I mean, SOMEONE has to be LYING!!
"Obama, McCain agree on many once-divisive issues; Their similar stances on immigration, nuclear weapons, global warming and stem-cell research are evidence of a centrist shift in the political landscape." by Janet Hook, Peter Wallsten and Peter Nicholas | Los Angeles Times July 12, 2008
WASHINGTON — Stem-cell research and nuclear weapons are just two examples of a surprising but little-noticed aspect of the hotly contested 2008 campaign: Democrat Obama and Republican McCain actually agree on a range of issues that have divided the parties under Bush.
On immigration, faith-based social services, expanded government wiretapping, global warming and more, Obama and McCain have arrived at similar stances -- even as they have spent weeks trying to amplify the differences between them on other issues, such as health care and taxes.
Even on Iraq, a signature issue for both of them, McCain and Obama have edged toward each other. The result is that in many areas of policy, the general direction of the next White House seems already set, even if the details are not.
The centrist consensus on many issues underscores an important dynamic in the 2008 political climate: At a time of growing frustration with gridlock and partisan bickering in Washington, politicians with a pragmatic, middle-course tack are thriving. In both parties, the more strident, ideological presidential candidates lost in the primaries.
To be sure, a McCain presidency would look far different than an Obama presidency. The two candidates have starkly different approaches to healthcare, Social Security and Supreme Court nominations, among other issues. But this makes it all the more surprising that in many areas the two candidates are now more or less aligned.
Initially, the war in Iraq was one of the hot-button disagreements. Obama made his early opposition to the war a cornerstone of his candidacy; McCain's calling card has been his support for the war and the 2007 troop increase. But in the course of the campaign, their differences have narrowed over the choices facing the next president.
McCain has repeatedly opposed setting timetables for withdrawing U.S. troops but more recently has said he wants most troops out by 2013 -- the first time he has mentioned a specific date. Obama has repeatedly said he would withdraw troops within 16 months of taking office but has hedged in ways that would give him wide latitude: He says he will listen to military commanders, will react to events on the ground and may "refine" his plan after his upcoming trip to Iraq.
In other areas of policy:
* Both McCain and Obama favor combating global warming with a "cap and trade" system. Under this plan, the government would set limits on emissions. Companies and others who emit gases below those limits would be able to sell credits to those who are unable to meet the targets.
* On the future of nuclear power, McCain and Obama are in the same neighborhood. McCain has laid out a plan to build 45 nuclear power plants. Obama has offered more general support, along with caveats that a nuclear power expansion be coupled with a resolution on how to safely dispose of waste.
* Both candidates have parted ways with Bush and advocated stepped-up negotiations with Russia and other countries to reduce the world's nuclear arsenal.
* Both twice voted for legislation -- which Bush twice vetoed -- that would have eased federal restrictions on human embryonic stem-cell research.
* Obama voted in the Senate Wednesday for a bill, bitterly opposed by many liberals, to expand the government's eavesdropping authority and to protect telephone companies that cooperated with the program from being sued. McCain was not present for the vote but has said he supported the bill.
* Both embrace the idea of continuing Bush's faith-based initiative, a program that funnels federal money to religious charities for social services.
While those issues are not prominent in the campaign debate, the candidates are also converging on the major issue of immigration -- to the surprise and delight of immigrant advocates and businesses who depend on their labor.
--MORE--"
Yeah, I may sit this one out and leave the top of the ballot blank.
Why bother anymore?
And see if you can get this next item to jibe with the last item (without hurting yourself):
"Analysis: Obama revels in contrasts with McCain
CHICAGO (AP) — Barack Obama has found something that eluded him during the primary season — contrast.
"He will not bring change," Obama always asserts, rightly or wrongly, of rival Republican John McCain. "I will."
In McCain, the likely Democratic nominee faces an opponent who is the opposite of him in every way — an Iraq war backer who supports free-market economics, opposes abortion rights and is a Republican. Obama delights in pointing out the differences, and does so often.
To be sure, McCain returns the favor at his campaign events. But vast disagreements with McCain — on everything from economic philosophies to security proposals — seem to have given Obama license to more aggressively and enthusiastically go after his foe. Perhaps it's because there's now a measure of clarity in the race, with an opponent from the other camp with a completely different take on the issues.
At a Georgia appearance, Obama noted McCain's long support for the Iraq war and objections to a withdrawal timetable. Conversely, Obama said: "I opposed this war from the start" and "I will bring this war to an end."
Pfffft! Change we can believe in? More lying?
Later, in New York, Obama noted that McCain wants the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion to be overturned. Conversely, he said, "I will never back down in defending a woman's right to choose."
That cinches it for me.
Unfortunately, 'bamer, that ought to be a state issue.
No vote for you!
--MORE--"
