Why is The Republican Party Shooting Itself in The Foot to Lose?

Credit: Reuters/Dominick Reuter/Brian Snyder/Photo montage by Salon

IMHO, I think that the fact that the Bush-Republican Party would rather lose the next Presidential Elections than rally behind the people's favorite, Donald Trump. And yes I've called it the "Bush-Republican Party" for a good reason.  It is so clear that Jeb Bush hasn't a chance in hell to win, but since his family still controls the party, they'd rather lose than support Donald Trump.

What happens if Donald Trump wins big in South Carolina?

Despite Palmetto State polling, establishment insiders still think Donald Trump won't grab the nomination, but, if so, when will he stop winning?

They should have taken Jeb out ages ago and told most of the other candidates to give up their fight, too. The only way they could have stopped Trump would have been to dump Jeb early on and back someone with more than barely minimal charisma and popularity. At this point, if the Republicans want the Presidency, they have only one candidate to back and that is Trump. They should help him find someone who can both work with him and balance his appeal, not a Sarah Palin type whom they sabotaged when she ran with McCain. They should also make peace with Trump or they will destroy the party, which is in many ways a lot healthier than the Democrats who have two retirement age candidates slinging it out.

To be perfectly honest, I think they'd prefer to lose. What do you think?

"Rogue" Sarah Says It Right!

The American media is lurching Left in response to Sarah Palin's statements about Israel in her Barabara Walters interview.  Notice their matching blue outfits. Wouldn't they look perfect next to an Israeli flag?


Palin said:

“I disagree with the Obama administration on that,” Palin said. “I believe that the Jewish settlements should be allowed to be expanded upon, because that population of Israel is, is going to grow. More and more Jewish people will be flocking to Israel in the days and weeks and months ahead. And I don’t think that the Obama administration has any right to tell Israel that the Jewish settlements cannot expand.”

I really get a kick from their reasoning:

"The administrations of Presidents Nixon, Johnson, Ford, Carter, and Clinton all considered the annexation of land seized in 1967 illegal. President Ronald Reagan took a position that some might be legal, but opposed their expansion. Priot to becoming president, as the Us ambassador the UN, George H.W. Bush called the settlements illegal. His son, President George W. Bush, thought natural growth for existing settlements was fine, but was opposed to new ones."

I was brought up on:

"If everyone was jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do it, too?"

So, just because successive American Governments, other foreign leaders, many Israeli politicians and the international and Israeli media all say that the Jewish Historical HolyLand should be judenrein, does that make it right?




The United States hasn't stopped its interference in internal Israeli affairs; it's just getting worse since Barack Hussein Obama became U.S. President.  Jerusalem, Israel's Capital City, is suffering from a terrible housing shortage and Obama has the chutzpah to tell it not to build more homes.

Just like in any abusive relationship, a certain amount of the blame goes to the victim who doesn't walk away, doesn't defend itself.  Israel and the Jewish People have a dangerous tendency to feel too comfortable in the role of victim.  For years I've been saying and writing that we must boycott the official Capital City of any country which does the same to us.  We should choose a different city to locate our Israeli Embassy, just like they do.  In the United States we could decide that Atlanta, GA, or Trenton, NJ would be just perfect. For Great Britain, how about Liverpool? 

Successive American candidates for President have pledged to move the Embassy to Jerusalem, but of course once they win, they never do it.  Of course, we have no idea what Palin would do if ever in power, but in the meantime I'm enjoying her rogue statements.

Out of The Box Re: Sarah Palin

Jill, who writes like she talks, is going to be on a live panel about Sarah Palin and sent out queries to bloggers for ideas.

Here's my letter:

Good luck! I'm impressed.Unless something really awfully shocking happens re: Obama, nobody has a chance against him in 2012.There may be something twisted in the media pressure on Palin for Pres in '12, just to get bashed. Rather perverse, I'd say.Think out of the box, m'dear girl.She can take a sabbatical from politics, spend time with her family and come back fighting ready in 2016. And that's probably what the media, the dems and the Bushies don't want.

Shocking News From Sarah Palin!

Sarah Palin Resigning as Governor
I watched and listened to her explanation, and honestly, I can't quite figure it out. Apparently I wasn't the only one surprised. After barely a year in the spotlight as Republican hopeful, she seems to have said something about contributing to the country and Alaska without formal office and party. Does this mean that she's going to spend more time campaigning for the U.S. Presidency?


Unless Obama really messes things up, no Republican has a chance against him in 2012.

Back At The Palin Ranch

For those who think that Sarah Palin will be allowed to just grandmother it, knitting by the stove in her gubernatorial igloo, there are Sarah Palin fans who want to see her in higher office. As if she's the quiet knitting type.

Video Exclusive: A Revealing Morning With Sarah Palin

Watch this:

Was This A Set Up By The Bushies?

When Sarah Palin was drafted into the Presidential Campaign she wasn't all that prepared. She was postpartum, though never took a maternity leave, and she has a husband and four other kids besides the new baby.

The campaign has taken over her life, including buying her clothes and combing her hair. And this is the same lady who didn't move her family into the Governor's Mansion, nor use an official driver.

The staff, a lot tougher than the "Yes, Minister" one provided everything, and a lot of that everything is setting Palin up for disaster. Her outfits each now cost enough to feed a family for a month. Her hairdresser gets more money than you'd like to imagine.

The "coaches" have made her wary and lose that spontaneity. All this is costing even more in support from the voters.

And now they're getting nervous, because she doesn't trust them. She's starting to go back to being herself.

If McCain loses, she can be blamed. Is that what it's all about?

Maybe The "Silent Majority" Likes The Unconventional

The polls and the big money are going to Obama, but it seems like middle America, that silent majority rarely heard in the media like Sarah Palin.

Dudes sure do.

The media keeps hounding away that Obama's in the lead. If middle America believes them, loses hope and doesn't vote, then McCain loses the election. If they go out to vote in record percentages, then McCain has a good chance. Of course, the Electoral College distorts the popular vote.

The next big question is how many individual votes per Electoral College vote per state. It's not totally equal. Each state gets the total of their Congressmen and Senators. So, if that's the case, it takes fewer voters in the less populous states.

Add that into your computation.

Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live

So far, SNL is blocking YouTube, so I'll just give you the link. It's definitely worth the click. And you can also see it by clicking the blank screen.

My husband found it on the NBC site:

One thing for sure, win or lose, McCain and Palin can have new jobs after the elections. Either Pres and Veep or in comedy.

Ronald Reagan was Right, Sort Of

The late US President, Ronald Reagan, whose previous profession was acting, used to say that he couldn't imagine how someone without acting skills could be president. In today's America, when people don't have the attention span and patience to listen to deep thoughts and complex ideas, just acting skills aren't enough. Comedy and timing are even more important.

Last night, I caught a bit of McCain's comic speech at the Smith Dinner on TV, and I'm glad to have found it in the New York Times. To be fair, here's the link to Obama's routine. He sounds much less comfortable and natural. His voice isn't as pleasant to listen to. McCain's much better at stand-up.

But I'm really waiting for the clip of the real Sarah Palin on last night's Saturday Night Live. If anyone finds it, please send it, thanks.

Common Sense From Jackie Mason

That is unless you're an Obama fan.


And, no, I'm still not going to vote in the American Elections. I didn't register and never registered. I made aliyah before my first opportunity to vote, in those days you had to be 21. I enjoy politics, and that's why I keep writing about the Obama-Palin McCain race. And honestly, it's hard to think of a politician who didn't disappoint once in office.

Hat tip, Jewlicious

The New York Times--such a way with words

First I saw the New York Post, and they were full of praise for Palin after the VP debate with Biden. But that was expected. Then I read the New York Times:

...Ms. Palin exceeded expectations in this highly anticipated face-off, though those expectations were low after she had stumbled in recent television interviews. She succeeded by not failing in any obvious way. She mostly reverted to and repeated talking points, like referring to Mr. McCain as a “maverick” and the Republican ticket as a “team of mavericks,” while not necessarily quelling doubts among voters about her depth of knowledge.

Obviously it hurt them to say that Alaskan hicks may be smarter than NYers like to admit.

I'm finding this campaign very amusing, not that I'm planning on voting.

Your Latest American Sitcom

Palin vs Barry

McCain's already playing 2nd fiddle to Sarah Palin, but I don't think he minds all that much.

Do you think that Dry Bones pegged it right? Did Barry Hussein Obama really thinks like this?

Read the comments. They're really something.

The Democrats are really worried that Sarah Palin has won over a good part of America. The silent majority is no longer so quiet.

The United States is very divided. The Presidential Elections really show it.

And I don't deny that Israel also has various population sectors who have no idea of how others live, and I'm not talking about Arabs and Jews. I'm just referring to the Jewish population.

It's always more amusing to watch others make fools of themselves. I've been observing American elections since I was a child, and I can't think of two pairs of candidates so different. I don't know if Americans appreciate the real choice they have. Of course, once in office, they all end up pretty much the same.

But I'm enjoying this campaign.

Grasping at Flags and Straws

Posted by Ellen W. Horowitz

Last week Jewish Republicans were frantically prospecting for a Jew-friendly sign – any sign - in the great Northwest wilderness. And Eureka! A video clip revealed that Sarah Palin’s office window sports a small - but noticeable - Israeli flag.

For all I know it could have been a remnant left by one of the participants of the “Farthest North Jewish Film Festival.” in Fairbanks last spring, but it is more likely an Evangelical statement in support of the Jewish state.

Meanwhile, Jewish Democrats were desperately panning for a few nuggets of their own, and it seems they have hit Pentecostal pay dirt in the form of Palin’s recent attendance at a nasty Jews for Jesus sermon at her present church, and her spirited delivery of a commencement speech to young missionaries a few months ago at a church she had attended for decades.

The concept of a Jesus-loving, moose-hunting, hockey-Mom-turned-governor of Alaska, is far more goyishe than yiddishe – and that makes for great Jewish humor. This is blockbuster sitcom material and the comedians and cartoonists are having, and will continue to have, a field day for days, and possibly for years to come. But I have hunch that Palin has the true grit to ride this out.

Extraordinary as she is, Sarah Palin is only human, and juggling high political office and the campaign trail with a special-needs infant, soldier son, and unwed pregnant daughter engaged to a self-proclaimed “f - - -in' redneck", has given Americans on both the left and right of the political spectrum something to laud, laugh, cry, and shrie about - because Sarah Palin is but a microcosm of everything that’s great and embarrassing about America and the human condition.

So lighten-up Jewish Republicans, because all’s fair in love and war; and while Palin is sure to be admired, she will also be relentlessly lampooned by Comedy Central, harpooned by Greenpeace liberals, skinned alive by the people from PETA – not to mention ravaged by the packs of media hounds who are howling, prowling, and out for blood.

But in all seriousness, the prospects of a determined Pentecostal Vice President has increased the angst among some Americans who feel legitimately threatened by the relentless evangelical battering of the sacred wall separating church and state. This Israeli mother – who does not vote in U.S. elections – is similarly concerned about maintaining a respectful distance and border between Judaism and Christianity. And this has become increasingly difficult given the evangelical biblical spin on, and fusion of, “Judeo-Christian” values, heritage, and faith.

Sarah Palin, the Great Mother of the North, appears to be very capable and may be a tremendous asset to the McCain campaign, but she is not our savior - unless you’re a “Jewish believer” in another “perfected” American female fundamentalist by the name Anne Coulter who claims, "the survival of Israel is inextricably linked to the survival of the Republican Party and its evangelical base."

That Sarah attends churches affiliated with the Assemblies of God is something that should make every Jew squirm a bit, but her attending a sermon by a Jews for Jesus leader is less of a concern for Israelis than some of the more disturbing legislative meddling in Israel’s affairs that we hope any prospective evangelical Vice President will avoid.

There have been ongoing attempts by Capital Hill pro-lifers to influence Israel's stance and legislation on abortion and stem cell research.

Evangelical groups have repeatedly used the 1998 Congressional International Freedoms of Religion Act as a means to promote missionary activity while preventing Israel from adopting and enforcing anti-missionary legislation. Religious freedoms grounds are also being used to bolster the case for “messianic Judaism” (Christianity) in Israel, and in attempts to introduce changes in the Law of Return.

Accusations leveled by the State Department, ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice), and evangelical lobbying groups have depicted Orthodox Jews as violent persecutors of the church and messianic groups in Israel.

In some respects Israel’s relationship with American Evangelicals takes on a certain Esauvian quality. Biblically and quite literally speaking, Sarah Palin is "a cunning (skillful) hunter, a [wo]man of the field". She also has a hankerin’ for large, hairy redheads that seems to be taken straight out of Genesis.

After she blesses the Assemblies of God Masters Commissions students in their mission to go out and “bring people in”, she goes on to say that, “You guys are all a bunch of cool looking Christians… People are going to be interested in Jesus Christ through you because of the way you look. This red-headed Sasquatch for Jesus…you look good!”

The Wasilla Hollywood trailer promoting the Masters Commission is downright dark and frightening with its special fiery effects and ominous voice-over proclaiming that the missionary program is “one of the keys in God’s plan for Alaska , the United States, and the entire world”

Sarah concludes her speech to a group of young missionary graduates by saying…
“I grew up at Wasilla Assemblies of God, nothing freaks me out about the worship service.”

But it does and should “freak out” some of us Jews, because - for us - it is strange worship.

Sarah Palin is an entrenched Christian Fundamentalist who admittedly “grew up” in a church which statements of belief include the following :

WE BELIEVE...in The Millennial Reign of Christ when Jesus returns with His saints at His second coming and begins His benevolent rule over earth for 1,000 years. At that time many in the nation of Israel will recognize and accept Him as the Messiah, the Savior who died for them and all mankind.

WE BELIEVE...A Final Judgment Will Take Place for those who have rejected Christ. They will be judged for their sin and consigned to eternal punishment in a punishing lake of fire.

Like our forefather Yitzchak, we Jews tend to be terribly impressed to the point of blindness by looks and those who can walk the walk and talk the talk., And because of our tendency to fall into traps, I would think we should use the Talmudic approach of "respect and suspect" whether sizing-up Palin, Obama or any other politician or preacher.

We have to remember that neither the born-again status of Bush, the bible-teaching background of Carter, nor Clinton's bedside promises to his dying pastor regarding Israel, have managed to invigorate or strengthen the Jewish state’s position regionally or internationally.

Sarah Palin is an impressive figure who may put Mcain over the top, and she could very well direct her evangelical influence and constituency towards reaching out in a positive manner to Israel. Alternatively, if we don’t keep our guard up, we may be witness to "outreach" efforts in the form of unwanted Christian influence.

So if you’ll permit me to get biblical again, some commentators see Yaacov’s prayer of " Please save me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Eisav", as an indication that Yaakov was more frightened of Eisav as a loving brother and friend than of a violent Eisav.
And our sages and great teachers recognize that "all the actions of the forefathers are auguries for their descendants;" With this in mind, it would appear that a polite and respectful insistence of a separation between the church and the State of Israel would be in keeping with our forefather Yaacov's footsteps.

When it comes to the American election, this Golan mother of six – who has been known to handle a Glock, a few goats, and wrangle with a pet wolf – will watch from a distance, and hope and pray that the best man or woman win. And like Yaacov, we as a nation and as individuals will have to turn inward, wrestle with our demons, and come out on top - regardless of the changes in a U.S. administration.

Women Report On Palin

I was pleasantly surprised by the sympathetic and informative article in The New York Times about Sarah Palin. Maybe it's so positive, because it was written by women:

This article was reported by Jodi Kantor, Kate Zernike and Catrin Einhorn and written by Ms. Kantor.

It is the first article I've seen which mentions that, at least in the early months, baby Trig was nursed by his mother and carried around by her every where.

Ms. Palin installed a travel crib in her Anchorage office and a baby swing in her Juneau one. For much of the summer, she carried Trig in a sling as she signed bills and sat through hearings, even nursing him unseen during conference calls.

Most other articles stressed that Palin was quick to return to work and that her other children cared for the baby.

The Left may like to paint the Right as "old-fashioned," but I think that Palin is a truly modern mother. I grew up believing that you had to choose between career and motherhood. Feminists promoted a faux-male life for women, either postponing or rejecting motherhood.

It's definitely not the easy life, but I'm glad that Sarah Palin is showing women that they can have children and a career, and that they don't have to hide the children at home "with a nanny" to do it.

Sarah Palin, Another Look

Hat tip Israel Matzav, "New Sarah Palin campaign ad"

You can't call the United States Presidential elections boring this year.


Enjoy!

Multitasking Mothers

I'll crosspost this on me-ander.

Like Sarah Palin, I'm also the mother of five, though my kids are grown. My kids' age gap is large enough that I could accurately describe it as having to simultaneously deal with teething and orthodonture work.

The American media is full of articles debating the wisdom of a mother of such young children performing competently as both US Vice President and mother. People who don't have children, or just have one or very few with many years in between think that large families must be many more times difficult than having one. But it's not so, not at all.

Even though I'm glad I never had to, my maternal grandmother was in the kitchen making dinner soon after giving birth to each of her first five children. Since there is no law requiring a paid maternity leave in the United States, it's actually very common for women to be back at work within a week of giving birth.

Children love companionship and thrive on responsibility. Siblings are friends, and caring for siblings is the natural way of developing a sense of responsibility.

Yes, campaigning is hectic and physically stressful, but then once the election is over, most United States Vice Presidents have admitted that it's the easiest job they've ever had.

Mom Of 5 From PTA to US VP

John McCain, Republican nominee for US Presidency announced his choice for running mate. McCain chose Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska.

By working her way up from PTA to governor, Palin has lots more hands on experience in governing than Obama.

Personally, I've always been bothered by the definition of the political labels, "liberal" and "conservative." A "liberal" is supposed to be the one not bound by convention and a "conservative" preserves the status quo. I don't see the American political parties as being defined in those ways. Each party is a supermarket of ideas. Obama took the safe, conservative solution to compensate for his weakness as a presidential candidate, while McCain showed himself more confident and daring.

It's interesting that the sum total of ages of each ticket is pretty much the same, making age less of an issue. My read on the age factor concerns the fact that Obama, almost twenty-five years younger than McCain, doesn't have any living parents, while McCain's mother is still alive.

It looks like McCain is really shaking things up. That's change; isn't it?