Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

yoop moo.

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/issuecartoons/2008/02/11/cartoons_20080204?slide=20#showHeader

Gun battle at St Louis City Council Meeting......things are heating up out there.......

The Long Goodbye (1973) is a film adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel The Long Goodbye. Directed by Robert Altman from a screenplay by Leigh Brackett, the film stars Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe, film noir veteran Sterling Hayden as Roger Wade and director Mark Rydell as the gangster Marty Augustine. The Long Goodbye holds up a mirror to the culture of the Hollywood lifestyle in the 1970s. The film is "a study of a moral and decent man cast adrift in a selfish, self-obsessed society where lives can be thrown away without a backward glance...and any notions of friendship and loyalty are meaningless"[1]

I have some thoughts about nash's last-thread worries, but those will wait. For now, suffice it to say that he referred to "hope." Yesterday I was involved with a situation involving one of my best friends in Denver, and her daughter, who just turned 40. They were on their way to the Mayo Clinic in a last ditch effort for hopeful news. For the ten years I lived in Denver, my friend Judy and I practically had interchangable children. I feel like this young woman is one of my own. After thinking she'd beat cancer last year it is back with a fury and spreading fast. She was sick during the flight, stranded in snow bound Chicago and finally made it to Minnesota.

There is a website where her friends can stay informed and so I copied her most recent message. This, sports fans, is an AUTHENTIC message of hope from a VERY sick young woman. And you'll notice she makes no attempt to pull anybody's heart strings.
_____________

Well, we made it here, finally, and today I had some tests done (bloodwork, CT scan, etc.) and tomorrow morning I will met with the doctors. I have no idea what to expect, but it will be nice to get another take on all of this madness. The Mayo Clinic is quite an impressive complex, and so far we’ve received good care and attention.

Rochester is a cute town, and the whole downtown area has an underground walkway system, so you really never even have to set foot outdoors if you don’t want to. It’s called a subway, and each tunnel has kind of a different feel; some are paneled in wood and have a very log-cabin feeling, and others are decked out with different genres of art. My favorite so far is a walkway that slopes down and has a very 1970’s Sci-fi vibe. It reminds me of visiting Universal Studios when I was a kid, and seeing the set for Logan’s Run. I’ve taken some photos which I will share soon!

Mom and I just went out for a nice dinner, and are going to settle in and watch a movie, so good night, stay warm, wherever you are, and have a lovely Friday!

patsi.....nice read.

Logan's Run......isnt that the movie which ended with the Hero (Jan Mich. Vincent?) poping up out of the water in the center of those old terraced fountains in Foat Wuth?

good morning gang....

Patsi.... thanks for posting that..... and I hope your friend's daughter can beat the cancer again....

Craig.... you are so funny....
equating McCain as the Pope..... LOL!

nash....You've cherry picked from one speech. Hillary has consistently said she'd start withdrawing troops, never indicating an immediate and complete withdrawal.

An immediate withdrawal would be complete madness, worthy of a war crimes prosecution. As much as I despise this Iraq invasion and all that followed, to simply take our toys and go home would be tantamount to having invented an Al-Qaeda state. We've already ensured that Iraq will be an Islamic run country.

How we get out of there is the most imprtant tactical strategy question thus far in the century. It cannot be done in a knee jerk reaction. That's what got us there.

We had a benefit sloppy joe dinner last night at work for a guy who died last week. He had pneumonia and went to the hospital last week and then had to have his gall bladder removed for some reason. He suddenly died after surgery. He was only 35 or 36 years-old. He left behind a wife and two children who are 12 and 8. I didn't know the guy. He worked on 2nd shift. Sad story.

Two thoughts: Renee, I agree Craig's Cardinal and Pope analogy was priceless.

Second thought: I miss Brian Lamb on Friday's C-span!

David Shuster Says Chelsea 'Pimped Out' by Hillary

Could David Shuster be any more unprofessional? Does he not realize that he's talking about the daughter of a woman who is the first female candidate to be vying for commander in chief? One can only guess what would happen if he'd said something so heinous about Barack Obama's daughter. It would have been Shuster's Imus moment. Hey, but it's just about Hillary's kid, so she's fair game, as is all things anti-Clinton. Evidently Shuster has decided to channel Chris Matthews.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/

Good morning.

Patsi...
I echo rr's comments. My sister just died from cancer. She had the same cancer John Edwards wife Elizabeth has and it was the third occurrence that finally took her.

I wish my best for her and the family.

God Bless.

Craig, keep on reporting about the Dems. I think you are doing excellent . I look forward to reading and seeing you on T.V.. with your views. Thank You.

Well thats it for me as I'm at work. I hope everyone has a good day.

God Bless.

Shuster would know about pimping given his shameless pandering for Huckleberry

Shuster Schmuster.

A sampling of BHO voters...

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/06/obama-girl-didnt-vote/

anon: Thanks for the good thoughts sent toward Mayo Clinic today. This young woman is one of those sunshine girls....very smart, beautiful -- so much to live for. And always positive in her thinking.

I'm gonna miss Ward Cleaver.

It wont be the first time all the young people have threatened to vote.......

gee, corey......dad's gonna clobber you..........

Won't the media be surprised when Huckabee pulls great numbers now that Romney is gone. A lot of conservatives probably voted for Romney because he looked more electable than Huckabee. Are they really going to throw their votes to McCain in future primaries, or, are they going to see that Huckabee had a little momentum going & get behind a more conservative candidate. A lot of them really don't see that much of a difference between Clinton & McCain; I think Mike will surprise the likes of Chris Matthews.

Loved the polling piece on The Daily Show; pollsters threatening people so they wouldn't change their minds & make their polls wrong.

Obama girl is the perfect example why counting on the youth vote is a hugh mistake. All fluff, no action.

I heard there that Limbaugh had a secret meeting with McCain. Is there anything out on the web about this meeting.

Good morning everyone! Just noticed the Quick Vote on CNN American Morning asks who will fair better against McCain. Go vote! cnn.com/americanmorning

If one of our cities had a nuke attack which one of the candidates would be the best to handle that problem.

This is just a nice video, for a Friday morning... 8)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2A2Jt4WOxN8

Blue: I think it's too late for Huckabee to stop McCain.

Patsi: Sorry to hear about your friend's daughter. I liked the Logan's Run story.

I don't know which one is the most qualified to handle a nuke attack. Maybe McCain.

LL: Here's a nice photo for Friday morning...Mother polar bear and cub.

http://www.lizasreef.com/HOPE%20FOR%20THE%20OCEANS/Images%20HFTO/Polar_bears-Mom_n_SleepingBaby.jpg

Sturgeone: True fact. Arnold Schwarzenegger had a minor role in "The Long Goodbye" as "muscle" working for a gangster. Here's a shot of him with Eliot Gould.

http://jurgenfauth.com/wp-content/uploads/snapshot20070718135102.jpg

Thanks for the thought, Nash. I told my friend that I doubted I held any sway with God, but I would send a message to my mother, who I think is sitting at His/Her right hand. On the other hand, my dad probably has God engaged in a poker game.

Vadaryl

In any disaster that large it is the team in place that will handle the situation. Untill they prove they can handle ordinary governing any team the Rep. would field is suspect. So I wouldn't trust a McCain adminisrtation to be any better than the current one.

Jack

Patsi: Mayo Clinic is the best. If there's a way to help her, they'll find it.

Of course Chelsea Clinton is doing whatever she can to help her Mom get elected. All the candidates' kids make calls and give speeches in support of their parent!!

Hell, I have seen MR's 5 sons doing group interviews!!

BHO's daughters might be too young to make phone calls, but I'll bet they are taking flyers to school, to be sent home, to all their classmates' parents...LOL!!!

The one mistake Chelsea made was to call the nitwits on "The View", who turned her calls into a joke.

By the way, if anyone needs any medical information, Mayo Clinic on-line is a great source.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/

awwwww...nice pic, nash 8)

Patsi...
Your welcome.

My daughter has survived 21 years from her brain cancer. She was diagnosed at age 4 1\2 and so far she is still free.

God Bless.
PS: Got to stay off until I get home. I can read, but I shouldn't be posting. In fact I'm surprised that this site hasn't been blocked yet.

I sincerely hope she does well and beats this horrible disease.

Good link, Nash!

Note to Brian....I was really sorry to hear about your Chron's. I have two friends here who had the beginnings of great music careers but develped Chron's. The road travel became a huge problem and they had to quit. This is a far bigger probem in the US than most people realize, and I don't think enough money goes to its research.

Anyway, here's a very funny t-shirt to go with the club you started. (I'm not being sarcastic....I do think this is a funny shirt.)

http://www.emerchandise.com/images/p/LRS/pdTSLRS0007.jpg

LL: What momma bear is thinking: "One more step forward with that camera and I'm going to rip your head off."

anon --- thanks so much for this first hand account:

"My daughter has survived 21 years from her brain cancer. She was diagnosed at age 4 1\2 and so far she is still free."

I have been thinking about what to say if my friend calls with bad news. I will use this story.

vadaryl...

I really should get off, but to answer your question Reich Wing Radio thinks that if there is another attack the Repugs will keep the White House.

Their mantra is Democrats won't keep you safe and want to surrender to the terrorists.

I'm done until tonight. Take care and...

God Bless.

yeah, nash...and the baby is totally relaxed, knowing that the Mom is there...Moms are good that way...

mornin' all.

catching up on some of the posts from yesterday - warren, we're all entitled to our opinions about Matthews - I've watched probably 80% of his Hardball shows over the past couple of years, and we disagree about him. I can certainly understand why Obama supporters think he's a swell analyst - having anointed Obama as the second coming of JFK and declared Hillary a loser to any republican comer, but never in that 2 years that I've seen has he actually "analyzed" the differences in the policy positions of Clinton and Obama. And I don't bristle at any criticism of Hillary - I bristle at unfair and dishonest criticism and comparisons of the candidates. I'd like to se evenhanded analysis by the Matthews of the world, but don't expect it.

Corey - you're going to miss Eddie Haskell.

VAD, to your 8:03 post, my answer is the one with the best judgment and ability to assimilate diverse information then make decisions. Or maybe the one who looks best with a bullhorn. And so far, I don't find anything about that secret meeting between Limpballs and McBush. Guess it was secret.

I thought I saw it, but it got pulled off.

Limps private plane was spotted at Dulles

What the Cult of Obama doesn't realize is that he's a politician. Not a brave one taking risky positions like Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich, but a mainstream one. He has not been firing up the Senate with stirring Cross-of-Gold-type speeches to end the war. He's a politician so soft and safe, Oprah likes him. There's talk about his charisma and good looks, but I know a nerd when I see one. The dude is Urkel with a better tailor.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-stein8feb08,0,3418234.column

Willard as the Cardinal.?

He better rent that movie .

"WASHINGTON (AP) — It's almost as if people can barely stand the thought of President Bush and Congress anymore. Bush reached his lowest approval rating in The Associated Press-Ipsos poll on Friday as only 30 percent said they like the job he is doing, including an all-time low in his support by Republicans. Congress' approval fell to just 22 percent, equaling its poorest grade in the survey. Both marks dropped by 4 percentage points since early January."

Did I hear Chuck Todd say Hillary writing a $5m check will make everyone scrutinize her finances? Did we scrutnize Romneys? What is going on here? Tell me, am I missing something?

Gordo, my secretary came in with the morning mail while I was reading Joel Stein's piece and laughing my ass off. She asked what I was laughing at - I said an Obama piece and she just rolled her eyes. (She's a twenty something who's not caught up in the politics of hope).

VAD - I'm sure Limpy was at CPAC, but the last thing HuffPo had posted was his pledge to raise money for Hillary so that McBush doesn't have to run against Obama, and they do a pretty fair job of ferreting out stuff like that and getting it on the web. And nothing on Drudge. We'll have to keep looking.

Now we're talking - here's what we will have to do - glad the Dem national party isn't waiting until August to get started.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8397.html

max - Obama is calling for Hillary to release her tax returns - as he has. No, we didn't scrutinize Romney's - everyone knows he has more money than god and Obama knew he was running against Clinton, not against Romney. Frankly, I would release them if I were her - although Bill might be a little embarassed about the tons o' money he's made from his speaches and investments. And get ready for the criticism about cattle futures investments - it won't be far behind.

Chuck Todd is a lightweight, IMO. I've heard him analyze situations in every campaign that left me going, "huh"? He often draws the most bizarre conclusions.

I am so glad I kept watching Fox on Super Tuesday to get a feel for Karl Rove. He has more info tucked into one political brain cell than Chuck, Matthews and Co. will ever have. I say this as one who despises Rove and everything he stands for.

But when that dumbo Chris Wallace asked him something about a particular state, Rove immediately identified the unaccounted voters. He understands every inch of this country's electorate off he top of his head, and frankly that is unnerving. His analysis of why the states were splitting for either Obama or Hillary was pretty amazing. And it was the one time he caught himself short and I got a real clue what he thinks about the general.

max

(repost)
I certainly hope that Mika is wearing a depends undergarment today. She seems to experience a "giddy little piss", every time she talks about Clinton loaning money, to the campaign.

When the talk was that Romney would loan himself millions of dollars, everyone was in awe over his wealth. Now, however, MSNBC views Hillary as a poor. broken down woman.

I think all this Clinton bashing, by MSNBC(Mika Scarborough Nastily Bash Clintons)is going to come back to haunt them.

They are so, totally in Obama's corner, that they never even have a guest with a differing opinion. If, by chance, a Hillary supporter does get on...JS talks over them.

I just sent HRC 200.00 and signed up for the monthly contribution plan. Instead of "blowing off" voting, Jim is delaying a business trip, until Wednesday, so he can vote for Senator Clinton.

Now that I think about it, MSNBC is doing a great job getting people to rally around HRC!!

Go Joe...Go Mika...Go Joe...Go Mika!!!!

Posted by: LushIsLinda | February 7, 2008 8:07 AM

Morning Joe-Less, was better without him.

Here's Krugman with the dire economic news. This may be something we should consider while we are touting the virtues of our respective candidate choices.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/08/opinion/08krugman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Not a Campaign, But a Revival

BOSTON—Barack Obama spent his last days before Super Tuesday running for God of America. His cult is growing; his calling as America’s spiritual leader is cemented. Seriously, who would have ever thought that the next Christ would have gone to Harvard Law?
“He can give us what America needs the most, which is not a transition, but is a transformation of American politics,” Kerry said.
Ted Kennedy, with his amazing hypnotic monotone, shouted himself hoarse; this was incredible. “If you care about Massachusetts, if you care about our nation, you’re going to go out and vote for Barack Obama.” His voice disappeared like it was eating itself.
http://www.observer.com/2008/not-campaign-revival?page=0%2C0

About fundraising: of course no one in the MSM wants to talk about the fact that Move On is actively raising money for Obama. There is a HUGE headline link on their website for campaign donations. It's tapping into a lot of money, and surely accounts for quite a bit of his financial gains.

Good Morning!!
Gordo, good article, thanks,
Here is one on what the UK thinks: http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10656864 Interesting that they threw in Coulter's pic with the 3 front runners.

And what is with this Shuster??
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/mark-finkelstein/2008/02/07/shuster-chelseas-being-pimped-out

"Barack Obama has made substantial gains among Democratic voters nationwide; on the eve of the Iowa caucuses just 26% of Democrats supported him, compared with 38% today. Meanwhile, the share backing Hillary Clinton has not changed – 46% of Democrats supported her on the eve of the Iowa caucuses, and 46% support her today."

Need your daily fix of polls? http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=392

Actually, Patsi, I don't want the MSM to talk about MoveOn raising money for Obama - it gives the perception that Obama is THE anti war candidate and looking beyond the nomination fight my perception is that MoveOn doesn't have an unequivocally good reputation even among all democrats, much less independents. I think too much discussion of them spills over to alienate folks who might otherwise vote dem.

Isn't there supposed to be a report from Betrayous in March. Senators Levin and Warner are quoted today saying the surge in not working. Warner is a jackas- he knew it wouldn't work last summer and still went along with the Shrubians. Too late Senator Warner
you are just as bad as Bush.

Craig, you're such a gem. Today's TM is so spot on!

tt

Gordo

I detest the politics of destruction.
That is all you do
It is one thing to react in anger, as many have done on this blog, when you are in the middle of a heated discussion. It is a totally different thing to post this type of crap out of the blue. That is trollish behavior IMO.

People who support Obama have very legitimate reasons for doing so.
The ability to inspire is a very legitimate talent for a leader to have. This becomes painfully obvious when Obama is put next to our current leader who can't string three words together without sounding like a fool.
There are other things , such as HRC's ability to work her ass off to succeed, that are equally legitimate talents.
It is important to have a debate over each candidates talents and short comings. But the crap that you just posted addresses none of then.

Jack

Donna Brasile on CNN
"I'll quit the Democratic Party if the super delegates decide the nomination."

well there's a reason right there. Followed immediately by Obama backing way off his statement from yesterday ...saying it is way to early to decide these issues.

Goodbye Donna don't let the door hit you ...

KGC

They are just working the refs.

Jack

Top of the day peeps.

KC don't count your super delegates before they have hatched!

Obama backed way off his super delegate statements of earlier in the week. He is now saying --it is too early to tell if he needs the rules changed to win

Let me also include in the trollish behavior department, the next fool that starts off a comment about HRC with the term "billary" grrrrrrrr.

Jack

yes dear , I know it's time for my second breakfast.
When jack gets hungry jack gets cranky. lol i'm like a friggin' two year old any more.

This has got to be the nastiest Democratic nominating process I have ever seen, except perhaps Uncle Teddy's challenge against Jimmy Carter at the 1980 Democratic National Convention. I didn't even pay attention in 2004 until Edwards was on the ticket with Kerry.

I get this feeling the Democrats are going to blow this thing. AGAIN... Never underestimate the Dems of snatching defeat from the hands of victory.

It is a beautiful sunny day here in Belgium and it's Friday afternoon. I should do something productive. House cleaning would be a good start.

TTFN

Jack, Maureen Dowd, who HATES Hilary with a passion, refers to her as "Billary" .

Obama discussion point: Is it a "Cult of Personality"?

eruo tom---describe what Belgium is like?

Obama discussion point: Is it a "Cult of Personality"?

Posted by: GORDO | February 8, 2008 10:44 AM

I say "no" ... He is not a dictator that uses media for his own advantage, he is campaigning to become the Democratic Party's nominee, same as Hillary. I feel the media have fallen "On Bended Knee" towards Obama recently, but that's THEIR doing, not his. He's running for President He's not owning or controlling the media. The people who support him have very legitimate reasons for that support.

The stress of the times is really getting to people
everyday there is a story about someone going crazy and killing people.

This has to be quote of the day for me.
From over on Red State,
in regard to McCain and the right wing nuts.

"Why the hell should he do anything? You lunatics shat all over him for years, and he's proven that he can win without you. You think appealing to faux-conservatives now will win him any voters in the general, when faux-conservative George Dubbya Bush is polling in the 30's? News flash, Sparky: America is sick of you."

Jack

HAHAHAHAHA. Bush says peace and prosperity are at stake in the election -

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/08/bush-peace-and-prosperi_n_85646.html

Brilliant line when we're at war and the economists are debating whether we're going into a recession. Next line should have been - "You risk experiencing one or the other or both unless you vote for my good friend John McCain."

Who questioned why Hillary continues to run against Bush? This is exactly why - he can't help himself, and by stumping for McCain, he has opened McCain up to being tied to Bush. If the dem campaign machine can't use this to portray McCain as Bush 3, it needs to throw the bums out and and get someone in who can. (James? James? Where are you James?) Who would you rather have the opportunity to direct campaign rhetoric against - the war hero or the wildly unpopular president? I choose B.

KGC
The scary thing about the StLouis shooting is that every regular public meeting I ever go to has a crank like this. From neighborhood meetings on up to city council. Always angry, demanding and always there on the front row every meeting.

I guess you just never know when they are going to come for you.

Jack

I wrote a bit about Belgium and then I accidently deleted it.. grrrrr. I will write something later.

The stress of the times is really getting to people
everyday there is a story about someone going crazy and killing people.

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | February 8, 2008 11:01 AM

Not to mention America's LUST for GUNS. Isn't it a sad statement when you go to a place like Mall of America in Bloomington MN, they actually have to hang placards stating that under statute, blah blah, blah, firearms are not allowed on the premises?

I can remember, quite clearly, when I lived in a nice suburb in Minneapolis and we didn't even lock our doors or even bother to take our keys out of the car. Now everyone struggles, everyone has issues, nearly everyone feels like "WTF? Why bother?" ...

And every wingnut seems to have NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER BECOMING FULLY ARMED in the good 'ole USA.

Jack
And this morning a young woman in Baton Rouge took her own life and two other young women at a school.
And there was the terrible robbery and shooting outside of Chicago earlier this week.

TO ALL TRAILMIXERS (and former Crawfordslisters):

I am hearing from a few folks who are taking a break from our little corner of the internets because they are tired of the insulting comments from others. These are hot and heavy times, so emotions are going to boil over.

Personally, I just completely ignore all comments posted by the screen names of regularly crude and/or uncivil participants -- and scan over to those I respect.

As this is an open and un-censored thread, installing an imaginary IGNORE button in your brain is about all I can offer as a solution to those who want to stick around.

I have noticed over the years that bullies go away if they're ignored. But give them attention (which is what they most crave), and you only postpone their welcome departure.

-- Craig

And the day before...the teacher shootings.

I appreciate you telling me about what it is like in Belgium. I really like to know what different parts of the world are like and it would be great to hear from someone who actually lives there.

Am looking forward to hearing from you.

Chris Gregoire endorses Obama, another super delegate for our side!

so does that mean the bully's have gone away?

Craig, I read what Shuster said last night about Chelsey being pimped out by her parents, and sent the link to the group. Sorry, but I think the spam catcher you have caught it. Just wanted to let you know that I am not sending nasty links to your blog. Take care!!

who knows, chicakdee, one blogger's bully is another's champion. it's all about point of view

" I think the spam catcher caught it" -- Posted by: Linda~in~Wisconsin

not to worry, Linda -- FYI to all, the auto spam filter does block anything with 3 or more links -- other than that, nothing else gets censored

Washington state will definitely go for Obama. The caucus system tends to bring out the political neophytes and the activists. It is interesting to note that the Republicans are abiding by the primary vote while the Democrats are not. As I recall, an initiative was filed to change the Presidential party nominees after Washington state was embarrassed by the Republicans choosing Pat Robertson. I am disappointed that the Dems are not using the primary vote, but I think they believe caucuses are a great recruiting tool for bringing new and enthusiastic voices into the Party. Since Obama is a "new entity" (as it were) within the Presidential politics and the big "first" he offers as an African-American man within striking distance of actually getting the nomination, the activists who long for significant change will be out in force.

I still argue that Hillary being within striking distance of getting the nomination and being the first woman to do so is also an incredible change in the body politic. The hopes and aspirations of women who have longed for a place at the table have an incredible opportunity to break that glass ceiling once and for all.

Since it appears that neither Hillary or Barack will have enough delegates to win the nomination without the super delegates, isn't a floor fight at the convention inevitable? And if a floor fight is inevitable, what does this say about Dem chances in the general? I'd like to hear your opinions .

Brian,

Maybe:-)
At this point I look for this to be played out to Peurto Rico.

Then if their is no clear leader the party leaders will gather all and some kind of deal will be cut.
That is not a bad thing IMO, it is just politics. I hope if they do this it is handled in a deft manner, if done clumsily it could cause problems.

Then again I am talking about the democratic party,lol, so never mind , bad results here we come.

Jack

Thanks for the button installation, Craig - I'll have to try it out later today. Perhaps you could install one for some of the folks taking a break so that they can participate again.

Linda, i found your comment in the spam bin and set it free: http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/02/see-you-later-mitt.html#comment-29911

Jack, what deal? I doubt Hillary with just give up. And if arm twisting forces either Hillary or Barack to sit back and take the VP slot, won't that just fracture the party?

Pretty telling when get dissed because David Schuster refers to Chelseas parents pimping her out, but we don't seem to understand that is what stings and barbs do to bloggers of other opinion.

Frankly Jack I fully expect Obama to have enough of the vote for the super delegates not to be an issue. This is all about MSM looking for a story. It's not an issue for 6 months and look how hard they are pushing the story.

No chicakdee, I'm still here :-)

I don't think I'm a bully and I do think my main nemesis here is. I am sure "he who cannot be named" would say the exact thing about me.

I very much like Craig's comment: "These are hot and heavy times, so emotions are going to boil over." That's it in a nutshell. I don't want to put words in Craig's mouth but I can imagine him doing his work getting emails from people on the mix blog and thinking "GROW UP... ALL OF YOU". I have a couple yahoo groups and have to do this often, though in a far more diplomatic way.

It is interesting for me to see one person seeth about 4 or 5 of us who participate in this discussion and me looking at them with high esteem. I suppose it is not an accident that all of us in the group are Hillary supporters and the complaints we've received are from Obama supporters.

"These are hot and heavy times, so emotions are going to boil over."

Can we please move on?

Bully Thomas

nannym, I think the only real problem with a floor fight is that it postpones campaigning for the nominee until the first week of September - another monumental tactical blunder by Howie Dean. Jesus H., and the man was a physician? I'd think he could have foreseen the potential problem that an August convention might result in. And now he wants the candidates to figure out how to avoid that? And he wanted to be president? Good lord.

I sent the Shuster comments to Dan Abrams for his "Beat the Press" segment. Seems like he's all to willing to highlight inappropriate comments from other cable stations. I think it's about time he looks at his own MSNBC....the worst offender in my opinion.

I have a question.

Is their a blog profile of regular participants here?

Things like .. Gender, occupation, interest in politics, hobbies. etc????

EuroTom said

"Jack, Maureen Dowd, who HATES Hilary with a passion, refers to her as "Billary""

Hi tom:-)

Yes, she does and yes, she is a troll.
A highly paid one but a troll nonetheless.
She exemplfies the politics of destruction, IMO
As does Ann Coulter, Michael Moore, Rush Limbaugh and ect ect ect .

Jack

The only scrutiny I gave when I heard Hillary wrote her campaign a $5 million check is what does it feel like to write a check for that amount, that won't actually bounce...

That has to be the financial equivalent of being Hugh Hefner when he realized Viagra actually worked...

Pogo: I agree that the Convention timing is ridiculous. I think the long nominating process is going to cause such a deep divide within the party that rallying behind the one candidate left standing will be questionable and is why I believe a Clinton/Obama ticket (or visa versa) may be the only solution.

Got an email from my good friend Lissa who now lives in Florida. Thought someone might find this interesting:

. this election is nerve-racking. The right and Bush are so creepy. Altho I do like McCain's 97 year old mom, Roberta. She hates the Republicans...treated her son

"...like a dog. They are just going to have to hold their noses and vote for him...he doesn't hold grudges like I do. I kinda like my grudges".

Mrs. McCain is a feisty one! :-)

EuroTom:

Who cannot be named?

Sometimes I feel like I am watching an episode of Lost** reading this blog.

**which by the way was fantastic last night.

Brian -----------

The Washington Post's Paul Kane: "We've done a bad job of explaining this, but it is now basically mathematically impossible for either Clinton or Obama to win the nomination through the regular voting process (meaning the super-delegates decide this one, baby!).
"So, do the math. If they both have about 900 pledged delegates so far, they need to win more than 1,100 of the remaining 1,400 delegates to win the nomination through actual voting.

"Ain't gonna happen, barring a stunning scandal or some new crazy revelation. So, they'll keep fighting this thing out, each accumulating their chunk of delegates, one of them holding a slight edge and bothing finishing the voting process with 1,600 or so delegates. And then the super delegates decide this thing. That's the math
http://www.politicalwire.com/

Suiperdelegates will go to Obama. Anyone who was going to give them to Clinton already did.

Morning all, hi Craig, hope the foot's healing nicely..

Masonic tongues or Messianic? because there's a difference.. lol.. one's bricklayers -- other's the second coming and ya better watch out!

It was really nice to sit and have coffee this morning with Joe-less morning..(well, he was on the phone, but wth..i can live with that).. Shuster made me stand up and applaud when he said Mitt's "dems surrender to terrorists" comment was just stupid.

:) and how is your day going?

Pogo:

I don't want to dredge up this conversation again - but just want to make one quick point on Chris Matthews. I respected and liked him BEFORE he "annointed" Obama. And it sounds like many on this board watched him BEFORE he started criticizing Hillary.

Tweety was terrible during the 2004 election and
did the same thing to Kerry -- and Mrs Kerry as well

how can we forget
Bush = "Sonny Nobility"
or who would you rather have a beer with

Tweety is a random comment generator who the media claims is a liberal. But all he does is make liberals look bad.

Not to mention how Matthews made fun of Al Gore at every turn....

"Is their a blog profile of regular participants here? Things like .. Gender, occupation, interest in politics, hobbies. etc????" -- Posted by: EuroTom

Yes, EuroTom, but it is up to each participant to complete their profiles. Just click the Type Key symbol to the right of registered screen names.

If that person has completed a profile on Type Key you will see it. Also, of course, we have links to participant blogs and the map on Blogroll link on the side bar to your left.

Hey folks, I think it is time we talked music. As you can probably imagine, Bowie's Changes is going to be the new theme music for Morning Joe when Obama is running for the general.

But last night I heard a song that might comfort many of the avid Hillary supporters on this board.

Whenever you are all filled with angst - go listen to Bob Dylan's "Dont Think Twice, It's Alright." Here are some of Dylan's words:

It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It don't matter, anyhow
An' it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If you don't know by now
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I'll be gone
You're the reason I'm trav'lin' on
Don't think twice, it's all right

Anyone remember the day Bush landed on the aircraft carrier and declared "mission accomplished?" Tweety's fawning over Bush was disgusting. Talk 'bout man crushes! Sheeeeshhh!!!

KGC said

"Tweety is a random comment generator who the media claims is a liberal. But all he does is make liberals look bad"

lol
point!

Or as my Father would say
His mouth is running before his brain is engaged and
He never hears a word he says.

I have never been able to handle tweety.

Jack

Here's one for you Warren

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uvr3dmptvg

If you all hate him so much why do you continue to watch him? Rather masochistic isn't it?

I think this long nomination season can work to the benefit of the Democrats as long as they can remain civil. Now with McCain being the presumptive nominee Clinton and Obama can direct their snark at him instead of each other, point out their differences in national debates and hone their messages on the campaign trail.

That also gives other Democrats, bloggers and such the opportunity to remind folks that McCain represents four more years of George W Bush.

Nice one KGC.

no one watches Tweety any more..there are plenty of web sites that give the information out and some people mistakenly tune in a little early for KO

His ratings are with Tuckers.

for those who haven't complete Type Key profiles and would like to, click Login at the following address (use the name and password used here): http://www.sixapart.com/typekey/

then go to "Your Type Key Profile Page" -- there you can add some info, favorite links, photo, etc.

Youth vote----what age is the "youth vote"?

When it comes to the youth vote----I realize there are young people who are genuinely interested in politics.

It has been my experience that a good many of them aren't interested and don't have a clue to what issues prevail in their own country. They are young and blissfully enjoying other things in life. They simply don't care.

So when I see the "youth" rallying for a candidate--do they really care or are they just at a pep rally with friends and enjoying the rush?

I loved the video, especially the end with the cane shaking--made me laugh. On other blogs, I've heard many comments about caucuses entering the picture from Michigan and Florida to determine the delegate count from those states. Just wondered if there was any truth or probability of this happening.

Ran:

"I think this long nomination season can work to the benefit of the Democrats as long as they can remain civil."

Based on this message board - we could be in trouble.

Most people think you should do anything to win elections...because at the end of the day they think the ends justify the means.

They are wrong.

Speaking of McCain
I saw George Allen campaigning for mcCain in Va

sort of Macaca campaigns for M.McGook

AsianWeek: Feature: McCain Apologizes for 'Gook' Comment

"If you all hate him so much why do you continue to watch him? Rather masochistic isn't it? -- Posted by: Brian In NYC"

Amen, Brian -- Folks, you can use this blog to trash my employer all you like, but those comments would be more constructively directed to MSNBC's own comment board: http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=541402

Craig.... thanks for the comment on the "ignore" button....
that's mostly what I've doing for a long time.....

WJack.... loved your post about Gordo and the politics of personal destruction...
even as a Hillary supporter... I find his posts offensive and I no longer read them....

Warren.... I missed most of last season's Lost.... started watching it again this season..... and I'm... well...... lost.... but I'm going to keep watching....

nannymm and Pogo.... I heard on interesting take on the continuing nominating season for the Democrats while the Republican side is sown up on the Diane Rehm Show on NPR this morning....
the pundit basically said that the protracted fight would keep the Democrats in the press and on the front pages..... mean while it might be easy to forget the Republicans.....

RR: we are all "lost" - that is what makes it so fun!!

Warren

I'm an optimist
I'm thinking about that shotgun wedding the party elders are planning
So here is this one for
Hillary and Barack

John Prine and Iris Dement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljhSJNk0pho

Jack

In Spite of Ourselves? great song from a good movie

I don't understand the big uproar within the Dem party.. we ALL said we didnt want a coronation.. and we got our heart's desire.. Just promise yourself you'll support whoever wins and everything'll be fine. The 'news on the war' isnt going to get better, folks. It's a friggin WAR. While the primaries are going on Baghdad blows up daily and no one sees but it's still blowing up. Soldiers are dying and injured and their families are back here just waiting to vote. This Admin, despite their applauding and patting themselves on the back for 2 days, is unlawful. Dont even consider voting for McCain just cos he's a maverick and is trying to appeal to dems. No economic plan and more war should be enough to keep Dems voting Dem, but if you need more incentive, how about the Patriot Act and shredding the Constitution?

Remind all your friends too.

Brian
I've given up on taking bets with this election.
The only thing I know for certain nobody is going to be running on dubya's record.

Jack

Tylenol the uproar is in the press, not the Democratic Party. Most of us are enjoying watching two great candidates duke it out.

Gordo
thanks for the numbers
numbers are good

Jack

Brian

Amen
That was my feeling after the last debate, two great candidates.

Jack

For Hillary--I Am Woman---Helen Reddy

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend
'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

CHORUS
Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

CHORUS

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land
But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

FADE
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman

Helen Reddy, ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

tylenol, i wouldn't vote for mc cain if he were the only name on the ballot. i'd write in mickey mouse first. lol
(what can i say? i love mickey!) but, will black voters stay home if obama isn't the nominee? will women stay home if hillary isn't? I hope not. but there does seem to be alot of bitterness in both groups that may spill over at the end. it worries me when people say obama's voters wont go for hillary (and obama himself seems to be saying that.) or when i hear people threaten to leave the party if the super delegates decide the nominee. this should be a good year for dems. but....i'm worried.

Ty
I was talking to my sister the other day and remarked how suprised I was at her husbands antiwar comments. She pointed out having a teenage son enamoured with the military changes your POV.
as she said, "if I'm not willing to send my own son to die, it is not right to send someone elses."

Jack

will black voters stay home if obama isn't the nominee? will women stay home if hillary isn't?

I don't think so nannymm, not enough to lose the election at any rate. One thing we all have in common is a wish to see this versoin of the Republicans out of office.

Brian commented 12:54 Pm: "Helen Reddy, ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww"

Brian--I personally can't find fault with Helen Reddy. I like the message she sings in I Am Woman --that speaks for all women.

Do you like women?

nash - Well, you prob'ly right about Huckabee stopping McCain (especially now that W is trying to get GOPers to support him), but if Mike sticks with it, I really think people might be surprised at the anti-McCain votes he gets since Romney is gone.

If Clinton & McCain are the noms, and, if some see their political stances as being somewhat close, will the turnout for the general be extremely low because folks aren't passionate about either one?

Would love to stick around for Brian's response, but gotta go. Have a great weekend y'all!

Thanks for the responses. MSMBC is really getting to me lately , Faux is just not a option and CNN is a yawn. I am absolutely sick of the Hillary bashing. Every channel, 24/7, all I hear is how terrible Hillary is. She is smart, informed and experienced woman. Uh, oh! Did I say woman, is that the problem? God help us.

Warren,

My wife's theme song
She is an HRC supporter

I think It may have started as her divorce song.

She is a strong opinionated woman, just the way I like them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHJMp5bz9u8

Jack

It's not her gender that bring fourths an ewwwwwwwwwwww you twit. It's her voice and style, decided a mediocre singer in every respect. And stop accusing people of hating women who don't agree with you, it makes you look like a one issue cliche'.

Also there is no one who speaks for all women, or all men for that matter.

I said I wuz gonna vote for McCain, but I wouldn't be able to do it. He was one of the Clinton impeachment persecutors.

max: take the pledge, I see about 2 minutes of "news" on the teevee a week, everything you need to know is on the internet.

"But last night I heard a song that might comfort many of the avid Hillary supporters on this board. "

ROFL! Warren doesn't see the irony of using Bob Dylan to take a shot at the candidate being smeared by her opposition as the old woman from an out-of-touch generation.

I used to really like Helen Reddy. I loved 'I am Woman" , "Delta Dawn", "Angie Baby" and my particular version "You're My World". She has always had a distinctive style and vocal quality which I found interesting. She kind of lost me, however, when she did a cover of "We'll Sing in the Sunshine" and declared it her "new feminist song".

Brian- My opinion is mine. I didn't insult you, why the hostility? Your insults do not affect me.

Chickadee... Define "Do you like women" ....

I do give the Clinton campaign credit. It appears that they are manufacturing "momentum" out of thin air.

And you got to love the spin that the presumptive nominee with all the entrenched interests and name recognition - and who is married to the most loved man in the Democratic party - is the underdog. Well if she is now the underdog - she got there for a reason.

There are flaws with her campaign. Hillary has never excelled at connecting with people and she is not an agent of change.

The Clinton campaign is taking on water - and if we send this ship against the GOP - the Dems may be sunk.

nam myoho renge kyo ... everyone please chat this with me... humming to "I am Woman" is permissible as long as the chant fits the song's tempo...

Patsi: you right - I don't see the irony.

Jack: I myself have always been drawn to strong and opinionated women. But I am beginning to wonder if I should try to resist that urge. Life sure would be a heck of a lot easier.

Just kidding ladies...

Warren, I disagree, but that's not a surprise. The MSM has practically written her off before Super Tuesday and once again they, and the Obama campaign got it wrong. Sometimes BHO believes his own hype too much. It's easy to love the devil you don't know because you know too much about the devil you DO...

Obama does NOT walk on water...

Pretty soon I expect him to be clanging tambourines at his campaign stops. They're like fundamentalist revival meetings.

I use "I am Woman" (spoken word) whenever I'm surrounded by a pile of paper on my desk at work... that glass ceiling is getting lower.. lol

"The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nghdLS8wMfI

Just call me old and cynical
Jack

I am going to check iTunes... I am curious... yes I have it on my list.
I am Woman
Delta Dawn
Angie Baby
Somewhere in the Night
Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady
Leave Me Alone
Peaceful
You're My World

The best of Helen Reddy.. WOO - HOO...

Warren

Life would be a lot duller too.

I can handle it ;-)

I waited 50 years for this one "Never gonna let her go"

Jack

Bob Dylan - Mr. Tambourine Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRbeUnn-AUA

Now that's a singer!

Brain said at 1:08 "It's not her gender that bring fourths an ewwwwwwwwwwww you twit. It's her voice and style, decided a mediocre singer in every respect. And stop accusing people of hating women who don't agree with you, it makes you look like a one issue cliche'.

Also there is no one who speaks for all women, or all men for that matter. "

I still can't fault her for her singing abilities even though you decided to barb by calling me a TWIT.

People indulge in "leveling" when they feel the need to bring someone else tdown to the perception of their own level"

Eurotom shuffles a bit with his hands in his pockets, whistling and thinking "it's only a movie... it's not real.. it's only a movie."

Ok
The optimist in this collective that live in my head said I've got to post this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCX3ZNDZAwY

Jack

Congrats Jack - the "one" is tough to find. But of course fun to look for.

I am still looking myself. Maybe it is Patsi! ; )

"It's so nice to be insane
No one asks you to explain,
Radio by your side...
Angie Baby"

Helen Reddy is one of the long standing jokes in the musical industry, and with good reason. Well I'm to see a man about a check. Later kiddies.

I promise I will try not to bash Craig's employer (which will be really hard)....
But ....
Tom Brokaw was on A Daily Show and espressed it best when he referred Chris Matthews as having “Political Tourettes” .

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=156232&title=tom-brokaw

Sorry chickadee, when you say something "twitish" what do you expect?

Warren are you some hot blooded casanova lovin' and leavin' the women you get involved with? :-)

True love is worth pursuing. Having a companion, a friend, a lover, a mate, all rolled up into one is a nice way to live. In my experience, It is challenging but it's worth the work.

more dylan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srgi2DkDbPU

LOL
I gotta quit this I could dig around you tube all day.

Jack

You know what? I don't care who in the music industry thinks of someone else as a standing joke. I love all kinds of music and it doesn't bother me a bit what some arrogant jackasses in the industry have to say about artists.

I like Helen Reddy
I LOVE Cher
I still listen to my Part