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Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden visits SW Florida
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden will be speaking at a political rally at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Alico Arena. Biden will also attend a Naples fundraiser hosted by developer Jack Antaramian.
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Alico Arena
10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Fort Myers, FL
Naples Bay Resort
1500 Fifth Avenue, Naples, Fl
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NOTE FROM STAFF: We had technical problems with our live video feed from Alico Arena and apologize for not having it online at this time.
7:07 p.m.
Joe Biden ended his speech at Alico Arena with cheers from the crowd.
6:44 p.m.
Debut of a new Democratic zinger?
"You can't ever call yourself a maverick if all you've ever been is a sidekick," Biden told the crowd.
He attributes the line to fellow Democratic senator Bob Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania. The crowd eats it up.
6:32 p.m.
Senator Bill Nelson takes the stage. He praises his fellow senators, Biden and Obama. Nelson also notes that both he and Obama are on Biden's Foreign Relations committee in the Senate.
Nelson introduces Biden and someone who's coming on to stage with--Nancy Sauer, a local citizen. The crowd roars as the two come on stage.
Nancy speaks first. She talks about her withering pension, and a home that's losing value. The past eight years, she said have not been a good one. This is a common line in the Obama-Biden campaign, that a McCain administration would be similar to a Bush administration.
"I just want to throw my arms up and shake my fists when I watch the evening news," she tells the crowd.
She then introduces "my hero," Joe Biden.
The crowd goes wild.
6:06 p.m.
Everyone waiting outside got in. The line is gone.
Aronberg warms up the crowd, noting all the young people in attendance and asking for Republicans to stand (a few did, including one lady who waved her hands to the crowd).
He notes the potential lease of Alligator Alley (boos here).
The next speaker is Aaron Myers, a field organizer for the Obama-Biden campaign Fort Myers field office.
5:58 p.m.
Just before the speakers began today, an oft-overlooked member of the tonight's production sat on a carpeted square cube, waiting to begin her work. Christine J. DiBenedetto is a nationally-certified sign language interpreter. She'll be doing the interpreting for all of the night's speakers, including Biden. In fact, the last political event she worked was a community forum Biden held in Fort Myers in September.
"No deaf people came," she quickly noted.
"I don't know why it is," she continued. If (deaf people) feel like (the events) don't have the interpreter or if they're not informed," she said.
The events never advertise they'll have an interpreter, she said, and during Biden's September forum, broadcasters caught her in their cameras only twice.
And when she's not working a political event?
"I do weddings, I do funerals."
With that, the lights came on, the first speaker came out and DiBenedetto climbed on top of the cube to begin her job.
5:56 p.m.
Our first speakers are a Lutheran pastor, a Vietnam veteran and State Sen. David Aronberg. This crowd is riled up, chanting "USA" and "Yes, we can!"
Aronberg: "Welcome to what may be the largest political rally ever for a Democrat in Lee County."
The crowd erupts.
5:33 p.m.
We're minutes away from the first speaker here at Alico Arena, and the line outside still stretches to the tennis courts. The capacity of the Arena is normally 4,500, but it's unclear how many people will be allowed into the arena and whether anyone will have to wait outside. One arena worker I spoke to said she thought capacity is 3,800, but that probably doesn't include the floor seating. Also, some of the lower bleachers aren't being used, to make room for the floor seating.
5:20 p.m.
Sen. Joe Biden is on his way to Alico Arena after leaving a private fundraiser at the Naples Bay Resort.
Biden waved to the small crowd that gathered to see him outside the resort and got on the bus.
He is expected to take the stage at Alico by 7 p.m.
5:06 p.m.
It's a family event here in Alico Arena. Marilyn Campbell, 30, has her full brood in tow for their first chance to see the vice presidential candidate. She has seven young children--six girls and a boy.
The girls -- Cordaysia, 9-years-old; Cornesha, 9; Cordalia, 8; Corneita, 7; Courtney, 6; and Corshayla, 4 -- all wear pink shirts and sport red and white braids. They're a little shy, especially when asked by a reporter what Barack Obama looks like. Marilyn's mother, Estella Griffin, whispers a hint: "He's tall and good-looking."
As for the boy, 17-month-old Marlon, his mother says he's used to watching politicians.
"That's the only time he'll watch TV, when (Estella) is watching CNN and MSNBC," Campbell said.
Another future politician, it seems.
Does Obama's candidacy have any special meaning for this black family from Fort Myers? Not so much, Griffin said.
"It's just the change we need," she said. "If Hillary had won, I'd support her."
4:52 p.m.
The wave has just broken out in Alico Arena. Now the crowd's fired up. The arena is about two-thirds full and everyone is stamping their feet and chanting.
"Drill, baby, drill?"
Nope. It's "Yes, we can."
4:51 p.m.
Alico Arena is gradually filling up. A line extends beyond the front doors and along the campus tennis courts. Volunteers are looking for two types of tickets, the yellow VIP tickets (those put you on the floor) and the blue general admission tickets.
The heat outside is oppressive, and everyone's getting a double-dose: First at Germain and then at Alico.
Bill Violette, a 14-year-old freshman at Cypress Lake High School seems to be faring well, despite wearing a wool blazer, button-up shirt and tie.
"I heard it was going to a formal event," he cracked.
An aspiring politician, Violette has already cast his lot with the Obama-Biden campaign. He's been working the phone banks in the Fort Myers Democratic Party headquarters, and he's done some voter registrations at grocery store. This is his first opportunity to see any candidate in person, and he said he'd like to hear Biden speak about the economy.
Now, if only he could vote.
He'll wait until 2012 for that right. And he's hoping the vote will be to re-elect President Obama. He's also considering his own political fortunes. Could a run for class president be in the cards?
"I ought to," he said, straightening up. "I think I will."
4:30 p.m.
The sounds of John Mellencamp's "Our Country" plays over the loud speaker as the audience begins to trickle in. The line outside Alico arena stretches for blocks, past the tennis courts to the north to Cypress Hall.
Allen Park Elementary School Fifth-grader Annie Filkowski, wearing a Kids for Obama button, stood in line with her dad and brother. When asked why she likes Obama and Biden, Annie said the candidates don't "like just the wealthy like McCain."
Joe Filkowski said he is anxious to hear Biden speak about how the Democrats would improve the economy.
"I am in construction and every day is worse and worse," he said. "It's everything. And I believe Biden will open some doors that might have been closed to Barack."
Filkowski said he also likes that Obama has young children and would understand the economic plight facing young working families.
Will Filkowski can't vote, but that does not stop him from being an ardent supporter and volunteer for the Obama/Biden campaign. Will has registered voters and done phone banking.
"We need to ends the policies of George W. Bush," he said. "We need to end the war in Iraq."
Estero resident Jennifer Gabou had been waiting in line for about an hour as she moved into the final stretch of the line into the Biden event. Gabou, an undecided voter, said she hoped to make up her mind about who her candidate would be by the end of the event.
"I am excited about the possibility of change," she said. "I am more excited about seeing Biden today than I was about meeting George W. Bush in the White House."
Gabou, who met Bush after Florida Gulf Coast University won a tennis championship for the team she coaches, said she was looking to hear how the economic policies of the Obama/Biden campaign were going to affect her.
"I want to know what someone in my economic situation can expect," she said.
4:20 p.m.
Deborah Ryan and her son Colton Bailey, 9, from Naples snapped photos as Joe Biden got off his bus at Naples Bay Resort.
“We did see him,” Colton said. “We saw the back of his head.”
The fleeting glance was enough for Ryan.
“It’s part of history,” she said. “We’re anxious for change. I think everyone is at this point.”
4:10 p.m.
Germain Arena’s parking lot is about one-quarter full. The rear parking lot is filled. A steady stream of cars continue to arrive in the lot.
Buses continue to transport people to Alico, non-stop.
4:07 p.m.
Biden pulled into the Naples Bay Resort, here he is expected to speak at a private fundraiser. He arrived in a black bus. He has a large motorcade with a Florida Highway Patrol, Naples police and Collier County Sheriff escort.
4 p.m.
Collier County sheriff’s deputies arrive at intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples. They have stopped north, south and eastbound traffic. The only traffic allowed through is westbound on the parkway. Traffic starts to back up.
Police on motorcycles arrive ahead of motorcade at intersection, heading south on Goodlette-Frank.
Traffic is reopened in the three directions six minutes later, after last motorcade vehicle clears the intersection.
3:27 p.m.
At least six buses have loaded for the trip to Alico Arena, but the line is still long, maybe even longer than before the shuttles started loading.
It's a good crowd for making a buck, especially when you're selling Obama-Biden buttons, as is 81-year-old Joe Dougen, a retired carpenter. He's dressed in an Obama-Biden 2008 T-shirt and a blue-speckled white baseball cap pinned with buttons all the way around. He carries his merchandise on a wooden board. There's the "Barack to the Future" button, stylized like the Michael J. Fox movie with a similar name. Then there's "Obama says knock you out," with a picture of the candidate, made to appear shirtless, jabbing a fist at the viewer. Written on the knuckles: H-O-P-E.
Monday's Palin rally was the first time he sold buttons. His son gave him the board, upon hearing the candidates were coming down. Dougan said he's learning from the other merchandisers, although he does things a little different.
"I'm not one for yelling out," he said.
Which ticket will he vote for in November?
"I'm a Democrat, but I don't know," he said. Looks like I'm going to go Republican."
And with that, Dougan was off to sell more Obama buttons.
3:15 p.m.
The doors open to Alico Arena, offering relief from the heat for hundreds eager to see Biden. Paramedics have tended to at least two senior citizens, apparently because of the heat.
Water is available at a cost: $2 a bottle. At the rally Monday for Gov. Sarah Palin at Germain Arena, water was offered for free while others did sell bottled water for a price.
A few are selling
There are a few people outside are selling buttons, pins, T-shirts and bumper stickers. “Hot chicks for Obama” read one T-shirt.
Someone in the crowd quipped, “I always liked Joe Biden. He’s missing that switch between his brain and his mouth.”
3:05 p.m.
Just before 3 p.m. 20-year-old Filip Blaze, of Naples, was standing on the bridge next to the Naples Bay Resort, where Biden is expected to speak at a private fundraiser.
Blaze was on the property earlier this afternoon attempting to talk to a restaurant manager about a job interview. He was approached by Naples police officers who asked him his name and what he was doing there.
“They told me to get off the property,” Blaze said. “I asked what was going on, if there was a private, secrete CIA meeting or something.”
Blaze, who is a resident of Switzerland, planed to stick around to catch a glimpse of Biden -- even though he didn’t know who Biden was -- because he said he had nothing else to do.
“I can’t vote, but I hope Obama gets elected,” Blaze said.
2:59 p.m.
Tired of the buzzwords surrounding this election? Sick of hearing the words 'Change,' 'Maverick' or 'Main Street?' Talk to former Bonita Springs councilman Alex Grantt. He's standing in line for the Biden speech, and he has a different word he'd like to hear Biden say today: "Amtrak."
Dressed in a button up shirt, black suspenders and a blue tie with an Amtrak tie clip, Grantt explains why Southwest Florida needs the passenger rail service and how an Obama-Biden administration would help. Biden, after all, is a big commuter on Amtrak, riding from his Delaware home to the Capitol when Congress is in session.
"People are going to start screaming bloody murder when gas prices go up to $5 and they're going to start thinking of passenger rail," Grantt said.
The Lee County commission and Fort Myers city council have already passed resolutions asking for Amtrak lines to be extended south to the region. Now, Grantt said, they just need an "inside line" to the White House.
But does he really expect the longtime senator to speak about Amtrak today? Not likely, Grantt said.
2:52 p.m.
At three months old, Gregory Alspaugh may be the youngest Biden supporter at Alico Arena. His mother, Amanda Cornell, of Cape Coral, got Gregory a custom-made onsee that reads “I need a change Obama/Biden 08.”
“I thought it was a wonderful story for him,” she said.
Another Cape Coral mom, Pomika Breese, brought her 1-year-old Isaac and 4-year-old Gabriella to the event.
Breese was wearing a baby carrier that she made herself from a campaign T-shirt. Though her children are young, she said Gabriella has shown a lot of interest in the campaign.
“I just feel it’s a moment in history,” she said.
2:45 p.m.
It looks like the extreme heat outside Alico has already claimed its first victim. Paramedics had to take someone away on a stretcher. The line to get into the event is now several blocks long.
2:30 p.m.
It's 2:30 p.m. and the first shuttles from Germain Arena to Alico Arena are now loading. The line of speech attendees stretches down the parking lot and near the side of the arena closest to the Interstate. At the front of the line, Fort Myers insurance agent Danielli Austin, 32, and her daughter, Julia Berthelette, have been waiting about an hour for the shuttles. Austin closed shop for the day and pulled Julia out of school for the event. Why were they there?
"The button says it all," explained Julia, motioning to the large "Obama-Biden 2008" button appended to her chest.
The atmosphere and crowd at Germain isn't the same as the Palin campaign, but those waiting in line seem fine with that.
Austin attended Monday's Palin rally, she said, and wasn't impressed. But she made up her mind long ago. Palin's speech was "canned," Austin said.
But wouldn't Biden deliver his stump speech, too?
Maybe, said an excited 72-year-old Ferdinand Werner, standing behind Austin. But "When Biden speaks, he speaks the truth!"
1:51 p.m.
So far, one protester has set up in a special staging area that FGCU officials have set aside for demonstrators. The staging area is about ½ mile from Alico Arena about 50 yards off the main road circling the campus. Betsy Ross, of Naples, has a McCain/ Palin yard sign out and a yellow sign that reads “Obama Hangs with Terrorists.” She also has a sign that reads “Biden a fool and a liar and one heartbeat away.”
Ross said campus police made her set up in the staging area because the university has a policy about protests within a certain distance from an event.
Ross said she was a little surprised that FGCU had a staging area for protesters.
“It was kind of bizarre actually,” she said. “It leads to nowhere and no discussion.”
The crowd at Alico Arena, where Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden is expected to speak in a few hours, has grown to about 100 people. Members of the AARP are handing out fans so people can stay cool in the extreme heat. Others are huddling under the minimal shade from a few palm trees.
Don Cooley, of Cape Coral, is one of the first people in line. He’s a registered Republican but said he will be voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. He said he remained undecided for a while but decided on Obama a couple weeks ago when McCain suspended his campaign to work on the economic crisis. Cooley said he thought it was a political stunt. Cooley said he’s also upset with McCain’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sara Palin for vice president.
Across town at the Naples Bay Resort, where a private fundraiser for Biden is expected to get underway shortly, the area is free from protestors and supporters.
1:10 p.m.
Florida Gulf Coast University, where Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Joseph Biden will speak today, issued instructions about public parking for the event at Alico Arena. People attending the event must park at Germain Arena, where a shuttle service will be available.
On campus parking is for handicap persons and event staff only, according to officials. Due to classes being in session, only vehicles with FGCU parking decals are allowed to park on campus.
There are signs on FGCU campus and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway directing drivers to park at Germain Arena. Once in Germain parking lot, staff is directing vehicles to the rear of the building to park. About 50 cars are parked at Germain Arena so far.
---
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Joe Biden will be speaking at a political rally at 5:30 p.m. today at Alico Arena. The arena, which is on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus, holds about 4,500 people.
The rally is part of Biden’s swing through Southwest Florida and comes two days after Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican pick for vice president, fired up a crowd of close to 9,000 people at Germain Arena.
Biden will also attend a Naples fundraiser hosted by developer Jack Antaramian.
Comments
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Obama/Biden '08
#1 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Republicans..... WHERE'S THE OUTRAGE?
Sarah Palin's husband Todd was a registered member of the Alaska Independence Part (not to be confused with the Independent Party) until as recently as 2002.
The Alaska Independence Party (AIP) is a political party in Alaska that would like Alaska to secede from the United States of America and become their own country.
AIP was a founded by a man named Joe Vogler.
Vogler once said, "The fires of Hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government and I won't be buried under their blasted flag."
Vogler also said: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her blasteded institutions."
This man had an obvious hatred for America, and Todd Palin was one of his followers.
Rightwing comments, please. LOL
#2 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironside,
I have to say it because you cried foul on Monday about the Palin Blog. I TOLD YOU SO!
Equal treatment, statements containing facts and backed up by reputable sources, logical argument, and for heaven sake, no more mud slinging by either side. That is all I have ever asked for.
By the way, when I say reputable source I am not speaking about the website that you put together. That's quoting yourself. I mean, a respected expert, a member of the same political party refuting their candidates claim (see Bill Clinton and Chris Dodd), or even main stream media (preferably one without a political bias [to read CNN or FOX]).
#3 Posted by fromhere on October 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How can we trust John McCain with our economy after he used such "poor judgement" in the Keating Five scandal?
That's a Savings and Loans scandal of the 1980's. It cost tens of thousands of elderly their retirements! It cost the taxpayers $3.2 billon!
SAY, THANKS BUT NO THANKS TO JOHN McCAIN!
McCain wants to cut medi-care by $1.3 trillion.
Are you listening retirees of SW Florida?
Again...
McCain wants to cut medi-care by $1.3 trillion.
#4 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lookout, everyone! Biden is in town! I guess this means that Ironside and boulderbilly won't need their Viagra today.
#5 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Michelle Obama:
“For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is making a comeback.”
----------------------------
John McCain:
"I really didn't love America until I was deprived of her company."
______________________________
It took becoming a POW for John McCain to love the United States of America!
Rightwing comments, please... LOL!
#6 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
pay attention people ...the next vice president of the united states will be here soon!
#7 Posted by naplesres on October 8, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John McCain has hired some of the same campaign staff George Bush used to trash McCain's wife and adopted daughter in the Republican primaries of the 2000 presidential election. How desperate is THAT?
It's DISGUSTING!
Barack Hussien Obama is going win the election over John McCain, a man that also gave up classified informarion to the Viet Cong when he was a POW.
Some POWs did that, some didn't. John McCain DID!
John McCain during his acceptance speech: "And they (the Viet Cong) broke me. When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners."
President Barack Hussein Obama '08!
Get used to it.
Today's Gallup Poll:
Obama - 52%
McCain - 41%
The American People don't want John McCain to change the subject from the economy to smear tactics. Another McCain stunt BACKFIRED!
One can only what the next McCain stunt will be as he desperately trys to win his final shot at the presidency.
John McCain will obviously say and do anything to win this election.
#8 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
same trash, different day, yawn....
#9 Posted by islandman4now on October 8, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironside,
I’ll respond to it. By the way, I’m an independent. First, you give Micelle Obama’s full quote and then abbreviate McCain’s to suit your purpose. He also, in that same quote made mention that it took a situation where they took away his rights and liberties to full understand those same rights and liberties.
As to the rest of it. These are not new revelations. He has admitted and taken responsibility for his action. Something Obama does not do!
#10 Posted by fromhere on October 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain --
My friends, I know how to do these things
- I know how to find Bin Laden.
- I know how to fix the global financial crisis.
- I know how to fix social security. In fact, this one is very easy.
- Health care? Easy as handing the ball off to a running back.
- The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? I know hot to fix them as well.
My friends, I know how to fix all of our nation's problems but I haven't because I'm waiting until I become President to do so. Why? Because as you all know, I put country first.
He is no friend of mine!
#11 Posted by Carrot_Stick on October 8, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MEET SARAH PALIN!
This woman has NO CLASS!
This is the kind of character Sarah Palin is made of:
Palin finds humor with insults about cancer hurled at cancer suvivor.....
Compassionate Conservative Sarah Palin LAUGHS like a sick teeny-bopper as shock jocs make disgusting jokes on a cancer survivor that happens to be a Republican rival of Palin.
And this is the Republican Party's nomination for Vice President of the United States of America. Where's the dignity?
McCain's vetting process was a huge FAILURE!
HEAR THE AUDIO HERE:
http://www.politicalplace.com/phpBB3/...
Sarah Palin is CLASSLESS!
#12 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No #2, Ironside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's getting to the point that even I could be interested in a party with this ideal???
You can not be serious, "Obama & Biden"
#13 Posted by August8 on October 8, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flgood,
If you are waiting for Ironside to say something new, insightful or not copied from his own web site, ... good luck.
#14 Posted by fromhere on October 8, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironside you’re a phony wanna-be tough guy aren’t you. So blusterous on your posts about John McCain and how he broke in a Hanoi prisoner camp. YOU WOULDN’T HAVE LASTED FIVE MINUTES IN THAT PRISSION. Wuss.
Barack Hussein Obama = William Ayers = Weather Underground = Terrorists!
#15 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #7 - No, she was already here on Monday. This trip is just an excuse for Biden to work on his tan.
#16 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, how can you call Obama a terrorist? You people are just so full of hate that you believe anything that the moose killer spews out of her fire breathing mouth? The man was EIGHT YEARS OLD when Ayers did what he did. And, back then, no one called them terrorists. They called them HIPPIES and PROTESTORS. Now the man is a well-respected member of society and serves on many charity boards. That is how Obama knows him.
John McCain is full of hate. Have you read the cover story in this month's Rolling Stone magazine? Read it. He is a disgusting pig and has been a disgusting pig his entire life. He didn't care how many planes he crashed. He isn't a maverick. He is a spoiled brat, just like "W" who only wanted to impress his daddy. He left the scene of many of plane crash while others were injured, just so he could find some bimbo to sleep with...even though he was married. He cheated on his first wife so many times it's not funny. The man is a PIG (without lipstick). And if he becomes our president, the entire country will be run into the ground. READ THE ROLLING STONE ARTICLE. In fact, here's the link http://www.rollingstone.com/news/cove...
#17 Posted by librarygal on October 8, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THE VIDEO, so it can't be said that what McCain said was taken out of context....
http://www.politicalplace.com/phpBB3/...
______________________________
Michelle Obama:
“For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is making a comeback.”
----------------------------
John McCain:
"I really didn't love America until I was deprived of her company."
______________________________
It took becoming a POW for John McCain to love the United States of America!
Rightwing comments, please... LOL!
#18 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see where a protester on campus has a sign that reads "Obama hangs with terrorists".
I can't believe you people are stupid enough to really believe that. I only hope that deep down you really know that this is absolute lie.
McCain = Bush = Palin
= = stupid, greedy, selfish, spoiled, corrupt
Why do you working class people continue to support the very people that make life harder for you?
Maybe the Palin event should have been on campus so all you supporters could see what a college looks like. Yes, I'm saying it. You McCain supporters are either ignorant or greedy; you really should educate yourself.
Saying Obama interacts or 'hangs' with terrorist is just absolutely stupid and is only showing your own stupidity.
Maybe you should sign up for "Logic 101"
#19 Posted by Carrot_Stick on October 8, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, it is George W. Bush that hangs out with terrorists. His best friends are the Bin Laden family. He absolutely loves them. There are many photos available with him and his arm around a Bin Laden...palin' around, so to speak.
#20 Posted by librarygal on October 8, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way do the democrats want a more socialized country? To keep their base not working!
#21 Posted by Duh_novan on October 8, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironside you hide behind your screen name as you deface one of our countries heros who risked his life for this country. This election aside, you are a scorned soul for the statements about him being a POW. You're lucky there isnt a bounty on your head.
#22 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I drove by the arena about 30 minutes ago. It's already so packed it looks like an Elvis concert.
#23 Posted by 676 on October 8, 2008 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27062761/
#24 Posted by 676 on October 8, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"The Fundamentals Of Our Economy Are Strong"
John McCain, at least sixteen times this year!
Our national deficit is $9.5 trillion.
Our debt to China is $1.8 trillion.
McCain plans to cut medi-care by $1.3 trillion.
McCain supports spending $10 billion every month in Iraq.
Inflation is growing at fastest rate in 20 years.
US Stocks more fall by more than 5000 point this year.
Unemployment at 6.1%
776,000 American Jobs Lost in 2008
More than 9,000 homes are being foreclosed on in America EVERY month this year!
Wages are down in the United States!
Greenspan: "America Can't Afford McCain's Tax Plan"
Remember, we didn't rake up a $9.5 trillion national debt or a debt of $1.8 trillion to China in the past 19 months, and just in case anybody forgot.....
George Bush had utilized his veto powers in his first 6 years of office only one time. During that 6 year period the Senate and Congress were made up of a Republican majority.
Bush has utilized his veto powers 11 times in the past 19 months. In those 19 months the Senate and Congress had a small Democrat majority, making impossible to over-ride a veto without Republican support. It requires 2/3 of a majority to over-ride a presidential veto.
This has made it very difficult (or virtually impossible) for the Democrats to repair in 18 months what it took the Republicans 6 years to break.
Now the McCain campaign says they know longer want to discuss th economy because doing so will cost them the election. IMAGINE THAT!
McCain: Healthcare should be a responsibility.
Obama: Healthcare should be a right.
McCain/Palin - The Status Quo
The Unstable and the Unable
Obama/Biden '08
Change we can believe in.
YES WE CAN
#25 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #35 - I think that's a new record for the amount of "cut-and-paste" material that you used in a single post. And, that's saying something, even for you...
#26 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
#27 Posted by houdal on October 8, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.
Librarygal you need to get back to realty as soon as possible. In the ‘60’s they were called terrorists, I know I lived through it. You want to call them protestors and hippies fine, but ayers set bombs off at the pentagon and numerous police stations. To me that’s a TERRORIST. He also stated that after 9/11 he wished he could have done something like that. You’re an idiot and a loser and calling John McCain a pig is a complement coming from someone like you.
Barack Hussien Obama = William Ayers = Weather Underground = Terrorists!
#28 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Healthcare should be a right? a right for who?
national healthcare and no tort reform that makes alot of sense!
we can pay for healthcare and lawsuits with our tax money.
if you want goverment healthcare, there are plenty of countries to move
to.
#29 Posted by Duh_novan on October 8, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ecoterror but out, let Ironside fight his/her own battles. Secondly it was not a threat, it was a statement.
In my opinion no one has the right to belittle a soldiers tour of duty.
#30 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ecoterror I apologize I didnt read #36. Its amazing how you were in the fighter jet with McCain knowing exactly who, what and where he dropped bombs, plus your extensive knowledge of his history, I'm sure you're just a peach.
#31 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I respect Senator McCain and even though I'm a Democrat, I wouldn't have been heartbroken to see him win. His campaign's choice of Palin and the fact that he's seemed to have lost control of his own campaign is downright depressing.
#32 Posted by dooley on October 8, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #36 - C'mon, if you're going to slander the guy, at least get your information correct. There is nothing worse than a heckler with the wrong information.
Senator McCain actually lost FIVE aircraft during his career:
AC #1 happened in 1958 while practicing landings in Corpus Cristi Bay (Texas). The investigation board determined the crash was caused by a mechanical failure, not by pilot error. (Not his fault.)
AC #2 happened in the Meditteranean, where he clipped some powerlines while flying low over the ground. The investigation board determined that the crash was caused by pilot error. (His fault.)
AC #3 happened following a flyover at the Army-Navy football game. The plane's single jet engine flamed-out and he was forced to eject after completing all necessary in-flight engine restart procedures. The invevstigation board determined that the crash was by a mechanical failure, not by pilot error. (Not his fault.)
AC #4 happened in 1967 on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal. He was sitting in the cockpit of his plane waiting to take off when a rocket accidentally fired from another plane slammed into his aircraft. He escaped from the aircraft, but the resulting explosion and fire killed 134 sailors and destroyed 20 aircraft. The investigation board ruled that there was nothing he could have done to avoid being hit by the rocket. (Not his fault.)
AC #5 happened in 1967 while flying his 23rd mission over North Vietnam when his plane was hit by an enemy surface-to-air missle. He ejected from the plane, breaking both arms and one leg in the process, and was captured by the North Vietnamese after he parachuted into Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi. The investigation board ruled that there was no contributory pilot error in the loss of the aircraft. (Not his fault.)
It kinda loses it's "punch" when you actually put it into context, though, doesn't it?
Thank you for playing. Please try again.
#33 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Which public servant dressed in full uniform and regalia will be kicking off the Biden speech today?
#34 Posted by Nagator on October 8, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Then stop whining like a little school girl and do something about it ecoterror, move.
#35 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #49 - I heard they had three choices in mind. But, neither Hitler, Stalin, or Saddam Hussein were available.
#36 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This whole election is a circus, scam, dog and pony show and whatever adjective you care to use and neither candidate deserves to win. I pulled this off Fox. It doesn't matter who you are going to vote for...it just provides proof that nobody in this election tells it like it is, the media prints whatever side they want and the average American will not take the time to check the facts themselves.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4...
Here is the funny part of the story...
The media seems to have been covering for Biden for some time. While news stories still talk about Dan Quayle’s spelling mistake 18 years later, there has been almost no news coverage of Biden’s numerous wacky statements. What if Quayle had said something similar to Biden’s recent statement that, "When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed. He said, 'Look, here's what happened.'" A neat trick given that Herbert Hoover was president in 1929 and television was not yet invented.
#37 Posted by Rickdiculous on October 8, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Pianoman8869-funny how others cant wait to pass along other peoples drool without researching, BAM!
#38 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Obama: "John McCain doesn't mind his government healthcare insurance."
Obama: "Government healthcare is ok with John McCain when it comes to him."
Obama: "The way I see it, you (the American people) pay my salary. Why should I have better healthcare than you have?"
From Families USA, please see question #7.....
http://www.familiesusa.org/election-2...
Obama/Biden '08
Change we can believe in.
YES WE CAN!
President Barack HUSSEIN Obama!
#39 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ecoterror enlighten all of us on this thread, how many innocent people has George Bush killed? Also, tell us where you get your facts from.
#40 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 4:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FACT CHECK:
McCain fudges his Navy record
"Controversy has surrounded a series of crashes involving planes piloted by John McCain while serving in the U.S. Navy. In his autobiography, the Republican presidential candidate maintained that a couple of the accidents were caused by engine failure. But an official investigation by the Naval Aviation Safety Center makes clear that the first accident, in March 1960, was caused exclusively by pilot error."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact...
#41 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #59 - When Barack Obama releases all of his college records for public consumption, we can talk about who may or may not be "fudging" what.
Until then, there's no point in having the discussion.
Why is Obama so afraid to show us what he REALLY did in college?
#42 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Re: Post #60 - Be careful. Your considerable ignorance is showing (which is saying a lot, even for you).
#43 Posted by Pianoman8869 on October 8, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
McCain FUDGES POW Story to Pander for Votes!
(This is disturbing)
John McCain has claimed in his 1999 memoir that while being a POW he once named the offensive linemen of the Green Bay Packers as the men of his squadron to avoid further torture.
However, while in Pittsburgh last July he suddenly remembered the story a bit differently by claiming it was the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive linemen he named to his captors.
Was he pandering? You betcha he was, dog-gone it!
John McCain has NO SHAME!
Here’s the full story complete with the VIDEO:
http://www.politicalplace.com/phpBB3/...
#44 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ahhh bow to the all knowing ecoterror, who knows so much about everything, just read it above. Now after unveiling all that knowledge you're spent, and all you can come up with is I'm a moron, congrats.
I do in fact hold a real estate license.
Lastly, with repsect to the love it or leave it argument; I am sick and tired of people whining/complaining all the time, while doing nothing about it, if that makes me a moron, so be it.
#45 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Slam McCain all you want about what he did or didn't do while in the Navy, as a Veteran Senator, etc., but at least he's got "Experience".
He has actually served his country both in the military and in the Senate.
And Obama has??????????????????????????????????????
#46 Posted by GatorBite on October 8, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Monster, cute one. You're question as written makes no sense, but to guess what you meant, actually $0
#47 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on 'ol ecoterrorist. Read post 58 and get back to us. Show us all how brilliant you are.
#48 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bottom of the page:
Barack Obama accomplishments...
http://www.politicalplace.com/why_oba...
#49 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Look at it this way, I'd rather have someone who is potty trained run this country than someone still in diapers.
We don't need on the pot, oops I meant on the job training, lets leave that to the toddlers.
#50 Posted by GatorBite on October 8, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironic isn't it that Biden is best buds with Antaramian, who overdeveloped Naples and is the cause of the real estate problem locally. For those of you who have not seen the ignorant and gaffing Biden at his best, check out the Couric interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jf17Y...
#51 Posted by MsBhaven on October 8, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"his" experience....just what we don't need
#52 Posted by coolkraft on October 8, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bush/Cheney are TERRORISTS!
Civilian Casualites of Iraq war
88,263 - 96,350
http://www.iraqbodycount.org/
#53 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trehuger,
Ecoterror thinks you’re a moron. I take that as a glowing endorsement coming from ecoterror. My nine year old can form a more logical and factual argument than ecoterror. Logic and facts have nothing to do with debate according to ecoterror. I doubt he knows what formal logic even is.
GatorBite,
Here is what Obama has done!
Community organizer and legal representative for slumlords at the same time. Nice going, you can not loose a case that way.
Illinois Senator, one term, as soon as elected he started his campaign for the US Senate.
(How many times did he vote “present”? He forgot it was the Illinois senate. He thought they were just taking attendance.)
US Senator, one term, as soon as elected started his campaign for president.
Now there is a record I can believe in.
#54 Posted by fromhere on October 8, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks fromhere I was was ready to go home and kick the dog, phew!
#55 Posted by trehuger on October 8, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know that for the rightwing the truth hurts, but here it goes anyway!
McCain (from his acceptance speech and memoirs):
"And they broke me. When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners."
Near the end of the his speech (VIDEO)...
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/pre...#
TRANSCRIPT...
http://politicalplace.com/acceptance_...
#56 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Iron, come on now. IBC?? IBC states they get their facts from the commercial news media. Now there’s a credible bunch of people. Let’s get our facts from the media!
Please…
#57 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RedRyder take off the blinders. You've been hoodwinked!
#58 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Joe needs to explain those bad hair plugs and the cost.
#59 Posted by Johnywalker on October 8, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RedRyder would you rather get the body count from the Bush administration?
They're a bunch of real honest people, huh? LOL
#60 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Iron, there you go again. John McCain lasted over five years in the Hanoi Hilton. You, my friend would not HAVE LASTED FIVE MINUTES. You didn’t serve in Vietnam and you don’t have the right to judge people who did. Unless you were there and endured what our POW’s endured, you have NO right to judge them. Wussy.
#61 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ironside,
#80
Bravo McCain, you took responsibility for your actions.
If Obama would do the same I might actually have some respect for the guy. Everytime someone comes out of his past that does not make him look like the messiah he claims only a passing acquantence. Then he moves on, ignores it and pretends it never happened.
#62 Posted by fromhere on October 8, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No iron, not hoodwinked. The NY Times is good for wrapping dead fish in. Keith Olberman's parents were cousins. I'll NEVER trust the media. You and I both wore our country's uniform. I just choose to stand up for what's right.
#63 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Liestopper I'm standing up for John McCain's honor having serevd five years at the hands of the Vietnamese and the torture he endured. Unless we were there, no one has the right to judge him and lable him a songbird like ironside. 'Nugh said.
#64 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand why anyone would want to vote for McCain and his squad. Bo is going to win, so stop wasting our time. All GOP's are full Hog Wash and there is nothing that can be said for ethics and love of country. like I said before McCain was kept at HANOI HILTON Country Club, we don't know what he said to VC's. As far as I know he played golf in exchange for a rat.
#65 Posted by badhairday on October 8, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Salute RedRyder.
We need not agree politically to recognize each other's service to America.
#66 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RedRyder did you stand up for John Kerry's honor when he was being swiftboated in 2004 and when the rightwing mocked the Purple Heart medal during the 2004 Republican convention. You do remember those band-aids, don't you?
John McCain admits to what I post here about him. He doesn't dispute it. He talked about it in his acceptance speech. What's so honorable about gving up classified information to the Viet Cong? Not all POW broke. John McCain did!
#67 Posted by Ironside on October 8, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great live video, NDN. Thanks a lot!
#68 Posted by etcetcetc on October 8, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The winds of CHANGE are blowin thru Florida !!!
OBAMA/BIDEN
08
#69 Posted by Starrrfish on October 8, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
iron, yes I was ripped over the attacks levied on John Kerry for his service to our country. I took no part in that swift boat bilge. Look, say what you will about John McCain's political record. That's fair game and I for one don't agree with all his posistions. But when it comes to his service to our country and the torture he suffered for five years, that's when I'm in your face. I'm going out to smoke a Camel.
RedRyder out.
#70 Posted by RedRyder on October 8, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was in attendance at this event today, and for once in my life during a political rally could I feel a unity for change like no other. The emotion ran so deep it nearly brought me to tears. The diversity of the people and the way they are coming together is truly overwhelming. If the rest of the country looks anything like what I seen today, this election has already been determined.
#71 Posted by NaplesCritic on October 8, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
#72 Posted by 4corners6 on October 8, 2008 at 8:33 p.m.
McCAINT got a clue!!
#73 Posted by littleindian on October 8, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As an Independent being at both rally's there was no comparison with the electricity that Palin brought and the 3 hour wait to get in. But amazing the contrast in crowds.
Biden is a true American patriot unfortunately he is on the bottom of the ticket.
I have no idea how Biden never had a chance in the Dem primaries. Biden would make such a much better president/leader than Obama.
Still undecided again wish the ticket was switched and Biden would get my vote. Too bad there is no McCain/Biden ticket. Those two together would straighten this country out real fast.
#74 Posted by Johnywalker on October 8, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Palin probably did bring electricity after all she is an expert on energy. However, the Biden rally brought unity which is what this country is in desperate need of.
#75 Posted by NaplesCritic on October 8, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RedRyder, I'll try to take your advice and lay off John McCain's service from this point forward.
As a Veteran that was outraged over the swiftboating of John Kerry and Max Cleland (a triple amputee combat Veteran) by the Republican Party, as well as watching civvies that never wore the uniform but DARED to mock the Purple Heart medal during the 2004 Republican convention (that made me sick), I understand your concerns, and I do honestly perfer to take the highroad.
Now if we could only get the McCain campaign to be so civil enough to get off of the petty "associatons" game they are playing, and very GUILTY of themselves, and get them on topic with the issues that concern most Americans today, like the economy, healthcare, the war in Iraq and al Qaeda, we'd all be better off.
RedRyder thank you for your post and expressing your concerns. I understand.
SALUTE!
#76 Posted by Ironside on October 9, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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