GOP Nominee
Former Candidates
This is big folks… The MSM is not going to be able to ignore this story:
Shortly after joining the U.S. Senate and while enjoying a surge in income, Barack Obama bought a $1.65 million restored Georgian mansion in an upscale Chicago neighborhood. To finance the purchase, he secured a $1.32 million loan from Northern Trust in Illinois.
The freshman Democratic senator received a discount. He locked in an interest rate of 5.625 percent on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, below the average for such loans at the time in Chicago. The loan was unusually large, known in banker lingo as a “super super jumbo.” Obama paid no origination fee or discount points, as some consumers do to reduce their interest rates.
Compared with the average terms offered at the time in Chicago, Obama’s rate could have saved him more than $300 per month.
Obama spokesman Ben LaBolt said the rate was adjusted to account for a competing offer from another lender and other factors. “The Obamas have since had as much as $3 million invested through Northern Trust,” he said in a statement.
Modest adjustments in mortgage rates are common among financial institutions as they compete for business or develop relationships with wealthy families. But amid a national housing crisis, news of discounts offered to Sens. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.), chairman of the banking committee, and Kent Conrad (D-N.D) by another lender, Countrywide Financial, has brought new scrutiny to the practice and has resulted in a preliminary Senate ethics committee inquiry into the Dodd and Conrad loans.
Within Obama’s presidential campaign organization, former Fannie Mae chief executive James A. Johnson resigned abruptly as head of the vice presidential search committee after his favorable Countrywide loan became public.
Driving the recent debate is concern that public officials, knowingly or unknowingly, may receive special treatment from lenders and that the discounts could constitute gifts that are prohibited by law.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 am
“The MSM is not going to be able to ignore this story”
You must be talking about a different MSM than the one that I read . . .
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Now this is what I call the politics of change. There are many perks in the elite Chicago liberal upper class.
The sad thing is, it is still worse politically to be successful in business so that you can buy your house outright.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:20 am
“[Obama] received an oral commitment on Feb. 4, 2005, and locked in the rate of 5.625 percent, the campaign said. On that date, HSH data show, the average rate in Chicago for a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo loan with no points was about 5.94 percent.”
If the average was 5.94 (meaning there were a lot of loans less than that), calling a US Senator with a big book contract getting a .315 discount a big deal is hyperbolic. Loan originators knock a half a point off a loan all the time to secure the deal. I know because I am a licensed broker.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:22 am
Sean #1,
Perhaps… Perhaps…
But one of these days, a story on Obama is going to blow up in spite if the MSM. A sweetheart mortgage deal has as good a shot as any.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 am
“Loan originators knock a half a point off a loan all the time to secure the deal.”
Is that really true with out paying closing costs, extra points or origination fees? Seems very unusual to me.
I talked to many brokers when I last refinanced. I fought them long & hard before finally settling at a rate of 5.675 in 2004. None of them were willing to cut me any special half-point deal without buying down the points. But then again, I’m no Senator either.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Cwpete #5,
Yeah… I’m pretty sure that I would not have been able to get some points knocked off by my mortgage broker for free either.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
This story made the light of day in today’s Chicago Trib.
Trib says story also in Washington Post.
Somewhere in a darken back room there is a Clinton team working
round the clock to dig dirt on Obama.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:50 am
Look like I got better credit than the senator.. I got 5.25 in 04 on a jumbo.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 am
I have some experience in commercial lending and lenders will frequently waive fees and/or offer a lower rate to certain customers with whom they want to provide investment, trust, or banking services. I commonly see it with dentists or physicians who commonly buy into a practice. The lender wants to cultivate the relationship so they can provide all those other services. It is just more important to the bank to build that relationship then collecting closing costs or .3% interest on a loan that will probably be paid off early anyways.
That being said, politicians need to make sure they avoid even the appearance of taking a gift from businesses or industry in which they regulate, bail out, or over-see. I think you can hammer Obama a bit on this but it would be easy to over-play this hand.
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 am
Umm… this just doesn’t seem to rise to the level of “big.”
Next up: Barack Obama was able to get into a nightclub while others were kept behind the velvet rope! A TMZ exclusive!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
#5 Unfortunately it is true, and its also true with car loans (although there is obviously less to deal with). Points, origination fees and closing costs are all negotiable. In fact, even the realtor’s fees are sometimes negotiated depending on the market. All that is involved is profit margins and everyone in a real estate deal gets a cut.
To be frank, the Obama’s probably should have gotten an even better deal because they had “guaranteed income.” If you walk into a bank with an employment contract showing guaranteed income you walk out with basically any loan you want that your income can support.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:03 am
In 2005 the mortgage industry was competitive and yes, points were knocked off all the time. A Senator with a new book deal and a recently-promoted wife would be a safe risk. The rate he received is competitive and doesn’t rise to the level of being a “story”, except to the desperate. Contrary to Sean believing the “liberal” media won’t be all over it, the fact that it’s a “story” at all in print is ridiculous. So when it doesn’t take off the way Kavon thinks it’s should, it’s because it’s not worthy - not because the media is fawning over Obama (which is another ridiculous statement). But it’s fun to play the victim, isn’t it?
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:04 am
Of course Obama supporters are not going to feel that him receiving preferential treatment from a bank when obtaining a mortgage simply because he is a U.S. Senator is not a big deal.
Wonder how Independent voters how are still making up their minds will feel though…
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:08 am
Sorry, but this isn’t a big deal. I offer different prices to different customers for essentially the same service all of the time. Sometimes the best customers get the best deals, but sometimes they don’t. It depends on my specific goals with the customer and my overall business needs.
The Rezko, Wright and terrorist-ties stuff, and all the lying about his own record Obama is now doing on TV adds, are bigger deals.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
I think that it would be reasonable to think that the bank made Obama a very good deal on a home loan. I get sweetheart deals from my bank, too, both in investments and loans, because I’m a good customer.
So- the question is not whether he got discounts, but are they out of proportion? I can see a lower interest rate or no points or no fees- but all three? That does seem very generous. It’d be interesting to see Obama’s voting record regarding the banking industry. Also, I’d be interested to know how many other Senators have no fees, interest and points on their loans.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:31 am
http://www.xanga.com/SwordAndSacrifice/662872555/federal-indictment-looms-for-obama.html
This link was posted several days ago, and I would think this is the thing that should get a lot more press and discussion on here. It says that Obama may face more counts than Rezdo.l
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 am
Rezko*
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
I’d be interested to know how many other Senators have no fees, interest and points on their loans.
But for that to be a meaningful number, you’d have to compare that with non-Senators who also got no fees, interest, and points. Suzie-VA is absolutely correct in that those are/were waived all the time. What is going to happen will be that all kinds of people are going to be able to show that they got a BETTER deal than Obama.
Of course Obama supporters are not going to feel that him receiving preferential treatment from a bank when obtaining a mortgage simply because he is a U.S. Senator is not a big deal.
Well, you’d have to show that that happened, first, Kavon. You haven’t yet.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Realist, I’m trying to understand if Obama got a better deal than other Senators. The question of whether Senators are getting sweet deals just because they are Senators is an issue for another day. So I really don’t care what other rich folk get.
If what Obama has done is common practice among Senators, then there’s not a big story here.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
It seems like a newly elected U.S. Senator would have very good job security and otherwise be a low risk customer.
If the “big” thing is not that Obama is a socialist, then welcome President Obama.
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
If what Obama has done is common practice among Senators,
What has he “done”?
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
I actually think the loan terms have less to do with Obama being a senator and more about his wife being VP of a local hospital and making $370k. Of course, you throw in his salary and you have a half million in annual income.
Just to put that in perspective, a couple earning half that amount would have qualified for a jumbo loan on a million dollar home. (Indeed, its worth remembering that the whole housing crisis began because lenders were giving mortgages to people with NO jobs or income).
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
How many moles do we have on this site now? Anybody have any idea?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
I don’t know what a mole is, but I am just taking a break after preparing stuffed chicken breats (stuffing is a mix of spinach, cream cheese, and sour cream for those wondering). Is mole a fratboy term for a woman?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
#23,
It is growing.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:21 am
Quote from Richard Henry Lee;
“The Politico recently asked Senators about their home mortgages in the wake of the revelations that Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) received special treatment from their lenders. In Obama’s case, he stated that he did not receive any such favors.”
He lied.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:22 am
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/07/the_obamas_and_their_mortgage_1.html
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Really? So corruption as usual is totally OK with you Obama supporters?
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:50 am
A 5.625% interest rate on a 1.32 million loan leaves a monthly payment of 7598.66. I am not seeing how a $300 savings from a local bank he does lots of business with who is issuing the loan. Plus, lots of local banks don’t even charge points.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:56 am
I believe everyone is missing the point. Obama is playing the “class-warfare” card in this election. That is the problem.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
> “his wife being VP of a local hospital and making $370k.”
Which of course reminds us about the $100k+ raise she got shortly after he was elected to the Senate and directed a large earmark to the UC hospital.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Corruption is getting a loan with a 2% interest rate when everyone else is paying 6%. I’m not seeing the corruption here, but I don’t know all the details, either. Being 315 basis points below “average” at the time seems silly. Averages are made up of numbers that are higher and numbers that are lower. If he has good credit, and I would expect that he (Obama) does, he should be able to get “below average” rates.
Were there truly no points/discounts on the loan though? That does seem a bit strange. We need more information before jumping on this story.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
What is worse, the fact that one normlly pays the origination fee or discount points, to reduce the interest rate, but Obama did not have to, or the fact that Obama also invested $3 million in this same bank?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
As clarification to my #32, what we SHOULD be doing is comparing similar loans from that bank at that point in time to what Obama got. If he got drastically better treatment than others did with similar loans and credit, shame on Obama.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
#31, BobH,
Did you know part of her comp. is based on fundraising, from both public and private sources. Yes, he was elected, sent her a earmark, and her imcome skyrocketed dramatically.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
31. Well that is problematic. We should be focusing on that. But we won’t because McCain did nearly the same thing with his wife and stadium in Pheonix.
33. so your saying it’s now corrupt for a bank you do your investments with to give you a discount? This madness. I hope you aren’t saying that with a straight face.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
#33 Bob, Not invested in stock of the bank itself but $3 million for the bank to invest (such as in money market, mutual funds). For instance, Bank of America (and I am sure most banks) knock off a percentage of a point if you have a CD or money market account. So I got a break on a car loan because I had a CD with BofA.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
BTW, I heard that there has been a shake-up in the McCain campaign.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:15 pm
#37,
“Obama’s house purchase has been a source of controversy. In 2006, the Chicago Tribune reported that on the day of the closing, the wife of Obama’s longtime friend and fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko closed on an adjoining lot that had been the estate’s side yard.
The Obamas bought the house for $300,000 less than the asking price of $1.95 million, while Rezko’s wife, Rita, bought the neighboring lot for the full asking price of $625,000. Rita Rezko later sold a portion of the undeveloped lot to the Obamas, enlarging the senator’s yard.”
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Suzie,
Congradulations, I just relaized the reason why you have never been able to contribute an intelligent point to this board. You copy and paste your thoughts from MSNBC.com.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/07/02/1180390.aspx
Tell me, what is it like being home all day, fantasizing about that young, tall, lean, charismatic Democratic nominee? Are you smiling just thinking about it, as I decribe, “Barry”. Come on, tell us, what is it like? Does your husband notice the extra wide smile yet?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
bob - so what? They also had several higher offers rejected and countered. Many of you sound as if you have never been involved in a real estate deal or have any idea how a mortgage works. The home owners have already said the Obama’s offer was the highest offer. They bought 10 feet of side yard - again, so what?
Where is the “lie”, where is the preferential treatment, where is the scandal? None of that has been shown here by anything offered up. Indeed, quite the opposite has been shown - that his rate was prevailing and non-preferential.
Many of the arguments offered here appear to be coming from a position of profound ignorance.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
At the end of the day, nobody not already against Sen Obama will care. The deal with the quid pro quo exchange of salary for gov’t grant, however, is more relevant.
I’m worried, however, that we’re going to go on another frenzy of attacking every single little flaw in Sen Obama (and there are plenty to do that with) and miss the bigger picture (he’s a bad choice for President). This is exactly how Pres Clinton was elected (and re-elected). So many small corruptions were exposed that the big ones were swallowed up and relatively unnoticed (or justified as a right-wing conspiracy).
I think Sen McCain is going about it the right way. He’s not attacking these small things, instead sticking to policy differences people care about (such as drilling for oil). None of us will feel comfortable about this strategy, but it may be the only one that actually could work.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Congratulations*
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
CNN Video: ‘Obama has no experience’
Rudy Giuliani, a supporter of Sen. John McCain, discusses comments by Wesley Clark and the war on terrorism.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Kristofer - what was incorrect about what Suzie posted?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
> “They bought 10 feet of side yard - again, so what?”
The ten-foot strip purchased from Rezko made Rezko’s lot unbuildable and guaranteed it would remain forever vacant, which meant that Obama’s lot size was essentially doubled.
Why would someone sell a ten-foot strip of property if it made the remainder of his property worthless?
Why would someone holding a political office not question why someone is doing him such a favor?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Richard M (42): You make a good point, but I think there is a difference — Clinton’s image and public persona were considerably different from the image Obama is trying to create — the new kind of poitics, the young reformer.
It’s worthwhile to demonstrate that Obama is the furthest thing from a reformer — he’s a product of the Chicago machine, with all that implies.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Realist Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Kristofer - what was incorrect about what Suzie posted?
It is everything she says/posts, she takes articles from tabloid magazines and smears John McCain. That is my problem! I am fine with the fact that Suzie is an Obama supporter, but we are trying to have thoughtful discussions on this site, and not send in links with unauthorized pictures of John McCain’s first wife at a supermarket.
I have never seen the hosts of this site post threads on Obama’s allegid affair with a gay man (most surely not true), or his cocaine usage, or his heavy smoking habit that the press knows is true, even though Obama misleads us about it.
Again, this is not a tabloid site. Go to MSNBC is you want that type of discussion.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
#40 Is that how you view the role of a woman, “home all day,” “fantasizing” about another man? That is such a catty thing to say, and such a weird way to describe another man, I assume you are gay.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Things must be slow over at Kos today.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Who says it’s worthless? A year after Rezko sold the 10ft to Obama (1/6 of the lot for 1/6 of what he paid for it) he sold the remainder of it for $575, netting a total profit of $54,000 (or so), so it wouldn’t seem he overpaid or undersold to Obama. The lot is buildable, as far as I know and is for sale for $300K more than what it last sold for. Here is a picture of it. I’ve seen people post elsewhere that it’s not accessible by a street - the picture certainly proves that wrong.
Again - how is this a sweetheart deal for Obama? Where is the impropriety? You can try and link all you want, and it will work to a degree (which is why many continue to do so), but when you really dig in and look at the facts there really isn’t anything there. Much like the “sweetheart” mortgage deal that really wasn’t.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Kristofer - you never addressed what Suzie posted about how the mortage industry works. Have you ever bought a house or taken out a mortgage? Surely you know, as in real estate, everything is negotiable. Points, fees, etc. There is NOTHING that shows Obama received preferential treatment or that there was any quid pro quo. Where is the story?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
The video you linked to doesn’t work, but the text says:
“NBC News’ Investigative Unit took a look at that land deal between Obama and Rezko and why that piece of property now won’t sell.”
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
In case you haven’t noticed, Bob, the real estate market is pretty bad right now. How is it not a buildable lot?
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
[...] Barack Hussein Osama It turns out that you are a mortgage fraud, Barack Hussein Osama: Shortly after joining the U.S. Senate and while enjoying a surge in income, [...]
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Over the weekend there was a story about the McCain’s failing to pay taxes on some property and then another story about them failing to pay off their American Express. I did not hear anyone claiming AmEx was giving them a sweetheart deal. It just seems no one wants to talk about what we actually need to do policy-wise. But with an enthusiasm gap I wonder whether the GOP really wants to deflate an already dejected electorate.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Realist: I’m pointing out that the “proof” you provided is not there.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
#49, Spoke like a true Liberal. First you guys attack African Americans, then women, now gays. I am not gay, but I would never be offended being called one.
You were the one who said you are at home all day cooking, NOT ME! And no, I like my women intelligent, successful, a career women, competitive, and CONSERVATIVE. Which is probably why we do not get along.
Oh, and on #56. The reason why the story did not go anywhere was because you can defer your property taxes in California.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Kritofer,
What if there career is raising their children?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Jason,
Fantasic. My wife took over a year off of work to stay hom with our son. I wish I could have done the same. She re-joined the workforce 7 months ago. It is a hard job being a full time mother. Very underappreciated.
Unlike Suzie, my wife did not fantasize about a false Jesus named Barak all day while she was home. Oh, and my wife could carry a conversation, again, unlike Suzie.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Kristofer - you continue to avoid Suzie’s initial comments. Who cares where she got them from - rebut them, why don’t you? It is nice to see that there are still some realists on this site - Realist, Dave, ogrpete, etc. Kavon - I know you want this to be a huge deal, but it just isn’t - sorry. These types of things were commonplace before the bubble burst. ANYONE with money could get these types of deals, especially those who also had the ability to invest millions of dollars more (where the banks could make even MORE money) but, according to Huck supporters (BobH) this is also wrong.
I guess banks aren’t allowed to try to earn new customers, especially not wealthy ones. I thought “Money is bad” was the battle cry of Democrats, but apparently it’s also the battle cry of former Huck supporters.
I would love to hear Metro’s response to all of this.
Quit drinking the cool-aid folks! Start promoting McCain more and attacking Obama less - those politics won’t work this time around. McCain has to start promoting his message precisely and with energy and vigor. The electorate this year is not like any other in the past. We must remember that this is now the “American Idol” generation and that show is not limited to only 15 yr olds.
I am glad to hear that McCain has added a new appearances rep to his campaign committee to prevent him from ever making a “green screen” mistake again - Stephen Colbert loves that green screen - doesn’t he?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
#59, Sorry, Barack*, I can never get his name correct, since he has failed to release his birth certificate.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
And thank G-d for them, because the McCain team has been inept and ineffective to date. Here be a great b-b-b-blog for disaffected Clinton supporters who have politely refused the koolaid. It is called DONE, or Democrats Over Nominating Elitists:
http://donedems.com/
Also: google PUMA or Party Unity My Ass.
I never thought I would take sides or sympathize with Clinton supporters. Strange days.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Um, I think we can do both. It’s not like the one precludes the other in any way. In fact, everything we write about McCain should be linked to a contrast with the rising ObaMessiah, e.g. McCain supports lower taxes WHILE Sen. Obama supports higher taxes, higher fuel prices, and a lower standard of living for all to pay for his progressive policies. See how that works? Simple, huh?
Besides, it’s largely Sen. McCain’s job to support McCain even though we do a lot of it here and elsewhere. But it is also our task on the blogs to develop and test other themes, some of them more highly targeted.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:38 pm
#61 fine then.
What McCain needs to do is improve on his advance operations. Steve will do a great job.
But RayinNH, I rarely ever see attacks against Obama on this site. We are usually debating each other. Please go back and read the last 50+ posts. I remember back when Kevon posted a thread stating he did not believe of the existance of the Michelle Obama “whitey” video. Where were you?
With all that said, Suzie still has added very little value, especially when she attacks family members of the candidates.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
What on earth are you talking about? Why would policy solutions like drilling more and using less or lower taxes deflate anyone?
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Kristofer - I’ve been here for well over a year - you can ask all the regulars. I didn’t care much about the “Whitey” video because I didn’t believe it existed, so I didn’t bother to leave any comments. ALso, you still haven’t addressed the points she brought up, regardless of where she copied and pasted them from. Her points are legit and if you’re going to attack her so fiercely why not back up what you have to say with some facts. Even if she is a copy and paster she’s kicking your back side in this argument as you continue to attack her personally after she brings forth more facts.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Kavon:
Next time you’re working on upgrading the site, could you provide a filter that eliminates any post that makes reference to drinking kool-aid?
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
BobH,
I actually already have the ability to do that… Hmm…
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
#67 RayinNH,
I did, read #65, “What McCain needs to do is improve on his advance operations. Steve will do a great job.”
What else do you want me to comment on?
Shakeup? Obama firing his chief “VP vetter” is a “shakeup”. Hillary Clinton firing her campaing Manager is a “shakeup”. Obama firing Samantha Power, is a “shakeup”.
But expansing the duties of an already employed chief campaign strategist, is not a “shakeup”.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Kristofer - I’m talking about the mortgage issues, not McCain “shaking up” his campaign. I couldn’t care less about a McCain shake up - he’s most likely not getting my vote anyways so I don’t care what his boring, 20 yrs too late campaign does.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Kool-aid
I just had to check. Did I hurt your feelings, BobH?
Dotan - I have no problem with what you are suggesting when it comes to comparisons (after all - the guy I supported in the primaries was the king of comparison ads) - what I dislike are petty little things like this. Any tiny little thing that tweaks us the wrong way all of a sudden becomes “the item” tha will undo Obama - well, according to tracking polls as of today we are due for President Obama, so none of these attacks has stuck yet.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
> “Did I hurt your feelings, BobH?”
LOL.
Hardly, and it wasn’t directed at you. I was just joking about how tiresome the cliche has become.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:51 pm
I think you should start new cliche then. It is sort of an old boring cliche (kind of like McCain).
What do you think Obama drinks since he is the up and coming savior of the country?
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Ray,
When did you become so bitter? Geesh…
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Orange juice instead of coffee, or so say the adoring chroniclers who record his excellency’s every move or gesture. The ObaMessiah is oh-so-pure of heart, soul, and colon, except for the occasional toke from the aromatic leaves of big tobacco, but his wife made him give that up in return for allowing him to run for president.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
> “new cliche”
Hmmm … lots of possibilities here, but it’s probably a bit too easy.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Why would I be wondering about your chicken breasts? Do you think your stove may be leaking gas? Perhaps you should open a window. Anyway, what interests me—although not very much—is your dearth of intellectual curiosity. A few keystrokes is all that it would take for you to discover the meaning of the term “mole” in the sense that it was suggested by your helpful interlocutor, and all you would have to do is listen to the gleeful chatter on MyBO to know that many of the BO groups have organized themselves to sign on and participate on right-of-center communities and blogs.
July 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I don’t get too excited when I read stories like this because a) Sean is correct that the MSM will pretty much do whatever the hell it wants and b) a man named Bill Clinton was basically found in bed with everyone and everything save barnyard animals and still left office after two terms to thunderous applause.
No amount of personal scandal ever hurt Clinton’s presidency. The thing that nearly destroyed it though was when Bill Clinton governed as a liberal, between 1993 and 1994. That brought Republicans to power in the House for the first time in 40 years.
Americans have been rejecting political leftism at the national level since 1968. Republicans need to trust the American people enough to run against Obama based on ISSUES.
One ad could detail Obama’s past statements on guns, including the hearsay that Obama believes that no one should be allowed to own a gun. That’s an ISSUE.
Another ad could feature Obama’s nanny-state quotes about regulating what Americans drive, where they set their thermostats, and about forcing college students to work in homeless shelters to get financial aid. Those are ISSUES.
Another ad could draw all the parallels between Obama and Bush, especially their use of religion to justify big spending and their relative inexperience at the time of taking office. More ISSUES.
Americans haven’t knowingly elected a leftist president in forty years. Had Jimmy Carter been exposed as a leftist in 1976, he would have lost that election too. Have some faith in the American people, Republican Party, and run against Obama on ISSUES.
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Kavon - I’m not bitter. I’m just honest. McCain (TO ME) is old and boring. I just can’t get behind the man. I’m simply done voting for the lesser of 2 evils. Never Again! Either my candidate has my full support or I don’t support them.
I am DONE with the lesser of 2 evils in politics. It is time for a real change - and neither Obama or McCain will bring that!
July 7th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Lender Police at http://www.lenderpolice.com seems to have taken care of the mortgage lender loan fraud problem for Borrowers, Closing Agents, Mortgage Lenders, and Real Estate Agents.
Always use Lender Police after you apply for a mortgage loan. They’ll tell you if your lender is giving you a good deal or not in one of two ways. You can purchase a good faith estimate review for $99 that will tell you if the interest rate, points, fees, and rebates you’re being charged is appropriate for your situation. The loan document review for $199 verifies that the loan documents that you’re signing are for the same loan that you were quoted and your lender didn’t slip in any extra points, fees, pre-payment penalties, or is receiving a lender rebate for selling you a higher interest rate than you qualify for.
A mortgage loan evaluation from Lender Police is the only way to guarantee your lender isn’t trying to rip you off.