Jay began writing politically themed commentary and founded his blog, Swimming Freestyle, in October 2007. Here he'll write about politics from a progressive perspective.

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How To Pick A VP

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June 12, 10:07 AM

by Jay McDonough, Progressive Politics Examiner

Lots of talk already of possible vice president choices for both Senators McCain and Obama. I guess we should start talking about it. Maybe it would be a good idea to start with Political Insider's "Five Ways to Pick a Running Mate:

Play to Your Strength: "Perhaps the fastest way to send a message about who you are is to pick someone...who appears to be just like you."
Look at the Map: "The map can help a nominee make a play for a state that is crucial in November, though that is never a sure bet."
Shore Up Your Weak Side: McCain may choose someone younger, like Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, while Obama could choose someone more experienced, like U.S. Senator Joe Biden.
Hug Your Rival: "The other party is certain to dredge up every damaging sound bite...that your former rival hurled in your direction back in February. These worries are usually overcome."
Hire Some Pizzazz: Possible pizzazz choices for McCain include Colin Powell, and Obama could choose Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano or Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Topics: General Election , Vice President

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A Picture for the Day

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October 13, 5:01 PM

Paint for the Planet, a United Nations sponsored exhibit and auction of children's art, will launch "UNite to Combat Climate Change". The Paint for the Planet website features a selection of stand-out entries from the United Nations Environment... Read More

Are McCain and Palin to blame for the ugly mobs?

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October 13, 3:49 PM

Not really. They aren't helping things with inflammatory speeches, but according to an interesting article at Slate today, the extremism being expressed at the McCain and Palin rallies is a very natural social phenomena. Not a healthy one. ... Read More

New Obama economic measures

1 comment

October 13, 1:59 PM

Barack Obama today outlined $60B in new tax breaks and other benefits to stimulate the lagging ecomony and provide middle class relief. The key points:A temporary tax credit for firms that create jobs in the U.S.Penalty-free 401(k) and IRA withdrawals... Read More
Topics: Economy

Is Troopergate over?

6 comments

October 13, 1:40 PM

The Troopergate report, issued Friday, determined Governor Sarah Palin had violated Alaska state ethics law and abused her powers in her attempts to get Alaskan State Trooper Mike Wooten fired. What happens now?Probably nothing. The governor... Read More
Topics: Sarah Palin , Troopergate , elections 2008

John McCain as the Black Knight

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October 13, 12:52 PM

I have no idea how this election is going to turn out. I do know John McCain has slipped in the polls over the last several weeks and swing state poll results must be a major concern for his campaign. Some analysts are expressing hope or... Read More
Topics: John McCain , Black Knight , elections 2008

Republican circular firing squads

2 comments

October 13, 9:56 AM

Here's a good compilation of Republican criticism of the McCain campaign put together by Jed Lewison at the Jed Report. A couple comments: - The McCain campaign may be criticized for it's performance, but this just strikes me as rats... Read More
Topics: Obama , McCain , Campaign , elections 2008

A PIcture for the Day

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October 12, 7:11 PM

Jade Kindar-Martin of the United States walked a high wire during the World High Wire Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Twenty-seven high-wire walkers from 14 countries competed on the tightrope, a wire rope of 30 millimeters in diameter stretching... Read More

The next world war could be financial

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October 12, 4:06 PM

Gee, happy talk on a Sunday, huh? The Washington Post has an interesting article on the global economic meltdown and the global ramifications. The article argues international cooperation is urgently required in order to prevent widespread... Read More

Sarah Palin lives in an alternative universe

8 comments

October 12, 2:34 PM

One where up means down, where light means dark, and where being found to have broken state ethics laws means one's vindicated.(Governor Palin) said she still doesn't think she abused her power like the report says she did. In fact, she said she considered... Read More
Topics: Sarah Palin