Races not yet resolved:
Senate - 2
Minnesota - Norm Coleman vs Al Franken Recount
The Minneapolis Star Tribune says:
"With the U.S. Senate recount still incomplete, attorneys on both sides have already armored up for the next pitched battle: over whether to reexamine thousands of rejected absentee ballots."
Rejected absentee votes may decide it
Georgia - Saxby Chambliss vs Jim Martin Runoff Election
The Atlanta Journal Constitution says:
"The Georgia Senate runoff is attracting a lengthening line of political A-listers as Democrats push for a 60-vote, filibuster-proof “super majority” in the upper chamber and Republicans pull out all the stops to hold Chambliss’s seat." Time for Chambliss to go, Al Gore tells Martin supporters
House -
Ohio - District 15 - Stivers vs Kilroy Recount
The Columbus Dispatch/Politics says:
"Republican Steve Stivers maintains a narrow lead over Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy in the 15th District race."
27,306 provisional ballots remain unopened. Several questionable ballots tossed out
Louisiana - 2 and 4 face a Runoff on December 6th
The Times-Picayune says:
"On Dec. 6, Republicans get their first chance to weigh in, but there aren't enough of them to really change the dynamic. That is, unless they turn out in disproportionate numbers.
Which, it turns out, is the plan." Pssst! There's an election coming up
U. S. Representative, 2nd Congressional District candidates:
William J. Jefferson, D - -- Malik Rahim, G- -- Gregory W. Kahn, L - -- Anh "Joseph" Cao, R
U. S. Representative, 4th Congressional District candidates
Paul J. Carmouche, D - -- John Fleming, R- -- Gerard J. Bowen, Jr., O- -- Chester T. "Catfish" Kelley, N
Showing posts with label Politics 2005 - 2006 - 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics 2005 - 2006 - 2008. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
PEBO just say thanks but no thanks
The problem with lack of experience is, when you make a boneheaded decision but you didn’t have to pay much of a penalty for it, you don’t know what it will be like to have a second boneheaded decision bite you in the arse over and over, time and again, week after week, month after month, year after year.....
The political press is reporting that HRC is “on track” to being named PEBO’s SOS nominee. If that is true, I’m sure sorry I voted for the guy. This is not the change I expected. Maybe I could have stood HRC and 31 fresh faces. But naming HRC SOS and appointing 31 former Clinton staffers to your staff is just plain boneheaded. What is the matter with PEBO? Has he lost his touch? The honeymoon is over the minute I hear he has actually offered HRC the SOS.
Does Obama Really Want the Clinton Circus in his Big Tent?
By David Corn
"It is tough for those who cheered Obama's promise of a new foreign policy to applaud the prospect of Hillary Clinton--who voted for the Iraq war and never truly recanted and who attacked Obama's national security cred--becoming secretary of state."
Maybe PEBO is feeling extreme campaign fatigue and has suffered a reduction in his brain processing capabilities. Has PEBO considered the possibility he won the election in part because folks are sick and tired of the overplayed Clinton dramas and warmed to the 'no drama Obama' theme? Some of us voters feel an extreme Clinton fatigue and know what it is like to have our boneheaded decisions come back time and time again to bite us in the arse.
The political press is reporting that HRC is “on track” to being named PEBO’s SOS nominee. If that is true, I’m sure sorry I voted for the guy. This is not the change I expected. Maybe I could have stood HRC and 31 fresh faces. But naming HRC SOS and appointing 31 former Clinton staffers to your staff is just plain boneheaded. What is the matter with PEBO? Has he lost his touch? The honeymoon is over the minute I hear he has actually offered HRC the SOS.
Does Obama Really Want the Clinton Circus in his Big Tent?
By David Corn
"It is tough for those who cheered Obama's promise of a new foreign policy to applaud the prospect of Hillary Clinton--who voted for the Iraq war and never truly recanted and who attacked Obama's national security cred--becoming secretary of state."
Maybe PEBO is feeling extreme campaign fatigue and has suffered a reduction in his brain processing capabilities. Has PEBO considered the possibility he won the election in part because folks are sick and tired of the overplayed Clinton dramas and warmed to the 'no drama Obama' theme? Some of us voters feel an extreme Clinton fatigue and know what it is like to have our boneheaded decisions come back time and time again to bite us in the arse.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!
America's President Elect Barack Obama
and Vice President Elect Joe Biden
Sunrise, November 5, 2008
The beginning of change
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Advice for Joe the plumber
So you want to buy the business where you've been working for several years. As an employee you didn't get very many tax breaks but that will change when you become self employed. Folks that own their business get lots of tax breaks and you can find out about them at the IRS website. Here you will be able to read about all sorts of expenses that you can deduct off the top of your income. Things like employees pay, retirement plans, rent expense, interest, taxes, insurance, use of your car or home related to your business. The list goes on forever. You will need an accountant to sort it out, but don't worry that expense is a tax deduction too. Good luck to you Joe the plumber I hope your business thrives.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Watch where you put that ad
Obama's TV ad placement is not so good. Sometimes it sounds like Obama is approving McCain.
When the two candidates ads are played back to back, McCain ad first, and Obama's ad begins with the approval line it sounds like Obama just approved McCain.
A different Obama ad, the one about McCain on "the fundamentals of our economy" was unclear to me the first time I heard it because I was not actually looking at the TV screen. This morning, I was busy with my dusting while the TV was playing and when that ad was aired I heard three things, John McCain repeating the fundamentals line, some ominous sounding music, and Obama's voice saying he approved the ad.
There are two reasons Obama is struggling.
Democrats Struggle with the Vast Wasteland of Cable News
House passes energy bill
A don't miss section of the energy bill is SEC. 164. ALASKA NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT FACILITATION. HB 6899
On Governing.com Ballot Box I read The Other Woman From Wasilla by Josh Goodman
And on 9/11 of all days, Yahoo headlined Palin's Ethics Scrapes May Undercut Pledge to End Old Politics by Timothy J. Burger and Tony Hopfinger
When the two candidates ads are played back to back, McCain ad first, and Obama's ad begins with the approval line it sounds like Obama just approved McCain.
A different Obama ad, the one about McCain on "the fundamentals of our economy" was unclear to me the first time I heard it because I was not actually looking at the TV screen. This morning, I was busy with my dusting while the TV was playing and when that ad was aired I heard three things, John McCain repeating the fundamentals line, some ominous sounding music, and Obama's voice saying he approved the ad.
There are two reasons Obama is struggling.
Democrats Struggle with the Vast Wasteland of Cable News
House passes energy bill
A don't miss section of the energy bill is SEC. 164. ALASKA NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECT FACILITATION. HB 6899
On Governing.com Ballot Box I read The Other Woman From Wasilla by Josh Goodman
And on 9/11 of all days, Yahoo headlined Palin's Ethics Scrapes May Undercut Pledge to End Old Politics by Timothy J. Burger and Tony Hopfinger
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
John McCain's Fairy Tale
John McCain's Maverick ad suggests McCain and Palin are an updated version of the old knight and youthful dragon slayer fairy tale. That is what I think when I see it anyway. That said, however, the perception seems to be fixed in folks minds that the McCain-Palin team will change Washington. When I ask my Republican friends what change they are looking for, not one person has mentioned earmarks. So it doesn’t matter that Gov. Palin inflates her role in the bridge to nowhere process well beyond her actual responsibility. It doesn’t matter because the voters don’t care about this subject.
What the NEW maverick image does is give Republican voters a reason to not feel guilty about voting for Republicans AGAIN. McCain promises to change Washington and that is what Republican voters need to hear and see. In reality all he will succeed in doing if he is elected President, is give the GOP a new image, which will be as hollow and false as the compassionate conservative image G. Bush created in 2000.
Maybe the image makeover won't work this time. Compare the new Maverick image to the GOP Platform. The two are wildly out of sync.
I hope there are enough folks out there who will remember all the broken promises, all the lies, all the phony and overplayed boldness, the overspending, the torture, the recanted oath to protect and uphold the U.S. Constitution.
I live for the day when lies won’t be enough to win the office of the President of the United States.
A great CQ article:
Four Things You Need To Know About the 'Bridge to Nowhere'
What the NEW maverick image does is give Republican voters a reason to not feel guilty about voting for Republicans AGAIN. McCain promises to change Washington and that is what Republican voters need to hear and see. In reality all he will succeed in doing if he is elected President, is give the GOP a new image, which will be as hollow and false as the compassionate conservative image G. Bush created in 2000.
Maybe the image makeover won't work this time. Compare the new Maverick image to the GOP Platform. The two are wildly out of sync.
I hope there are enough folks out there who will remember all the broken promises, all the lies, all the phony and overplayed boldness, the overspending, the torture, the recanted oath to protect and uphold the U.S. Constitution.
I live for the day when lies won’t be enough to win the office of the President of the United States.
A great CQ article:
Four Things You Need To Know About the 'Bridge to Nowhere'
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Thurs. morn. after the SP for BP speech
Does Cindy McCain have a new best friend? I noticed CMc has changed her hairstyle with bangs below her eyebrows; to look like Sarah Palin?
C-Span’s morning call in - Washington Journal: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann R-MN appeared to talk about their convention and of course, their new VP nominee Sarah Palin. Much of the half hour was wasted as Michele didn’t say anything new. In fact, at one point, I said to the TV, someone find that woman an antidote for the Kool-Aid she has been guzzling. I wish folks from both Parties would have at least one piece of news to add to the conversation. So it was pretty boring, until the last caller, a self-described Korean war vet, informed Michele that Gov. Palin GOT the money for the bridge to nowhere and used it for other projects. That piece of information was a surprise to Michele. She stumbled there for a moment and then mumbled something about not knowing about that.
one question I have is:
I posted a link to that story on Aug. 31st. If I knew it, why didn‘t Congresswoman Bachmann’s staff give her the heads up?
And my really big question is:
How many Republicans will ever use that line again?
It was a good line too, ‘thanks, but no thanks....’ which is exactly what I believe Republicans will be saying to SP for BP.
Remember what your mama always told you "if something looks to good to be true, trust yourself, not your eyes."
NPR and
memeorandum
both offer a link to a written transcript of SP’s for BP acceptance speech.
Red State
claims SP for BP winged the last half of her speech. I’ll believe it when I see it. I have my printed transcript ready and believe me, I intend to check that claim. Just as soon as C-Span replays the entire speech.
Later, the C-Span reair of SP for BP speech has finished. I couldn't really tell she was winging it. As I compared the spoken words to the transcript I did not find even one section where SP for BP had a noteworthy departure from her prepared speech. I noticed she looked at papers on her podium during the pause for applause but that doesn't mean she was reading her speech notes. She might have been checking her grocery list.
C-Span’s morning call in - Washington Journal: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann R-MN appeared to talk about their convention and of course, their new VP nominee Sarah Palin. Much of the half hour was wasted as Michele didn’t say anything new. In fact, at one point, I said to the TV, someone find that woman an antidote for the Kool-Aid she has been guzzling. I wish folks from both Parties would have at least one piece of news to add to the conversation. So it was pretty boring, until the last caller, a self-described Korean war vet, informed Michele that Gov. Palin GOT the money for the bridge to nowhere and used it for other projects. That piece of information was a surprise to Michele. She stumbled there for a moment and then mumbled something about not knowing about that.
one question I have is:
I posted a link to that story on Aug. 31st. If I knew it, why didn‘t Congresswoman Bachmann’s staff give her the heads up?
And my really big question is:
How many Republicans will ever use that line again?
It was a good line too, ‘thanks, but no thanks....’ which is exactly what I believe Republicans will be saying to SP for BP.
Remember what your mama always told you "if something looks to good to be true, trust yourself, not your eyes."
NPR and
memeorandum
both offer a link to a written transcript of SP’s for BP acceptance speech.
Red State
claims SP for BP winged the last half of her speech. I’ll believe it when I see it. I have my printed transcript ready and believe me, I intend to check that claim. Just as soon as C-Span replays the entire speech.
Later, the C-Span reair of SP for BP speech has finished. I couldn't really tell she was winging it. As I compared the spoken words to the transcript I did not find even one section where SP for BP had a noteworthy departure from her prepared speech. I noticed she looked at papers on her podium during the pause for applause but that doesn't mean she was reading her speech notes. She might have been checking her grocery list.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Sarah Palin - part 4
Barack Obama Has the Right Idea
From: conventions-alerts@emails.nationaljournal.com
Subject: Obama: Palin's Daughter Is Off Limits
Date: September 1, 2008 3:46:06 PM EDT
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said today that the pregnancy of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter should not become a campaign issue. "Let me be as clear as possible ... I think people's families are off limits and people's children are especially off limits," Obama said today in Monroe, Mich. "This shouldn't be part of her politics. It has no relevance to Governor Palin's performance as governor or her potential performance as vice president." Palin and her husband, Todd, disclosed their daughter's pregnancy today.
She killed the bridge and took the money St. Petersburg Times PolitiFact.com
When Palin says “I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ on that bridge to nowhere,” it implies Congress said, “Here’s a check for that bridge” and she responded, “No thanks, that’s wasteful spending; here’s your money back.”
That's not what happened. Fact is, Alaska took the bridge money, and then just spent it on other projects. Palin did make the final call to kill plans for the bridge, but by the time she did it was no longer a politically viable project. We rule Palin's claim is Half True.
Palin Sued To Push Polar Bears Off Endangered List National Journal Convention Daily by Mary Gilbert
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin thinks that Uncle Sam is being too soft on the gigantic beasts.
On Aug. 4, just weeks before John McCain tapped her as his running mate, Palin led her state in suing the Interior Department for overprotecting the bears by designating them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
How Palin VP nomination might affect HRC Marc Ambiner The Atlantic .... and ... also by Marc Ambinder ... A web dispatch -What McCain didn't know about Sarah Palin
From: conventions-alerts@emails.nationaljournal.com
Subject: Obama: Palin's Daughter Is Off Limits
Date: September 1, 2008 3:46:06 PM EDT
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said today that the pregnancy of Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's 17-year-old daughter should not become a campaign issue. "Let me be as clear as possible ... I think people's families are off limits and people's children are especially off limits," Obama said today in Monroe, Mich. "This shouldn't be part of her politics. It has no relevance to Governor Palin's performance as governor or her potential performance as vice president." Palin and her husband, Todd, disclosed their daughter's pregnancy today.
She killed the bridge and took the money St. Petersburg Times PolitiFact.com
When Palin says “I told Congress, ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ on that bridge to nowhere,” it implies Congress said, “Here’s a check for that bridge” and she responded, “No thanks, that’s wasteful spending; here’s your money back.”
That's not what happened. Fact is, Alaska took the bridge money, and then just spent it on other projects. Palin did make the final call to kill plans for the bridge, but by the time she did it was no longer a politically viable project. We rule Palin's claim is Half True.
Palin Sued To Push Polar Bears Off Endangered List National Journal Convention Daily by Mary Gilbert
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin thinks that Uncle Sam is being too soft on the gigantic beasts.
On Aug. 4, just weeks before John McCain tapped her as his running mate, Palin led her state in suing the Interior Department for overprotecting the bears by designating them as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
How Palin VP nomination might affect HRC Marc Ambiner The Atlantic .... and ... also by Marc Ambinder ... A web dispatch -What McCain didn't know about Sarah Palin
Sunday, August 31, 2008
More Palin Introductions
If you haven't taken advantage of the wide open National Journal, better get to it. So many good things to read on this website. And when the GOP Convention is over, the National Journal pulls in the welcome mat.
Profiling Sarah Palin by Will Englund - National Journal.com
Palin has enjoyed sky-high approval ratings, and they're still at an enviable 67 percent. "She's got this amazing way of connecting with people," Halcro says. "People like her because she's likable. Everything else seems to be irrelevant."
BTW If you want to learn more about Barack Obama scroll down the right side of the page and look under the "Convention Guide" banner for this article, "Looking At Obama's Directional Markers" which is an excellent resource article.
Next introduction to Sarah Palin is on a website called Grizzly Bay.org authored by year round Alaska residents John and Jessica Teel.
Headline - Gov Sarah Palin - just another dirty politician
and the top 11 things you should know about Sarah Palin.
She was for it, before she was against it by Tom Kizzia - Anchorage Daily News
Getting Real About Palin Talking Points Memo by Josh Marshall
Profiling Sarah Palin by Will Englund - National Journal.com
Palin has enjoyed sky-high approval ratings, and they're still at an enviable 67 percent. "She's got this amazing way of connecting with people," Halcro says. "People like her because she's likable. Everything else seems to be irrelevant."
BTW If you want to learn more about Barack Obama scroll down the right side of the page and look under the "Convention Guide" banner for this article, "Looking At Obama's Directional Markers" which is an excellent resource article.
Next introduction to Sarah Palin is on a website called Grizzly Bay.org authored by year round Alaska residents John and Jessica Teel.
Headline - Gov Sarah Palin - just another dirty politician
and the top 11 things you should know about Sarah Palin.
She was for it, before she was against it by Tom Kizzia - Anchorage Daily News
Getting Real About Palin Talking Points Memo by Josh Marshall
Saturday, August 30, 2008
McCain's pick has something for everyone
Some Republicans sound like they are electing a country club president when they talk about Sarah Palin.
she is pro life..... she is a lifetime member of the NRA .... she has 5 children ... she served on the PTA...
The Game Changer AC360 by John P. Avlon
McCain pick puts focus on women Tampa Bay.com by Adam C. Smith and Alex Leary
Some folks think she is an image polisher.
John McCain's maverick image needed pumped up. What better way to do that than to pick a VP from left field?
Surprise!! John McCain doesn't seem so same-as-Bush anymore.
6 Things the Palin Pick says about McCain Politico by Jim Vandehei and John F. Harris
politically connected Republicans are trying to pump up the sparse experience she brings to the ticket.
she served on a city council ... she was a mayor ... she is the Governor of Alaska
What Palin Does For McCain, And To Obama True North by Ed Morrissey
Vetting Sarah Palin by Libby Spencer / the Impolitic
Let Palin Be Palin by William Kristol - The Weekly Standard
some see Sarah Palin as the gal who is going to help Republicans win their elections in Alaska.
Selection may shake up state and nation Juneau Empire by Pat Forgey
she is pro life..... she is a lifetime member of the NRA .... she has 5 children ... she served on the PTA...
The Game Changer AC360 by John P. Avlon
McCain pick puts focus on women Tampa Bay.com by Adam C. Smith and Alex Leary
Some folks think she is an image polisher.
John McCain's maverick image needed pumped up. What better way to do that than to pick a VP from left field?
Surprise!! John McCain doesn't seem so same-as-Bush anymore.
6 Things the Palin Pick says about McCain Politico by Jim Vandehei and John F. Harris
politically connected Republicans are trying to pump up the sparse experience she brings to the ticket.
she served on a city council ... she was a mayor ... she is the Governor of Alaska
What Palin Does For McCain, And To Obama True North by Ed Morrissey
Vetting Sarah Palin by Libby Spencer / the Impolitic
Let Palin Be Palin by William Kristol - The Weekly Standard
some see Sarah Palin as the gal who is going to help Republicans win their elections in Alaska.
Selection may shake up state and nation Juneau Empire by Pat Forgey
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sarah Palin
is Sen. John McCains Vice President nominee.
First thoughts:
McCain - Palin ticket is the opposite of the Obama - Biden ticket. A youthful nominee will stand with McCain. An older nominee will stand with Obama. Both choices will round out their respective ticket.
Palin’s Background:
Born in Idaho, her parents moved to Alaska when Sarah was 3 months old
Elected office:
Wasilla City Council 1992 - 96
Wasilla Mayor 1996 - 2002 (Wasilla is a suburb of Anchorage)
Governor of Alaska 2006 - term unexpired
Professional background:
television sports reporter 1987 - 89
co-owned commercial fishing operation 1988 - 2007
Chairwoman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission 2003 - 2004
Palin’s good points: Palin’s negatives:
Female - may attract disaffected female Democratic votes.
Younger - than John McCain - Younger than Obama.
Party outsider - burnishes McCains tarnished maverick credentials - independent voters will have a hard choice.
Short history - like Obama, this will mean less opportunity to dig up embarrasing information - less experience than Obama.
Not ethically challenged - apparently has no qualms about exposing her fellow party members unethical activities. Palin filed 2 ethics complaints against fellow Republicans in her home state.
Gold mine or Land Mine?
Best known for bird-dogging members of her own party she may turn out to be the conservatives worst nightmare. Sarah Palin is like an unfinished song, we know some of the words and a note or two, we don't know the final composition. In some ways, she has been the canary in the mine shaft for the GOP. She has alerted the Republican party to the killing miasma of corruption within their ranks. I wonder, can her ethical instincts continue unchecked in close proximity to the GOP political powers?
Who said, "Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer"?
Reading:
The Almanac of American Politics
McCain chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P
First thoughts:
McCain - Palin ticket is the opposite of the Obama - Biden ticket. A youthful nominee will stand with McCain. An older nominee will stand with Obama. Both choices will round out their respective ticket.
Palin’s Background:
Born in Idaho, her parents moved to Alaska when Sarah was 3 months old
Elected office:
Wasilla City Council 1992 - 96
Wasilla Mayor 1996 - 2002 (Wasilla is a suburb of Anchorage)
Governor of Alaska 2006 - term unexpired
Professional background:
television sports reporter 1987 - 89
co-owned commercial fishing operation 1988 - 2007
Chairwoman, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission 2003 - 2004
Palin’s good points: Palin’s negatives:
Female - may attract disaffected female Democratic votes.
Younger - than John McCain - Younger than Obama.
Party outsider - burnishes McCains tarnished maverick credentials - independent voters will have a hard choice.
Short history - like Obama, this will mean less opportunity to dig up embarrasing information - less experience than Obama.
Not ethically challenged - apparently has no qualms about exposing her fellow party members unethical activities. Palin filed 2 ethics complaints against fellow Republicans in her home state.
Gold mine or Land Mine?
Best known for bird-dogging members of her own party she may turn out to be the conservatives worst nightmare. Sarah Palin is like an unfinished song, we know some of the words and a note or two, we don't know the final composition. In some ways, she has been the canary in the mine shaft for the GOP. She has alerted the Republican party to the killing miasma of corruption within their ranks. I wonder, can her ethical instincts continue unchecked in close proximity to the GOP political powers?
Who said, "Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer"?
Reading:
The Almanac of American Politics
McCain chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sen. McCain your future looks inhospitable
While the Democratic Party Convention is moving along out in Denver, further north, in St. Paul, the Republicans are putting together their platform. I watched some of the debate which was being televised on C-Span 2. In the part I saw the committee members were talking about protecting children. No debate about the general concept, of course. The members got hung up on whether to use the word, girls, girls and boys. I didn't see the following debate about immigration. I hope C-Span re-airs this.
Immigration is just one of the areas where the draft platform sidesteps policies on which McCain has been out of sync with the base of his party.
Immigration Debate Stirs Up GOP Platform Meeting by Kathleen Hunter, CQ Staff
raised tension ahead of an anti-war march Thursday that is expected to be the week's largest demonstration.
Police Pepper-Spray Protesters; 100 Arrested by Dan Friedman, Aug. 26, 2008 National Journal.com
Meanwhile out in Denver:
HRC stole the show. Who didn't expect that? Clinton Ends Epic Battle Ends Gracefully by Edward Epstein, CQ Staff
Hillary Rodham Clinton stirred Democratic delegates Tuesday evening with a valedictory for her historic but ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign and urged her supporters — some of whom are still smarting over her loss — to get behind Barack Obama in November.
At a lunch in Denver this week for election lawyers, corporate and union counsels, and a few reporters, Bauer described the campaign's voting-rights protection effort, the largest in the Democratic Party's history.
Obama Camp Lays Out Plan To Fight Voter Fraud by Marc Ambinder, Aug. 27, 2008 National Journal.com
One thing I have to criticize the Dems for is the late hour when their featured speaker finally makes it to the podium. Both nights, I fell asleep in my rocking chair while Michelle and HRC were talking. Thankfully, C-Span reaired both of these speeches and I was able to see it early the next day.
Immigration is just one of the areas where the draft platform sidesteps policies on which McCain has been out of sync with the base of his party.
Immigration Debate Stirs Up GOP Platform Meeting by Kathleen Hunter, CQ Staff
raised tension ahead of an anti-war march Thursday that is expected to be the week's largest demonstration.
Police Pepper-Spray Protesters; 100 Arrested by Dan Friedman, Aug. 26, 2008 National Journal.com
Meanwhile out in Denver:
HRC stole the show. Who didn't expect that? Clinton Ends Epic Battle Ends Gracefully by Edward Epstein, CQ Staff
Hillary Rodham Clinton stirred Democratic delegates Tuesday evening with a valedictory for her historic but ultimately unsuccessful presidential campaign and urged her supporters — some of whom are still smarting over her loss — to get behind Barack Obama in November.
At a lunch in Denver this week for election lawyers, corporate and union counsels, and a few reporters, Bauer described the campaign's voting-rights protection effort, the largest in the Democratic Party's history.
Obama Camp Lays Out Plan To Fight Voter Fraud by Marc Ambinder, Aug. 27, 2008 National Journal.com
One thing I have to criticize the Dems for is the late hour when their featured speaker finally makes it to the podium. Both nights, I fell asleep in my rocking chair while Michelle and HRC were talking. Thankfully, C-Span reaired both of these speeches and I was able to see it early the next day.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Should Obama keep his VP a secret till the roll call?
UPDATE: Monday, August 25, well, he went ahead and told the world that he had settled on Senator Joe Biden. Funny thing, first, I liked Obama, then I got afraid to support him because of the racism problem we old folks are often accused of having. I switched to Joe Biden and when I saw Obama was going to run despite the racism issue I switched back to Obama. Now I have both of the men I like on the ticket.
Something I have noticed since I published this post on 8/21; the HRC supporters who call C-Span in the mornings do not sound like Democrats. They actually sound like conservative talk radio implants. They talk too loud. They sound mean-spirited. They exhibit a spoiling for a fight mentality which I associate with the conservatives. Could these angry folks be the same Republican voters who voted for HRC in the Primary? Their nefarious vote went for naught so now they want to mess up the Democratic convention with public demonstrations. And hope to boondoggle the convention roll call vote by convincing delegates HRC support is stronger than it really is.
Aug. 21, 2008
An AP story I found on Yahoo News headlined Biden's emergence in VP race crystalizes concerns represents Sen. Joe Biden as someone who can address two of Obama's biggest weaknesses — his lack of experience, especially on world affairs, and his reluctance to attack his opponent and also calls Biden a curious front-runner. Oh well, I guess Biden knows he can't please everybody all the time.
Also in the article is the statement that Obama plans to appear with his newly selected running mate Saturday, with the pick announced via text message to supporters.
SO, hmmmm. If I was advising Sen. Obama I would suggest he keep his VP choice a secret until the convention roll call has been completed. Not knowing the choice might help to rein in some of the more zealous Clinton supporters who will attend the convention. The Columbus Dispatch ran this Scripps Howard News Service story by Bartholomew Sullivan on Aug. 20th, Clinton backers fuel anti-Obama cyber effort which fired up my engines enough to gab about it for a half hour with a sister-in-law who is sympathetic to my viewpoint.
Later on, I found this on CBS News website by Glenn Thrush of Politico Clinton Creates 'whip Team' To Quell Anti-Obama Protests which gives a much calmer view of the situation in Denver.
I pretty much changed my mind about giving two nights of the convention to the Clintons after I read a blog post that suggested folks think of these evenings as the Clinton swan song. I can stand it when I think of it like that.
I support Barack Obama all the way. The petty criticisms I might write about here are not big enough to make me change my mind. The only thing that could do that is if he named HRC to be his VP or he somehow managed to lose the nomination to Clinton during the roll call. If that happened it would prove Obama is too inexperienced to be our President.
Lynn Sweet offers The most complete list to date of Democratic convention speakers. Jimmy Carter, Mayor Daley and more I wonder if the VP name is among those on the list?
Didn't see my favorite, Congressman Gene Taylor from Mississippi.
Something I have noticed since I published this post on 8/21; the HRC supporters who call C-Span in the mornings do not sound like Democrats. They actually sound like conservative talk radio implants. They talk too loud. They sound mean-spirited. They exhibit a spoiling for a fight mentality which I associate with the conservatives. Could these angry folks be the same Republican voters who voted for HRC in the Primary? Their nefarious vote went for naught so now they want to mess up the Democratic convention with public demonstrations. And hope to boondoggle the convention roll call vote by convincing delegates HRC support is stronger than it really is.
Aug. 21, 2008
An AP story I found on Yahoo News headlined Biden's emergence in VP race crystalizes concerns represents Sen. Joe Biden as someone who can address two of Obama's biggest weaknesses — his lack of experience, especially on world affairs, and his reluctance to attack his opponent and also calls Biden a curious front-runner. Oh well, I guess Biden knows he can't please everybody all the time.
Also in the article is the statement that Obama plans to appear with his newly selected running mate Saturday, with the pick announced via text message to supporters.
SO, hmmmm. If I was advising Sen. Obama I would suggest he keep his VP choice a secret until the convention roll call has been completed. Not knowing the choice might help to rein in some of the more zealous Clinton supporters who will attend the convention. The Columbus Dispatch ran this Scripps Howard News Service story by Bartholomew Sullivan on Aug. 20th, Clinton backers fuel anti-Obama cyber effort which fired up my engines enough to gab about it for a half hour with a sister-in-law who is sympathetic to my viewpoint.
Later on, I found this on CBS News website by Glenn Thrush of Politico Clinton Creates 'whip Team' To Quell Anti-Obama Protests which gives a much calmer view of the situation in Denver.
I pretty much changed my mind about giving two nights of the convention to the Clintons after I read a blog post that suggested folks think of these evenings as the Clinton swan song. I can stand it when I think of it like that.
I support Barack Obama all the way. The petty criticisms I might write about here are not big enough to make me change my mind. The only thing that could do that is if he named HRC to be his VP or he somehow managed to lose the nomination to Clinton during the roll call. If that happened it would prove Obama is too inexperienced to be our President.
Lynn Sweet offers The most complete list to date of Democratic convention speakers. Jimmy Carter, Mayor Daley and more I wonder if the VP name is among those on the list?
Didn't see my favorite, Congressman Gene Taylor from Mississippi.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Money and Aggression top the headlines
John McCain is pottering along practically unnoticed by the media except for his comments RE the Russian, Georgian conflict. Written by Tom Raum of the Associated Press Analysis McCain, Obama condemn Russian aggression on Political Base offers helpful insights.
"There's no question the one relative strength McCain has in the polls is on national security. So every chance he gets, every way he gets, he tries to turn the conversation in that direction," said Democratic pollster and consultant Mark Mellman."
(Friday, August 15) I took a look at the Yahoo Politics page this morning and actually tried to tally the top three topics.
President Bush fundraising abilities topped the list with 6 headlines. It must have surprised a lot of news guys who thought Bush had lost his cash gathering cachet.
Second was the topic I called 'world weapons and aggression' with 4 headlines about the Russia, Georgia, and S. Ossetia conflict which gives the candidates a chance to look Presidential.
Tied for third was the topic 'sexual misconduct' ( John Edwards) garnering 2 headlines. This story has several facets that will attract a lot of readers. Sex, loss of status, betrayal. Potential long term story line with 'who is the father?' type stories. This could last for who knows how long? Maybe till the child in question is old enough to ask her mother to resolve the question. What part of the Anna Nicole Smith story did this woman miss? Call me old fashioned but I think the mother is wrong to refuse to clarify the parental rights of the men in question.
The topic 'Obama' tied for third with 2 headlines on the subject of Obama's lengthy rebuttal to the rehashed lies of the discredited, fringe bigot, conspiracy king Jerome Corsi. Obama has a 41 page pdf file available online at Unfit For Publication where I borrowed the words: rehashed lies, discredited, and fringe bigot.
Aug. 21, 2008 -- SO. My husband wouldn't understand this post, he hardly ever reads my posts, but if he read this one he would ask me what point I'm trying to illustrate with my remarks. The two Obama stories were ranked below the two Edwards stories because of their position on the web page at that time. Which suggested ( TO ME ) that whoever designed the page thought the Edwards story was more important than Obama's rebuttal. And I disagreed with that implied ranking.
"There's no question the one relative strength McCain has in the polls is on national security. So every chance he gets, every way he gets, he tries to turn the conversation in that direction," said Democratic pollster and consultant Mark Mellman."
(Friday, August 15) I took a look at the Yahoo Politics page this morning and actually tried to tally the top three topics.
President Bush fundraising abilities topped the list with 6 headlines. It must have surprised a lot of news guys who thought Bush had lost his cash gathering cachet.
Second was the topic I called 'world weapons and aggression' with 4 headlines about the Russia, Georgia, and S. Ossetia conflict which gives the candidates a chance to look Presidential.
Tied for third was the topic 'sexual misconduct' ( John Edwards) garnering 2 headlines. This story has several facets that will attract a lot of readers. Sex, loss of status, betrayal. Potential long term story line with 'who is the father?' type stories. This could last for who knows how long? Maybe till the child in question is old enough to ask her mother to resolve the question. What part of the Anna Nicole Smith story did this woman miss? Call me old fashioned but I think the mother is wrong to refuse to clarify the parental rights of the men in question.
The topic 'Obama' tied for third with 2 headlines on the subject of Obama's lengthy rebuttal to the rehashed lies of the discredited, fringe bigot, conspiracy king Jerome Corsi. Obama has a 41 page pdf file available online at Unfit For Publication where I borrowed the words: rehashed lies, discredited, and fringe bigot.
Aug. 21, 2008 -- SO. My husband wouldn't understand this post, he hardly ever reads my posts, but if he read this one he would ask me what point I'm trying to illustrate with my remarks. The two Obama stories were ranked below the two Edwards stories because of their position on the web page at that time. Which suggested ( TO ME ) that whoever designed the page thought the Edwards story was more important than Obama's rebuttal. And I disagreed with that implied ranking.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
No, They Should Not
I’m trying to figure out why Senator Obama doesn’t just tell the Clintons to go suck on an egg. Or something. Why does he cave to their unreasonable demands?
I don’t get it but I have a theory anyway.
My theory is, Senator Obama has been overcome by the miasma of party indoctrination. He has uncritically accepted the party line that the Clintons are the one-all and be-all of the entire Democratic Party. He seems to have forgotten about those of us who actually voted for him in our primary. Does Senator Obama sincerely believe we want to see anymore of the Clintons? We made our choice. It was YOU Senator Obama.
So why do you cede YOUR ground to the losers? Were you convinced the high road is paved with gracious deeds? Yes, the winner should be courteous toward the loser, nobody likes an arrogant winner. You offered an olive branch and the Clintons took the tree. Shame on them. And shame on you for letting them get away with it.
I hope your trip to Hawaii will help you clear your brain and set your thoughts on the winning track. It isn’t too late too change the convention schedule.
Two nights of the Clintons in prime time is too much.
Maureen Dowd says it better Yes, She Can The New York Times Aug 12, 2008
I don’t get it but I have a theory anyway.
My theory is, Senator Obama has been overcome by the miasma of party indoctrination. He has uncritically accepted the party line that the Clintons are the one-all and be-all of the entire Democratic Party. He seems to have forgotten about those of us who actually voted for him in our primary. Does Senator Obama sincerely believe we want to see anymore of the Clintons? We made our choice. It was YOU Senator Obama.
So why do you cede YOUR ground to the losers? Were you convinced the high road is paved with gracious deeds? Yes, the winner should be courteous toward the loser, nobody likes an arrogant winner. You offered an olive branch and the Clintons took the tree. Shame on them. And shame on you for letting them get away with it.
I hope your trip to Hawaii will help you clear your brain and set your thoughts on the winning track. It isn’t too late too change the convention schedule.
Two nights of the Clintons in prime time is too much.
Maureen Dowd says it better Yes, She Can The New York Times Aug 12, 2008
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
President Feel Good vs President Same as?
My headline says how I feel about this Presidential election. For Democrats it is as if we took a deep breath and made a choice based on our need to feel good about our country again. Only Sen. Barack Obama offered that condition. The other candidates, including the last one to drop out, were same old, same old. With Barack Obama we saw the opportunity to make a choice that would be a clear statement to the world that this nation was going to behave itself. No more saving the world from tyrants. A willingness to refine policies about the Iraq war and, by conjecture, other issues. No more torture. We would get to work on the environment issues. Find solutions for our problems at the end of a pencil. That we get to feel good about ourselves because we are no longer allowing the tyranny of racism to govern our choices is a double bonus. However, my mind isn't made up.
I am disappointed Sen. Obama did not accept Sen. McCain's Town Hall debate challenge. Instead we are stuck with 3 debates, same old, same old. I don't understand why the candidate of "Change" and "Yes we can" has nixed the opportunity to fundamentally change our election process.
But would Sen. McCain be President Same as?
Sen. John McCain seems to be taking the path of certainty and assurance. With McCain we know what he will do with Iraq. Stay. And MAYBE he won't start any more wars. I don't believe he would continue the policy of torture. I question what McCain will do about the environment, unless he is prodded by a Democratic Congress with enough votes to override his veto. McCain talks a good line about not doing anything vs. doing something and our grandchildren will benefit more from our doing something rather than nothing. When I heard him say that the first time it sounded like he meant it. Now, either I've heard it too often or he has said it too many times because he doesn't sound like he means it.
I liked his proposal concerning a 300 million dollar prize for the person who can improve car batteries. I liked it when he proposed the 10 Town Hall meetings between himself and Obama. McCain's maverick persona has always appealed to me which is why I was disappointed McCain has signed the ATR pledge since 2006. As I wrote in 2006 I believe 'America needs to raise money to pay for disasters, terrorism attacks, rebuild our airports and highways, the war in Iraq. America is in debt trillions of dollars because our legislators are honoring a pledge they signed with ATR. I wish McCain would have told this organization where they could stick that pledge because it undermines our elected representatives ability to carry out the duty of their office.
CQ Politics offers a table that shows how frequently House lawmakers supported their party's position in 2007. Looking for prudent candidates, I picked two possible VP choices for McCain: Dave Reichert WA-08 and Stephen LaTourette OH-14
Not so many for Obama. Gene Taylor MS-04 still looks like a good choice for Obama.
I am disappointed Sen. Obama did not accept Sen. McCain's Town Hall debate challenge. Instead we are stuck with 3 debates, same old, same old. I don't understand why the candidate of "Change" and "Yes we can" has nixed the opportunity to fundamentally change our election process.
But would Sen. McCain be President Same as?
Sen. John McCain seems to be taking the path of certainty and assurance. With McCain we know what he will do with Iraq. Stay. And MAYBE he won't start any more wars. I don't believe he would continue the policy of torture. I question what McCain will do about the environment, unless he is prodded by a Democratic Congress with enough votes to override his veto. McCain talks a good line about not doing anything vs. doing something and our grandchildren will benefit more from our doing something rather than nothing. When I heard him say that the first time it sounded like he meant it. Now, either I've heard it too often or he has said it too many times because he doesn't sound like he means it.
I liked his proposal concerning a 300 million dollar prize for the person who can improve car batteries. I liked it when he proposed the 10 Town Hall meetings between himself and Obama. McCain's maverick persona has always appealed to me which is why I was disappointed McCain has signed the ATR pledge since 2006. As I wrote in 2006 I believe 'America needs to raise money to pay for disasters, terrorism attacks, rebuild our airports and highways, the war in Iraq. America is in debt trillions of dollars because our legislators are honoring a pledge they signed with ATR. I wish McCain would have told this organization where they could stick that pledge because it undermines our elected representatives ability to carry out the duty of their office.
CQ Politics offers a table that shows how frequently House lawmakers supported their party's position in 2007. Looking for prudent candidates, I picked two possible VP choices for McCain: Dave Reichert WA-08 and Stephen LaTourette OH-14
Not so many for Obama. Gene Taylor MS-04 still looks like a good choice for Obama.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
The Next Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate?
Just read a very nice article on Politico about Caroline Kennedy. Written by Carrie Budoff Brown
Title: Caroline Kennedy: The reluctant operative
Will Congressman Gene Taylor D-MS be on their radar screen as a possible VP candidate? These two, Obama - Taylor seem like a winning combination if you ask me, which nobody ever does. Ask me, I mean. Taylor seems to fit with Obama because he doesn't always follow the party line. One time I recall he bucked the leadership was when the Republicans controlled Congress and Taylor was the lone Democrat to sit in on a committee hearing about Katrina. At the time, I remember asking what on earth Nancy Pelosi was thinking about when she told the Democrats to ignore the hearing. Taylor went and had quite a lot to say that might never have been heard otherwise.
Title: Caroline Kennedy: The reluctant operative
Will Congressman Gene Taylor D-MS be on their radar screen as a possible VP candidate? These two, Obama - Taylor seem like a winning combination if you ask me, which nobody ever does. Ask me, I mean. Taylor seems to fit with Obama because he doesn't always follow the party line. One time I recall he bucked the leadership was when the Republicans controlled Congress and Taylor was the lone Democrat to sit in on a committee hearing about Katrina. At the time, I remember asking what on earth Nancy Pelosi was thinking about when she told the Democrats to ignore the hearing. Taylor went and had quite a lot to say that might never have been heard otherwise.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
NO to HRC for VP
So should Senator Obama choose HRC for his Vice President?
NO.
These two would be the oddest couple ever. She would step all over his change message. She would cause him to lose votes. She would suck the oxygen out of his Presidency. I am one who would turn away if Senator Obama failed to live up to his message of change by bringing a second Clinton to the White House.
Who would I like to see on the ticket with Senator Obama?
Congressman Gene Taylor from Mississippi-4th
Cons:
Republicans might capture his Congressional seat if he vacates for the Obama VP ticket.
He voted FOR the Iraq war.
He voted to impeach Clinton.
He is against abortion.
Pros:
He is a populist; a supporter of the rights and power of the people.
Worked to expand health benefits for military retirees.
Protectionist, opposes NAFTA, CAFTA, and normal trade relations with China.
Stands up for his constituents, gave Brownie an F-minus for his inadequate response to Katrina; got an Amendment passed by the House requiring an investigation whether insurance companies had wrongly denied claims after Katrina.
Reading: The Almanac of American Politics - 2008
NO.
These two would be the oddest couple ever. She would step all over his change message. She would cause him to lose votes. She would suck the oxygen out of his Presidency. I am one who would turn away if Senator Obama failed to live up to his message of change by bringing a second Clinton to the White House.
Who would I like to see on the ticket with Senator Obama?
Congressman Gene Taylor from Mississippi-4th
Cons:
Republicans might capture his Congressional seat if he vacates for the Obama VP ticket.
He voted FOR the Iraq war.
He voted to impeach Clinton.
He is against abortion.
Pros:
He is a populist; a supporter of the rights and power of the people.
Worked to expand health benefits for military retirees.
Protectionist, opposes NAFTA, CAFTA, and normal trade relations with China.
Stands up for his constituents, gave Brownie an F-minus for his inadequate response to Katrina; got an Amendment passed by the House requiring an investigation whether insurance companies had wrongly denied claims after Katrina.
Reading: The Almanac of American Politics - 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Have the fumes run out? I hope so
Have you ever been caught driving on a near empty gas tank.. driving on fumes as we say?
Well, I hope that after today when Indiana and North Carolina finish voting, we will be saying Hillary had been campaigning on fumes and she finally used 'em all up.
Might happen, might not happen, you can't say it couldn't happen.
Anyway, it is fun to make up things the pundits might say if they thought like me.
CQ Politics has a good item called 10 Questions and Answers about the Indiana Primary
I wrote earlier on my blog about voters taking their role serious. I basically defended us and said I thought folks who were switching from R to D did so out of an honest desire to switch parties and vote Democratic. However, I may change my mind. A family member assured me two of her friends switched because Rush L. said to switch. How could a well informed person do that? The folks she was talking about are very well educated and highly thought of in our community.
I think that is scary. Educated folks who seem to believe the radio is their boss. If these two reflect the mind set of all Republicans, which I hope they do not, it is no wonder President Bush got away with murder. I don't know much, but I know enough to not pay attention to a radio host who isn't exactly well known for spreading information that fully reflects the views and interests from both sides of the political spectrum of our American life.
Well, I hope that after today when Indiana and North Carolina finish voting, we will be saying Hillary had been campaigning on fumes and she finally used 'em all up.
Might happen, might not happen, you can't say it couldn't happen.
Anyway, it is fun to make up things the pundits might say if they thought like me.
CQ Politics has a good item called 10 Questions and Answers about the Indiana Primary
I wrote earlier on my blog about voters taking their role serious. I basically defended us and said I thought folks who were switching from R to D did so out of an honest desire to switch parties and vote Democratic. However, I may change my mind. A family member assured me two of her friends switched because Rush L. said to switch. How could a well informed person do that? The folks she was talking about are very well educated and highly thought of in our community.
I think that is scary. Educated folks who seem to believe the radio is their boss. If these two reflect the mind set of all Republicans, which I hope they do not, it is no wonder President Bush got away with murder. I don't know much, but I know enough to not pay attention to a radio host who isn't exactly well known for spreading information that fully reflects the views and interests from both sides of the political spectrum of our American life.
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