McCain, et alia, keeping talking about "victory" in Iraq. Yet, never have they specified exactly what they mean by victory and what a post-victory Iraq would look like.

And, on the other side, there is all this talk about a post-right wing, progressive world that we must force the Democrats to create...so, tell me what exactly would this progressive world look like? What kind of economy? What kind of government? How many political parties? How will we live (in the "lifestyle" sense)? How would the Constitution be interpreted? I get it: tolerance; social and economic justice and all that that encompassies; individual freedom; protection from government oppression. But where are the specifics - I need an image - I can picture a right wing world (where we are now and even more nightmarish) but what exactly does the progressive world look like? I think it is important to remember that the concepts of tolerance, social/economic justice, individual freedom, protection from government are not just progressive ideas - the right embraces these but with an entirely different spin.

Look, the vast majority of the people who support Obama are, like me, center left - not progressive left bloggers. I find that the blogosphere is nothing more than a big circle jerk and so no one knows nothing about the world outside the circle.

The bird metaphor. The body politic is not a bird - it does not need wings - right or left - without which it cannot survive. The body politic, like the body human, does best when it practices "moderation in all things." Moderation is what has been missing from political discourse for decades.

during first debate I was so nervous (like a mom watching her son in his first school play) that I couldn't commit 100% to debate and was flipping back and forth between debate and "Office Space." And, underanothername is so right, Sarah Palin's flair would be over the top.

Luckycat -

I agree that Sarah Palin and any other candidate for political office (or any job, for that matter) must be well-groomed and well-dressed. But it does not take $150,000 to be well-groomed and well-dressed. And, as for this being a non-issue, it absolutely is an issue: Palin is running as a representative of "real America;" people who could never dream of having a $150,00 wardrobe; people who would think they'd hit the jackpot if they had a $1500 wardrobe; therefore, it is the height of hypocrisy for her and the RNC to flaunt the kind of clothing that only the very wealthiest can afford. I happen to be a "fake American" (I live in Northern Virginia) with a very nice income, yet I couldn't afford a $150,000 wardrobe and even if I could I wouldn't feel right spending that kind of money when it is not necessary to achieve a very polished, well put together, professional appearance.

The RNC said that Palin would not keep the wardrobe but would donate it to charity. That is a good thing. But the fact that she parades around in such outrageously expensive clothing (no matter its ultimate destination) is a slap in the face of hardworking Americans who could not even dream of having such clothing and accesories!

A Republican spokeswoman said that Palin's clothing would be donated to charity - how does that effect the ethics/legality of RNC's purchase?

Also, come to think of it what happens if (G-d forbid!!!) she is elected - will she then wear "shmatta"(sp?)?? Doesn't she have to maintain her appearance? What, if she seals the deal she'll then return to dressing like a "real" American? Of course not, so who will pay for her upscale clothing? A V.P. salary, while pretty good, won't cover a $150,000 wardrobe.

Clearly, Western Pennsylvanians are "real Americans." Clearly, as a Northern Virginian, I am a "fake" American. But I am confused. Are the people who live in Northern Virginia who support McCain real or fake? Are the peopoe who live in Southwestern Virginia who support Obama real or fake? This is a puzzle!

I always thought it meant "junk" at least when used by people in the "rag" trade. Although, I guess if it means shit that applies too. Anyway, Palin's wardrobe expenditures are outrageous and hardly appropriate in these difficult economic times and I wonder if (G-d forbid) she is elected who pays for her to "keep up appearances."

Yes! And they could make it a take off on "What Not to Wear!"

Very funny but also very serious. Of course, those of us who have been in the trenches will vote! But there may be Obama supporters who become complacent - especially when they see poll numbers that look good for Obama. Poll numbers do not win elections. Votes win elections. Vote. Vote. Vote. And GOTV, GOTV, GOTV!!!

Alex's video is a very funny way of getting across the basic GOTV strategy. Guilt! Between now and November 4th volunteers will bug all Obama supporters - whether they consistently vote or whether they do not always bother to vote (and, yes, there are many folks like that). And we will GOTV and win!! In Virginia, where I live, we will win...only if we turnout more Democratic voters than we ever have. That's the task ahead.

I do not know how to send the video to others. But it should be sent to every GOTV "pep" rally, as often as possible, between now and close of polls on November 4th.

Why? Because it works!!!