Today's Links (9/29)

[Italicized comments are my own and not from the referenced article.]

On Bailout, Candidates Were Surely Themselves
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/29/us/politics/29campaign.html

When it comes to $700 billion+, I want my elected officials to be cautious. McCain is far too impulsive.

Paulson will have no peer under bailout deal
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-assess29-2008sep29,0,4350504.story

I really, really, REALLY don't like the sound of this.

After dramatic detour, John McCain's task is to get back on track
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-campaign29-2008sep29,0,3413430.story

McCain's campaign has gone off the rails in the last week ... and Palin ain't providing much help.

Obama increases lead over McCain slightly since debate
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-poll29-2008sep29,0,2706653.story

"Turn out the lights, the party's over ..."

Obama Plays Offense
http://washingtonindependent.com/8842/obama-plays-offense

I like the sound of this. Campaigns run better and far more smoothy when they're not playing defense all the time.

When all truth is relative
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rodriguez29-2008sep29,0,7620708.column

Republicans LOVE to go on the attack, but that's pretty much all they know how to do. Attack, blame ... repeat as needed.

McCain's Lost Chance
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092802233.html

McCain and his people have run a pretty bad campaign, with plenty of lost chances and mistakes.

Palin Is Ready? Please.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2008/09/palin_is_ready_please.html

Palin isn't ready to be the manager of a Starbucks.

Democrats on Hill Worried About Biden at Debate
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/democrats-on-hi.html

I'll admit to being a little concerned about this debate. Biden is smarter, more qualified, and far better informed on the issues ... and that may turn out to be the problem. He has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth, and in this debate will also run the risk of coming across as patronizing or sexist.

Palin's Parents Pan Media
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/29/earlyshow/main4484569.shtml

They're her freakin' parents; what else do you expect them to do?! They're going to defend their child.

Morning Buzz: VP debate - cover your eyes
http://obsprimary.blogspot.com/2008/09/morning-buzz-vp-debate-cover-your-eyes.html

Let's get ready to rrrrrummmmmblllllle!

AP Investigation: Palin got zoning aid, gifts
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ijvcK8P0ztXwMgir7NnkIy4rcI0AD93FQIA81

Well, we already knew that normal rules and laws don't seem to apply to Sarah Palin. She's a joke.

Palin heads to 'debate camp' in Arizona
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/29/palin-heads-to-%e2%80%98debate-camp%e2%80%99-in-arizona/

Oh boy -- I wonder if she'll win the Most Spirited Camper Award for her cabin!

‘Low expectations’ set for Palin
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0908/14066.html

This is the only chance that Palin has: for expectations to be set even lower than they were for Dubya in 2000. Set them so low that if she manages not to fall off of the stage, she'll be declared the winner ...

Don't Take It for Granite
http://www.slate.com/id/2201157

McCain has had such a presence in NH over the last eight years or so that he's almost a state resident. It's going to be very difficult for Obama to pull off a win in that state, but if the economy keeps tanking, it might get a lot easier.

Lawmakers quickly point fingers after bailout fails
http://us.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/29/bailout.fallout/index.html

To be fair, pointing fingers is what politicians do best.