Ex-GOP operative tells cautionary tale about ‘how to rig an election’

He’s selling a book and film rights, of course. He’s Republican. IT’S WHAT THEY DO. I’m only partially joking.

Telling:

“I felt like I had an obligation, and not obligation to my country or obligation to the people in New Hampshire, nothing like that,” Raymond said. “I had a responsibility to my family.”

And you’re still voting for a Republican in this election? o

Not sure if this qualifies as an actual October Surprise, but damn:

Al-Qaeda Supporters Endorse McCain

(Via email from reader Megan. Thanks!.)

I think the real question is this: Is John McCain palling around with terrorists? Because if he is, there is no way I can not support McCain even more than I already don’t support him. o

We’ve had a few weeks of stellar weather, with one snowstorm. I am hoping this is a good omen for the coming winter. o

These are by far the most colorful leaves on or near our property. And yes, this is the Lensbaby talking. And it’s talking sweet, sweet blurry love. o

From: TPM TV | Talking Points Memo | TPMtv: Sunday Show Roundup: Powell Play

(note: Talking Points Memo is tapping my political ass right now.)

McCain’s gamble to play to the fringe has not paid off. The Powell endorsement is a big one. The campaign is getting desperate:

McCain is so gone he’s using the same firm that slandered him in the 2000 primaries. So much for valor, honor and service to country. Best bit:

“The advocacy calls for George W. Bush’s campaign that became an issue in this year’s South Carolina GOP primary were developed by Feather, Hodges, Larson & Synhorst [FLS]. The firm maintains seven phone banks and 500 phones scattered from Phoenix to Minnesota. South Carolina, home of the Bush blitz, is one of the firm’s “best” phone centers, said partner Jeff Larson. “Military wives from all over the country make calls for us there.” “Phones are great,” he said, “because you can change your message right away.” With better voter lists and a new trend toward recorded messages, today’s political calls are “narrowcast”–antiabortion activists will hear one script, voters in one small area will hear directly from a local pol. “It’s a blossoming business.”

from The Washington Post, April 30, 2000

The goal of the robocalls? Voter suppression. In some states, robo calls are against the law unless the script is read by a live human.

Don’t let the insane in the membrane McCain turn you off Obama. This is a dirty tactic to make you think you shouldn’t vote.

Apparently, under McCain’s guidance, change isn’t coming to Washington anytime soon. o

Thanks reader southerngirl for alerting me to this. From the same paper that endorsed the George W. Bush in 2004:

A simple choice: The nation needs Barack Obama in the White House

I’m hoping my state is more purple this year. o

Wanted to get the lovely bricks as well as the boids.

You guessed it: Old City, Knoxville, TN, baby. o

I almost called it “Sad, Lonely Wall.” Then I changed my mind. o

Same bracket from yesterday. So, same location. Sherlock.

Sorry. It’s just the pain of the approaching winter talking. o

Is Obama a U.S. Citizen?

Voter Fraud (from TPM):

Voter Fraud from Palin (also from TPM):

ACORN: McCain for them before he was against them (from this post TPM Cafe):

Wow. o