Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"shame on you" Barack Obama-

How could anyone think that approach would be effective?

Craig - I think you plagiarized from Brian

Here is a very funny example of what Craig is talking about in his post

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBuuR62hVAs

Craig you need to take a dramamine to keep up with Hillary!

Ya can't hit a moving target (Hillary). It's probably as good an approach as any.

It's still politicing.

tt

Well the one thing the article ET posted on the last thread proves...Hillary is getting some of the crossover vote...well...he can't vote...but if he could

Oh well - had the guy tried to choke me I might have cut him too.

:-)

"Craig - I think you plagiarized from Brian"

Wendy he's done it before. :)

*recalls a certain "wet firecracker" remark*

She's mocking Obama.

tt

"In so doing, his campaign has made at least one clear typographic misstep. Obama's campaign mailers accuse Hillary Clinton of saying that NAFTA was a "boon" for the American economy. But the quotation marks are misleading. In September 2006, Newsday used the word "boon" to characterize Clinton's position on NAFTA, but the newspaper has since acknowledged that there is no record of Clinton herself uttering the baleful word."

Oops someone didn't do their homework - Shame on You Barack Obama for not doing your homework - shame on you.

http://www.salon.com/tech/htww/2008/02/25/clinton_obama_and_nafta/index.html

:-D

ha, it's just words, just words

it worked for Lincoln -- how many generals did he go through until that killer Grant came along?

ROFL

Brian and Craig

and words can move the masses, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

And wordishness is the hallmark of politicians.

tt

Wendy....
that youtube clip reminded me about how naturally funny Al Gore truly is.....
if he had just relaxed and been more of himself back in 2000..... well.... I'm sure you get the picture.....

if only Hillary had started that from the beginning.....

Craig..... be careful..... don't get yourself turned around and walk into any more trees..... ;)

Hey - even Teflon gets old and wares out. Eventually something is going to stick.

:-)

RR - I know - she's improving

A friend of mine is convinced that her crying was real in New Hampshire simply because she's such a proven bad actress - she sites this as proof:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shKJk3Rph0E

After thinking it through...I have to agree.

Craig,

Your point about Lincoln and the generals is funny, especially when you realize there is a for Meade out there...

BTW,

What are the odds that Bill Clinton called Obama and said something like "dude, you think you got it bad now? I have been hearing that stuff for the last 30 years..."

excuse me

I meant

cite

to change the air in here,

Norman and Nancy Blake pre-eminent folk artists of our time.

Norman is turning 70 this year and is still playing like this.

Randall Collins and Done Gone

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UEkVkJax2Co

yo soy Horsedooty!

Wolfson gets angry

Audio: http://thepage.time.com/

Bloody hell, I am not in bed yet. Hillary supporters and undecideds will like this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9z-Aatd0wA

THIS IS FOR THE GIRLS!

"Bitch is the new black" funny line.

Doots,
Norman Blake is tuning 70? Can't be.

I can still remember the words to "Southern Railroad Blues."

info I have Dnd says he was born in 1938. So, yeah, 70 this year. Makes you feel old don't it? I wish someone had uploaded a copy of Ginseng Sullivan on Youtube byt no

yo soy Horsedooty!

Doots,
I don't need Norman Blake to make me feel old ;)

"Sittin' in the kitchen/
just a chewin' and a bitchin'/
good people and tellin' lies/
...
It's a too tight shoe/
I got the Southern Railroad blues"

muy excellente con mucho gusto mi amigo desede Colorado.

yo soy Horsedooty!

The reason why you don't need sex education classes in public schools...this clip come courtesy of Bill Simmon's link page...

6. Pete in Venice: Did you see Star Magazine this week? "Just days before announcing her pregnancy in December, Jamie Lynn shocked a boy at a party by asking him for sex. "It's cool, I'm pregnant," she said. "I can't get pregnant again!?" Best line of the year so far.

Since we're doing poetry and songs....I send this out to Hillary's supporters, sick of the opposition's smirks, from a man who loved women -- Johnny Cash:

"That old wheel is gonna roll around once more
When it does it will even up the score
Don’t be weak: as they sew, they will reap
Turn the other cheek and don’t give in
That old wheel will roll around again"

OT...but HUGE news in my world...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/government-concedes-vacci_b_88323.html

Now if we can just wrest accurate and progressive science back from a government intent on helping business conduct the 'science' it wishes were accurate....

Nicolas Sarkozy tells a man who's hasslin' him "Fuck off, you asshole!" Great stuff!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvdh9JaG6uI&feature=related

Craig...Imus and the Mrs. are gonna' be all over that one!

Ms. Fey is the only funny person on SNL, but what the hell, I remember Belushi, and it ain't fair to compare this bunch to that crowd. The opening bit went nowhere...again, leave it to comedian Huckabee to steal the show...wow, I mean that bit was funny as could be. If you missed Huckabee's bit on SNL, maybe YouTube has it, I dunno.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvdh9JaG6uI&feature=related

Euro Tom: what is your translation of the video in this link?

Turn On Your Radio
Harry Nilsson

I don't know where I'm goin'
Now that I am gone
I hope the wind that's blowin'
Helps me carry on
Turn on your radio, baby
Listen to my song
Turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone

I don't know how it happened
Now that I am gone
I hope I never hear it baby
Just in case I'm wrong
Turn on your record player
Listen to my song
Turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone

I don't know where life's goin'
But soon it will be gone
I hope the wind that's blowin'
Helps me carry on
Turn on your radio baby
Baby, listen to my song
And turn on your night light baby
Baby I'm gone

Dexter

Here's the subtitled version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siSjSd7RXlo&feature=related

It would have to have one more cow in it.

Hey Ty,
Peter Forsberg is back with the Colorado Avalanche!

Yee-haw!

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=/nhl/news/ADN4133721.htm

And Sarkozy insults Leslie Stahl. Too much espresso?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZMnIPeKW8&feature=related

tt

There was an interesting tidbit on Matthews today. It seems that Obama who claims he has been totally open about his earmarks isn't quite so visible.

He has released his 2007 earmarks, but will not release 2005 and 2006. I guess if you want to run for president, you need to cover up anything uncomfortable.

Friendly reminder for those wanting to take their ball and go home wiht Ralph or John:

Clarence Thomas has not asked a question in TWO YEARS!!

Justice Stevens is 87 years old- pray for good health through January.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_go_su_co/scotus_thomas__silence

Jamie,
"There was an interesting tidbit on Matthews today. It seems that Obama who claims he has been totally open about his earmarks isn't quite so visible.

He has released his 2007 earmarks, but will not release 2005 and 2006. I guess if you want to run for president, you need to cover up anything uncomfortable."

Proposed earmarks are a matter of public record.
Be skeptical of what you see on Hardball.

Matthews seemed to state it as absolute. I know a great deal of "absolutes" about Hillary are phoney and just Chris being Chris but I was curious about this.

Besides, I really would like to know what earmarks he has placed in all of the budgets since he has been in the Senate.

Be skeptical of what you see on Hardball.

Posted by: dnd | February 25, 2008 6:52 PM

Not new information.

Or is it just that it is happening to Obama so now you think it matters.

dnd

I did find this reference to the earmarks.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/politics/blog/2008/02/facts_obama_and_earmarks.html

Forgot the link.

Media Matters. When it comes to politicians, I prefer sunlight and earmarks are stuff the taxpayers pay for.

Senator Clinton's dizzying reversals is clearly a sign of desperation. I feel embarrassed for her. She's a better person than her foolish advisors are causing her to seem.

God, how long do I have to listen to Hillary? Will she fight on to Pennsylvania, just to torture us?

Don't watch political news. That's the answer. They don't talk about Hillary on ESPN.

Shame on you alpha1906

Jamie,
"Forgot the link.

Media Matters. When it comes to politicians, I prefer sunlight and earmarks are stuff the taxpayers pay for."

Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

Jamie,
"I did find this reference to the earmarks."

With all due respect, biased wack-job blog comments don't count ;)

It's kinda like saying "How long am I going to have to hear about Roger Clemen's and steroid allegations?!" Watch something else.

Media Matters said:
"Or is it just that it is happening to Obama so now you think it matters."

Since I'm not an Obama supporter, I think we've got a troll here!

And another thing , I thought Forsberg was gonna stay retired?

I didn't say it wasn't biased. I said it was what I could find. Does ANYONE have any real information on the subject.

2008 is the first year members of Congress have to put their names on earmarks.

If Obama doesn't make his list for 2005 or 06 public there is no way of evaluating the list,.

Group -- 01 ...Jan 24, 2008 ... Under ethics reform legislation passed last year, 2008 is the first year that members of Congress have to put their names on earmarks.

Hillary is all fired up at GW tonight. To bad she did not do this sooner. It's on CNN.COMM

All that uproar about the picture of Obama is idiotic. He doesn't look like a terrorist. He looks like a waiter in a theme restraurant. Big deal.

Craig,

We have been getting a spate of name changes that are making it really difficult to know who is a troll, who is trying to be funny. Is there a way to make it registration only in some way?

Info: dnd did you write all the messages over your initials?

I have a picture of me wearing a yarmulke, wearing a tallis... while putting on tefillin (phylactories).

Anyone want to identify me as an ultra-Orthodox West Bank settler?

"God, how long do I have to listen to Hillary?"

If I have to run to turn off the television when Obama as POTUS speaks, just like I've had to do with W for almost 8 years....then you can suffer a few weeks longer, Alf.

The Obama photo is not a fake. Someone, please explain what the uproar is about.

Jamie,
"Info: dnd did you write all the messages over your initials?"

I haven't had the time to read all the posts, so I don't know if someone has tried to impersonate me.

But you've known me for a long time so you know me and my style. I think you and all the old timers here will know if someone is posting some BS under my name.

GORDOODOO:

The uproar is largely about Wolfson's two passes at explaining its arrival in your fudgy Drudgy paws.

"I haven't had the time to read all the posts, so I don't know if someone has tried to impersonate me."

dnd --- are you the one posting anti-Bronco sentiments under the name Condo Cowboy!!!!

What's bad about the photo? Still don't understand.

Patsi,
"dnd --- are you the one posting anti-Bronco sentiments under the name Condo Cowboy!!!!"

LOL! Yeah, that's me!

BTW, Bronco's ace kicker Jason Elam return is uncertain:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8359906

And as I taunted Ty, Peter Forsberg has decided to rejoin the Colorado Avalanche.

dnd

It was the "wack job comments" that threw me because it was an MSNBC and they are only biased against Clinton ... I couldn't understand the sudden change to actually asking Obama for information. :-)

Shame on you dnd.

No matter what side your on what kind of debate are we going to have tomorrow night. Are Brian and Tim going to fire softballs or hardballs? Should we just watch American Idol or Deal or No Deal, ESPN or whatever else is on.

vadaryl,

With any luck, we'll have Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf.

Brian,
"Shame on you dnd."

Are you plagiarizing Hillary?

Since it could be the last one between these two I hope it's not a lovefest.

"Enough with the big rallies"

Now that really is the telling part of her statement. She needs a time out.

dnd -- what is this about?

"If Elam isn't re-signed by Friday, he will put his career on hold as he continues his travels abroad.

Having just returned from Iraq, Elam is leaving this weekend for Israel, where he will be part of a Holy Land group that will also include Broncos center Tom Nalen, and former linemen Matt Lepsis and Dan Neil. "

In the meanwhile the third axis of evil has meets its first real match since the guys from South Park -- famed destroyer of dictators (with batons) the New York Philharmonic.

All you boomers -- feeling marvelously nostalgic? Remember the days of artists as diplomatic tools and stragegies? And all those exciting defections?

How else would Carrie Bradshaw have gotten in Russian painter Alexander's paints?

It could be fun to watch if both of them put on the gloves and go at it.

*feels a dark shrewish disturbance ripple through the Force*

Oh hi Patsi. When you did you get here?

And if they do Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, will John Edwards (and his phantom endorsement) play the son who never was?

Patsi,
"dnd -- what is this about?"

Who knows? I love the donkey's,but right now I'm focused on Rockies spring training.

Yeah , debates vs. American Idol. Good luck with that!

What has Hillary done so bad or what has Obama done so good for these latest poll numbers in Texas to change in only a few days. It's a big jump. Based on those numbers something big happened but I don't know what. I could see it even but it's appearing to be not even a race.

It's called the bandwagon effect daryl.

vadaryl,
"It could be fun to watch if both of them put on the gloves and go at it."

Does this mean you want the McCain camp to get more ammo?

You might be right, people don't want to support a loser so jump on the bandwagon.

I am glad Shuster is back. He packs a lot of info into his reports. But he should definitely leave the jokes to the late-nite crew.

I agree any crap that comes out could help McCain, but if you were her and after months and months would you give up the fight knowing that winning two big states could put you back in the hunt. Also this could make them a bit stronger. What McCain and the Reps will bring out in the next few months will make all of this look like nothing.

"And if they do Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, will John Edwards (and his phantom endorsement) play the son who never was?"

ROFL!

Yeah Shrillary has to stick it out till after Texas and Ohio, but she needs to get out real quick afterwards.

I thought this was a good article on the power of language. I am a fan of words.

Anyways, don't mind the title...he chose the wrong words.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ucrr/20080225/cm_ucrr/whyhillarystumbled;_ylt=AhdaWMVOlqugLLTXdzEJOfADW7oF

Wolfson:

“I think it is true that every time the Obama campaign in this campaign has attacked Senator Clinton in the worst kind of personal ways, attacked her veracity, attacked her credibility, said that she would say or do anything to get elected, the press has largely applauded him.”

Says she focuses on contrasting the issues, while he goes after her personally “every day.”

http://thepage.time.com/

If those poll numbers are right and the results come out the same then it's time to quit and not be like Huckie and stay on with no chance of winning.

Wow people suggesting leaving before the game is over.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080225_Philly_political_elite_pick_sides__Clinton_or_Obama_.html

Gordo:

Obama's attacks are based on facts. Hillary has high negatives - and some bitter enemies over on the GOP side and in the media. I knew this before Obama started pointing it out. And they are legitimate facts to point out because they impact her ability to get elected AND her ability to get things done as President.

Some of the attacks from the Hillary camp have been based on parsing and silly nonsense - and people are sick of that s***.

This shows that it will be a huge issue for Obama fro failing to wear a flag pin. If he really loved the country he would wear one:

http://www.balloon-juice.com/?p=9763

Hey Brian,

I just told the drive through guy at Wendy's "Shame on you!" for not giving me ketchup with my order.

i believe someone was quoting the gallup poll earlier.

Pres '08
Feb 25 USA Today/Gallup
McCain (R) 48%, Obama (D) 47%

And Obama's negatives are much higher these days.

If you get beat 51 to 40 in a big state like Texas, and lost the previous states by that margin there is no way you can turn that around. She is not going to win Ohio by that much. I can't see her staying in the race. But I would not quit based on poll numnbers in advance of March 4th.

Kathy

McCain frequently doesn't wear a flag pin. Is he a traitor too? Since when did optional jewelry become a measure of ones patriotism?

Bill Maher-
I can't wait till it is John McCain vs. Obama-

You Tube versus feeding tube.

Jamie- my 8:38 post was tongue in cheek- if you checked the link it had photos of Larry Craig, Cunningham, Ney, et al proudly wearing the flag pin- public servants and patriots all.

who are going to be the VP's? They could play a major role.

If the canidates are chosen and they pick their VP's but something happens to them (after the conventions) before the November election what happens?

I totally disagree about the flag pins. I do not think you need to wear one of those things to be patriotic.

Especially since the pins arose out of the GOP's hyper-nationalistic run up to offensive wars in the Middle East. Don't forget how many Democrats were called unpatriotic for speaking out against the Bush's ignorant and arrogant Foreign Policy.

what I mean they can't continue running for pres and have to pull out.

oops - I didn't see the picture either.

"Obama's attacks are based on facts."

Bullshit. His campaign is based on an understanding of the desperation of an ignorant populace looking for some sort of savior. He figured out what many have -- invent a religious movement and rule. I'll still vote for him, but only because McCane is actually crazy. Obama is just a phony trying to compare himself to everybody from Joshua to Lincoln, to MLK, JFK and Bobby. If Hillary Clinton had that kind of arrogance you'd call her a witch and hang her from the nearest tree.

And, and by the way, this "Obama wrote his own book" just cracks me up. I write people's books for a living, and anyone who thinks he had the time to type that out is clueless about what it takes.

are they called ghost writers?

I don't mean Obama, but the person who helps write the book.

Ghostwriters are exactly what they are. Some people will admit that they collaborated, but many will not.

What are most writers afraid of that they had help?

Kathy you can add this to the lapel pins controversy. John Prine is as witty as any of the songwriters working today.

Your flag decal wont get you into heaven anymore.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xp1mIYJNKWQ&feature=related

yo soy Horsedooty!

Warren,

That article is one of the first I've read that is at the heart of the problems with the Clinton campaign. Quite simply the wrong judgements were made by someone to hire the wrong people and for whatever reason that we may learn some day, that was never corrected.

I still firmly believe that the nation seems ready to hire the wrong person again, but at least we can rehire in four years if it doesn't work out.

Kathy,

My apologies. I didn't click on the link, and I've seen too many comments with those words by right wing nuts.

I have not read his book but would make him afraid of saying he had some help. Did the Clinton's say they had help with theirs.

I'm leaning towards Jim Webb as Barack's running mate, what do you all think?

Jim's a good choice, how about Edwards, Biden, Richardson. I took Hillary out of his list.

Patsi:

Well if Obama has had such a good script writer for 4 years - who's to say he can't go another 8.

Anyways, you can call it illusion - but the record turn outs and dominating fundraising capabilities and ground game are facts. His ability to stand on the same stage with Hillary Clinton and hold is own is also tangible. And yes - I do enjoy the inspiration - and the ability to talk about politics with people who would normally roll their eyes if you brought up the subject (I know that is not all due to Obama - but he is a big part of it).

I think the policies of any President are driven by the party machine behind them. The job of a President is to lead and inspire - and to essentially - sell those policies to America. In that role, talk matters.

Obswervasions:
1. I support Hillary because Universal healthcare is the issue most important to me.
2. Those who attack Obama for not wearing a flag pin don't understand the meaning of the flag..freedom.
3. Hillary is ahead in the RCP averages in Texas,
Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
4. Hillary is ahead in the recent Rasmussen Rhode Island poll by 15 points.
5. The race isn't over..Let's let people vote. Someone will win and we will unite to support the Democratic ticket.

I want Obama/Richardson - the Brown Ticket!

Biden for Sec. of State.

Bill Clinton - MidEast Peace Envoy

Hillary took herself out of the VP running this past weekend.

Anyone but Hillary Brian :)

that is observations

Obama/Richardson maybe better than Obama/Webb. They can use the line Richardson ran something being a Governor. Webb and Obama have not been in the senate that long.

I like the idea of Jim Webb, he's a gruff version of Obama on a lot of levels, he's got military experience up the wazoo and would have a lot of southern appeal, especially with the gun loving crowd.

Well said Oregon Dem,

OD:

Universal Health Care will be worked on in the Senate. The President will need to rally the support of the public to increase the political pressure on the bill's opponents - and then sign the bill into law. Hillary can sponsor the bill.

Especially since she looked like a one-trick pony at the last debate. I could not believe she ignored a national security question to keep talking about Healthcare.

I agree Webb has the military to go up against McCain.

Warren,

On VP

Richardson or Biden would be good to fill in the blanks on foreign relations

Webb could fill in the blanks on military matters.

Not sure if any of them want the job

Webb could maybe be Sec. of Defense.

There are some good choices out there for a change.

Senator Clinton is the only Democratic candidate proposing Universal healathcare.

As President, she will propose it and Senator Obama can change his position and vote for it in the Senate.

They need someone to handle the Rep attack which will be in full force.

Warren,

Webb is better off at Senator, then SECDEF. He was already SECNAV for Reagan.

Nope, I think he would be wizard for VEEP....But Biden would be a !@#$ of a SEC of State....

But then you guys, we'll empty out the Senate with all of this.

Off Topic and just for fun. If you have ever wanted to be on a magazine cover, the instructions are on my blog

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/''

You can download and print or If you have a blog, they can autopost to almost every big provider

That's true don't want to empty out the senate, then pick Richardson.

Final Scorecard on Abrams' "Misstatements, Blunders and Cheap Shots" -

Obama - 2 demerits
Clinton - 4 demerits

btw, he said Obama's mailer on Healthcare was "accurate."

I think Governor Rendel of Pennsylvania would be a great choice for VEEP by whoever is the nominee.

I think out of all of them he may want it the most.

Webb's history will give a lot of repugs "permission" to vote for Obama.

Sheila:

After Obama wins the general with 55-60% - we can fill back up the Senate. Imagine Obama coming out to campaign for someone - big difference than say W.

Never thought of him. Not sure if he wants it.

Richardson is a perfect SecState.

Where would Robert Reich fit in. He was already Sec Labor

edwards would not have to be replaced by anybody.

Good point Brian. Richardson may be better at Sec. of State. Biden's mouth could get him in trouble on the world stage.... But Biden should be heavily involved in the strategic thinking.

Still waiting for someone to explain what is so bad about the Obama photo. There must be some reason people are upset. Why?

Dan Abrahms..lthe apple fell far from the tree.
When he said that Hillary said that NAFTA was ON BALLANCE good for New York, he left out the part where she proposed changes. MSNBC is hopeless.

I guess I'm still hoping for Edwards as VEEP.

Webb as NSA....now THAT is a good thought

Wesley Clark as SECDEF...now that is Brilliant

Webb could leave the Senate if he wanted to without penalty. The governor is a Democrat so the appointee to fill out the term or until a special election wouldn't lose the seat.

http://thepage.time.com/halperin%E2%80%99s-take-ways-mccain-can-beat-obama-that-clinton-cannot/

OD:

Exactly! Plus, the Repugs can't use Hillarycare as a wedge issue in the general.

They have already been honing this argument in their debates. They are going to have to move onto something else against Obama. Like pictures of him in funny hats. Good luck with that!

Just saying Jamie,

That all the great names are in the Senate...just about anyway.

Too bad its too polarizing for Feingold...I'd love to see him on a ticket.

Probably should have a Republican in the cabinet or as an agency head. Wonder if it would help heal some rifts if Colin Powell would serve again?

Actually Jamie....

Powell would be perfect for NSA too.

OD:

I meant exactly - Obama can switch positions on healthcare AFTER he gets in office. His stance right now is better for the Dems in the general election.

Well,

Its like sugar pum dreams right now.

I have to lay down and getting for sleep too.

night everyone.

Powell should never be allowed to hold an office in the US Govt. ever again! Period, end of story, no debating about it. He sold his soul to sell George Bush's war!

It would take the Republicans about 2 seconds to switch from Hillarycare to Obamacare..

I think if Powell comes out in support of Obama's position on Iraq - whether he is in the administration or not - will cause Republican resistance to crumble.

Let me sit down for a minute.

Brian..I agree with you about Colin Powell. Compare his disgrace before the United Nations to Adlai Stevenson 's greatnss during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Brian:

He is a good military man who followed the lead of his Commander in Chief. It is amazing he resisted as long as he did.

Nobody mentions Oprah as VP???

"some reason people are upset. Why?"

Gordo,

Because some people are really, really ignorant.

Of course politicians have been donning native garb to ill effect for years. Calvin Coolidge looked just neato in than Indian headdress

http://international.loc.gov/learn/features/immig/images/indchief.jpg

He should keep doing what he's doing, keeping his mouth shut.

OD:

I am just saying the Obama's position is much tougher to attack. The GOP can ram the issue of mandates down voters' thoats - especially the ones that don't pay attention.

If Obama were the nominee..Oprah couldn't be VEEP. They are from the same state.

I don't know if we could handle so much sanctimony on a ticket anyway.

Before I lay down....

Ok republican who would be certaianly Bipartisan and fair.

Chuck Hagel. Where would you put Hagel?

Good Night for real ;0)

Maybe Oprah's book club will become required reading at school.

Warren as Sect. of State his job was not to be a good military man. If George Marshall a good military man could stand up to Truman when he disagreed with him, Powell certainly could have too!

Warren. My belief is that if you have a starting point where Universal Health Care is not the base of what you are supporting, you essentially have GOP Lite Healthcare.

Hillary will make the for-profit plans compete with the same plans offered to Congress and government workers. If they can compete with rates, coverage, and service..fine..if not..fine..Real competion with real Universal Care.

I am a big fan of Chuck. Maybe Sec. of Defense. He has got some serious bona fides...

http://hagel.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Biography.Home

"Obama can switch positions on healthcare AFTER he gets in office. His stance right now is better for the Dems in the general election."

So you admit he's not for real?

I think it'd be kinda cool. Oprah is a lot more charismatic than our current VP.

I admit you must be careful what you say in public office. And he is damn good at it.

Remember how good Bill was?

Brian:

No one was talking Bush out of Iraq. At that point - you may try to make the best out of a bad situation. I am sure you noticed he did not sign up for another tour of duty...

Off to the movies..Have a nice evening..

OD:

My position is that Healthcare needs to be reformed so that it is cheaper and more accessible - ASAP.

I think attempting the complete overhaul that Clinton wants will get hung up in the Senate. Plus, if the was the nominee - this issue would become politicized like Immigration. I would rather have improvements sooner rather than later - and then continue the fight towards Universal Care.

I think the people who are suffering right now want results now - not a cause.

I am with Brian on this one. Collin Powell has blood on his hands. I cannot believe what short memories we have in this country.

Has anyone posted the link where Bill said that Hillary will not accept the VP slot? I cannot find a transcript for that speech and/or comment.

I'm going to watch Juno.

I saw M. Clayton on Fri. Good flick - but kinda cliche if you ask me. Tilda was great and Clooney once again played George Clooney...but he's good at it.

The only other one I saw was "No Country..." Great movie - but my expectations were a little too high.

A lot of blood on his hands!

Warren...you are already waffling and giving the Great One a pass..."well, things will take time and he may have to change his positon."

What a complete crock.

Wes Clark can't be Secretary of Defense until 2010 at the earliest unless Congress changes the rules. You must be out of the military for 10 years before you can have that position. Based on what I know, I doubt he would consider nor would an offer be extended to him by the Obama campaign.

jamie ------------

I wanted someone else to give the reason - "Because some people are really, really ignorant." That's why I fear that the Repub Attack/Smear machine will destroy Obama - they have so much to work with.

(Still didn't get an answer as to why the photo is bad. We don't like to talk about these things, but the Repubs will - a whisper campaign.)

No official role for Bill under Hillary
(sorry for the pun...)

Hillary says it:

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2007/12/hillary_bill_will_have_no_formal_foreign_policy_role_in_my_white_house.php

I think I posted an article where Bill said something similar awhile back - but I cannot find it again.

Warren,

Clinton isn't going for a complete overhaul. The Obama folks want you to believe that somehow she is turning the whole system on its ear. The biggest difference will be that all individuals and small businesses etc. will be allowed to join in to any of the plans currently offered to Congress.

Right now the one thing that pushes up costs is the fact that the insurance pools are kept in small groups. Even the big unions and such are small by comparison to the total population of the United States.

That is the major change she wants to make. Insurance companies will not be allowed to opt out of covering anyone for any reason with one of those Congressional policies.

If you already have an insurance provider, this should drop the cost dramatically. If you don't you will have access to one at a reasonable rate. If you need assistance there will be two ways to go.... moderate income people will get a tax credit. Impoverished will get assistance ala medicare.

The big thing is getting the legislation through that forces the Insurance carriers into a "must carry" policy. Of course the threat of universal/single payer will probably get their attention.

For all those interested in Wes Clark and his comments on Kosovo, here is a Newsweek piece hot off the presses:

Playing Games With Kosovo

Moscow sees Serbia as its final bulwark in the Balkans against the steady advance of the West.
By Wesley K. Clark | NEWSWEEK
Mar 3, 2008 Issue | Updated: 11:34 a.m. ET Feb 23, 2008

http://www.newsweek.com/id/114690

Patsi:

Unlike most Americans - I am not obsessed with "flip-flopping." I think politicians should change their minds - so that policies continue to evolve.

I have seen a lot of stupid things - in life and in politics - because someone refuses to change their position.

I also think conviction is also important - but not when it degenerates into just being stubborn.

Warren: Yesterday someone on the blog said that Bill stated sometime in the last few days that Hillary would not accept a VP slot. I will have to scroll through to try and find out who said it...

Jamie:

I admit that I do not know the ins and outs of the Healthcare issue. But what I have learned - it was not just from Obama. I am interested in the politics of the issue - so I also pay attention to what the GOP has to say.

And what I do know - is that the Republicans have been gearing up for a war against Hillarycare - and they will be in a weaker position against Obama.

I also think that given this resistance - Obama's plan will be easier to pass - even if it is not ideal in your mind. Isn't Obama's plan at least a step in the right direction (no pun intended this time).

Our health care should not be tied to for profit agencies...i.e., insurance and pharmaceutical companies. These need to be run for the public good. When they are not, you get what we have today. Decisions are made in the best interests of the bottom lines of the corporations, whether it's about what will be covered, or about releasing true and accurate results of clinical trials, etc.

I realize that this is idealistic, and that the horse long ago left the barn on this one, but how I wish we could get that pony back in.

Sorry Ally - read your post too fast. I wouldn't put much stock in anyone saying they don't want to be VP. It is not a job to campaign for - at least not publicly.

"Unlike most Americans - I am not obsessed with "flip-flopping." I think politicians should change their minds - so that policies continue to evolve."

Ah...I wondered what your response would be when Obama cannot deliver what he's promised. He just changed his mind. ALL-RIGHTY-THEN!

On healthcare - one thing I did learn from my friends who are doctors - are that all of the costs are driven up by the insurance companies and their lawyers. Because the insurance cos. fight every bill - the medical profession has to start increasing their costs to make sure they still get a return.

In other words, if they know the insurance cos. will beat them down to 1/2 the price - the hospitals charge twice as much - and on it goes.

The people that really get screwed are the ones without the insurance company and their lawyers knocking down the prices. Thus, the most unfortunate are forced to overpay.

Patsi:

I may be an optimist - but I am also a realist.

"I also think that given this resistance - Obama's plan will be easier to pass -"

Warren -- you and some others amaze me. You admit you haven't paid jack shit attention to politics, or as dog says, don't care about policy, only inspiration....then you actually want me to believe hat you have a clue as to what will be easy to pass or what will not. God help us that this mentality is making such important decisions.

Warren,

The answer quite simply is NO. Even Hillary got him to admit that he included a mandate that parents insure their children.

No healthcare plan can reduce costs unless it is universal in some form. Failure to include the largest possible numbers means the carriers remain in charge of costs and the tax payers still get stuck with the cost if any uninsured shows up at the hospital needing care. When presented with that Obama said that there would have to be some provision to "bill"

Every single developed nation on the planet and a lot of the undeveloped ones have universal health care. Only the U.S. insists on this weird capitalism at its worst system that forces people to pay the highest premiums with the fewest benefits and then turn around and through taxes cover the highest costs for the uninsured and those in an expensive crisis when early treatment would have been a lot cheaper.

Social Security was made mandatory for a reason. If Congress hadn't been stealing from it for years, it wouldn't be facing a crisis now. All insurance of any kind is a numbers game. The bigger the numbers, the cheaper the price.

Patsi:

I pay attention to politics - on both sides of the aisle - probably too much for my own good. I have a day job y'know...

And I never said I don't care about policy. But I pay more attention to Foreign Affairs - because this is the area where the President has the most sway. Most of the other policies are driven by the party machine - and the President is just the mouthpiece. Do you think Hillary came up with and wrote all the ideas on her website? If so - you're the one who needs to get a clue.

Gordo

Please stop. There is nothing there.

All right...this time I am really gonna watch Juno.

Gordo, shut up....or go get a room with Warren.

jamie --------------------

I will stop, but the Repub Attack/Smear machine will go forward (in high gear). These people are vicious - I have observed them for many years. When they have finished with Obama ( if he gets the nomination ), the American public will not recognize him.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/02/24/gonzales.oxnard.shooting.cnn

There is so much that is wrong with this story, not the least of which is why 14 y/o have access to firearms, atta boy to the second amendment freaks!

Has anyone kept tract of just how many school shooting we have had over the past year?

What's wrong patsi bored with trying to castrate me, now you're after warren?

Patsi I found you the perfect refrig magnet:

http://www.stickergiant.com/Merchant2/imgs/250/y8517.gif

This is what McCain thinks all Americans won't mind and also what Edwards promised, and what I assume Obama is also for, and I believe Hillary desires even more than this: PERMANENT BASES STAGED ALL AROUND IRAQ.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/earlywarning/2008/02/pause_in_iraq_try_permanent_ba.html

Patsi-
Unfortunately most (high %) people do not pay much attention to the world around them, let alone, politics. I would venture my neighbors, whom I 'know' reasonably well, have not thought about the current prez race today or very little since our primary last week and they did not take the time to caucus. My point is, get of your high horse!

"God help us that this mentality is making such important decisions."

Maybe you think that you and others like you are the only ones eligible to participate. You're wrong1

My opinion and i'm sticking to it.

In case anyone is still up:

"Key Obama Surrogate Says She Believes Hillary Camp Had Nothing To Do With Obama Turban Pic"

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/key_obama_surrogate_says_she_b.php

It's on Talking Points Memo...so it must be true

:-D

I thought Juno was great! Nice to see subtley and dialogue back on the big screen (or on a bootleg copy anyways...).

It has my Oscar so far...but I still need to see "Blood" & "Atonement."