Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

If the Clintons had the "REZKO" problem, just imagine what the national media would be doing. It would non-stop, detailed coverage! But not for "Saint" Barack.

Hi Good Morning all!

Jack! and all who are insterested in the Young Man stick187 that I tripped into last night, while trying to find something funny about Obama.

here is his website. http://www.thestickmovement.com/aboutus.html

I guess he got pretty big. Anyway, watch some videos and after you get past his salutes, watch the change in his face as he gets to the subject of whatever he's going to talk about. Total transformation.....Brilliant young man with a lot of potential

Regarding any McCain endorsements....I emailed a guy I know who is a long time Rebub insider type -- gives a lot of money, is a state party leader -- and asked who he was supporting. I fully expected him to say Romney, because the guy is a broker. But he said, "No question, John McCain."

Daschle: Bill Clinton's comments about Obama are not 'presidential'
USA Today - 19 hours ago
Daschle also talked about the truth squad and why the Obama campaign feels it's necessary

Daschle is lobbyist and Obama supporter
Will he be telling us the truth about Obama's dishonest line about lobbyists.

What is it with the "hands off" attitude toward Obama? Why is the media afraid to peak behind the curtain and see that the great & powerful wizard is just a flawed human being? Shame on them for not doing their jobs. What would Helen Thomas say about the "watchdogs of democracy" on the campaign trail?

I've said that Obama is just Shrub 2.0 and the media seems to be treating him like W, too.

Craig - You should get a pedi before the next MoJo appearance. Maybe some coral polish with sparkles so it shows up on camera.

Wow.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians

So , we are supporting Edwards now? I'm not sure I can deal with all the back and forth between Hillary and Obama anymore. The problem is that they are probably gonna be our choices for '08. I liked Biden , but he's long gone.

Craig..... nice appearance on MoJo this morning..... Joe got your analysis of Florida and Feb 5th much faster than Matthews did.....

BTW...... great tie!.... ;0}

HarborW.... I was wandering where EdVB's gone to also..... hope he reappears soon..... he's one of my favorite posters.....
such high praise from a Red Sox fan for a Yankees fan...... who'd a thunk it....

Blue..... the lack of attention paid to the Israeli/Palestinian problem over the last 7 years is another Bushism that will eventually bite us in the butt, IMO

Hey.... speaking of Bush.... aren't we suppose to get a State of the Union address from him soon?

Hey Renee-

SOTU is next Tuesday- you're right- nothing has been said about it.

Off to the rec center- tickets for 3 sox games go on sale at 8:30 and will go quickly

Next state of the union is Monday

But I think we all know what the state of the union is...
(and you don't need the definition of is...)

As for Shrub how many times did he and his pals flatout lie in the run up to the war in eyerack. Nice going media.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/22/study-false-statements-p_n_82764.html

Well I woke up in time for our delightful Poobah analyzing Florida only to go immediately into the Barnacle and Scarborough "We Hate Hillary who hates black people because she looks like a first wife show" WTF?

errr Tuesday

Yep, it's ATM day, but they had it comin' --

Why how can you say Bush has ignored Israel/Palestine?

After seven years, he invited them for dinner and then he went to their house to return the visit. They started fussing a bit so he said, "You guys work it out, I won't interfere" and then left.

What more do you want?

Brokaw comes in an injects some sanity, "Of course black people are going to be drawn to voting for Obama ... Evengelicals are drawn to Huckabee ... Many women are drawn to vote for Hillary".

Poor Scraborough looked like he was being fed lemons. Sanity disagrees with him.

Why "hands off" with Obama? Maybe two things: press hatred of the Clintons and a set-up. The idea is to defeat Hillary, then the corporate media will turn on Obama and get a Repub elected.

maybe Obama was talking about Michael Reagan.

This morning Michael Reagan predicted the goopers will turn to Newt.

Best laugh in a long time

Ah Gordo,

I see you have memorized today's talking point: "Hands Off no coverage of Obama"

http://www.doug-gray.com/blog/gordo06_05_60.jpg

Thompson ran because Christian fundamentalists didn't like either Romney, Giuliani, or McCain. But those wingnuts are not calling the shots this year.

The Clintons are tearing up Obama like a lawn mower running over a baby bunny. But we will all forgive them by the time of the convention.

Edwards is a joke. He's running for VP. But the Clintons will look elsewhere.

Colin Powell, for example. That would stir things up a bit. And we know that he's good at sitting in the back and not making waves.

On the other hand...

What kind of odds can I get the Hillary will pick Bill as VP?

Think it's unlikely? Think again. It is impossible to overestimate the ego of these two.

It looks like McCain vs (both) Clintons for the general election.

If you think Bill has been a pain in the ass during the primaries, wait until the general election.

Where are the Hall Monitors? Nash is bashing. I thought this board was supposed to be hand holding.

Senator Thompson's campaign just couldn't get off the ground. Like many actors he has a lot of charisma on screen but little off. Reminds me of Goldwater. Speaking of Goldwater, I wonder when anyone is going to ask Senator Clinton about her days as a Goldwater Republican. She went from there to a Liberal Republican to a moderate Democrat - looks like anyway. I don't think a person needs to be faithful to a party if they prefer a candidate from another party but going from one extreme to another is interesting. Is it for political gain or conviction? Or does it matter at all if the political machine is so well-oiled that any serious contender just can't gain traction?

jamie: What is your explanation for the "hands off" treatment?

Patsi
Thats not bashing thats Nash's stream of conscience style;-0, he will head in another direction shortly.

Nash
Hill&Bill 2008, Make quite the campaign botton wouldn't it, LOL

Folks Steve Clemons is live streaming a group of candidate's( Rep&Dem) economic advisors very interesting talk about current economic problems.
http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/

Jack

Oh was Fred Thompson running for something?

It's OK to bash politicans, but not each other.

Besides, I don't see my comments as "bashing." It's just a cold, hard look at the Clintons.

They are not warm and fuzzy people.

Just ask Barak Hussein Obama, the cocaine using slumlord supporter. Oh, he's also a "Reagan-lover," according to Hilly & Billy.

I think the most significant thing from today is the news that Hedge Ledger died. He was a fine actor and a great talent. I am sad. Beyond that... did any of you guys read about REPUG Giulliani's dirty tricks and heavy handed vengence against anyone and everyone who stood in his way? There's no way in hell that soprano wanna-be is going to be elected, though I hope he gets the nomination. The Clintons will run mince-meat over him.

whskyjack: You are right. Today I'm in an anti-Clinton phase of my bipolar political persona. Who knows where I'll be tomorrow?

I was listening to MoJo this AM and agreed with everything he said. (That is NOt a good thing.)

MoJo does NOT like the Clintons.

Clem.....I well remember those days when a lot of young people (myself included) were disillusioned with the Democrats. Every time we turned on the television in our youth, there was another Democratic Southern governor standing on the steps of a school acting like a maniac. The parties got very confusing for quite a while there. Until Johnson signed the Civil Rights bill in 1964, I was unsure just how I felt. I certainly wouldn't have supported Goldwater but I knew quite a few future Dems who did.

Hands off? Simple, the media doesn't want to be called racist or biased. Plus he is a feel good story. Hillary bashing is easy, once you have the habit, it is like smoking, hard to break.

Clem.. the reason for Hillary's switch from Rep to Dem? one word: watergate

It looks like McCain vs (both) Clintons for the general election.

If you think Bill has been a pain in the ass during the primaries, wait until the general election

not to worry McCain has his mom
http://wonkette.com/politics/mother-mccain/john-mccains-batshit-senile-mother-speaks-offends-321707.php

Well, nash, I no longer feel I can question anything about Obama....so why is it cool for you to sneer at my candidate?

Former NY Senator DeMato endorses McCain, take that Rudy.
Payback time.

TFree: Yup. If you think the Clintons are doing a number on Obama, you can only imagine what they'd do to Rudy (Corleone) Giuliani.

Patsi,

McCain is the obvious choice for the Republicans. I've never understood the support for Romney or Gulliani.
New York and Mass. are punchlines in crude jokes for a good part of the Republican party. I think either one would have the effect of suppressing the Republican vote and causing major problems for the down list candidates.

Jack

MoJo made me crazy this morning... apparently, the Clintons are the only ones who WANT to win this thing..

Patsi,

there was quite abit on the radio up here about how poorly Obama looked when he was getting slapped around the other night. Alot of talk about how he did not show enough strength and that if he was that way in a simle debate, they were very concerned that he would not be able to stand up to thugs like Puten & Ahmadinejad

Nash...... you're baaaaaack...... alright!

Jamie.... what the hell could I (or Blue) have been thinking.....
of course Bushy's done all he could do in that region...... actually..... on second thought.... thinking about how much he's f**ked up every thing he's ever touched..... his laissez faire approach probably has been a good thing.....

Patsi.... I hope you weren't referring to me in your post about not bashing....
I said I don't want to comment on the horse race at the moment..... that was about me and me only..... the rest of you bash away..... knock your hearts out....

Gordo. As I said. It is today's talking point. You have memorized it. The Media has seen it in press releases. We will hear about it all day because you are lazy and they are lazy.

You have now visited this place to drop the noisemaker, go bug some other less observant twits.

congressional budget office: 250 BILLION in debt.. and ya all know who to thank for that

Patsi: I actually LIKE Hillary. You have to admire a woman who is smart enough NOT to divorce Bill. He's a pain in the butt but he's got great political instincts. And he seems to like wearing a leash.

I can't wait until she disposes of all Dem opposition and turns her machine on the Republicans. Obama is just a warm-up act. (Sorry Barak. If you can't stand the heat...etc)

Hillary is a closet liberal. She will govern to the left of where Bill did. Anyone who admires Eleanor Roosevelt is OK with me.

Nash

"Hillary will pick Bill as VP? "

Can't it's illegal

The undercurrent of gender/race continues to permeate the discussions--the morning cable shows attest to that--what remains a mystery to me is why when this election was potentially an historic event, i.e, the real possibility of the first woman president, did Barack Obama decide to seek the presidency--thus creating a major dilemma for those of us with the prime goal of removing all vestiges of the current administration. Wouldn't/shouldn/t he have know that by doing so would most certainly present a real problem--forcing either of two historic choices--the
first woman or the first black person to be elected President? His judgment appears flawed, the rancor
created is tearing the democratic party into destructive factions.

This bothers me a lot, when he first appeared on the national scene in 2004 it was apparent that he had
a future--but why now! Who/what persuaded/advised him that now was his time? Could some of you offer any explanation of his decision, (not that he is the true change candidate, since factually that was & is John Edwards).

Nash

"They are not warm and fuzzy people."

Eye of the beholder. I would dearly love to spend an evening with them just chatting about everything under the sun.

just an aside.. one of the things i've learned while navigating 'the internets" is ..people come and go..and come back again.. life gets in the way..

For the music lovers: How to be Barry White
Lesson 6. Don't forget lessons 1 thru 5 under the cartoon.

http://www.savagechickens.com

Coreen,
Maybe because now , he could claim to be "not a Washington" insider. 8 years from now, that's a different story. Then he would probably be just another senator with a long voting record.

Come on, Nash....I'll bet you voted for Bush....:)

On your other point....why Hillary didn't leave Bill. Well, I'm gonna take that as a personal slam at my dead mother. My dad didn't sleep around, but he was a tough old farmer/cowboy who loved to play poker and drink whiskey every Saturday night with his pals. My mother DESPISED liquor and gambling. But she loved him and stayed and they had a long, happy marriage. Oh, with the exception that he was a Republican and she was an FDR Dem. By your set of rules Mom should have dumped Dad, and was a weak sister for staying.

Has anyone heard the Obama "coverup" being discussed in the media? I have come across plenty of Clinton bashing today

i've learned never to speculate about what goes on in someone else's marriage... i think the bottom line is.. she loves him..

Gordo

Please go drop your troll turds in a little less politically aware pool.

Gordo....ditto what Jamie said.

Bowmanc--Excellent observation.

However, I remain disturbed by his actions. Since he is a "politician" regardless of "claiming" to not be a
Washington insider, I feel he should have given more thought to his decision--as it effects the entire process,
not just his own aspirations. That is probably asking a bit much!

In the end, I will be proud to cast a vote for either Hillary or Barack Obama, though I remain an Edwards
supporter with hope.

First of all, if Obama has not been “interviewed” by the prosecutors already, Obama will probably be interviewed by the efficient Prosecutor Fitzgerald before the trial opens on February 25. Also, the facts in the case indicate that Obama has some ’splaining to do to prosecutors and the voters. (We’ll track down the full extent of the Obama connections that are emerging (including the L.A. Times article) in a later post, including Michelle Obama’s role in this drama.) The L.A. Times in their weekend write up on REZKO discussed a contributor whose son Obama hired as an intern. From:http://www.hillaryis44.com/

sigh..another talking point cut and paste

BTW Folks, The posted Gordo link is a Hillary front complete with "Contribute Here"

Craig,

If everyone else agrees, can I request a lock out. He's a waste of space.

So Bush takes his first trip to the Middle East, saying he plans to come back with an agreement, and we have Gaza in complete turmoil. Please God, let's get Obama, Hillary or Edwards in there fast!

Jamie....
I think it's been obvious from the beginning that Gordo is a Hillary campaign operative.....

to me..... the real waste of space is all the responses to him ...... not a slam.... just stating my opinion.....

but since I have that contrarian libertarian streak along with Craig..... I don't care if he stays..... and I'll ignore all the responses to him.....

The REAL candidate I'm supporting. Fair warning: He can be hard R rated, but Bagwine is hilarious and he has a truly unique political message today.

http://bagwine.blogspot.com/

contrarian libertarian

there is a dirty limerick in there someplace.

Julia!

Why so sensitive? Hillary supporters have to get the info out, the media will not . Foul language is OK, but not facts?

Gordo, frankly, with supporters like you Hillary doesn't need enemies. I still don't think you are really a supporter. I put you in the same category as the Rovians who are sneakily sending out emails and push polls aimed at both Hillary and Obama, then trying to say the campaigns are doing it.

Potter Stewart rules of posting

foul?

Jamie

I don't think this site is supported by the Clinton campaign. While they do have a link to the Clinton donate page
They also have a paypal link to their own pockets. Looks to me like there is a good chance that they are trying to make money off of the gullible Clinton supporters. How about it Gordo? Did you send them some money? Hmmmm, another thought, maybe Gordo is them. It would work go around feeding the faithful red meat and give them a link to you site.

Just letting my mind ramble , I admit I'm a bit cynical about human nature.

Jack

Renee,

Normally I would agree with you since we share that Libertarian streak, but as I said yesterday, anyone who was researching this aspect of the campaign would have to dredge through all these troll droppings to find relavent write ups and commentaries. It is done on purpose as a ploy to prevent access while spreading propaganda.

I truly consider it beneath anyone running an ethical campaign. It is right up there only slightly better than the Muslim/Koran email about Obama or the Lesbian Murderer emails about Senator Clinton

If he stays, he stays ... Just a major pet peeve of mine.

Jack,

I sent a comment to the official campaign. If anyone has a direct link to the Clinton operation, I think it would be worth a report, though they probably have some computer person on the alert.

These horrid things do mushroom during elections.

To anyone -- "Craig..... nice appearance on MoJo this morning..... Joe got your analysis of Florida and Feb 5th much faster than Matthews did....."

Care to put up the major points of the analyse for those of us who missed it?

Thanks -- Spike

I think its important to point out Gordo's sources and motivation..

Julia

There once was a sweet seminarian
Who was known to be quite contrarian
While praying on his knees
Someone said "pretty please"
An now he votes libertarian.

oh for the love of Gawwwd... I am really saddened by Heath Ledger's death but this constant cycle is horrible.. there IS no news..

mornin' all.

Craig great MoJo appearance this morning. Don;t know whether you wear a red t-shrt around the house or red jammies - whatever - just throw a button down shirt and a blazer on and you're ready for prime time - well, MOJo, anyway. But Joe was right - get some pants on before you throw that leg up for thecameras - remember what it did for Britney - kinda started her slide into oblivion. But really, great appearance - netter analysis than anyone else I've seen the past week.

Hated to hear about Heath Ledger - he coulda been a contender.

Sure "Hillaryis44.com" supports Hillary. This is an information war. Have you noticed all the pro-Obama /anti-Clinton stuff on TV this morning? Is there bias in the media? Sure looks like it.

Jamie
that was my post ...and I was calling out to Julia who has written some pretty funny stuff.

For some reason somedays the type face does seem
smaller and harder to read.

Gordo and your campaign report and tax filing number is?

I don't get how Romney's experience works in an economic crisis. Isn't how he earned his money [art of the problem

KGC

Sorry about that. Credit where it is due; It was too funny a plea to resist.

Jamie
And a great response!

Let your candidate know
Who Cares Who Wins the Primary?
by: Matt Stoller
Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 00:51:20 AM EST

Bush is about to get his number one priority through Congress, a move that could be stopped by Edwards, Obama, or Clinton, especially the latter two. This is the move to implement retroactive immunity for telecom companies who spy on Americans and violate core constitutional principles.
All that is required to fight this is for Clinton or Obama to put the glare of the Presidential spotlight in the Senate. To, you know, lead. All three campaigns are well-aware of this fight, and at least Clinton and Obama have been completely unresponsive.

South Carolina is probably locked up for Obama, and since the fight now is over swing liberals and the campaign is about to move national, this would be a smart political move. You get more national attention by confronting Bush in DC in a dramatic filibuster than you do with bland paid media. PT Barnum said if you want to attract a crowd, pick a fight, and Democrats who vote in Democratic primaries like people who fight Bush. Hell, everyone likes people who fight Bush.

Meanwhile, I see limited or marginal reasons to care who wins the primary. I respect supporters of every candidate. Still, if you want to persuade me to drink your kool-aid, get your candidate to help Dodd protect the damn constitution already. And then I'll drink a big cup of whatever it is you're offering, and so will lots of us.

KGC
This one really irritates me
How much political guts does it take to run against the f**king phone company.

Jack

Let your candidate know how you feel

Aren't we entitled to a sample of leadership

KGC

This would be a great topic for Craig to broach. The business of the country continues while the Senators roam the countryside.

Any noise out of Pelosi? Any idea where the vote stands? Is the candidates presence required to get a vote passed against this?

Rendell just endorsed Clinton
Schwarzkoph endorsed McCain

The Big chips are starting to fall

Jamie
I don't know about the House stuff.
But it is simple stuff and where's the risk.

Fast Eddie Rendell is my favorite pol
He beat Bob Casey jr with a progressive
coalition and he has been relected and not changed a single progressive stand

Another surge success:

Building explosion in Mosul. 70 grateful Iraqis wounded, 7 dead. Death toll expected to rise.

From John Kerry's letter to Obama supporters...

http://my.barackobama.com/factcheckaction

I heard over 2/3 of kerry's list unsubscribed when he endorsed obama

GORDO,

You are 100% correct. You can bash Hillary but not Obama. And it all comes down to the race factor. Doesn't matter how remotely connected, no matter if Obama is the one who broached the topic and made the issue known, as his use of cocaine(?), it is off limits because Obama is black, and any attack will be viewed and reported with a race base connection. We all know if Hillary was running against anyone other than Obama, it would be an all out war. I'll say this for Hillary she sure does know how to deliver a pretty firm backhand. Now SC should be an Obama win, as almost 50% of the states Ds are black, and the MSM are telling everyone that they, the blacks, will be voting for Obama. But why are they voting for him? Can't be just because he is black, there has to be some other underlining reason, otherwise they are just voting for him because of his race? Isn't the MSM actually saying the black voters of SC are nothing more than lemmings who can not think past the race issue? Of course the MSM can not say anything that could be twisted into a race bait question and challenge their neutral credentials. But what happens when Obama starts questioning Hillary's Rose Law firm years, how neutral will be the MSM then? I think we already know the answer to that question. Saturday's weather for SC. 30% chance of rain, 52 for a high, 33 for the low.

I agree with Nash on actually LIKING Hillary Clinton. I think she's awesome and I always have. I think if any of us had to stand in the spotlight of so much scrutiny for so many years we would fold. I think the anti-Hillary stuff is actually a reaction to her not wanting to be a traditional First Lady who just arranged China and orchestrated dinner parties when she resided in the White House. She was and is a policy wonk and not only that, she is well educated, hard working and smart. And like everyone, she can make mistakes. I see in Hillary a lot of heart and a lot of desire to make the world a better place for everyone. The rich have been well taken care of the last 7 years. I think Hillary wants to take care of the rest of us.

I wouldn't mind seeing Edwards win the nomination, but I sure wouldn't want Obama. I'm sorry if I upset the Obama supporters, but it's my view and I'm sticking to it. Of course, as I once said, if it came down to a Mayonnaise jar versus a Repug, the jar would get my vote. Anything to get some regime change in the USA which is still my country even though I am overseas.

You all know i am an Obama man. Please dont lock out Gordo. If we put up with Fry we can put up with him.

Olbermann is drawing 350,000 in the key demo now, beating hannity, people are seeing Craig more and we are going to get more people in here. let him have his say.

I agree he is dropping Hillary talking points but so what? Frankly, I dont think he is a Clinton supporter. I suspect he is a GOP operative who believes she is the weaker candidate. So be it.

-Aging Hipster
Obama Supporter

About voting, one thing cool re: Belgium. Every Belgian is legally obligated to vote in every election. If you can't vote you must go to your local city hall and declare the reason, i.e, out of the country... All these fights there are in the USA to try to keep people from voting would be largely finished if everyone was obligated to do their LITTLE part in voting for the democracy or republic we like to think we live in. All the shenanigans over voters and who can and can vote really sours the process. Let's stop this bullshit and make EVERYONE vote. I think it's a very small demand to make on those who live in a democratic nation.

While we're at it, fire all the money grubbing political handlers and make all elections publicly funded with a very short election cycle and one that requires talking about issues, and not demonizing candidates. If they can do it in Little Belgium, can't it be done in the country that USA'ers like to claim is the most important and powerful in the world? STOP THE corrupt money from corrupting elections!! It HAS to be done.

"Why so sensitive? Hillary supporters have to get the info out, the media will not "

hahahahahahaha.

Oh my God!

-Aging Hipster

back to work....Thanks Gordo for the laugh.

Jebus my kneebus.

The Clinton's can't get the message out...

(still laughing)....

:-)

-Hip

Saw a clip of Bill Clinton (in NH) confronting reporters about how there is almost no scrutiny of Obama and his record. REZKO is not some "made up" story , check out the Sun-Times. But the story can not seem to get out of Chicago. That is why Hillary brought up REZKO during the debate.

Jamie....
I could be wrong about Gordo being a campaign operative..... I haven't bothered to look him or any of his links up..... I'm not reading his posts anymore either..... he's entitled to his opinions (as is everyone else on this blog, IMO)....
as for lining his pockets..... well....I'm sure you know the old saying about how a fool and his/her money is soon parted...... :)

Spike.....
Craig is contending that since the Democrats can't personally campaign in Florida..... and since it looks like both Obama and Clinton will be running ads there.... his state is more a bell weather of what will happen on Super Duper Tuesday than what's happened in small states such as your's (Iowa) or mine (NH)....
on that day most of the voters will have to make up their minds from info they get through the media.... as the candidates will not be able to do retail politics as they have in the early contests.....
I think he is correct in that assessment.....

KGC, I was one of those who unsubscribed from Kerry's list when he endorsed Obama.

Hi nannymm

Yeah you don't hear them talking about their 3 million name list too much anymore.

Fry
Which of the losers did you support

ok what is REZKO? I really get confused with some of the abbreviations in here.

Hipster,

Whiskeyjack brought up the possibility of Gordo being a fraud, bilking money out of Clinton supporters. I sent the fund raising link Gordo posted to the official Clinton website as well as requesting Gordo's tax number so far without response. I don't have a direct link to a real human being at the Clinton campaign to pass along the query.

This is a real danger with these trolls. I don't mind commentary as I am a Clinton supporter, but the constant repetition of cut and paste talking points coupled with the possibility of criminality is a red flag level alert.

Thomas

Boston Globe link http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/23/obama_ties_to_embattled_donor_go_back_over_15_years/

I thought it was ridiculous anyway. Did anyone really think that all of us on that list were just sitting there waiting for Kerry to tell us who to support??? I'd guess that most, if not all, of us had already chosen a candidate.

Thank you jamie... he looks like a Sopranos wanna-bee

Jamie,

Gordo's posts smell of GOP black ops. This is the stuff they were doing in the old Dean-Kerry primary battles back in 2004. What really gets me is the amatuerish quality to it.

No Democrat would smear another candidate like that.

Hipster

Stay after the tax link thing, especially if we find out he is indie.....What needs to happen is to get the ISP, then run it down....ahhhh...if i only had time.

That Hillary not getting her message out thing is a complete riot. I love it!

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=115594&title=gratitude-adjustment

to this day, it is my favourite moment from the daily show.. those grateful iraqis jamie was talking about..

i'm with hipster.. it's one of 'them'.. happens on every site i visit these days..

Craig:

Are you going to post a video of your appearance on Countdown last night?

Another Cost of the Iraq war

Using 2004 numbers from the CDC and buying a plan from California Blue Cross Blue Shield.

For 5 mounths of the Iraq war we could buy a basic catastrophic policy for all the uninsured in the USA

OK
1 month will pay for nursing home care for our elderly
3 months will give a college education to children
6 months will solve the health care problem

That leaves us with 2 months worth of the Iraq war to blow on something frivolous.

By my calculation we have $150 for every household in America to take mom out for a nice Dinner and movie.

As I said yesterday the numbers are staggering.

Jack

MSNBC is up to its usual exhalted standards:

Alternating Ledger and Spears stories every five minutes.

Mention of Iraqi bombings, death, and destruction: Once.

Jack, does that health care include mental health care? If not, let's put the extra two months aside for that.

Jamie, I switched to CNN because of that. So what's on CNN? LEDGER!!! I feel like screaming!!

Well I for one am saddened very much by Ledger's death and right now that's even more important to me than politics.

Because Gordo does engage in some dialogue (altho not too meaningfully) that does pass the spam test, folks, which is the main cause for a lockout in these parts. Still, it'd be more interesting, Gordo, to converse your points instead of just dropping leaflets. The Rezko matter is a worthy discussion and one that the GOP will hammer hard if Obama is nominated (especially his personal home transaction), so Democrats probably ought to evaluate its seriousness. I haven't written about it because these petty fundraiser/politician graft stories are so unsurprising to me (on both sides of the aisle) that I can't stay interested much beyond the initial yawn.

Rezko looks like a major slime but I doubt Obama knew about his dirty dealings.

Didn't anyone have any comment on compulsory voting?

Thomas....I don't think it woud work in the US, but I've often wondered how elections would turn out if everyone DID have to vote.

thanks, rebellious. you described my FLA dem points better than i did on MoJo this morn. So why didn't Chris get it the other night. Acted like i was speaking pig latin or somethin. Then "counter-argued" by repeating what i had just said. Why does he do that? Just another reason to take a break from hball i think. Here's what i wrote on it for those who are really interested: http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/01/florida-to-forecast-both-party-1.html

JoeCHI, our videographer Mad Mustard is moving this week and offline, so no clips of my stuff right now. thanks for caring tho.

See I think so too. In America we want our "freedoms" to be so absolute that we can be "free" not to conduct the most basic responsibility of expressing our wishes in our democracy. Of course all Belgians are required to have a national identification card which would be totally rejected in the USA.. but couldn't states issue them for those who don't have driver's licenses?

Thomas,

Homeland Security has instituted "Real ID" requirements that the Driver's License will have to supply in order to get a passport ...

http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1172767635686.shtm

"So why didn't Chris get it the other night."

Craig,

Chris doesn't actually listen. He is too busy deciding what he is going to say next or figuring out how he can push his own viewpoint without substantive imput from another human being. That's why he talks over people. Since he isn't listening, he just blurts out what he has decided to say even if his guest hasn't yet stopped speaking.

" I think so too. In America we want our "freedoms" to be so absolute"

Too true....it gripes me that someone can make me wear a seatbelt.

kc, here's some good news re: the plunger - he's tanking in FL after a 6 month all out frontal assualt there.

http://www.pollster.com/08-FL-Rep-Pres-Primary.php

Tuesday's dailyhowler.com made the same point as Craig. REZKO should not be covered up. Better now than after an Obama nomination.

Here is Maureen Dowd on the Clintons...

"If Bill Clinton has to trash his legacy to protect his legacy, so be it. If he has to put a dagger through the heart of hope to give Hillary hope, so be it."

"If he has to preside in this state as the former first black president stopping the would-be first black president, so be it."

"The Clintons — or “the 2-headed monster,” as the The New York Post dubbed the tag team that clawed out wins in New Hampshire and Nevada — always go where they need to go, no matter the collateral damage. Even if the damage is to themselves and their party."

Is Dowd now reduced to quoting the NY Post?

Maureen Dowd on her way to being Liz Trotta

Pogo
did you see the NYT article on mean rudee?

If you want some really good analysis of the catastrophic economic mess that we are in, go to trueblueliberal.com. There are several really good artircles there.

It's much worse than you think.

We about to reap the reward of 27 years of "conservative" economic theory, which was embraced by both parties. (And still is.)

Craig
Some one must be campaigning in Florida, They are turning in record number of absentee ballots. That doesn't just happen on its own.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/01/florida_primary_turnout_as_of.php

Jack

Crist tells Boca audience he wants big voter turnout
By Mark Hollis | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
January 23, 2008
: Boca Raton - Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday said critics of a statewide property tax plan on the ballot are trying to scare Floridians, while supporters have political momentum and should tell voters that the proposed constitutional amendment will ignite the Florida economy.

Arizona polls show Clinton ahead of Obama 45 to 24 with Edwards at 9%. The Keith number would have to be in the mid 20's as 21% are undecided and the margin of error is 4.5% . McCain as expected is leading 41 to Romney's 18% in second place. Thompson was in third with 9% and the others trailing far behind. The Keith number, likewise, must be in the low to mid 20's with 19% undecided, et cetera. The question here is will AZ leave the red state column and join the blue state column as Democrats picked up significant numbers of Independents for the primary and will they stay in November. And, of course, how many Latinos will be voting for the first time and who will they vote for in 08 elections and beyond. Have a good day!

Rezko? What the hell do you think Whitewater was?

It was a real estate scam. When it exploded, slick Hilly and her buddies got out with no loss, leaving the taxpayers to bail out the bank depositors.

And let's not forget the commodity options scam were she turned $1000 into $100,000 in 3 weeks. That was a BRIBE to the governor's wife.

The Clintons have at least as much dirt on them as anything they could dig up on Obama. And don't talk to me about Ken Starr. He couldn't nail them because they covered their tracks too well. Just like Bush's National Guard records were "sanitized."

ALL POLITICIANS LIE AND STEAL AND TRY TO COVER IT UP. Deal with it.. There are NO clean candidates.

So let's get back to a policy discussion and not let the Clinton's distract us with mudslinging.

kc, I didn't. I did hear something on the news about accusations he used police against political foes - is it in today's times?

anyone else smell James Carville in the "slumlord" line? If yer going to go up against Rove et all, ya gotta have a Carville

Nash, I'd love to see the discussion stay on policy, but that wouldn't be modern politics, would it? No one thinks the Clintons are clean - but whitewater? please. They couldn't even get an indictment out of that, and as one high profile prosecutor once said, "I could indict a ham sandwich." Point is, there is damned little about the Clintons that hasn't already been beaten to within an inch of its life in the press, and the public has still voted for them. The same cannot be said for Obama - and examining his stuff is not dredging up the old shit - it's vetting him. Part of the process - the press is going to do it, and until a nominee is chosen, we won't be able to ignore it.

ty, god I hope so. Whether it's obama or clinton in the end, they better be writing checks to james.

Patsi: Did I vote for Bush? Ha!

I've voted in very election since 1976. I have NEVER voted for a single Republican, ever. 100% Democratic votes, for all offices.

Politically, I'm somewhat to the left of Ted Kennedy. (I'm still mad about his lack of support for the IRA.)
That's the Irish Republican Army.

A splendid group o' lads.

eprof: I love the "Keith Number." He should patent it or something.

political humor from the Onion

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/bill_clinton_screw_it_im_running

Jack

pogo

someone said with the Plunger tanking they have to get out all the material they have on hand

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/22/us/politics/22giuliani.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Giuliani&st=nyt&oref=slogin

The Dow is down 240.

The stock market has already decided that the stimulus package "ain't gonna work."

Thank goodness my money is in bond funds. I'm cleaning up. If there's a recession, I may finally have enough cash to join a country club and become a Republican.

McCain is starting to look pretty good...

that clinton Onion piece was good..but not nearly as good as the Jimmy Carter one :)

i hear he wears great aftershave, bri

whyskyjack: Nice "onion" piece.

I think there was a shake up in the Clinton organization after she got her head handed to her in Iowa and was reeling in New Hampshire.
One thing she did was throw out forever the Democratic belief that Bill Clinton is a liability. Those that want to preach that bit of trash are jumping up and down screaming but only the fellow true believers are listening.
From what I understand Bill and Hillary threw all their advisors out in the Hall, locked the door and rewrote her campaign and stump speechs. It has been working ever since. HRC would be a fool to change it. People like Dowd are just pissed because their conventional wisdom just doesn't play in the real world. She is a fool with a pulpit IMO.

Jack

Nash, what do you consider to be "conservative economic theory"? I concede the point on conservative Fed Board Chiefs but what lies behind the theory? I'm glad to see that you're holding up under the frozen northern Maine tundra and posting.

The Dow is now down (only) 178.

This is what they call a "volatile market."

Fear vs Greed.

Craig,

See what you started with the "one more cow" hysteria?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9T2aNgWnKo

I do not know much about Gordo, but I want to add my voice to this discussion. People may not like what he says, but we live in a country that values diverse opinions and freedom of speech. As democrats, we should respect this and encourage it. Let's not be like the Bush Admin. and stifle speech!

About Carvell I would be suprised if several of the old Clinton team aren't involved behind the curtain.

That reminds me, listening to both HRC and Obama , They both are running with Bill Clinton 1992 material.

Not John Edwards though, I think he is running with a Hubert Humphrey 1959 stump speech.

grin duck and run

Jack

Bush is one cow short of ranch.

Nash, Bri.. mccain's mama will do it for free!

Nash-

I agree that policy should take central stage in this nomination.

That said, this Rezko situation should be discussed because it undecuts Obama's basic premise that he is a new type of politician.

We all know that the Clintons are not clean. No news there!

But Obama has based his campaign on being different; he says that he is a politician who is not beholden to special interests.

The articles that I have read from the Chic. Tribune to LA Times paint a different story.

Plus, the debate shows that he is not being totally upfront about his ties to Rezko.

Here is the bottom line: If you are going to base an entire campaign on being a new kind of politician who offers hope, then you better follow through. He cannot be dirty at all.

And no matter what Democrats may be doing to each other

have a look at the goopers
http://firedoglake.com/2008/01/23/getcha-popcorn-wingnuts-eat-their-own-over-mccain/#comments

did anyone see Colbert last night? ... was wonderful..andrew young was on and the conversation made me cry a bit.. Stephen's father negotiated the end of a nurses strike with Andrew Young.. I saw a son who was just so proud.. very emotional

it's here

http://www.colbertnation.com/

the beginning of the Edward's surge in California :)

The Fresno Bee endorses McCain for R's, Edwards for D's:

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards' campaign for president offers a much-needed vision that recognizes the hope and promise of America. It's a view that includes solidifying the plight of working families and others in the middle class.
http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion...ory/ 341733.html

jack, now THAT was funny! (yours, too, nash).

i saw it, tylenol. it was quite touching.

"let my people go"
Colbert (and Andrew Young among others) sing let my people go in honor of the striking writers.

crying and laughing

NEW THREAD

there's a better explanation here

http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/01/23/stephen-colberts-incredible-substitute-for-a-beard-of-solidarit/

kc, thanks for the link - that's the Rudi the public outside NYC needs to know about.

tylenol
thanks for posting your own Colbert Report
it's a great story and I wouldn't have known it otherwise.

Hubert Humphrey was one of the last great Democratic Senators. His book " The Education of a Public Man: My Life and Politics" made me realize that I needed to pursue a higher education even though no one in my family had done so previously. His belief in government playing an important role in the welfare of the citizenry was inspiring. Humphrey was passionate about building a social system that required people to work but didn't force them out in the streets. One of his last, great attempts to cure some of the social ills in our country was the Humphrey/Hawkins FULL employment bill. In my view Humphrey did not agree that a capitalist country had to follow the Adam Smith theory of 500 poor people were necessary to prop up one rich person. He felt that everyone could and should have a piece of the pie and that the right to work and for work to be available for everybody was doable and necessary.

When Hubert Humphrey died in 1977, I stood outside the State Capitol building all of 18 years old in the blustery winter freeze just to be able to walk by his casket on display in the Capitol Rotunda.

Jack can joke about a Hubert Humphrey 1959 speech (the year I was born by the way) but what he said had relevance and the work he did in his public life helped many people including myself ... i.e. expansion of higher education programs through government grants and loans. And Vice-President Humphrey was still relevant until his illness forced him to quit. Remember, he came CLOSE to winning in 1968, and had he not been tainted by being part of the Johnson Administration, he could have been President.

God bless Hubert Humphrey... one of the few politicians who really did have a heart and a conscience!!!!

What's up with Maureen O'Dowd? Is she a Edwards of Obama partisan? She is clearly very cynical over anything Clinton.

The Obama supporters can continue to cry foul about Hillary fighting back against Obama's attack machine, but let us not forget, he is the one who went for the jugular first, when his numbers were down and he abandoned his "new politics" in order to raise his standing in the race.

Obama brought it on himself!

Nash, let's also give the same instruction to the Obama campaign. Stop their dirty mudslinging. And I am not aware of any illegal activities ever proven or tied to the Clintons. Your analysis sounds very REPUG to me, though from what I read you aren't one.

TF, Maureen Dowd can best be described as an antagonistic columnist - she is not a partisan pro anyone, except by process of elimination, at least as far as I can discern. For the past 7 years she has been acidly anti Bush (her book Bushworld is destined to be a classic among Democrats and other Bush detractors), and in the Dem race has been acidly anti Clinton.

Well it's my bed time here but thank you for the reply Pogo. But I don't see why Dowd sees benefit in antagonizing Dems after her shoddy treatment by the Bush White House. I remember reading her column about not even being allowed at the White House Press Corps (her pass was rescinded). I would like to know why she hates the Clintons so much.

it's 10:30 and I have to open my shop at 6 am, so good night from Belgium.

TF - THERE'S A NEW THREAD UP.