The Straight Talk Express bus has become a symbol of my campaign’s openness, honesty and access – true democracy at work. Some of my favorite memories of the campaign so far are of riding on the Straight Talk Express across this great country, enjoying unscripted, spirited conversation about the issues with members of the press and other passengers. I believe voters deserve a close, unfiltered examination of our presidential candidates. This give-and-take of ideas is a true example of democracy in action.

I’d like to take the opportunity today to invite you to join me on the Straight Talk Express for a day of conversation and campaigning.

Our last “Ride the Bus” contest was such a success, we’ve decided to launch it again. As a token of my appreciation for your financial support, any donation you make between today and next Monday at midnight, will qualify you to win a seat aboard the Straight Talk Express. I hope you’ll consider joining me by making a donation right away.

https://www.johnmccain.com/ridethebus

If I am given the great honor of serving as the next President of the United States, I will make certain that my administration is open and forthright about the issues facing this country, and I will keep this great conversation going that began on the Straight Talk Express.

I’ve said before that I’m running to be president of all Americans and the Straight Talk Express enables me to travel around our great country to meet directly with Americans to discuss their thoughts, ideas and concerns. We’re facing many great challenges as a nation, and I am running for president to solve these challenges through government reform.

I hope you will join my campaign for reform today and make a contribution before next Monday. Remember, with any donation you make you’ll be entered to win a trip aboard the Straight Talk Express for the day. Thank you, as always, for your tireless support.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. I’ve never been afraid to do things a little differently on the campaign trail. I’ve never been afraid to hold town hall forums, engaging Americans in a discussion on the issues. My campaign bus, the Straight Talk Express, has taken me to every corner of our great country to meet with Americans who agree we need reform. Today, you have the chance to win a day with me on the Straight Talk Express. You will be entered to ride the bus with me by making a donation of any amount before next Monday. Please follow this link to enter today. Thank you.

link here: The WaterBoard Express

The Obama campaign which was not conducting a lottery by selling chances to meet the Messiah and definitely not breaking any MN laws (just ask DJZ) have now reversed themselves and dropped the contribution requirement.

Oh, and DJZ?

“The Minnesota Gambling Board received a tip on Monday of the possible violation. Since the board only oversees charity gambling, it referred the matter the public safety department which investigates other forms of gambling.”

Don’t worry though, your conclusion that a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy (TM) was responsible will continue to sell well with the crazy set.

OK. Try sending in your sob story WITHOUT the five bucks. See how far that gets you.

what is more important might be a comparison between the “messiah” obama and others in world history that have had little experience, but talked their way into office. any thoughts about world history in the 1930′s and rulers that came to power with little or no experience, had the ability to hold his audience spellbound, and used an outdoor arena with searchlights to mesmerize his followers, but ended up being a catastrophic leader???

That this is purely a political move is evidenced by the request to have the Department of Public Safety look into the matter. The Dept. of Public Safety does not regulate charitable gambling in Minnesota – the Attorney General does. Barrett and Pawlenty know that the Office of the Attorney General will take a look at this and quickly and correctly conclude that based on the facts, this is not a raffle as defined in law.

The Department of Public Safety however, is a state agency under the control of Mr. Pawlenty. As we all now know, the new breed of Republican office holder like George W. Bush and Tim Pawlenty have no qualms about corrupting public agencies to further their own political agendas.

Sen. Obama’s campaign has come up with an original and worthwhile idea to engage contributors. Since the Bush-Republican national nightmare will be ending in November, it is no surprise at all that they will continue to throw tantrums – they have nothing else to offer.

Can we raffle waffles?

If its a raffle, then McCain will slide because they can’t pay enough people to be around him but I think about all of the MN GOP raffles for Lunch with Bush and pictures with Bush and Cheney right here in Minneosta (one in Edina a couple of years back, one in Saint Paul and one in Wayzata).

You can’t be this stupid. You just can’t.