Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Before i comment, I have to bring a little clarity to the blog..

One job for a former presidential candidate is to endorse. Why? Who knows, but that's what they do. And one, well, let's just say lower-tier candidate did just that this week.

Remember former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel? He was at Democratic debates and everything. Yup, a real candidate for the nomination. So who'd he pick: Hillary or Obama?

"I want to amplify those voices to save our country from our own shortsighted and greedy actions," Gravel said in a news release. "If we want to end the war in Iraq, provide health care to all citizens, educate our young people, we're going to have to start not only working together with these alternate parties but literally working to support them. That's why I'm supporting Jesse Johnson's campaign for president."

That's right. Jesse Johnson. No asterisk needed: He's the Green Party nominee. My only question is why did Gravel waste all our time running as a Dem? He could have been Green all along. He might have even won something.

-- Mark Trahant

Very Very Cute.

A great example of good old fashioned american admiration. ;0)

A good day on the Clinton Trail Mix in Pennsylvania.

Have a great day.

Morning, Sheila. One thing I've learned over the years is to not gloat when something goes my way. Another thing is to check six. A third is to reexamine my assumptions constantly. A fourth is to make sure I have an umbrella in my briefcase. And, finally, the only constant is change.

And you have a good weekend, too.

OK I have a solution to Fl and Mi
First Fl, keep all total counts of voters for each candidate, and then the total delegates are halfed and then proportion out to each candidate by the total votes for each.
Now in MI you have a revote ONLY for Obama. Hillary keeps her count and you know who has already voted so easy to check. Only democrats vote.
Think that would fly?
Have a great weekend all

In this morning's Times, Adam Clymer has an interesting op-ed piece connecting the turnover of the Panama Canal Zone to the emergence of the modern Republican Party:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/opinion/15clymer.html?ref=opinion

I spent 15 of my 22 years of military service overseas. Four of those years were in the Canal Zone from 73-77. It was an amazingly exciting place to be--just like the old Humphrey Bogart movie. We lived on the South American side of the Canal and worked on the North American side. Twice a day I would crossover the Canal on the Thatcher Ferry Bridge. Every time I think about those crossings, the sheer excitement of it all comes back to me.

I was greatly opposed to the turnover then and still am now. So many of the arguments for the transfer were specious.

In practical terms, the Army had its School of the Americas there and the Air Force had an equivalent school, theInter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA).

Emerging leaders from all over Latin America studied at these schools, creating friendships with students from other countries and their American hosts. In most of the countries, the military establishments were the arbiters of truth, justice, and the political balance. The goodwill we generated there directly enabled us to further our interests in Latin America allowing us to cope with things like drug and other cartels.

When the transfer finally occurred, we were stationed in Las Vegas. Cannon was my senator. I never forgave him using his influence in furthering the transfer. And, I never forgave the Carter Administration for that 'sin' and others that I still can't talk about because to this day they are classified.

Take a look at Clymer's piece, it's a good read; I look forward to his book.

"The Mainstream Media is at it again, this time trying to paint Obama’s troubles with his pastor’s past sermons as somehow similar to the ones faced by Clinton and McCain with their own ‘religious’ supporters. In a highly dishonest move, most mainstream pundits and news anchors have begun to compare Rev. Wright’s comments (in which he said that African Americans should sing “God Damn America” and that 9/11 was our fault) with those of McCain supporter Rev. Hagee (who has said that the Catholic church was a “great whore”) and with Hillary Clinton’s Methodist church’s decision to accept gays into their marriage ceremonies."

http://savagepolitics.com/

"The Mainstream Media is at it again
GORDO

BEFORE watching the PBS News Hour I told my wife that Shields and Brooks would slam Hillary for G.F. remarks and say that BO's renunciation of his paster was all he needed to say and that matter is now settled. But Brooks went further stating that BO's statement was magnificent and praised him for his strength of character. I was appalled to see how they turned BO's pastor firestorm into another reason to extol BO.

Those already supporting Obama will just say this is a smear. The MSM is going to give him a pass. That said, I don't think that this just goes away, especially if Obama gets the nomination. The attack ad possibilities are just incredible. "GODDAM THE USA" is not something you want your adversaries showing over and over on TV. Move over Willie Horton.

I luv listening to people, in the video, speak with that distinct and familiar W.PA/E.OH accent. 8)

Kurt Vonnegut already summed up politics: Welcome to the Monkey House.

Watch them as they swing and chatter and throw feces.

(At us.)

I am disgusted, yellow.

Those already supporting Obama will just say this is a smear.

On yesterdays blog I was informed of a site featuring future 527 ads that will be used to take down BO. What about CHILDREN hearing the words "God Dam Amerca" in church? A new kind of family value I suppose.

Posted by: bowmanc |

too many tabs open - posted this in the wrong place - 2nd try.

From the Savage Politics story:

"and with Hillary Clinton’s Methodist church’s decision to accept gays into their marriage ceremonies."

and I'm not sure how the mainstream media can tag this as a negative in the same way some of the things Wright or for that matter Hagee are negative...In fact Hillary should be praised for belonging to such an inclusive church.

I personally haven't seen any of the channels saying anything about Hillary and the methodist church - has anyone else?

" Four of those years were in the Canal Zone from 73-77. It was an amazingly exciting place to be--just like the old Humphrey Bogart movie."

Sounds fascinating, Flatus! Wow -- what a place to be. And thanks for pointing out that article. The great controverseries sometimes grow dim in memory and it was good to be reminded of how foreign policies influence our politics for decades.

Wendy,

"saying anything about Hillary and the methodist church - has anyone else?"

Every once in a while you will see it mentioned if you are on the receiving end of one of those "Here's PROOF she's a lesbian" emails.

I've never seen it in live media as with the other ministers though someone may have dug it out of the You Tube sewer.

I haven't seen anything about Hillary's church.....and am hoping that the ReThugs have exhausted the public's interest in that gay marriage flap.

Well...I also wouldn't care if she's a lesbian...

LOL

Kidding...well I'm not really...kidding cuz I know she's not. LOL

Interesting story on how the Wright story developed in the media...little more balanced than the Savage story...

"For Obama, such stories are like a leak under the basement. The damage is slow, and it’s not readily apparent. But it can be real."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9051.html

"I am disgusted, yellow."

ROFL Sturge!

You'd think the wing nuts would decide on one story or another -- Hillary as a lesbian, or Hillary the killer of her lover Vince Foster.

"The corrupt left-wing media hates this story"

By Mike Allen on March 15, 2008 POLITICO

Bill O'Reilly of Fox News on "The Factor" last night: "On the press front, the corrupt left-wing media hates this story. The Chicago Sun-Times ignored it completely. The New York Times barely mentioned it. CBS and NBC news didn't report it last night on their nightly programs.

This only confirms G. Ferraro's remarks were patently true and is treated "special" by the left-wing media because BO is mendacious?, or inexperienced? or simply because he's black.

Craig...we need a post where you talk about Obama's current strategy. With 6 weeks to the PA primary and the last half of the primary season...he did a real purge yesterday...it's like he threw up on all of us...

Released earmarks that showed he asked for mucho denaro for his wife's hospital and projects for his campaign donors. (none of them got through...but it doesn't hurt to ask)

Admitted that he "substantially underrepresented" the cash that Rezko raised for his campaigns (and only donated a fraction of that to charity)

Came out and talked about Rev. Wright - (actually think he did a pretty good job on this until he said that in 20 years he never new the guy said things like that - nobody believes that - he should have said that differently because now folks are going to think he's trying to pull something over on them)

It was all bad Obama all day and it was all coming from him...has to be a strategic move and I'd like someone more unbiased than myself to analyze that. I'll be interested to hear what the "plays 2 run" guys say about this next week on Morning Briefing.

Patsi...it's just that nobody's connected the two to make it work.

If Vince Foster were a trani...then they could have it both ways.

Obama’s Spiritual Mentor May Put Church in Hot Water

"Once Wright’s remarks were widely publicized last year, Obama backed out of his plans for his pastor to speak at his Feb. 10 presidential announcement."

Obama Calls Chicago Pastor’s Statements ‘Inflammatory and Appalling’

“None of these statements were ones I had heard myself personally in the pews,” Obama told FOX News. “Once I saw them I had to be very clear about the fact that these are not statements that I am comfortable with. I reject them completely they are not ones that reflect my values or my ideals.”

"After the interview was broadcast Friday night on “Hannity & Colmes,” Ari Fleischer, former press secretary for President Bush, suggested on the show that the controversy and the timing of Obama’s disavowal show him to be little more than a shrewd politician.

“I think there’s a reason Republicans I talk to are increasingly looking forward to running against Barack Obama,” Fleischer said."

(Obama knew about these statements before his presidential announcement. He claims now: “Once I saw them I had to be very clear about the fact that these are not statements that I am comfortable with. I reject them completely they are not ones that reflect my values or my ideals.”)

http://elections.foxnews.com/category/top-story/

I agree, Wendy -- why in hell would Obama try to act like this was all new to him? When he said he'd never heard it, I cringed.

Note bowmanc did not post the following:

On yesterdays blog I was informed of a site featuring future 527 ads that will be used to take down BO. What about CHILDREN hearing the words "God Dam Amerca" in church? A new kind of family value I suppose.

Please be careful when cutting & pasting. Just clarifying

im sorry i cant believe he never heard these statements .....even if he wasnt in the church he jsaid on CNN that he only heard about most of the statements when he started his campaign....i hate to say this but there will be a huge number of reporter out there scrounging and snooping and will find out he is not being truthful....somebody had to tell him about these sermans even if he wasnt there ....i think he's in trouble .....these are unedited dvd's that his church sells,,,,undoctored ...and i heard there are hundreds of audio tapes around...he may be in big trouble

Morning Joe comments on Craig's Hot Tub Report starting at the 2:15 mark.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23635024#23635024

Wendy,

Of course he dumped all that stuff on a Friday afternoon. The beginning of a weekend news cycle is the best time to do it because it will get the least coverage and people pay the least attention. And if things really work right, there will be some disaster or some breaking news that becomes more important. Somehow, I still don't think that this one goes away.

Yea tz and Patsi - I don't know why he said it like that...every single station that analyzed this last night had at least 1 or 2 people saying...what? Nobody believes that.

Perhaps even HE thinks his supporters are naive?

[shrug]

I don't know...but it was an odd thing to say and I have to say the slow leak analogy is right on the money.

Dear Craig, All,
Good morning and greetings from my favorite Book Store Barnes & Noble, It is sort of a Saturday ritual for my daughter and me, oh and of course my "Babies"

The staff at the groomer will have their hands full as Sparkey will go into full Alpha-Male mode barking and and declaring himself Emperor for the duration of his stay there. Oh that smug expression and that erect pointer stance is priceless. The staff has nicknamed him the "Mini Terminator" and actually draw sticks to see who will groom him lol

While the gang of five is at the groomers my daughter and I are at Barnes & Noble I just love books and started to get my daughter in the habit of reading early in life, steering her away from dreadful video games, tv, etc.

I kind of like the early Saturday mornings on MSNBC Alex Whitt, and with who she referrs to "The Boys" usually its a paring of the politically misguided but lovable Pat Buchanan and Peter Fenn.

More later on the fallout recapping Sen. Obama's media tour on last nights cable news programs

P.S. We always want more vids of Craig

Sincerely,
Heather

bowmanc

Sorry, I posted this in error

Hill or McC

" Somehow, I still don't think that this one goes away"

Bowman, I'm still appalled at the uneveness of the coverage. The media hounds go after Ferraro and Clinton for prejudice complete with KO smack down, and then Obama gets to cuddle in KO's lap and get patted on the back until he quietly burped.

If you ever want to get a sugar high, head on over to KO's News Hole site at

http://thenewshole.msnbc.msn.com/

All the comments are monitored before posting and only fulsome praise is permitted to see the ligt of day. Most of time I like KO, but this site elevates him to the level of the second coming.

KO wants to be Obama's Press Secretary.

I don't think KO has the temperment for that job.

Jamie,

People can be fooled often and maybe even most of the time, but eventually this stuff starts registering on their BS detectors.

This will have the biggest effect on swing voters, and they are the ones that decide elections.

Jamie,
I don't either but he seems to me to be a moth that is starting to fly too close to the flame.

All the Rev Wright videos need to be closely examined - might be able to spot the Obamas. What was the Rev saying?

KO had the weakest interview last night ....all softball....anderson cooper had the best one ....i understand that he didnt want hannity to interview him on fox .....he also didnt want a news conference where he would have been peppered.......the more i see his moves and his" judgement " the more i see him as a con artist..........i feel for him when talk radio tears into him on monday especially rush

"you can fool some of the people all of the time...you can fool all of the people some of the time but you cant fool all of the people all of the time"
the sad part of this is the MSM didnt want to vett this guy and now we are in a huge mess.....he may be the dem candidate and the gop and 527's will rip him apart

One of my favorite quotes from yesterday was this one that Obama gave to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

"Obviously, I disagree with that. Here is what happens when you just cherry-pick statements from a guy who had a 40-year career as a pastor."

Umm...I'm thinking that Gerry Ferraro quote was hand-picked, cherry-picked, blueberry-picked...whatever you want to call it. It was picked all right. The double standard here is mind boggling.

I was highly suspicious of the Wright retirement when it happened last month. It is now so convenient for the campaign to say, "former pastor," which to the uninformed leads to an assumption that Obama has left the church, not Wright.

Is BHO the puppet of the Chicago political machine vs Clinton as the Washington Political Machine?

What was once a small crack is growing.

Good Morning everyone

Go back to fundamental questions -

not if but WHEN the phone rings at 3 AM at 1600,,, Who do you want to answer.

Of the "then there where 3" (a great ref to Gensis album) the best choice is clear - and it aint BHO or HRC

Obama doesn't want Florida and Michigan voters to have their say. Headline today is "Let's just split the delegates"

Mad Mustard -- so good to see your posts....I can't get your blog now that it's video....and have missed it!

KGC: I don't get the concept of "splitting the delegates." Isn't that exactly the same as leaving them out? What's the difference if the allocation does not reflect a vote? (re-vote OR old vote.)

Ping Pong....I sure don't want John "Where are my mood altering meds" McCain answering it.....

"the more i see his moves and his" judgement " the more i see him as a con artist"

I don't see him as a con artist as much as an overwhelmingly ambitious man who wants too much too soon and has let it color his judgement. He has ridden the Illinois wave about as high as one could possibly imagine and has now risen to become absolute proof of the Peter Principle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Principle

We all know from the Bush regime what happens when EVERYONE rises to their level of total incompetence.

"We all know from the Bush regime what happens when EVERYONE rises to their level of total incompetence."

EXACTLY!

Ally

There is no point in just dividing the delegates except to get the issue off the table without hurting the Obama campaign

I guess he plans on only being the nominee of Democrats in 48 states. Writing off Michigan and Florida is not a good way to begin a national campaign.

Patsi, I knew we would not agree all the time.... 2 in a row was pretty good.

I still like the question,, What has BHO lead and accomplished ?? Besides great speaches and reflective values - with CONCEPTS that we all want.

HRC overstates her accomplishments and experience by huge factor, but she does exceed BHO

ps

Love the video trailmix

Can't wait or the cheesesteak edition.

(not Pat's or Geno's ..there is a new king in town)

http://www.610wip.com/pages/351421.php

What really offends me is all this vituperative animosity directed toward Hillary. I would have expected it from the GOP attack machine but it is coming from the liberals from the Democratic Party, which just leaves me in a state of total frustration.

It predominantly comes from Obama supporters, they curse and swear call her and perhaps her husband as well every four letter in the book. What is accomplished by all this? The answer is absolutely nothing.

I have no problem at all with Obama supporters that have legitimate policy differences with Hillary Clinton and have the ability to contrast the policy differences in a clear and intelligent way as to how Obama’s difference in policy would be more beneficial to America and her citizens in particular, as opposed to Hillary’s.

I have been honest in my views about Obama and people here know where I stand. I do not particularly like Senator Obama policy wise; I am not bowled over by his oratory skills. Having prefaced that, I respect him as a citizen and a U.S. Senator, I not resort to name calling cursing or swearing at him. I will politely and with respect point out where I see flaws in his policies especially in contrast to Hillary’s policies. Somehow, we must learn restraint and civility especially those we have strong emotional differences with those we do not like or support. It takes far more effort to be civil with each other then it takes to be uncivil and act in verbal misconduct with. That is just my personal humble opinion.

Sincerely,
Heather

Question - Who the HECK cares what HRC or BHO feel about the Florida process and delegates, Come on.. They are NOT to control this process.

Let the votes count, find a differnet sanction. Why does it have to be exclusion? Give em bad seats, do something a little more creative.. (well that is beyond howard deans pea brain)

Heather,
You found BHO policy? Where are the details? Please share - all I can find is Rose color Bla Bla Bla

"Later, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told Fox News’s Greta Van Susteren: “In terms of Sen. Obama, I think he has a credibility question.”

Gingrich continued: “Does he honestly expect the nation to believe that for 20 years, longer than 20 years, according to his own testimony, … he didn't notice the anti-American rhetoric? I mean, does somebody seriously believe that in over 800 potential Sunday visits, it never once came up, no one ever mentioned it to him? I think that strains credibility.”

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9051_Page2.html

Pa has lots of weird food opportunities for candidates

scrapple for one.

one good thing''' obama has already scoffed and made fun of the idea of being clinton's VP' we won't have to worry about that when sen. clinton wins he nomination

Morning peeps.

Morin B Rian
how you been?

Ping "not at BayHill hangin with Arnold Palmer like Craig" Pong

I tried sending you some site Ping Pong but did not go through sorry

Heather

I'm swell, how are you?

Can anyone answer why the Candidates should have ANY SAY on how Florida or ANY STATE decides its delegates to the convention?
That is absurd for either HRC or BHO to think they should have any control or input.
These must be INDEPENDENT activities with NO influence to the process from the candidates.

Doing swell auch. also...
Traveling and with Craig so popular it is hard to keep up now a days.

Ping Pong they are waiting Craigs approval I tried three times lol

Sincerely,
Heather

Thanks Heather, Nice to meet you

The feeling is mutual Ping
"smiles*

Apparently MSM seems more interested in Spitzers hooker than they are in Obama's minister

4/30/2007 NYTIMES

Mr. Wright, who has long prided himself on criticizing the establishment, said he knew that he may not play well in Mr. Obama’s audition for the ultimate establishment job.

“If Barack gets past the primary, he might have to publicly distance himself from me,” Mr. Wright said with a shrug. “I said it to Barack personally, and he said yeah, that might have to happen.”

Reuben Kyama contributed reporting from Nyangoma-Kogelo, Kenya.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all

I guess that is why he felt comfortable making racially polariizing remarks about the Clintons later in the year.

Ping Pong

You can not put more than two links in any one message or they get sent to a deep dark dungeon that only Craig may enter ... cobwebs have been known to gather over the dessicated skeletonss of comments sentenced there.

Repost and limit the links to two per message and they will post immediate.

Oh, sorry about that....
Thank you Jamie

Sincerely Heather

"“I said it to Barack personally, and he said yeah, that might have to happen.”

So in April of 2007, Sen Obama knew about the Rev Wright's views. So much for his truthfulness.

I don't suppose anyone in the media has actually asked him about those quotes.

Ok Let's See...

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Barack_Obama.htm

there is one ping

McCain adds Bay Area high-tech titan to team
Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer

Saturday, March 15, 2008
(03-14) 16:54 PDT San Francisco - -- Arizona Sen. John McCain, who has promised a serious bid to win California in the fall presidential election, bulked up his dream team of Silicon Valley managers and advisers Friday by naming Atherton billionaire and outgoing eBay chief executive Meg Whitman co-chair of his national campaign.

Whitman, 51 - who is quietly exploring the possibility of a 2010 run for California governor at the urging of top Republicans - stepped down in January from the company she built into a powerhouse online marketplace. Her resignation is scheduled to take effect March 31.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/15/MNINVJLTF.DTL

Here is another...

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Barack_Obama

I have some others but I am not at my office

hope that helps you Ping
Sincerely,
Heather

KC for a such a proud liberal I'm a bit surprised at your willing to jump on the crucify Rev. Wright bandwagon. Instead of using this an opportunity to crucify Obama how bout actually listening to some of the things he's said, he has some rather valid points.

TO ALL OBAMA ROBOTS
sometimes you eat the bear and sometimes the bear eats you

The WSJ weekend edition had the info on BHO's money woman...billionaire Pritzker.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120554763760338773.html?mod=todays_us_nonsub_page_one

Penny is worth a lot more than a gazillion pennies!

to other obama supporters

people who live in glass houses shouldnt watch TV in their underwear

Brian for a such a proud liberal I'm a bit surprised at your willing to jump on the crucify the Clintons bandwagon. Instead of using this an opportunity to crucify Clinton how bout actually listening to some of the things she's said, she has some rather valid points.

By the way, Penny' brother works for Clinton's campaign. The wealthy offspring of the Hyatt Hotel Dynasty.

Heather,
I too am offended by vituperative animosity directed toward Hillary from Obama supporters. I am equally offended by vituperative animosity directed toward Obama by Hillary supporters. It would be a fools errand to say who does it more. I just wish it would stop.

Brian

I certainly assume you have emailed the Obama campaign about your displeasure over his opposition to the revotes in Michigan and Florida.

Only last week you were claiming it would the Clinton campaign.

to spitzer
a girl in the bush is worth 2 in your hotel room

Hi Patsi, I see that the Obama/Clinton war has not abated at Craig's place.

I tried watching MSNBC again and I just have to go back to calling it BONBC. It is so slanted that it hurts my neck to watch the channel. One more health reason to fire them all over again! They give me high blood pressure, make me sick to my stomach and now I have a neckache.

to d. axelrod (obama's campaign manager)

you can lead a horse to water ...BUT you know how a wet horse stinks

Brian,

You mean like my message last night?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/03/video-trail-mix-hot-tub-editio.html#comment-52568

Mad...Thanks for posting the MoJo segment about Craig in his hottub! I had missed it.... Also, miss your very thoughtful, thought-provoking posts. Hope you'll speak again one day soon....

BLONDE WINO

i wish i got a neckache from MSNBC....i throw up

If the media had done a better job of covering the Kerry cheesesteak controvery Bush might have been defeated.

http://doesthisblogmakemybuttlookbig.com/2004/08/23/cheesesteak-gate-politics-as-usual/

tz

BONBC!

blonde
sorry BONBC

Yes Jamie, like that.

I'm not the only one noticing:

"The Wright issue is just one of several pieces of baggage Mr. Obama appears to be trying to unload during this month-long lull between contests."

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/the-early-word-payback-in-florida/

Mad....
great to see you again, buddy!

thanks for posting that MoJo scene.... I missed it....
and like HarborW.... I miss your posts.... you are a true centrist and I always love reading your thoughts....

Heather.... I'm an avid reader also.... and that's great that you are encouraging your daughter to be one too.... LOVE the Sparky stories....

I watched Obama last night on AC360.....
all I could think was.... god, here's a bright and articulate man..... a rising star in the Democratic party..... I think at this time that Clinton would make a better president.... I think Obama needs more seasoning..... but I do not want to see this man destroyed to achieve that end..... this is sad....

yes.... his statement that he didn't know what Rev. Wright was preaching was totally unbelievable..... he fumbled and didn't handle it well..... just his inexperience showing itself....

I too hope we can move past this type of crap and discuss issues....

Argh still getting used to signing in on typekey

Ok, well, I must say I loved that!!

Where can I go to get more video of her rally's? (rallies?) lol
I'm disabled so even if she DOES end up in NC I probably can't attend. But I love watching them.

Thanks for that Craig. I didn't even mind hearing that old music my MOTHER used to play. hehe. My reaction to it as a teen was quite different.

Tylenol

Hope all is well. Thinking about you and yours.

Carolina Dawn

If you go to http://www.typekey.com

Log in and once in check the "remember me for two weeks".

Come back here and you should be logged in automatically or just need to click on log in once. After that you should be automatically signed in.

I am having a problem separating BHO from Wright and it is mostly my anger over Wright's statement that HIV was introduced to destroy people of color...geez, that bothers me more than anything. Of those whom I knew that died from AIDs, most were white. And many were gay. And I resent that sort of statement from Wright. It is untrue.

Supposedly, BHO "borrrowed" his Audacity of Hope phrase from the Rev. Wright. Once again, nothing original from BHO and he sure has the money behind him, but nothing else as far as I am concerned. It makes if difficult for me to think he will get the nomination and if he does there will be a lot of people sitting home or revenge voting in November. I just can't shake my negative feelings about him.

Thanks Jamie! Does this one work?

The same set up on yahoo-geocities but it never keeps me for 2 wks as the check box alludes .........

much obliged :-)

The interesting thing about the whole Wright thing is that I don't completely disagree with him about some of the 9/11 sermon...perhaps a little too inflammatory for my taste...but he does have a point.

I'm not crazy about the racist comments...but I also sometimes forget that I grew up on the left coast in a very diverse community and have a diverse group of friends. I forget that the stuff in between the left and right coasts is not so diverse. Again, it is the inflammatory nature of his comments that I find troubling because while he makes good points it's the solutions I find troubling. Pulling people apart - encouraging them to separate themselves from society I personally don't think is the solution...but JMO.

In the end...none of that is the issue. It is how Obama is/has been handling the situation that speaks to his credibility. Obama is running his entire campaign on being a uniter and on his credibility...if that is in question or can be impugned in any way, well, he will have a big problem moving forward into the general election.

This article is a fair look at Obama's shifting relationship with Rev. Wright...reading between the lines one will question Obama's honesty on this issue...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/us/politics/15wright.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

" am having a problem separating BHO from Wright and it is mostly my anger over Wright's statement that HIV was introduced to destroy people of color..."

Blond Wino, This one has been out there for years. Supposedly started if I remember correctly with a round of UN or US sponsored polio injections. I've never seen anything that in any way supports this belief but given the ravages in Africa in sheer numbers it is a commonly held belief. According to those who think this way, HIV only entered the US and the gay community through the first known source due to relations in Africa while flying as a steward.

This is all I could find rapidly on the origins of this proposition

http://health.iafrica.com/doconline/hiv_and_aids/injspread.htm

And this one impugned his judgment claim...his new little placard on the podium when he speaks...I'm not sure strategically putting the new placard up and coming out with this is good timing...but I don't know.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/us/politics/15obama.html

Sorry...I'm completely fascinated by the purge of sins yesterday from a strategic standpoint...I would just love to have been a fly on the wall when they were making the decision to do this.

I think i meant to say "could impugn his judgment claim"

Larry Sinclair has filed a new $3 million defamation lawsuit-Thursday in D.C. District Court.

http://bigheaddc.com/category/barack-obama/

This article is about the book. For the movie, see And the Band Played On (film) .
And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic

Paperback Edition of the Book
Author Randy Shilts
Country United States
Language English
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic is a best-selling work of nonfiction written by San Francisco Chronicle journalist Randy Shilts published in 1987. It chronicles the discovery and spread of HIV and AIDS with a special emphasis on government indifference and political infighting to what was initially perceived as a gay disease, that has impacted the United States and the world for decades after. The book is an extensive work of investigative journalism, written in the form of an extended time line, the events that shaped the epidemic presented as sequential matter-of-fact summaries. Shilts describes the impact and the politics involved in battling the disease on particular individuals in the gay, medical, and political communities. It begins in the late 1970s in Africa, with the then first confirmed case of AIDS, that of Grethe Rask, a Danish doctor, and it ends with the announcement by Rock Hudson in 1985 that he was dying of AIDS, when international attention on AIDS exploded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/And_the_Band_Played_On

Wendy

Now it wouldn't register with people who only watch or read one news source, but for the news junkies it was fun watching the repetition of the talking points of a new drinking game in the making:

As Lush said yesterday:

Uncle..blah, blah, blah
Marine...blah, blah, blah
Religious Scholar...blah, blah, blah
Preached for 30 years..blah, blah, blah
Grew up in the 60's...blah, blah, blah
Angry...blah, blah, blah

Jamie - even though I didn't post yesterday, I was reading and I have to admit...when I got to that post you referenced by Lush...I did actually chuckle audibly.

I think I saw both MSNBC and CNN versions and it was pretty much the same thing.

KGC

I absolutely love both the book and the movie. It is one of those watch every time you come across it. LIly Tomlin was marvelous.

Jamie

Me too.

Jamie...thanks...I know I remember reading about the chimp injection/crossover and the flight attendant from the late 1960s...still not a deliberate attempt by anyone to destroy people of color...just as syphillis and small pox were not intentionally meant to kill aboriginal people. Sex as a killer...now maybe that may be more understandable! : )

I took a break...feeding the turtle (he is getting broccolit today). It is still quite windy here and not as warm as last March. I wonder "why" he is out of hibernation so early. The female usually emerges about late April.

just want to say something about religion and staying at one's chosen church....

as I stated yesterday..... I was brought up a Catholic and left the church as a teenager..... I did not make my confirmation..... that was my choice....

I know many Catholics that have made the choice to stay in that religion despite the many quarrels they have with some of the tenets of that faith..... just look at John Kerry.... he believed in a woman's right to choose.....

I know many Catholic women who practice birth control despite what the church preaches.....

most people I've talked with say they stay because of the feeling of community.... they choose to work within the parameters of the church to make their own lives and their community better.... that is their right to their choice.....

To say that a parishioner is responsible for every teaching in one's faith or for what comes out of the mouth of one's preacher or priest is ridiculous, IMO....

I believe that Obama chose that church because of a sense of community.... and I will not judge him.... the same way I don't judge my Catholic friends and relatives for making a different choice than I've made.....

I HATE the politics of personal destruction.... and that's what I see going here with both the GF statement and the Rev. Wright tapes.....

Didn't Craig have a comment post about this last night?

"Paul Cejas, a Miami businessman who has given the Democratic National Committee $63,500 since 2003, has demanded Democratic officials return his 2007 contribution of $28,500, which they have agreed to do.

“If you’re not going to count my vote, I’m not going to give you my money,” said Mr. Cejas, who was the United States ambassador to Belgium from 1998 to 2001."

This is the bigger problem the DNC is going to have to deal with.

sorry - link to article

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/15/us/politics/15donate.html?ei=5065&en=68bdcd72f717cb5f&ex=1206158400&adxnnl=1&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1205600707-QRvBtY2mTLOccWxkq3+3kA

Jamie...mailed you a photo of the turtle.

And everyone is correct, not to judge BHO on his minister. More hurt is spread that way and it is so counter productive. And Wendy is correct that Florida is still a mess. The people in FL and MI should have not been allowed to vote if their votes were not going to be counted or their state delegation seated.

This is still the dems election to lose in November and they just aren't looking so good. But, they have to prevail.

Who wants to be a Democrat?

"...have published stories recently about the Obama campaign's efforts to register thousands of independent and Republican voters as Democrats before the March 24 voter registration deadline. The vote itself will be held on April 22; as it's what's called a "closed" primary, only registered Democrats will be allowed to participate in the Democratic half of the primary.

...the strategy adopted by Obama officials in Pennsylvania is similar to what they've employed in many other states."

http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/?last_story=/politics/war_room/2008/03/14/obama_pennsylvania/

I used to watch BONBC but found it so biased that I stopped viewing all BONBC/NBC news programs, and for the FIRST TIME yesterday started to watch FOX! The media tried to underplay and bury the BO's pastor story while harping on the G.F. story which was accurate as stated. What amazed me was the fact that I found FOX to be"fair & balanced" after BO media zealots tried to tear Hillary apart while finding BO perfection itself. I am a victim of Obama mania if he drove me to watch FOX and think it credible and satisfying. BO is infectious. As I write this FOX is playing BO pastor's video non stop which I find quite soothing.

Renee,
I wish everybody had your good sense.

Wendy,

I agree with your assessment of what Wright said. I cringed at how he said what he said...I to tend to agree with his thoughts. Anyone who doesn't think that our actions on the world stage led to those attacks is a bit naive. Wright is a political version of a mirror. Except you are looking in the mirror, naked, 20 pounds over weight, all you can do is mutter and curse...

If you would like a sport writers take on the Spitzer thing, here are 2 great quotes...

•There’s no truth to the rumor that we know Spitzer is a Democrat because he got caught with a woman instead of a man.

•Or that if Spitzer were a Rhode Island politician the hookers would have been much cheaper.

Gordo,

That article is interesting in that Sen Obama isn't doing anything nefarious, just taking advantage of an overlooked opportunity.

For so long the Dem party activists have ignored the youth vote and taken the AA vote for granted: End result is a ready made group for an Obama registration drive.

The Clinton folks should be at every single old folks home and Red Hat ladies meeting from now until the 24th as well as competing at the colleges with Chelsea. The drawback is that most of the older crowd have been registered for the past 40 years from when they were the resistence coming to the voting booth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWDzvP_-jGw

Okay folks it is getting near that time again. The horses are being narrowed down for the Kentucky Derby. Here are the contenders so far

http://www.horsehats.com/DerbyContenders.html

Jamie --------------------

Many of these are "Dems for a Day". They plan to vote for McCain in Nov and the Obama campaign knows it. They are going with Obama to stop Hillary because they believe Obama is the weaker of two against McCain.

Jamie,

I'd have to at least see the past performances (form) before wagering, but my early pick based upon what i have seen is Pyro... with long shot Cool Coal Man.

Drat Rezdog. I thought I was the only one paying attention to Cool Coal Man. :)

Going to Caucus training. See you all in a few hours.

If there was any doubt that BO was not the weaker candidate then the latest news cycle regarding his pastor has raised his unfavorable ratings to 49% in national polls, and this was one of the sterling arguments BO supporters used against Hillary..

KGC and LL

I just read the entire post and noticed your food references about Pennsylvania...I was raised in Allentown, PA and and fondly remember the hoagie, peirogie and hot dog w/chili sauce...all served at Yoccos (originally owned by the Iocacca family -- Lee's father owned the only XXX movie theater in town -- The Jeanette (I believe that is how it was spelled).)

I guess Ron Kessler of newmax is the one that uncovered Obama story. He mentioned on fox this afternoon that there was more to come tomorrow or Monday. I got the impression that Kessler feels he lied about being in a pew while Wright was saying these things. He also said that most people would get up and leave when they heard such terrible things from his pastor.
What about the 20 years of mentoring that Obama got and how it has influenced his JUDGMENT and beliefs and experience.
HIS message is just a big LIE. This will come out

You guys, come on! Our young Catholic priest delivered an impassioned sermon against all forms of artificial birth control on Mother's Day a few years back. Those present sat in stunned silence.

I considered footing it out of there but I knew there was a lot more to this young priest, and did not want to embarrass HIM by doing so.

And please do not get me started on the many problems with the Catholic Church. Paternalism, misogyny wrapped in reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mother, "infallibility", medieval views on human sexuality, the enabling and coverup of a massive pedophilia scandal, a hierarchy that reports to Rome and not to local parishes, priests throwing aged retired nuns out of their convents, for financial or other reasons ....

along with strong emphasis on social and economic justice and a moral foundation. We have an astonishing part-time priest who is also, I believe, a practicing psychologist. I show up for him and am disappointed when he is not at his usual Mass. (Then the service does become a sacrifice of time.)

So, it's credible to me that Barack Obama considered all the good that his pastor and church did in the community and looked past whatever incendiary sermons he heard -- or heard of.

One does not need to endorse Rev. Wright's more controversial views, but neither should you overlook the positive good he did for his congregation. He was revered and loved. That should tell you there is more to the story.

BTW: it probably would have been better for Obama to get out in front of this story earlier, but at least there will be a lot of coverage now so those open to hearing more can decide for themselves.

"priests throwing aged retired nuns out of their convents, for financial or other reasons ...."

Dog - I recently read about some convent that was closing (and dislocating a bunch of elderly nuns) because the church was in money trouble over priest-lawsuits....have you heard anything about that specifically? I caught the end of a broadcast....then the story went away.

Afternoon, Patsi.

Know it happened recently in Santa Barbara, where their convent/actually just a suburban house, was to be sold to pay for the pedophilia scandal settlement. LATimes had some good stories on that.

Heard of a more egregious case where some bishop coveted the large house and grounds of a convent and tossed the elderly nuns out so he could live there.

But it's happened more often than you'd think.

Shall see if I can find that LATimes story for you now.

BTW: it probably would have been better for Obama to get out in front of this story earlier, but at least there will be a lot of coverage now so those open to hearing more can decide for themselves.

Posted by: dog hussein dog | March 15, 2008 3:05 PM

Oh get real, do you think independents and moderates are going to get behind Barry after hearing this stuff? What is it with all this white guilt crap? Get over it! And for blacks bitching about their forefathers being forced here as slaves, yeah life isn't always fair and we all have our own crosses to bear. Do the descendants of the slaves really feel that they would be happier back in Liberia or other African countries instead of the USA? Has anyone seen the current situations in Africa? Civil wars, hunger, poverty, lack of sanitation, education. People are free to believe what they want, but those who are not happy here, or want to suggest things are better in their ancestor's lands than in the USA can certainly make the move if things are that horrible here. As for 'reparations' people who live in the USA are pretty privileged so if they want to compare how it is in their forefathers' lands, I am sure they are already benefitting greatly.

Here's most recent:

Offers of Help Overwhelm Santa Barbara Nuns

http://www.latimes.com/features/religion/la-me-nuns11sep11,1,1190346,full.story

Here's the search query that brought up 5 stories; hope it will work for you. (LATimes wants readers to sign in with free registration, so good luck.)

http://search.latimes.com/search?q=Santa+Barbara+nuns+convent+settlement&site=default_collection&entqr=3&output=xml_no_dtd&sort=date%3AD%3AL%3Ad1&client=latimes&ud=1&oe=UTF-8&proxystylesheet=latimes&getfields=thumbnail_small

dhd, I accept your take on Mr Obama's reaction to the pastoral message as being completely plausible.

What struck me yesterday, when I read through some of the bulletins and other materials on the church site, was the imposed discipline of the church. Examples are the security detail, the drill team, and the rule against entering and leaving the sanctuary once the sermon has begun.

Someone mentioned Scientology in the same sentence as the church. I have very little knowledge of that religion, but I do recall walking through downtown Clearwater back in the middle '80s. I saw a number of very fit young people strutting around in paramilitary dress. I found out later that they were part of the Scientologist contingent at the Fort Harrison Hotel, the Scientology headquarters.

As I read the church materials, I was struck by the very structured organization of the church with ministries for so many different things. Things in which virtually every individual could find a niche with friends eager to share what could be very positive experiences.

The ministries are also age specific so that if parents were to withdraw for whatever reason, that action could very likely be seen as being unreasonable and unfair by other family members.

There's also the very large pastoral staff, most with advanced degrees, overseeing the ministries.

And, in this type of structured inclusive/exclusive environment, I consider the potential for parishioner control through shunning as being a real possibility.

So, quite simply, I was left with the impression that once in, it would be extremely difficult leaving no matter what ambivalence one might feel about the message from the pulpit.

This is nothing more than my impression gained from half an hour's look through their site and a few hours of reflection.

Hi Flatus. That's an interesting take on a church's ministries as an aid to retention. I think there's a lot to that. People may not live through bread alone, but the good word itself is not going to keep them glued to the pews either.

Will take your suggestions and browse through Trinity UCC's site and check out the Panama Canal article you mentioned this morning. Later though, It's too beautiful outside.

While ttrue we have all heard a sermon at sometime we did not agree with. While calling it a Church does not change the hate in their mssage. this radical racism hatred of whites in its most disgusting form,and all in the name of God..

First Obama praised him, then distanced himself from him, then yesterday ridiculed him.

What is this hatred teaching his children. Can't you now see where Michelle Obama gets her hatred?

People we are in deep dodo. He cannot win the general. McCain is spending almost the whole month of March campaigning in California. He is looking a lot more electable now

I am also a yellow dog democratic and could never vote for McCain, but if Hillary loses I have to set out. I know the supreme court issue and Iraq issue. But just could never vote for Obama.

You all say connections do not count. But influence does. And he has been connected to all the wrong people...

Fla and Mi must be seated - so Hillary can take the delegates she deserves. It Obama wins it, Hello McCain.

J

Well, young 73, that's your view.

I don't agree with a word of it (save that McCain is out there fundraising and campaigning), and think that the word "hatred" it overused on this blog, but that's why it's nice Craig lets us all spout off our ideas.

Ciao. My younger dog is anxious to get back out on mole patrol in back yard. (She's had a brown, clay-flecked nose for about 5 days now.)

But to set aside Clinton's denials and suggest that "as far as I know" captured her entire response is patently dishonest. Yet that's exactly when many media players did.

The 60 Minutes controversy -- specifically the intense media spin it sparked -- highlights a disturbing rise in a new form of campaign journalism, which might be best described as post-parsing.

Here's how it works: A candidate (almost always Hillary Clinton) makes a statement, any statement out of the thousands made on the campaign trail each week, and that statement is seized upon by the chattering class and then dissected in order to determine what the real intention was. Experts pore over the text and announce what the candidate should have said during an impromptu exchange with the media. It's not that the statement in question is wrong, or blatantly malicious, it's that the statement wasn't quite right. It should have been a little bit more this or a little more that. Plus, based upon the pundits' expert training and analytical skills, they're able to spot a deeply disturbing, unspoken meaning right below the surface. Alarmed, they then rush to alert voters.
http://mediamatters.org/columns/200803110002?f=h_column

http://ivaw.org/

The Ira war vet hearings

This week is the fifth anniversary of the war.
Traditionally celebrated with gifts made of wood

how appropriate we are led by a dummy.

KGC -- Thanks for that link to the Media Matters story. It is spot on.

kgc...

Perhaps some wooden legs and arms in place of those blown off in this ill-begotten war....

And, just so everyone knows, that's not meant to be humorous in any way. I have a nephew currently leading convoys into and out of Baghdad, and one of my son's best friends - a 19-year-old Marine - leaves today for Iraq. I pray daily that they come home...and that they come home intact, both mentally and physically.

Hi Patsi

Hi Harborwoman

I share your fears, a close friend's 19 yo nephew joined the marines and is currently sitting in Japan waiting to be shipped to Afganistan. I was happier when he was in the Phillapines building schools.

errr
Philippines

Harborwoman, there's not a day that goes by that I don't spend time worrying over our young people over there.

And, I also totally agree with Charlie Rangel and his belief that a(n honest) draft is appropriate when we go to war.

"There simply is no other candidate, from either party, who has had their comments, their fragments, dissected so dishonestly the way Clinton's have been."

YES!

KGC - thank you for the article link...the most honest thing I've read all year.

kgc...

Will add your friend's nephew to my list of those who need good thoughts and prayers. Hope he comes home safe.

flatus...

From your posts, it sounds as though you spent quite some time in the military, so you know better than some of us what these kids are facing. What I hate is that it took the perspective of years to realize that most wars are likely not necessary. Both my nephew and my son's friend are eager to do what they're doing.

I agree with you about an honest draft at times of war... and, in peacetime, other service to the nation....

""as far as I know" captured her entire response is patently dishonest."

KGC, I watched that questioning. He asked her the same question three times, three different ways. She answered no twice. The third time, she gave him this "what do you expect me to say" and he got the gem he wanted to hang her with in the "as far as I know".

It was a miniature version of the judge in The Crucible questioning witches until he got an "I might have made the cow sick" confession.

Truly disgusting.

Steve Croft, Investigative Reporter extraordinaire.
lol,

Jamie,
Are you putting in for State candidacy?

DW wants me to , but I'm passing on it.

bbl

All I ask is that the MSM be intellectually honest and give equal treatment. Here is my test, do they go after this story the same way they would Hillary Clinton or a Republican?

We looked, nothing there. Moving on.

Which would you rather have:

-- a "leader" like Mr. Bush, who refuses to speak with people he doesn't know or like and who belongs to a cultish born-again religion that denounces the values of various segments of society as a whole

or

-- a leader like Senator Obama, who is not afraid to speak with people of various ethnic, social and religious backgrounds, one who listens to the voices of all of his constituents to try to understand their realities, one who would meet with representatives of all governments, whether or not they are pro-American and whether or not they agree in advance to kneel to American pre-conditions?

It is Mr. Bush's close-minded, small-minded attitudes, among other things, that have caused America's reputation to sink.

For instance, just yesterday, Mr. Bush spoke to a group of obscenely overpaid "industry leaders" in New York, telling them not to panic due to the possibility of a temporary recession that will affect none of them. And his audience applauded and agreed with him. But did that really help Americans who are suffering?

Senator Obama is open to all voices and all ideas -- including the patriots who actually express honest thoughts rather than acting as smug, self-righteous toadies -- and because of his eagerness to listen, he can respond much more effectively, for the greater good.

Oh, _bad_ storms coming through. Just got through losing electricity for more than an hour with lots of big hail and really strong winds. Radar showed possible tornadoes all around us. Hope the electricity stays on long enough to charge the battery back-ups. Was just getting ready to crank the generator when it came back on. Fingers are crossed for others in the path of this _big_ storm that's going through Georgia and the Carolinas.

Flatus,

Just spoke with my daughter in SC, she is hunkering down waiting for this stuff to pass by. She is just down there for a few weeks training. She would rather be in New Hampshire right now.

Hope you come through this OK.

Rezdog

I was considering it, but I may pass as well. The WA caucus is so screwed at this stage, it is going to be a real fight at the state level. I'll stay in through Congressional, but I think that will be it unless I'm really really needed.

Harborwoman, sounds as if they have confidence in themselves and their training. That, combined with good sergeants and competent officers, should see them through.

I was in the advance party for my battalion when we went to Vietnam in 65. Remember well the group of us squatting down in a circle on the upper deck of our C-124 loading the umpteen magazines that we had for our M-14s. That was on the last leg of our journey heading from the Philippines to QuiNhon.

Any residual cockiness we had was gone by then. I expect they will have similar sobering experiences.