Voter Political Blog

There’s certainly enough coverage about the inaguration all over the mainstream media, so I won’t bother writing even more about it here.  I did however, find this story warming.  Obama personally invited the pilot and his family to the inaguration who safely landed the plane last week in the Hudson saving all aboard from what could have been a spectacular tragedy.

I’m sure some cynics will simply jump on this as a PR stunt, but I would argue that Obama hardly needs PR at this time, his numbers are extremely high, and because of this and like gestures he’s made throughout his run for presidency and the days going into it is exactly why.

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President-elect Barack Obama has personally invited the Bay Area pilot who safely landed an airplane in the Hudson River in New York after it hit a flock of birds Thursday to his inauguration in Washington, D.C., this week, the mayor of Danville said today.

Capt. Chesley Sullenberger III will be joined by his family in the nation’s capital as guests at the inauguration Tuesday. The pilot’s wife, Lori Sullenberger, is flying to the East Coast with her daughters today to meet with the pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich said.

“They are just overwhelmed beyond belief. It’s extraordinary for them,” Arnerich said. “Lori and their daughters want to see their dad. It is a pretty important thing for them to physically hug and hold him.”

Since the events of last Thursday have settled in everyone has been talking about what a hero Sullenberger is, but it could have gone the other way and the family realizes that, Arnerich said.

“Just the emotional impact of seeing the plane hit the water draws out a lot of emotion,” he said.

more story

With Obama’s inauguration ceremony less than a week away, I’m curious what everyone thinks of all the hype.  I can’t turn a page on CNN, or walk down the street without seeing something about it.  I guess I’m helping perpetuate that with this article as well. ;)  With the economy in the most serious dire straits it has seen since the great depression, and more people out of work than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, the grandstand parade and unthinkable amounts of money being spent on the inauguration party are a curious item of discussion.

No doubt, this inaguration is absolutely is a big deal!  It’s our first African American president, and perhaps more importantly it’s the day the GWB loses power.  Millions of people are there to celebrate one of these items or the other.  It’s supposed to be the largest audience for an inaguration ever from what I hear.  People are clearly electrified by the opportunity to be part of history.

I would love to hear thoughts on the matter.  Is a huge celebration really in order, or would a more modest approach seem more appropriate given the state of the economy?  I’m having flashbacks to the convention and the greek pillars (as the GOP called them).

Perhaps even more importantly, what is the world view of this.  I can’t wait to see reactions from around the globe.  I have my fingers crossed that it will be positive, but it may really all reside in the hands of how the media spins it.

p.s. For those on the ground in Washington for this party, I found the Inaguration Survival Guide online.

Not exactly how it sounds.  The secret service have nicknamed Obama’s new 100 foot long limo “The Beast”.

The 2009 limo having the presidential seal on the side states that this is not just a normal car. The Beast is equipped with such valuable assets that it provides the occupant with the highest level of security. The car is likely to include bullet proof glass, an armored body, sealed interior against any chemical reaction and separate oxygen supply, as said by the observers of the car. The Beast is equipped with the latest and up to date technology.

Cadillac is honoured to again provide a new Presidential Limousine,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “This is a great American tradition that we’re delighted to renew with an all-new car featuring the best of Cadillac’s dramatic design and technology.

The image of an American president greeting crowds from a Cadillac limousine dates to President Woodrow Wilson and the early days of the automobile, and continues into an historic new era. The latest Cadillac Presidential Limousine is a completely new design, succeeding the DTS Presidential Limousine that debuted in 2004. The new car incorporates many of the dramatic design and technology features of new and highly acclaimed Cadillac vehicles in a purpose-built format tailored to specific and exacting specifications befitting presidential transport.

Inside and out, the Cadillac Presidential Limousine includes many of the brand’s signature design elements. Assertive, modern and elegant, the front of the car includes the intricate, dual-textured grille made famous by Cadillac’s most popular current models, the CTS sport sedan and Escalade. Vertical design elements, such as the car’s front and rear lighting, mirror those used on production models.

For largely functional reasons, such as optimal outward visibility, the car is slightly more upright than its predecessor. However, this new Cadillac Presidential Limousine occupies roughly the same overall footprint on the road as the previous model, with a similar size and proportion.

The side and rear profiles of the new Presidential Limousine are classic, elegant forms, evocative of Cadillac’s STS and DTS luxury sedans. Inside the cabin, the car includes the
finest examples of Cadillac’s recent renaissance in design, technology and craftsmanship.

The cabin blends modern design and technology with old-world craftsmanship. Major aspects of the cabin are cut and sewn by hand, the same process used in popular Cadillac models such as the CTS sport sedan.

Naturally, many purpose-built aspects of the car are specially designed and prepared for presidential use. The rear passenger area includes an extensive executive compartment with ample seating space, outward visibility and useful mobile office features.

The car was designed, developed and tested by specialists who adhered to an extensive set of specifications. It was subjected to an extreme testing regimen to ensure performance that achieves precise functional requirements. In doing so, security provisions were undertaken at all times during development to ensure the car’s functional capabilities are preserved and confidential.

An embroidered presidential seal is positioned in the centre of the rear seat back panel, as well as on each rear door trim panel. Presidential seals are also affixed to the exterior rear doors. The U.S. flag is placed on the right front fender, and the presidential standard is located on the left front fender when the president travels in the vehicle. High-tech LED spotlights illuminate the flags at night.

Source for the fuzzy warm information (below the pic).

Some might say it’s about time (75% of the population), and some might be sad to see him go (around 25% of the population).  Either way, here’s his final “presentation” to the American people as Commander in Chief.

Part 1

Please  note: If the Video is “jumpy” or the audio fades in and out, press the Pause Button. What until the Red Bar moves to the far right and resume watching.

See the remaining Videos of his complete conference and the main points text excerpt…

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Some of the main points from the conference:

Bush “Mis-Underestimated” by Press

Bush stated that the press had often “Mis-Underestimated” him joking about the media’s obsession with ‘Bush-isms’.

He also stated he never spent much time worrying about the “loud voices” of critics and went on to say that President-elect Obama would also face “harsh” criticism as any president would.

Stimulus Plan & Bank Bailout

Bush said he supported the U.S treasury’s injection of billions of dollars into the economy to unfreeze the financial markets stating it was important to act to avert another Great Depression.

“Credit spreads are beginning to shrink, lending is just beginning to pick up,” he said.

America’s Moral Standing

Bush was questioned over Obama’s aim to improve America’s moral standing. He disagreed and stated that on the whole America had a good moral standing in most of the world.

“I strongly disagree with the assessment that our moral standing has been damaged,” Bush said. “It may be damaged amongst some of the elite, but people still understand America stands for freedom, that America as a country provides such great hope…”

“…You go to Africa. You ask Africans about American’s generosity and compassion. Go to India and ask about, you know, America’s - their view of America. Go to China and ask.”

“Mission Accomplished” Banner a Mistake

When asked about his biggest mistakes as president Bush discussed the “Mission Accomplished” banner that was placed on a U.S. aircraft carrier that the president landed on in 2003.

“Clearly, putting a “mission accomplished” on a (sic) aircraft carrier was a mistake. It sent the wrong message. We were trying to say something differently, but, nevertheless, it conveyed a different message. Obviously, some of my rhetoric has been a mistake,” answered Bush.

America’s Enemy

The topic of America’s enemy being out there and America’s fight for freedom was a theme regularly returned to as the president answered questions.

“It’s not a throwaway line, the stakes are high, there is an enemy that’s still out there. I’m telling you, there is an enemy that would like to attack America and Americans again. That’s the reality of the world,” he said.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

George Bush has admitted being “disappointed” by the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq during his final press conference as US President.

He said that “not finding weapons of mass destruction was a significant disappointment.”

Iraq Troop Surge

He pointed out that the troop “surge” in Iraq had been a success.

“I decided to do something about it, and to send 30,000 troops in as opposed to withdrawing.”

North Korea & Iran

When asked about threats to the U.S Bush warned that North Korea and Iran were both still “dangerous”.

“North Korea’s still a problem. There is a debate in the intel community about how big a problem they are.”

“One of my concerns is that there might be a - a highly enriched uranium program. And therefore it is really important that out of the six-party talks comes a - a strong verification regime…”

“…So they’re still dangerous and Iran is still dangerous.”

Wishes Obama the Best

“I genuinely mean what I say, I wish him all the very best,” President Bush said. “I consider myself fortunate to have a front row seat for what is going to be a historic moment for the country. President-elect Obama’s election speaks volumes about how far this country has come.”

Started in a Recession & Ended in a Recession

When questioned over his handling of the economy he said he started in a recession and ended in a recession.

“In terms of the economy - look, I inherited a recession, I’m ending on a recession. In the meantime, there were 52 months of uninterrupted job growth.”

Tax Cuts Policy

He further defended his 2001 and 2003 tax cuts as smart economic policy.

“And I defended tax cuts when I campaigned, I helped implement tax cuts when I was president, and I will defend them after my presidency as the right course of action.”