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

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

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*

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Benji: "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. "

Was it for the greater good and being open to ALL that he dissed the baby boomer generation as out-of-touch and kick-to-the-curb-worthy? Old news. Fuh'get-about 'em! Put 'em on life support and get 'em out of our way.

Thank you very much Mr. Obama. I loved that slap in the face.

Flatus...

My nephew is a sergeant. I'm not familiar enough with the Army to know for sure what that means, but I think he leads his group. My son's buddy is 19...probably has good training, but also has that youthful belief that he's invincible. I just want them both home, safe and sound.

"Senator Obama is open to all voices and all ideas"

He doesn't want to listen bad enough to work to get the necessary revotes in Michigan and Florida in some manner that is equal for all. As usual, if it's good for him that's hunky dory. If it is equal, he doesn't want to play any more.

Patsi...

Barack Obama IS a baby boomer - granted, he's at the younger end of the generation - but, he's one of us, none-the-less...so, he'll have to go on life support with us. Should he win the nomination and the presidency, things are going to get very interesting, I predict.

Patsi:

I think Senator Obama's point was that America shouldn't be fighting the same old war (i.e., whether or not we should have continued involvement in VietNam rather than "surrender") over and over again. He did not state that Baby Boomers should be propped up in a garbage can out by the curb; he said that we should learn from the past and move on, in an informed way. We should evaluate our involvement in Iraq/Iran based on current realities; we should not pretend that it is VietNam II.

"The Democrats have been stuck in the arguments of Vietnam, which means that either you're a Scoop Jackson Democrat or you're a Tom Hayden Democrat and you're suspicious of any military action. And that's just not my framework." - Sen. Barack Obama.

response from Tom Hayden
http://files.tikkun.org/current/article.php?story=20071112071355712

"Barack, I thought Hillary Clinton was known as the Great Triangulator, but you are learning well. The problem with setting up false polarities to position yourself in the "center", however, is that it's unproductive both politically and intellectually."

"

AP is reporting BO picked up 7 additional delegates from the Edwards pool in Iowa.

"We should evaluate our involvement in Iraq/Iran based on current realities; we should not pretend that it is VietNam II. "

Let's see, set up a straw man of a totally false premise and then be against it. Glad to see those college logic and propaganda classes weren't wasted.

"Let's see, set up a straw man of a totally false premise and then be against it. Glad to see those college logic and propaganda classes weren't wasted. "

What Jamie said.

and Benjie -- he most assuredly DID kick us to the curb. Old is out. Makes me real confident about his commitment to social security and many other programs....

Clinton campaign wants Texas to postpone party conventions

"As final results from the Texas Democratic caucus remain unknown, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign wants signatures from the March 4 contest verified before party conventions are held around the state later this month.

In a letter sent to the state Democratic Party late Friday, the Clinton campaign requests the March 29 count and state Senate district conventions be postponed until the eligibility of an estimated 1 million caucus-goers are double checked.

The Clinton campaign wrote they received more than 2,000 complaints of violations following the historic Texas turnout, which was perhaps the nation's largest caucus ever."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8VE3NDO0.html

November 23, 2005
Dems Need Another Scoop Jackson
By Froma Harrop

The Democrats need a candidate like a Democrat they used to have. He was Henry "Scoop" Jackson -- a hawk abroad, a liberal at home. From 1941 until his death in 1983, Jackson represented Washington state in Congress, first as a representative and for his last 30 years as a senator. Until Democrats find someone with his kind of credibility on national security, they are not going to win the White House.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/Commentary/com-11_23_05_FH.html

"The Democrats have been stuck in the arguments of Vietnam, which means that either you're a Scoop Jackson Democrat or you're a Tom Hayden Democrat .(he should have added Not that there is anything wrong with that)..

November 23, 2005
Dems Need Another Scoop Jackson
By Froma Harrop

The Democrats need a candidate like a Democrat they used to have. He was Henry "Scoop" Jackson -- a hawk abroad, a liberal at home. From 1941 until his death in 1983, Jackson represented Washington state in Congress, first as a representative and for his last 30 years as a senator. Until Democrats find someone with his kind of credibility on national security, they are not going to win the White House.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/Commentary/com-11_23_05_FH.html

"The Democrats have been stuck in the arguments of Vietnam, which means that either you're a Scoop Jackson Democrat or you're a Tom Hayden Democrat .(he should have added Not that there is anything wrong with that)..

Bowmanc, She's seeing the world! And, I hope she's okay, too.

Harborwoman, Being a new sergeant means that your nephew has proven competence, as well as the confidence of more senior sergeants, and his officers, that he will be able to lead a small group in whatever mission his unit is normally tasked to do.

Be proud of him!

"Thr time has come, Senator Barack Obama says, for the baby boomers to get over themselves."

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/21/weekinreview/21broder.html?ref=weekinreview

*yawn* i'm soooo tired.. they didnt do his bypass today cos they had transplant surgeries (didnt occur to me yesterday but I guess vascular surgeons do all those transplants), but he's scheduled for tomorrow morning.

While I was sitting in the hospital room waiting (and waiting, and waiting) I read thru 3 national newspapers.. and this caught my eye.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=376361

now read through it, and tell yourself if you REALLY want to vote for McCain and not EITHER of the Dem nominees.. do you REALLY want deluded ppl like this to elect the next president???

oops..ask yerself.. not tell yerself.. sorry, i'm a maroon..

Craig,
I just got back from my county convention (Polk) about a half an hour ago. I was on the Credentials Committee as usual and it was a good thing. I felt like the chair of the committee and Obama supporter was trying to pull a fast one and seat Obama alternates in Hillary seats so got the Hillary campaign people so they could be part of the conversation. Needless to say I was thanked and will be a Hillary delegate and on the Credentials committee for District and State.

We didn't get all the delegates seated until noon. We started registering today at 8:00 am and registered for 3hours last night. It was an arduous process and there are always discussions and votes about who we will seat and who we will not. People get testy when the process takes too long or they don't follow the rules and are told they can't be seated.

I didn't get the totals from the first round of balloting but the second round shaped up like this: 1030 total delegates translated to 106 Hillary delegates, 66 Edwards delegates, and 186 Obama delegates.

In case you haven't found it, the results by county can be found here:

http://www.iowademocrats.us/draftconventionresults.pdf

I had a great time...I love this stuff. Now it is time for a beer!

Watching Lawrence of Arabia in HD. First time I've watched it since it came out. It's marvelous!

Everyone talks about how Obama will lose because his this sillyness with the preacher or some "gut feeling." Nonsense. Obama will beat McCain by getting new voters into the process, dominating the black vote, and winning anti-war Independents and Republicans. People are looking for change this year - and Obama personifies it.

If HRC gets the nomination - I hope she will win - but fear she may be victim to the Southern Strategy. We have seen her weakness in the South in the primary race - and Obama has shown strength - Obama will put GA, VA, MS and other states into play.

What state could HRC win in the South against McCain? And a VP cannot win a general election (unless of course it is Obama).

The so-called big state strategy was made up this year by - you guessed it - Rudy Guiliani

http://giulianiblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/big-state-strategy.html

CA and NY will not go for McCain this year because he is too closely linked to Bush and his hawkish stance on Iraq.

Obama is a better campaigner and he can also get more Dems elected to Congress once he is president.

Later folks - time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

The Southern Strategy is not a fiction created this year:

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

It seems as if Nancy Pelosi is signally her support for BO.
CNN is report that Pelosi has concerns that the SDs will do the party great harmif they go against the will of the elected delegates at the convention in Denver.
The Pelosi interview will be aired tomorrow on ABC this week with George S.

warren ---------------------

You are dreaming, please wake up!

Senator Clinton will win in the general by whistling past dixie.
http://www.whistlingpastdixie.com/

The only Harry Dent in this campaign is the black Harry Dent.. It is not the Clinton campaign that used racially polarizing tactics to carry the south.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/us/02dent.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/N/Nixon,%20Richard%20Milhous

Flatus,

Thanks,

We got the word, 80 mph winds but everything OK. You are right, seeing the world, SC being part of it.

Warren

"Obama is a better campaigner and he can also get more Dems elected to Congress once he is president."

I've tolerated 7 years with another year to go of a President I didn't like. If Obama gets the Presidency, I hope to live long enough to get past another 8 years with a President I dislike so I'll be damned if I help him get there. But I'm not giving up on Hillary yet.

"CNN is report that Pelosi has concerns that the SDs will do the party great harmif they go against the will of the elected delegates at the convention in Denver"

I thought they were supposed to represent the vote in their own states and districts. I thought the popular vote was the indicator.

Jamie:

I think you will eventually like Obama. Give it some time.

For those old enough or just interested in Charles Manson, this might be interesting. They are looking for bodies at the Barker Ranch

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i2FUy9tY0oHckSy2LtDd-i_aq06gD8VE1EI00

"- Obama will put GA, VA, MS and other states into play. "

Well you better hope so because he is not going to do well in the west where he has trouble with Hispanic voters. And McCain does very well.

Maybe you should be looking for the brown Harry Dent.

Obama is not doing well in the rust belt states either.

The campaign most likely to be victim of the southern strategy is Obama

"Ithought the popular vote was the indicator."

Where you reading that nonsense. It's about pledged and super delegate totals. And hopefully you're aware of the Electoral College in the presidential election. Popular vote doesn't mean squat there either. Ask Al Gore.

I'm perturbed that BO got 7 of the Edwards delegates in Iowa while the other 7 remained pledged to Edwards.
Thought Edwards would try and hold on to all delegates at a mininum.

Christine Pelosi: Superdelegates Should Not Overturn Majority Dem. Vote
February 15, 2008 12:10 PM

and I guess you thought what happened with Al Gore was a good thing,?

Vivian,
The Edwards chair requested the Edwards delegates remain Edwards delegates but sometimes people have their own agendas since these delegate selections are not binding at this stage. It may be that some Edwards delegates thought they could do him more good by making sure they would at least be delegates to the District and State conventions. They can always return to the Edwards group later if they need some leverage of some sort.

The Rev Wright story may get worse - Newsmax says will have more on Obama & Wright. Newsmax, World Net Daily, FNC, etc. are Hillary's best friends on the Rev story. Listening to some of the Obama Dems on TV and radio trying to defend him is hilarious.

Warren,

I started out liking him. He has managed to move me to neutral and now to dislike. The more I see below the image the less there is to see. Hillary on the other hand took me from neutral to like and keeps improving.

I doubt he is going to grow on me unless he changes an lot. If the man is reflected in his organization, I could end up worse than dislike. There is a lot of fraud going on and I really, really disapprove.

Who's Christine Pelosi? She just another SD for Clinton. Maybe you're thinking about her mother, Nancy Pelosi. Christine's opinion is just that,an opinion.

"and I guess you thought what happened with Al Gore was a good thing,?

You must have reading difficiency. Where are you reading that?

I'll be interested in any of the Texas stories. Apparently, several of the people from the Washington caucuses have registered several complaints. Unfortunately, the credentialing rules don't have one to cover filling in the blanks on all the alternate positions with Obama supporters.

It is the result of superior organization and in all honesty, the Clinton folks just weren't prepared for a group willing to play that rough in taking control anywhere they could spot a group new to the caucus system and keeping them separated etc. Lots of unhappy people.

"Barack Obama wants me and everyone else to believe that even though he and Wright discussed distancing the reverend from the campaign at some point, that Obama didn't know the incendiary nature of Rev. Wright's religious disposition. Not just his sermons, but his religious philosophy. Larry Johnson asks Senator Obama, do words matter? The answer through Wright is a revelation. As a woman of faith my whole life, I find what Barack Obama is telling us about not hearing Wright's incendiary passion incomprehensible. His interviews across cable last night were a tour de farce."

http://taylormarsh.com/

i always wondered why obama wont put his hand on his heart during pledge of allegiance ,,,and why he wont wear american flag lapel pin........after hearing rev wright ....i now know why

"Senator Barack Obama apparently has paid as much attention to his campaign rhetoric as he did to the racist, hatefilled sermons of his pastor, Jeremiah Wright. He has insisted in speeches before cheering throngs that “words matter.” Yet, when it comes to the words of Jeremiah Wright, not so much.

Okay. Let’s agree. Words do matter. Even after the tapes emerged documenting that Jeremiah Wright is a purveyor of antisemitism and racial hatred directed at whites, Senator Obama continues to insist that Pastor Wright is like an uncle to him."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

Bottom line coming out of the Iowa County Conventions:

1) The Clinton campaign continues to tie their success by winning large state primaries using the argument that if you can't win the big states, you can't win the general election. Therefore, their caucus state strategy is now to hold onto their precinct delegates at the county, district, and state conventions. They succeeded in doing that, but they didn't get a bump in the percentage of delegates .

2)The Obama campaign continues the strategy that to be the nominee, you have to win the nomination by gaining delegates. In Iowa, they not only held their precinct delegates, but also picked up about half of Edwards' delegates going in to the Congressional and State conventions where the pledged national delegates will be selected. As a result, they picked up about a 15% increase in the percentage of delegates going into the district and state conventions.

Bottom line: Going into the district and state conventions, Obama stands to pick up almost twice as many pledged national convention delegates as Clinton. Iowa's district conventions are where half of the state's pledged delegates will be elected.

As the district conventions will be held the week after the Pennsylvania primary, anything short of a huge Clinton victory there could be big trouble for her in caucus states, where the equivelant of 300 "swing convention delegates" are now located.

TZ

That is a totally false rumor. It is part of a right wing email slander going around. I may not like him, but I won't stand by and let a lie stand without exposing it.

Spike/Zoey,

Curiouly, doesn't appear the Wright controversy was much of a detriment for Obama in Iowa. Hear much?

Good for you, Jamie!

Popular vote doesn't mean squat there either. Ask Al Gore.

Posted by: Rezdog | March 15, 2008 10:21 PM

and I guess you thought what happened with Al Gore was a good thing,?

You must have reading difficiency. Where are you reading that?

Posted by: Rezdog | March 15, 2008 10:46 PM

Should I guess as to what your definciencis are

Christine Pelosi is a member of the Democratic National Committee, a film maker and Nancy Pelosi's daughter.

There are no rules as to how the sd should vote. But I see you wish to change the rules in the middle of the game.

Hey Goal Posts, Majority Rules, whatever,

I think the SDs should vote for who ever that want. I've never said otherwise here.

Hey Goal Posts, Majority Rules, whatever,

I think the SDs should vote for who ever that want. I've never said otherwise here.

Posted by: Rezdog

My mistake so sorry.

pick up a nick and stay with it and join in.

Greetings from Maine

"The Southern Strategy is not a fiction created this year:"

Hilarious. Warren just heard about the concept of "Southern Strategy ".....

Welcome to politics, kiddo.

Maine? lol

Yes, I'm in Maine, outside of portland

phone calls from home (hell) today.

All my goofy, conservative, rednek, borderline racist ,democrat relatives in Oklahoma are telling me they''re voting for Hill because they want Bill backin the WH.. Figures.lol
I wonder how many others vote that reasoning.

You've come a long way baby!

I see Jamie loves thoroughbred racing I do as well. I agree with Jamie that I need to see pp in the drf as well. My early pick so far is Court Vision because he is perfectly bred for the derby distance of a mile and a quarter [Gulch] and he has the tactical speed necessary to stay in contention and even thought its slightly overrated I do like his d.i. numbers. Pyro looked great with an explosive move coming off the pace from way back in the field, the one thing that worries me about Pyro is that usually the Derby has a large field of anywhere between 15-20 horses and could encounter traffic problems. War Pass likes running right out to the lead his breeding at least on the sire side is not really for a mile and a quarter distance but then again Spend A Buck ridden by the great Angel Cordero wasn’t either, he was able to steal the race by running slow fractions in the first ¼ and ½ . Lost Code a few years back was able to go wire to wire a mile and an eighth up to a mile and a quarter. We will see if this Nick Zito can rate this one to stalk front-runners, Tampa Bay Derby next up for War Pass but his real test will be the Wood Memorial at the Big A. If anyone can do it Nick Zito can, he trained under hall of fame trainer LeRoy Jolley

So far I am leaning toward Court Vision I like the running style, breeding and he seems to be a slight overlay at present, through out his last race at Gulfstream’s Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes with slow fractions of 25.78 for the first quarter and 49.27 for the half-mile 15 lengths off the pace. Bill Mott can attribute that to inexperienced jockey rating the horse too far behind keep a sharp eye for possible jockey change. There should be a huge improvement off his last race.

Sincerely,
Heather

Brother had a flood in his utility room at the dealership and played havoc with his network, luckily he happened to be in the city when it happened, so he picked me and the dogs up and BAM, I'm in Maine. Going home on Tuesday.

Well my favorite marathon of NCIS is over lol, best program on tv and omg is there a women on planet earth that does not enjoy Mark Harmon *big sigh* lol

The political news was depressing in that Obama picked up 14 more delegates 7 in Iowa 5 in California.
I will need to recharge my optimist batteries as Yogi Berra said "it ain't over till its over" lol
Sincerely,
Heather

"The political news was depressing in that Obama picked up 14 more delegates 7 in Iowa 5 in California."

That's great news you silly theist!

"You've come a long way baby!"

ROFL....Well, Rez -- turns out Obama has found the perfect way to handle the Rev Wright flap. His answernow? The Reverand Wright is a BABY BOOMER! That's his whole problem.

I can't wait for President Obama to put me on the ice float and send me out to sea.

Keep an eye out here, the wolves are at the door..:)

Go Obama

"I can't wait for President Obama to put me on the ice float and send me out to sea."

Me too babe, me too!

Patsi,

Besides that, I see he's got a new spin off the crazy Uncle Jeremy flap,.... more reason to get united. He's good.

"I can't wait for President Obama to put me on the ice float and send me out to sea."

Oversharing. LOL

It was interesting driving up here, cause I don't get to hear talk radio very much, this rev. wriight story is no story at all based on what I heard on the radio, it's changed no minds. But did seem to get people talking some more about the racial divide, it's a good thing.

Obama supporters just can't bring themselves to give up the "Dream". The Wrighting is on the wall - read it! The Rev connection is a "Killer" for Obama in the GE. Hillary can't even have him as VP. Will take a while for the full impact of the Rev story to reach the public. It's over. Better now than later.

Yawn @ Gordo

Patsi:

I have heard about the Southern Strategy in passing in the last 3-4 elections. But never really thought about it till, on Feb. 5th, my friend in the GOP said it was how they would beat HRC in the general election - BEFORE the results came in. What I saw that night was also pretty convincing.

Obama does not have a problem with the Latino vote. The Clintons simply have deep and wide-reaching support. That does not mean that those loyal Democrats are going to turn around and vote for McCain over Obama. And if McCain does anything to pander to the Latino vote - he will lose some support from his base.

I think this June in Puerto Rico - Obama will send a resounding message that he will have no problem with Latinos in the general election.

Warren, do you really think Obama is going to do well in the South?

Obama supporters just can't bring themselves to give up the "Dream". The Wrighting is on the wall - read it! The Rev connection is a "Killer" for Obama in the GE. Hillary can't even have him as VP. Will take a while for the full impact of the Rev story to reach the public. It's over. Better now than later.

Posted by: GORDO | March 16, 2008 1:13 AM

As much as I find Rev. Wright offensive, I doubt that he is a "killer for Obama". Rev. Wright's rhetoric is overtly exaggerated and saying "God Damn America" is just stupid. However, he does bring up very important points about U.S. foreign policy's role in creating the Al Queda mess and the results on 9/11 and elsewhere. The USA has created resentment around the world. Our attitude of "he's a dictator, but he's OUR dictator" has done nothing to secure our influence and respect among the world's various peoples and factions.
So in many ways I agree with him...

The comment about Natalie Holloway was insensitive and anti-Christian. Jesus would never use such inflammatory language against another human being. I think of how such comments must have hurt Natalie's parents.

As for Barack, well time will tell. But from I know of American politics, patriotic symbolism is important in the larger voting public. The message that he will not allow an American flag pin on his lapel certainly will do little to help him with veterans and highly motivated patriots who love country and flag. This seems like an act from a Reverend Wright play book. Obama made an issue of no flag on his suit that I don't know if he can undo this damage. For me, I don't think it's important... but for the majority, yes!

And Gordo, sorry to say, but I don't think Obama is anywhere near "finished"... Whether he can carry the general election might be a question.

Obama supporters just can't bring themselves to give up the "Dream"

Posted by Gordo

Just one more thought. I don't think Obama supporters should give up the "dream" just as I don't think Hillary supporters should give up the "dream". I hope the two candidates can work together to stop a "nightmare"....

Giving him the benefit of doubt, Barack Obama may or may not have known about speeches, that is to be determined.

However, MICHELLE OBAMA is quite clearly visible in the tape of the post-9/11 "sermon". Do not know about others.

Not hard to spot, she is shown by church cameras apparently returning to her seat in the front row, smiling, in the midst of Wright's "speech".

Seems to be wearing brown dress or similar color attire, hair is long and more to the face than we are used to seeing it, smile is unmistakable.

If Barack was not there, it is hard to believe she did not share it with him!

Check out the clip as shown on TV, she is there.

My Op-ed:

Why I believe If Nominated Senator Obama Cannot Win The General Election

At this posting it sadly looks like Senator Obama will win the nomination. Once again the extremist left in our party will get their way and nominate the most extreme left candidate Senator Obama, as rated by the National Journal.

Evidently, extremist left wing liberals inside our party have not learned lessons from their defeats by nominating left wing radicals. They tried with in ’68 with Senator Hubert Humphrey and lost, lesson learned? No, because in ’72 they nominated the uber-liberal Senator George McGovern and guess what, they lost by an even wider margin McGovern won only one state Massachusetts and only 37.5% of the popular vote in one of the worst landslides in the modern era for the Democrats. In ’76, the Democrats woke up and nominated the southern centrist Gov. of Georgia and surprise, they won. Did the Democrats learn their lesson from that, no, they did not proving Will Roger’s theory correct [“I belong to no organized party I’m a Democrat”] In ’84 they once again nominated the most liberal candidate in Walter Mondale and wound up winning one state, Minnesota, and only 40.6% of the popular vote. Again, they nominated another uber-liberal from Massachusetts Michael Dukakis won nine states out of 50 and 45.6% of the popular vote. In ’92, Democrats nominated a centrist DLC Governor Clinton and won the general election. The 2000 election was stolen... Al Gore actually won the popular vote, but as we well know, the Republicans could not play fair.

The extremist neocon Republicans violated their own core principle belief of not getting involved in State’s Rights issues by overruling the Florida State Supreme Court and awarding the state and its electoral votes to Bush making him the first illegitimate president in U.S. history.
Okay enough with the history lesson I took the long route to make my point that the key to the Democrats is to nominate centrists not extreme uber-liberals, which brings me to Senator Obama.

Just one moment please let me put on my flak jacket and get seated inside my armor-plated vehicle for the heat seeking missiles the pro Obama crowd may launch at me.

First if you look at the trending of the latest national polls at real clear politics McCain-Obama are in a statistical dead heat, which is unsettling from my point of view. When you consider that, we have an unpopular war in Iraq, the economy in the tank and possible recession, Bush up to his eyeballs in scandals, runaway inflation etc. either Democrat should have anywhere from a 15-20 point lead over McCain. This should be a warning to Democrats particularly Obama supporters.

Right now the latest polls are improving in the Iraq war this benefits McCain. Now while the Reverend Wright debacle may not hurt Obama in the primaries it definitely will in the general election with the white Jewish vote, you can bet that the GOP attack machine will make hay with Jessie Jackson’s hymie-town remark and the issues with Al Sharpton referring to Jews as "diamond merchants." Both of them will support Obama in the general. Another problem Obama will face is that Independents will be far more attracted to McCain. Independents by nature have a slight republican/libertarian bend; they tend to be socially moderate to liberal socially and conservative fiscally 9 times out of 10 the conservative side wins out in their voting.

Another issue and this really hurts me, exit polling has shown that 25% of Hillary supporters will vote for McCain in the general election. In addition, other voters unsatisfied with Obama may vote for Nader.

One very important thing looming on the horizon is whom will Mayor Bloomberg endorse. I may be wrong on this but my guess he will wait to the general election if Obama is the nominee I cannot see Bloomberg supporting Obama’s trillion dollars in new social programs aimed at the highest 1% income earners, also Bloomberg is strong on fighting terror and supports the Iraq war, but who knows, politicians make for strange bedfellows.

Look for the Republicans to drop an “October Surprise” something that will be specially suited for McCain to look good and equipped to deal with and that will make Obama look like a deer caught in the headlights. Hillary is vetted and better able to handle these issues should they arise. Obama is neither vetted nor experienced right now; his experience is limited to defeating Alan Keys for the senate and fancy oratory skills. Hillary Clinton is the better choice for the Democratic Nominee, if it turns out to be Senator Obama I see another repeat of Reagan v Mondale especially if the economy improves before the general election

My time is up and I thank each and everyone for his or hers.

Sincerely,
Heather

P.S
Good morning Craig, Everyone,

pardon my maners for not saying that sooner

--Heather

Good morning Heather,
I agree with your analysis with the exception of your using the modifier uber liberal. That may be a little extreme, but pretty much on target. It seems to me that many of the lefty democrats are blind to the fact that large swaths of the population do not share the belief that the government has the, or will be the solution to all the problems facing people. All the stuff Obama & Hillary are promising aren't going to be worth a lot in the general election. It will be easier for Hillary to move to the center. If Obama is nominated, he will as a necessity have to moderate his positions. When he abandons some of those, the bloom will be off the rose and his most ardent supporters will be forsaken.

Who's Picking the Democratic Nominee?

"Once again, Obama is asking Pennsylvania Republicans and independents to register as a Democrat for a day. It's one way to the nomination."

http://taylormarsh.com/

Morning all..

Our St-Paddy's parade is today... enjoy that green beer!

I'm off to the hospital... behave yourselves and keep your hands ON the table at all times.. no gunplay!

Thank You Bowmanc:
You may be right I may have been extreme using "uber"
I tend to be pragmatic in my voting and analysis, I try not to be emotional in my acessments, its not a racial thing with me as far as Obama is concerned. I think there are African Americans far better qualified to be president on both the left and right side of the aisle, on the Democratic side former Rep Harold Ford Jr (D) TN is far better qualified then Obama. An interesting sidebar to that...In the senate 2006 campaign Bob Corker ran a dispicable, disgusting racist campaign against Harold Ford yet hardly a word from the media, Al Sharpton, or Jessie Jackson about it, I could easily have supported Harold Ford Jr, with zeal and enthusiasm. He may be younger but far better qualified than Obama, thats just my personal view

Sincerely,
Heather

Thank You Tylenol
Being Irish I will enjoy!

--Heather

Well,
I'm off to mass being Palm Sunday I need to dress myself and my daughter as we will be ushering the mass together. Back later this morning for all the talking heads. Despite the Reverand Right debacle I bet it will be a Anti Hillary agenda on the Sunday Morning News Shows...Poor Hillary.

--Heather

Warren
The vote in Puerto Rico has nothing to do with the Hispanic vote in the US. The issues are completely different. Just as they are between Florida and the West.

I guess you think all Spanish speakers are alike.

"...why Barack Obama is toast. Or should be. But will the elite of the Democratic party realize this in time to stop a candidate who will be destroyed in a general election race?

...and all of you who read and comment here — are unafraid to look at the underbelly of Barack Obama. We’re not hopelessly P.C. You and we understand why everyday patriotic Americans will NEVER vote for Barack Obama. But the elites don’t get it or are too hyper-sensitive about race to take an honest look at Obama’s gravely serious impediments to winning the presidency.

The elite bloggers and media censor serious discussion of why Obama’s issues make him unelectable. Today, one otherwise top-notch liberal blog issued an edict: No one can comment about Rev. Jeremiah Wright, even in an open thread. If anyone does, their comments will be deleted. Yes, that is true. Then there are the media: CNN’s Anderson Cooper apologizes for reporting the Jeremiah Wright story..."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

PIng Pong Response to Heather and Gordo

Thank you to the Democratic Party !
No doubt that if possible the best ticket for our country will be a McCain / Romney which combines true Commander in Chief with Domestic Policy and ability to craft economic Policy.
My only concern is the cracks and "underbelly" of BHO are all ready starting to show wear and tear - weakness. Hopefully this is not to soon which would cause a shift back to Hillary. Ah but the safety net !! The MSM is so in love with the concept of BHO (and I must admit so am I) they will continue to craft success in the manner of their coverage of BHO.
I should head to Vegas with a large sum of dollars placed on Republican victory when all said and done.

ask for whom the funeral bell tolls: "it tolls for thee."
--Hemmingway

No man is an island, entire of itself
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main
if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were
any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls
it tolls for thee.

-- John Donne

You must also remember the McCain is also McChange. He is not the typical far right republican. He got stuff between the ears.

Hey I like that.... Look for that term McChange for President

Heather, I supported Harold financially. I, too, was deeply disappointed by the nature of the campaign that was run against him.

Ford is a Blue Dog Democrat. Think what racist elements of the southern repug establishment will do with Obama, a candidate five standard deviations to the left of Ford.

I can never forgive the repugs for the number they did on McCain in South Carolina in 2000. Although, I could see myself voting for McCain if he chose Powell as his running mate (if Obama was the Dem candidate) it would be impossible for me to support any other elements of the broader repug hate mongering party.

If I did vote that way, it would simply be a reflection of how I view the character and substance of the respective candidates.

As it stands now, Hillary is my candidate. I've made two reportable contributions to her campaign so my money is where my mouth is.

Repug hate machine ?? Only diff from the Dem hate machine run by the Clinton's - is the Clintons have smiles on their face when they take you out

Morning Ping. Good to see you up.

Caught a bit of 7:00 am Fox News today; wondering what my friends at Crawford's List were watching since many of you said you now watch them for honest news coverage.

They had a bit about the search for more Charles Manson victims at ranch and then a debate between a Young American for Freedom (I guess it was too early for the Bondage spokesman to be up) and some black man they identified with a nanosecond caption -- he's a Democratic strategist named Michael something. Most of the time he appeared over a caption about Obama and Reverend Wright.

Since her guests weren't going there, the blonde Fox female compared Rev. Wright to Hitler after their segment. (Along the lines of "Well, some people liked Hitler too.")

Then a segment on a GI Joe doll convention in Texas. Play and patriotism, as one of the guy moderators stated, in the event we did not figure that one out ourselves.

They were promising more on the Obama story, but I needed coffee and the dogs needed breakfast and I was curious what you all had been up to overnight.

Oh -- and McCain is in Iraq on a congressional delegation trip with -- imagine this -- Lindsey Graham and Joe Lieberman. Some are wondering if he's using taxpayer money for a trip that could enhance his campaign.

I learned that tidbit on CNN, in between its nonstop extreme weather and falling construction crane coverage.

To be fair and balanced, Fox might have covered that before I woke up and tuned in.

dhd, here is South Carolina I sense that Lindsey has little chance of being the repug senatorial nominee when his term is up.

His only hope of any sort of political future is if McCain wins and chooses him as a running mate, or appoints him to an important cabinet post.

Morn'n back at ya dog...

The McChange ticket??
McCain / Lieberman
McCain/ Graham
McCain/ Romney
McCain/Crist

Obama's new theme song:

Artist: Three Dog Night
Song: Joy To The World

Jeremiah was a bullfrog
Was a good friend of mine
I never understood a single word he said
But I helped him a-drink his wine
And he always had some mighty fine wine
Singin'...

Joy to the world
All the boys and girls now
Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea
Joy to you and me

Key line: I never understood a single word he said....

Thanks Bow... Now I will have that song stuck in my head all day.. Only with a picture of Obama included... Thanks ;~)

Hoyt Axton wrote that song.

Dog H Dog

http://www.cmpa.com/releases/07_12_21_Election_Study.pdf

You could tell all that from five minutes.

and Mama Axton wrote (or bought) "Heartbreak Hotel"

Mort Zuckerman was on MSNBC a few minutes ago. He is not downplaying the Rev Wright connection. Could be the beginning of the end for Obama.

Bowman: well, that gets "Hot Diggety Dog Diggety oh what you do to me" out of my head. (Craig: great to hear some Perry Como on your blog.)

Flatus: realize a lot of the conservative GOP base is furious with Graham over immigration and compromising, but do you think one of the challengers could take him down in a primary? I suspect there are more with business interests who aren't sure about sending an orthodontist to the Senate. But who knows?

Are there any Dems who could mount a serious challenge?

Sturgeone: good morning Sr. Fish.

A special reason for the John Donne poetry?

Thomas Ravenel was on his way to ousting Graham in SC but then got busted for cocaine......so he's out, havent seen anyone yet rise up to the quest....

your dogness......someone back a ways quoted the line as being from Hemingway who used it in his book FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS......I was just setting the quote aright.....

dhd, I don't see any Dems in SC being capable of mounting a successful campaign. IMO, the current Lt Gov, Andre Bauer, could take the nomination and win. It'd be a cold day in hell before I would vote for him

ET

Forget the bit about the flag tie tack. Most people know that is a right wing symbolism thing that has absolutely no meaning. It's just a bit of flag waving jingoism worn by the far right whose kids and grandkids are more in danger of a paper cut than they are of a bullet.

Ravenel is GOP, by the way.

the flag pin only has relevance for the hordes of GOP rank and file rowdy stalwarts.....

Sturge, one doesn't mention party affiliation if it's a repug. In any case, he won't have to worry about accommodations for ten months. Look for him picking-up trash along a road near you.

Janie, you have such a way with words!

If you want to see where and how the right wing orchestrates these emails and smear campagns against dem candidates, check out this website:

http://husaria.wordpress.com/

Oops, sorry Jamie. I see with difficulty so I missed the typo.

More Fox news watching:

interesting VP trial balloon from Ed Cox, RM Nixon son-in-law and McCain's NYC campaign chair.

Asked about possible VP, his final suggestion was Bobby Jindhal, newly elected GOP governor of Louisiana.

That could be a superb choice, IMHO. Jindhal is young, a reformer, of Indian parentage -- himself a first generation American, and from a Southern state.

Jindhal has lots on his plate in attempting to clean up Louisiana politics, but he could appeal to independents, moderates, swing voters, immigrants. 4 years of grooming and then, if McCain really did not run again ....

I say someone is thinking out of the box there.

Jindhal is a good choice at attracting those also seriously looking at Obama.

Heather and Flatus -- Harold Ford was on a TN television show called Inside Politics this morning. He's SO smart and analytical. I really like him in spite of the fact that he's too conservative. Thinking here is split about his political future.....he's marrying a blonde and some think it'll hurt him with the black vote. I hear varying opinions.

He endorses no one, but says in his opinion the supers have to go with whoever has the popular vote. On the other hand, people like Eugene Robinson says popular vote doesn't count, just delegates.

Patsi, that's a real smörgåsbord--something for everybody.

"Asked about possible VP, his final suggestion was Bobby Jindhal, newly elected GOP governor of Louisiana."

Dog! Way to scare me! I agree, Jindhal would be a smart choice for McCainiac!

"Superdelegates were invented and given considerable power in order to calm the runaway enthusiasm of temporary, extreme, callow primary voters who might elevate an unelectable general election candidate. Mrs. Clinton's supporters can argue that the Democratic party constitution should not be tampered with. If the party had wanted a one person one vote system of picking a candidate, that is what would have been chosen."

http://www.nysun.com/article/72304?page_no=2

OMG...

I missed SNL last night. I just watched the Tracy Morgan clip...I am still LMAO!!

Check it out...

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/

"Bitch may be the new black...but black is the new President, bitch!!"

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!

"Superdelegates were invented and given considerable power in order to calm the runaway enthusiasm of temporary, extreme, callow primary voters who might elevate an unelectable general election candidate."

Boy...this sounds frighteningly familiar... ROFL ... problem is the superdDs might be in the same stupor as everyone else.

GORDO: The NY Sun has a conservative editorial slant (and apparently with a great arts section), is often thoughtful, and possibly hyperconcerned with Israeli issues. The Sun may be concerned that Obama is not sufficiently pro-Israel.

From Wikipedia:

The Sun was founded by a group of investors including Conrad Black with the intent of providing a non-tabloid alternative to The New York Times. It would put Manhattan and New York state news on its front page (in contrast to the Times' emphasis on national and international news over local issues).

The Sun's managing editor Ira Stoll had been a longtime critic of this policy of the Times, as well as what he considered to be liberal bias in Times reporting, in his media watchdog blog smartertimes.com.[3] When smartertimes.com became defunct, its Web traffic was redirected to the Sun website.

Stoll has characterized the Sun's political orientation as "right-of-center,"[4] and an associate of Conrad Black predicted in 2002 that the paper would be "certainly neoconservative in its views."[3] Editor-in-chief Lipsky describes the agenda of the paper's prominent op-ed page as "limited government, individual liberty, constitutional fundamentals, equality under the law, economic growth ... standards in literature and culture, education."[5] The Sun's roster of columnists includes many prominent conservative writers, including the late William F. Buckley, Jr., Michael Barone, Daniel Pipes, and Mark Steyn.

The Sun is "known for its pugnacious coverage of Jewish-related issues";[6] in particular, it is "a strong proponent of Israel's right to defend itself."[4] It has published articles by pro-Israel reporter Aaron Klein.

=========

Part of me cannot believe I am rebutting a GORDO post!

Lush

just watched it

ROFLMAO

Heather,

Welcome to Crawford's Bar and Bookies :)

We usually have a totally non monetary for glory only betting round for all of the triple Crown. I keep everyone up on the contenders and then let everyone pick a horse a week or so out with changes if necessary once the position draw has been done.

Sturgeone

"Ask NOT for whom the bell tolls, It Tolls for thee"

Flatus,

We all miss typos. It's a blogcupational hazard usually discovered after you have hit submit and spend the next several minutes cringing over what your fingers typed when you weren't keeping an eye on them.

Message from our inglorious leader:

"I must say, I'm a little envious. If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. It must be exciting for you...in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger."

-- George W. Bush, during a video conference with military briefers in Afghanistan

"a blogcupational hazard"

ROFL, Jamie! Good one.

Almost everyone here knows that I do the Manic Monday meme on my blog every week. Given that it is St. Patricks Day tomorrow, I put it up early so that everyone could stop by the pub for a song or five courtesy of You Tube ... bring your own whiskey.

http://jdurward.blogspot.com

Dear Jamie:
You are a woman after my heart, I look forward to to being an official member of Crawford's Bar and Bookies it sounds like great fun, right now i'm torn between Pyro, Court Vision and War Pass to see if he can carry his speed a mile and a quarter he won his last race in fine fashion but horses were gaining on him in the stretch partly cause the jockey wanted to "save him" I still have doubts he's a "distance" horse.

p.s. Renee... Sparkey, Little Sparkey., Silver, JR and Scruffy send ((((((((((((((((you their Hugs and kisses your way and to everyone)))))))))))) Craig my gang of five want to share your hot tub and keep you company LOL!

McCain is in Iraq. Any chance he will stay?

How come Tim Russert look like he was going to break down and start crying when he introduced the Wright videos?

ROFL

"Tim Russert look like he was going to break down and start crying "

The Media Love Affair with Sen Obama got a horrible shock this week. They found out he had been cheating on them.

Not to worry. The Glee Club is learning "Stand By Your Man" and will soon find a way to excommunicate Sen Clinton for the sin of stepping on their illusions.

Reminder: The 7 part HBO mini series "John Adams" based on the McCullough book starts tonight

My favorite Irish band
The Elders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flaD5YjlUk4

Jack

Dog,

Bobby Jindal would be a horrible choice. He was only a 2 term Congressman and in the first half of his first term as governor. He will be seen as a dark skinned Dan Quayle.

Just think of the ads a 527 would run tying him to the "terrorists" that run our gas stations and send the money home to fund Al Qaeda.

Geez, Jamie and Heather...I'm still picking horses by whether or not they're beautiful or have names that 'speak to me'...perhaps that's why my gambling on them is so limited!!!

Jamie,

While I can understand you glee over the recent turn of the campaign, Hillary Clinton proved how poorly she ran her campaign by not doing this last December instead of now when it is a move of desperation.

Her move left her no time to heal the party going into the convention and she has assured herself of only tepid support of the people who could easily push her over the top.

There is a big difference between winning a fight and winning a fair fight. She will learn that the hard way going forward.

She will win the nomination, but she will be forever known as the woman who chose herself over her party and thus lost the White House for the Democrats when it was supposed to be impossible to do so.

Jindal couldn't leave the governors office. It is too soon
but it would be an interesting choice given the "Senator from Pujab memo" from Obama and some of Obama's anti-immigration supporters.

While I can understand you glee over the recent turn of the campaign, Hillary Clinton proved how poorly she ran her campaign by not doing this last December instead of now when it is a move of desperation.
Bear

What did Senator Clinton do?

I don't know, Bear -- here's three reasons
the Rethugs might love him mightily....

1. Rush Limbaugh calls Jindal the next Ronald Reagan.

2. Jindal was criticized during the 2007 campaign
by the Louisiana AFL-CIO for shutting down local
clinics to balance the budget

3. During his 2003 run for governor he distinguished himself from Blanco, who is also pro-life, by stating
that he supports an abortion ban without exceptions
for the life of the woman, the health of the woman,
rape, or incest.

Say What,

She sat back and tried to run an above it all campaign without recognizing who her biggest challenger would be and working to defeat them right away.

Anyone could look at the race that the following would shake out before 2/5

1. Obama would be the black candidate
2. Clinton would be the women's candidate
3. Richardson would be the Hispanic candidate
4. Edwards would be the lead White guy candidate.

Of this group, Richardson, though the most experienced, had the least name recognition. Not hard to predict he would be the first to falter.

You could tell right away that Edwards would get overwhelmed by Obama because he was out raising him by ridiculous sums of money and due to the fact that Edwards was a sub par VP candidate in 2004.

If you go back to the archives last fall, I think you will find that a majority of us thought that Clinton and Obama would be the last 2 standing.

She tried to say as much leading up to the TX primary. If you knew it all along, then why didn't you run against him all along?

She didn't because she and Rudy were sitting in New York, believing all the press clippings about how this election would be the Subway series and I'm sure they were planning accordingly.

She has been an arrogant candidate because she assumed the nomination would be handed to her instead of her going out there from day one to earn it.

Heather...
I usually don't post on Sundays..... but I've just got to tell you that you are fast becoming one of my favorite posters..... your early morning analysis of why Obama will lose the general election is dead on, IMO...... and you love horses too!.... hugs and kisses back atchya and those 5 little balls of energy....

HarborW..... I pick my favorite Derby contender by name also..... this year I may have to favor War Pass..... as a kid, I'd read anything I could get my hands on about Man 'O War..... when I opened Jamie's link from yesterday and saw the name War Pass... I immediately thought of my favorite race horse of all time....

Jamie and Patsi..... I put on MTP at the tail end of the interview with Bill Bradley and the woman guest (don't know her, but was glad she obviously supported Hillary).... when she said it's time to move on about Obama and Rev. Wright, Russert complied..... when she said the same thing regarding Clinton and GF, Russert pressed her 3 times to respond..... Rick yelled out from his office..... "she should slap him, now!"..... that's one of the reasons a lot of other women tell me I'm lucky to have found him as a mate....

Bear

Thanks for your opinion.

woman guest on MTP was Congresswoman Nita Lowey of NY

Bear

"While I can understand you glee over the recent turn of the campaign, Hillary Clinton proved how poorly she ran her campaign "

I will concede that her campaign was disorganized. I also believe that the Obama campaign found a way to really game the caucus system,. When this was combined with the media infatuation of the idea of having an AA President without doing due diligence to find out if Sen Obama was qualified for the job, it produced the mess with have in the party today.

Just as a p.s. I don't find any of the Rev. Wright's sermons all that shocking ... overheated and to the extreme of the black identity movement, but certainly not frightening. I'm more upset with Sen Obama's extreme ambition that allows for lying about his association with someone he declared a friend of 20 years standing. Just more of the shallowness that I think makes him unfit for the office of President, at least at this time.

"when she said it's time to move on about Obama and Rev. Wright, Russert complied..... when she said the same thing regarding Clinton and GF, Russert pressed her 3 times to respond"

That's exactly what happened with the "as far as I know" remark about Sen Obama being Muslin. There is a group in the media and Russert is one of the worst who will do anything to defeat Sen. Clinton even if it means putting an unqualified person (either McCain or Obama) in the office.

Renee,

What was funny is that the woman was Nita Lowey, the poor pitiful woman Hillary abuseively shoved out of the race so that she could become the junior senator from New York (according to the Clinton critics).

Lowey is so hurt, offended and angered about this past sin that she is one of Hillary's strongest supporters. Some sort of strange reverse psychology I suppose. :-).

Patsi,

I'm sure he donated money to the 700 Club to pray Terry Schiavo out of her hospital bed. His presence on the ticket strips away a huge Rep talking point of real experience in the White House.

A lot of McCain's colleagues fear he will snap on a moments notice and the thought of having a VP with that type of resume would be a huge question considering McCains other health issues.

The 527 would run "One heart beat from the Oval" ads that would make Obama look like a seasoned pro in comparison. McCain needs to fight on his territory and that pick drops the Dems in the driver seat...

I think McCain wins if he picks Romney. I have yet to meet a Republican here in Texas who didn't say we need a business manager in office now. Romney has never needed the spot light to turn around businesses, so he will be the new Cheney, running things domestically while McCain starts practicing his carrier landing for his Mission Accomplished photo op in Iran...or Grenada, or Mexico or Canada...

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

That's his job. He is one of JW"s "LBs".

Jamie

Thanks for organizing the C-list book for the Kentucky Derby. I am torn between War Pass and Into Mischief.
Can others still enter?

KGC

There is still lots of time. The final horses haven't been set. These are just the major contenders from the stakes races that are qualifiers for the Derby which takes place in May

I'll keep everyone up to date on contenders and odds or just keep the link and check for yourself. Usually everyone picks their horse at the end of April with changes allowed once the final field is set and then change again once the post positions have been chosen just a few days before the race.

Oh. I have the table all set up so if anyone wants to jump in early, I can put your name down in the Crawdad column.

Jamie,

I find your last post an acceptable view point to have. However, I personally had never competed in an election or athletic competition without doing the following:

Learning who my opponent was so I knew how to beat them as quickly possible. That holds true on a football field, tennis court or even an election at Boys State.

When I went to Boys State in High School, a kid in my group wanted to be the party chair...I knew in 5 minutes he wasn't going to win so I cut a deal to throw support to someone else in exchange for my guy getting the vice chair spot and support to be the Speaker of the House. My candidate was PISSED about what I had done until he was named to both posts I think it shows that if you surround yourself with the right people, they will get you where you want to be, if they are really working for you...

KGC,

You need to teach a class on how to pick horses...I haven't picked a winner since Affirmed...

EuroTom:

Yes. I really think Obama will do well in the South.

We know Obama will get the same % of the black vote against McCain that he is getting against HRC (at least). There are also a lot of veterans in the South. And although they have great respect for McCain's service - they are against the Iraq War. You can also count on a lot of mothers of troops out there fighting - to vote for Obama as well. Add in the record amount of new voters - that are for the most part - seeking CHANGE - and Obama trounces McCain in this category. McCain is inextricably tied to the past (and Bush) as compared to Obama.

(McCain is also more closely tied to the Senate - which America is not too pleased with either).

(And I like to hope that the Democratic Base - that is largely voting for HRC in the primary - will also support Obama over McCain in the general).

So yes - I really think Obama will do good against McCain in the South and will win the general election.

I forgot to add the qualifier that there are "a lot" of veterans that are against the Iraq War.

"Romney has never needed the spot light to turn around businesses, so he will be the new Cheney, running things domestically while McCain starts practicing his carrier landing for his Mission Accomplished photo op in Iran...or Grenada, or Mexico or Canada..."

I'd say ROFL Bear -- but I knw you ain't trying to make a joke. Chillingly true....

Renee -- I know....Russert made me NUTZ with all that blathering about Ferraro.

Bear

I think you mean Jamie. I have only picked a horse once and it was here last year. Although he did come in second Ithink we wuz robbed.

While the media is focused on giving advice to the Spitzers and promoting the career of one sex worker.
the Chinese (our BFF) are crushing Democracy in Tibet. Perhaps Laura Bush can write another letter.
It worked so well for Myanmar.

Shocked:

"The vote in Puerto Rico has nothing to do with the Hispanic vote in the US. The issues are completely different. Just as they are between Florida and the West.

I guess you think all Spanish speakers are alike."

Your last sentence is exactly my point. I am the one arguing that there is no black-brown divide. I am saying that there are plenty of Latinos voting FOR Clinton - and a growing number of Latinos voting FOR Obama.

I think all "Spanish speakers are alike" all Americans. And Obama is winning support all over.

I think the large majority of Latinos support the Democratic Agenda - and I don't think they will vote AGAINST Obama because he is black. I think if they agree with his vision for the future and the policies he articulates - a large majority of the Latino population - all over - will vote FOR Obama.

Let's not forget the Latinos are largely Democratic. And once this primary ends - it will no longer be:

Us (Obama supporters) vs. Them (Clinton supporters)

it will be

Us (Democrats)* vs. Them (GOP) - in a contest to win all the voters in between.

*(even though I am a registered Independent - your team can count on my support this year).

Warren -- re: the South.

Marvin King is a Poly Sci prof at the University of Mississippi. His website is a very even handed analysis of the voting trends, complete with lots of maps.

"Of the states that reliably go Democratic, only Vermont, Wisconsin and Obama's home state of Illinois gave the senator more than 50% of the white vote.

In other reliably Democratic states, California, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Delaware, less than 45% of white voters supported Barack Obama. In order to win in November, should he get the nomination, Obama must improve on these numbers.

In toss-up states: Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Obama earned less than 45% of the white vote. I believe Obama would receive strong support from Democratic and Independent whites in reliably Democratic states, but I do not have the same confidence in traditional toss-up states. I won't even bother addressing the Deep South."

http://blackpoliticalanalysis.blogspot.com/

WARREN: "*(even though I am a registered Independent - your team can count on my support this year)."

As a person who believes the Republican party would just as soon see this country die as do anything decent for the populace, the above statement makes me CRINGE. You'll be around until the next beauty contest.

Warren

Go back and read your post about Obama winning PR. Your point in that post was winning PR would demonstrate Obama's ability to win over Hispanic voters. Now you are arguing a ompletely different point.

Your last post demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge of the patterns of Hispanic voters.

BTW,

I went to a St. Patrick's day even at a local bar...a friends band, 100 Damned Guns was playing...they are pretty good, not my type of music but they are great musicians and put on a good show...

Here are the highlights from last night:

1. I met a couple of women who are Democratic party activists and just talking about the campaign sent them to the bar for multiple tequilla shots. I still don't even know who they are supporting.

2. This begs an etiquette question. If a group of girls are standing next to you at the bar, and they are talking about whose boobs are bigger and whether they had them measured, am I as a heterosexual male allowed to judge for myself and offer a comment?

3. How is is possible to have a goth looking group of people like bluegrass or country music?

Heather,

I just have a few comments on you 6.44 post. It's Sunday and I'm not getting in the weeds or mud with anyone today. Sorry, you three :) Besides the weather is relatively nice out for us in WA.

Elections don't take place in a vacuum. Those 68-84 losses were more than just uber liberal fiascoes. The repugs are not dummies and outside events play an extremely important role in the outcome. BTW, Clinton's 43% win has never been considered a overwhelming dem party victory. He did beat a seating prez, but most credit Perot.

Which brings me to Bloomberg and Nadar. IMO, neither plays ANY significant role this time around.

I think Obama is a large part of the reason we're seeing the enthusiasm of the 18-30 somethings, new registrants and party growth. These also suggest to me voters are rejecting the past as the old politics of the boomer generation.
I f he can sustain it, this will counterbalance any new attacks or surprises.

I believe if BO is the nom, he'll be battle tested and ready. HRC is not the right wing, but she's no slouch.

BTW, for someone who hasn't read the drf, you could of fooled me (12:30 am post).

Heather:

Your analysis about why Obama will not win the general election is flawed. The reason is that you think Obama's fate is sealed by comparing him to ultra-liberal candidates that ran at a time when the country was still largely conservative.

This year - after Bush and a gridlocked Congress - epitomized by scandals and investigations - instead of legislation and oversight - people are ready for a change.

And I have heard again and again that Obama is so-so "liberal." Not exactly sure what that word means - except the GOP's pejorative term for Democrats - but most of what Obama says seems to be right in line with most of the people I talk to - no matter what party they belong to (and also regardless of race, wealth, etc.).

A "liberal" agenda of ending the Iraq War, cutting out special interests and making govt more transparent, making healthcare more affordable and accessible, getting rid of tax breaks for the ultra-rich in order to provide relief for the poor and the elderly, passing comprehensive immigration reform and beginning to work TOGETHER with the rest of the world on all of the critical situations that face the world - is a winning platform this year.

Bear

You could ask them why they refer to their breasts as BOOBS which loosely translated means IDIOTS when a male refers to his goods as the crown jewels

Hill or McC

Heather:

One more point:

"First if you look at the trending of the latest national polls at real clear politics McCain-Obama are in a statistical dead heat, which is unsettling from my point of view."

Actually - the fact that HRC is in a statistical dead heat with McCain (or worse depending on the poll) is much more troubling.

People have made up their minds about HRC. And if we learned anything about HRC - it is that she can hold her base - but she is not good at attracting new voters.

Obama on the other hand is the complete opposite. He started as a 20-30% underdog to Hillary and has now won more states, delegates and votes.

I think if you look at the trends over this entire campaign - it is more likely that Obama's polls numbers will trend up against McCain - while Hillary will hold steady and we will have to "roll the dice" with the 50 + 1 strategy.

And frankly - I think this election is too important to hold my breath on election night and hope for the best in a 1 or 2 states. I think Obama can beat McCain all over the US - and his margin of victory will give him more political capital to work with than HRC could ever obtain.

HRC as the nominee makes the general election the traditional Blue vs. Red partisan election. The Dems have not fared too well in these. Obama makes the general election - old vs. new. Who do you think wins that one this year?

The most interesting thing about Bradley on MTP this morning was when he suggested the superDs should go with how their states/districts voted when deciding what to do...EXCEPT for Kerry and Kennedy and their like. He basically said, they can vote however they want because he doubted that anyone that would challenge them in a primary would win - he said it with a smirk on his face.

Again...the Obama camp shows what smug thugs they are...another good reason to not support Obama with all their veiled threats to lower level Democrats that want to vote their conscience rather than do what the likes of Kerry, Kennedy, Daschel and Bradley tell them to do.

Bill Bradley suffers from Gary Hart Disease..He thinks he is smarter than everyone else and fails in the big game. Politics isn't basketball. He feels he can say any contradictory thing he wants to..gets that obnoxious smirk on his face because he thinks the audience is too dumb to see through him..

Patsi:

Are you going to make me keep saying it till I am blue in the face - white people are not voting AGAINST Obama in the primaries - they are voting FOR HRC. Obama has shown he can win white voters. And once it is Obama vs. McCain - most white Democratic voters will vote FOR Obama.

Most of the racists and sexists are already in the GOP - and will not be voting for either HRC or Obama in the general.

Personal to Mr. Crawford (Sort of):

Craig,

This morning, I finally got to watch and hear the video that heads up this thread. My speakers are shot at home, and I'm sure it was the Perry Como references that lured me to the office today, to check it out.

I enjoyed the piece, and the history lesson on Canonsburg, but as I watched Jonathan Allen do a fine job, my first thought was to accuse you of a Milli Vanilli effort. Then I decided that wouldn't be a fair analogy because at least those guys showed up on the stage and moved their lips.

So my spin is this: You were too tired from all your efforts to try to figure out what's going on with the Florida Democrats to try coming up with a topical post. Rather than "phoning it in" and besmirching your reputation for high quality, you put your cell phone on "call forwarding" and we wound up being entertained by Mr. Allen's essay.

It worked out well for you this time, but just think of the trouble you'd be in if your next phone call had been a video sermon from Rev. Wright.

Hillary has a double digit over McCain in
Ark. while Obama trails by double digits.
Ark. and Tenn. will flip to Hillary in November.

OD:

How is HRC doing against McCain in Arizona? The fact that Hillary can win the Clintons' home state is not impressive.

And again - each time you point to a poll - I can point to the polls that had Hillary leading Obama by 20-30 points at the start of the primary.

People have made up their minds about Hillary - her polls numbers will remain steady against McCain - while Obama will be able to trend up.

"Most of the...sexists are already in the GOP"

I thought this too...before this election...now I'm not so sure.

Bear,

There are several possible answers to your #3: I'm going with tequila shots.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/polls/

Here's a rule especially in the light of tomorrow being
St. Patrick's Day.

Drunk posting is bad idea.

Bear,

"2. This begs an etiquette question. If a group of girls are standing next to you at the bar, and they are talking about whose boobs are bigger and whether they had them measured, am I as a heterosexual male allowed to judge for myself and offer a comment?"

Bear, It might get your face slapped, but nothing ventured nothing gained. You might try a charming smile from a more than arm length distance so as not to appear leering sleezy, and say "Excuse Me ladies, but if you need assistance in settling the question, I would be glad to lend a hand".

Warren,

"white people are not voting AGAINST Obama in the primaries - they are voting FOR HRC. Obama has shown he can win white voters. And once it is Obama vs. McCain - most white Democratic voters will vote FOR Obama."

It has nothing to do with black/white so turn blue all you want because I'm doing both ... voting FOR HRC and AGAINST BHO. I don't want him to be President. If I get stuck with him, so be it, but I won't vote for him. I won't vote for McCain either, so that's at least one vote he won't be converting and I doubt I'm alone.

Flatus:

"I could see myself voting for McCain if he chose Powell as his running mate (if Obama was the Dem candidate) it would be impossible for me to support any other elements of the broader repug hate mongering party."

I would really be curious as to what people "in the know" have to say about the prospects of Powell running as McCain's VP - especially if Obama is the nominee.

From what I have seen in the news - Obama has sought out Powell's advice on Foreign Policy. Given the fact that Powell choose not to serve in a 2nd term supporting the Bush Doctrine - what makes you think he would want to serve a 3rd?

Jamie:

You are on the front lines of this campaign - so it does not surprise me you are AGAINST your opponent.

The candidates are going at - and so are we. I bet no loyal Edwards' supporter would say they would vote for either HRC or Obama - before he stepped out of the race.

So keep fighting - but understand neither of us are thinking clearly about the other's candidate.

Sen Obama just said "Switch Grass" for bio fuel.

Hemust have been taking notes during a Bush speech ... Another case of copy from anyone anything that works since the baby obamabots probably weren't watching Bush when he said it.

Rating McCain's vp choices

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/03/13/who_rates_as_a_running_mate/

Will Durst's take on the McCain choices for vp
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20080312_50_suggestions_for_mccains_vp/?ln

Wendy,

I'm afraid you're way ahead of Warren on the learning curve. He'd probably be right in saying the Republicans have more overt bigots in their camp, but the way race and gender have been treated, even among the Trail Mix group, prejudiced opinions abound far beyond the roster of enrolled Republicans.

I've tried to stay above the fray on the candidate battles here, but I do want to be on record that some of my best friends, (and that includes both my ex-wives) are women.

Wendy:

""Most of the...sexists are already in the GOP"

I thought this too...before this election...now I'm not so sure."

I could use the same "politics of fear" and say: "Holy cow, it looks like SO many Democrats vote against Obama because of race!" But I simply don't believe that is true.

But I would rather focus on the postives - all the whites voting for Obama - and all the men voting for HRC - so we can encourage more of the same (instead of vice versa).

It is one thing to adopt the Republican playbook - it is quite another to start repeating their talking points.

(even though I must confess on a few issues I do agree with some of their points).

But one thing I vehemently disagree with the GOP about - is that this country is not moving past and making progress with the racist and sexist problems that have plagued this Country for generations.

Yes - Obama will still have problems with whites - and HRC will still have problems with men. And the more they fight - the bigger these problems become. (Which is not entirely a bad thing - since it is better to get ahead of the issues before the general election).

But when the candidates focus on the issues and why he or she is the best POTUS - like in LA - that is when we get back to the progress - and create an environment where voters are less likely to vote their prejudices.

Warren -- read Marvin King's website. That's HIS analysis and discounting of the deep South...

Dana Perino
Men know more about war "by osmosis"

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/16/perino-men-know-more-about-war-by-osmosis/

Not a joke.

" These also suggest to me voters are rejecting the past as the old politics of the boomer generation."

They gonna reject things the boomer generation did, like the Civil Rights movement, the women's movement and the ending of the Vietnam war? Yeah, screw 'em and everything they did. Old news. Get outta my way so I can get vouchers for my kid's private school

nls:

If that was some type of response about the prospects of Powell being McCain's VP - the links told me nothing about that.

I don't dispute that he would be a great pick for McCain strategically - against either of the candidates. But I don't know if Powell would accept, especially if Obama is the nominee. And given that risk - McCain may not even ask.

At this point - I think the front runners are Crist and Sanford (with Hutchison as the dark horse).

Thanks for the reply Warren. I have my doubts but I appreciate your reasoning.

Jamie I agree the American Flag thing is probably only for ultra-patriots. I thought it was about his lapel and frankly why would anyone be expected to wear any clip on their ties?

Bear thinks Hillary is going to win the nomination? Wow!

The biggest problem I have had with this whole election cycle is that the moment the results came out of Iowa, the MSM were ready to call Obama the nominee and Clinton as out of the race. I think this attitude raised a lot of hackles and anger from Clinton supporters. It certainly did me.

I've been reading the comments today. It's nice when chat bully isn't around.

back to watching the film Eating Out.. to-de-loo

EdVB:

Thanks for the backhand.

Warren:

I don't base what I said on voting patterns. I base it on Obama's campaign, the leadership of the Democratic Party and the media to some extent. Female icons of the Democratic Party have been TRASHED in the process of this election. It's disgusting.

Obama's problems go beyond whether he can get whites to vote for him.

Bear -- In Texas honky tonks you can say damn near anything as long as you are wearing a Willie Nelson t-shirt.

Patsi:

You know me...do you think I give a damn about whether the words come out of your mouth or Marvin King's (whoever the heck he is - and I am sure he is a very smart). But I listen to the substance of people's words - and don't care as much about their resumes.

(Except of course I am usually skeptical of people who went to Harvard - but fortunately Obama was enough of a realist to win me over.)

Warren

"McCain’s advisory group is also tempered with more moderate conservatives like Brent Scowcroft, Colin Powell and Niall Ferguson."

No evidence he is leaning to Obama, all signs point to McCain.

Wendy:

We would be saying the same thing over here if Obama was losing. Unfortunately when you lose people focus on all the negatives.

It is just like a winning football team. When a team is winning - the coach is doing great, the players are gelling and they are always finding a way to win.

That exact same team after a few losses - is in total disarray, the players have lost focus and the coach is looking for a new job.

nls:

First off - can you please pick a short nickname instead of a sentence long name (it is not as if you are Hawaiian).

And here is some evidence to the contrary:

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?bid=45&pid=267470

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19165159/

Warren:

Your analogy makes no sense...and as you know...I'm a huge football fan.

I'm talking about the overt acceptance of the sexism in this campaign...the tearing down of female icons in order to advance the ambitions of one man and so the patriarchal power structure can remain in place in the Democratic Party.

That's what I find disgusting and to go back to our original conversation...I would have suspected this of the GOP...not the Democrats. That's what is disgusting and disappointing.

"Get outta my way so I can get vouchers for my kid's private school"

Damn kids! Why do we let them vote anyway!

bored:

Here is some more about Obama and Powell:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/01/08/politics/horserace/entry3689327.shtml

Wendy:

I did not know you were a huge fan - do you like the Chargers?

Or I guess you could be more of a college fan with your alma matter.

Actually...I'm a cardinals fan because I'm in love with Matt Leinart...

and YES HUGE USC Trojans fan.

Warren,

" I am usually skeptical of people who went to Harvard "

This is a very healthy attitude particularly when you consider that Teddy Kennedy endorsed Sen Obama. Maybe you should reconsider your support. :)

Warren, Gen Powell is loyal to a fault. I honestly think his support of shrub was out of misplaced loyalty to his father. I can see him extending his loyalty to the McCain family.

And, I don't think Powell would ever buy into the ethno-centric type of religious establishment that has been so strongly supporting Mr Obama. (Back when I served with him he and I shared the same Episcopalian communion rail.)

I see him as being a member of the old Eastern establishment that exemplified genuine public service. And, remember when Mr McCain was addressing his mother when she was at an event with him? He addressed her as "Maman", that places him socially much closer to Mr Powell than shrub.

Jamie:

I, like you, have considered this decision for awhile. I will not reconsider as long as I have a chance to vote for Obama.

Wendy:

I think Matt has 2-3 years to make it big - or face the prospect of being a back-up (or worse Ryan Leaf - but I don't think it will come to that...).

He is in the perfect place to be a big star - that offense is lethal and AZ has a defense. I don't think the Cardinals want to place their future in Warner (no matter how much "experience" he has ; ).

Warren

Your view
Powell says nice things about Obama in public.

My view
Powell serves on a campaign advisory committee for McCain and has donated money.

I would think you of all people would know talk is cheap.

Flatus:

"And, I don't think Powell would ever buy into the ethno-centric type of religious establishment that has been so strongly supporting Mr Obama."

That is one segment of voters supporting Obama (it is a plus because it will serve Obama well with evangelicals - even if only to a slight degree).

Anyways, the more important point is that there are a lot of other people supporting Obama.

I am sure he has not said anything yet - but I could see Hegel also playing a big role in Obama's administration. And I think Powell would rather support Obama - who as been an advocate against the Iraq War from the outset (echoing many of Powell's points) - he would be more likely to support Obama than a continuation of Bush's failed policies.

He owed an allegiance to Bush as Sec. of State - he is under no such ties now.

"I see him as being a member of the old Eastern establishment that exemplified genuine public service."

Much like Obama who passed on the big profits of being a corporate lawyer - to serve to community service on the streets of Chicago.

Like I say - I think this at least enough to prevent Powell from being McCain's VP - and may also temper any type of campaigning he might do on McCain's behalf.

And it also presents a real possibility that Powell's voice will be heard if Obama is President.

Bored:

I agree money talks . . . and who has been winning the money race this election?

Warren

Try to stay on topic instead of wandering off
Powell is not going to endorse Obama nor is Hegal.

Hegal is a very conservative Republican and they share nothing in common besides general opposition to Bush's policy in Iraq. They agree on nothing else.

Jamie

Some more music from my favorite Irish band.

http://www.eldersmusic.com/video/moorestreetgirls_video.html

Hagel has endorsed McCain.

Says who? (and who the f**k is Hagel?)

And even if Hegel does endorse McCain - which he likely may be forced to do politically - his voice will be heard after Obama wins the general.

My bad. Spelling was always my worst subject. Thank goodness for computers!!

WARREN: "Marvin King's (whoever the heck he is -
and I am sure he is a very smart)."

He is a black poly sci prof at Ole Miss.

He's not in the tank for Hillary Clinton.

Yes, he's smart.

Read his site. You might learn something.

*warren's credibility flies out the window (again)*

I am off to walk Lucy. Spring is in the air here in NYC (even though it is not here yet).

Btw, my friend "Ho-bag" (her girlfriends came up with the nickname - based on her first name - NOT her private life) came up with a good way to know when summer has "officially" began in NYC. It is the first day someone sees one of those UPS guys wearing shorts!!

Just heard that the Gambino Family may have put the dime on Spitzer.

On a difference note, Hillary has stainless steel thighs. *L* Gotta laugh at this stuff.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb38/ShahnaScott/hillarynutcracker.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuIw84Pc_84&feature=related

tt

Patsi:

I learn things from this site. And I suppose I could give it a look. But this site - along with other things like reality TV, work, sleep, etc. - take up a lot of my time.

But I will be taking some time off in a few months...so I am taking suggestions for reading material and trip destinations (particuarlyl in South and Central America).

*"warren" asks Lucy if she wants to go out for a walk*

*Lucy streches*

"which he likely may be forced to do politically - "
Warren

What are you talking about. He is not running again.
I thougt he was so great because he couldn't be forced to do things for "political reasons."

"Much like Obama who passed on the big profits of being a corporate lawyer - to serve to community service on the streets of Chicago. "

It probably helped to have a wife capable of earning a large salary. That way he could devote full time to his political ambitions.

Pretty much what Bill Clinton did. Governor of AR is a low paying job, but he had Hillary to support him.

I doubt either case had that much to do with altruism which is a very rare human trait this side of sainthood. Usually the best you can hope for is enlightened self interest.

Warren,

Send up a flag to our fearless leader. He has a favorite resort in Central America. The vacation there had all sorts of images that are on one of the videos.

I'm watching "The History Boys" on HBO.
Great movie version of the play. There are a
couple of good quotes particularly from the
woman History professor Mrs. Linott:

Can you, for a moment, imagine how depressing
it is to teach five centuries of masculine ineptitude?

History is a commentary on the various and
continuing incapabilities of men.

What is history? History is women following behind with the bucket.

Craig/Jamie:

I am a big fan of Central America. I love Costa Rica and plan to spend about a month down there this summer. Pura Vida!

I also want to bounce around South America - as I have never been there before. Definitely going to hit Peru for Machu Pichu and the "longest left" in the world.

"What is history? History is women following behind with the bucket. "

Oh, Jamie, you're good! *L*

tt

jamie.....every where I look I come up with "send not to know" or "never send to know" Hemingway may have changed it to "ask not" in his use, I havent looked at that yet.....

hegel kant endorse mccain......

Warren, I think it probably went down like this:

GHWB, Scowcroft, and Powell are talking things over. Bush asks if Powell would keep an eye on shrub and work to keep him out of trouble. Scowcroft kind of shrugs his shoulders, and Powell acquiesces.

Powell's loyalty, up to that point, was to GHWB and our country. After that conversation, shrub was added to the equation as a junior partner. Once elected, the loyalty was to shrub and the country. Now, obligations have been fulfilled and Powell needs satisfy only himself and Alma.

But, he is still a member of the Eastern establishment--something that shrub will never be despite his prep school and college attendance.

Sturge,

Opposing philosophies?

STurgeone

Correct you are.

http://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/donne/meditation17.php

Aristotle, Plato, Lao Tzu, Emerson, Locke and Adam Smith endorse Obama.

(warren overheard them talking at a cafe in NYC...maybe it was a bar).

"hegel kant endorse mccain"

He went to Cannes

Meditation XVII

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Meditation_XVII

Robert Wuhl has a new "Assume The Position" on HBO. It's hilarious!!

oops....instant replay.....

leave it to a boy named Tzu to come up with a guide to warfare......

If a man's gonna make it he's gotta be tough......

Dear Warren:

I respectfully disagree, you mention ending the Iraq War he has backed off that somewhat according to his foreign policy advisor Susan Rice.

You mention what he says, I have no quarrel with what he says, its how he plans to incorporate it and his lack of being vetted. It was the National Journal that rated him the most extreme liberal in the senate; he is not the pragmatic centrist DLC type democrat that Hillary is.

As for the country not being as conservative as it once was, well…as late as 2004 an extreme liberal agenda hurt Kerry. The Republican party cleverly forced the Democrats into defending pro gay marriage and pro-abortion stands, the Democrats tried to dance around that by supporting gay unions as opposed to marriages, it did not work as for the general content of your post I agree with it for the most part.

Sincerely,
Heather

"hegel kant endorse mccain......"

Ha!

Jamie,

I mispronounced it. A first, I thought you were reporting that Senator McCain went to the bathroom.

Then I remembered he was a Navy man, and I don't know any homonyms for head.

While I'm thinking of it, do any of you know when the term "homophones" came into usage? I can only attest that it must have been some time between my graduation in 1912 and the time my kids got to high school. (All right, I didn't really graduate in 1912, but the Catholic schools I attended were pressed for cash, and we passed our textbooks down through generations.)

Heather:

Kerry hurt Kerry. Obama is no Kerry.

I'm off to play some poker and debate the news of the day.

Have fun!

Tiptoe

Thank you for the compliment but that came from Alan Bennett's The History Boys. Great play with marvelous dialogue.

Dear Warren:

As to the second part of your post I think you took me out of context assuming that I was solely basing my statement on the trending of polls exclusively, I was not. Perhaps I should have been more thorough in my assessment I apologize for that. I was taking many complex issues into my opinion, most importantly state legislatures, and gubernatorial and party machinery as well. You made the statement: “I think Obama can beat McCain all over the US” I am not sure what you mean by that other than a landslide victory by Obama over McCain. The latest Mason-Dixon poll has McCain leading in Florida by 22 points. I see McCain beating Obama in practically the entire gulf coast except Louisiana; do you honestly believe Obama can win in Texas? If McCain gets endorsed by, Mayor Bloomberg, and I think there is a good possibility, he will, which will give him New York State. One more note, McCain has not given up on California and he has an outside chance to get it although I think it unlikely at this time. In any event Warren that’s the way I see it
Sincerely,
Heather

BREAKING: Clinton's Internet Director Challenges Bloggers to Cover Obama Campaign Tactics

"The truth is that for months, the Obama campaign has been attacking Hillary, impugning her character and calling into question her lifetime of public service. And now the Chicago Tribune reports that Senator Obama is preparing a "full assault" on her "over ethics and transparency." To those who contend that Senator Obama is the clear frontrunner, I ask, to what end this "full assault" on Hillary?

This "full assault" on Hillary comes from the very top of the Obama campaign, not surrogates and supporters."

(Much more at the link.)

http://taylormarsh.com/

Wendy,

You're over-rating Mayor Bloomberg's influence when you say he'll deliver New York for Senator McCain, especially since he doesn't even claim affiliation to either party.

New York's enrollment is heavily Democratic, so at best McCain will have an uphill battle. New York's Democrats might pay some attention to a Democrat's endorsement of McCain, but not the endorsement of a former Democrat, who ran as a Republican and is now an independent.

President Reagan was the last Republican Presidential candidate to do well here in New York. He had a clear majority when he was reelected in 1984 (about 550,000 votes), but only out-polled President Carter by about 165,000 votes in 1980. There's no guarantee the 467,000 votes John Anderson got that year would have gone to Carter, but they were easily above the Reagan/Carter margin.

I'm not saying McCain can't carry New York against Senator Obama, but it's highly unlikely. If Senator Clinton is the candidate, McCain can save any money he might spend on New York, and invest it elsewhere.

Oops,

Sorry Wendy, it was Heather, who gave all that credit to Mayor Bloomberg.

Hey Reverend! Don't Let the Door Hit You On the Way Out

"But so much for grace and loyalty. The web video above is embarrassing for Senator Obama. The first words out of his mouth are about Rev. Wright giving his last speech and retiring. Translation: This guy is so gone, baby, kicked to the curb. Wright has also been erased from Obama's website, as if 17 years of religious guidance never happened.

The Clinton campaign did a conference call today :

The reason for the call was to draw attention to Obama's turn to attack Clinton's character. No one can doubt it's in response to the withering incoming on Reverend Wright, which has damaged Obama deeply, regardless of where he stands in the delegate count. The problem for Obama is that his back door negative campaigning, which started last summer, flies in the face of his public face of a different kind of politics."

http://taylormarsh.com/

God Gordo are you still talking about this, get a life dude.

Oh that's right , you're still on the road. Anyway, the more the Obama people the better.

yep still on the road, will be home Tuesday afternoon. In all candor I've enjoyed a bit of a break from the shrill tones of the losing side in this delegate race. Rez how many delegates did we actually pick up yesterday?

BTW i thought some of you ladies might enjoy knowing that my brother is going to be a Hillary delegate to the Maine state convention. But thankfully I can report my nephew, who will be casting his first vote in Nov. is 100% behind Obama. I guess it's true, the sins of the father....

10 i think from IA, FL, CA

cool / bring down those rich privileged white people that control this country / it be r turn / GD!

We still netted 9 delegates in Iowa yesterday.
So much for the naysaying GORDO.
Soldier on , you make get lucky.

FL lol, correction OH, CA, IA ... F slip i guess

Oh yeah FL, that's the state Craig comes from I think. 9 in Iowa, coolio, party on Gordo!

Welcome George , stick around, we need all the help we can get here. The swamp is full of hillagators.

And a few Cougs.:)

hillagators are old white women right?

I see people like me are back

Obama Attended Hate America Sermon

"Contrary to Senator Barack Obama’s claim that he never heard his pastor Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. preach hatred of America, Obama was in the pews last July 22 when the minister blamed the “white arrogance” of America’s Caucasian majority for the world’s suffering, especially the oppression of blacks.

In his press release, Obama claimed, “The statements that Rev. Wright made that are the cause of this controversy were not statements I personally heard him preach while I sat in the pews of Trinity [United Church of Christ] or heard him utter in private conversation.”

Appearing on cable news shows this past weekend, Obama claimed when he heard Wright make such comments as “God damn America” he was “shocked” – implying the reverend had not used such derogatory language in any of the church services he attended over the past two decades.

In fact, Obama was present in the South Side Chicago church on July 22 last year when Jim Davis, a freelance correspondent for Newsmax, attended services along with Obama."

(Much more at link. Yes, I know, It's Newsmax)

http://newsmax.com/kessler/Obama_hate_America_sermon/2008/03/16/80870.html

"BEAR STEARNS FORCED TO SELL FOR $2 PER SHARE"

Huffpo article. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

"JPMorgan Chase Buys Firm At 93% Discount...Greenspan Sees Worst Financial Crisis Since WWII...What Will Monday Bring?"

Don't sound good!

back, u mean black

"Obama’s most famous celebrity backer, Oprah Winfrey began attending Wright’s church in 1984. Last year, Newsmax magazine reported that Winfrey abruptly stopped attending years ago, and suggested that she did so to distance herself from Wright’s inflammatory rhetoric. She soon found herself a target of Wright, who excoriated her for having broken with “traditional faith."

(From my 10.17PM Link)

Gordo quoting Newsmax, water does seek it's own level! You must feel very cozy in such company Gordo.

Donna Brazile is lying about Wright’s moderateness

"Donna Brazile said on This Week that Jeremiah Wright is a moderate among black ministers. He is not. And Barack Obama has known this the whole time he has known Reverend Wright. Wright was so radical that he could not get a job at any Baptist Church."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/category/rev-jeremiah-wright-jr/

I"n a highly unusual maneuver, Fed officials said they would minimize the central bank’s own risk by taking direct control over the huge Bear Stearns portfolio."

Damn, we're starting down a road of nationalizing our housing market.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/business/17fed.htm

Rez,
Fed will be busy for the next 18 to 24 months.
Its like a fireman trying to stop the spreading of a raging fire.
First the containment , then the extingushing , then the cooling down ,then the clean up.
Bush will watch from the Crawford ranch.
What a lagecy!

Imagine an attack on Iran at this time.
Adm William Fallon is a genuine American hero.

McCain would not have a shot in NY against Kerry - much less Obama or HRC.

You've got to give it to Bill.He conceptualize this "three for the price of one" strategy.
Hillary---President.
Obama--- Vice President
Bill---- Roamer at Large
Talk about the audacity of hope.

So here's the Fed dumping umpteen billions into the Bear pit virtually guaranteeing the value the portfolio then 'selling' the equity position for a paltry $236M. Seems to me that the public is getting screwed and screwed and screwed.

I've wondered for years about Emily's List. What is it? I knew that. But who is Emily?

EMILY = Early Money is Like Yeast

Kinda cute, no?

http://www.emilyslist.org/

tt

So, Bush and Cheney resign their offices with our country facing the most dismal economic crisis since the Great Depression and we're left with Pelosi to pick up the pieces. Wow. What a prospect.

Watch the quarterly reports coming out this week for Goldman Sachs, Lehman , Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan.
It will shed light on the depth of the crisis and rational for this "Nicodemus" bailout reponse by the Fed.

tt, they're one of the winners...something like seed money for aspiring women candidates as well as a centralized place for contributing to the entire slate of women candidates. I've been supporting them for several years.

Yes Flatus, for Dem women candidates.

tt

RNCC Treasurer was accused of stealing Hundreds of thousand of $ of RNCC funds .
Its negative news for Republicans all around.

For me this whole financial markets thing is getting scary.
We all depend on a working banking system.
When I rehab a house I need to be able to borrrow money at a reasonable rate. If the banks are reluctant to lend money I'm screwed. I don't buy that house.

Not only am I screwed, the old person that may own that house and needs the money to pay for a nursing home is screwed. they have an asset they can't sell and they have no money.
I'm just glad that my wife works for a company that has a diverse amount of public and private sector work.

Jack

Financial Times reports oil futures contract up to December 2016 is over $100 per barrel.
That price includes a speculative premium of roughly $24.
Address the weaking $ and lower the geo-political tensions and the speculators are burnt.
Talks of attacking Iran pushes up that speculative premium.
The cowboy approach to diplomacy has a huge economic cost.

Jack said, "For me this whole financial markets thing is getting scary. We all depend on a working banking system."

Yup, so true. It's been coming on for years. Too bad no one who could do something about it did something about it.

And here we are in a very serious, entrenched mess.

I moved what little financial market stuff into safe instruments to at least preserve the capital about a year ago in anticipation of this because I'm old. Not enough decades left for me to recoup anything.

Have y'all noticed how many sales and coupons are all over the place now? There's a reason for that even if BushCo doesn't wanna admit it.

tt

Yeah, the markets are in a total shitter and one of the major problems is with the lack of liquidity in the secondary markets, especially mortgage backed securities.

One of the biggest myths is that rising delinquencies caused the meltdown. Really, they only ticked up slightly. That coupled with home values leveling off cause the investors who were funding the warehouse lines that lenders were using, to pull them without any notice, causing a lot of mortgage lenders to fold up shop. Once you removed the vast majority of lenders who were willing to lend to credit challenged borrowers you got this...

I see Taylor Marsh is commenting by name on the site finally...she looks like Mary Matalin with a porn wig on by the way...Eliot Spitzer's punishment should be to look at her naked for 72 hours straight...

http://liberalvaluesblog.com/?p=2585

to Bears point about Taylor Marsh

Gravel

My My

I have to take issue with Warren, I KNOW New York I was born raised and live in New York I can assure Warren that New York is a "swing state" and not the extremist liberal stronghold he erroniously perceives it to be sorry Warren it is not a bastion of liberalism.

Republicans hold a slight majority lead in the New York State Senate 32-30, hardly Democratic control.
What Warren does not understand is that there are only isolated pockets of liberalism in certain pockets of the bouroghs of NYC and certain parts of urban Buffalo, the rest of New York is conservative filled with "Reagan Democrats" and moderate to conservative Republicans especially in the northern part of New York State.

Republicans still dominate Long Island in the south and Westchester County to the north. In areas where democrats do dominate, they tend to be [yellow dog, blue dog, or Reagan democrats] pick your pejorative.

Warren If you are under the delusion that Obama will sweep New York in the General Election should he make it that far then its impossible for me to have polemic discourse with you on this matter lol. Obama will not get the conservative democratic vote, nor the what is being called [p.s. I hate the term] angry white female vote, I prefer "pragmatic white female vote"

As Sean Connery's "Jim Malone said to Kevin Costner's "Elliot Ness" ...So endith the lesson"

Sincerely,
Heather

Thank you all-superior Heather. I have learned my lesson - and am now awake from my delusion. If Obama gets the nomination - the sky will fall.

Wait a mintue - on second thought - your post is two parts Clinton advocacy, one part misinformation about Obama, and one part truth.

I will only address the one part of misinformation - Obama may have the most liberal voting record in the Senate - according to some Right-wing rag - but the agenda he is articulating on the campaign trail is not way off to the left. And it appears to be resonating with a lot of Americans (and not just liberals).

Obama will be fine in NY and other Democratic strongholds.

".

I will only address the one part of misinformation - Obama may have the most liberal voting record in the Senate - according to some Right-wing rag - but the agenda he is articulating on the campaign trail is not way off to the left. And it appears to be resonating with a lot of Americans (and not just liberals)."

Warren admits that Obama is a flipflopping triangulator who will say anything for political purposes.