Sen. John McCain Makes Arlington Heights Mayoral Race Endorsement

Imagine my surprise today when I opened up my Chicago Tribune (online) during lunch, while I was attempting to eat, and discovered that Senator John McCain (R-AZ) had endorsed a candidate in the upcoming Arlington Heights mayoral race.

If you imagine that I was unable to stomach my lunch, you'd be right.

You'll recall that I grew up in Arlington Heights. I lived there from 1974 through 1989 and then, again as an adult, from 2000 to 2011. That's 26 years. 26 of my almost 42 years of life have been spent in Arlington Heights. For the 11 years I lived there as an adult,  I worked and ran my business in Arlington Heights, and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce where I served on the Board of Directors for three years. Additionally, my mom still lives there, as do a number of my friends. I still have significant interests in the goings-on in Arlington Heights.

I'm not a fan of John McCain. Yes, he served his country nobly in Vietnam. He suffered horribly as a prisoner of war. He came home and decided to become a public servant. I don't deny that he has given the majority of his adult life in service of his country in one way or another. That is to be applauded.

The biggest thing that trips me up about John McCain is the legacy that I believe spoils the rest of what he's done in his career: Sarah Palin.

John McCain gave us Sarah Palin. John McCain's first presidential act as a candidate for the highest office in the land in 2008 was to select less than one-term governor of Alaska Sarah Palin as his running mate. He failed to vet her. Now I know, he relied on his staff to do that, but they failed to do it and the buck stops with him. Ultimately, it was his decision and he chose a woman who was horribly unqualified to hold the second highest office in the land and be a heartbeat away from running the country.

And now, John McCain wants to tell the people of Arlington Heights who to vote for on April 9th. He recommends a buddy of his who served as the mayor of an Arizona town from 2000 to 2006 and who has only lived in Arlington Heights since 2007.

Given John McCain's reputation for endorsing wholly unqualified candidates, I will tell my mom to vote for anyone but John McCain's buddy.

FREE Cell Phone Towers for Everyone!

Dear Sprint,

It has come to my attention that your competitors - AT&T & Verizon - have doled out possibly illegal campaign contributions to John "I'm a Maverick" & Cindy McCain in the form of FREE cell phone towers at their ranch somewhere in BFE California because they had a difficult time getting quality reception on their property.

I have the same problem at my house in Suburban Chicago. I would contact Verizon or AT&T about this, but they're not my cell phone provider. You are and I'm sure you don't want to be outdone by them. So I'm coming to you first. Of course, should I fail to achieve satisfaction with you, I'll happily change my service.

You may not be aware of this, but I have been your customer for 10 years and I was involved in student government in college. Now, while I'm not running for President of the USA, I'm not a beer heiress, and I was never a POW, I am currently the president of my own company, I drink beer, AND I write a blog that has upwards of 8 readers per day. Sure, I've never shot a moose or won runner-up in a beauty pagaent, but I do own a tiara (2 in fact), was a high school cheerleader, and killed a mouse once.

I think it's exciting that the cell phone industry is giving away FREE cell phone towers to customers to ease their reception challenges. For all the times I've sat on hold with your customer service department, this is truly a David-Golliath type victory.

Scheduling a time for installation of my new FREE cell phone tower will not be a problem. I'm available Monday between 10am and 12noon. I'll keep an eye out for you.

Thanks so much!

Little Merry Sunshine

Obama-McCain Debate Thoughts

So I was kind of thinking tonight since John McCain has suspended his campaign. To catch you up: He's "invited" Barack to join him by suspending his campaign until the bailout plan is done. McCain has also said he's not going to participate in the debate on Friday unless the bailout is done.

Well, that's nice. John McCain, who has admitted the economy isn't exactly his strong suit, has decided the economy is suddenly his area of expertise. Lovely.

But what about the economy of Oxford, Mississippi (the home of Ole Miss where Friday's debate will be held)? Let me tell you about it. And I happen to know a little about this area because my mom's entire family is from Batesville, Mississippi, just down the road from Oxford (about 30 minutes away) and Ole Miss was on my college short list (I still thank God I dodged that bullet not because Ole Miss is a bad school, it's not. I'm grateful I stayed away from my family.). That area of Mississippi is very rural and in 2000, the median household income in Oxford was $20,526 with 31% of the Oxford population living below the poverty level.

According to Ole Miss officials, they've spent $5.5 million preparing for and putting on this debate. They've closed of streets, built the whole set and more. Cancelling the debate would be devestating to Ole Miss. And they don't think they can easily just reschedule, which is McCain's suggestion.

Now it's my belief that this debate should happen. I agree with Obama that it's important for Americans to hear from their leaders. But if McCain can't be bothered to show up, well that's his choice. I'd be happy with Obama talking to us for an hour with McCain's empty chair just sitting there.

BUT both John McCain and Barack Obama are senators and maybe they should be doing the jobs they were hired to do. And maybe that means going back to DC and working on this whole mess. (Again, I'm not sure I really believe either of them would be more than an unnecessary distraction, but I'm trying to see the other side here). And if that's the case, then maybe their debate should be postponed.

McCain has suggested that this Friday's debate be moved to Thursday, October 2nd. Does that sound familiar for any reason? That's right! It's currently the date of the vice presidential debate at the Washington University in St. Louis. And McCain says we can just reschedule the VP debate later at Ole Miss.

That sucks as an idea. What the heck is he thinking?

Here's my idea:

Barack Obama should call McCain's bluff. He should say, "John, I've heard your proposal to reschedule our debate until October 2nd because of the economic crisis. I'm concerned about this economic crisis too. But I'm ALSO concerned about the economy in Oxford, Mississippi. [then toss out some facts about the economy and the costs to Ole Miss.] So here's what I propose: we'll be happy to move the debate to October 2nd IF the vice presidential debate can be this Friday, September 26th. I don't want Oxford to be out $5.5 million. Joe's happy and ready to step in at a moment's notice because that's the job of the vice president."

Obviously Sarah Palin can't be ready by Friday and so John McCain would say no and look like a gigantic ass.

Win-win for us.

All Together Now: John McCain Just Doesn't Get It!

As you'll recall, I previously wrote about McCain's desire to deregulate the healthcare industry here. We're in a huge economic crisis and no matter what John McCain would like us to believe this week, he has been a proponent of deregulation of all kinds for the last 26 years.

We simply cannot afford to have him in the Oval Office.

McCain's Economic Agenda "Marry A Beer Heiress"

McCain's Economic Plan For Nation: "Everyone Marry A Beer Heiress"

This is certainly one way to improve the economy.

And there must be plenty of super-wealthy single men out there for the single women who aren't beer heiresses. If you know of any, please give them my number. Really. I'm NOT kidding.

Barack Obama Is Clearly Having Fun

I gotta say, Barack looks like he's having fun here just wiping the floor with McCain.



Everyone say it with me now, "Are you better off today than you were 8 years ago?"

Vote Obama.

Reason 7,487 to Vote for Obama or Reason 7,487 to NOT Vote for McCain

As I'm sure you're all aware, deregulation has not exactly worked well for the financial sector.

Did you know that John McCain would like to deregulate the health care industry because of the fantastic successes in deregulating banking? Yes, really.

Don't believe me? Well, here it is in John's own words, in his article "Better Health Care at Lower Cost for Every American," in the September/October 2008 issue of Contingencies, the magazine of the American Academy of Actuaries:

Opening up the health insurance market to more vigorous nationwide competition, as we have done over the last decade in banking, would provide more choices of innovative products less burdened by the worst excesses of state-based regulation.

Yep, I read actuarial magazines so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Women Are Just Burdens on Society

At least according to John McCain.

John McCain would like you to know that if you have a uterus, then making sure that your pay is equal to a man's pay is simply too great of "a burden on business." In fact, he thinks equal pay is such a trivial issue that he couldn't be bothered to show up for the vote on the Ledbetter Act in April.

I strongly encourage you to share this new Obama ad with your girlfriends. They deserve to know the facts about just how little John McCain thinks of women.

By the way, if you live in the Illinois 10th Congressional District, Mark Kirk (R), ALSO voted AGAINST the Ledbetter Act. That alone should be reason enough to vote for Dan Seals.

Lost

I absolutely love this picture from The Huffington Post . . .

I Got Tagged by Dr. Monkey!

Dr. Monkey has challenged me to answer some very thought provoking questions about my views on Obama. Because he entertains me, regularly comments on my blog, and sends me gifts, I'm happy to answer him.

Note: I started this on Monday. It's now 1:30am on Wednesday morning. These questions were not easy. I won't tag anyone with this meme, but if you want to answer the questions, feel free and let me know because I'd be eager to read your opinions.

1) What is your name (nickname, whatever you're comfortable sharing), your age (range), gender, occupation, income bracket (range), how you identify (gay/straight/whatever)? Married/Single/Divorced? Kids (how many)?

Name: Little Merry Sunshine
Age: 37 (really that's my age)
Gender: Female
Occupation: Self-employed, Mary Kay Consultant
How I Identify: Straight, but many of my friends are gay and I love them very much
Marital Status: Single
Kids: None that I know of

2) What are the most important issues to you in this presidential election and why?

The economy, health care, and the war.

And I can say that since Monday morning, I have become considerably more worried about the economy. The bank failures terrify me. Gas prices went up in my neighborhood 45 cents from Thursday through Saturday. I can't even look at the stock market. Unemployment is 6.1% and rising (it was 4.2% in Jan. 2001). Food prices are as bad as gas prices. And the GOP insists we're just a bunch of whiners and that the economy is fine. Too much has been deregulated and too much corporate welfare has been given out by the Bush Administration, all contributing to the bad economy.

Health care is vital. As a country, everyone pays for the uninsured through higher insurance premiums. We must focus more on prevention than treatment. As things stand now, insurance pays for treating illnesses, but not preventing them. It is always cheaper to prevent something from happening than to treat it after the fact. Keeping people healthy will keep them out of doctors' offices, increase productivity, and cost insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid less. I believe that we have an obligation to provide health care for everyone. I'm not saying that everyone should have health care paid for by the government. I would like to see a mix of public and private health care - if your employer offers insurance great, but if not, you can get it through the government at a reasonable cost. And by "it," I mean heath insurance equal to what Congressmen and Senators get. The bottom line for me is that the way we run our health care system in this country needs to be completely overhauled.

We got into Iraq based on lies. Too many people, both military personnel and civilians, have died. Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, no matter what John McCain or Sarah Palin would like us to believe. We need to refocus our energies on the real war on terror. I'm not sure that the answer is to simply pull out tomorrow, but we cannot stay in Iraq indefinitely. I also believe that we should be willing to talk to all countries unconditionally. Talk can't hurt.

3) Why do you think voters should vote for Obama/Biden, what differentiates this ticket from McCain/Palin?

Obama/Biden challenge people to be better. McCain/Palin believe in the politics of fear and 9/11 (TM). Obama/Biden believe that our best days are ahead, while McCain/Palin seem to believe they were somewhere around 1957. Obama/Biden would get the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act passed and let me have control of my body. Not to be funny, but McCain/Palin believe government should be small enough to fit inside my uterus. And McCain voted against Ledbetter. Obama/Biden know our economy has some serious problems. McCain/Palin believe our economy is strong.

For me, as a woman, I can't sit by idly and let McCain/Palin carry on about abortion, birth control, sex ed, and fair pay. McCain/Palin would make abortion illegal even in cases of rape and incest. This makes my blood boil. Sarah Palin and her pregnant teenage daughter have been praised for their "courage" in deciding to keep their babies that I assume are as a result of consensual sex, but McCain/Palin would require me (and you and our daughters, granddaughters, etc.) to carry a baby to term that was conceived during rape or incest. How dare they.

In making his VP choice, John McCain showed us how he makes important decisions. John McCain had almost 6 months from the time he won the nomination until he announced his VP choice to interview, vet, and prepare his VP nominee. He did none of those things. He chose a running mate he had met exactly once and without ever vetting her. The most important decision of his campaign and he took the same amount of time making it as he does in choosing a pair of socks.

4) If McCain/Palin wins this election, where do you see our country going in the next four years?

The economy is clearly Issue #1 (TM). And McCain has repeatedly stated that (a) the economy isn't his strong suit and (b) the economy is strong (thus proving A). McCain and his advisers believe we are a "nation of whiners." We have many problems in this country, but McCain either doesn't know they exist or he refuses to acknowledge them. Either way, to me, that means he lives in a fantasy world. A dangerous fantasy world.

And Sarah Palin is no better. As we clearly saw in the ABC interviews last week, her cliff notes education on the campaign issues didn't work. She is clearly not knowledgeable enough to run this country, as Carly Fiorina stated yesterday.

If McCain/Palin win this election, I worry that we will not get out of this recession for many years. That the economic divide in our country will continue to get wider. That middle class people will not be able to send their kids to college. That the American Dream will never be achieved by too many. And that, as a country, we will lose even more of our standing in the world than we have over the last 8 years under Bush/Cheney.

5) Economically, where do you think this country is today and how do you think Obama/Biden can make a positive impact?

Clearly we are not in a good place. And I've written about it before on LMS. Lehman Brothers, gone. Merrill Lynch, gone. Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac now belong to the federal government. Unemployment is at 6.1%. And tonight, the feds announced they're taking over AIG. I am scared to know what will happen to the unemployment rate thanks to Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, and AIG.

Simply understanding that the economy is not strong and is currently broken (as Obama/Biden does) is a vast improvement over Bush/Cheney and McCain/Palin. Obama/Biden will increase taxes on the rich, while giving tax breaks to over 90% of all Americans. They will bring back some of the regulation of the banking industry that was lost under Bush/Cheney. And ending our immoral war where we spend billions of dollars per month will allow us to invest that money into our country.

6) In the past 8-years, how do you think this country has changed under the Bush regime? Have you been affected by these changes? If so, in what ways?

Well, the most obvious change is that we are a nation at war, which we were not during the Clinton Administration. We have lost our civil liberties and are being held hostage by the fears instilled in us by the GOP. Domestic spying is now the norm and is acceptable.

Elections have become nastier than ever and I fear that good people will be driven away from a life of public service because of it.

Questioning our government is now seen as "unpatriotic."

7) I have read that Palin is considered the new voice of feminism, which is offensive in my opinion. Of equal concern are her views on abortion and the removal of books from libraries. I'd like to know what you think about all of that and how you feel about McCain choosing Palin as a running mate. And what kind of message you think that sends to women?

Sarah Palin is like no feminist I've ever met. She frightens me. And as a woman, I am highly offended that I should vote for her because we both have vaginas. From everything I've read about her and observed in her speeches and interviews (well, I guess that's just 1 interview), she has a very "my way or the highway" view of the world. There appears to be no room for alternative points of view. One of my strongest beliefs is that a good leader encourages her advisers to challenge her. Even if they are simply playing devil's advocate. I believe that hearing different points of view and looking at all options, allows for better decision making.

There are certainly books I find offensive, just as there are TV shows I believe are trash, movies that are insulting, music that is demeaning, etc., and that's my right. So I don't read, watch or listen to them. And that's what I would say to anyone. If you don't like what's on TV, change the channel. If you don't like some books in your library, don't check them out. But don't come tell me that just because you don't like something, I can't read it.

As for abortion, I feel the same way. If you don't like abortion, then don't get one. But don't come tell me that I couldn't get an abortion when I was raped (I didn't get pregnant, so no abortion was necessary).

Every rational thinking woman should be highly offended by the choice of Sarah Palin as John McCain's VP. She is not the simple "hockey mom" she portrays herself to be. She is manipulative, shrewd, shrill (yep, I said it), and uneducated on the major issues of our time.

Any woman who votes for McCain/Palin is simply irresponsible.

How Can McCain Fix an Economy He Doesn't Know (or Doesn't Care) Is Broken?

I don't know if John McCain doesn't know or doesn't care that there are severe problems with the economy. In a way it doesn't really matter.

Although it is kind of fun to think that maybe he believes that if he keeps repeating "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" as Sarah Palin clicks her heels, that maybe we'll magically travel back to a time when the economy was strong, jobs were plentiful, foreclosures were low, inflation was low, gas prices (and prices in general) were low, and people felt confident in their ability to support their families, send their kids to college, and retire. Oh, wait, those were The Clinton Years.

But I digress. Here's Obama's latest, and in my opinion, absolutely best ad of the campaign. I think this should run in every state all 24/7 until the election.

Share it with your friends.

McCain: "Ha Ha Ha! I Was Just Kidding! Gotcha!"

Isn't John McCain funny? Today, he told us all that the bruhaha he made over Barack Obama's "lipstick on a pig" comment from last week was just a joke. A little light-hearted campaign diversion. Didn't we all get that he was kidding last week?

Well, okay, that's not exactly what he said. This is:

When asked by reporters in Florida today, "Did [Obama] call [Palin] a pig?"

McCain reponded, "No, I but know that he chooses his words carefully, and it was the wrong thing to say."

WHAT?

John McCain and his talking heads spent a week running around screaming about how Obama was sexist and calling Sarah Palin a pig and now he's telling us that he knew that's not what Obama meant?

We have serious issues in this campaign Senator McCain. To borrow from one of my favorite movies, The American President, "We've got serious problems, and we need serious people, and if you want to talk about [sexism, John, you'd better come at us with more than a 'lipstick on a pig' comment you know wasn't sexist in the first place]." There is real sexism in this country, but Barack Obama's comment wasn't it. And for you to say that it was diminishes all the real sexism that women deal with on a daily basis.

We've got real, actual serious issues in this campaign. We simply don't have time for your candy-ass made up issues.

Yes We Will!

John McCain has so distorted Barack Obama's real record and experience, even Karl Rove is calling him on it. And if Karl Rove says your campaign tactics are out of line, you're clearly so far past the line of acceptability, you can't even see the line anymore.

Luckily, the mainstream media has started calling McCain and Palin on their lies. Check out how much of the MSM is no longer blind to the lies of McCain-Palin. (And then send that link to ALL your friends). (Thanks Tim!)My only worry is that the lies have been running strong and unchecked by the MSM for a couple of weeks now. Is it too late?

We must stand strong. We have 50 days left. 50 days to keep our focus. 50 days to spread our message. Our message of inspiration, hope and change, real change. 50 days to fight and stop the smears.

This election is too important to idly sit by and do nothing. Visit Barack Obama's website's Action Center for ways you can get involved. During the primaries, I spent a night calling voters in Ohio through the Obama website. It's easy and you can do it in your pj's.

Tell all your friends and family about the facts about Barack Obama. Here are more ideas on how to take action.

And make sure you forward this You Tube video to everyone you know.





Let's be clear: McCain and the neo-cons are trying to steal this election (here, here, here, and here). We owe it to future generations to prevent that from happening.

Yes We Can!





Here's a fun feel good website about Obama I just found built by 2 Stanford students.

Yes We Will!

Some Vintage Items are Cool, Some Are Not

Barack is stepping up his game. He's now taking overt swipes at McCain's incompetence, being out of touch and his age. All I can say is it's about time.

Rubik's Cube = cool vintage
Disco Balls = cool vintage
John McCain = out of touch

LMS EXCLUSLIVE: McCain IS The Green Candidate!

Clearly John McCain believes in being environmentally friendly during his campaign, which is why he has recycled a George Bush ad from 2004.



John McCain is more of the same.

John McCain's Voicemail to the NY Times

As you'll hear, John McCain is perfectly even-tempered. Do not believe the rumors.

John McCain's Voicemail to the NY Times

You Don't Know. Period.

Do you have a military member in your family? Have you or your family or friends been touched by the horrors of any war? Any former POWs in your ancestry? Anyone given their lives for America as members of the military? Do you know anyone currently serving in Iraq or anywhere else?

Well, Meghan McCain says goodie for you. BUT YOU have no idea what real military service is about. Nope. Only HER FAMILY knows what it's like to suffer for the USA. Period. "No one knows what war is like other than [the McCain] family. Period." Nice.

Barack-rolled!

Because this is just simply too funny not to post. Thanks Tim!

Re-Post: Positions I'd Like in a McCain Administration

I am reposting this from earlier in the month because it kind of got lost in the shuffle with my multiple posts per day. I've also updated it with a new job I'd like.

In a completely unprecedented move, I've decided to stop picking apart all the reasons Sarah Palin is unqualified for the position of Vice President.

Instead, I'm going to look at the bright side.

By choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate, John McCain has shown that he is open to non-traditional experiences as qualifications for major roles in his administration. And as such, I'd like to toss my hat into the ring for a number of positions in a John McCain administration.

Secretary of Commerce: I love to shop. And I can haggle. I clip coupons and strategically decide where I will spend my money based on where I can get the most value.

Secretary of Education: I have a BA in Psychology from Lake Forest College, where I graduated. In high school, I was a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Debate Team, a Cheerleader, and I played the flute in the Marching Band (and no, I did not have any band camp experiences). I can read, but McCain should know up front I failed Multivariable Calculus (I'm revealing this now because I want to avoid any possible scandals). While I'm admitting this character flaw now, in the future you can expect to hear me say that Multivariable Calculus failed me and blame it on the class itself, rather than my own shortcomings. Oh, I also now live around the corner from an elementary school. Finally, when I babysat in high school and college, I never left any children behind.

Attorney General: I am a former litigation legal assistant and have the correct opinion about everything, so this would be a huge cost savings for the Federal Government because we could eliminate the useless and wasteful Supreme Court. Because of my former experience as a litigation legal assistant, I also have extensive knowledge of the DC Circuit Courts, as well as numerous federal courts. Because I am an expert at cite checking, I am second to none in making anything say what I want it to say.

Secretary of Labor: I have never had children, but I do have a uterus. Actually, I have a girlfriend who is currently pregnant with her 2nd child. She's familar with labor, so she might be a better choice. It's nice that we have a whole governmental department dedicated to making childbirth as pleasant as possible.

Secretary of State: As a 3rd grader, I memorized all 50 states. I have also visited or lived in 28 states plus the District of Columbia. Some of them even have a lot of electoral votes, so I definitely bring that to the ticket. My foreign policy experience is extensive. I was in the Bahamas when I was 10. And I drink Russian vodka. And I've seen The Sound of Music more times than I can count. Finally, I survived two years of French in high school.

Secretary of Transportation: I have had a drivers' license for 21 years and am ticket and accident free. I own a car, my 2nd in 21 years. I also took the train on Saturday night. I've flown on a plane countless times, travelled via Amtrak, ridden in a taxi, taken the bus, hopped on a trolley car in San Francisco and successfully navigated the subway systems of both Chicago and Washington DC. I have never carpooled, so that may be a negative.

Secretary of Treasury: With the help of online banking, I balance my two checking accounts daily. I pay my bills and taxes.

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: My recycling skils are second to none. Daily I separate my paper and plastic. And in junior high, I was a member of the Ecology Club for 3 years and President when I was in 8th grade, so I also have Executive Experience in this area.

I don't know where this would fall, but I've almost memorized all 7 seasons of The West Wing, so I'm intimately familar with the inner-workings of The White House.

Finally, I lived in Washington DC (proper) and Alexandria, VA for 7 years and did all the tours - FBI, White House (in fact, I've even had a private West Wing tour that NO ONE gets - really), Congress, Mt. Vernon, Monticello, Arlington National Cemetary, all the Georgetown bars, and Old Town Trolley Tour of DC. I've also attended church services at the Washington National Cathedral, the theatre at Ford's Theatre, Miss Siagon at the Kennedy Center, and spent many nights drinking at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Washington.

I think that's all I'm qualified for. Vetting is unnecessary. Just like George Bush, anything I have done before I turn 40 is completely out of bounds and off limits. Please let me know.

One more thing, when I'm hired, I'd like Josh Lyman as my deputy chief of staff.

UPDATE: There's one more position I'm certain I'm qualified for:

Surgeon General: One would think that since needles scare the crap out of me and the sight of blood makes me almost pass out, this might not be a good job for me. Maybe it ought to be left for those smart docs in ER or on Grey's Anatomy. One would be wrong. I am highly qualified for this position. As a child, I played Operation and got to be pretty adept at removing the Funny Bone. When I was 11, I had my appendicts removed during emergency surgery (although I guess no one wakes up on a random Tuesday thinking "I'll have my appendicts removed today"). Finally, like the rest of you (except Sarah Palin and her brood), I played Doctor as a kid. Of course, I might have some problems in a McCain Administration. First, I would insist on teaching kids about sex, rather than telling them "a stork puts a baby in Mommy's tummy and that's where you came from" and I'd also tell them that masturbation is okay and normal.

I'm Confused.

And I'll admit that it's fairly easy for me to be confused.

I thought that Barack Obama was the Elitist in this campaign, not anyone in the GOP. From what I've been hearing this week at the GOP Convention, I thought John McCain was a "man of the people" and just like you and me. And that's why he chose Sarah Palin as his runningmate. The two of them are just plain ordinary folks, just like the rest of us.

But then I saw this in Vanity Fair and now I'm confused.

I guess I'm confused because most people in this country don't own homes worth $280,000. ALL the clothes in my wardrobe are probably worth less than Cindy McCain's watch. Many people in this country earn $25,000 annually and that's just what Cindy spends on a pearl necklace.

In case you're wondering, Michelle Obama goes on National TV in a $148.00 dress.

Who's the Elitist?

Cindy McCain's $300,000 Outfit

by Vanity Fair September 4, 2008, 10:29 AM

One of the persistent memes in the Republican line of attack against Barack Obama is the notion that he is an elitist, whereas the G.O.P. represent real working Americans like Levi “F-in’ Redneck” Johnston.

It caught our attention, then, when First Lady Laura Bush and would-be First Lady Cindy McCain took the stage Tuesday night wearing some rather fancy designer clothes. So we asked our fashion department to price out their outfits.

Laura Bush

Oscar de la Renta suit: $2,500

Stuart Weitzman heels: $325

Pearl stud earrings: $600–$1,500

Total: Between $3,425 and $4,325

Cindy McCain

Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000

Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500

Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000

Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000–$25,000

Shoes, designer unknown: $600

Total: Between $299,100 and $313,100

Wow! No wonder McCain has so many houses: his wife has the price of a Scottsdale split-level hanging from her ears.

(All prices except Laura’s shoes and Cindy’s watch are estimates, and the jewelry prices are based on the assumption that the pieces are real.)