Wednesday, July 30, 2008

270 Electoral Votes

I sometimes get frustrated with hearing people talk about the national polls. It seems that people forget that the electoral college system dictates who wins the presidency in the United States. The national polls have little or no meaning at all. They certainly can predict who is more popular among the general population, but they are not a good indicator of who will be elected president.

To win the presidency, a candidate must win enough states to win 270 electoral votes. Therefore, a few wins in a few key states are really all that matters in a presidential contest. Ohio is that kind of state.

Once before on this blog, I challenged the notion that America wouldn't support Barack Obama. He doesn't need all Americans or even a majority of Americans to support him. He only needs a few key states to go his way and we will have this radical liberal as our Commander-in-Chief.

For a great website that can help you understand the electoral map, go to http://www.270towin.com/.

Get involved NOW to help defeat Obama and to help elect the most qualified person to run for President in a generation!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Sen. George Voinovich

This morning, I have the privilege of attending a small breakfast meeting with Sen. George Voinovich. Sen. Voinovich has a long and distinguished career in Ohio government and politics. He was Mayor of Cleveland during a period where Cleveland needed great leadership and he provided that leadership. He went on to be a highly successful Governor of our great state. Now, as our United States Senator, he has shown tremendous leadership on many issues including health care and energy independence.

Sen. Voinovich is in his 2nd term as he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 and again in 2004. He is set to run again in 2010 and appears ready for a 3rd term.

To learn more about the Senator and his background, click here.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Michael Crites



The Ohio Republican Party has selected a GREAT candidate to run for Attorney General. Michael Crites is the man to clean up the mess created by Democrat Marc Dann.

It appears that the ORP has found a man with tremendous honor, integrity, and experience.

To read the ORP's statement regarding Mr. Crites, click here.

Check out his campaign website at www.CritesForOhio.com.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

28th House District

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Republican State Rep. Jim Raussen will depart the race to retain his seat in Ohio's 28th House District. We have known about this information for some time, but have declined making it public until Rep. Raussen was ready.

I want to wish my friend Jim the best in his new endeavor. Although we are disappointed to see him leave, we are sure Jim's decision is in the best interest of his family and his future. Jim served the citizens of his district well and we know he will bring his intelligence and strong work ethic to his new position in government.

The Party is on the path to finding a new candidate to fill this crucial spot. Because the rumors about this opening have existed for several weeks, I have been approached by several fine, qualified people who are interested in running. I can be sure of one thing: WE WILL HAVE A STRONG CANDIDATE to run and hold this seat.

Although there are several interested candidates already, this process will be open and the Party will consider any qualified candidate that might be interested. Any interested person should e-mail Patrick Maloney with a resume and bio and any other relevant information the Party should consider. That should be done without delay.

Again, I want to wish Jim Raussen the best!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

State Rep. Bob Mecklenborg

Today, I will introduce my friend Bob Mecklenborg at a Noon fundraiser at the Queen City Club. Rep. Mecklenborg represents the 30th House District in the Ohio State legislature.

I have known Bob for several years. Bob is a man of great intellect, honor, and integrity. He is a great father to three fine children. His son Rob, a political force in his own right, has been Bob's campaign manager and #1 volunteer. Bob has practiced law on the west side of Cincinnati for many years. In addition to his public responsibilities, he is a fine lawyer.

As Party Chairman, I have regular contact with Bob. Bob understands the importance of a strong Republican Party and he has worked closely with me to further our cause all across Hamilton County. He is a trusted advisor to the Party and I enjoy working with him.

To learn more about Bob's campaign, check out his campaign website. Consider getting involved with Bob's campaign or making a contribution!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Sir Obama

Charles Krauthammer recently wrote an article that has certainly caught the attention of many on our side of the political spectrum. I saw the article and read it with great interest. My good friend, Bill Myles, also e-mailed it to me.

The article talks about Obama's vanity. One other time on this blog, I called Obama a "self-proclaimed messiah." Well, that was hyperbole. But, Krauthammer rightly points out that Obama has done nothing to earn some of what he claims. The article is properly titled "The Audacity of Vanity." I will re-produce it here. I urge you to read it.

Here it is:

The Audacity of Vanity

By Charles Krauthammer Friday, July 18, 2008; Page A17

Barack Obama wants to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. He figures it would be a nice backdrop. The supporting cast -- a cheering audience and a few fainting frauleins -- would be a picturesque way to bolster his foreign policy credentials.

What Obama does not seem to understand is that the
Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Ronald Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President John F. Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin.

Who is Obama representing? And what exactly has he done in his lifetime to merit appropriating the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign prop? What was his role in the fight against communism, the liberation of Eastern Europe, the creation of what
George Bush the elder -- who presided over the fall of the Berlin Wall but modestly declined to go there for a victory lap -- called "a Europe whole and free"?

Does Obama not see the incongruity? It's as if a German pol took a campaign trip to America and demanded the
Statue of Liberty as a venue for a campaign speech. (The Germans have now gently nudged Obama into looking at other venues.)

Americans are beginning to notice Obama's elevated opinion of himself. There's nothing new about narcissism in politics. Every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. Nonetheless, has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements?

Obama is a three-year senator without a single important legislative achievement to his name, a former Illinois state senator who voted "present" nearly 130 times. As president of the Harvard Law Review, as law professor and as legislator, has he ever produced a single notable piece of scholarship? Written a single memorable article? His most memorable work is a biography of his favorite subject: himself.

It is a subject upon which he can dilate effortlessly. In his victory speech upon winning the nomination, Obama declared it a great turning point in history -- "generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment" -- when, among other wonders, "the rise of the oceans began to slow." As
Hudson Institute economist Irwin Stelzer noted in his London Daily Telegraph column, "Moses made the waters recede, but he had help." Obama apparently works alone.

Obama may think he's King Canute, but the good king ordered the tides to halt precisely to refute sycophantic aides who suggested that he had such power. Obama has no such modesty.
After all, in the words of his own slogan, "we are the ones we've been waiting for," which, translating the royal "we," means: " I am the one we've been waiting for." Amazingly, he had a quasi-presidential seal with its own Latin inscription affixed to his lectern, until general ridicule -- it was pointed out that he was not yet president -- induced him to take it down.

He lectures us that instead of worrying about immigrants learning English, "you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish" -- a language Obama does not speak. He further admonishes us on how "embarrassing" it is that Europeans are multilingual but "we go over to Europe, and all we can say is 'merci beaucoup.' " Obama speaks no French.

His fluent English does, however, feature many such admonitions, instructions and improvements. His wife assures us that
President Obama will be a stern taskmaster: "Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism . . . that you come out of your isolation. . . . Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed."
For the first few months of the campaign, the question about Obama was: Who is he? The question now is: Who does he think he is?

We are getting to know. Redeemer of our uninvolved, uninformed lives. Lord of the seas. And more. As he said on victory night, his rise marks the moment when "our planet began to heal." As I recall -- I'm no expert on this -- Jesus practiced his healing just on the sick. Obama operates on a larger canvas.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Volunteer!

It's time to get involved! The crucial first steps in our Victory/GOTV efforts are under way. Voter identification is CRUCIAL to our effort to drive voter turnout in November.

The Victory Center is up and running with our Voice over IP phones. They are located in Congressman Steve Chabot's office, 3339 Harrison Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45211. Calls are being made Monday - Thursday from 5-9 p.m. Starting on 7/25, calls will be made on Friday and Saturday as well.

We also have door to door operations Saturday's at 10:00 a.m. from Congressman Chabot's.

This is only the first step. We will soon be opening a downtown Victory office and growing our efforts.

Let's begin our march to victory!

Friday, July 18, 2008

The County Budget III

This is my third blog entry on the county budget mess. My first entry is here and my second one is here.

I am happy to report that I met with nearly every Republican office holder and leader on Tuesday evening. This group of judges and county-wide elected officials vowed to work together.

My message to all of them was consistent with what I've written in this blog. We must lead on cutting spending to help balance the county's budget. Every leader in the room agreed.

However, we have begun to take a look at how the county commissioners spend their money. I have asked one of our more savvy and knowledgeable Republicans to take a close look at where these Democrats on the commission are spending your tax dollars. If we are to make these draconian cuts in the budget and cuts in service, we should know where all the money is going. I will report back on this in a future blog posting.

We as Republicans are not the problem. To be fair, the problem is a slow economy and poor revenue. With our office-holders, I am convinced that we are running lean. We have to run "leaner." I understand this.

What does this mean? It means a cut in services to taxpayers. It means fewer jail spaces to house criminals. It may mean longer wait times to get into the courthouse. It may mean less salt for our county streets in the winter. It may mean fewer police officers patrolling our streets to make it safe. There are several other places that the public may notice this cut in service. These are all unavoidable because of the serious cuts that are required and the mess we have.

In light of the fact that taxpayers and citizens may feel this burden, it is our greatest responsibility to cut unnecessary spending in places where the taxpayer is not burdened wherever possible. I hope the Democrats do the same.

These are difficult times for families, businesses, and government. We all feel the pinch. We must work together to solve the people's problems.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Terry's Turf Club

After a very long day of politics, I reserve the right to blog about something other than politics. I am going to do every reader of this blog a gigantic favor. I am going to share with you a place that has the single best cheeseburger in all of Hamilton County. Yes, the best. Better than Zips. Better than Quatman's. Better than....everywhere.

I urge Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and even vegetarians to try Terry's Turf Club at 4618 Eastern Ave. on the east side of Cincinnati.

Terry's makes a fantastic burger and offers a wide variety of interesting toppings and sauces. My personal favorite? A cheeseburger with red pepper/goat cheese sauce on the side.

Give it a try!

Rally on the Square TODAY!!!

Join us
today
on the
Square
at 11:15 a.m.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Unimpressed

It has been some time since I watched Sen. Obama speak. I have watched the man give many speeches since his debut on the national scene at the Democrat convention in 2004. But, I haven't seen him speak since winter.

Well, last night, I sat at Republican Headquarters and watched his speech to the NAACP. I watched because he was in Cincinnati and because I haven't seen him in some time.

I was unimpressed. The man inflects his voice well and he looks nice enough, but the words matter. The words he spoke are old-line, standard, liberal pablum. The Democrat view of the world is to blame government and to offer a socialist government solution to everything. His plans to change America are not a change at all. It is a return to the old-style liberalism that Americans have rejected for a generation. Government is best when it is limited and gets out of people's way so they can make it in America. Sen. Obama and his ultra-liberal friends like Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Ted Kennedy would take America radically to the left.

Sen. Obama's campaign reminds me of the Howard Dean candidacy of 2004. Had Howard Dean not been a little whacko with his scream after his third-place finish in Iowa, he very likely could have been the Democrat nominee. His anti-war, big government rhetoric was quite popular in the Democrat Party. Sen. Obama is Howard Dean sans scream!

Despite my view that Sen. Obama is too liberal, I certainly can respect his candidacy and the excitement he generates on the left and in the African-American community. For that reason, I believe we should go after his ideas, not after the man. I hope the left can do the same to John McCain.

Don't forget to join us on the Square tomorrow at 11:15. For more info, click here.

Monday, July 14, 2008

McCain Watch Party on the Square

Join us!

Sen. McCain will address the national NAACP Convention on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. The speech will be carried LIVE on the large LCD screen on Fountain Square. Wear your McCain garb and join the Hamilton County Republican Party in watching this historic speech on beautiful Fountain Square! We will be meeting around 11:15 a.m.

Questions, call 513.381.5454 or e-mail Pat Maloney.

SPREAD THE WORD!


Sunday, July 13, 2008

Mason, McCain, NAACP, Beer, etc.

The race for President is all tied up! The latest Rasmussen Poll shows the race a statistical dead-heat. This is amazing. Given the ridiculously unfair and biased media coverage that Obama enjoys and the general mood of the country, John McCain is over performing. The American people are realizing that John McCain is the most qualified man to run for President in a generation. I'm confident in our position!

And...

The Dave Mason Band performed at the Festival at Sycamore Township last night. They will also perform at a benefit concert organized by County Prosecutor Joe Deters tonight. I was lucky enough to meet Dave Mason and his band. They are a great group of guys. Dave Mason is a hall-of-fame rock and roller and a legend in the rock community.

And...

The NAACP Convention starts tonight at the Duke Energy Center. I am a Blue Chip Host for the event and I'm pleased and honored to be welcoming this historic civil rights organization to our city. I will attend a cocktail reception this evening to kick-off the week's events. I have been criticized in some quarters for my involvement because so many people view this organization as liberal and committed to helping Sen. Obama. To that, I say this: I am not naive. The NAACP strives to be non-partisan and their visit here has been handled in a highly non-partisan way. They have gone to great lengths to include Republicans everywhere and they have done it in a highly professional and courteous way. As Party Chairman, I believe that our party needs to reach out to every segment of the American population. I am looking forward to this week and to attending several of the NAACP events. My favorite? The McCain speech on Wednesday!

And...

I was interviewed by WCPO yesterday about Tony Snow. What a loss. See the story here.

And...

I worked the beer booth at the Festival at Sycamore Township last night. Executive Director Margaret Nafziger and I peddled beer for about 2 hours to the fine citizens of the Township. Former Chairman Vincent and Prosecutor Deters were in attendance. It was a great time.

And...

We are planning a show of support for Sen. McCain's speech to the NAACP. The speech will be carried live on the TV board on Fountain Square on Wednesday. I will more fully blog on this tomorrow, but keep open some time at lunch on Wednesday and come to the square.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Tony Snow

I woke to the very sad news of the passing of Tony Snow. Tony was born in Berea, Kentucky and was raised in the Cincinnati area. He attended Princeton High School in Sharonville.

Like so many other Republicans, I met Tony when he was here to speak to our Lincoln/Reagan dinner a few years ago. He was an excellent speaker and we all enjoyed his remarks a great deal. I also had a chance to attend the private reception and get to really talk to him. He was as congenial, intelligent, and personable up-close as he was on camera. The night after the dinner, he stayed around downtown and had a few beers with many of us at McCormick & Schmick's. He was a real guy. A Cincinnati guy.

His passing at the very young age of 53 is a reminder to all of us to live life to its fullest every single moment of the day. I think Tony Snow did that.

Friday, July 11, 2008

The County Budget II

The Hamilton County budget crisis continues to dominate local politics at the moment.

Over the last two days, I have reached out to some of our elected leaders. I plan to continue to do so today.

The Democrat controlled Board of County Commissioners has asked other, separately elected county officials to make a 5.96% cut in their budgets.

There are lots of legitimate questions for the County Commissioners and for county administration. After all, shouldn't the opposing party ask those questions in a system that functions with a "loyal opposition?" We should ask those questions. We should get answers to help all of us understand the nature of the crisis and why it exists. Our Republican leaders are separately elected by the taxpayers and have that responsibility. The Democrats are running this county budget and it appears to be a disaster.

First, I am convinced that the crisis is real. The money simply isn't there. I believe that Commissioners Pepper and Portune have honestly reported the situation.

Second, I have urged Republicans to be cooperative. I have done so privately and I have written about it on this blog.

At the moment, I urge calm. It is a time for leadership and good government.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

President Bush and Africa


Most astute political observers know that President Bush's administration has been very, very good to the African continent. Quietly, and with almost NO credit from the media, President Bush has lead the fight for more money, more trade, and against disease in Africa.

In an article posted in today's Washington Post, author Njoroge Wachai writes,

"Bush has been generous and kind to Africa, far more than his predecessors. This is an uncontestable fact.

Under the Bush presidency, U.S. aid to Africa has tripled. Trade - the most effective tool to spur growth in poor countries – between Africa and the U.S. has almost doubled since Bush came to power. Under the Bush presidency, the U.S. has also increased its fight against malaria, a disease that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates kills one child in Africa every thirty seconds.

President Bush’s effort to bring peace to Darfur can’t be underestimated. Some say that pressure from his administration, in the form of sanctions and trade embargo, was the force that compelled the Khartoum government to sign a peace deal with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM.)

Read the entire article here.

President Bush has been a strong leader to help improve lives in the most depressed part of the world. He did so without respect to race or ethnicity. President Bush has suffered politically for a variety of reasons. But, his legacy in Africa is secure and the media should give him the appropriate credit he deserves.

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

The County Budget

There are problems with the county's budget. A bad economy has hurt tax revenues for the county and the problem is very real. There are spending problems, too.

When I served as a Judge, I urged my colleagues to join me in recognizing the county budget woes and to make appropriate savings and cuts. I urged my colleageus on the bench to work
constructively with the Commissioners to make cuts to our operations within the courts. I believed that we should work coooperatively to solve a budget crisis that affects all of us.

Today, as the Republican Party Chairman, I have the exact same view. I have urged county Republican elected officials to look carefully at their budgets and make the appropriate cuts to operations. I believe that we should cooperate with the Democratic Commissioners to cut spending. As Republicans, this is our obligation! We should lead.

I would expect the Democratic County Commissioners to do their part and to cut unnecessary, discretionary spending and to do so in a non-political way. The pet programs that Democrats love so much must be subject to the same budget cuts our elected leaders are expected to make. Cutting wasteful government spending is not something Democrats do well. They've tried to raise our taxes with no support from the taxpayers.

The Court of Common Pleas, an area under Republican control, has done well on spending. The Court of Common Pleas is currently under a strict "hiring freeze" for non-essential courthouse personnel. This was a measure that I supported and it continues to have support from court leaders. Regarding the Court of Common Pleas, the most recent county budget report states as follows:

"Expenditures are projected to be $88,500 under budget [emphasis mine] based on the transfer of expenses to restricted funds. This process will be monitored closely to ensure the department remains within the approved funding level. This is a $380,000 decrease in projected expenditures from April." (To view the report in its entirety, click here.)

The County Commissioners and County Administration are over budget. In their most recent report, the Democrat commissioners describe their own spending as follows:

"Expenditures are projected to be $1.1 million over budget [emphasis mine] due the anticipated reclassification of the jail project advances as expenditures. A supplemental appropriation to cover the expense will be brought before the Board on June 25." (Again, click here to see the report in its entirety.)

Although just a summary, it is clear that the Republican controlled courts are "under budget" while the Democrat controlled county administration is "over budget." These are their words.

We do better and should continue to do better. Republican controlled offices should continue to look for ways to alleviate the budget crisis and to cut wasteful discretionary spending.

This is a difficult time for families, businesses, and government. We need to govern responsibly and in a fiscally prudent way. Raising taxes can not be the answer. I urge coooperation and I will continue to do so. It is our duty as the party of fiscal responsibility.

German American Republicans


I visited with the German American Republican Club last night. An invitation to appear and briefly speak to the group was made to me by my friend and longtime Republican Keith Corman. Keith is a former Colerain Township Trustee, former candidate for State Representative, and a HUGE supporter of Sen. McCain.

The German American Republican Club is a fantastic group. Essentially, they drink a beer or two and talk about politics. These being two of my favorite things, I enjoyed myself a great deal and I look forward to my next visit.

Patti Clancy and Rob Goering both attended.

I did learn something quite interesting. The world famous Naked Cowboy is from Cincinnati. More importantly, his father is an active Republican who attended this meeting and is a ward chairman in Greenhills! Visit the Naked Cowboy Website to learn more.

Thanks to the Club for the invitation!

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Back from the Beach

I'm happy to be back to this GREAT city.

and...

I'm energized and ready to take on the tough task of winning elections this year. I was a bit sour earlier in the week. I called Sen. Obama an "empty suit." I'm going to avoid such attacks for awhile as "my friends on the other side" (I sound like McCain on purpose) have called me out on it. (click the the link...go ahead). However, some sand, sun, and a few too many Corona's have left me energized and less "mean."

and...

We have a very busy week ahead. We are opening our store front Victory space in a week or so. Look at this space for details soon. This Victory center will be the Hamilton County nerve center for the McCain effort. We are excited to open the space.

and...

Our fundraiser of 8/21/08 is coming together, as well. Save the date!

and...

Sen. Obama is clearly running away from his "pull out now" stance on Iraq. The truth is, a rapid and disorderly withdrawal will do much more harm than good. A rapid withdrawal is irresponsible and, regardless of your view on this war, most agree that we need to stay long enough to not leave utter chaos. Obama is creating wiggle room. You know what? I'm not going to attack him for that. In fact, I'm pleased to see him move in this direction. First, it shows that he "gets it" and that the popular ultra-liberal "get out now" crowd simply misses the point. Second, it shows he's a "regular" politician like all the rest and he'll equivocate when necessary. McCain is better prepared to lead. We've got 5 months to prove it.

and...

The NAACP Convention is coming to Cincinnati. I've blogged about this before. I'm on the Blue Ribbon Host Committee and I'm very pleased to be included. Beyond just the honor of having that organization here, it will also boost our downtown economy and draw national attention to this city. I'll have more information about Sen. McCain's speech. Check out this website for more information: http://www.naacp.org/

and...

Thanks to all my friends who e-mailed and texted me for my 4th of July birthday. For those that didn't, you can make it up to me by clicking here and taking action.

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Parading on the 4th of July

Candidate for Clerk of Courts Patti Clancy with current Clerk and candidate for County Commissioner Greg Hartmann at a Fourth of July Parade in Anderson Township.
Thanks to all the GREAT volunteers on a rainy day!

Friday, July 04, 2008

Happy 4th of July


We live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. We have liberty, prosperity, and freedom. We are a beacon of hope for every person everywhere. Enjoy the holiday!

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Veterans for McCain

I had the distinct honor of meeting a man named Tom Moe last week while riding on the Straight Talk Express. Tom Moe spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton with Sen. McCain. He relayed his experiences there, the story of his capture, and his experience and knowledge of our Presidential candidate, a person he just called "John." After we heard about the experiences they shared, it made sense that he would feel so comfortable with the Senator so as to call him "John."

Tom Moe, like Sen. McCain, is a true American hero. He now lives in Lancaster, Ohio and retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. A highly educated and decorated veteran, he is now heading the Veterans for McCain movement in Ohio. There is no greater advocate for the character, integrity, and leadership of Sen. McCain. He watched John McCain through a tiny hole between cells at the Hanoi Hilton and relayed the stories of Sen. McCain giving the "thumbs up" after returning from beatings and torture at the hands of his captors. The story left me and the others speechless.

Today, Col. Moe sent me an e-mail of an article written in the National Review by another Hanoi POW, Orson Swindle. It is very much worth reproducing here. Enjoy!

A Judgment Issue
Wesley Clark wasn’t the first.
By Orson Swindle
National Review
July 1, 2008

In hiding behind a campaign surrogate to level attacks on John McCain’s military service, Barack Obama’s presidential campaign has reached an all-time low in credibility. Previously promising Americans a new kind of politics this election season, Obama has gone back on his word one too many times, revealing to Americans a hypocrisy of epic proportions.

The most recent installment, in which Gen. Wesley Clark — an Obama surrogate and failed presidential primary contender in 2004 — went on Face the Nation Sunday and attacked McCain’s record of military service to our country, was a despicable act of old-style politics. This is not the first time, however, Obama’s surrogates have taken cheap shots at McCain’s military service, while Obama and his campaign predicate nearly every attack with something along the lines of “we honor his service.” This is a page straight out of the dirty-tricks Democrat playbook. This is not “new politics.” This is an escapist tactic to avoid the real issues Americans are concerned about.

Obama’s campaign surrogates have run the gamut of media outlets taking cheap shots at McCain’s military service and how it will affect the country if he is elected president. West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller took to the stump in April to attack McCain’s character and service, saying, “McCain was a fighter pilot who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit. What happened when they [the missiles] hit the ground? He doesn’t know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues.” This bold attack on McCain’s compassion for the victims of war was not the last bit of campaign propaganda Obama had his surrogates spreading around.

Obama supporter Ed Schultz warmed up a fundraiser crowd in April by calling McCain “a warmonger.” Such harsh language left Obama unfazed, and he neglected to condemn Shultz’s remark.

Obama supporter and Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin criticized McCain’s service in the military because of his lifelong military background, saying McCain’s views come “from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.” Still, these comments received no condemnation from Obama.

As these surrogates attack the character of a man who is seen by many Americans as a true patriotic hero, Obama’s denouncements of their attacks come rarely and only when he is pushed to do so. This lack of leadership and judgment are showing up more and more in recent weeks, and voters are taking notice of the politics-as-usual campaign Obama is running.

Orson Swindle is a decorated, retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Marine Corps. He was held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and occupied the same cell with John McCain at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam.

A Picture's Worth...