Centerfield.” Brad is the owner, Josh is his son, and they make fabulous pizza. I have to say, if sleeping in a sportsbar sound fun…it is.

http://www.linwoodpizzamn.com/

As for the convention itself, below is a very paper thin recap of what has turned into a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Gustav. After that, some more adventures occurred, including clashes with leftist protesters and a police escort home for me and a friend.

First Lady Laura Bush:

“Our first priority is the safety and well being of those in the Gulf Coast region. Gustav is a reminder that we are first all Americans. Shared ideals will transcend partisanship.”

Texas Governor Rick Perry:

“The people of Texas are helping the people of Louisiana. We are prepared to take them in.”

Alabama Governor Bob Riley:

“As the expression says, we look not at what is before us or behind us, but what lies within us. We will come together because of the collective greatness of our people. The storms will not shake our will. The National Guard soldiers are displaying the values that shape our nation.”

Florida Governor Charlie Crist:

“Hurricane Fay left our state last week. We mourn the 14 Floridians lost in Hurricane Fay. Floridians are not asking what party one belongs to. They ask how we can help. Neighbors are helping neighbors.”

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour:

“We have felt your prayers. We need them, and we appreciate them. We will never forget the generosity.”

There was universal praise for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who for obvious reasons did not have time to tape a statement. There was also widespread praise for President Bush. The Federal Government and the states affected have been in close cooperation and coordination.

None of the Governors announced to the world that they were “so overwhelmed.” They simply got down to business. These Republican Governors are capable, competent, and on top of things.

As for interviews, I interviewed radio hosts Hugh Hewitt and Armstrong Williams, as well as former Indiana Senator Dan Coats. I met Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, who is an incredibly nice man. Also, even though I had interviewed her by email, I finally met Townhall reporter Amanda Carpenter in person. I briefly met Mitt Romney, who I have met before. He was his usual gracious and friendly self. Later today I will be doing a blogger event with Fred Thompson, as well as meeting some Republican Governors.

Before leaving the convention center, I ended up accidentally stumbling into a meeting of “Catholics for McCain.” They knew I was Jewish, but we are all good republicans. Heck, they fed me. I had not had an ounce of food until 5:30pm, and the bread of affliction tasted delicious. Later today I will be attending a Jewish party in one of the luxury boxes in the XCEL Convention Center, and look forward to seeing my new Catholic friends again.

After the convention, the protester were out not in full force, but in quarter force at best.

I had fun with them. I even offered to bring a razor to the convention to shave the beards of the men and the underarms of the women. This was after they said mean words my mother would not condone.

One protester complained that we were in a police state that used military tactics on civilians. I told them that they were wrong, because I pleaded with the police to use brute force, and they refused. They would not use tear gas or rubber bullets. So I guess democracy is alive, even for scum. The protesters continued to yell about fascism, and the police still would not validate their opinions. I was hoping they would have the sequel to Kent State just long enough for protesters to grasp what freedom means.

I told one protester, “You have the right to speak. I have the right to say that you are full of garbage. Notice I did not curse. That is civilized discourse.”

As for the anti-semites that make up Code Pink, I pointed out that Jews are leftists for the most part, and to engage in anti-semitic rhetoric was stupid.

When asked by Ron Paul supporters about him, I explained that I did not care about black transvestites.

I even offered to give leftists protesters a hug. Most refused. I asked them if they were for peace, and they said they were. They explained they could not hug a republican. When I explained that peace has to mean everybody, they tried to protest, since they are protesters. However I loudly announced that my feelings were hurt, and that they would not hug for peace.

Some of my escapades were videotaped, and I should be on You Tube soon. My poor parents may have to go into hiding.

One leftist protester made a remark about Sarah Palin’s daughter getting pregnant at age 17. I refuse to cover this non-story the same way I refused to cover Al Gore’s son committing actual crimes.

I told the protester that the media should leave Sarah Palin’s daughter alone, and the same goes for Al Gore’s son, the Bush twins, and Chelsea Clinton (until she entered the arena). I told him it was a disgrace to go after Mary Cheney. The man agreed, and we shook hands. I told every protester that they were my opponent, not my enemy. Some of them got it. Others are what they are.

Lastly, at the end of the night, the inability to figure out the bus schedule had us asking police officers for cab information. Instead, they offered to drive us back to Centerfield Sportsbar. It was awesome. We had our own convoy.

The good news was that they gave us a ride. The bad news, in their own words, were that “it would be in a minivan.” They felt bad for us. They know we wanted the whole police officer squad car with the sirens blaring type of thing. It was not to be. We would have taken pictures of us in the back of the squad car. Instead we just took photos of us with the officer. He reminded is that he was not a member of Minnesota’s finest, but Minneapolis’s finest. Other cities were to get no credit.

Today will be more thrills.

On to the next adventure.

eric

I had the pleasure of meeting former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum.

Other events took place yesterday. I attended a concert at the XCEL Center featuring country music stalwart Lee Greenwood. I truly get misty eyed when he sings “God Bless the USA.”

Another event occurred that was so controversial that I will need a couple days to discuss it. It involved the David Zucker movie “An American Carol.” For ethical reasons, I am holding back my comments for several days until I can elaborate.

As for the convention itself, everything is in a state of flux. I am supposed to attend an event with several Governors. I also have a bloggers roundtable with a couple Senators. These events may be postponed, but human life supercedes entertainment and partying. If the republican party wants to talk about life, it must step up strong regarding Hurricane Gustav, since the 2005 debacle involving Katrina (which I still blame on Louisiana Democrats, but perception is what counts) is one reason why the Republican Party lost the 2006 elections. Conventions are fun, but rolling up sleeves and getting to work, especially in matters of life and death, must come first. It is about governing.

As for interviews, I interviewed several people, and the highlight was Senator Santorum. I ran into him by chance, and he was gracious enough to do a spur of the moment interview.

1) What are the most important issues of the 2008 Election?

RS: Barack Obama, Barack Obama, Barack Obama. He is completely unprepared. He is the most liberal Senator to ever seek the White House.

2) What are the most important issues to you personally?

RS: The war is most important. We have to win. We cannot accept a policy of retreat and surrender. Obama does not understand how to go about winning this war. Iraq is the central front in the War on Terror. Islamic terrorism must be defeated. Also, Obama’s economic policies would deliver economic body blows to our economy. He will increase the power of government. He will increase taxes. He will increase mandatory spending. He will bring an entirely new welfare state. He will do damage to economic growth by mandating new regulations and standards. His plan will bring about economic devastation.

3) Who are your 3 favorite political heroes?

RS: I really don’t have political heroes. I admire many people, but none that I would put in the category of heroes. I obviously respect Ronald Reagan. One person I thoroughly enjoyed working with was former Indiana Senator Dan Coats. He was good.

4) How would you like to be remembered? What would you want people to say about Rick Santorum the person?

RS: He did what he thought was right for the good of America.

I would like to thank Senator Santorum for his time and his graciousness. He was a fighter for the people of Pennsylvania, and our entire nation would benefit from him returning to public service in a higher capacity.

eric

The convention has not even started, and the Tygrrrr Express is already getting his groove on, which I believe is the exact same thing as getting my freak on, but slightly different than getting my swerve on.

I was supposed to arrive in Minnesota Saturday morning, and sleep at the airport while awaiting the Chicago Cannonball. Just before the plane took off, they asked for volunteers. A few minutes later I was a few hundred dollars wealthier, had a hotel in LA for the night, and got to fly first class Saturday morning.

The Chicago Cannonball and I are actually sleeping at a club. They have a loft. She might kill me in my sleep, but I think this is cool. I went to bed to the soothing sounds of ACDC below me, and the streets were jumping.

Several blogger friends from Chad at the Grizzly Groundsweel to Pastor Ed Boston to Bill from ARRA News Services are hanging out.

They are staying in other places nearby, but to sleep in a loft in a sportsbar is a fun experience. Again, I speak for me only.

Today I will be going to a concert my Lee Greenwood, who sings “God Bless the USA.”

Last night I interviewed Barb Davis White, who is running for the 5th Congressional District against Keith Ellison.

Yet today’s adventure is about my interview last night with Jason Meszaros, The Minnesota Director of Operations with Vets For Freedom. He did a tour in Afghanistan in 2004, but several of his VFF coworkers just got back from Iraq last week. I interviewed Jason on the radio several weeks ago, along with Pete Hegseth, the National Chair, as well as Nathan Martin of the Ohio chapter.

Below is my interview with Jason Meszaros.

1} What is the state of Iraq in 2008?

JM: Eric Schwab just went back, and came hom several days ago. The evidence of improvement is compelling. In 2004, there was no Iraqi Police, or Iraqi security. Now they are everywhere. Marketplaces are open for business. People are outside. They are not afraid any more. The streets are alive. This is for two reasons. First of all, Al Queda has been driven out. Second, the Iraqis are stepping up. Kate Morley attended a council meeting while she was embedded there. Pre-surge there were no council meetings. Local political improvements in 2006 is the reason for this. The people are making the political progress.

2} What in Iraq is still left to do?

JM: More is needed at the local level. More reconciliation is needed. The Sunnis joined the Government. The neighborhoods are still segregated, although less so. Walls are slowly coming down. Reintegration is occurring.

3} How can ordinary citizens help? What can we do?

JM: Keep spreading the message. The surge is working. Iraqis are stepping up. Write letters to the editor and members of Congress. Talk to Veterans. Civilian support of Veterans is essential.

4} What is the situation in Afghanistan at this time?

JM: The resurgence in power is due to Al Queda being back in Pakistan because we successfully drove them out of Iraq. However, in Afghanistan, due to the terrain, they will not be able to form a counterinsurgency like they initially did in Iraq. Afghanis have a military consisting of several tribes. The people are united, and they have checked their heritage at the door. Their hiding areas are pocketed. They are not hitting urban areas, as they were once able to do in Baghdad.

5} Are the recent developments in Pakistan with Purvez Musharraf stepping down a positive or a negative development?

JM: It all depends on who the successor is. Musharraf was a good ally. We need diplomacy with the successor to make sure that they do not become a Muslim theocracy like Afghanistan became. It all hinges on who the successor in Pakistan is.

6} What else should the American people know?

JM: I know nothing about John McCain’s VP pick. I am not a politician. I just know that we need the new media to keep stepping up. We need the bloggers to get the message out. We are winning. The military is winning. We need the civilians to show their support.

It was fabulous to interview a hero. he is right. We are winning. What he is too humble to say is that it is because of brave men like him.

May God Bless the Vets For Freedom, and the American military personnel and their families everywhere. We are free because they are brave.

eric

Shock and Awe has just entered the 2008 Presidential campaign in the form of Arizona Senator John McCain choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential nominee.

The coldest state has brought America the hottest Governor.

The Tygrrrr Express arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 2008 Republican Convention. The Chicago Cannonball is joining me just long enough to go to the great Mall of America. Then I will get down to the business of blogging from the 2008 version of “Repub Hub.” It will be a fabulous experience thanks to John McCain choosing the phenomenal Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential Nominee.

First I would like to give credit to the news organizations that put out the headline that is bound to spawn a million jokes by the adolescent male population, of which I am often accused of being a part of. “McCain taps Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.” My desire not to have the Secret Service shut down my blog prevents me from commenting further, although she did make my list of the “Top 120 political yummy bouncies.”

As hot as she is, make no mistake about it. She is tough, smart, and a solid choice for Vice President based on her ability to govern effectively. Before offering some thoughts on Governor Palin, kudos need to be given out to John McCain. I have repeatedly stated that I am “often wrong, but never in doubt.” My advice to John McCain, which was never solicited or accepted, was that he go for the ultra safe choice.

My dream choice was Rudy Giuliani, but my realistic choice was Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. Tall, good hair, and inoffensive…safe, boring, and not harmful. This is not John McCain. He took all of his poker chips and pushed them to the center of the table. He is now “all in.”

Perhaps a guy that spent 5 1/2 years as a POW is just not going to be afraid to take risks. Sarah Palin is the epitome of a riverboat gambler choice. It also might very well work.

The minus side includes that her beauty might work against her. Women say they want to support other women, but they hate beauty queens. Sarah Palin is a former pageant girl. Of course this is not her fault, but women are a jealous bunch.

Another minus is that she does not have foreign policy experience. Then again, she has more experience than Barack Obama. Governors, unlike Senators, actually do things. That is why Senators rarely make it to the White House. She is an executive, and has actually balanced a budget. Obama is a talker. She is a doer.

Her pluses are numerous. For one, the base loves her. The base has been dispirited lately. They are elated today. This woman is so pro-NRA that the nickname of her youngest child is “Trig,” as in “Trigger.”

Another plus is that in a year when the republican brand is toxic due to perceptions of incompetence and corruption , Sarah Palin is a very competent executive who has rooted out corruption in her home state. She even took on republicans, filing indictments, and decimating the old boy network. She has popularity levels in the stratosphere at home. Obama is a rock star for his image. She is a rock star for her actual accomplishments.

Sarah Palin brings me one worry. When one makes their name as a corruption fighting crusader, they had better be squeaky clean. Bill Clinton was able to escape his corruption intact because people had such low expectations for him from an ethical standpoint. He could crawl over the bar. People do not mind those that engage in bad deeds. They mind sanctimoniousness and hypocrisy. Eliot Spitzer was the epitome of self righteousness, and his corruption brought him down. Sarah Palin had better have her ethical house in spotless order, because the spotlight is about to shine brightly and intensely upon her.

Sarah Palin is about shock and awe because the shock value comes in the form of her being chosen. In the age of 24 hour to the millisecond news cycle, keeping secrets is not easy to do. I walked in this morning, hit my internet button, saw the front headline, and picked my jaw off of the floor.

The awe part is that she is as inspiring from a success standpoint as she is physically beautiful. I track what words people type in to search blogs when I look at my own blog. The words “Sarah Palin” in the same sentence as some “suggestive terms” were typed in abundance. I suspect that the young male college vote is now in play. People will claim sexism, but admiring a woman for her beauty in addition to her intelligence is not sexism. Ignoring all other factors and relying solely on beauty is where the slippery erotic slope comes in. Does Sarah Palin look like the naughty librarian in those videos that every guy pretends to know nothing about? Do we want her to pull the ribbon out of the bun and let her hair flow like the Vogue cover? Of course.

Yet this is not about modeling lingerie, or about being impersonated on Saturday Night Live by the similarly sexy looking Tina Fey. It is about leading the free world. She is solidly and unapologetically conservative. She could be the next Margaret Thatcher, only (with all due respect to the deeply beloved Iron Lady) sexier.

This is not about her bottom, which some reporters tactlessly commented on. It is about the bottom line, which is cutting taxes, cutting burdensome regulation, enhancing liberty and freedom, and killing terrorists. She is a hockey mom, target shoots, and eats moose stew. She also is a devoted mother to her five children, including the youngest child that is afflicted with Downs Syndrome. For more information about Sarah Palin, several articles have been written.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NWIyZDUxOGE5MGQxNWI5ZDhkYmQ2OTU0N2M2ZTI5NzA=

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/29/AR2008082901112.html?hpid=topnews

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/08/mccain_introduces_palin_at_day.html

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/29/palin-for-america-a-true-conservative/

http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/7157b0d1-1b89-4ddf-b442-5cdc63dec2b6

Below are some of her finest comments from her introductory press conference.

“I did not get into politics to do the safe and easy things.”

“We are expected to govern with integrity, and good will, and conviction.”

“As the mother of one of the troops, and as the commander of Alaska’s National Guard, John McCain is the kind of man I want in a Commander in Chief.”

“Last 9/11, my son enlisted in the Army, and this 9/11 he heads to Iraq.”

As the song “Right Now” by Van Halen played in the background, it was a jolt of fresh air to see how in only 12 hours, the news can switch from an empty speech about nothing to a call for actual leadership and service. This woman will not be afraid of dealing with Iran, Iraq, or Afghanistan. She will not be afraid of taking on republicans when they stray from conservative principles. She certainly not fear anything as a weak as a 21st century post modern liberal.

John McCain hit a home run out the ballpark. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is our rock star, and she is solid as a rock.

A hero and an executive versus a zero and a legislative gasbag. The republican ticket is set for victory.

eric

The Oakland Raiders finished their 2008 preseason against the Seattle Seahawks.

This is expected to be the last preseason game for the Walrus, aka Mike Holmgren. He and his tusks are expected to retire at the end of this year.

The preseason of the Raiders could best be represented by “The good, the bad, and the ugly.”

The good came in a solid win over the 49ers. The bad came in a loss to the Titans, although the starters played well enough to win. The ugly was a shutout loss at home against a Cardinals team that had their starter throw three interceptions, with each turnover wasted.

For more coverage of the Raiders, go to:

http://www.blogbaby.com

JaMarcus Russell did not suit up for the game. This gave the Raiders a chance to look at who would be the backup.

Andrew Walter started, and the team went 3 and out on their first possession that began with a false start. Seattle fumbled the punt return, and Oakland running back Michael Bush recovered. The Raiders began at the Seattle 34. On first down Andrew Walter went for the jugular, but the ball was over thrown. After another false start and a completion, the Raiders faced 3rd and 2. Andrew Walter was sacked, and fumbled the ball back to the Seahawks.

One of the biggest criticisms of Andrew Walter is that he hangs on to the ball too long. Yes, he has been behind some dreadful offensive lines, but he needs to safely put the ball away.

On Seattle’s first offensive play, T.J.Duckett ran around the end of a first down. Matt Hasselbeck was also resting up for the regular season, so Seneca Wallace was starting. Wallace has more experience than many NFL starters, much less backups. He is also more mobile than Hasselbeck. It is also easy to look good when the opposing defense keeps missing tackles. From the Oakland 25, T.J. Ducket took a handoff on a draw play and scored with little resistance. Four minutes into the game, the Seahawks led 7-0.

The Raiders began with excellent field position when Johnny Lee Higgins returned the kickoff to the Seattle 49. He almost broke it. On the first play from scrimmage, Darren McFadden ran 30 yards to the 19. A completion set up first and goal at the 9. The drive bogged down at the 4. The Raiders last year had trouble finishing drives. A 21 yard field goal attempt turned into the second coming of Garo Yopremian.

The snap was fumbled by normally reliable punter and holder Shane Lechler. He tried to pick it up and throw a pass, which was intercepted and returned to the Seattle 42. Only kicker Sebastian Janikowski slowing the return man down prevented a touchdown the other way. From Coach Lame Kiffin on down, this team is a disaster.

A 36 yard completion by Wallace had the Seahawks at the Oakland 22. The drive stalled, but Olindo Mare nailed a 34 yard field goal with 4 minutes left in the first quarter for a 10-0 Seahawks lead.

I would love to describe the second and third quarters, but the only thing more pathetic than my team is my internet connection.

I wrote several paragraphs and lost them all. I will go ona bloody rampage if this happens again.

The Seahawks increased their lead to 13-0 when the Raiders finally got going and cut the gap to 13-3 in the second quarter. With 1:10 left in the half the Raiders had the ball on their own 6 yard line. They managed to get to their own 40 with 13 seconds left in the half. A perfect strike by Walter set up a 50 yard field goal that Seabass nailed for a 13-6 deficit at the half.

Seattle went nowhere on their first drive of the second half, and the Raiders took over at midfield. On 3rd and 5, Seattle jumped offsides. 3rd and inches saw a play action pass that led to Walter being sacked. Kiffin called a timeout, and rather than punt, had Seabass try a 66 yard field goal. Preseason is a good time to try this stuff. Last year in the regular season Seabass had a 64 yard field goal attempt hit the upright. It would have been an NFL record. He is the Polish Cannon. This preseason attempt, however, fell short.

Seattle drove for a field goal, and a 16-6 lead. The Raiders responded in kind, and Seabass had the Silver and Black to within 16-9.

The first half was a rather penalty free affair, with only 2 penalties on the Raiders and won on the Seahawks. In the second half Seattle had several penalties on offense. Late in the 3rd quarter the Raiders had back to back defensive pass interference calls. As the 3rd quarter ended, the Seahawks had the ball on the Raiders 23. A 3rd pass interference call in the end zone placed the ball at the one yard line. On the next play, Wallace rolled out, and tried to make something happen. He fumbled, and the Raiders recovered.

They were unable to move the ball, and after a punt, Seattle started at the Oakland 43. Wallace remained in the game, and moved Seattle again. Again they were knocking on the door at the one yard line. This time Duckett crashed through, and the 23-9 Seattle lead with 9:35 left effectively put the game out of reach.

Tuiasasopo came in and led the Raiders inside the Seattle 5, but no points came out of it. A garbage touchdown with 1:51 left followed by a failed onsides kick ended the game.

The Raiders finished the preseason 1-3, and they are a team with many deficiencies.

I am boarding a flight for Minneapolis tonight, and the redeye will be a good time for me to sleep off this awful game. If I am unable to sleep on the plane, it is because I am having nightmares of an 0-16 season.

We will not go 0-16, but 8-8 seems so far away.

On Thursday, September 4th, the regular season begins. On Monday, September 8th, the Raiders host the hated Denver Broncos in Oakland on Monday Night Football.

Better days are ahead, but not tonight. Preseason is over.

Seahawks 23, Raiders16

eric

1) Hope
2) Change
3) Yes we can
4) God Bless America

There, you just heard the entire speech.

Heck no! We won’t go!
We wanna see BHMO!

No more suffering, no more trauma!

Barack Hannah Montana Obama!

YYYAAAAYYYY, BARRY!

The substance of the speech has now been covered.

Given how slippery and elusive Obama is, perhaps he can be introduced by the Wiggles. My friend’s baby son likes them, and he is just as naive and sweet.

The gathering of children at the largest slumber party in the history of Denver has now officially ended.

Before turning to important news, such as who John McCain will select as the next Vice President, some time shall be spent reviewing the sweetest sweet 16 party any young kid has ever had.

To paraphrase Gerard Baker, the young anointed one spaketh.

Like most rock concerts at outdoor stadiums, earplugs are necessary for a positive experience.

One stereotypical liberal blogger with his nose sky high in the air said, “holy cow what a speech. If that doesn’t inspire you, you don’t love America.”

I didn’t, and I do.

Before getting to the anointed one, Bill Richardson spoke for a few minutes. To cover his remarks would imply they were consequential, so for ethical reasons, moving on would be best.

John Lewis could not bring himself to thank John McCain for repeatedly calling John Lewis a hero. John McCain keeps thinking that the other side sees him as an opponent and not an enemy. The graciousness is never returned.

Howard Dean was calm. Perhaps the tranquilizers meant for him and Dennis Kucinich went to only Howard Dean. He did claim that democrats were now competitive in all 50 states. At the Presidential level, I guess 50 truly is the new 20. Then again, Howard Dean was cursed in 2004. He suffered an endorsement for Al Gore.

Al Gore immediately quieted the crowd because he is Al Gore. He then started bellowing, and forgot to remind the audience that he lost his home state in Tennessee, as well as Arkansas. He bemoaned that President Bush and Vice President Cheney have an “indifference to facts.” If I was not typing on the internet that Al Gore invented I would be salty about that cheap shot.

Al Gore is well on his way to being the lonely old man on the park bench yelling at pigeons and passerbys that he was once relevant. At least the Earth will be completely fine, although waving his Nobel Peace Prize and Academy Award wildly will frighten the birds as much as his beliefs frighten most normal people.

He criticized President Bush for “not inspiring people.” From a man who bores himself to sleep, this is a Goreian level of hypocrisy to go along with the former Vice President’s very convenient untruth. This rising level of Goreian hypocrisy is dangerous to the environment of sensible discourse.

“The politics of the past are exhausted.”

Yet Al Gore was still on stage, talking about bipartisan respect while bashing President Bush.

He then compared Obama to Abraham Lincoln. They both lacked experience and were from Illinois. That logic allows us to nominate Ronald McDonald, since his corporate headquarters is also in Illinois. After all, He is a clown, making him a perfect fit for the 21st century democrats.

I figured that letting Al Gore or John Kerry speak on the same night as Barack Obama would make Obama seem less insufferable by comparison. I give credit where credit is due.

As for Obama, the heavens opened up, the oceans parted, the sun shined, and children worldwide smiled. Every world problem was instantly solved.

Then I realized I had accidentally hit the remote to the NFL Channel. I clicked back to politics to face the final speech of this 96 hour slumber party.

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/29/team-obama-whines-clamors-for-relevance/

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/08/29/barack-the-silencer-obamas-gangland-assault-on-free-speech/

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/barack_obama_offers_a_beautifu.html

Barack Obama thanked former President Bill Clinton “for making the case for change as only he can.” Does that mean that nobody else in the party, including Obama himself and Joe Biden, are able to do so? So much for “Yes, we can.” Then again, if they could have, they would have.

He stated that “humility” was essential. Rumor has it that he then showed the audience his backside so that they could take a deep sniff and exult at the inhalation. Rumor also has it that he then took a moment to admire his own scent, before continuing with his humility speech. The source of the rumors is incredibly handsome, and apparently has as much humility at the moment as Obama.

Pretty much everything in life, including puppies and kittens crying, according to Obama, is the responsibility of President George W. Bush.

I vowed to stop paraphrasing as soon as something consequential was said. I will be waiting until the Republican Convention.

The speech was fairly hard negative from the get go. I was waiting eagerly for this man to offer a reason why he should be President.

The crowd chanted “8 is Enough,” as if teenagers even know who Dick Van Patten is.

He linked John McCain to George W. Bush, but could not offer a rationale for himself.

He attacked Phil Gramm for his “nation of whiners” comment, which was taken way out of context. Nevertheless, Obama wants us to judge McCain by Dubya and Gramm. Therefore, we get to judge him by William Ayers and Jeremiah Wright.

He misrepresented John McCain as a man who thinks that anyone making under 5 million dollars per year as middle class.

This speech was a stemwinder that should have been delivered by Hillary Clinton or another attack dog. There was nothing that gave us any glimpse into how he would lead.

“It’s time for us to change America, and that is why I am running for President.”

His biggest speech in his life, and he offered a platitude.

His 2004 speech was so successful because it was unifying and positive. This speech was divisive and negative.

He played to the hard core leftists in the stadium, ignoring the masses watching on television that kept wanting to know the question Walter Mondale asked of Gary Hart in 1984…”Where’s the beef?”

He told sob stories of people suffering. That is not a plan, or even a single policy.

“We should treat people with dignity and respect.”

Apparently President Bush is not a human being.

He then asked government to invest in everything. When liberals say invest, they mean spend.

We need to look after each other. Great. Fabulous.

“Let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I was President.”

I listened very intently at this point.

I wasted my ears. They are not as big as Obama’s, but even ears his size could not hear an actual substantive message.

“In 10 years we will end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.”

How you ask? He will click his heels together 3 times.

He then blamed McCain for the oil crisis that began 30 years ago.

He attacked the idea of oil drilling.

He will “safely find ways to harness nuclear power.”

This is garbage. That technology already exists. He is against building nuclear power plants.

At no times were the words, “This is how I will do it, and this is how I will pay for it,” ever uttered.

Every child will be given a world class education. How so? Perhaps by shutting down American public schools and sending kids overseas. That is a world plan.

He will “ask” for higher standards for teachers. How nice of him. Perhaps he can ask Hezbollah and Hamas to stop blowing up innocent Jews. So that is the problem with the President. He is impolite.

Public schools destroy children. Obama will not say this.

“Now is the time to protect Social Security for future generations.”

His plan is to let it go bankrupt, since investing in T-Bills will do that.

“Many of these plans will cost money, and I will tell you how I will pay for them.”

He will eliminate bad programs with 21st century challenges to overcome 20th century bureaucracy.

This man is brilliant.

To quote Spinal Tap, “The more it stays the same…the less it changes.”

“We must provide more ladders for young men that fall into crime and despair.”

They do not “fall” into it. They consciously seek to do these bad acts.

He then spoke of “individual responsibility and mutual responsibility. That is the essence of America’s promise.”

No. Individual freedom and liberty and the ability to make the best…or worst…of one’s own life…is what makes America great.

Obama must be a vegetarian, because there was no meat anywhere.

He attacked McCain saying that McCain would not follow Osama “to the cave that he lives.” That was the most dishonorable line of the speech.

“You don’t deter Israel from Iran by talking tough in Washington.”

Talking tough? That is what Obama does, and nothing more.

“Don’t tell me that democrats won’t keep us safe.”

I am telling you. You can’t, and you won’t.

“Tough direct diplomacy will prevent Iran and Russia…”

Vladimir Putin and Mahmoud Armageddonijad laughed hysterically, and thanked the heavens that Obama will not actually do anything.

He claimed that John McCain claims that Obama “takes his positions for political purposes.”

I am glad they agree. So do I.

This speech was like 2004, only rehashed, and less meaningful now that we have seen what is beneath the lofty rhetoric…absolutely nothing.

“We have lost our sense of common purpose. We must restore it.”

There is no common purpose.

He then tried to triangulate on abortion, gun control, and gay marriage.

He mentioned that gays should be free of discrimination. I am a Jewish republican. I know discrimination.

He mentioned how business hurt Americans when they hire illegal workers, but that is not a solution or even a proposal.

“If you do not have any fresh ideas, then you use stale attacks to scare voters. If you don’t have a record, you attack your opponent.”

I would say that this is the pot calling the kettle black, but I might be accused of racism, and then be investigated by the Department of Justice.

He then praised ordinary Americans. They are only ordinary when one is looking down on them from Mount Olympus.

He praised Martin Luther King Jr., but what he failed to grasp was that Dr. King was able to forcefully advocate change without tearing down others.

Had Barack given his 2004 speech tonight, I would be worried.

I know the media will tell us how fabulous the 2008 reheated version was, but it was not.

I am relaxed knowing that he threw his best punch.

John McCain and the republicans, including myself, will be in Minnesota soon enough. I leave for Minnesota on Saturday.

Seriousness will then enter the building.

I used to think that all Obama had to offer was one speech. I was wrong. He now has double that. His accomplishments in the Senate are 0, so he doubled that as well.

The symbolism was powerful. Those who liked the speech will like the symbolism. Some people believe that putting a bow tie on a pig makes it a prince. It does not. All the powerful symbolism cannot save this lack of substance. More importantly, it should not. Otherwise, the useless human beings known as Hollywood celebrities truly will become the heart and soul of AMerica, and the America I know it will be worse off.

This 2008 Obama speech was not about “us.” It was about him, and only him.

It offered virtually nothing, and what little it did offer, I will graciously…something liberals do not understand…refuse.

This was not “Stand and Deliver.”

Barack Obama is a mainstream liberal. He stands for nothing, and delivers just as much.

The children then went to bed, as the adults prepared to discuss serious business in Minnesota.

eric