Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

...especially since Patrick takes heat for stuff like questionable usage of State helicopters when the traffic is bad.
Romney was careful not to abuse privileges like that when he was guv.
Of course Romney isn't running against Obama, but will New England (read NH) voters remember and hold an Obama-Patrick alliance against Obama for associating with Patrick, for this reason?

KC he who scoffs last scoffs best!

Sorry, from last thread:
Hillary's classified intelligence has been out there for a while.

The Résumé Factor: Those 8 Years as First Lady
By PATRICK HEALY

"She said she did not attend National Security Council meetings, nor did she have a security clearance — though she was briefed on classified intelligence before going on some important diplomatic trips."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/politics/26clinton.html

I believe this is a fairly common practice.

I think successful black pols and other celebs who support Obama should campaign for him

I think the mistake was Orah's speech saying it was Obama's turn --making it a woman versus black choice about whose turn it is.

Which is why the Republicans will turn to Liddy Dole in their moment of need :)

Brian
I've already gotten to scoff at your Hillary predictions

Hot News: John Dickerson, on HUCKABEE FIGHTS BACK:

http://www.slate.com/id/2181066

It seems like Obama is trying to have it both ways and I believe that is causing confusion among those caucus goers who would like to support him. It is less about whether he is black or black enough, it seems it is more about him not knowing who he is or wants to be or even worse, he is trying to be all things to all people.

Come on KC, sing along with me,

So long sad times
Go long bad times
We are rid of you at last
Howdy gay times
Cloudy gray times
You are now a thing of the past

Happy days are here again
The skies above are clear again
So lets sing a song of cheer again
Happy days are here again

I am happy to sing happy day for Senator Clinton

but I think this is more appropriate for you

Gray skies are gonna clear up,
Put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up,
Put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy,
It's not your style;
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
Ya' decide to smile!
http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/byebyebirdie/putonahappyface.htm

I forgot there was a new thread....just a security aside...

I can tell you right now that classified information is only classified when the powers that be deem it so. When my husband was with the Army Security Agency, he broke some code or another and some Soviet operatives moved into the apartment behind us. That was strictly classified, but the NSA guy thought I needed to know it. Want me to go to jail for that one?

On the other hand, I did have some fun with the info....My husband worked the swing shift at base. I was young and pregnant and snowed-in the week it happened. So I started opening and closing the blinds in an irregular pattern at exactly 9:00 PM every night.

Finally one of the NSA guys called my husband in and asked WTF was going on....because a bunch more operatives were suspected of moving in the apartment building.

In the end, the head US spies thought it was kind of funny.... stupid -- but funny. I was very lucky that my uncle had been head of an AFB and was in & out of the Pentagon all the time.

Hey Craig hows your recovery coming along?

By the way, Fred Thompson told the Tennessean that he can pull off a big surprise in Iowa.....maybe it's that he'll stay awake.....

Patsi,
The powers that be can declassify classified information to give it to non-cleared personnel on a need-to-know basis. But giving classified information to non-cleared personnel is strictly verboten.

If Bill gave Hill state secrets in pillow talk, and I'm not saying he did, it would explain why he is not willing to release some of his presidential papers.

though she was briefed on classified intelligence before going on some important diplomatic trips."

zoey,
Thanks for posting the link to the 26 dec NYT article about Clinton's resume. The section you cite is almost word-for-word what she said on ThisWeek. Again, I'm astounded she said that, given that she didn't have a security clearance.

An interesting way to reframe this (blame Patsi, she got me to reading Lakoff) is what if you substituted "Karen Hughes" for "Mrs. Clinton" in that article (and W. for prez Clinton). With the exception that Hughes did have a security clearance, one could argue (though not me!) that Hughes has the kind of experience necessary to be prez.

Is it a fact that she did not have a security clearance?

I don't know if there is a protocol for giving that level of clearance for a first lady.

It seems that it would be nearly impossible for a president to compartmentalize information and not share it to some degree with his (since we have had only male presidents) spouse.

that Hughes has the kind of experience necessary to be prez.

this is the kind of word game Tucker Carlson plays

Bowmanc,
"Is it a fact that she did not have a security clearance?"

That's what she said.

"It seems that it would be nearly impossible for a president to compartmentalize information and not share it to some degree with his (since we have had only male presidents) spouse."

People with clearances keep state secrets all the time with their spouses, otherwise they'd lose their clearance. Even if the spouse has a clearance, one can only share information with others on a need to know basis. And then only within a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility .

Ronnie And Nancy
he kept nothing from her

Found this on another blog: Attribution below

Aside from the legalities, which are many and intriguing in themselves, there's the practical fact that the First Lady (and eventually, the First Gentleman) has direct personal access to the President.

Thus, on a very fundamental level, what information the First Spouse has access to is decided by the President, by virtue of saying something or not. By definition, whatever the President decides to tell the First Spouse is a "presidential decision".

I think the relative lack of statutory specificity on that point is deliberate, since even presidential couples should be allowed a reasonable degree of privacy in their relationship, even on matters that may pertain to national security.

Attribution: You are free:

* to copy, distribute, display, and perform the material

Under the following conditions:
by
Attribution. You must attribute authorship of the work to "Majic; a member of AboveTopSecret.com", and include the title of the message thread, Can the First Lady Access All The Same Information That The President Has?; and this full link URL to the post: http://www.abovepolitics.com/forum/thread133062/pg1#pid1334516. (Unless otherwise noted, photography and other artwork linked within member posts are subject to the usage rights of the individual owners of the linked artwork.)

Bowmanc,
I don't think that's true (though I could be wrong). The prez can arbitrarily classify and de-classify information. The prez cannot give state secrets to those not approved to hear them (e.g., the enemy).

"Obama’s broader view of his candidacy even sparked some in the African-American community to question whether he is “black enough.” Campaigning with Patrick in the closing days of the Iowa campaign runs the risk of provoking worries among voters that Obama’s race could become a liability in the general election campaign against the Republicans."

This is an interesting thought. It's also interesting to reframe it. Substitute Richardson/Hispanic for Obama/African-American, or Hillary/female, with appropriate edits.

Gotta go. Broncos are playing the Vikings.

Well, dnd, the last I knew W wasn't married to Karen Hughes. I thought he was married to Laura. Besides, Hillary isn't using this as her only reason for being qualified to be President. The problem with citing Lakoff is you need to get your examples right.

I wouldn't have a problem with Laura knowing some of the classified info. Besides, there are varying degrees of classified info and some documents can be read by someone without a security clearance as long as the classified parts are blacked out.

I don't see a story here.

I would be suprised if Duvall Patrick showed up in NH for Obama. NH people are much more likely to have heard about his gaffs and lack of progress in fulfilling his campaign promises, since he became governer than the folks in Iowa.

Zoey,
"Well, dnd, the last I knew W wasn't married to Karen Hughes."

Of course not. And I hope I didn't imply that being married was the issue. The point I was (possibly inarticulately) trying to make was being close to the president is neither necessary nor sufficient to claim experience to be prez, though it's a popular tactic with veeps...

"Besides, there are varying degrees of classified info and some documents can be read by someone without a security clearance as long as the classified parts are blacked out."

Nope. If you're not cleared and approved, you can't read classified documents. Some documents can be de-classified with the classified parts redacted (e.g., Valarie Plame's book).

Zoey,
ps. Isn't W. married to Condi? ;-)

"ps. Isn't W. married to Condi? ;-)"

Only in her mind.

dnd, you are nit picking. There is no story and trust me, whether it would be admitted or not I am fairly certain that should John Edwards be elected President, Elizabeth would be privy to "classified intellegence."

I also think in times of death threats to the President or First Spouse, the First Spouse would be briefed on classified intelligence. I believe that is kind of the same thing we are talking about here. If you go on a diplomatic mission you would need to know certain classified info.

It has been non-stop calls this afternoon, every candidate and their dog is having a New Year's Eve party and they are all issuing the invites today. I even got a call from one of the Richardson people up here from New Mexico asking me if I would like to meet Bill. Luckily I met all the Dems and a few of the Repubs before I broke my ankle :)

Zoey,
I am not nit-picking (stomping feet). I think our disagreement is based on definitions. When I hear someone in government talk about "classified" information, that refers to state secrets. If that information got out, it could impact national security. You don't get that (legally) w/o a clearance.

There are certainly lots of other secrets, particularly w.r.t. personnel security, or geopolitical tactics. People get them on a need to know basis, but those are not "classified" unless the prez or qualified minions or policy make it so.

ps. You should tell the Richardson campaign you'd love to meet Bill. Since you've got a broken ankle, he'll have to bring some take-out over to your place ;-) Might be a good time to ask him about his position on healthcare.

Broncos 14, Vikings 3 at half!

First of all, there's clearances and there's clearances. I know that when I went to Germany, I did get some kind of a clearance....not top secret, to be sure. But they did all those background checks etc.

Patsi,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_clearance

Concord Monitor endorses Hillary on today's editorial page.

Here's a link for A&E listing the date and time for Jesus Camp.

Jesus Camp

This is one scary movie. I did a post about this last year I believe.

God Bless.

Okay, let me try that again.

http://www.aetv.com/listings/episode_details.do?episodeid=249251

God Bless.

earl scruggs and joan baez:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCWff1aHIbg

Well, dnd, if Wickipedia is the last word in security clearances, it appears there are many kinds and people are often on a need to know basis.

But primarily, you are in fact nit picking. It reminds me of how many people (you maybe?) whined and picked that Hillary had too much power during Bill's presidency. God forbid the little lady should be a part of anything but a tea party, unless, of course, you are the red gowned Nancy Reagan. Now, of course, it's the opposite. Hillary did nothing.

You don't like her, fine. It's obvious why you don't. But for God's sake quit holding her to a different standard than the rest of these candidates. You and Ping seldom parse anything unless it has to do with HRC.

Patsi,
You are reading way, way too much into this. I don't think it'll be a story either, but not because it's not.

And don't try to make assumptions about what I thought about Hillary as first lady. You would be mistaken.

"You don't like her, fine. It's obvious why you don't"

Well, the first premise is false. So it can't be obvious why I don't. But please let me know why you think I don't like her.

I find Hillary interesting. I just don't agree with her politics. I like a lot of people who's politics I don't agree with. Including you!

Sturg,
Thank you for Scruggs & Baez. That was just beautiful.

I was trying to find Joan singing "Oh Little Darling" the old fifties hit.....i know it's on an album, but apparently not in u-tube.....came across that one while en quest......

Patsi...
"You and Ping seldom parse anything unless it has to do with HRC."
Now Now..... Did you not read my Huckabee stuff?
But you must admint HRC gives the best material

Little Darlin by Baez is on Rhapsody

http://play.rhapsody.com/joanbaez/veryearlyjoanbaez/littledarlin

Dirty ol' Romney has the HuckMan defending the warmonger McCain...oh brudda...
From the Sun Times:
" Huckabee, strongest in Iowa, and McCain, winner of the 2000 GOP primary in New Hampshire, both criticized Romney.

Huckabee said he may have been hurt by Romney ads and mailings criticizing his record as governor of Arkansas. He accused Romney of running a ‘‘very desperate and, frankly, a dishonest campaign.’’ Romney has been less than candid about his record and campaign plans, a fact seized upon by Huckabee. ‘‘If you aren’t being honest in obtaining a job,’’ Huckabee said, ‘‘can we trust you to be honest if you get the job?’’

Huckabee defended McCain against negative ads by Romney.

‘‘I felt like that when Mitt Romney went after the integrity of John McCain, he stepped across a line,’’ Huckabee told NBC. ‘‘John McCain’s a hero in this country. He’s a hero to me.’’---"

Jesus Camp is on now.

God Bless.

She was born in Germany a century ago and she is is still going strong .

http://www.kpcnews.com/articles/2007/12/30/news/the_evening_star/doc4777acf159ce9597446506.txt

Hey Brian...more Simpsons repeats tonight...King of the Hill, too...did you say you saw the Simpsons movie, like Corey did?

I got a robo call from Ron Paul's people a while ago. The caller asked if I wanted to stop the war in eyerack (that's how he pronounced it). He went on to say the Democrats have broken their promise about ending the war in eyerack. Then he said, "only one candidate will get us out of eyerack. That candidate is Ron Paul. To talk to a Ron Paul representative press 9, to be removed from the calling list, press 2." I pressed 2.

non-aligned voters in NH dumping McCain for Obama....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/la-na-independents30dec30,1,7340357.story

Talking about brainwashing children even the parents appear to have been brainwashed when they were growing up.

God Bless.

zoey! How rude! Yuck, yuck !!

zoey...if you have any pictures you can submit them for publication from that linked page I just posted.....

Dexter, I think the Ron Paul people had me in their data base as a wrong number. A guy called earlier in the day and asked for someone else, then they called back but hung up, then about 2 hours later I got the robo call. Very odd.

It's been a year since Saddam was hanged and Iraqis are mourning the man, and the stability in their lives that has long been gone now....

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq31dec31,0,6466491.story?coll=la-home-world

zoey...I'm in the correct database...Bill Clinton calls me all the time...but he never listens, just talks and hangs up!

Thanks for the link Dexter. I don't take pictures but I really enjoy looking at other's pictures in photo galleries, especially these crowd shots of political events. I am always looking or people and places I know.

Dexter I think Bill does that in person too, doesn't he? Talks and never listens.

Speaking of such I rented a wheelchair so I could preside over my caucus Thursday night. That means I have wheels for New Year's Eve. I have accepted one party invitation for the Hillary and Bill show with special guests Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

John Edwards is bringing in John Mellencamp for a free show on Wednesday night (I think) but I probably won't go to that one.

Joe Biden has invited me to lunch on New Years Day at a brew pub. Heck, I might still be there from the night before. Downtown Des Moines isn't that big.

Joe Biden...he's like John Wayne...I don't necessarily agree with all his politics but I would surely want HIM in the foxhole with me when the dirt hit the fan.

I saw (on TV) Jackson Browne hangin' with Edwards...he broke away from Obama...

Biden is pretty interesting. I had a lengthy conversation with him on the 4th of July when his unit was behind Congressman Boswell's in my little burg's 4th of July parade. He showed up in italian loafers, long sleeve dress shirt, and no sunscreen. My friend John made him put on sunscreen.

He is pretty gloomy. Some in my circle have started calling him the grim reaper. Geesh, we are in serious times but he needs to lighten up a little from time to time.

Hey dnd don't worry I'm saving a chair for you over on the "we must be sexiest if we refuse to drink the Hillary kool-aid" side of the room. You better hurry though, after Thursday this side of the room is going to be very crowded.

Dex what do you mean Browne broke away from Edwards, he's been an Edwards supporter for quite a while.

That should read broke away from Obama.

Brian...I saw a guy shove a mic in Browne's face and ask him: "Didn't you support Obama?" Browne said yes, and "I like Obama very much now, too...but John Edwards is the man who will make the best president." This was 7 days ago , in NH.

Studs Terkel: "I like John Edwards very much."

Nite-All

Dex he's been campaigning Edwards for quite a while now.

Latest Intrade Presidential Futures Market Data (much easier to read today!):

http://www.central.edu/publicdocs/12%2D30%2D07FuturesMarketGraphs.pdf

IOWA DEMOCRATIC RACE TIGHTENS RAPIDLY
ROMNEY SCORES A HUCKABEE KNOCKDOWN

Democrats: The race for the top three spots tightened rapidly today. However, the technical indicators suggest that in the near term, 1) Clinton's position should at least maintain her current share levels, 2) Obama's position is consolidating, and has upward potential, and 3) though Edwards had an impressive gain today, both his momentum and money flow indicators began falling yesterday and continues today.
Caveat: The market may be overlooking Edwards' strength in Iowa's rural areas.

Republicans: To continue the fight metaphor from yesterday, Romney scored a huge knockdown today on Huckabee. Romney gained 13% today on heavy trading, almost exclusively at Huckabee's expense. There is also no definitive third-place finisher yet emerging between McCain, Thompson, or Paul.

Brian, do you know the difference between "sexist" and "sexiest"? Or are you determined to introduce your sex life into the discourse?

Hey Guys,

Just an educated addition to Hillary and "Clearances" since you guys DID pick it apart very thoroughly.

The White House Clearance and the one that gets you within touching distance of the PREZ and the Oval Office is the highest in the land. Even the First Spouse must go through a regerous background check.

Mine lasted close to a year and I had to pull live charactor referances from birth and through every year of my life.

So, she was talking about "Compartmental Clearances". The really high level stuff where for each mission or subject there is a a perticular code for and only the one with clearance for the job can read.

Now.....throughout History it has been noted and accepted that a Presidential Spouse have had pillow talk with their presidential husbands and in some cases made desisions for them. Why would Hillary Clinton be differant....

Barak and other Black Celebs....well its about time! now is the time for him to seal the black vote and if he had started this before, The media and all political junkies would have disected this Black enough thing until he was out of the race early.

It almost happened early on, remember? Barak may not win, but his campaign have played his cards very well.

Oh and Hillary Clinton....

If you really want to look at this one with open eyes. The information that Hill got was her husbands rendition. She can't have looked at the files because they aren't allowed out of certain places. Even THEY are washed a bit before the President reads anything. This is not to keep information from anyone. Its to protect the people working on the project.

oh oh,,,,

We ALL were given background and pertenant information before we traveled. Obviously to make us aware and keep us safe.

The first lady's position is a diplomatic one and so she would be briefed on say, "Bhutto's" funeral so that she could (1) remain aware for danger and (2) bring back any EXTRA information that she might stumble upon.

Speaking of Bhutto's funeral, why wasn't Cheney dispatched to represent the US of A? It would have been great to have him bunched up in the crowd of grieving Pakistanis. He could help bring democracy to Pakistan, look how much he has helped so far.

What a bunch of racist GARBAGE, Craig! Flip races if you don't believe me. What it the story was

"President Clinton stumping for Sen. Clinton in the black community in South Carolina is seen as a real liability. Sen. Clinton has tried to not be seen as "the white candidate" in this majority-black state." ??

You would say that's ridiculous. And you'd be right. So you're just plain racist if you don't respond the same way when it's Duval Patrick stumping for Barack Obama in majority-white Iowa.

Please. At least give the those like Zoey, caucusers in Iowa, credit for having eyes, ears AND a brain.

If you're going to shill for Hill this blatantly I hope at least they're paying you.

Obama is bi-racial. Why have we never heard from or seen the white side of his family? Is he ashamed? His advisors are telling him not to? Why? He seems like he is trying to have it both ways and it makes me feel like he is not sincere. If he can't even tell us about himself and his family, i certainly don't trust him running the country.

Beamon, Obama has never - never - been anything but completely open and forthcoming about both sides of his family. His "closing argument" speech is only the latest example. I can also tell you from personal conversations with him over the years he has never been guarded or secretive about such things either.

You can generate all the fake hysteria you like - really, your breathlessly, ominously, consipiratorial post is one for the ages - but like they say, you're not entitled to your own facts.

Happy New Year! Get ready for President Obama!