Polls could affect election
Recently Karl Rove maintained that John McCain would not win the presidential election.
Why would a Republican make such an assertion? Some think it’s a ploy to give a false sense of confidence to likely voters, making them think that since Barack Obama would be the likely winner, they may keep away from the voting booth, thinking he is a shoo-in.
News reports talk about the “Bradley effect,” in which polls seem to favor Obama because some theorize white voters do not want to tell pollsters they aren’t planning on voting for a candidate of another race. Others have conjectured that voters of one party or the other, when polled, will falsely say they would vote for the opponent of their party to skew the results.
Regardless, it is the duty and privilege of each eligible citizen to cast a vote for the candidate of his or her choice, regardless of what the polls say. It is the numbers on Election Day that will determine who will lead our nation starting next year.
Ralph Seligman
Kansas City
Obama plan fair for whom?
The most frightening aspect of this entire election is that most people do not realize that by voting for Barack Obama, they are giving total control of the nation’s laws and policies to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. There will be absolutely no checks and balances put upon Congress or the president, since they will all be members of the same political party. God help us all!
Prepare yourself for the biggest welfare plan in our nation’s history under the guise of Obama’s “tax cut.” People may be getting checks from the IRS who do not even pay taxes — all in the name of “fairness.” Fairness for whom?
If you want change, the only change you will have is the change that will be left in your pocket if Obama is elected.
Edward J. Blasco
Lenexa
Don’t gamble on Palin
Sarah Palin has been compared to Barack Obama in regard to their “experience.” One very significant difference is that Obama has spent the last two years studying and articulating the issues of the presidency of the United States. He has been in the eye of the public, being fully scrutinized and answering every possible question through just about every possible venue, including numerous open interviews with the press.
Obama has proved his leadership through this campaign and earned the respect and confidence of the public. By contrast, Sarah Palin has been studying the issues of the presidency for the last several weeks. She has done a terrific job at scripted speeches but has failed miserably at the two unscripted interviews with the press that she has given.
It is a significant gamble to express confidence in someone we, the American people, do not know, and in a candidate who has been unwilling and unable to articulate answers to vital questions without scripted responses.
With one of the oldest candidates in history at the top of the ticket, it is a gamble Americans should be unwilling to take.
Julie Solomon
Kansas City
Experience is overrated
Some people, mostly Republicans, are saying that Barack. Obama does not have the experience necessary to become president. He cannot be trusted.
Excuse me?
Seven plus years ago, the American people trusted an experienced person to be president of the U.S. Well, where are we today?
Brothers and sisters, it’s not the experience — it’s the intelligence and, yes, the vision.
Joe Peltier
Kansas City
Still ‘despicable’ 40 years later
Barack Obama recently admitted that his friend William Ayers — the 1960s Weather Underground bomber and terrorist — “did something despicable 40 years ago.”
Great deduction, Sen. Obama. Did it take you 40 years to figure that out?
Terry E. Harms
Cole Camp, Mo.
Why I’m voting for McCain
I’m backing John McCain for four simple reasons.
My family does not make $250,000 a year. But to tax those who do and “spread the wealth,” as Barack Obama suggests, is a socialistic principle that harms the American dream. I’m a supporter of helping those in need. But that’s what the people and charitable organizations are designed to do, not government. Look at the voting records. McCain keeps taxes low across all income levels and cuts the outrageous government spending.
Remember 9/11. Terrorism is still a great threat, and only McCain has the experience, knowledge and toughness to navigate through dangerous times ahead.
I’m tired of hearing Obama making “I’m innocent” excuses on any issue raised against him: his ties to William Ayers, ACORN, campaign finance, his abortion voting record and his tax voting record. The list goes on and on. This man admits no mistakes or errors in judgment. It comes down to trust. Actions speak louder than words.
A Democratic president, Senate and House, with leaders Obama, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, would make me question checks and balances.
The vote on Nov. 4 is for president, not the most eloquent debater. God bless America!
Debbie Hassed
Overland Park
A little Palin-baiting ...
I have another name for Sarah Palin other than “Barracuda.” How about “Big Mouth Bass”?
K.W. Carder
Excelsior Springs
Who will get my vote …
If we want change, then our voting should not be for or against candidates based on a prejudice.
Voting for or against McCain should not be based on age.
Voting for or against Obama should not be based on race.
Voting for or against Palin should not be based on gender.
Voting for or against Biden should not be based on his history in a do-nothing Congress.
Voting for or against a candidate should not be based on only if Republican or Democrat.
If we truly want change and not just verbal promises, then we should change Congress (the ones responsible for creating and passing legislation) by not voting for any incumbents in the Senate or House of Representative. They had their chance for making change.
Talk of change is cheap. We should vote for the presidential ticket we each believe has the capability to work with a new Congress to institute change in bureaucratically tough and wasteful Washington while keeping our country safely at the global top.
That’s who will get my vote.
Bill Mason
Lenexa
"I’m tired of hearing Obama making 'I’m innocent' excuses on any issue raised against him: his ties to William Ayers, ACORN, campaign finance, his abortion voting record and his tax voting record. The list goes on and on. This man admits no mistakes or errors in judgment. It comes down to trust. Actions speak louder than words."
I wonder what Debbie Hassed, Overland Park, would say if she were accused of doing something she didn't do. I imagine her pleas of innocence would eventually become very tiresome to listen to.
The Ayers, ACORN and abortion votes have all been explained. Actions do speak louder than words Debbie, especially when it appears people like you aren't even listening.
Posted by: repete | October 20, 2008 at 02:10 PM
OK, Bill, we'll make a deal. You want to throw all incumbents out? I will vote against Sam Graves if you do, too. Assuming you live in his district. Or, I promise to vote against Claire Chastain in four years if you say no to Pat Roberts, or Kitt Bond or Sam Brownback when they run for reelection. Deal?
Posted by: JayhawkinMO | October 19, 2008 at 09:33 AM
"There will be absolutely no checks and balances put upon Congress or the president,..."
Unless democrats gain enough seats to hit the magic 60 delegate "supermajority" number, nothing in the operation of the Senate will change. Republicans will retain the power of filibuster, and democrats won't be able to do much about it. Great new talking point, though....
"Voting for or against Biden should not be based on his history in a do-nothing Congress"
Most of Bill's points were good ones, but this one is nuts. I guess he couldn't think of any non-political prejudicial characteristics for him.
Posted by: Marctnts | October 19, 2008 at 12:35 AM