McCain's Townhall Meeting in Sparks, Nevada

Because of my real job, I couldn't attend John McCain's townhall meeting in Sparks, but the RGJ
was kind enough to broadcast it live on their website. And in spite of
my doubts, the streaming video worked out really well--much better than
the BlogHer, Netroots Nation joint session did (Good idea, the panelists still did a great job in a tough situation).

Here are my notes:

• Stem cell research good. Climate change real. McCain gets credit
  for bucking the party on these issues as long as he doesn't change his
  mind next time he talks to Dr. James Dobson or Ted Stevens. Whoops! I
  forgot, Stevens is busy being indicted. At least he's off the list.
• "Berate parents for not putting sunscreen on their children." So
  here's my question, how can you tell kids are wearing sunscreen unless
  it's zinc oxide? Anyway, I can't wait to berate my first parent at Lake
  Tahoe and tell them John McCain told me I should!
• "Troops are not a political issue." Yes my friend, the troops are not a political issue. Shame on you and your campaign. Sidebar: Jonathan Alter
  has been so funny to watch on TV lately--a truly entertaining
  curmudgeon. I actually heard him grumble audibly "oh please" as a
  Republican pundit defended the validity of McCain's latest ad on
  Countdown last night.
• "Obama opposed everything that would make the US energy independent." Uh, fact checkers? A little help please. Sometimes I feel like I'm living in an alternative universe where facts matter.
• "I'm taking public financing, Obama is first presidential candidate
  to opt out." Wahhhhh. He broke his promise. Wait, what was that you
  said about opting out of public financing my friend?
• "I've asked Obama time and time again to join me in these townhall
  meetings!" Well, yes, and it might be kind of cool. But why on earth
  would Obama want to give his good friend McCain so much free air time
  before the Democratic convention? Not to mention the free crowds? He's
  not a stupid man.
• "I've crossed the aisle many times to work with my good friend Joe Lieberman." Wow, that aisle must be as wide as a tooth pick.
• "We've got to stop putting party ahead of country." Another great idea. Too bad my good friend McCain doesn't seem able to put that idea into practice.

And I must thank you for leaving me with "Life Is A Highway" stuck
in my head for the rest of the day. That's just cruel. Not to mention
the fact that the lyrics made me think of how boring, or at least
awkward it would be to ride in a car with John McCain all night long.