A housing issue: McCain not sure how many they own

So now Obama is doing this stupid, pointless negative attack, while whining about McCain.

Why do neocons suck so bad at taking a dose of their own medicine?

Why do neocons suck so bad at taking a dose of their own medicine?

First of all, is everyone who disagrees with you a "neocon" now?

Do you know what a neocon is? Have you eschewed the term conservative altogether?

Why do neocons suck so bad at taking a dose of their own medicine?

It seems like people on either side have trouble taking a dose of their own medicine.

I agree I think that both camps are trying to throw anything that will stick. I think that we have to admit that a lot of stuff thrown in McCain and Obama's face has nothing to do with policy.

It's too bad that they can't just leave some things alone and focus their energy and attention on the state of our nation and how they propose to fix it. Unfortunately, the media's always there and the next thing you know some asinine comment that has nothing to do with anything is splashed all over the place. Things get taken out of context and the other side takes the ball and runs with it. It's happening on both sides and it's just disgusting.

Kain, don't you get it? Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and co. wrote the script about the kept man with the rich wife in 2004, and Republicans can't suddenly declare it off limits now. It's an issue because the '04 Bush campaign made it one. It's called "blowback," and it's the reason why most countries abandoned gas warfare after World War I -- it killed too many of their own.

trex---the difference between Kerry and McCain is quite clear ---rich wives though they may both have ---one is a patriot who refused to leave early his 5+ years in capitivity in Nam and leave behind his fellow soldiers and the other well....you know.

The main difference between Cindy McCain and Teresa Heinz Kerry is that Mrs. Kerry would never have allowed herself to be demeaned by getting up on stage and jiggling her "assets" in front of a bunch of bikers. Mr. Kerry certainly wouldn't have asked her.

It's pretty clear what level of respect exists between Mr. and Mrs. McCain, however.

Mrs. Kerry would never have allowed herself to be demeaned by getting up on stage and jiggling her "assets" in front of a bunch of bikers.

Yep, that fits perfectly with the Republican politician ideal of a woman who should be nothing more than an accessory, if not a checkbook, for her husband. Don't dare have thoughts of your own or speak your mind, or you will be castigated as Michelle Obama was.

one is a patriot who refused to leave early his 5+ years in capitivity in Nam and leave behind his fellow soldiers and the other well....you know.

Ah, Lisa again proves that a soldier's patriotism is decided by political party.

i was always in harpo's camp myself looks like we'll have to fight

How does a state senator making 60K suddenly have a 4.2M income after 3yrs and a 1M home
This is the average man and not an elitist

WAKE UP or go back to high school 101

I don't hold money or success against either candidate. I don't care about their financial status. Politicians have money. So what? But I think it's harder for most Americans to deal with that right now due to the state of the economy and while the average Joe can barely afford to keep his little home people like McCain can't remember how many homes they have. Maybe McCain had other things on his mind at the time of the question, maybe not, but at a time like this I think the question was inappropriate.

How does a state senator making 60K suddenly have a 4.2M income after 3yrs and a 1M home
This is the average man and not an elitist

Not accounting for the more than double pay jump from state senator to US senator, Obama earned most of his money through his book deals.

Obama earned most of his money through his book deals.

BAJunkie 55.3---and with a little help from his "friends."

Bull@!$%#, lisa. Prove it.

BAjunkie-55.5--my my so grouchy with the expletives -- it is a FACT that convicted felon Rezko was involved in obama's purchase of his family's home.....don't take it all out on me that your candidate is up to his eyeballs in associations with folks that undermine his so called "better judgement" --your candidate has a flimsy resume his better judgement is the foundation of his campaign to be President inconvenient associations with people like: Rezko, Ayers, Dohrn, and Wright are Obama's problem and Obama's problem alone. He has made his own bed.

Obama Regrets Rezko Deal

Obama was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Rezko matter, Lisa.

But hey, let's discuss the Keating 5, if you want to go there.

Obama was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Rezko matter, Lisa.

TJG---so what? Just because Obama escaped any legal consquences (so far) does not mean he escapes damages re: his judgement vis a vis his close assocation with this corrupt scoundrel. You see close association with Rezko who helped obama purchase his home tarnishes Obama's "I'm a different kinda hope gonna change washington politician" message.

-so what? Just because Obama escaped any legal consquences (so far) does not mean he escapes damages

Yes, I realize that Obama BEING LEGALLY CLEARED OF WRONGDOING won't stop you frothing at mouth, with nothing else to say, righties from bringing up Rezko, since you guys don't let facts stand in your way.

Now, about the Keating 5 and associating with corrupt scoundrels....

TJG --the Keating five story has no legs---you see the scandal involved primarily DEMOCRATS and further re: mccain:

The Ethics Committee ruled that the involvement of McCain in the scheme was also minimal, and he too was cleared of all charges against him.[

Keating Five

Next?

And Obama was cleared in the Rezko matter, but if you bring that up, then we Dems need to remind the country of McCain's less than honorable past.

What's good for the goose and all.

lisaed-How about we talk about these 2 things:

What about John McCain's association with Phil Graham who with the assistance of Enron wrote the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 which has led to the biggest increase in oil speculation and oil prices in history.

Oh how about this, On November 12, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (written in part by Phil Graham), which repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933. One of the effects of the repeal was to allow commercial and investment banks to consolidate. Some economists have criticized the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act as contributing to the 2007 subprime mortgage financial crisis.

BTW, the Glass-Steagall Act was enacted to established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and included banking reforms, some of which were designed to control speculation.

I bet you this, we're not done seeing Phil Graham's name when it comes to speculation and the damage deregulation has done to our economy. I guarantee!

How in bed with Phil Graham is John McCain? That's a damn good question.

And Obama was cleared in the Rezko matter, but if you bring that up, then we Dems need to remind the country of McCain's less than honorable past. What's good for the goose and all.

How about this? Obama wrote in his own book that he is an "ex-cocaine dealer"! He says that he not only smoked marijuana and snorted cocaine but that he himself peddled cocaine in college. Doesn't this admission trump just about anything you could come up with on the doddering McCain? A drug dealer people! A drug dealer! Doesn't that raise any kind of moral, legal, ethical flags for any of you? Anyone? Bueler? Beuler? Beuler?...

Jeff-55.13-this is an issue that Hillary Clinton is no doubt regretting BIG TIME that she did not hit him harder on. In fact--so p.c. was she in running against this the first black candidate from major party for President I believe she "fired" the guy who wanted to guy there.....big mistake on her part in hindsight.

Jeff-55.13-this is an issue that Hillary Clinton is no doubt regretting BIG TIME that she did not hit him harder on. In fact--so p.c. was she in running against this the first black candidate from major party for President

I think you are 100% correct! I mean Obama is an admitted drug dealer. A drug dealer! Is this what our precious White House has fallen to? Being the home of an admitted drug peddler? C'mon people, he admitted to dealing cocaine to children at Harvard! He's a racist, drug peddler who can't finish a single coherent sentence without a teleprompter. What have we come to as a society when a decorated Vietnam war prisoner is being villified on here by people who want a drug pusher to win the White House? Sad indeed, sad indeed!

At least he admitted it before running for president instead of having it uncovered later. I think it lends him a little credibiliy that he was willing to put that in his book. Most people try to hide it.

At least he admitted it before running for president instead of having it uncovered later. I think it lends him a little credibiliy that he was willing to put that in his book. Most people try to hide it.

Maybe you're not getting my point here. He was a drug dealer! A drug dealer! He peddled cocaine to children at Harvard when he was there. He wasn't speeding or cheating on a test, he was dealing cocaine to children at a university! If he had raped someone while he was there would it make him more "credible" if he had admitted that before he ran for the office of president of the United States? This is serious stuff missdynamite, dealing drugs is not usually considered a good thing to have on your resume.

A drug dealer! A drug dealer! Really? I got that part of it. I got your point, too. It's not acceptable and it makes me look at him in a different way but he's not hiding it. That's all I was saying. In an age where people hide everything and hope that nobody digs up dirt, he chose honesty.

Besides, it would take more than telling the truth about selling coke to get me to vote for him and so far he's not showing me anything that makes me want to drink his kool aid.

What Jeff, you don't think GWB was above cutting out some coke for his pals, you know those children he went to college with? Wonder what he charged them for the cocaine he peddled but wasn't honest enough to admit like BO did.

And as to BO selling to children, children, children, umm, they were in college makes 99.9% of them over 18 and by definition in this country adults. Felt it needed to be pointed out since you keep saying it over and over and over like he was pushing to 8 year olds.

Move along, nothing to see here.

Last I checked, 18 (the typical age of a freshman at Harvard) was the age of majority (at the latest) in every state in this country. These weren't "children", but adults. They're accomplished students at Harvard; they don't need your coddling and paternalism.

Regardless, Obama didn't attend Harvard for his undergrad (he finished his degree at Columbia after transferring from Occidental College), and he was done with drugs completely before he went to Harvard for his law degree. So you apparently don't have your facts straight, anyway. Time to cite your sources, I think.

The drug dealing thing is in like four threads now, I think we have it covered if people wish to discuss it. I'm more interested in your opinions on what JaRagga is trying to discuss. I'll remind you all:

What about John McCain's association with Phil Graham who with the assistance of Enron wrote the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000 which has led to the biggest increase in oil speculation and oil prices in history.

Oh how about this, On November 12, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (written in part by Phil Graham), which repealed the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933. One of the effects of the repeal was to allow commercial and investment banks to consolidate. Some economists have criticized the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act as contributing to the 2007 subprime mortgage financial crisis.

BTW, the Glass-Steagall Act was enacted to established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and included banking reforms, some of which were designed to control speculation.

I bet you this, we're not done seeing Phil Graham's name when it comes to speculation and the damage deregulation has done to our economy. I guarantee!

How in bed with Phil Graham is John McCain? That's a damn good question.

Your thoughts?

Jeff and lisaed see my post 49.9 regarding Obama selling drugs. As there is no foundation for your allegations.

Stacy thinks for putting us back on track. I let myself get pulled off track by the falsehoods being put out there.

JaRagga,

in your research you show how Obama contradicts himself

he said in his own book Dreams From My Father that he stopped when he got into college."

Corsi then contradicted his book's false claim by making another false claim, saying, "He fully admitted his drug use, both marijuana and cocaine. He says it continued through college." In fact, Obama did not say his drug use "continued through college"; he said he stopped after moving to New York to attend Columbia."

getting into college and moving to Columbia are 2 years apart, which was it, this is not full disclosure

Raymond Hudgins, Jr.

Unfortunately, I don't have the book so I can't tell you exactly what it says or where. You are at a minimum misleading others when you stated this:

"in your research you show how Obama contradicts himself

Corsi then contradicted his book's false claim by making another false claim, saying, "He fully admitted his drug use, both marijuana and cocaine. He says it continued through college." In fact, Obama did not say his drug use "continued through college"; he said he stopped after moving to New York to attend Columbia"

I will point out that was said on Fox News' Fox & Friends on August 5th, 2008 by contributor Bob Beckel, not by Obama, and as I already pointed out I don't have the book to contracdict Mr. Beckel's statement. However, you clearly are attempting to make Mr. Beckel's words, which are the words I qouted, as the words of Obama and that is misleading to say the least. It is however safe to assume that Mr. Beckel at a minimum himself was paraphrashing the actual text within the Obama book itself.

I tell you what I'll hit the bookstore tonight and do some research for you since it appears you don't appear to have any inclination discover the facts for yourself as I did. By sometime tomorrow, I will post the full text of the specific section within Mr. Obama's book for you.

By the Way Ray (haha), why didn't you post this where you found it at 49.9?

Also, Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan famously hate(d) him for what he did to his first wife. Someone who still hates what he did to Carol is Ross Perot, and Ross Perot paid some of her medical bills for her. They know he's not a great guy or a moral guy.

And, for any of you who think his POW status somehow makes him above reproach, read this: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_1,00.html

For some reason, I can't get my brain around equating misinformation about wmds with not knowing how many real estate holdings are in your family's investment portfolio. Are we afraid McCain is going to invade Scottsdale, looking for suspect condos?

Let's face it, the real money in that family is Cindy McCain's, and I don't know why people would think that McCain should know what's in his wife's investment accounts. And, people DO hold real estate they don't live in, believe it or not. If it's her separate property, he has no legal right to any information, and unless she wants him involved, it's none of his business.

If Obama's wife had her own investment account, I'm betting no one would blink if he said he didn't know how many stocks were held in it.

For some reason, I can't get my brain around equating misinformation about wmds with not knowing how many real estate holdings are in your family's investment portfolio

Pattern of behavior. Honesty is in question. I think that someone said it perfectly that the party line for the republican party has been " I dont recall". Personally, I do think he knew but was trying to avoid it so he would not look "out of touch". Let me get back with you or check with my staff is another way of blowing it off. It just didnt work out like that.

Verbalbarb I believe the bigger issue is that while I agree that McCain may not know what's in his wife's portfolio, he has tried to paint Obama elitist and he has tried to put himself as the "common man's" candidate. Doing so opened him up to criticism on how much a common man he really is.

Now, I'm what I think of as a common man. I can understand how McCain not knowing how many houses he owns is a problem for me as a voter. It places him out of touch with my reality where I'm struggling to pay my mortgage, put gas in the car and feed my family, on what is decidedly a much smaller paycheck given the increases in prices in gas, food and medicine that I pay out every month.

Mr. McCain further in attempting his answer handled the question exceedingly poorly. He bumbled, he sounded like he had something to hide to me. That's my opinion.

I put this forward as I have a number of times, there are other candidates to look at. Their names are McKinnie, Barr, Nader and Baldwin. I encourage everyone to look at all the candidates this year and for the next 2 election cycles following this years races. They are that important to our future.

Let's face it, the real money in that family is Cindy McCain's, and I don't know why people would think that McCain should know what's in his wife's investment accounts. And, people DO hold real estate they don't live in, believe it or not. If it's her separate property, he has no legal right to any information, and unless she wants him involved, it's none of his business.

Yes, because marriage isn't about trust or anything. Oh wait, that disconnect between marriage and trust actually does explain McCain's marriage history. Thanks!

I tend to agree shockanawe but without removing the ability of corporations to "grease" the wheels of legislation I don't believe even strict term limits or our voting them out will do much to curb the deeper issues involved.

Okay, but how hard would it have been for him to say that "Well, we have four residences and we own some investment properties, but I'm not sure how many, because I don't handle that business." Honest, straightforward, and no gaffe to exploit. It was the hemming and hawing and apparent evasiveness that sank him.

ask any other person with money & property holdings & they probably couldn't give an exact number either.

Honest, straightforward, and no gaffe to exploit. It was the hemming and hawing and apparent evasiveness that sank him.

Seriously, some of his apologists seem to be trying to turn this away from "he doesn't know how many houses he owns" to "oh, he just can't think on his feet."

Ahem, why is the latter better than the former?

It's not, but it could be according to the public.

A huge reason for the freak out on the right about this is that it's threatening one of their most sucessful talking points - the out-of-touch liberal elitist. It's obvious this smear has power, as we saw in 2004 when it was aimed at Kerry, it was also successfully used against Gore in 2000. And being that most politicians are out of touch with voters, it's a hard label to shake. Most that try tend to dig themselves deeper into a hole, for example, McCain's attempt to say he doesn't pay attention because it's his wife's money only made him look even more privileged and coddled.

McCain's absentmindedness, on the other hand doesn't have this same effect. There aren't really any strong memes with this, and the defense is much easier. If we start harping on McCain's forgetfulness, they strike back with accusations of bias against McCain's age, they could even twist it to claim that these liberal elitists are looking down on poor common-man McCain's mental abilities.

So in that respect, framing McCain as absent-minded is better for the reason that it's easier to shake off and defend against.

Stacy I think you nailed it, this thing could have some real legs when it come to middle class Americans and our struggles to make ends meet today.

So in that respect, framing McCain as absent-minded is better for the reason that it's easier to shake off and defend against.

Ah, thanks for the analysis.

Talk about who is wearing the dunce cap Take your head out of the sand
How long have you been retired

The bottom line is that Old Mcbush at age 72 will naturally suffer from memory loss.So give him a break America when he fobs and fibs his lines

It's funny you would say something like that because it's Obama who is "deer in the headlights" when there's no teleprompter around. Listen to one of his improptu "speeches" where there's nothing written down for him and half of the content is Errs...and Ummms...

Jeff----exactly right--this is why Obama refused the town halls that mcCain challenged him to.

Jeff----exactly right--this is why Obama refused the town halls that mcCain challenged him to.

Exactly!

It's funny you would say something like that because it's Obama who is "deer in the headlights" when there's no teleprompter around.

It's easy to be quick with words when all you offer is talking points and anecdotes, as McCain does, it is a bit harder when you think of actual answers to the question addressed to you.

I bet if we go listen to Rush's show from today we will find we've already caught the high points of the show, right lisaed? Right Jefff Mauney?

JaRagga--then I'll take that as a compliment given that I never listen to Rush except on those rare occasions when I'm not at work and driving around in my car when he's on. Perhaps he could give me a job.

Sorry if I offended or was off base then lisaed.

I just get really tired of hearing the same old talking points over and over and I do listen to Rush (I know I have some real sickness in me) so I know what he's out there saying and to come on here and hear people using the same lines he does showing no apparent ability to think on their own just bugs the heck out of me.

JaRagga---Rush is just one guy--how do you think I feel listening to all the in the tank for obama media out there? There are far more of them in numbers.

JaRagga---Rush is just one guy--how do you think I feel listening to all the in the tank for obama media out there? There are far more of them in numbers.

I know what you mean. I used to be a big FOX news guy, but I got sick of their bias too. I watch Glenn Beck now because I think he is the closest to my own opinions on most things and he isn't afraid to step on people's toes on either side. The only thing about Glenn is, as my wife complains every night while I'm watching him, "Oh no, not Mr. doom and gloom AGAIN!" He's a little on the pessimistic side but he's a true Ameican patriot. I lovef Tim Russert too, (God rest his soul) but I found that he did lean a little more to the left that my liking. I just though he was a great guy and I always enjoyed listening to what he had to say, even if I didn't buy into it 100%.

half of the content is Errs...and Ummms

to which I reply:

"But seriously, I don't think you can — I don't think seriously that — the point is that I'm trying to make here, seriously — "

ARE THEY GONNA HAVE A DEBATE ABOUT WHOSE CAR IS BIGGER OR WHOSE WIFE IS PRETTIER OR SMARTER.

Kucinich has that one in the bag. His wife is smokin'! BTW.. quit typing in all caps.. it's really annoying.

Jealously is everything Maybe there's a rich out there for you

I have to agree that envy of the wealthy seems to be behind a lot of bad feeling about McCain. It's terribly obvious in many posts.

trust and believe i don't envy this guy at all. i am a middle class american dealing with the everyday issues of a middle class family. can mccain say the same thing.

What is important is that no one listens to your blathering

Obama the middle class

2007 Income 4.2M

1M house

The middle class just got rich

According to McCain himself, "rich" means earning $5 million or more. So, by his own definition Obama is "middle class."

Let's get real here. You can't run for national office without being wealthy. The question is whether you understand the economic concerns of people who aren't in your privileged income bracket. FDR certainly could, although he came from old money. McCain seemingly can't.

AGIO I guess grasping at straws is your only gravitas McCain said he has no definition of Rich but was pressed for a number Any number
So a blue sky number was given to satisfy the reporter the same as "not my pay grade" So let's look at issues and not the flotsam and jetsam

let's look at issues and not the flotsam and jetsam

By all means, let's.

Let's look at who has a better plan for getting us out of Iraq, and for securing Afghanistan. Let's look at who has a better plan for tax reform, one that is fairer to wage-earners and does not reward corporations for outsourcing American jobs. Let's look at who has a better approach to curbing our addiction to foreign oil and create a greener economy here at home. Let's look at who has a better plan for fostering technological innovation and preserving the Internet as a medium for free speech. Let's look at who takes accountability and transparency in government seriously.

If you, and the McCain campaign, are finally ready to turn this into an election about issues, I say that's great. Bring it on.

McCain seemingly can't.

Trex-69.4--on what basis do you make this false assertion.....it's obama who based on his own "bitter" words does not understand what it is to be white blue collar in America.

And McCain doesn't know what it is to be blue collar either.

i like the way you put that

And more importantly which is worse--number of properties owned vs. purchase of one via the assistance of a convicted felon??

So, how many times must we mention the savings and loan scandal, Keating 5 ring a bell? That little debacle cost American taxpayers $124 BILLION. Give it up, lisa.

BAJunkie is right, the big mistake was McCain's attempt to respond with a "thou too" defense. He'll only keep the story alive in the media longer, and of course invite scrutiny of his own earlier involvements with unsavory characters.

#71

The answer, my friends, is clear ..

Oh My God!! She's even speaking like her deity McCain. Talk about brainwashing.

She is going to go with the convicted felon bit because it seems like she doesn't have anything else. Oh, wait. Ayers. Wright. Yeah, keep beating that into the ground. Maybe if she came up with a well researched argument about McCain's involvement with criminals versus Obama's then people would listen. I know I'd be curious to see what she comes up with.

Oh My God!! She's even speaking like her deity McCain. Talk about brainwashing.

Heh...and it's doubly funny, considering her intense distaste for McCain.

Oh My God!! She's even speaking like her deity McCain.

Prez0--good catch.....just making sure you were awake. But McCain is not my "deity" ---just my party's candidate for President...you see we over here at the GOP do not deify our presidential candidates you would have us confused with the democratic party.

.you see we over here at the GOP do not deify our presidential candidates

Ahem, Reagan--cough, cough.

Lisa, you're such a good little water carrier for the Republicans.

Maybe Clayton Williams who raised $300K for McCain who said of rape:"As long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it." is more your style Lisa? The problem is, McCain kept the money from that upstanding gentleman. However, Obama, who gave every last cent that he ever got from Rezko to CHARITY is absolutely clear in his conscience. Additionally, stop bringing up Ayers. The guy lives in his neighborhood and he sat on a committee for education with him that included many others. They're not golfing buddies!

Obama is the better man and Republicans hate him for it.

Thats a ridiculous statement, you have no way of knowing who's a better man unless you know both personally. I'm not saying McCain is better, but I'm saying neither of us have a right to judge, and you show your ignorance making such statements.

I'm not saying McCain is better, but I'm saying neither of us have a right to judge, and you show your ignorance making such statements.

Meh, when was the last time Obama ditched his very supportive wife for a cash cow? Any takers?

#71.10: You don't necessarily have to know someone to decide if they're are a good person (better man) than someone else. I don't know either McCain, or Charles Manson. But, something tells me McCain is the better man in that situation. You can always pass your judgment on someone. It's just a matter of whether your judgment is correct, or just nonsense.

Jack, as McCain said the other night, his divorce from his first wife approximately 30 years ago is his greatest moral sin. He didn't run away from the issue, but addressed it forthrightly and contritely, as he has many times in the past.

Americans will have to decide whether or not that is still a factor to hold against him. I know some Conservatives who still do, and I know some Liberals who probably don't really care, but will use it as a political tool. Either way, the story is out there, and folks can decide what, if anything, to do about it.

There is always hope and change

The fact is that McCain deserved his appointment to the academy; it may have been given to him because of his father, but don't forget he did spend five years being abused in a Vietnamese prison camp when he could have played the same card to get out earlier

Your logic is off. Anyone who gets into the Academy (unless it's handed to them) has to prove themselves BEFORE attending. McCain was a POW after attending. I wonder how many applications to the Academy were turned down for the legacy child and others like him..........

The fact is that McCain deserved his appointment to the academy; it may have been given to him because of his father

So did he earn his appointment to the academy or was it given to him because of his father and grandfather?

It does matter. Obama earned his money, McIneedacain inherited and married into his. Additionally, he wasn't tortured for 5 years, he was held for 5 years and tortured for a little less than two. There were many other POWs with him. None of them denounced their country to get out early either.

Here, I'll put this one in again:
http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,164859_1,00.html

jonymc,

Thanks for putting up the URL again. I confess, I skipped over it at #57.1 out of laziness. Well, I just read Phillip Butler's personal account of his time as a POW in Vietnam and his commentary on John McCain.

It is an affecting yet curiously objective and unemotional telling of what it was to be a POW in Vietnam. His recounting of that time and place does an excellent job of simultaneously acknowledging and honoring McCain's service and suffering while neutralizing his hyperbolic status as a uniquely venerable veteran.

In keeping with his courage, the accomplished Mr. Butler has taken a bold step in putting this piece online for public view, which is the very purpose of the narrative—he's offering highly relevant information that had been accessible only to a handful of voters...until now.

The United States has 50 states and 7 territories, including Puerto Rico. Did you ever consider that might be what he was referring to?

No, because the US still doesn't have 57 states, it has 50 states and 7 territories, but we actually have many more than 7 territories, the minor outlaying islands are considered territories onto themselves, so if he's as smart as he thinks he is he would have quoted a correct figure, or left them out.

Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands

Minor Outlying Islands

Baker Island Howland Island Jarvis Island Johnston Atoll Midway Islands Wake Island (claimed by Marshall Islands) Palmyra Atoll Kingman Reef Navassa Island (claimed by Haiti) Serranilla Bank (disputed with Colombia) Bajo Nuevo Bank (disputed with Colombia)

Question if disputed or actually claimed by another government how exactly can we count them?

I don't but, even with just the ones not under contention there are 13 territories, I dunno how we claim the other 4 thats a good question.

There are only 7:

Puerto Rico
Guam
Northern Mariana Islands
Marshall Islands
Virgin Islands
American Samoa
Midway Islands

Please read above, you are mistaken....period, there are more than seven, especially with the disputed ones, how can you even argue this ? Ask your congressman And to confuse you even further, neither Puerto Rico or the Northern Mariana Islands are incorporated as territories [edit] Unincorporated organized territories Guam Northern Mariana Islands (commonwealth) Puerto Rico (commonwealth) United States Virgin Islands Unincorporated unorganized territories American Samoa, technically unorganized, but self-governing under a constitution last revised in 1967 Baker Island, uninhabited Howland Island, uninhabited Jarvis Island, uninhabited Johnston Atoll, uninhabited Kingman Reef, uninhabited Bajo Nuevo Bank, uninhabited Serranilla Bank, uninhabited Midway Islands, no indigenous inhabitants, currently included in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Navassa Island, uninhabited (claimed by Haiti) Wake Atoll consisting of Peale, Wake and Wilkes Islands[4], no indigenous inhabitants, only contractor personnel (claimed by the Marshall Islands) You could try to argue you only count inhabited islands, but then you would have to discount the Midway Islands which is still not actually inhabited, you cannot claim citizenship of Midway. So if you count this you have to atleast count Wake Atoll, either way he spoke incorrectly. Even if they are territories they are not States and their are specific differences in organization and governing.

Well, I took my info from my old college textbook, but if you look on the net, the total number is all over the place. It all depends on ones interpretation I suppose. I read somewhere that Guantanamo Bay is a territory, but haven't found it listed in some of the sites I glanced at. I highly doubt my Congressman would know the correct answer, he makes McCain look like Einstein. I am well aware that a territory is not a state, and I am well aware we have only 50 states. I am more than confident that Obama is well aware there are only 50 states too. I am not sure where you are getting your info, but if it's from Wikipedia, it's not a reliable source.

We fought for independence from a far away ruler called Great Britain. They were about 3,000 miles from us. Now, we fight for independence from another far away ruler, only about 2,500 miles away if you live in California. The 'Circle of Government' strikes again.

Iraq, deficit, economy. - And you're worried about Obama in your pocket? Hahahaha

What would be the reason to make new discoveries if there's no reason for it?

Actually science often pushes for new discoveries simply as part of a pursuit of knowledge. That's why federal grants are an integral part of scientific research, because in many fields, most research does not have direct practical applications that most private investors would be willing to back.