I just got back from a rally in front of just ONE of John McCain's many luxury homes. He owns so many, in fact, that he can't even remember the number (his staff will get back to us, he says). Here's a description of this particular property:
... An elite address to say the least, directly across the river from downtown DC proper. Let's see what these condos sell for in today's market.$899,900 will get you a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo in Crystal Gateway. Financing 100% of this at today's 30-year fixed rate of 6.32%, you would pay $5,581.87 monthly to own this gem. If you're slumming or really cash-strapped, you can spend a paltry $645,000 and cram yourself into 1,516 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for the low low price of $4,000.79 monthly. I feel for McSame - I really, really do - having to slum it in a 2-3 bedroom 2-2.5 bath condo in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the DC suburbs when he's in Washington.
Nice, huh? And remember, that's just one of John McCain's homes. So what's the problem? Here's what the speakers today had to say on that subject.
Del. David Englin (D-45) said that John McCain is out of touch, disconnected from the real lives and real struggles of the vast majority of Americans. People all over our country are making tough decisions these days, facing tough times - the housing/foreclosure crisis, a struggling economy in general, spiking energy prices - and most Americans would be very happy with one home. We're not here to attack John McCain's character, but he's out of touch with the average American - as evidenced by the fact that he doesn't even know how many luxury properties he owns.
Arlington County Democratic Committee chair Peter Rousselot said that the level of enthusiasm for Barack Obama was enormous even BEFORE John McCain showed how out of touch he is. People these days are trying to avoid foreclosure, while John McCain doesn't even know how many houses he owns. He's out of touch, which is just one reason why we're going to get 80% of the vote for Barack Obama in Arlington come election day.
[at this point, the McCain staffers predictably started chanting "Rezko, Rezko, Rezko" - yaaawwwwwnnnnn...zzzzzzzzzzz]
Prince William County resident and Democratic grassroots activist Aracely Panameno said that in Prince William County, there's a foreclosure crisis in places like Woodbridge and Dale City. From her prepared remarks:
Communities like Prince William County exist all over the country. They need help now...The conditions I have described are dire. We need a President who will give homeowners real solutions and will keep families in their homes, preserve communities, and stabilize the housing market.[...]
Mr. McCain cannot even fathom the pain families are feeling around the country. In Nevada, one out of 43 families is in foreclosure. In California, one out of 65 families is in foreclosure. In his own state of Arizona, one out of 70 families is losing a home. And in Florida, one out of 78 families is in foreclosure. But Mr. McCain cannot even remember how many homes he owns.
We need a president capable of understanding the typical American experience. We do not need someone who is far removed from our economic and housing crisis, or who has had advisors calling us "whiners" in a "mental recession." We need a President who will lead our nation on a path to stabilize our economy, keep families in their homes, and secure our future. That leader is Barack Obama.
Ms. Panameno added that "all Latinos and all Americans should vote for Obama.
Grassroots Democratic activist Kevin Appel of Arlington County talked about all the houses in his neighborhood that are in various stages of foreclosure. He pointed out how incongruous it was that John McCain doesn't even know how many houses he OWNS! He said this is reminiscent of George Bush not knowing how much milk cost. John McCain has no clue what Americans are going through.
Del. Englin concluded that, given John McCain's own wealth, of course McCain believes the economy is strong. Meanwhile, the American dream is slipping out of reach of many Americans.
Meanwhile, McWar is saying that a guy who started out after college as a community organizer on the south side of Chicago is an elitist. McWar is attacking a guy who has spent virtually his whole adult life as a public servant while writing on the side.
If McCain had something real to offer for the 21st Century, he would not be harping on the fact that he supported an offensive strategy in Iraq when it was not popular. The invasion of Iraq was stupid. The surge was carried out without an accompanying diplomatic strategy.
Lets pursue a grassroots strategy of exposing McWar's rampant hypocrisy.