Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Me? Wheeeeeeee!!!!!!

Excuse Me I am going to be ill!
Talk about Hypocrisy!
I cannot watch the Sen Saxby Chambliss session I just find it difficult to forgive what he did to Maxwell Cleland I will tune in after he is done!

--Heather

I understand he's going to be introduced exactly at 6:30-pm and that network news is to be preempted so that his incisive and perceptive questioning can be carried live over the networks.

I like Senator Webb.

Warren in the last thread you asked me something like how I figured Mr Obama was a radical. Fair question.

I base it on more than half a century of keenly watching American campaigns. Everything about his candidacy leads me to think he's a radical. And no, it's not because of what anyone else says about him. I simply don't believe he is the man for all seasons that he and his campaign would have us believe.

I suppose he's something like Prokofiev's Lt Kije with all the supposed substance of that 'individual'.

Maybe Obama will tout his "superior" foreign policy skills that he acquired during a 3 week trip to Pakistan while in college when he questions the general.

If I was in McCain's camp or Hillary's camp I would be upset if they schedule him between 6:30 and 7:00.

Linda,

I Like Webb also. One thing I agree with Warren on.
If only Bayh had a zip,vim & vigor about him. He is as likeless as can be.

Julie

Live free coverage from the three old networks. Could not ask for anything else. Then you got CNN and MSNBC there too. I guess FOX will carry it too so they don't lose in the ratings game. But afterwards they all can talk about it and it's fresh in everyone's mind. What a goldmine for him.

Again they can say Hillary goes first and Obama gets to follow. Lucky for him this time. He got to see how she did and has a lot of time to get ready.

"Success, the establishment of peaceful, democratic state, the defeat of terrorism -- this success is within reach," he said. "Congress must not choose to lose in Iraq. We must choose to succeed."

John McCain - 4/8/08

A peaceful, democratic state? The defeat of terrorism? Really? We're that close to that success? Based on "fragile but reversible" progress? REally - is that why the chart looks like '04 and '05, and currently has a spike reminiscent of January and October '05?

folks, this is 3 years later, and things are the same there, according to Petraeus' own charts.

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/04/08/iraq.slides.pdf

Look at the first chart - it's the only one that spans back to '04. This is nothing more than lipstick on a pig.

vadaryl

who knows...maybe BHO will "screw up"...maybe he will get spanked by General Petraeus!! 8~D

Ok Flatus - so it is pure conspiracy theory stuff based on your unparalleled experience.

I figured it was not based on his actual policy positions - since those are basically in line with Clintons.

(Except Obama has the better position when it comes to meeting with Foreign Leaders.)

Also Flatus - after the disaster Bush and Co. have created - this country is in need of a radical change.

I don't expect him to screw up. He is real good when he is prepared, and he has plenty of time to get ready. Also he has time to hear what the talking heads are saying so far. The turkey is on the table, there is no excuses if he blows this one.

Hillary's camp better have a quick response afterwards to steal some of the headlines, McCain too. Obama could come out a bigger winner tonight.

If I was in McCain's camp or Hillary's camp I would be upset if they schedule him between 6:30 and 7:00.

Posted by: vadaryl | April 8, 2008 1:41 PM

See this I agree with ... You are correct Vadaryl

Best, Tom

MARLO FOR CONGRESS 2010

Warren said, "Ok Flatus - so it is pure conspiracy theory stuff based on your unparalleled experience.

I figured it was not based on his actual policy positions - since those are basically in line with Clintons.

(Except Obama has the better position when it comes to meeting with Foreign Leaders.)"

And, really, with the endless stream of criticisms of Mrs Clinton that you provide us, and the lack of substantiation for virtually any of them, my glibness, indeed the innocuousness of my remarks, should be refreshing.

No matter who says what, this will be a blip on the screen, forgotten in 2 days. Petraeus will be the star - and the best the candidates will be able to do is run against his words, not on their own.

For any of you who would like a primer on the electoral college/super delegate issues - here's Jonathan Turley's (excellent in my view) opinion on it.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/04/why-the-gop-los.html#more

C'mon, Flatus - it's change! and that's all you need to know. Right.

For Lt Kije

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHLjYBsl2zA

LOL
Flatus
Thanks for expanding my knowledge
I had to look that one up.

Jack

Flatus:

My main argument against Hillary Clinton is that there are a lot of Americans that don't like her and that won't vote for her in the general election.

If the primary season has not been sufficient to substantiate that point - than I don't know what else to do....

vadaryl

BHO is not giving a speech. He has no idea how GP will respond to the questions he asks...there is no way BHO can be 100% ready to take on GP.

Don't worry...everything will be OK!! 8~)

pogo:

I am not so naive to think that all we need is a "change" in order to fix all the critical problems we already have. (But i do think that getting a Democrat in the White House is crucial.)

But you are naive if you underestimate the power of a campaign based on "change" to attract a huge number of voters in the general election.

(Why is "change" important? Talk to anyone and I think you will find that they are pretty frustrated with how things are going right now - and look at the 2006 elections.)

Just got back from a short Hillary sign holding session.
A nice woman brought me a cup of Starbucks coffee..very nice I thought.

He will be more prepared than Mccain or Hillary were based on what was sai all day.

We know that Hillary has a problem with unfavorable rating...BUT..Mr. Obama has a growing unfavorability..46% in this week Rasmussen..

My point that Mr. Obama will not stand the rigors of a campaign to November are legitimate.

Also, some who say they view Hill unfavorably basically because of personal issues, will vote her because of experience, etc.

Warren:

More democrats have voted for Hillary in primaries than Obama. She leads him in cong. college . All he has going for him is caucus that were questionable and those in states that have gone and will go republican. Independents/crossover repubs.

Tell me why as you stated that Obama has the better position with foreign leaders?
He just said yesterday that he is now up on foreign policy and does not need a VP experienced in for pol.
He sure got that foreign policy experience fast. He hasn't even held a meeting on Afghanistan yet..
What ? he would try to outbluster them?

Julie

"Maybe Obama will tout his "superior" foreign policy skills that he acquired during a 3 week trip to Pakistan while in college when he questions the general. "

Jan, Who knows, maybe Hillary bumped into him while visiting one of the 81 countries she has been in to confer with government leaders as a representative of the President or as Senator.

How can a Hillary Clinton presidency not be substantive change from what we've experienced these past 7 years? People act like Obama would be this big change agent and Hillary would just "stay the course"... Sorry but that's just bullshit... They are BOTH representing CHANGE from the past 7 years. As I recall the Clinton years, the economy was good, gas prices were low and we could all buy lettuce at prices that kept us smiling. But to think of Hillary as part of "the good old days" would be wrong. Things have changed too much on the world stage. It's not 1992, 96, 2000 or 2004 anymore. Things have gone from good (the Clinton years) to bad (the early part of the Bush Jr. Presidency) to horrendous (the warmongering President) and highly unstable (the economic disasters, and war that Bush has propagated and encouraged). Hillary represents real and HISTORIC change. Barack represents real and HISTORIC change...

So please, stop saying Hillary is just "more of the same"... it's crap..

Eurotom

My Parrot would be a change from what we have now.
Certainly more intellegent and he can even speak in complete sentences.

Jack

"My main argument against Hillary Clinton is that there are a lot of Americans that don't like her and that won't vote for her in the general election"

Warren, I honestly believe that given a chance to see her on her own, the American public is fair enough to separate her from the right wing noise machine that blasted both of the Clintons for eight solid years.

I was astonished at the mellow tone that Sen. Kennedy expressed. He was downright polite.
At least Sen McCaskill asked about this "Sons of Iraq" scam, where she said the US is paying them, when Iraq has a surplus and the US in in horrible debt.
It was hard to believe Petraeus when he said the Iraq government had "given" the Is three hundred million dollars to pay the "Sons of Iraq" with.
How could McCaskill not know this? Was Petraeus just making stuff up?
All in all...no outrage, no exit in sight, Senator Levin understands...we're in it for the long haul with no exit.

warren, I didn't say YOU did, although you did say "after the disaster Bush and Co. have created - this country is in need of a radical change." And I was admittedly poking fun at that. Frankly, I'm as sick of hearing about "Change" with no suggestion as to how that change will occur as I am of hearing "Ready on Day One."

And you may be right, a promise of "change" may get more voters to come out in the general, but ignore those red states and your argument gets considerably weaker. If you think I'm so naive as to think that a genuine prospect of change won't energize the electorate, you haven't read my posts very well. PRoblem is, he's running for president of a system that is incredibly resistant to change. And what the primaries have shown me is that he can win big in little states, many of which he has no chance of carrying in the general. He may win the big, dem states in the general - if he's the candidate (more & more likely) - I certainly hope so. But don't count on the swing states, like WV - despite my vote. He hasn't done so well in them.

And I hope you aren't so naive as to think many people don't like Obama. Take my word for it - there are many. Last figures I saw had about half as many Hillary supporters planning to vote for Obama in the general if he's the nominee than Obama supporters who would vote for HIllary.

And as to the 2006 elections - that was good, but not good enough. Looked at CQ's election tracker and projections for the house and senate lately? I wouldn't be so glib about change.

I have been out talking to lots of voters here in Oregon.

A common theme is that many are surprised about the very positive qualities of Senator Clinton. Strength, tenacity, intelligence, being a Fighter..

It is tough to overcome the years of false caraciture by the press..but the true picture of Senator Clinton is coming through. Will it be enough? I don't know..Noone knows.

The one thing we know is that the will fight the good fight and with time and a little luck, we will all benefit from her being President of the United States.

OK, Dex, my dear old friend - you trying to depress me even more than reading news accounts of Petraeus' bullsh*t does? I hope you are riding your bike today, and if you aren't you better have a good reason, mister.

I think Senator McCaskill came off as unprepared.

It kind of surprised me. I thinik she may be out of her element.

OK, folks, because of his pro Obama advocacy, I've had little to agree with Bob Herbert on for the past couple of months. But he's back in a good place in his op-ed below, and I recommend everyone read it and take heed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/opinion/08herbert.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

"I cannot watch the Sen Saxby Chambliss session I just find it difficult to forgive what he did to Maxwell Cleland I will tune in after he is done!"

Heather -- I had the same reaction. Ugh!

"(Except Obama has the better position when it comes to meeting with Foreign Leaders.)"

Why? Because he's black? Or because he's not a woman?

OD, your tenacity in getting out there day after day with your sign is just great! My hat's off to you!! If I could afford a Starbuck's , I'd get you one, too.

Good column Pogo

From Herberts column
"If the Clinton camp is unwilling to go to the mat for an Obama candidacy, or vice versa, it will be the Republicans who, despite the long odds, will be kicking back in the White House yet again next January."

This is what was on my mind everytime I see Nash or Brian post. Their candidate needs the HRC supporters not to just vote but to "go to the mat" If Obama supporters keep insulting and attacking the opposition then no way in hell will that happen.

Jack

Julie:

"More democrats have voted for Hillary in primaries than Obama. She leads him in cong. college . All he has going for him is caucus that were questionable and those in states that have gone and will go republican. Independents/crossover repubs."

The key to winning the general election for the Democrats is winning Independents and getting a small percentage of crossover Repubs. I think Obama has a much greater chance to accomplishing that than HRC.

I am not worried about Democrats in the general election. If Obama is the nominee, most Dems will vote for him because:

-there are huge differences on major issues such as Iraq, the economy, healthcare - and let's not forget S. Ct. nominees. A Dem would be hard-pressed to ignore those issues and vote for McCain out of spite. And I don't think a lot of people will be staying home this year.

-I am also not worried too much about "revenge" voting. Mainly for the reasons above. But also because us supporters - in each camp - have been viewing the other candidate in the worst possible light. If Obama does win the nomination - I am confident many HRC supporters will vote for him - after watching him taking on McCain (instead of HRC) and the GOP for 4 months. Especially when Hillary comes out to support Obama. (the Clintons know how important it is to get a Dem in the White House).

Thank you Flatus

OD, thanks, I thought so.

And yes - I think Obama can turn some red states blue. I think he has a legitimate shot in Georgia and Virginia and we will see what else.

And no - I am not worried about McCain winning NY or CA given the record turn outs of Democratic voters in the primaries. And because of the policy differences I discussed above.

And S. Carolina (that's a "red" state right? I don't have a mulit-colored chart in my office...)

Julie:

I would be happy to talk about why we should meet with Foreign Leaders - must I don't have the time right now to give the issue the attention it deserves...

But the short answer is that meeting with a Foreign Leader and sitting down to have a dailogue about the issues - is much more effective than shouting insults and threats to one another over the air waves...

" Their candidate needs the HRC supporters not to just vote but to "go to the mat" If Obama supporters keep insulting and attacking the opposition then no way in hell will that happen."

Very true. I will vote. But I won't do what I usually do -- help get out yard signs, take literature through my neighborhood. I won't even have a yard sign up. For the first time I can remember.

And Warren, smug posts like that long one you just put up about why we'll all crawl home to His Holiness are part of the reason there'll be no sign in my yard.

With Hillary we will get back West Virginia and Arkansas.. We have the strongest shot at Ohio and Florida.

I agree that the Democrats will win California and New York with either candidate.

Our strongest ticket would be Clinton-Obama!!!! That would certainly unify the party.

Off to Portland..the sun is out..

I sense little chance of him turning SC. His campaign burned too many bridges here.

Warren:

Thanks, good post and I mostly agree.

However you did not answer me and Patsi also commented on it. Why would he be better position with foreign leaders. I realize I am not quite as smart as you , so would you please explain this to us. Your HO.
Julie
Julie

Jamie:

"Warren, I honestly believe that given a chance to see her on her own, the American public is fair enough to separate her from the right wing noise machine that blasted both of the Clintons for eight solid years."

I agree that IF Hillary became the President - many people would be able to get beyond the negative ideas about her that are floating around. (I had the same experience many years ago when I heard her speak at law school. She is a very impressive lady.)

That being said - I don't know that this can happen by November. Especially, because a large part of the electorate will not pay enough attention - and will not be willing to set these negative thoughts aside. (I am much more open-minded than some of you may think).

Moreover, the only path she has left to the nomination would also turn off a lot of Independent (and some) Democratic voters that she would need in order to win in November.

EuroTom:

Again - I completely agree with you that electing Clinton as President would be a historic change. But I am not who I am worried about in the general election.

For many voters, I think the following 4 words would make it very difficult for HRC to run as the change candidate this year

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton

(The GOP would hammer this point home and it would work on a lot of Indys)

Plus, I think HRC is very partisan compared to the Maverick John McCain. And moving past some of the bitter partisanship is one of the changes people are looking for.

Julie:

I am not that smart - I just type fast.

Patsi:

Give me a break. You are the queen of "smug."

(And i don't fault you for that. In fact, I rather enjoy it ; )

(Back to work peeps - see ya later...)

warren, I will be astounded if GA goes blue. SC. likewise. VA, maybe, there's been a bluish trend there lately, and they did elect Doug Wilder back in 1989. But remember, Bob Dole beat Bill Clinton in all those states in '96, and in NC. It is an uphill battle, but then again, you may be right that change is in the air. We had better hope so.

If I remember correctly, Madeline Albright did an excellent job of talking to the foreign leaders. Screaming across the airwaves? Really warren!

Hillary has far more experience than he does and betcha she could outclass him anyday.

BHO might sit and talk with them, but if they don't want to talk about him, well ...sol.. .since that is his agenda.

I believe that aptly explains the situation.

Julie

Julie:

(One last point and then I really need to get back to work.)

I did not say Obama would be in a better position to talk to Foreign Leaders than Clinton (although we could certainly debate that).

My point was that Obama has stated that he would be willing to meet with our so-called enemies in Iran, Syria, Cuba, etc.

While HRC is clinging to the convential wisdom that we should not meet with them until they meet our "pre-conditions" (i.e., demands).

I don't think any of the countries I listed are simply going to cave in anytime soon - UNTIL we start talking to them and treating them like the Sovereign Nations that they are...

Enough of this Clinton vs Obama stuff for the afternoon.

How about: fancy car vs. goat?

Interactive Monty Hall game from NYTimes illustrates a mathematical principle.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/science/08monty.html#

" While HRC is clinging to the convential wisdom that we should not meet with them until they meet our "pre-conditions" (i.e., demands)."

You are concerned with accuracy?

OK, here's the full article on how you can improve your chances of scoring the car on "Let's Make a Deal." Unless it is goats that you seek.

Actually has something to do with a flaw in the reasoning behind people making rational choices based on learning additional information.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/science/08tier.html

But it takes us away from candidate-bashing for a few moments! Now -- resume.

"I think he has a legitimate shot in Georgia "

Warren, Georgia voters replaced Max Cleland with Saxby Chambliss fer Chrissakes....you think they'll go for Obama?

PS, Warren....I don't think I'm smug at all. I'll cop to being a bitch, though.

Warren,

"My point was that Obama has stated that he would be willing to meet with our so-called enemies in Iran, Syria, Cuba, etc."

And then he backed off and acknowledged that there would have to be "preparation" before the President met with them.

It was another one of his ... oh that's important? Me Too!

This afternoon, we will probably get the network coronation and praise for more of his me too. Let's hope they give Clinton and Biden a few soundbites since they are the ones he will be stealing from as usual.

Warren wrote: "My main argument against Hillary Clinton is that there are a lot of Americans that don't like her and that won't vote for her in the general election.

If the primary season has not been sufficient to substantiate that point - than I don't know what else to do..."

You mean the 13.8 million people that have voted FOR her in the primary season compared to the 13.9 million that voted FOR Senator Obama. I'm not counting all of the MI uncommitted for Obama because we don't know how many of them were FOR him or FOR Edwards...but even if you did...it's still only about 14.1 million.

If you wanted to be all negative about it...that's 13.8 million people that DIDN'T vote for Obama...that's a lot of people not voting for Obama and I bet a lot of them won't vote for him in the general.

You have twisted logic not based in fact.

m

OK, Wendy! How could you possibly accuse a lawyer of having twisted logic? l, ll, ,lololol

"OK, here's the full article on how you can improve your chances of scoring the car on "Let's Make a Deal." Unless it is goats that you seek.
Actually has something to do with a flaw in the reasoning behind people making rational choices based on learning additional information."

I don't have the right "flash" for that, but it sounds fun...

Wendy,
I'm one that won't vote for him

"How can a Hillary Clinton presidency not be substantive change from what we've experienced these past 7 years? "

ET...I'll take it even further than that...How can she not represent substantive change from what we've experienced the last 230+ years and that is this country being ruled by men. I'd say Hillary represents the most change of all the candidates. Black or white or brown or whatever...Obama is still a dude.

Pogo...you forget...I've worked at law schools for most of my professional career...I know what the curriculum is

;-)

In fact I'm looking for a bumper sticker that says "don't blame me I voted for Hillary"
Ruth

Warren, the three countries you named are fully aware of their sovereignty; they don't need for us to validate it. They will do whatever they perceive to be in their best interests whether or not we have an unscripted, free-form, let's do lunch, chat with them.

If we have an irresistible package for any of them, have our proxies offer the deal. If there's interest, do preliminary discussions in NY, if those pan out, have secretarial level talks to seal the deal. After all that, if it's warranted, then send the President.

Or, we can have another 'Peace in our Time' Neville Chamberlain style declaration that fools only us.

Heather:

Yahoo reporting the yankees are going to replace Jeters position with A-Rod...

Julie

One thing for sure....this board will change drastically once Obama finally finagles his way into being the nominee. I doubt that I'll have enough interest in the campaign to post much....so Brian -- quick -- your "happy dance."

"While HRC is clinging to the convential wisdom that we should not meet with them until they meet our "pre-conditions" (i.e., demands)."

BTW...let's remember O' back pedaled and admitted that "pre-conditions" of course would need to be met.

Oops...sorry Jamie...didn't read your response where you already took care of the Obama back pedal.

:-D

h

"Warren, the three countries you named are fully aware of their sovereignty; they don't need for us to validate it."

After 8 years of George Bush - I am not so sure I agree with that statement.

Plus - we don't lose anything by meeting with them. But we immediately gain a boost to our international reputation. In other words, people might say hey - America is not acting so much like the arrogant unilateral super power that it did under Bush.

And dealing with the Iraqi refugee crisis, for example, is in our interests, Iraq's interests and the interests of Iraq's neighbors.

Wendy!, of course, foolish me. :-)

"In other words, people might say hey - America is not acting so much like the arrogant unilateral super power that it did under Bush."

And then they do Brian's "happy dance" and have a group hug....just like the Republicans are going to do.

"In other words, people might say hey - America is not acting so much like the arrogant unilateral super power that it did under Bush."

The Clintons were well liked around the world...Let's remember that Bill won a Nobel Peace Prize.

I will give Warren one...China was not happy about Hillary's Beijing speech when she called them out for murdering female children. But frankly...I'm ok with that.

Craig,

Blitzer just asked South Carolina Senator Graham the question that you were saying is of interest to you.

When is Iraq going to start paying their way as they have 30 some million in US banks and when is the oil revenues going to start paying.

Graham simply replied that oh they will. But not how when what or why..
meantime think of all the interest we are paying on loans from china..

Julie

Settle down people. I think either Clinton or Obama would do wonders for our international reputation - but we need to get one of them in the White House first.

(I think I need to take a break for awhile. I am not getting much work done - and the Clintonites are all "hot and bothered"...and not in a good way ; )

Later peeps - carry on...

Well it's been real, and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun. TTFN

Just looked at my IRA quarter report, interesting graph curve. I'm back to where I was in 2005. BTW it is in a S&P fund

Jack

yep, Julie-Young73, wasn't much of an answer was it? we ought to at least start setting up these reconstruction funds as loans instead of giveaways. but of course some future president would probably end up forgiving the loans so guess it wont make much difference

by my count, we've got three senators to go before Obama -- BIll Nelson, Voinovich, and Murkowski

i am losing steam, they should have gotten him on sooner

For Patsi:

I once bought a t-shirt in san francisco that said "If you think I'm a Bitch, you should meet my mother" and I had them make an extra one that said "I'm the mother" and she was sooo happy with it! LOL...

The other t-shirt option was "my brother was sodomized in San Francisco and all I got was a t-shirt"... My brother would NOT have thought that was funny.

h

We All Live in A Yellow Submarine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIjZtgyPhS0

Jack

Energy Department forecasts soaring gasoline prices

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/32993.html

My IRA lost 10% and I can't afford to fill up the truck to get to work

So I guess this is all I can do. ;-)

Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wNpiPpI6co

Jack

Heaven Help us and our party if Obama has to debate McCain his session was ant-climatic, I was not impressed

--Heather

What a bunch of garbage. I thought there was no campaigning on these meetings. Of course he was compaigning . They even gave him more time, everyone had to end on their time.
Are people affraid of Obama? It is beginning to look that way. Obama statements were terrible. He has a had time explaining himself unless it is a written speech.
How could anyone think he would make a good president. Are they blind and deaf.??

"I once bought a t-shirt in san francisco that said "If you think I'm a Bitch, you should meet my mother" and I had them make an extra one that said "I'm the mother" and she was sooo happy with it! LOL..."

HA! I love it!

"Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms "

Ain't gonna work on no railroad, ain't gonna work on no farm. Gonna lay 'round the shack 'til the mail train comes back, rollin' in my sweet baby's arms....

Oh, yeah!

Jack -- have you heard Leon Russell's version, on "Hank Wilson's Back"???

Heather you are so right. So what is going on here? If he cannot give a written speech he is LOST.
I still cannot believe that anyone would want him to be president. MSNBC are so stupid. what Idiots!
N orah is terrible. Somethings I get so discourage by this country and the media.

Carol's blind and deaf friend logs in:

Here is Thomas Ricks (WaPost, author of Fiasco, excellent book on Iraq misplanning) liveblogging on Obama's appearance.

"... I'm trying to get to an endpoint," Obama said. "That's what all of us are trying to get to."

I think that may be the quote of the day. "

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/iraq-debate/2008/04/obama_what_is_success_with_alq.html

I am trying to remain optimistic but its difficult to do so. I want to keep this simple, suffice to say Hillary will a more difficult candidate for McCain to defeat in the general election, that is not to say Hillary does not have faults she does, all the candidates do.

Obama looked awful, liked he did not have command of the situation. He may be good with stump speeches but put him in a debate he folds like a wet noodle. Contrary to what the people support say, he is not special he is not the savior of the Democratic Party, actually he is the one that will lead the party into flames.

The people that support him be warned you will cause another presidential loss for our party but it does not end there, you will cause further damage to our party by risking the Democrats to most likely lose control of the senate.

Think seriously about supporting Obama and the damage it may cause. I only hope the super-delegates were watching his performance and take that and other flaws into consideration at the upcoming convention.

--Heather

What was all that, Sen. Clinton was the clearest ... defending the Senate... if she doesn't get the nomination, it will be the Senate's gain blah blah

Sheesh - Too good to be President so we'll let her run the Senate, while Mr. blah blah wander blah runs the country.

Patsi
I just found a clip of it here.
http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,157677,00.html

Interesting , a lot less bluegrass than it is usually played and more like Bob Wills would have played it.

Jack

Coming in for a bit...

As it turns out, Bayh asked the most direct question and received the most direct response which happened to reverse and rebuff a lot of Bush's and McCain's most cherished analogies:

"It's why I've repeatedly noted that we haven't turned any corners, we haven't seen any lights at the end of the tunnel. The champagne bottle has been pushed to the back of the refrigerator. And the progress, while real, is fragile and is reversible."

Permission to "undismiss" the Senator from Indiana?

Senator Clinton was not in anyway shrill.

Senator Obama's better than he was 10 months ago... largely in the sense that a ten month old is better than he was at birth.

He is more focused. But if his questions about Al Qaeda in Iraq and Iraq's relationship with Iran were in anyway supposed to be hemisemidemi "Aha!" moments, they were a bit more on the ho-hum side.

Boxer punched (and got a direct response from Petraeus about following through with Iraq on the burden of reconstruction costs), Hagel questioned (then got a little lost), Biden got a great crowd response when he asserted the authority of Congress over this mess then came near to mocking Petraeus, Lugar tried to get Petraeus to put Iraq into the context of other national and global issues (uh-uh), Clinton challenged not only Petraeus but McCain, particularly on the subject of damage to U.S. global preparedness...

So was what the combined effect of these questions and attacks more important to the nation and the world than the usual round of political horserace-ism about three Senators who want to be President?

I think that's what today was about. There are bigger, more substantial, less hiccupy issues on the table -- a table that is presently swallowing a lot of lives whole.

By the way... I have a question. I haven't been following anyone's speeches that much. Did Senator Obama really use this phrase --

"We are the people we have been waiting for."

That sounds like it was written for a Jefferson Starship-Michael Jackson Day Dinner.

"Somethings I get so discourage by this country and the media. "

Yes...and by the way, has ANYBODY except Jon Stewart poited out that during McCain's MLK "speech" in Memphis, a black guy stood holding an umbrella over Johnny's head????? So ignorant. But then, it wasn't Hillary so it'll go unmentioned.

Jack -- you'd LOVE that album! I bet I wore four or five of 'em out.

Hank Wilson's Back. I may go order a copy now. It's been years since I heard it.

Patsi
I wish you could get youtube

This is Leon Russell, Doug Kershaw, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings in 1974. I swear Leon is as drunk as a skunk trying to sing "Jumbalya" This would have been a genuine out law moment. Damn they look young.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H6me1FSPb8

Jack

Happy 90th Birthday, Betty Ford! Wonkette salutes a First Lady who Rocks.

Some reader comments are actually kind of sweet.

http://wonkette.com/377409/happy-birthday-betty-ford

Thanks Heather. I have thought seriously about it - for a long while now - and will support Obama.

And Jamie - there are very different skills sets for a President vs. a Senator.

President - needs to be a good executive (and I think based on how they have run their respective campaigns - Obama edges out Clinton on this one). Also - the President needs to be good at giving speeches. Obama passes this test with flying colors.

Senator - needs to be a wonk and needs to be able to fight like hell to get something passed over the opposition. Looks like HRC will make a fantastic Senate Majority Leader.

Dear Warren:

Just supposition what if Obama loses to McCain and the Democrats lose the senate how will you justify that to us on Craig's Trail Mix?

--Heather

But his speech was met with boos and interruptions from many in the audience, as he apologized for repeatedly opposing the creation of a holiday to celebrate King's legacy.

(The image of a black man holding an umbrella over McCain's head while he gave the speech didn't exactly complement the moment.)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/04/mccain-booed-heckled-at-m_n_95079.html

Here is your go green use less oil and be kind to the environment tip for the day

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Dishwasher-Detergent

No oil dish detergent... works just as good as the chemically loaded stuff that your body really does not need more of.

"how will you justify that to us on Craig's Trail Mix?"
--Heather

yeah Warren...how you gonna do that, huh???? 8~D

Hillary Clinton Calls for Bush to Boycott Olympic Opening Games; Bill Clinton Gave Spielberg Opposite Advice

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/hillary-clinton.html

Bill Clinton's Ties To Colombia Trade Deal Stronger Than Even Penn's
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/08/bill-clintons-ties-to-col_n_95651.html

Don't know what we'd do without Bill. The gift that keeps on giving.

Heather:

I will take all the blame ; )

"the President needs to be good at giving speeches. Obama passes this test with flying colors."

I expect more from a President than cheerleading skills. Yes I Do

I am going to go to a printer and have some bumper stickers made....

"Don't blame me, I voted for Hillary, blame Warren...he didn't!!!!"

ROTFLMAO!!!!

So do I Jamie. But I think it is wrong to discount the value of giving speeches.

Think back to the difference between Tony Blair and W giving speeches about why we should go into Iraq.

Moreover, a President needs to be able to appeal to the "common man" - to gain broad support for policies. Obama is great at putting complex issues into plain language. The wonks on the Senate floor hammer out the details.

And also, speeches are very important in terms of international relations. Again, Bush and the resentment for America that he has created around the world is Exhibit No. 1.

Nice one Lush!!

"Leon Russell, Doug Kershaw, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings in 1974. I swear Leon is as drunk as a skunk"

HA! I'll bet!

Re-watching O's Iraq stuff...guy really likes the sound of his own voice...keeps interrupting them even when he admits as he does it that they are answering his question.

Red Sox nation forgave Bill Buckner today. I guess anything is possible!

messy, sloppy status quo victory question is weird.

Jack & Patsi

Oh yeah - both versions are great.
Had trouble finding Leon's version and took me two times to finally bring it up. Kept getting blocked by ads.
Makes the bones jingle..
Julie

I saw BHO, today, his speech pattern drives me up the wall. I want to shake him and tell him to get his thoughts together before he attempts to say anything. It's painful to watch and listen to, the "haulting" and the "umms", and that extended guttural stall thing he does.

o.k. I got that off my mind.

When he asked for more time, my husband said "Obama needs time to write a follow-up question, so he could ask it ."

"In a Democratic Primary in Pennsylvania today, 04/08/08, two weeks to the vote, Hillary Clinton defeats Barack Obama 56% to 38%, according to a SurveyUSA poll conducted exclusively for WCAU-TV Philadelphia, KDKA-TV Pittsburgh, WHP-TV Harrisburg, and WNEP-TV Wilkes-Barre. The results are almost identical to a SurveyUSA poll released one month ago. Then, Clinton led by 19. Today, 18. In between, however, in a SurveyUSA tracking poll released last week, Obama had closed to within 12 points. What happened in the past 7 days?"

Yea...Obama supporters...what happened?

I think it's the bad bowling...what does everyone else think?

Remember...SurveyUSA one of the best track records this primary season.

http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportPopup.aspx?g=c79e5bab-a424-49f6-86d6-50c61cf729b7&q=45558

:-D

This is funny. I know Clinton's stare un-nerved me during the debates (even just watching them on television):

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/apr/08/hillaryclinton.johnmccain

If diplomacy consisted of a staring match between the US President and our adversaries - Clinton would be my girl!!

Burrito:

I often speak that same way. (I told you all I sound smarter on the internet).

It is usually when I am thinking very carefully about what I want to say - and I am trying to make sure I don't mis-speak. Particularly when I am talking about something complicated or important.

(Based on what we have seen the last couple of weeks - looks like HRC might benefit from spending a bit more time searching for the right words).

Warren:

Most people just call it stuttering

;-)

Corey,

Red Sox Nation finally gave the adulation Bill Buckner Deserved. If he didn't bat .300 and drive in 102 runs, the Sox would not have gotten as far as they did. Red Sox Nation being mad at him is like W attacking Saddam after 9/11. The "terrorists" of that 86 team were Calvin "I shit myself when its tough" Schiraldi. Bob Stanley shit himself too.

If they were old they would have an excuse but they don't...

I am almost finished work on my ice floe to oblivion so all you bitter blue hairs can be properly retired when your candidate of choice doesn't win.

God was Hillary taking cold meds or something, snooze city

Wendy:

Can't you lay off for a bit. I would think most of us on here can agree that we disagree with McCain.

I haven't got to watch everything on TV yet - but from what I have read - I was impressed with what Clinton had to say.

I just think a bit of you energy would be better served laying into McCain.

(It appears you will have plenty left to take some shots at Obama as well).

Warren:

That stare is meant just for you. She is double daring you to vote against her..

Julie

You figured me out Wendy. I am actually the real-life Billy Budd.

And I know a lot of smooth talkers that are complete idiots - so quit the petty judging.

(Actually forget that lat remark - say whatever the hell you want. That is what this place is for!!)

Julie:

Oh boy - now that is as good a reason as any I have heard for getting rid of the caucuses!!

Anonymous voting please!! I don't want that stare haunting me when I am trying to go to bed at night...

Hillary wasn't performing a show today.

She was fulfilling her oversightrole as a senator, eliciting important information in a dignified manner.

Dear Warren:
You miss the point, we need to focus our energy on Obama focusing it in McCain should Obama get nominated will be too late.

It's called preemptive disaster to our Democratic Party Warren

--Heather

I was just thinking that if Obama wins the nomination, I bet the interest level drops off quite a bit. What seems to be keeping it going is the HRC supporters and the BHO supporters.

He wins, and there's nothing left to talk about. HRC people will make their own decision ( BHO, McC or write-in HRC) and get back to their lives. I do not see HRC supporters just switching their passionate support to another candidate, and staying really involved.

Unless something really dramatic happens, a BHO and McC contest could end up being quite a snore.

"Posted by: If old people do everything early, why don't they meet the reaper early too? |"

yikes...how long can an I.D. be???? 8~D

David Saroshon has a great column in the Oregonian today..

Headline:

Clinton in Oregon..Hillary,and Hillary's people still standing firm..

Yes we are!!!

Heather:

I posted this way early today, probably did not see it.

Yankees are putting A-Rod in Jeters position.
They played here today in KC against the Royals and lost 5-2..

Did not see game - Lard and Rezdog I believe were going to today's opener. It rained and was cold and the wind blowing a gale. Hope they brought warm coats.
Royals are hot now - won all so far..
Julie

"Public records show that Bachtel of Pomeroy, Ohio, died on Aug. 15, 2007, at age 35.

Now, the Post was fact-checking public records about a fairly tangential matter—praying, we would have to suspect, that they might find misstatements again.

Why did the Post spend its time and resources checking those public records? We can’t answer that. But the pattern here is quite familiar to anyone who has watched this film about other Big Dems, especially about Candidate Gore. By their own admission, the press corps “fact-checked” quite selectively when it came to Candidates Bush and Gore—and they mind-read Gore quite thoroughly. This allowed them to tell the story they loved: Gore is a big liar, just like Bill Clinton. When we read Kornblut’s report last week, we suspected Clinton was now getting Gored—that the press corps was now working to churn a novel about her own vast lying. Does everybody get fact-checked this way? History, and current experience, say that they do not.

http://dailyhowler.com/

Julie-Young73

What will happen with Jeter?

Dear Burrito:

It is far more complex then just a snooze fest. There are important issues at stake, we cannot and should not lose sight of that. Everyday we are losing blood and treasure in Iraq and Afghanistan, Homeless civilians and vets with no roof over their heads, college students graduating in debt to their eyeballs, Americans with no health insurance and others under-insured the economy falling apart sub-prime mortgage in flux and the decay of our nation's infrastructure.

We cannot allow ourselves to snooze we must remain vigilant and motivated burrito.

Sincerely,
Heather

Linda,

Do not know. A-Rod and Jeter was headline on Yahoo front page but I could not access a story..
Maybe some of the sports pages or yankees website might have more..

Julie

You snooze - you lose.

Heather - I understand your point. I usually talk in general terms, and I beleive that once your horse is out of the race, a person loses interest.

If the choice in Novemebr is BHO vs. McC what can you do? What will you be motivated to do? Who will you support and why?

Dear Julie-Young73:

It is only temporary Jeter has a minor injury and has been in a little slump. One of the pet peeves I had with Torre was that he constantly played musical chairs with the lineup. I'd love to see one regular basic lineup barring injuries.

I felt bad that Don "Donny Baseball" Mattingly was not made field manager for the Yankees, I think it was a major mistake, plus he contributed so much to the Yankees as a player and coach and mentor. I know he was deeply hurt when they decided on Girardi over him.

Time will tell how all this plays out. If the Yankees are like 10 games out by all-star break look for Girardi to be replaced by Mattingly.

Sincerely,
Heather

OD

Here's your Oregonian article

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/david_sarasohn/index.ssf?/base/editorial/120761612626020.xml&coll=7

Blonde wino: if you still lurk, you can be my patron saint of jury duty tomorrow.

Jury notice says one cannot take laptops with cameras into the jury lounge -- which is most late model laptops, no? Made for internet chats.

Are they sticky on that? Any fellow juror pool types or attys with knowledge of jury lounge acommodations?

Anyway, I have a good book or 2 to take along. But love the idea of web surfing while awaiting the call. Or liveblogging my boredom.

"I wouldn't be standing here," she (HRC) told a young Obama supporter asking if she didn't feel terrible for complicating Obama's life. "I wouldn't be getting up at 5 a.m., and going to bed at 2 a.m., if I didn't think I was the better candidate to beat John McCain."

This is from the article Jamie posted.

This is how I feel about Hillary - she can beat McC , I do not think BHO can.

Burrito: Courage, my dear. John Kerry was one of my least favorite contenders primary season, and I became passionately interested in seeing him in the White House, if only to kick W out.

Think of the soldiers and civilians who would not be dead before their time.

If you cannot rouse interest in the BHO-McCain race -- if that's how it shakes out -- maybe better to keep that to yourself. Because it makes you look pretty small.

burrito: This is how I feel about Hillary - she can beat McC , I do not think BHO can
====

You're in the minority. In many national polls. Americans see BHO as a much stronger contender against McCain.

Thank you Jamie..I need to become more computer literate

Love Olbermann and his summations. He is kicking booty on this Patraes testomony tonight.

Dear burrito:

I would like to remain loyal to my and support Obama although to be truthful it would not be easy for me to do so. I do not like him, I see him as a con man a skilled person with canards and propaganda a master of deceit.

I have to balance that with would would better serve my conscience, America, and my party and its a difficult choice for me to bear.

At this posting I honestly don't know what I will do. I have to do a lot of praying and soul searching burrito.

Sincerely,
Heather

I may be in the minority , but I happen to live in Ohio and I have not heard anyone truly happy about BHO.

I don't care if I look small to you or anyone else, I was just telling you my opinion. If it happens I will change my name to "small_unlikely_ burrito" so you can feel good. : )

Besides, by then I will be smaller after summer and dieting. : )

"Obama counters the bad polls by trying to buy the state of Pennsylvania

OBAMA’S WEEKLY PENNSYLVANIA TV BUY BREAKS ALL RECORDS

“Nobody has ever spent 2.2 million in this state: not Rendell, not Specter, not Casey, not Santorum, not Bush, not Kerry…That’s unbelievable.”

Summary: The complete absence of movement among whites and among women is striking. Among white voters, Clinton polled at 61% in all 3 tracking polls. Among women, Clinton was at 62% a month ago, 62% last week, and 61% today. These two unwavering core constituencies help make Clinton so formidable in the Keystone state."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/08/rocky-v-apollo-56-to-38-open-thread/