# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=610 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 611 --- ## [Would Palin be worse than GWB as President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-palin-be-worse-than-gwb-as-president/461990)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-palin-be-worse-than-gwb-as-president/461990 "2008-09-04T23:56:18Z")
I just thought I’d hop on the Palin thread bandwagon. I hear alot of people complaining that she wouldn’t be fit to be Vice-President, nor if it came to it President. Is she less fit than GWB was? I’m not trying to stir … --- ## [RAND Corp: "War on terrorism" has been a failure. Thought?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-corp-war-on-terrorism-has-been-a-failure-thought/461962)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-corp-war-on-terrorism-has-been-a-failure-thought/461962 "2008-09-04T22:41:05Z")
As this article explains: Shouldn’t this report promote some discussion regarding the strategies we use to combat terrorism at home and abroad? Or more broadly, how we deal with “crime” of any sort? RAND elaborates on… --- ## [McCain/Palin '08](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-palin-08/461818)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-palin-08/461818 "2008-09-04T20:44:26Z")
Okay, we have enough threads talking about Palin as a pick, person, and politician. Now that we have the Republican ticket, it’s time for a companion thread to the Obama/Biden '08 thread (which, BTW, wasn’t started by m… --- ## [Was Apartheid South Africa worse than the U.S.A. to the Indians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-apartheid-south-africa-worse-than-the-u-s-a-to-the-indians/461960)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-apartheid-south-africa-worse-than-the-u-s-a-to-the-indians/461960 "2008-09-04T13:00:25Z")
The thread in GQ about how the supposedly open-minded Dutch set up an apartheid state in South Africa got me thinking about this. South Africa (and Rhodesia, too, I guess) both set up white-minority-rule states that put… --- ## [Physicists don't believe in global warming anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-dont-believe-in-global-warming-anymore/457005)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2008, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-dont-believe-in-global-warming-anymore/457005 "2008-09-04T04:18:53Z")
“The American Physical Society, an organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists, has reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming.… --- ## [Russia backs independence for Ossetia and Abkhazia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-backs-independence-for-ossetia-and-abkhazia/461192)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-backs-independence-for-ossetia-and-abkhazia/461192 "2008-09-03T22:46:33Z")
BBC article. How should the West react? Would it not be hypocritical to deny them independence after the recent events in the Balkans? If we do permit it, are we storing up trouble for when South Ossetia wants to join w… --- ## [Sarah Palin slashed funding for teenage moms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-slashed-funding-for-teenage-moms/461887)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-slashed-funding-for-teenage-moms/461887 "2008-09-03T22:27:38Z")
Oh, the hypocrisy: The negative revelations about Palin are coming so quick and heavy that I fear they’ll drown each other out. This one is especially stunning in its irony, though. I guess only her own kid deserves to… --- ## [Musharraf resigns -- what now for Pakistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musharraf-resigns-what-now-for-pakistan/460425)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musharraf-resigns-what-now-for-pakistan/460425 "2008-09-03T16:45:02Z")
Story here. Like Nixon, Musharraf is resigning to avoid impeachment. Who will replace him as president? And what will this mean for Pakistan’s relations with U.S., with Afghanistan, and with the GWOT? --- ## [What kind of maverick takes marching orders from his party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-maverick-takes-marching-orders-from-his-party/461852)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-maverick-takes-marching-orders-from-his-party/461852 "2008-09-03T15:45:59Z")
It seems curious to me (as per the NY Times story) that McCain was pushing (hard, apparently) for his pal Joe Lieberman to be VP but got told that the pro-life right-wingers wouldn’t accept it, so he chose Palin instead. … --- ## [McCain wanted Lieberman or Ridge, met with Palin for the first time last week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wanted-lieberman-or-ridge-met-with-palin-for-the-first-time-last-week/461691)
**Author:** [@Gadarene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadarene)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wanted-lieberman-or-ridge-met-with-palin-for-the-first-time-last-week/461691 "2008-09-03T04:58:32Z")
So says the New York Times. Thoughts? I’m of the opinion that she was not subjected to extensive vetting, and I wonder about the judgment inherent in making such an important decision with such apparent haste. --- ## [Palin chuckles at shock jock's puerile insults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-chuckles-at-shock-jocks-puerile-insults/461700)
**Author:** [@WF\_Tomba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WF_Tomba)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palin-chuckles-at-shock-jocks-puerile-insults/461700 "2008-09-03T04:41:41Z")
I found this on the Huffington Post. Gov. Palin appeared on one of those radio dickheads-in-the-morning shows this year and giggled as the host called one of the governor’s opponents “a cancer”, “a bitch”, and made a … --- ## [Sarah Palin - McCain's stroke of genius?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-mccains-stroke-of-genius/461683)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palin-mccains-stroke-of-genius/461683 "2008-09-03T04:09:36Z")
Ooh! The first thread in the new GD! Anyway, I’m in conspiracy mode. Some time ago I wondered if McCain intended serving a full term. Now I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. Consider that the troops will be out of Iraq in 2011.… --- ## [What are Momma and Poppa Clinton grooming Chelsea for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-momma-and-poppa-clinton-grooming-chelsea-for/461585)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-momma-and-poppa-clinton-grooming-chelsea-for/461585 "2008-09-03T03:07:58Z")
The gratuitous mentions of his daughter in last night’s speech made me aware of a trend I’ve been noticing: Chelsea is being positioned towards some end. But I can’t quite figure out what they’re up to. If she makes eno… --- ## [McCain's inner circle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccains-inner-circle/461756)
**Author:** [@Key\_Lime\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Key_Lime_Guy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccains-inner-circle/461756 "2008-09-02T22:38:16Z")
Admission: I’m a liberal, but also a worst-case-scenario-type-guy & so I assume McCain will win. According to this article (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/politics/31reconstruct.html?scp=3&sq=vetting&st=cse), McCa… --- ## [Obama's speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-speech/461638)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-speech/461638 "2008-08-29T13:46:37Z")
I’m a bit tape delayed, but at this point I give it a B-. And I’m being generous. This is a rally cry to the faithful, not a reaching out to the undecided. I don’t want to hear about Bush or McCain-- I want to hear a… --- ## [Who will/should McCain pick as running mate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-mccain-pick-as-running-mate/453391)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-should-mccain-pick-as-running-mate/453391 "2008-08-29T13:40:23Z")
All conceivable possibilities listed on this Wikipedia page. Bobby Jindal is out of the running if McCain has even a lick of sense. Charlie Crist has been suggested . . . but, no. He’s gay. Hotly denies it, but every… --- ## [Who will be McCain's "big endorser" at the RNC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-mccains-big-endorser-at-the-rnc/461622)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-mccains-big-endorser-at-the-rnc/461622 "2008-08-29T13:20:54Z")
After the previous two night’s DNC speeches, this morning I heard Soledad O’Brien ask a couple republican strategists who they thought will be McCain’s “big endorser” at the RNC, and the question was answered (or not) bo… --- ## [Democratic convention 2008 discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-convention-2008-discussion-thread/461236)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 363\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-convention-2008-discussion-thread/461236 "2008-08-29T11:41:11Z")
I don’t see a thread open for discussing the convention. Tonight, I’m looking forward to seeing Ted Kennedy and Jimmy Carter. Wait, it’s not 1980! :smiley: Watching a very happy flashback on C-Span now. Ann Richards ke… --- ## [Where does the antipathy between blacks and jews come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-antipathy-between-blacks-and-jews-come-from/461365)
**Author:** [@Kim\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kim_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-antipathy-between-blacks-and-jews-come-from/461365 "2008-08-29T11:31:43Z")
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I flipped a coin. Let me start by saying that I’m a mutt. That is, my mother is black and my father jewish, and tho people who meet me typically think that I’m caucasian, I was rais… --- ## [McCain elected. What happens with the SC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-elected-what-happens-with-the-sc/461562)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-elected-what-happens-with-the-sc/461562 "2008-08-29T10:56:31Z")
Have been reading some articles that seem to be making the case that if Obama is elected the best he can hope to accomplish is to maintain the current status quo in the USSC. However, if McCain is elected (so the theory… --- ## [Is it inappropriate to encourage a person who has never used a handgun to learn how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-inappropriate-to-encourage-a-person-who-has-never-used-a-handgun-to-learn-how/461317)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-inappropriate-to-encourage-a-person-who-has-never-used-a-handgun-to-learn-how/461317 "2008-08-29T10:51:09Z")
Inspired by this discussion. In that thread, I mentioned my insistence for my wife to learn the basic rules of handgun safety, further alluding to my desire for her to take lessons and become competent with a handgun he… --- ## [U.S. military funds research into mind-reading technology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-military-funds-research-into-mind-reading-technology/460557)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-military-funds-research-into-mind-reading-technology/460557 "2008-08-29T09:53:52Z")
Story here. Meh. They’re thinking too small. So, could this work? Could it lead to the development of real mechanically assisted telepathy? --- ## [How much will William Ayers be a factor in the election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-william-ayers-be-a-factor-in-the-election/461456)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-william-ayers-be-a-factor-in-the-election/461456 "2008-08-29T07:14:22Z")
For those who don’t know, he’s a Weatherman from the Sixties (note the capitalization, 'cause I know y’all are tempted to joke about Willard Scott or partially cloudy or something) who’s apparently been chummy with Obama… --- ## [Is Barack Obama his brother's keeper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-barack-obama-his-brothers-keeper/460690)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-barack-obama-his-brothers-keeper/460690 "2008-08-29T06:26:52Z")
Barack Obama’s ‘Lost’ Brother Found in Kenya What degree of responsibility should Obama have for his family members spread across the globe? --- ## [The US Christian Military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-christian-military/455608)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-christian-military/455608 "2008-08-29T05:16:57Z")
Anderson Cooper blog These kinds of allegations and lawsuits are becoming more and more common and increasingly disturbing. What the hell is going on the military? It was a decidedly religiose culture when I was in (mi… --- ## [Barack Obama and Bill Clinton: Are there parallels to be made here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barack-obama-and-bill-clinton-are-there-parallels-to-be-made-here/461649)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barack-obama-and-bill-clinton-are-there-parallels-to-be-made-here/461649 "2008-08-29T04:22:57Z")
You’ve heard the jokes about how Bill Clinton was our first black president. But I’ve actually heard a lot lately that make the two seem comparable: \[ul\] \[li\]Themes of hope and change.\[/li\]\[li\]Coming from a political … --- ## [What must happen for Hillary to run for president in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-must-happen-for-hillary-to-run-for-president-in-2012/461564)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-must-happen-for-hillary-to-run-for-president-in-2012/461564 "2008-08-29T03:50:14Z")
For the sake of this exercise, assume Obama is (a) elected in November and (b) still in office in January 2011. What must happen for Hillary to mount a credible primary campaign in the next cycle? --- ## [Does College sport remain solvent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-college-sport-remain-solvent/461200)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-college-sport-remain-solvent/461200 "2008-08-29T03:50:10Z")
I was in a fierce debate last night about whether or not College football actually pays it’s own way. I don’t really care about private schools, they can do whatever they like, but I have a hard time believing the Minne… --- ## [How dare they expect nights and weekends off.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dare-they-expect-nights-and-weekends-off/461170)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dare-they-expect-nights-and-weekends-off/461170 "2008-08-29T03:06:49Z")
Or, will the nominal 40- or 35-hour workweek become a thing of the past? Many of us with jobs seem to be facing demands for more overtime. Although there may be extra money involved, it doesn’t make completely for los… --- ## [Do You Care If The LPGA Busts Korean Gals' Chops On English Proficiency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-care-if-the-lpga-busts-korean-gals-chops-on-english-proficiency/461608)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-care-if-the-lpga-busts-korean-gals-chops-on-english-proficiency/461608 "2008-08-29T02:57:36Z")
Building interest in golf requires building interest in individual golfers. I can see their point that it is kind of hard to do that when over a third of your tour is from one (foreign) country and many don’t have a g… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=609) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=611)