A centerpiece of my campaign has been changing the old way of doing politics in Washington, and creating new ways that divest more power to the people.  And I have decided to put that approach into practice in selection of our party's Vice Presidential candidate.

We have had one of the most extraordinary nominating contests in the country.  Some 36 million people have turned out for Democratic primaries and caucuses, more than ever before in our country's history.  And they have chosen delegates from cities, towns, and rural areas across this land.

I believe that our country, and our party, work best when the people have a chance to exercise their power.

For months now the Democrats have been trying to paint John McCain as a toady of the Republican party, voting for Bush 97% of the time over the past two years, attempting to erase his maverick image. But as we've seen over the past several elections, what works best is hitting your opponents on their perceived strengths.

What if we embraced the maverick motif and just made it look dangerous?

So I was watching McCain at SaddleBack, and I was thinking to myself, "This guy is awful.  How dumb does he think we are?"  Then I watched the after-debate analysis and I couldn't believe what I heard.  McCain was being praised for giving simplistic, stump speech answers.  Thinkers around the country observed that McCain's intellectual curiousity was shockingly low.  Meanwhile, pundits praised it as "clear," "simple," and "straight-forward."  I was puzzled about the dichotomy until I remembered a conversation I had back in 2002.

According to Rasmussen, it's 48 McCain, 43 Obama.

This result means that the electoral college is the closest it's ever been. 270 Obama - 268 McCain. And I fully expect McCain to pick off New Hampshire in the end as well, which would give McCain the win.

This cannot be happening.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_c ontent/politics/election_20082/2008_pres idential_election/ohio/election_2008_ohi o_presidential_election

Reuters is reporting that McCain now has a five point lead over Obama.  Like all polls, this one is just a data point, and people should not get too high or low over any one poll.

In a sharp turnaround, Republican John McCain has opened a 5-point lead on Democrat Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential race and is seen as a stronger manager of the economy, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

McCain leads Obama among likely U.S. voters by 46 percent to 41 percent, wiping out Obama's solid 7-point advantage in July and taking his first lead in the monthly Reuters/Zogby poll.

Poll shows McCain in 5-point lead over Obama

More, after the fold.

(also on Dkos)

I know when I use profanity, I'm likely to get trollrated -- even if I'm in good humor and not insulting anyone.

I know that trollrating trolls is likely to get me trollrated in return.

I know that snark is often poorly onderstood, and really ought to go with a .~ tag that signifies silliness.

But what I don't get, is why referencing A MEDICAL INJURY got me fucking trollrated. Not once, not twice, but by four fucking people???

It's medical malpractice, is what it is. And they're working to fix it.

But gods FORBID, I should even mention that our beloved Democratic President, the Big Dog, is suffering!

If you can't see it in his eyes, I can.

This ain't sports, and he knows that a lot rides on how well he performs -- and he'll do his best.

but he'll know it wasn't the same.

Probably not going to post today. Kvittin' day is come again -- dis is de day when I am upset enough to be posting the profanity everywhere.

Because some people don't want to be decent enough to leave a great president alone.

As they say at the amusement park, "strap yourself in."

Will anyone object if Senator Clinton is the VEEP?

I don't like Hillary, but if she's the VEEP I will salute.  

While I disagree with her, I do think she's attractive (she looks alot younger than her age), plus she's devious (which is alluring).  Hell, if she wasn't married, I'd ask her out.  We'd have a great time fighting like cats and dawgs. She would get hooked on me - I like conflict and she digs swagger.

Look, I come to the issue from my prior experience as a Deaniac.  I didn't get Howard on the ticket and it was a let down.  It was sad, to be sure, but I didn't I didn't freakout or worse, vote for Bush.

Ditto with Gore putting Joementum on the ticket.

P.S. According to CBS and Howard Fineman at MSNBC the selection will likely be announced Thursday nite or Friday morning.   And Andrea Mitchell says Saturday in Springfield.

That makes sense, Bill Clinton named Al Gore as his VEEP on Friday, July 10, 1992, three days before the Democratic convention.

Of course, that could be a head fake and the announcement could be made in a few hours!

P.S.S. Also, Andrea and Rich Lowery of N. Review say McSame is asking state party chairs if the Fundies would freak if he VEEPS fellow war monger, Joe Lieberman.   Of course, there is another side to this coin.   Another reporter, I think Jonathan Alterman, says this type of inquiry is only ruse, used to make the selection of Mitt Romney more palatable.   Palatable, cuz the Fundies don't like morons Mormons.   What an effen party; the Republicans.

If you are going to be in Denver next week for the Democratic Convention check out the Starz Green Room.  Their description:

The Starz Green Room at the Starz FilmCenter offers major movies, newsmakers of all stripes and a place for delegates, media and notable guests to gather. Just a respite from the 2008 Democratic National Convention, it is mere steps from the Pepsi Center. The Starz Green Room includes topical panels, politically themed films and a VIP Lounge.

Click here to download a PDF event guide.