Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Woot. It is always interesting to run across bomb shelters from this by-gone era.

Craig,
Duck and cover!

http://embeds.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/02/19/cindy-mccain-responds-to-michelle-obama-proud-comments/

let's get ready to rumble!!!! {8>D

I really wish there would be more reporting on MLRO.

Zoey,

No fair, I thought of duck and cover first...lol!

I guess the Corleone family can go in and reclaim their property now...

The monument to the Bush administration

http://www.cnbc.com/id/23225822

OK - I stand by my earlier remark about Michelle Obama's blunder but this is funny.

It's just for laughs - no outrage intended.

[begin]
McCain: I'm blessed to be here, and owe everything to my country.

Michelle Obama: Supporting my husband is the first decent thing this lousy country has done in a long time.

[end]

http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MDQxMjVmZDFlMGU5OGFiNTYwN2I5MDk0MDY2Zjk5NWY=

And Craig...very interesting perspective on the whole Cuba in communist isolation.

Florida did inherit all those casino, hotel, tourist folks when the U.S. shut down access from here. Bad decision then but our pet dictator at that time had a snit fit.

If we hadn't been in the middle of a cold war and terrified of anything more vivid than a bright Pink, we could have assisted Cuba into a Democracy, but that's hindsight, and he became one of THEIR pet dictators instead.

Florida could suffer badly if all those lovely beaches and places where the Canadians are already basking in the sun are opened up to American tourists. Of course, Canadians get more for their loonies than we would with our greenbacks. :-)

Wendy,

That's it in a nutshell...you should throw in some stepford wife into the McCain picture...she looks like Barbie at 50

top of the day peeps.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 11:42 AM

Butter milk is the only way to fry chicken, end of story.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 11:43 AM

Yes Sheila I saw, another Hillary supporter threw a hissy fit and says she is going to vote for McCain if she doesn't get her way. That should thrill Bin Laden, another 100 y/o of a America occupying an Arab nation, just the rational he needs to recruit more young people to his "cause".
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 11:50 AM

"We can stand together against the Obama forces. :-)"
Jamie it's too bad you view Obama and his supporters as the enemy. I certainly don't see you, Hillary or her supporters as the enemy. In all candor it strikes me that a great many on here have over personalized Hillary's candidacy and take great personal offense at anyone who dares to run against. We simply feel Obama would make a better president, we're not trying to steal your dream.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 12:58 PM

Don't worry Blue I find most of what you say to pretty laughable too.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 1:11 PM

And Blue the fact that you could vote for McCain if Hillary doesn't get the nod proves my point. Your support of Hillary has nothing to do with issues. If it did you couldn't possibly vote for a man like McCain.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 1:16 PM
My name is Brian, not B'rye.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 1:21 PM
No you can't Barbi.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 1:30 PM
I think Michelle Obama's makes perfectly good sense. If my family had been oppressed for countless generations the way hers had I'd be a little pissy about America too. Anyone who feels so outraged by what Michelle said need to get a grip and get a clue.
Is this what we're now sinking to, America Love It or Leave It?
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 4:35 PM

Blonde how you repair your grippless - clueless state is your own business.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 4:39 PM

Blondi the first step to getting a clue is try not assuming you understand the African American experience. Obviously you didn't read my post, I said countless generations. But continue to come up with any form of trivia you can find to slam the Baracks, Sheila and I will send you a post card from the Inaugural Ball.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 4:51 PM

exactly tt, it's only middle aged white people getting all pissy about Michelle said.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 4:58 PM

Yes sure wino,l I'm a racist, ok.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:15 PM

Oh nice, now HillCo staff members are saying they are going try and steal delegates. What a fine group she's put together.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8583.html
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:22 PM

Blonde I'm not going to get into a pissing match with you. Your Borg tactics have no effect on me.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:32 PM

Ok Blonde I'm beginning to see the problem, you read things not to understand a person's point of view you read them to find things to back up whatever argument you're trying to win. Now I know this will be difficult for you, but if you try really hard and try to be objective for just a moment you'll actually get the point of my post and the point Roger Simon's article. You're quoting the sentiments of a Clinton staffer, that's his low life lacking integrity concept of how things will play out. Just his. Now really go back and reread the article and see if you can understand it, read slowly.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:38 PM

Wendy I have no idea idea what you're talking about, more Clinton lies I suspect.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:39 PM

Sorry Max, sorry Wendy, in all honesty I rarely read your posts, I've never been a fan of contrived propaganda. And Max you ramble to the point of frankly coming off a bit unhinged.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 5:59 PM

Just how many firewalls does a candidate need? For that matter why should a candidate need a firewall at all.
Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 19, 2008 6:10 PM

Why not just post the link of all those posts instead of taking up a mile of screen space?

Bear wrote:

"That's it in a nutshell...you should throw in some stepford wife into the McCain picture...she looks like Barbie at 50"

We agree on this one

ROFL

I didn't do it - but Bear - it's funnier this way.

ohhhhhhhh...Brian has a stalker, I see

From a comment on the previous thread regarding a Wes Clark quote on Kosovo Independence:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/17/kosovo.independence/

Former U.S. Army Gen. Wesley Clark, who led the NATO alliance during the 1999 conflict, said "There was no way beyond moving to this step." But he urged the international community to work with Serbia to keep the country moving toward integration with Europe and "to help them understand their situation."

"I'm very sad that the Serbs are unable to understand what's happened," Clark told CNN. "But the magnitude of Serb repression of the Albanian majority there and the violence that accompanied the ethnic cleansing in 1998 and 1999 was just so overwhelming that I think the Serb people have to understand that the Albanians themselves have to have this separation."

There will probably be more later. Clark is in the Middle East on business at the moment :)

Is this a prediction or a threat?

"Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder predicted riots in the streets if the Clinton campaign were to overturn an Obama lead through the use of superdelegates."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8583.html

OK - I have some very good news for Hillary supporters.

A WI poll shows that many republicans will be crossing over to vote for the candidate they think McCain can beat. Yep, that's Hillary. Well...however misguided...gives us a good shot at WI today.

i believe Obama won VA the same way so seems only fair.

http://badgerblogalliance.blogspot.com/2008/02/crossover-is-name-of-game.html

Just trying to find a few good laughs for us today - the last thread was heated.

Cindi McCain looks like the madam in a Jackie Collin's novel.

I feel all warm and fuzzy right now.

Gee reading it all in one place, today's niceness seems to have even mellowed Brian. He's been on unusually good behavior with nothing worse than "pissy" all day. Send the man a trophy or something.

I think everyone has gone mad.

Wendy

"they think McCain can beat." Gee does this mean Dick Morris is wrong again. He's been encouraging Republicans to vote for Obama for exactly the same reason.

"Oil prices are still within the range of inflation-adjusted highs set in early 1980. Depending on how the adjustment is calculated, $38 a barrel then would be worth $96 to $103 or more today."

From Bear's link

"$38 a barrel then would be worth $96 to $103 or more today"

Now if salaries had only done the same.

Craig, just keep in mind what happened with Lil' Kim's missels or rockets or whatever they were and then Jamie's subsequent remark about Viagra and your mentioning that on air.

I don't think Florida has anything to worry about.

tt

yep

The English Language Obamafied - language creation happening while you wait. There's no way of knowing how many of these will last, but it is a fascinating example of how English is transformed and grows to fit a situation.

http://www.slate.com/id/2184502/

We turned on MSNBC, just in time to hear sweet, little Norah O'Donnell gettin' all snarky...

Interesting perspective on the crack-pot at the Clinton rally

[begin]
SHOVING AND THREATS?

Five people said that, after the speech, Holeman shoved and threatened people to get to Clinton. David Westrich, 40, of Akron, said Holeman pushed people into his mother's wheelchair. Holeman denies pushing or threatening anyone and said people tried to prevent him from moving to the front, including a man he says challenged him to a fight outside. ... ..

"I heard on the news that President Clinton hit this man. He didn't," said Andrea Burns, of Canton, who was angry that the confrontation was taking up time where Clinton could have talked to her and others.

Andrew Hayes, 30, of Canton, said Holeman shoved him and his wife out of the way. He said it made him feel sick that Hannity wanted to interview Holeman.

"He starts talking real aggressively to President Clinton. ... he's like shouting at him. ... President Clinton obviously got a little upset with him. ... I said to the guy ... 'you're ruining this for everyone.' "

Feemster's brother, Rick Feemster, 56, of Canton, who was right next to Clinton, said Holeman rudely accused Clinton of being rude to Obama in South Carolina. He said Clinton challenged him to cite examples, and Holeman could not.

"Former President Clinton was very professional," said Rick Feemster. "He didn't raise his voice to the guy. ... President Clinton kept his cool through the whole thing."

Holeman said he's not registered to vote because he doesn't want to make his address public and indicated that he's concerned about his safety. He said he was the victim of racist assaults repeatedly when he was a student at several college campuses in the 1980s.

After his interview with The Repository, Holeman, who denied he's seeking attention, ran into a woman he knew.

"Did you see me in the paper? I'm in the paper!" he said.
[end]

told you he was a crack-pot.

Our policy towards Cuba is absurd, it's based on McCarthy era paranoia and held hostage by a bunch of aging thugs living In Miami.

My kids, age 18 and 14, are counting down the days when the embargo is lifted and we can book a trip to Cuba. In their view, it makes no sense to embargo Cuba, while engaging in a trading frenzy with China. They befriended some Canadian kids on a recent cruise who told them how great it was in Cuba. My guys felt silly not being able to travel there when their friends could. Adios Fidel! Hola Cuba!

There is no need to start the nasty comments about Cindy McCain's appearance. What does that have to do with anything? If she is making political comments, fine speak to the comment. All the people that comment here about equality, and ideas and idealism and fairness.. should know better.

You gotta wonder if Hillary had more cash for TV time she would have had that 13 page pamphlet published. 13 pages?

Bowmanc,

All I said is that she looks like Barbie at age 50...If she had plastic surgery, the skanks of Hollywood should call her and find out who did the work because she looks fabulous. I think that comment is quite the opposite of nasty.

Stepfordish is a different story. But Mr. McCain certainly married up.

Wendy,

If only the Secret Service carried tazers...we could have had dueling "Dude don't taze me" riffs...lol

I will admit it's a clever trick, only cost a few grand to print them up and you get a few dozen volunteer borg to pass them out, and you get some free air time on it. Yeah clever.

From that Slate gadget:

Barackingbird:
A person who repeats Obama press releases verbatim

http://www.newsweek.com/id/113271/page/1

Interesting interview with McCain's budget person. It seems that after he reforms the medical system in the US, a 72 year old man with a history of cancer, will be able to get an affordable insurance plan from a private provider...

I smell something...I'm checking my shoes...bullsh#t!!!

Wendy: Did you see MOJO yesterday where JS had on the CNBC correspondent and they kept referring to the fact that Bill "popped the guy" even though there is no proof that Clinton did any such thing (accept for the heckler's claim that "maybe" Bill touched his face)? They really want to pursue this narrative of Bill being "out of control" and "desperate." What I don't understand is why they don't talk about the type of person who would go to another candidate's rally just to heckle them. Hardly hopeful.

I am surprised that the Secret Service doesn't just remove the hecklers. When I saw Bill thee were 2 nut cases, in the second row. When I saw HRC, there were zero hecklers.

Maybe they are attracted to Bill, or sent there to try to upset him...who knows at this point...anything is possible.

It's not the job of the Secret Service to silence free speech and remove hecklers. Their job is to provide protection against physical threats.

Burrito: It is surprising the Secret Service let that guy get as close to Bill as he did. There was a woman with a megaphone at the Seattle HRC Rally and she was removed before she actually did any heckling. (And you're right, he is the not the candidate, just a surrogate : )

well you never know what these "hecklers" might have in mind....there were no metal detectors

I was surprise.

Brian: From the account that Wendy posted, it sounds like the guy was charging towards the rope line. I think they might have perceived him as a threat.

They really ruin events for the rest of the people. Most all have waited a long time in line, and are really excited to see their canidate and they are not really interested in seeing some crazy disrespectful scene.

It's a shame that these people( the hecklers) feel that their behavior is appropriate.

In addition, these are private events open to the public. They have a right to ask people who are causing a disturbance to leave.

Did anybody see those 9/11 conspiracy hecklers on Bill Maher several weeks ago? He charged into that audience like he was going to tear somebody a new you-know-what. I get the feeling he has a wee bit of a temper as well!

Brian, you talking about the Godfather and Cuba?

tt

At the Michigan vs. Ohio St. basketball last Sunday , Michigan's new football head coach got up to address the crowd at halftime. Immediately , a group of OSU fans in the upper level began chanting "1,548! 1,548 , 1,548!" That was apparently how many days it's been since Michigan beat OSU in football. Ushers immediately went over to the OSU and told them to be quiet and stop interrupting Rich Rodriguez' speech. We even got warned at work about making comments while our plant manager was speaking to us at plant updates. I think it's all about being polite and not interrupting someone while they are speaking. I mean , I doubt it would go over well if Hillary were to say to them "SHUT THE HELL UP WHILE I'M TALKING!"

No tt I'm talking about over 50 y/o set of cuban refugees who think we should over throw Castro and hold the political process hostage.

Obama's Plagiarism, The Saga Continues

"This is about character. It's about Obama's con. It's about presenting yourself as authentic, when the truth is just the opposite.

There's more trouble for Obama and Patrick. Their story just doesn't add up. "

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

People are crazy. I give all the candidates credit for keeping it together as well as they do.

Can you imagine, being threatened continually and interrupted just when you are about to deliver the big line?

"Our policy towards Cuba is absurd, it's based on McCarthy era paranoia and held hostage by a bunch of aging thugs living In Miami. "

Holy crap! Brian and I are on the same page.

bowmanc...

Just got back home and am catching up on this thread. Thank you for reminding people how silly it is to continue to comment on the appearance of any of the candidates or their spouses. John McCain may not be your candidate, but that's no reason to make any comment regarding his wife. She's a lovely woman.

Sheila....hope you were there to see Jim Lehrer -- FINALLY some in depth on Pakistan.

Here's your resort.. for $1000, flight included, one week on glorious beach in cuba...

http://myr.sax.softvoyage.com/cgi-bin/resultsforf.cgi

Cuba 1953 Dolce de Leche

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LOoTNbHX2E

Ah Craig...you bring up some fond memories of the Cuban missle crisis. I remember my Mom made me a sock monkey to keep me calm during that time. And she would always stockpile water during a crisis (this was way before bottled water). I think she even filled the bathtub that night. And we lived in eastern Pennsylvania -- close enough to Washington,D.C. and New York. the missles were headed for us. And when my parents retired to Florida...during every hurricane, she still would stockpile water.

Hey, tylenol has been to Cuba...our earlier post had a recipe for a hurricane see 4:55pm post...in honor of Cuba.

"You gotta wonder if Hillary had more cash for TV time she would have had that 13 page pamphlet published. 13 pages? "

I know...wouldn't it be horrible if the youngsters in the Obamanation actually had to read instead of worship?

Got it, Brian.

Corey, on the sports front, The Mav's traded most of their team for Jason Kidd and got him today.

tt

Anon...

Thou hast pushed a button for me, so I shall respond to your post about testing and 'teaching to the test' from the last thread.

I cannot speak for the tests of other states, but as someone who has administered WA state's high stakes test (called the WASL, pronounced wassle) on many occasions, I call bull on the notion that teachers are expected to teach to the test.

I've been hammering away on critical thinking skills for a long time. If a teacher truly teaches, s/he will teach NOT facts, but the ability to interpret and form opinions about those facts.

I'm sorry, but any teacher who claims to be forced to teach to a test, or who is attempting to teach to a test, shouldn't be in the classroom, IMO. They are among the teachers I would love to see redirected into a more appropriate line of work for themselves...and for their students.

HW: Agreed on Cindy McCain.

I was listening to Seattle NEWS radio the day after the HRC rally and there was a "reporter" on who had attended. The host asked how Hillary looked and the "reporter" responded with something along the lines of, "How do you think she looked? She is a 60-year-old woman. She looked like an old woman. She was wearing a brown pantsuit. She looked like a UPS driver."

This is journalism? I was really ticked at the host for not calling him on the remarks as I usually find him to be fairly reasonable. But I guess where women are concerned, no comments regarding their appearance are off the table.

Word out of Wisconsin is that this will be a substantial loss for Hillary.

Harborwoman,

I can understand your feelings about teaching to the test. Were I a teacher, I would refuse to do so. The teachers I enjoyed the most in school, were engaging, inspiring and thought provoking. They created an environment that allowed us to exceed the standards of these tests.

Down here in Fort Worth, I have encountered a couple of schools that have horrible leadership. Not surprising, they are low performing. The teachers are in an environment where nothing but the TAKS matters. I have a friend who for the second consecutive year, was made to change the subject she taught so the school could get more kids to pass.

Last year she started with reading and then switched to math. She had the most kids pass, even though math isn't a strong suit. This year she got her kids to get the highest scores in her school for reading, now they have switched her to teach writing. Once the writing TAKS is past, then she can teach reading.

Heck, they don't even teach history, or civics in schools here because that isn't on the TAKS...I get angry and depressed just thinking about the generation of idiots we are developing because of a need to quantify results.

thanks for the link, tylenol.

Wow, the old brain cells are trying to connect. For some reason, Kruschev's shoe pounding at the UN was also a big event...probably a couple years apart, but they seem related to me.

My mother taught for over twenty years, she used to always say if you get one good teacher out of every four, that would be about right for the public school system.

That was the 70's / 80's. I think the chances of getting a really good teacher currently in has decreased substantially.

You can make funny comments about how Cindi looks, but Free Republic has wedding shots and other pictures of Michelle that are freakishly chilling. I bet if Gallop did a poll without telling people who these two were, MIchelle would be far more threatening.

Michelle, Patrick, Brooks' valid comments (though he had many pinhead essays generating ODS or Obama derangment syndrome), Blacks threatening HRC supporters, new focus into his foreign policy team, (what did ZBIG do in Syria? who is Malley?), world events that "talking" has little sway over, -there are considerable factors likely to start taking the air out of the Obama balloon.

The sad part is that no Obama supporter has really any counter to how McCain isn't going to have an easier time with Obama than Hillary. It makes no sense, when Hillary can say, "Senator McCain, you have already said I would make a good President".

Instead of, "Senator Obama, I knew Jack Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, and you aren't like either of them. In fact, I was disappointed you tried to sink our bipartisan effort to pass Amnesty reform by introducing a bill that would have prohibited employers from checking the status of potential workers. I have fought against my base at times, while you have pandered to them. You are the most Liberal Senator in Congress." Now let's see Fact check do a number on that. I point out that Fact check spun Obama's "present" votes in the best possible light for Obama and down-played his self-interest in taking many of those votes. In fact, Obama gets a past because Fact Check says, yes, he avoided the bad consequences of voting for X bill, and then says voting present was the conventional thing to do. Read and see if it isn't this spun towards Obama.

as much as I dislike seeing Fidel step down, I do believe this is the dawn of a new day, since our own foolishness allowed up to believe him to be the personification of evil. I'm glad this day has come only after his alliance with Hugo Chavez, and that together their efforts toward a socialistic state that cares for all its people might come to fruition.

who's word vivan?

Colleen,
Fidel had to step down. He's spending all his time now blogging under the name "Maxtrue."

one day it's Castro who's the personification of evil..the next it's Saddam..who's next? oh right.. that Iranian fella

Craig,
Oh sure, now that you're not smoking you support the Cuban boycott. But trust me, a Cohiba Lancero or a Monticristo #2 is smoking heaven. And it's patriotic too. As Kinky Friedman says: "I'm not trading with the enemy. I'm burning their crops."

In Texas the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) is the curriculum for the TAKS ( Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test.

TEKS = http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/

TAKS = http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/taks/booklets/index.html

And all of this is correlated with yet another document for special education and writing IEP goals based on the TEKS curriculum. There are modified TAKS for certain special education students.

tt

Too young to follow la revolucion en Cuba, I never realized what went down until a few years later, and that was from reading on my own as a teen.
Che Guevara was not mentioned in my school, and Fidel was described as a terrible communist.
MSM really tried to convince us Fidel was an animal when Fidel came to NYC...he was cheered like Lindy as he rode through Harlem, but the media portrayed Fidel as a dirty chicken-bone littering lunatic, as he prepared to address the UN.
I remember being invited by some fellow Young Democrats to hear an anti-Castro speaker at our courthouse...he was speaking harshly of Fidel, of course.
I became increasingly politicized, and the more I heard about la revolucion, the more i came to understand Batista, the Habana gambilig and whoring, the US mob presence en Habana, and the righteousness of Fidel's takeover.
I was never invited to Venceremos Brigade, but I have met people who went, helped with the cane harvest, and had an audience with Fidel. I learned the truth as I see it. It is a fascinating story, no matter which way you feel about Fidel Castro. He'll be missed.

Early WI exit Poll from AP

http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Vote2008/story?id=4312579&page=1

AND Texas has it's own text books by national publishers based on the TEKS. They're the Texas Edition.

tt

dnd...there are several cigar tours...I can't wait. I remember watching an episode of the Simpsons where one of Marge's sister (Zelma, I believe) smoked a cigar and she said it was worth 21 cigarettes.

"I've been hammering away on critical thinking skills for a long time. If a teacher truly teaches, s/he will teach NOT facts, but the ability to interpret and form opinions about those facts.
I'm sorry, but any teacher who claims to be forced to teach to a test, or who is attempting to teach to a test, shouldn't be in the classroom, IMO."

Right now they are being forced to....and if you look back at the days when NCLB was passed, Neil Bush had a software company that stood to profit.

Ally wrote:

"Did you see MOJO yesterday where JS"

Nah - I won't watch those shows anymore - their pointless. I only watch Dan Abrams - he only bangs on people too but he bangs on everyone pretty equally so it's funny.

After Batista, Fidel was most assuredly a hero.

Blonde,
Opening trade will improve the quality of the cigars as well. Quality has declined as the fertilizer they got from the former Soviet Union is no more.

Oh, and did I mention Cuban Rum? Yum...

I'm convinced that the best way to get rid of dictatorship in Cuba is to open up trade.

And while we're talking about teaching, Cuba has almost 100% literacy. Maybe we can learn something from them.

Wendy: I only watch MOJO in little bits and pieces with the flicker very close by.

Dan I watch EVERY night. If my husband ever gets hit by a bus I am off to New York to stalk Dan (in a good, kind of creepy way.)

Ally

I think many do not understand the problems brewing and the role the President plays, the force of hand he/she must deliver. The following is just one example of a President who had great contacts with allies before he took office and then a great mastery of stick and carrot. He had some great people around him.

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/forrel/cuba/cuba203.htm

Read the except, study the other documents as the President lamented the nose of the press, Consitutional constraints and the realism required to thwart the Soviets. You think Putin is a push-over? Putn hates McCain and most of our adversaries think Obama is weak.

So again read about the man who Obama lifts rhetoric from. Read the letters HE WROTE and the command of knowledge he had and considered how difficult it is from getting straight answers from Obama on foreign policy and national security as the world drifts further to conflict without Bush having a role.

The Consitution, the Free Press? The task for JFK was the defense of the free world and the preservation of freedom and liberty during a Cold War. How is our present world less threatening the the risks less global?

Why would JFK have to run as a Republican? Doesn't that say something about the DNC?

Ally ROFL

Seems like on the democratic side the early exit polls would favor Hillary - huge woman turnout - will depend on if Obama can take that group away from her I guess.

Anyone see any real numbers?

I also saw that indie voting down - which would also not be good for Obama

I'm sticking with my prediction that it will be close but Obama will pull out a small win. I hope I'm surprised.

What time are HI caucus'? Anyone know?

Ah - HI not done till 10pm west coast

As I read tiptoe's posts, it occurred to me that there had to be educational supply companies that stood to profit from writing not only the tests, but the supporting texts, etc. Then Patsi posted about Jeb's connections to a software company that stood to profit. I'm sure those issues played a role in the development of these high stakes tests. The business deregulation we've been given has likely been good for corporations, but bad for Americans on nearly every front.

However, I'm unclear as to who you believe is forcing teachers to teach to a test. Bear posted about a teacher he knows. She has apparently been directed to teach several different subjects. That may have to do with a test - sounds like it does - but it may also be a testament to that particular teacher's skill. School administrators do have the right to assign teachers to the posts where they feel they will be most effective.

My experience during my final two years in the classroom was that I was never asked to teach to a test, but I was keenly aware that my students would be taking the WASL and I wanted them to learn enough to do well on it. The test only influenced my teaching in that it made me more aware of the importance of helping my students learn to think critically and to strategize.

You can watch the numbers in real time on the CNN site

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/

OK - well this may be what vivian was referring - not looking good according to CBS

Onto the rest of the states!

"Overall, the exit poll numbers show Obama could be in for a good night, CBS News senior political correspondent Jeff Greenfield told Harry Smith on the CBS Evening News.

"Harry, if you're looking for encouragement from Hillary Clinton, basically you have to hope these numbers are wrong," Greenfield said."

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/19/politics/main3843911.shtml

sigh...

Jamie-
Thank you for that link.
Did you see the graphic that shows how much each candidate raised in certain states....it's pretty interesting.

For those of you into conspiracy theories, here is a link to a piece about Obama, Deval Patrick and the "Brzezinski Clan".

http://www.libertyforum.org/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=news_politics&Number=296078132

harborwoman,

I think that when you are a good teacher, it is hard to imagine what bad teachers do and how they think. My daughter ( she is 18) is specifically going into education due to what she saw as pure failure of the teachers for their students.

Mind you, we are in a good district , small classes, involved parents, no hardships.

I do not know how this salary rates with the rest of the country, but the average salary is 67,900. I know this because they stated it in the levy information they sent out.

And being so young, this is part of what RFK did at the 13 hour. There was little bending and the world was at the brink. This is the stuff of movies, not fluff and rhetoric but hard ball. As I said read what it takes.

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/forrel/cuba/cuba096.htm

Castro retires but new and more dangerous demigods spreads while Che hangs on the walls in some quarters and many young people do not understand how Liberalism and unswerving resolve got us here, safe and strong in world freer and more prosperous. There was no snake oil, no flight from details and false confidence.

Yes, I am proud to be an American and though a child, I cried the night RFK died, knowing something rare had disappeared along with MLK. I think we do a disservice to them, in ignoring the swords and sacrifice they brandished and ultimately died for. Yes, Camelot is not the same without uncompromising principle in the face of the darkness that still exists. Only fools have merely words to light the way.

Just some thoughts upon reflecting on the Camolot meme

Here we go, and let us all hope the best man wins!

Cool, MSNBC just said Obama has a substantial lead in Wisconsin.

GORDO, great link and I'll send it to Stubborn Facts. I think Volker's endorsement then is no surprise. As I said, ZBig, Malley, and others point to a Carter ressurection. The very thing Reagan pushed aside.

Funny however, that Carter says no genocide has occured in Darfur. Do most Blacks support that and continue to give Obama a pass? Ultimately, McCain may have the best argument for Jeffersonian Advocacy as perhaps, Obama's Human Rights trump national security, is a misdirect at best, and an ugly ruse at worst.. Now that is something MLK, JFK and RFK would protest.

Ah, the irony....

I can't wait to go to Cuba!!

Obamanation!

Even though I'm happy for Obama, I never understood why Hillary didn't fight for Wisconsin. Any Clinton supporters have the inside dope?

Cindy McCain looks very first lady-"ish"

"Then Patsi posted about Jeb's connections to a software company that stood to profit. "

Neil.

I think Mrs. McCain looks pretty good. Definitely hotter than Hillary - and she is more stylish too (plus I like girls with checkered pasts...)

while I know we still have at least one more primary day to go before we can decide fully whether it's over, I just listened to the McCain speech and I have one thing to say to the Obama supporters...fasten your seatbelts...it's going to be bumpy...

as the shine wears off Obama - from the exit polls conservatives start to move to support McCain - there are 9 months for them to pick the kid apart...let's see him and Duval Patrick talk their way out of this.

I do stand behind Hillary and hope that in 2 weeks something can be pulled out of this. If not, then I'm looking forward to becoming an observer of the process.

LOL @ "checkered pasts"

Obama would have to make some serious mistakes to lose to McCain. With an energized base, new voters and the anti-war crowd - he is poised to beat McCain all over the country.

And Hillary AND Bill are both capable of making mistakes too - as we have already seen.

MSNBC JUST PROJECTS OBAMA WINS IN WISCONSIN

ahhhhhhhhhh...the McCains are too cute together!!

Leave it to MSNBC to interrupt the last few seconds of the McCain speech, to call it for Obama...

Get ready to watch the "circle of jerks" for Obama again tonight!!

9 losses in a row, count em 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Dang Linda,

Why do y'all still watch MSNBC if you hate it so?

Obama 08!

I wonder if Chris is feeling that sensation going through his one leg again?? ;)

I'm watching CNN

The Exit poll data is interesting - Apparently God except for the Catholic one likes Obama

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#WIDEM

Maxtrue,

What are you talking about with regards to Darfur? How is it Obama's fault? There has been some type of Genocide in Africa for as long as I remember. During the presidencies of both Reps and Dems. No matter what its an embarrassment that we would allow that to happen

Linda:

Don't worry - good ol Pat will be making Hillary's case in the "circle of jerks" - no media bias there...

I don't hate the entire network...really just the morning show.

Clinton/hot guy with goatee '08

Come on, all together, shout it now, there's no one who can doubt it, so lets sing of cheer again, happy days are here again.

"I think Mrs. McCain looks pretty good. Definitely hotter than Hillary - and she is more stylish too"

Obama will win. And it will be because of people with this level of intelligence. God help this country,

another four years of a republican whitehouse

The Lou Dobbs crusade on the export of manufacturing jobs through these trade agreements is hurting Hillary.
This makes the prospects for wins in Ohio and Pennslyvania doubtful.
Add the resentment been expressed on "underground" Hispanic radio towards her for the dismissal of Patti Solis Doyle , Texas is also doubtful.
I'm in total disbelief at the outturn for her.

McCain's mischaracterizations of Obama's foreign policy positions are not going to cut it. And the politics of fear is wearing thin...

[sorry - I am on a bit of a tape delay...]

I think, too, that I am not so wrapped up in Hillary winning. I mean, yes, I want her to win, but if she doesn't, I won't take it personally and be all heartbroken.

It's like the beginning of football season....I am a Redskins fan...after they lost, in the playoffs, I then picked another team to follow.

It's just that simple, for me.

I didn't vote for Bush, in '00-'04 and I have survived his presidency just fine.

I have always said that I don't believe anything politicians say, anyway. In order to get elected, they say what we want to hear. Once elected, they do what they want to do.

I'm sure Obama supporters will just love that he's about to step on her speech just like he did John Edwards speech when he suspended his campaign.

What an A#$@ Hole.

Patsi:

What "level of intelligence" is that?

I'm curious (which is a point in the intelligence column in my book). Not so sure you score well in this category.

Sorry - but you started it.

Oh Wendy!, maybe Hillary will remember to congratulate Obama. Glass houses...

"Once elected, they do what they want to do."

true true true

If she did remember to congratulate him, how would we know since he obviously doesn't own a TV. If he did, he wouldn't be as rude as he is being right now.

Ah Jamie, he just can't remember what it's like to lose. Can't fault him for that.

Maxtrue,

I want you to know that I read your posts. Was just wanting you to give a little intro when putting up a link.

Much easier to get us to open the link. That is all,

So please don't think I was limiting you. ;0)

So, they mentioned that BHO is not using teleprompters tonight...right?

Is that why he is finding it necessary to explain the voting process to the crowd?

He is being so inspirational...I think I have to faint....(thud)....................

Alpha

I can hit mute and call him immature, rude, and arrogant.

Alpha: Well if she does she does if she doesn't she doesn't. He doesn't need it from her he does a good job patting himself on the back. Good for him.

la de dah la de da

Look - I'm starting to see the writing on the wall - he's more than likely going to be the guy. I only say this because the exit polls sucked so bad in WI - she'll probably win in Ohio and PA - it'll be a tight race in TX - toss up but not a big enough win to convince anyone of anything.

So Obama will probably be the Dems guy. Yipee. I'm happy for the Obama supporters - go forth and conquer.

Sorry if I don't jump on the band wagon - I'm with LLinda on this one - I'll just watch it go by and see what happens.

I think McCain has a new speech writer.

"If he did, he wouldn't be as rude as he is being right now."

Go ahead, O-man, step all over her TV time.
It has gotten to be a dirtier campaign with all the gotcha crap on her part. No sympathy. He needs to do what it takes to win, she will.

I think Obama will do a lot more of what America wants him to do - that is part of his message.

The Clinton campaign sounds like it wants to impose the Clintons' blueprint for America on us (btw, a blueprint diametrically oposed to the GOP's agenda - good luck with that).

The Clintons are well-intentioned - but they have been outmatched in terms of strategy. Obama heard something on the ground that probably is not as loud in the Clinton bubble. They have not been regular people for decades.

LLinda

ROFLMAO

Thanks - I needed that.

State of Washington Primary doesn't count for Democratic delegates, but if you want to see the results for both parties, here is the link. Polls close at 8:00 p.m. pacific time.

http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/2008presidential_primary.aspx

Wendy..I stated a week or so ago, that if Hillary doesn't win the nomination, I will vote for McCain.

My top 3 are Clinton
McCain
Obama
in that order

Still holding a thirteen point lead, excellent.

... if I have to vote for McCain and Obama wins...I'll be OK...everyone will be OK. 8)

Lil

"Is that why he is finding it necessary to explain the voting process to the crowd?"

He had to say something that sounded like actual usable information.

Don't worry, he'll get back to hoping to change.

Jamie:

Immature and arrogant is what America is all about. We have accomplished amazing things in our short history. And I do not think "rude" is an apt description of Obama - it is a description of an opponent. Tough to be polite to some one you are waging war on.

Trust me - I have been seeing Hillary in the worst possible light for awhile (remember when I called her Hallmark special an "infomercial" - actually that was kinda true).

You can see it in his eyes, he knows it's getting closer and closer, his tone seems to be coming down a notch and h'es more steady.

I would perhaps vote for the Huck before McCain. But both follow Obama and Hillary.

yeah, good luck with the lobbyists, Barack...LOLOLOL!!!

These people voting 6 and 8 times in Texas, will the dnc let all those fraudlent votes count? Too my mind Obama hasn't won anything it is because of the fraud being committed at the polls by the republicans.

"Immature and arrogant is what America is all about. We have accomplished amazing things in our short history."

Warren,

Isn't that what got us into Iraq in the first place? We refuse to learn from mistakes. The rest of the Western World have stable economies. We owe ours to China.
Immature and arrogant is running up a debt you can't pay.

Immature and arrogant is not giving a damn about anyone else as long as you are doing well. Bye Bye jobs and welcome to the I've got mine, screw you mentality.

No I do not want another 8 years of rude and arrogant.

"In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man -if you want anything done, ask a woman." - Margaret Thatcher

Come on HRC supporters, chin up, we need to be proud....and strong.

"The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world." -Charles Malik, former President of the United Nations General Assembly

The so called "genie" is out of the bottle.....we learn, keep trying and we will succeed. There is a whole world of women to reach this is only the fist step. This is no time to quit! :)

nothing will change...nothing at all

Lush you should be wishing him for to be successful, not fail. What's wrong with you?

I think the Obamanation are not first timers in elections.

No, not at all.

They have had years of learning how to pick their candidates and vote...

From watching American Idol.

I disappear...

Good luck with that Warren - I'm sure he'll be calling you up once a week to find out what America wants him to do. Anyone else on this list in Obama's rolodex?

Is he going to do weekly polls?

I'm just curious as to what it is he thinks America wants him to do? We know they want him to create CHANGE - ok great and what change is that?

I realize, Warren, there is a pretty good chance he's going to be the guy but I don't get it when you say Obama will do more of what America wants him to do. What does that mean? What is what? You are happy he has no plan because- what- you think he's going to have weekly round tables with all of you to find out what to do next?

Confused...it's all so confused...

But ok - it's starting to become clearer that you'll have your way. OK. I HOPE (there's that word again) it's going to work out for everyone. In a couple of weeks sans a miracle for Hillary's campaign that's all we'll have left is HOPE. Goody.

Give me a blueprint I can agree with most of what is there - at least we have a map to get us started. I like to plan ahead...but that's just me.

I'll look forward to watching the weekly round tables where Obama asks American's what they want him to do on C-SPAN.

And McCain should not count on the evangelicals against Obama.

Can't the Hillary supporters at least see the potential the election holds for the Democrats if America is willing to make a Change!

(don't worry - any fainting taking place over here will likely not be due to a speech)

Does anyone know where Obama is speaking right now, i'd like to know what the seating capacity is of the arena. It looks packed to the rafters.

20 K at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Thanks rez, I figured about 20K but wasn't sure.

this all sounds good in a speech....hell, listening to him, I almost believe him

giving a speech is one thing...sitting down in the Oval Office and making all this happen, is totally different. this is why I think his time is not now....not with all the old geezers in the house and senate.

hey Barack...how 'bout pledging free take-out dinners for everyone...so moms/wives no longer have to cook.

hey Barack...how 'bout gettin' your friend Oprah to give everyone a car!!

hey Barack...how 'bout free dog walkers for everyone, so I don't have to get up at 5:30am to walk mine.

anyone else want anything??? he sure is making lots of promises tonight!!!!!

who cares?

My friend talked with someone today - his sister is a lawyer in Chicago. Since we are only one of six countries who are willing to put children to death, she thought she'd try to lobby lawmakers to change this practice.

She approached Obama and he told her he could not discuss it with her.

You see...this is like his "present" votes. Everything he has done has been simply so he can be president - the senate seat all of it. Why did he start running for president only 1 year after entering the senate? Why does he refuse to take a stand on tough issues? Why doesn't he have any clear plan? Because it's all been about getting there...not what he's going to do while there...it's just about getting there.

It's not enough for me.

Burrito: Thanks for the post!

"Lush you should be wishing him for to be successful, not fail. What's wrong with you?"
--Brian
_______

BHO is a politician, trying to get elected...like every other politician who is trying to get elected(Hillary, included). All talk to get elected....no action, once elected.

Well, thanks to Tivo magic, I'm watching Friday night's Letterman--much less depressing than the alternatives.

I was thinking about going to the Times first in the morning, but isn't Wednesday one of Dowd's days? She'll probably be insufferable.

The Journal, so long as I stay away from the editorial pages, I can tolerate it.

Our local rag, Columbia's the State has the weekly supermarket ads, so that's worthwhile. Editorially, they are really sorry.

Or, I could ponder why the common enlisted Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in our armed forces respect the authority of their officers and salute our flag and stand with pride to the strains of the Star Spangled Banner despite the divisive rhetoric of our political organizations.

Or, maybe I'll just go out to the garage and change the starter solenoid in my truck. Surely that will be therapeutic. And, when that's done, the missus and I can go to Krogers and get our extra 5-pct off because it's Wednesday and we're old. Sounds like a real winner.

And, it'll be a lot more fun than going on high alert in Korea when the Cuban missile crisis took hold.

Brian

You don't think he is being a bit over the top, with ALL his promises tonight??

c'mon, even you can admit he is...

Article from the Boston Globe on Obama and the death penalty

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/11/12/obama_cites_death_penalty_reforms/?rss_id=Boston.com+%2F+News

Oh..he lost some steam...he had a brain fart, until he looked at his notes...

Do you think BHO realizes that he has not won the nomination???

and, as a baby, his Mom "changed" him....LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!

Thanks - Kathy - I'm recounting a personal story of someone who was lobbying him on behalf of children and he refused to support her in that effort.

She can't stand him - and won't vote for him period.

ohhhhhhhhh..here we go...let the backtpeddling begin

LLinda - you mean until he looked at Duval's notes

:-D

No Lush I don't, and if his coat tails are big enough to shift the balance even further in the Dems favor he can get it done too. You should be hoping for his success once elected, not wishing for his failure to prove you right. It's petty Lush.

THUD!!!!

oh wow - his voice is starting to get scratchy too.

don't worry, I didn't faint...I just dozed off...