Cabarrus Cheap Seats

26 responses so far ↓

• 1 Caleb Seamone // May 7, 2008 at 12:53 am

  I was pretty upset about Judge Tyson myself. I’ve met him many times and he’s even given me advice on things and always been available for any questions I had. Also beyond Cabarrus, I was a little surprised at the end game of the 3rd district congressional race for Walter Jones seat; I guess it just goes to show you what a name can get you.

  Congrats to Liz and Bob, and I look forward to helping you both get elected in November.

• 2 Justin Thibault // May 7, 2008 at 8:44 am

  Caleb - Hey, name recognition gets you far…just take a look at Liz.

  Beyond Cabarrus - I was a very disappointed in US HouseDistrict 10. Running McHenry is going to bit us in the butt. Soon. And very hard. His attitude and demeanor makes him a walking, talking representation of all of what is wrong with our Party in North Carolina and nationally. He makes me thankful I’m living in the 8th District.

• 3 Caleb Seamone // May 7, 2008 at 9:43 am

  McHenry is definitely going to hurt us before we know it (moreso than he has already). It really shows just how hard it is to unseat an incumbent, especially in a primary.

  All of the talk I’ve heard this morning on NPR and a local political radio station here is how bad John McCain did here and in Indiana. Its disheartening to hear, and I’ve been 100% in McCain’s ability to win the White House, but now even I’m starting to look at it as an uphill battle. We did a forecasting project in my Campaigns class, which you can check out at the link below, and it looks grim. During presentations I was debating some states that were called for Obama, but its a preliminary look at what the electoral college numbers could look like. You can also see their analysis by clicking on the name of the contributor. Granted, it is a college project, but its a senior level class so the work is solid.

• 4 Caleb Seamone // May 7, 2008 at 10:00 am

  http://www.ecu.edu/polsci/faculty/baumgartner.html

• 5 cmitchz // May 8, 2008 at 12:13 pm

  I find it hard to that analysis seriously. South Carolina, for Obama? Come on. The state that elects DeMint and Sanford is not going to go Dem for President any time soon.

  Louisiana, Arkansas and perhaps West Virginia might go Dem, but only if Clinton is the nominee.

  Many of the other states listed Dem - Iowa, Michigan, NH, Ohio, and to some extent Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon - are states that could easily go the other way, while all the states listed Rep, with the exception of Colorado, seem safe.

  I also think McHenry is going to be safe. That district isn’t quite in the scenario the 11th was in two years ago, as there’s no real liberal stronghold in it. The really tough one to hold this year will be Hayes.

• 6 Caleb Seamone // May 8, 2008 at 6:57 pm

  yeah, I debated South Carolina myself. This girl would’ve given Mars to Obama if she had the chance. Her argument was the african american turnout if he is the nominee, but its not going to make enough of a difference. This just shows that the path is against us this year, instead of for us, at this stage of the game. I know the math that puts McCain in the White House, I get bored late at night when I should be studying for my finals and count up totals on certain states needed to win.

  Also, McHenry’s seat may be safe, but that doesn’t mean we want someone like him to represent the party, thats the main point. The NRCC is saying that it will be a “good” election cycle if we lose only 10 or so house seats, which is terrible.

  Hopefully, Hayes will have an easier path to re-election than he has in the past 2 cycles. That is yet to be determined though.

• 7 Steve Smith // May 8, 2008 at 8:47 pm

  Hayes will be in the fight of his life. I am sure that moveon.org will pour millions into this election. McHenry is the worst possible choice for any elected office. I perdict a big scandle in his future….I hope it won’t hurt the party too much….

  I like McCain too but his support of the war is hurting him….

• 8 Kenneth McClamrock // May 9, 2008 at 10:15 am

  While I honor Senator McCain’s military service to our country and could never imagine what he went through at “the plantation”, I am pretty sure I can not vote for Senator McCain. While we are in agreement on, maybe, 65% of the issues, there is a vast difference between us on the other 35%. He does not represent many of my values and PRINCIPLES. Whether it is his involvement in the Keating Five fiasco, his relationship with Joe Bananas, his possible adulterous ways, his AMNESTY BILL of last summer, his push to convince the American people that humans are causing global warming, his votes against Bush’s tax cuts, his involvement with La Raza (an open-borders, pro-amnesty, Mexican nationalist group whose name literally translates “The Race”), his honoring of Mexican troops on Cinco de Mayo, his condemnation and BIG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT style of intimidation on North Carolina’s GOP party to shut down their commercial linking Bev Perdue, Richard Moore, Obama and Jeremiah Wright, his failure to denounce Obama’s political and personal ties with Jeremiah Wright, his absurd self-gratifying ego, his criticism of the federal government in New Orleans (because the Constitution states it is the Feds responsibility to give money after a natural disaster, right?), the McCain-Liebermann Bill, his even thoughts of joining forces with John Kerry, his thoughts of leaving the GOP and converting to the democrat party, his desire to limit our First Amendment rights (McCain-Feingold), his new all-SPANISH websites, his stance on torture and Guatonamo Bay, his support of the “cap-and-trade” bill, his attacks on the Christian right in 2000, his flip-flopping cowardice over the Confederate flag in SC, his belief in evolution, his tendacy to not simply “cross over the aisle” but to run full speed over to the left and his overall smug attitude.

  That being said…. I think he is the only presidential candidate left who can lead our country during this time of war. He is pro-life. He is a fiscally conservative. He appears to not want instant bail-out for people who bought homes oer their heads. He believes marriage is a state decision (although like Mick Huckabee said, if slavery was morally wrong in New York, isnt it still morally wrong in South Carolina too?). He appears to have strong beliefs in punishing criminals as he believes in the death penalty. He believes in school-choice. He is pro-2nd Amendment.

  That being said… I am still not sure I can vote for McCain. In fact, I am pretty sure I can remember more reasons I do not like McCain if I try too….

• 9 Steve Smith // May 9, 2008 at 10:26 am

  Kenneth

  Well Sir, you just made the case for Obama…you will probley refuse to go to the polls on general election day in protest and thereby, in fact, cast you ballot for Obama…good thinking.

• 10 Kenneth McClamrock // May 9, 2008 at 10:59 am

  Wrong Sir. I will vote in November as I have done in every general election since I became eligible. I am sorry if I am not a robot conditioned to vote for someone simply because they have an (R) beside their name. I refuse to do that anymore. Of they 7 people I voted for on Tuesday, only 1 won the nomination. I vote for those candidates who share my principles, values and beliefs instead of voting for them based on popularity. I am tired of voting for the “lesser of two evils” who continue to bring America into a downward spiral. I do not see much of a difference between the potential presidency of John McCain to Barack Obama. I think a McCain administration will only bring America’s downward fall at a slower rate.

  Besides, using your above argument, are not you endorsing the candidacy of Daniel Johnson, Patrick McHenry’s opponent in the 10th? Maybe I have read your post incorrectly? Not to mention… whats up with the attack on me Steve?

• 11 Kenneth McClamrock // May 9, 2008 at 11:02 am

  Anyone who is in agreement of John McCain’s ills should definitely cast full support towards his candidacy. As for me, I will not. As long as America’s citizens allow our big government to do as they will, nothing will ever change. Maybe its time we get back to the beliefs of our Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate in generational revolutions. It is time for a revolution in the Republican party to get back to the values and principles that made America the greatest country in the world.

• 12 Justin Thibault // May 9, 2008 at 1:17 pm

  Ken - I personally preferred McCain 2000 to McCain Vista. I liked the fact he called the TV charlatans out on the carpet. Given that McCain sits in Barry Goldwater’s old Senate seat, I liked the fact that I got to agree with both of them on Jerry Falwell - [Goldwater said it best, though]

  As for leaving the GOP, I’m glad you can read the guy’s mind. It was suggested; but that gets thrown around by the talking heads. Can you point me to the quote where he admitted to it himself? Even if he did - I don’t think that reexamining your affiliations is a bad thing. I’ve even considered it VERY recently. The fact of the matter is - time and time again - during the past 8 years, when the White House needed to get something done in the Senate…Mac was their man.

  Finally, Steve did not attack you. Steve challenged you. You want to see an attack from a commenter? Read this thread.

• 13 Kenneth McClamrock // May 9, 2008 at 2:34 pm

  Justin,

  I love the McCain2000 vs. McCainVista! That is some good stuff. I happen to be a fan of many of Jerry Falwells endeavors. I think McCain was completely off base with the NCGOP ripping and I read your earlier posts on the subject. However, I think that incident represents everything that is wrong about our national party and shows how far we have removed ourselves from the Constitution, in regards to federalism. I believe his comments against a local/state organization is no different than Chief Justice John Marshall continuance to strengthen the power of the federal government. The “toms” Daschle and Downey claim that in 2001 (remember after McCain lost embarassingly in SC) McCain came to them about switching political party allegiences. Read about it here: (sorry, I am not as comp. literate as you)
  http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/democrats-say-mccain-nearly-abandoned-gop-2007-03-28.html

  Here is what John Kerry said just last year about McCain, “his people similarly approached me to engage in a discussion about his potentially being on the ticket as vice president. So his people were active – let’s put it that way.”
  http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/4/3/11936/97033
  http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0407/3415.html

  No mind-reading Justin (are you guys always this hospitable to the new guy? lol) Is any of this true… I dont know. It appears, if nothing else, McCain at least thought about switching not to an Independent, not to the Constitution Party or something similar, but to the Democrat Party. Now he is the head of our ship and I am supposed to vote for him. Sorry. Can not say that I can do that, even holding my nose. A McCain ticket does not represent the beliefs I hold hear. The WE I belong to is the “Conservative Christian, Family Values, Strong National Sovereignty”. Is John McCain going to appoint Justices to overturn Roe v. Wade, uphold the sanctity of marriage, or keep inviolable your right to bear arms? I dont know. Sure, he might not be as bad as Barack, but he does not equal what I believe.

  He attacked my patriotism by his assertion I would stay home in November to protest. Trust me, Im will not. I think we can take both the governors mansion and president of the senate over. Robin Hayes must be re-elected. We need to get the good guys in as judges. Those are votes I will definitely be casting. The rest…. Not sure.

  (I have enjoyed looking over your site Justin)

• 14 Justin Thibault // May 9, 2008 at 2:48 pm

  Ken - Thanks for offering links…we need more of that around here.

  Also, I didn’t formally welcome you to the site. Welcome.

  Finally, Steve was not attacking your patriotism. He was taking your remarks to a logical - but absurd - conclusion. In terms of debate, that’s a gift, because he gives you a broad target to expound on your earlier remarks and seem reasonable at the same time.

• 15 Kenneth McClamrock // May 9, 2008 at 3:41 pm

  Justin,

  Thanks for the welcome. One thing for sure… I will never make an accusation or comment without some evidence. I learned that back in high school. I really was not offended by Steve’s remarks.

• 16 Steve Smith // May 10, 2008 at 1:16 am

  Kenneth

  I can’t believe that you would or could compare a McCain Administration to an Obama Administration. While McCain is not right enough for you, he is surly more right than Obama, who has the most liberal voting record in the Senate. McCain may not appoint the judges that you like but I feel pretty sure that you would not like any one that Obama would appoint to anything. McCain is a great American and a war hero. Can you find no middle ground on which to stand??? As for McHenry, I can’t vote against him because I don’t live in his District but If I did I would have worked very hard to defeat him in the primary. And finally, silly of me to ask but will you be supporting Pat McCrory for Govenor??? This is not an attack on you but what you may be seeing is a generational revolution within the party. Its just not going in the direction that you would like.

  Justin

  Thanks for the kind remarks and you were right about my remarks not being an attack. I attack noone here or anywhere else. My comments are offered here as social and political discourse and for no other reason.

• 17 Kenneth McClamrock // May 10, 2008 at 6:46 am

  Steve

  Thanks for the reply. The Democrats retook Congress in 2006 because the Republican lost their principles. Maybe many of them never had any to began with. The Republicans are stuck with a candidate who does not meet our principles. That has always been the difference between conservatives and liberals. Conservatives stand on principle and truth. Liberals sway like the tree tops in Katrina. Don’t you find it interesting that 25% of Pennsylvania Republicans voted for someone other than John McCain. Don’t you find it interesting that (I think) 27% of North Carolinians voted for a GOP candidate other than McCain? The Constitution Party ruined my plans of voting for the “black guy” who actually makes sense and has beliefs that align with mine- Alan Keyes in November.

  No sure why it is a silly question… But, yes. I will support Pat McCrory. I think he will be a governor who is actually present. I think he will begin the process of fixing our road situations around Charlotte and the brokeness in our courts/DAs/jails. I did not support his candidacy during the primary for many ills that I see against him. My Gubernatorial pick was Fred Smith. Your was Bob Orr.

  The only revolution happening within the party today is the dismantle it and make it a bigger government, fewer rights, higher taxes platform.

• 18 Kenneth McClamrock // May 10, 2008 at 6:49 am

  I do see Pat McCrory winning in November against Perdue. I see Pittenger taking it too. As young and charismatic as McCrory is, if he wins in November, I see him on a Pres. ticket by 2020, maybe 2016.

  Who does everyone think McCain will pick up for Veep?

• 19 Justin Thibault // May 10, 2008 at 9:17 am

  Kenneth - Don’t you find it interesting that (I think) 27% of North Carolinians voted for a GOP candidate other than McCain?

  That’s right and 50% more people voted for “No Preference” than who voted for Keyes.

  You can see all of the statewide results here:

  http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/1875/4021/en/summary.html

  Also, Steve was a McCrory fan. It was I who was the Orr guy.

• 20 Steve Smith // May 10, 2008 at 11:44 am

  Justin and Kenneth

  Not was, is a McCrory fan. I’ve know Pat since he began his political career and Kenneth you might be right about Pat for Prez. I know I could vote for his ticket. As for McCain’s VP choice, if he’s trying to keep the right in the party, he will pick an Alan Keyes or a Congie Rice. If he’s smart, he will not pick someone from the Bush Administration.

• 21 Kenneth McClamrock // May 10, 2008 at 8:30 pm

  Sorry Justin for the mixup…

  Steve- I think you are right. I have been saying since Novemberish that whoever the nominee was (my man was Huckabee all the way), their most strategic move was to put a Condie Rice, Alen Keyes, Colen Powell or JC Watts on their ticket to offset either of the democrat’s “First”. While I do not know anyone who can tell me a lot about Rice’s political stances, I think she would be an amazing pick in terms of experience. She has worked a lot in the Middle East and it seems that she had developed some close ties with many of our allies over there. Personally, I think she is THE smartest woman in America. She is the top professor at one of the top universities in the world. Enough said.

  That said… If McCain picked a Jindal or Sanford”isk” type Conservative to ticket with, my faith in the political process might be restored, some. Especially since McCain is pretty old, and lets be honest, being president is a pretty tough job.

  Honestly, I think a McCain-(any old white guy) ticket gets blown away by Obama. 92%, 93% of the black vote going to Obama in NC, SC, Penn etc… People are voting on identities, not politics and it is scary to me. I teach high school and I have told my students many times, “voting for someone simply because of their race or gender is JUST AS BAD as NOT voting for someone simply because of their race or gender.”

• 22 Caleb Seamone // May 11, 2008 at 2:14 pm

  I think McCain needs a good, strong, young conservative on his ticket. Powell wouldn’t accept the job, and I don’t think Keyes is the right man for the job either. Condi may be, but I don’t know if that would be the strongest choice either. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was someone like Rick Perry or Tom Pawlenty.

  Kenneth - Its good to hear that you’re a high school teacher and actually trying to convince the kids to think for themselves about who to vote for. My sister is in High School and she tells me all the time about how her teaches are all in love with Obama, and talk about him all the time in class. Just another example of them getting to the kids at a young age. You’re definitely in a strong position to inspire. One of my high school social studies teachers really got me interested in the field of politics and debate, and helped push me a long, and he didn’t do this by forcing his own political ideologies on his students.

  Over the next month or so I’m going to start researching and writing on how we’re going to lose our base of support if we don’t start reaching out to voters sooner. We have to have solid plans on how to keep our numbers growing, and on how to educate younger generations on the conservative view of America. It seems like the “cool” thing to do now is to be a Democrat, or to be liberal, and we’ve got to try to change this or the political spectrum as we know it will be shift to the left drastically in the next 15 years.

• 23 Kenneth McClamrock // May 11, 2008 at 3:52 pm

  Caleb

  I think you are right. The major problem the GOP will face in November is the incredible amounts of young people drooling for Obama. The left is attracting record numbers of young voters. Trust me, I know and I see it every day at school. Obama is the rock star candidate and McCain is seen as another old white guy who won’t go on Mtv (not saying that he wont, but implying that he is not relatable to young voters).

  I do not know what the answer is. I think Conservatism is all about principles and character. Most people tend to get more conservative as they get older. I am 26 now and I know that 8-10 years ago, Obama would have been my man. The media teaches liberalism too much for that not to be the case. I used to debate all day with conservatives over the 2nd Amendment, abortion etc… when I was in high school. Then I learned the truth.

• 24 cmitchz // May 11, 2008 at 4:41 pm

  McCain picking a black man or woman for VP would be viewed as a cynical move and would probably do little to move black votes to the R column. More likely, the candidate will be viewed as a sell-out, especially Rice. She is too much of a political unknown, and what is known either isn’t all that conservative or is stained by association to Bush. In the end, I don’t see her as being a net plus for the ticket.

  Keyes is too much of a firebrand, a chronic campaign loser, and upon scrutiny there’s plenty about him for conservatives to disagree with, strongly (Israeli-style mandatory public service, ‘reparations’ for blacks via income tax).

  Powell might be a political positive but he really isn’t much of a conservative himself. Watt is, but he did those dumb infomercials a few years back, which looks really bad.

  Besides, I think McCain will slide to an easy victory, and the only political maneuvering needed is a decent conservative VP to mollify the base. There will be record black turnout for Obama, but there will also be so many Hispanics, independents, and moderate white Democrats voting for McCain in the swing states that it will be overcome.

  This Rev. Wright stuff will be fatal in November, and its only the tip of the iceberg. Wait until the general public comes to get a better grasp of Obama’s relationships with Rezko and the Weather Underground terrorists, as well as his promise to disarm America and negotiate Chamberlain-style with our enemies.

  The campaign will be fought defensively by Obama, on blue territory. He might even have to direct resources to defend Connecticut, thanks to Lieberman.

• 25 Steve Smith // May 11, 2008 at 5:19 pm

  cmitchz

  Sounds like you don’t take the Obama Campaign too seriously??? This would be a grave mistake in my opinion. This guy has raised more money than any other Presidential Candidate in recorded history and as we all know, money talks. As for the Hispanics, the right has run them off with all of the fence talk. Moderate whites are a minority in the Democratic party and have already been written off by Obama. I think your statement that McCain will slide to an easy victory, while wishful thinking, is dead wrong. He will be in the fight of his life..

  Caleb

  As for Judge Tyson, again it’s the name game…pretty hard to defeat a name thats goes all the way back to Watergate…besides Sam IV has been on the NC Utilities Commission for years and has all of the State Democrat machine behind him.

• 26 Justin Thibault // May 14, 2008 at 10:59 am

  Did anybody notice Karen Ray losing in Iredell County?

  I guess voting for Jim Black for Speaker wasn’t a smooth move for a Republican.

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