So somehow I got on the Republican mailing list... Anywaz I get emails from McCain's campaign constantly. I think I will start posting them here for fun:

[FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"][IMG]http://www.gop.com/images/johnmccainfinal_header_042408.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/SIZE][/FONT] [LEFT][FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Dear Sean,[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT] [/LEFT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"][IMG]http://www.gop.com/images/mail/082508_email.jpg[/IMG][/URL]Over the past months, over 1.7 million Americans from all across the country have joined together in financially supporting my campaign and the RNC Victory 2008 effort to help elect Republicans across the board on November 4th.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]I am deeply grateful for your support and all that you are doing for our Party and our cause. But we must continue to work collectively to win these crucial contests that are so important to the future of our nation.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Our immediate goal is to reach 2 million individual supporters by the night our Convention ends - September 4th. I know it is an ambitious goal, but [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"]if you and every Republican that receives this message makes a secure online contribution of at least $5[/URL] to support RNC Victory 2008 today - I believe it is a goal we can reach.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Of course if you could make [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"]an online contribution of $10, $50, $100 or even $250[/URL], that would make even more of a difference in these crucial final days leading up to the elections. Whatever amount you are able to give [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sean[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2], [B][U]please act now[/U][/B].[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]My opponent broke his pledge to the American people to accept public financing during the general election - [U]a pledge I have kept[/U]. The Obama Democrats are raising unprecedented amounts of money. They and their liberal special interest allies - Big Labor, MoveOn.org, Hollywood elites and other left-wing groups - plan to spend nearly $1 billion in an effort to mow over Republican candidates with negative and misleading attack ads that will play non-stop across our country's airwaves from now until Election Day - especially in the essential swing states.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Despite what the Obama Democrats and the liberal media would have you believe, my campaign and the RNC rely on the generous voluntary contributions of Republican activists like you for the support we need to answer their barrage of assaults with the truth. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]Now is the time to show the Obama Democrats and the media elites how strong and broad our Party really is.[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Your gift of $250, $100, $50, $10 or $5 to RNC Victory 2008 today is crucial to building our Party's base and getting our message of reform, security and prosperity out to voters. We can win the White House and races all across the country but to do it - to succeed - we must have your immediate involvement. [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"]Please make your secure online gift[/URL] of at least $5 as soon as you possibly can, and [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2fnet.gop.com%2fstf%2fdefault.aspx%3fsid%3d16234%26fn%3d082508_urgent"]forward this e-mail to as many people as you know[/URL] who would be willing to help in this critically important effort. Standing together, I truly believe we will win.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]Sincerely,[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][IMG]http://www.johnmccain.com/images/email/mccainsig_150_0408.jpg[/IMG][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][B]John McCain[/B][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2]P.S. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Sean[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=2], we receive our donations from concerned citizens like you who are willing to make an investment in building a safer, more prosperous future for America. Please help elect Republicans up and down the ticket dedicated to our values by making a secure online contribution today of $250, $100, $50, $10 or $5 to RNC Victory 2008 by [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"]clicking here[/URL]. Thank you.[/SIZE][/FONT] [CENTER][URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=https%3a%2f%2fsecure.donationreport.com%2fdonate.html%3fkey%3dRSNDVBWTZNHF"][IMG]http://www.gop.com/images/mail/mail_donate.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gop.com%2fSecure%2fsmssignup.aspx"][IMG]http://www.gop.com/images/mail/mail_mobile.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2fnet.gop.com%2fstf%2fdefault.aspx%3fsid%3d16234%26fn%3d082508_urgent"][IMG]http://www.gop.com/images/mail/mail_forward.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]Contributions or gifts to the Republican National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]Contributions from corporations, labor unions, federal contractors and foreign nationals [/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]without permanent residency status are prohibited.[/FONT][/SIZE] [B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]Republican National Committee[/SIZE][/FONT][/B][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1] | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003[/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: [EMAIL="info@gop.com"]info@gop.com[/EMAIL] [/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]Paid for by the Republican National Committee and authorized by John McCain 2008[/SIZE][/FONT] [SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]310 First Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 [/FONT][/SIZE][/CENTER]

[CENTER][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]Copyright 2008 Republican National Committee[/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER]

Re: John McCain Email

[FONT=Times, 'Times New Roman', Arial, Verdana, Geneva][SIZE=2]Team -

I wanted to share a memo from our Director of Strategy, Sarah Simmons. After naming his running-mate, Senator Joe Biden, our campaign believes Senator Obama will receive a bump in polling numbers after this week's Democratic Convention in Denver.

Senator Obama's bump in the polls means we need to re-double our efforts this week as we head into our own Convention starting September 1st. We're focused on electing the man we all know is ready to lead, a man who puts his country before all else, John McCain. That's why I'm asking you to [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftracking.gop.com%2fcgi-bin%2ftrack.cgi%3f1-18143-23986572-22223"]make an immediate donation to our campaign[/URL] so we have the financial resources necessary heading into our Convention next week. Your generous support is critical as we're quickly approaching our August 31st deadline- the last day to accept your primary donations.

As of September 1st, we'll be limited in the amount of money we can spend to elect John McCain. Senator Obama broke his promise to accept federal funds and will be able to spend whatever he wants to defeat us. [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftracking.gop.com%2fcgi-bin%2ftrack.cgi%3f1-18143-23986572-22223"]Any amount you can give today[/URL]- up to the legal limit of $2,300 will go a long way in helping us reach our financial goals by the end of the month.

Please take a few minutes to read Sarah's memo and if you can, [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftracking.gop.com%2fcgi-bin%2ftrack.cgi%3f1-18143-23986572-22223"]make a contribution to our campaign.[/URL] As always, I thank you for your time and support.

Many Thanks- Rick

Rick Davis Campaign Manager John McCain 2008 [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Times, 'Times New Roman', Arial, Verdana, Geneva][SIZE=2][B]From: [/B]Simmons, Sarah [B]Sent:[/B] Friday, August 22, 2008 7:32 AM [B]To: [/B]All Staff [B]CC: [/B]Rick Davis [B]Subject:[/B] Strategy Memo: Obama's Convention Bounce [/SIZE][/FONT]

[CENTER][CENTER][URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftracking.gop.com%2fcgi-bin%2ftrack.cgi%3f1-18143-23986572-22223"][IMG]http://www.johnmccain.com/images/mccain2008logo.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/CENTER][/CENTER] TO: Interested Parties FROM: Sarah Simmons, Director of Strategy RE: Obama's Convention Bounce DATE: August 22, 2008

Monday marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention in Denver. A combination of factors makes this particular convention historic on many levels. Democrats have just completed an incredibly compelling primary cycle that has both energized and divided the Democratic Party. Because of the unique nature of the Democratic primary, we believe Obama will receive a significant bump from his convention.

This cycle mirrors Bill Clinton's Democratic convention in 1992: A historic 16-point bump. Barack Obama is more similarly situated to Bill Clinton in 1992 than any other candidate in recent history. Bill Clinton was a new candidate on t he national scene; he was running in a "change" oriented election cycle and the economy was voters' top issue -- a dynamic he was able to capitalize on. He received a 16-point bump coming out of his convention. Obama is also a "new" candidate in a change-oriented environment. And, like Bill Clinton, he will spend the convention presenting himself as the agent of change who will fix the economy.

Obama will ride his VP bump. In addition to Obama taking advantage of the political environment, he will announce his Vice Presidential candidate late this week. This announcement typically gives a candidate a 5-point temporary bump that dissipates. However, Obama's timing allows him to maximize his Vice Presidential bump and sustain press attention for the course of the week. He will ride the wave of an announcement from late this week (announcement expected by Saturday) through his speech on Thursday. This means that whatever bump he gains from the announcement has the potential to be lasting.

Obama will correct his underperformance with Hillary Clinton's primary voters and emerge with a much more cohesive base. This convention gives Obama a platform to unite his base. There continues to be a divide in the Democratic base: Between 10-15% of Democrats are voting for McCain or sitting on the fence. In target states, that number is even higher, between 15-20% in many surveys. The Obama campaign knows that winning or losing in states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania depends on Obama's ability to bring these voters home. If his convention successfully showcases Hillary Clinton and heals the wounds from the primary, he will move large groups of voters in those key places.

Obama's stadium address on Thursday -- the 45th anniversary of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech -- will result in effusive and overwhelming press coverage. On Thursday, Obama will give a great speech, as has been his trademark. The press will sing his praises and remark on his historic address and Obama's place in history. For example, The Associated Press today published an article comparing the historic nature of the addresses - a week before Obama's speech. This coverage will be impenetrable and will undoubtedly impact the polls.

We believe Obama will see a significant bump, and believe it is reasonable to expect nearly a 15-point bounce out of a convention in this political environment.

[CENTER][URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2ftracking.gop.com%2fcgi-bin%2ftrack.cgi%3f1-18143-23986572-22223"][IMG]http://www.johnmccain.com/images/email2/button_contribute3.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Paid for by John McCain 2008

[FONT=Arial, Verdana, Geneva][SIZE=2][FONT=arial][B]Republican National Committee[/B] | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003 p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: [email]info@gop.com[/email] [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER] [FONT=Arial, Verdana, Geneva][SIZE=2][FONT=arial]Paid for by the Republican National Committee. 310 First Street, SE - Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 863-8500 [URL="https://exchange.flagler.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=16c002261bf545edae1e6032916452d9&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gop.com%2f"]www.gop.com[/URL] Authorized by John McCain 2008 [/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]

Re: John McCain Email

this is exactly why we need to jsut regulate the media and elections.

1. open a taxpayer funded escrow account and simply give the approved candidates say, 10 million a peice, and distribute it equally to all parties. this will open up parity if nothign less when the green and libertarian parties get more show.

2. ban, with severe penalties, any "swift boat" or outside party adverts in all medium streams. penalize the networks with hefty fines, penalize those responsible for production with jail. we could umbrella it under the voter rights act passed after last election.

3. force networks covering the politics to give equal rights and time to all. this way, the news and late night will have to give equal time to everyone, not just teh big two (which, btw, is a law right now.. ie. if jay leno has mccain on, he must, by law, give time to barak. unfortunetly for the citizen, it only seems to cover the big two parties. )

4. lastly, since people cant seem to find [URL="http://www.house.gov"]www.house.gov[/URL] or [URL="http://www.senate.gov"]www.senate.gov[/URL] , once the top candidates are at the forefront of thier parties, create a national website that gives all the facts and voting histories, [B][U]and donors[/U][/B], of each candidate.

Re: John McCain Email

[quote=thesightless;641661]this is exactly why we need to jsut regulate the media and elections.

1. open a taxpayer funded escrow account and simply give the approved candidates say, 10 million a peice, and distribute it equally to all parties. this will open up parity if nothign less when the green and libertarian parties get more show.

2. ban, with severe penalties, any "swift boat" or outside party adverts in all medium streams. penalize the networks with hefty fines, penalize those responsible for production with jail. we could umbrella it under the voter rights act passed after last election.

3. force networks covering the politics to give equal rights and time to all. this way, the news and late night will have to give equal time to everyone, not just teh big two (which, btw, is a law right now.. ie. if jay leno has mccain on, he must, by law, give time to barak. unfortunetly for the citizen, it only seems to cover the big two parties. )

4. lastly, since people cant seem to find [URL="http://www.house.gov"]www.house.gov[/URL] or [URL="http://www.senate.gov"]www.senate.gov[/URL] , once the top candidates are at the forefront of thier parties, create a national website that gives all the facts and voting histories, [B][U]and donors[/U][/B], of each candidate.[/quote]

or we could just have a test to vote? i mean, if you can't add, subtract, or find canada on a map, you shouldn't be pulling any lever except the burger machine one at mcdonalds.

Re: John McCain Email

i wish it were that easy, but then the FAR LEFT liberal faction base would dissappear. none of those people in that protestor video would be able to vote. the left caters to these people, making their platform about fixing thier ills at the expense of the rest. im with you, we should have a testing system to determine the right to vote. that way, we could actually fix some shit.

Re: John McCain Email

^ i think it would even out actually. you'd be amazed at how many fundamentalist christians don't know shit about shit.

Re: John McCain Email

amen to that brother.

Re: John McCain Email

[quote=88Mariner;641692]or we could just have a test to vote? i mean, if you can't add, subtract, or find canada on a map, you shouldn't be pulling any lever except the burger machine one at mcdonalds.[/quote]

You need to think more upstream... test to breed ;)

Re: John McCain Email

[quote=88mariner;641703]You'd be amazed at how many fundamentalist christians don't know shit about shit.[/quote]

[SIZE=7][B]Holy fucking shit that is the truth.[/B][/SIZE]

Re: John McCain Email

[quote=88Mariner;641703]^ i think it would even out actually. you'd be amazed at how many fundamentalist christians don't know shit about shit.[/quote]

I'm stunned...who thinks they [B]do[/B]?

Re: John McCain Email

[quote=thesightless;641661]this is exactly why we need to jsut regulate the media and elections.

1. open a taxpayer funded escrow account and simply give the approved candidates say, 10 million a peice, and distribute it equally to all parties. this will open up parity if nothign less when the green and libertarian parties get more show.

...

3. force networks covering the politics to give equal rights and time to all. this way, the news and late night will have to give equal time to everyone, not just teh big two (which, btw, is a law right now.. ie. if jay leno has mccain on, he must, by law, give time to barak. unfortunetly for the citizen, it only seems to cover the big two parties. )

... [/quote]

but then how do we determine what is and isn't a worthy political party? I'm totally for capping the spending, but I keep coming back to the problem where smaller parties would get either too much funding or none at all. does this also mean that the democratic party would get more money because there are more people in it? remember that we're partly stuck in this two-party system because the election is winner-take-all instead of proportional representation. it's not all the status quo.