The Cone of Silence Scandal

[elNastioBananaHando]

What the fuck is up with this? Its all over the news and its starting to get on my nerves. So what if McCain cheated? Big Deal.

[PETA]

The reason Obama looked like an idiot and McCain appeared very well prepared for the Saddleback Church Q&A is because McCain got a preview of the questions because he wasn't in a "cone of silence"

Never mind that the term is from "Get Smart"

Never mind the fact that the questions asked were pretty standard fare that a candidate hould be prepared to answer. Obama is just awful when he isn't reading off of a teleprompter.


Article on the issue: http://features.csmonitor.com/politi...ne-of-silence/


Its amusing that the Obama camp's response to his poor showing was a claim that the other guy's good showing is proof that he cheated. Could have something to do with the fact that Obama has now been running for President longer than the time he spent in the Senate prior to announcing his candidacy.

[zerojunkie]

Fucking Get Smart wins...


I need to watch this debate.

[PETA]

wasn't a debate...

Obama's smart enough to duck debating McCain as much as possible

[e-brake]

Originally Posted by xian

wasn't a debate...

Obama's smart enough to duck debating McCain as much as possible

The Obama camp agreed to a set of three nationally televised debates, one on each major network, McCain declined. McCain's camp wants small town meetings with no network TV cameras, and no broadcast outside of the venue where it takes place, and a set of questions pre-screened from the crowd not from moderators, the Obama camp declined unless its televised live. Seems to me that its the GOP afraid of the debate.

[PETA]

Originally Posted by e-brake

The Obama camp agreed to a set of three nationally televised debates, one on each major network, McCain declined. McCain's camp wants small town meetings with no network TV cameras, and no broadcast outside of the venue where it takes place, and a set of questions pre-screened from the crowd not from moderators, the Obama camp declined unless its televised live. Seems to me that its the GOP afraid of the debate.

3 debates? 3 whole debates?


The fact remains, Obama's awful off script and McCain would wreck him.

The debates will happen and my claim will be proven or disproven. Until then its my opinion - one that I think there's a lot of evidence for but we need to see them head to head to really have a better sense.

McCain will push for as much spontineity (sic?) as possible and Obama as much pre-screening and staging as possible.


from a SF Newspaper

http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/F30EAB...-23D022648D37/

Democratic candidate Barack Obama backed away Saturday from rival John McCain's challenge for a series of joint appearances, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.

In May, when a McCain adviser proposed a series of appearances at town hall meetings, Obama said, "I think that's a great idea."

Obama's reversal on town hall debates is part of a play-it-safe strategy he's adopted since claiming the nomination and grabbing a lead in national polls. Advisers to the Illinois senator, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss strategy, say Obama is reluctant to take chances or give McCain a high-profile stage now that Obama is the front-runner.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2...rssnyt&emc=rss NYT article. Looks like the issue isn't the GOP is afraid to debate.... McCain's offered Obama to debate at the 10 town hall meetings etc etc..... what's happening is each is angling for the format that they perform in best. Weird huh?

[e-brake]

Originally Posted by xian

The fact remains, Obama's awful off script and McCain would wreck him.

I dont buy that, he crushed Clinton and Edwards in Debates earlier this year. McCain is the candidate that got his ass handed to him by George Bush of all people a few years ago. The one and only advantage that McCain has at this point is his ability to abandon his campaign platform and answer questions with whatever bullshit that the local crowd wants to hear at the moment.

A good example of this would be McCain at the Christian event this weekend speaking out against Abortion. Meanwhile is own personal website states clearly that "one of John McCain's first steps as president will be overturning Roe v Wade" Seems to be yet again a case of McCain does not speak for the McCain campaign.
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/...028d71df58.htm

Originally Posted by xian

The debates will happen and my claim will be proven or disproven. Until then its my opinion - one that I think there's a lot of evidence for but we need to see them head to head to really have a better sense.

Time will tell, Im am confident that McCain is senile and I would be willing to wager a Leine tackle box on it

[PETA]

Originally Posted by e-brake

I dont buy that, he crushed Clinton and Edwards in Debates earlier this year. McCain is the candidate that got his ass handed to him by George Bush of all people a few years ago.

Well, we'll eventually get to see

Originally Posted by e-brake

A good example of this would be McCain at the Christian event this weekend speaking out against Abortion. Meanwhile is own personal website states clearly that "one of John McCain's first steps as president will be overturning Roe v Wade" Seems to be yet again a case of McCain does not speak for the McCain campaign.
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/...028d71df58.htm

confused..... Roe, in essence, prohibits the states from legislating on abortion in any way that conflicts with Roe (and progeny - odd word here huh?). So, over turning Roe would potentially permit states to prohibit abortion. Where's the inconsistency? Or am I misreading something?

Originally Posted by e-brake

Time will tell, Im am confident that McCain is senile and I would be willing to wager a Leine tackle box on it

lol - been up to the flowage lately?

[tricky]

McCain is a better debater?? Pass that joint over here sir. Obama did damn well against Edwards and Clinton so I don't see how you can believe that. McCain is a senile old man who can't remember his talking points and doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. I can't fucking wait for these debates. Also, how did you not even know about said debates xian? read the news man

[PETA]

Originally Posted by tricky

McCain is a better debater?? Pass that joint over here sir. Obama did damn well against Edwards and Clinton so I don't see how you can believe that. McCain is a senile old man who can't remember his talking points and doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. I can't fucking wait for these debates. Also, how did you not even know about said debates xian? read the news man

well, like I said, we'll see... I'm looking forward to the debates as well

Obama did well against those two because they all spoke in platitudes - not in policy details.

I do read the news... the news that reported that Obama's camp is claiming McCain must have cheated to have wrecked him so bad at Saddleback

[tricky]

Originally Posted by xian

well, like I said, we'll see... I'm looking forward to the debates as well

Obama did well against those two because they all spoke in platitudes - not in policy details.

I do read the news... the news that reported that Obama's camp is claiming McCain must have cheated to have wrecked him so bad at Saddleback

Well, as an atheist I really don't give a fuck about some douchebag megachurch preacher or his fucking debate. But alas, I won't bore you with my thoughts on how religion is a cruth in an uncertain world....Anyways....McCain cheated and did better and he's also more used to talking about faith anyways since those are pretty much the only people stilll suporting him.

[PETA]

Originally Posted by tricky

Well, as an atheist I really don't give a fuck about some douchebag megachurch preacher or his fucking debate.

doofus - your religious affiliation or lack thereof has nothing to do with Obama's showing at the Q&A.

Originally Posted by tricky

But alas, I won't bore you with my thoughts on how religion is a cruth in an uncertain world....

and I'll thank you for not doing so - its simple Aaron, believe or don't just stfu about it.

Originally Posted by tricky

Anyways....McCain cheated and did better and he's also more used to talking about faith anyways since those are pretty much the only people stilll suporting him.

lol - yup - exatly what I'm getting at. These were rote questions. Its not like getting advanced copy of the fucking LSAT. The questions were political Aaron, not theological. But, it is really funny that you have to rely on a bullshit charge of cheating to explain your candidate fall on his face when asked some fairly straight forward and very obvious questions a candidate for POTUS must be able to answer competently.

Couple last things, 1) Warren has asked Obama to speak in the past and 2) McCain has done very little by way of energizing evangelicals - he's thumbed his nose at them the past decade - they're a bit leary of him.

[tricky]

Originally Posted by xian

doofus - your religious affiliation or lack thereof has nothing to do with Obama's showing at the Q&A.



and I'll thank you for not doing so - its simple Aaron, believe or don't just stfu about it.



lol - yup - exatly what I'm getting at. These were rote questions. Its not like getting advanced copy of the fucking LSAT. The questions were political Aaron, not theological. But, it is really funny that you have to rely on a bullshit charge of cheating to explain your candidate fall on his face when asked some fairly straight forward and very obvious questions a candidate for POTUS must be able to answer competently.

Couple last things, 1) Warren has asked Obama to speak in the past and 2) McCain has done very little by way of energizing evangelicals - he's thumbed his nose at them the past decade - they're a bit leary of him.

Political? So why has every news site labeled this thing "questions of faith" or "faith forum" Keep your beliefs in your church and outta politics.
..found the transcript

"

Originally Posted by biblethumper

Q OKAY. ALL RIGHT. LET'S TALK ABOUT PERSONAL

20 LIFE. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT INTEGRITY AND LOVE ARE THE

21 BASIS FOR LEADERSHIP. THIS IS A TOUGH QUESTION, WHAT

22 WOULD BE LOOKING OVER YOUR LIFE, EVERYBODY'S GOT WINGS,

23 NOBODY'S PERFECT, WOULD BE THE GREATEST MORAL FAILURE IN

24 YOUR LIFE AND WHAT WOULD BE THE GREATEST MORAL FAILURE OF

25 AMERICA?
--

21 THE MINDFIELDS OF AMERICA. THE FIRST ONE IS

22 CHRISTIANTY. NOW YOU'VE MADE NO DOUBT ABOUT YOUR FAITH

23 IN JESUS CHRIST. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? WHAT

24 DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO TRUST IN CHRIST AND WHAT DOES IT

25 MEAN ON A DAILY BASIS? I MEAN, WHAT DOES THAT REALLY

1 LOOK LIKE?

Comeon, just because you can't separate the two doesn't mean they shouldn't and can't be. This "forum" or whatever the fuck you wanna call is a goddamn joke and has no place in today's politics. He's running for president, not pastor of the united states.


here's the response anyways...

Originally Posted by obama

25 Q. OKAY. LET'S GO THROUGH THE TOUGH ONES.

1 A. I THOUGHT THAT WAS PRETTY TOUGH.

2 Q. NO THAT WAS A FREEBIE. THAT WAS A GIMME.

3 THAT IT WAS A GIMME.

4 NOW, LET'S DEAL WITH ABORTION. 40 MILLION

5 ABORTIONS SINCE ROE V. WADE. YOU KNOW, AS A PASTOR I

6 HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ALL OF THE TIME. ALL OF THE

7 PAIN AND ALL OF THE CONFLICTS. I KNOW THIS IS A VERY

8 COMPLEX ISSUE. 40 MILLION ABORTIONS. AT WHAT POINT

9 DOES A BABY GET HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR VIEW?

10 A. WELL, I THINK THAT WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING AT

11 IT FROM A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE OR A SCIENTIFIC

12 PERSPECTIVE, ANSWERING THAT QUESTION WITH SPECIFICITY,

13 YOU KNOW, IS ABOVE MY PAY GRADE. BUT LET ME JUST SPEAK

14 MORE GENERALLY ABOUT THE ISSUE OF ABORTION BECAUSE THIS

15 IS SOMETHING OBVIOUSLY THE COUNTRY WRESTLES WITH. ONE

16 THING THAT I'M ABSOLUTELY CONVINCED OF IS THERE IS A

17 MORAL AND ETHICAL CONTENT TO THIS ISSUE. SO I THINK

18 THAT ANYBODY WHO TRIES TO DENY THE MORAL DIFFICULTIES

19 AND GRAVITY OF THE ABORTION ISSUE I THINK IS NOT PAYING

20 ATTENTION. SO THAT WOULD BE POINT NUMBER ONE.

21 BUT POINT NUMBER TWO, I AM PRO-CHOICE. I

22 BELIEVE IN ROE V. WADE AND COME TO THAT CONCLUSION NOT

23 BECAUSE I'M PRO ABORTION, BUT BECAUSE ULTIMATELY I

24 DON'T THINK WOMEN MAKE THESE DECISIONS CASUALLY. THEY

25 WRESTLE WITH THESE THINGS IN PROFOUND WAYS. IN

1 CONSULTATION WITH THEIR PASTORS OR SPOUSES OR THEIR

2 DOCTORS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. AND SO FOR ME, THE

3 GOAL RIGHT NOW SHOULD BE -- AND THIS IS WHERE I THINK

4 WE CAN FIND COMMON GROUND AND BY THE WAY I HAVE NOW

5 INSERTED THIS INTO THE DEMOCRAT PARTY PLATFORM IS HOW

6 DO WE REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ABORTIONS BECAUSE THE FACT

7 IS THAT ALTHOUGH WE'VE HAD A PRESIDENT WHO IS OPPOSED

8 TO ABORTIONS OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS, ABORTIONS HAVE

9 NOT GONE DOWN.

[PETA]

Originally Posted by tricky

Political? So why has every news site labeled this thing "questions of faith" or "faith forum" Keep your beliefs in your church and outta politics.
..found the transcript

"


Comeon, just because you can't separate the two doesn't mean they shouldn't and can't be. This "forum" or whatever the fuck you wanna call is a goddamn joke and has no place in today's politics. He's running for president, not pastor of the united states.

10 lines from the transcript with about 10 words each. 100 words.

Because I cannot seperate what? Sure, they are running for President. Questions of faith matter to many people. There is no reason whatsoever that a President cannot be informed by his faith and make decisions on that basis - your disapproval not withstanding. The questions I heard tape on related to questions about rights for unborn children. That's a political/legal question.

here's the link to the transcript http://www.rickwarrennews.com/transcript/

[tricky]

Originally Posted by xian

10 lines from the transcript with about 10 words each. 100 words.

Because I cannot seperate what? Sure, they are running for President. Questions of faith matter to many people. There is no reason whatsoever that a President cannot be informed by his faith and make decisions on that basis - your disapproval not withstanding. The questions I heard tape on related to questions about rights for unborn children. That's a political/legal question.

here's the link to the transcript http://www.rickwarrennews.com/transcript/

I've got that link too.... You obviously are oblivious to the fact that this is was a debate on faith. You lead me to believe that you are unable to tell the difference between church/state issues. Read the damn transcript, all of it. It's a bunch of religious bullshit masquerading as important issues. I don't give a shit if obama believes in the goddamn flying spaghetti monster...this is trivial shit.

lol - yup - exatly what I'm getting at. These were rote questions. Its not like getting advanced copy of the fucking LSAT. The questions were political Aaron, not theological. But, it is really funny that you have to rely on a bullshit charge of cheating to explain your candidate fall on his face when asked some fairly straight forward and very obvious questions a candidate for POTUS must be able to answer competently.

still bullshit 2 posts later