October 23, 2008 by hr.

After 30 years, 91 genocides, 3 presidents, and so much more; Chinese Democracy is almost here.  Yes, the dreaded remains of Guns’N'Roses have finished recording the album that took like 80 years to record.  Over that time there has been numerous radio leaks, a couple stalled tours, and random appearances.  After each we thought we were a bit closer to Chinese Democracy only to be let down.  Well Dr. Pepper, time to put your money where you mouth is because it is here.

I checked out the title track and my initial view: sounds dated.  Put me in a time machine back to 1995 and tune into The Spaghetti Incident.  I will wait to pass final judgement.

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October 19, 2008 by hr.

I have been speculating with friends for some time that we would know John McCain’s campaign is done when Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama. 

Well, this morning I woke up and went into my tool shed and noticed that my nails were missing.  They were missing because they are sealing a coffin which contains the corpse of John McCain’s campaign. 

Granted, Colin’s reputation took a major hit due to his early support of the Bush Administration and his refusal to criticize the perceived corruption.  With that said, Colin is still one the most popular Republicans to moderates.  This endorsement won’t win too many votes for Obama but it pretty much eliminates the last possibility of a legitimate endorsement for McCain.

So who’s the big winner here?  Colin Powell.  In my opinion, he played this one right.  He didn’t endorse a candidate too early and risk getting buried.  In addition, he didn’t wait too late and seem irrelevant.  He didn’t endorse in the middle of a convention or during the first week of the economic crisis and seem impulsive.  This little bear waited till it was just right.

Ten years from now I doubt anybody will look back on this election and say this was the turning point.  In addition, very few might remember that Colin endorsed Obama at all.  What it does do is minimize historians criticism of Colin during his time as Secretary of State.  In addition, this move opens the door for Colin to be relevant again.

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October 19, 2008 by hr.

I have to give credit, Sara Palin nailed the SNL spot.  Sara was a good sport despite the real-life imitation of her by Tina Fey.  In addition, she got a great crack in on Tina’s horrible show 30 Rock. 

Considering John McCain’s campaign is sinking like a lead balloon, you might as well take lemons and make lemonade.  Sure your not going to be the Vice-President but you have a head start on 2012.

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October 15, 2008 by hr.

In terms of quick bytes, I have to give credit to McCain; he got in some good quick ones.  Unfortunately they were rapped around a harsh tone that was at times nasty and weird.  Obama may not have had as many strong statements but he pulled even and maybe nudged ahead by staying cool.  At times McCain seemed nervous and a mean. 

Negatives may help the base but kill your chances with moderates.  McCain has his base!  Obama has his base! 2008 will be a year of strong voter turnout which makes moderates the ultimate prize.  Obama’s cool leaves a trusting impression on them.  In choosing a president, most people tend to vote on their impression of who can be cool under pressure.

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October 14, 2008 by hr.

A branding warning, I am still a staunch conservative.  With that said, I don’t bury my head in the ground.  We are in a time in history where we need to be prepared to solve many of the issues that ill us with government.  As much as it pains me, it is the best way to rally together and solve issues.  This is not a solution de-regulation and private business can solve.

With that said, I am absolutely stunned to see a Buckley support Obama.  For those of you who are completely out of the loop, the late William F. Buckley was the founder of the National Review and a founding father of the modern conservative movement.  W.F.’s son shares many of the same beliefs and was a contributor to the National Review up until….he supported Obama. 

While age has made me a believer in believing the unbelievable, this year has been unique.  Who would have thought the economy would have collapsed so hard.  Who would have thought Clay Buckley would support Obama.  Unbelievable.

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October 2, 2008 by hr.

Some quick thoughts, I thought it was a good victory for Bidden.  Palin helped herself by not imploding but she didn’t bring in something new.  Bidden helped himself by being strong on the issues and not imploding.  So what was the tie breaker?  Bidden actually discussed facts and got the all important "man" cry moment in.

Ask Hilary, a good cry can be good for a campaign.  In the end, Palin survived but that isn’t enough to swing votes.  Bidden was able to stick to the issues and attack without crossing that line which everybody wondered if he would.

Last point, the all important "Maverick Drop" results.  As expected, Palin had the early lead carrying a 6-0 Maverick lead into the final minutes.  Then, out of nowhere, Bidden dropped 7 Mavericks after the 2 minute warning to win. 

"Joe Bidden, you just said Maverick more times then a Republican during debate.  What are you going to next?"

"I’m Going to Washington!"

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