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VISIT NO MO MOJO
In the text box below, nominate your Republican of the Year, and describe in a few words why he or she should be selected.
REPUBLICAN OF THE YEAR
UPDATED DAILY!
On Tuesday, Gov. Joe Manchin and other governors addressed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in remarks that were carried on CSPAN but, according to The Associated Press, "The governors' speeches came to a largely empty auditorium." Here is the text of Manchin's remarks, with some additional clarifying comments in red. Hello, I am Joe Manchin, governor of the great state of West Virginia and chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. It is an honor to stand before you today. Governors work across party lines to get things done. (True, if working across party lines means trampling over Republicans to get what the Democrats want.) We're held accountable each and every day (except in West Virginia) for finding ways to solve our states' most pressing problems. Twenty-eight states--including both red and blue states--currently have Democrats in the governor's office. They are doing what hard-working families have to do, living within their means and keeping their budgets in balance.Our goal is to simply keep our country strong and our economy vibrant, state by state. In West Virginia, state leadership has produced a record number of new jobs (second slowest rate of growth in the nation, according to Census numbers), low unemployment (and lowest median income in the nation) and fewer taxes (but still higher taxes than most). We've reduced the size of state government (by replacing full time state workers with temps) and tackled our debts (thanks to record coal severence tax collections). Now, the time has come for Washington to follow our example and bridge partisan divides (not hard to do in WV with huge Democrat majorities in each chanber) to bring America the change it needs. The states of our union can't afford any more of the same old gridlock that currently reigns in Washington.What we need from Washington is a realistic energy policy, as well as healthcare for every working person (how much do you propose hiking our taxes to pay for that?). We need a commitment to fixing our roads and bridges (with deals to favored contractors) and a renewed education system (phony degrees for everyone?) that prepares our workforce to compete globally. Together, we can turn the page on November 4th by voting for the one candidate who can bring us the change we need (Russ Weeks?): Barack Obama.Now, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth (just a silver tongue), but I like to say that I am a child of privilege. My grandparents were Italian and Czechoslovakian immigrants whose search for a better life led them to the small West Virginia coal mining towns of Farmington and Rachel. They understood that life in America was a privilege. In exchange for that privilege, they believed they had a responsibility to give something back (so they gave Joe back). They taught me the importance not only of hard work, but also of having compassion for all people (especially donors and other people named Manchin). The example they set, along with the unconditional love of my family and the strong support of my community, enabled me to attend college (on that mystical football scholarship, right?), run a successful business (Buddy's Carpet) and launch a career in public service.I am very proud to represent the great state of West Virginia and, most importantly, its people. West Virginians value hard work, patriotism and faith in God (careful, you're talking to the Democratic convention). They have faced adversity with courage, and they help each other in challenging times. They do the heavy lifting in the economy. They mine the coal, make the steel, and work the assembly lines that make our industries tick. Their experience and knowledge has earned each of them a Ph.D. in life (did he really go there?). They can shake your hand, look you in the eye, and touch your heart.And let me tell you something: They can't afford four more years like the last eight (true, but you've only been governor for four of them). They need, and deserve, better from Washington. They need a president (McCain) who puts their best interests first. They need a president (McCain) who will tackle the major issues, balance our nation's budget, and help struggling middle class families regain their footing. They need a president (McCain) who will re-establish our country's reputation in the world community. They need a president (McCain) who will restore the promise of economic opportunity that is every American's birthright. They need change, and they need Barack Obama as president!Together, we can move from recession to resurgence. Together, we can stop running from our domestic problems and start sprinting toward solutions. We can raise our expectations of Washington and demand that they tackle the tough challenges, just as our nation's governors do every day (except in West Virginia).My fellow Americans, we need a new leader for new times. Barack Obama is the only candidate in this race who has captured our nation's hopes for the kind of change we so desperately need (yes, that's Hillary thrown under the bus). Let's do what's right for America and elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. Joe Manchin: 'We need Barack Obama'
Governor apparently believes rolling over Republicans equals bipartisanship; Mojo delivers remarks to largely empty auditorium at Democratic convention
Hillary endorses Barack, but with little enthusiasm
Hillary Clinton's endorsement of Barack Obama during her remarks on Tuesday was just exactly as much as could be expected of her, but not a bit more.Hillary said several times she was supporting Barack, but offered no personal endorsement in terms of describing why Obama would make a good president.Instead, Hillary spent most of her time revisiting her personal journey and talking about the strides made by women. But in discussing the historic nature of her candidacy, she failed to mention that Obama's journey as the first African-American candidate to win a major party nomination was every bit as historic.Still, it was probably the best delivered speech Hillary has ever made in her life. Free of the pressures and demands of actually being a candidate, or a First Lady, Hillary seemed relaxed and even somewhat real, in a coached sort of way. The only embarrassing part -- aside from the typical liberal mush she was spouting -- was having to watch husband Bill in the audence repeat his trained walrus routine, complete with overly-broad hand claps coupled by patented earnest looks of pride. 