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

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

"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."

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/

I was confused with the SurveyUSA poll numbers in Pa. What did happen in the last seven days? It will be interesting to see their next poll after today. One poll has them tied, another by a few points and then this one with the big lead. Notice the WSJ/NBC has not put out a new poll since they took heat from the last one.

Dear burrito:

I would like to remain loyal to my party^ and support Obama

Who's poll should we believe? They are all over the place.

I watched some of the hearings today and could hardly freakin' believe it when the weasley Ambassador Ryan Crocker (good name, BTW), gave a snotty look at Biden when Biden said that Congress should make the decision on Iraq and NOT just be advised about it. That SO shows the Bush admin's continued disdain for Congress and the American people. A sort of another "SO" moment from those jerks.

Seems that the Iraqi Parliament's calling the shots. Pun intended.

*spitting nails*

tt

What grades would you give the candidates for their questions today? Who was in control?

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.

Dear Dog,

Well said. Constantly Promoting negative personal feelings about a candidate that is ACTUALLY on your side is negative campaigning and bad for the country.

I believe yours and my position to keep a positive attutude toward both camdidates is the better way to look at life too!

Good job!
Sincerely,
Sheila

I know how you feel Heather, it is a tough position in which we may find ourselves. Especially when we do not, in our heart of hearts, think that BHO is the right person for such an important job at such an important time.

I too will have to think long and hard before I vote.

I guess it's just different when you are an independent.

Burrito:

Also think about President Obama signing a landmark Universal HealthCare bill sponsored and pushed through the Senate by Hillary Clinton.

That will NOT happen under McCain.

Dear vadaryl:

Hillary looked in control but in all honesty none really impressed me. The dominant person in the entire hearings was General Petraeus whether thats good or bad thats the way it came across.

--Heather

I beliefe that Obama is having trouble with Democratic voters because he appears to lack humility.

I frequent a particular antique shop that I visited today.
The owner, noting my Hillary button, told me she supports Hillary. She mentioned she doesn't like Obama because he is conceited.

This is the type of thing I hear often.

I find it very difficult to vote for someone who has a problem with not having all the votes counted. I know rules were not followed but there is a way to have it corrected. People in FL had problems in 2000 should they be left out again. Also if you think you are going to win why fight it. What are you hiding from. Maybe you would win both states. If you don't want to have a revote then take the results as is. Count FL and have the Uncommited go for Obam in MI since he left his name off.

I totally agree vadaryl .

When does a candidate ever beat uncommited? This time it happen. What does that mean? If Hillary does well in the remaining primaries what message are the voters sending. Neither one will have enough to win. The message I get is the voters are not sure what they want. Maybe do some more polling in the states that already have been completed and see if they show the same results as before or show a new pattern. Since the Supers will decide this unless Hillary quits they could look at these new numbers and make a decision how the public feels now not what happened in Jan. or Feb.

Warren. I don't think anyone could imagine Senator Obama pushing a Universal Health Bill through the Senate because of his lack of stature.

President Hillary Clinton will rely on two of Senate's three current Universal Health Care leaders; Ron Wyden of Oregon and Ted Kennedy of Mass. to push through the bill. Then, the third current Health Care Senator, Hillary Clinton could sign the bill into law as President.

All 3 Prez candidates looked really beat today at the hearings. They're not leading a normal life even for a politician. Clinton was the best, IMO.

tt

OD:

The main reason Obama is having "trouble" with Democratic voters because Clinton has many loyal supporters.

That will not change as long as she is still running.

(and vice versa)

Warren...sorry to see you're in a crabby mood.

Yes...I agree McCain sucked.

But...I also think Obama sounded confused - out of his element.

vadaryl:

"I find it very difficult to vote for someone who has a problem with not having all the votes counted."

If the circumstances were reversed - HRC would be taking the same position as Obama.

I think Obama did better than Clair McCaskill. She needs better staff preparation.

Oregon Democrat,
I have heard people say BHO has a arrogance similar to GWB,
maybe it's the remnants of an Ivy League education.
________

"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,

http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_if.htm

What is the true story about the connection between William Ayers and Obama? This guy's wife was on the FBI's 10 most wanted list. Shawn Hannity has been on this day after day and the rest of the media has not touched it. He was on the Pastor story since last year and finally ABC news picked it up and it became a front page story. McCain will use it for sure but he will sit on it until later, when it be more useful for him. Maybe we need to get this out in the open now so there will be time if Obama becomes the nominee to defuse it.

I would have the same problem with her if she did not want those votes counted. I could be wrong but I do feel she still would be fighting for them to be counted knowing how important FL and MI is in the general election.

Vad...SurveyUSA has been consistantly accurate.

Remember a poll had Obama winning CA

SurveyUSA said no no no...Hillary will win by 10%

They got it exactly right.

they've hit the nail on the head a couple of other times and seem to always be w/in the margin of error.

Still too early...but the numbers are holding and looking good.

I know she said a few things before the primaries about FL and MI but at that time who knew the election was going to be this tight. Now that it is I feel she would be going to bat for them no matter if she was winning or losing. If it did not affect the possible outcome it would not be an issue for me.

Listening to POTUS08 today...Hillary got high marks and couple people said she was the best of the 3

I don't expect MSNBO to be objective.

Ok maybe we have a good survey for once.

If Hillary has an Ohio like victory in Pennsylvania, after the obnoxious spending by Senator Obama, this race will be transformed.

The millions of people standing firm for Hillary will never stop until she is in the White House!

I am sure a computer program could be developed that used a social security number, and password, and that could get the re- votes done at very little cost and with accurate results.

If anyone really wanted it done, they would be looking into this as an option.

So you were just teasing the other cats with that offer of cream....I see what kind of cat you are. >^..^<

lol

It will be in interesting what spin there will be come April 23rd if Hillary wins by 10% or more?

Interesting Hannity this said the polls are closing in PA could this be the end. Then you look at Survey's poll and it says the opposite. He might not even mention this poll. Not good for ratings.

He is going with the 6% number and now he is on the William Ayers story.

What Haniity didn't say is that Ayers threw a fund raiser for Obama as did Khalidi. So Hannity will eventually ask why a person who wasn't a very good friend throw such an event to raise money for Obama. The Republicans, despite what they say, want Obama to run. They have a slew of commercials that will be hard for Obama to say are lies. Up until now, their campaign has called Rezko, Ayers, Khalidi, Davis and others simply mud by association. It is really childish, but it plays well in the Democratic primary. I am waiting to see more stuttering if Obama is asked whether he ever recieved money directly or indirectly from Auchi, or whether Ayers or Khalidi held fund raisers. Obama may think Wright and these other questions have been vetted, but they have not. And Rezko will come up again as will Davis. And Obama won't have Hillary to defelect the attacks. McCain will ask if Obama believes the then-already-released-report that shows Saddam moved WMD into Syria. HE will be asked what exactly will he do to stop the thousands of centrifuges spinning in Iran and why he failed to support the Kyl Bill. He'll be asked whether he would cut military aid to Columbia or rant against the lack of Unions in Caracas. He will be asked why he didn't support the administration demand to put troops into Darfur and why he hasn't been more vocial about human right abuses against Women around the world.
Nope., Obama is going to have a hard time explain, let alone make the crucial pivot to center.

Will he allow Wright to come to the WH? Or Sharpton and Jesse? How about an invite to Farrakhan. Maybe Khalidi or Ayers. You ain't seen nasty yet

I have plenty of popcorn....

Let's hope Hillary doesn't let Obama get that far...

Since so many are making predictions I will also make one......I predict Hillary will indeed rise and become the democratic nominee for president of the united states.........and no republicans who wish to confuse the issue will be able to stop it.

I know Hillary is sitting on all this, as is McCain, she is in a no win spot. If she does, she will be jumped on for bringing it up, she hopes MSNBC, CNN, CBS, ABC would bring it up but they have not. FOX is but only bits and pieces, they are waiting until it would be more helpful to McCain.

http://i31.tinypic.com/2ag3qxx.jpg

our candidate in B & W

I have been saying this for months, we have not seen anything yet. If people think it's been negative so far, you just wait and see. If Obama's the nominee he better be ready for what's comming. It will be ugly. Nothing will be held back.

Sturgeone:
re 9:16 post
Lordy, there are probably the better portion of people on this blog that hope your prediction comes true. She deserves it. She has worked for it.

Obama was being critized today on several of msm stations for his arrogance regarding his statements that he did not need a VP with foreign experience. He feels now that he is better than Hill & McCain - somehow overnight he has gained the foreign experience..

NY Times - Kristol said today he thinks Hillary will concede the race in the middle of May. Wish I had enough money to make huge wager with him on that.
smile - smile - would dearly love to take his money.
Julie

Phil Donahue is on next on Hannity's show. Interesting to see his take

wonder who he is supporting?

As Flatus said, Hillary, then McCain and last Obama. That certainly is the rational view from the center.

Try Chocolate Obseesion. That is by far the best and without the dairy. Obama is more like Breyers. Give it enough time and will clog the arteries.

So far the Patraeous adventure makes Hillary look far better than Obama and she did it without being shrill. Why would she screw the guy who might be NATO Command? And we all know Obama is full of it on Iraq. Notice all the papers gave Sadr the win, but now Kurds and Sunnis move to marginalize him. And wait until the NIE reviews info on the Sept. 6th Israeli strike on Syria and updates the activities by Iran. Kind of hard to pivot when Wright, Meeks, Ayers, Khalidi, Rezko, Auchi, Davis, Zbig, Malley, Powers, Rice, are standing on your foot. Americans will not accept Obama simply crying that these associations have been vetted. Hell, the quid pro quo hasn't even been investigated. The Rezko trial will be in full bloom as McCain already fares pretty well in some key Blue States.

Will Dean snatch defeat from victory? Will everyone here laugh when Lil Obamabi goes on Comedy Central, or will Jesse call it racist? I do remember Lil Bush threw up in Rice's face. Now was that racist or simply acceptable satire?

Julie.......you wouldnt wager with serpent would you? remember what happened to eve........

EXCHANGE between Dog and Sheila: "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.

Dear Dog,
Well said. Constantly Promoting negative personal feelings about a candidate that is ACTUALLY on your side is negative campaigning and bad for the country.
I believe yours and my position to keep a positive attutude toward both camdidates is the better way to look at life too! "
___________________

What a bunch of arrogant claptrap. "You're with us or against us! America: Love it or Leave it! Think like us or be the Devil!"

Good God. It's bad enough that I'll end up voting for a man I believe to be the biggest phony in politics with the possibility of being even a worse disaster than Bush -- now you are making threats that we have to love him or JUST SHUT UP. Let me rephrase your comment: .....maybe better to keep that to yourself. Because it makes you look pretty SCARY.

Phil Donahue.........Yes.

OMG @ OBAMAGRAMMA in his new ad!!

Sturgeone:

ha ......never thought of that...

He is about the slimiest .

Julie

Phil is great. That is why MSNBC fired him. For telling the truth.

can't believe FOX is having him on.

Linda......I hope youre not laughing at a black person's white gramma........

fair and balanced this time.

I loved Phil Donohue's MSNBC show..Of course they got rid of him because he was against the war..

Phil was the only one at that time asking the right questions and MSNBC could not handle it. To bad there was not another network who had the guts to let him ask those questions.

was there some question about the reason for Donahue's firing?

Nice...now we're calling each other Nazis...the Trailmix hit a new low tonight.

I think they asked him to back down on the war and he would not, so they parted ways.

Hannity is completely outclassed by Donahue in just seconds.... Go Phil!

no, sturgeone..she is cute, like a little granny!!

Abrams was questioning why BHO would have her in his ad, since she is the one who supposedly uttered racial(what was the word BHO used?)...oh yeah...stereotypes(whatever that means).

They tried to blame it on ratings but they were up.

Donahue...........no wonder Marlo Thomas married him.

Euro Tom will be sorry he is missing this conversation. : (

Hi Max...was about to shoot you off an e-mail - wondering where you've been.

Phil is great.. Everyone visit bodyofwar.com

Hannity is such a buffoon..hope I spelled buffoon correctly.

Pats, sometimes tough love makes you punish those with serious problems. If you vote for someone who you think could be WORSE than Bush, then you need to speak to a therapist. We can't afford someone who is worse than Bush nor the biggest phony in politics. What you may do is make America sink deeper and promote a Republican Reagan in 2012. Is that your intention using loyalty as reason? On what planet would JFK be friends with Ayers? In what universe would Rezko and Wright be street cred for a Presidential candidate? The only thing Obama has united is Ted with Carter and Kerry with Zbig. Obama IS a phony -ahead through the graces of phony journalism and a vociferous Left.

Yep, you should consider some tough lovin or those principles you hold so dear will become the page Obama turns with "aliitle help from his friends".

As Dylan says, "A hard rain's gonna fall".

Scenario:

Obama gets the nomination. nothing comes out about his sleazy friends connections,etc. until general then it gets so bad even his arrogance and conceit cannot support him and he says he will drop out. Does the race automatically concede to McCain or could Hillary then step in and do the run?

Julie

Nobody w/ a tude like Obama's drops out.

chances for a Democrat in the white house will once again be sunk by a big ego...Obama's.

I guess the DNC would have to look at their rules.

They are big on rules.

Tryin to make some money Wendy. After the inflation comes, we might all go broke. I sense a lull right now as a new round of domestic and global issues morph.

Sometimes you have to let things go. I'll start making calls for Hillary soon. SLN was pretty funny and man, will Obama and Michelle be roasted should they take the WH. I bet even you eventually feel sorry for him after your fill of vengence is satisfied.

Give it another week or two and even more crap is going to surface. Right now is the drown Hillary to death period. Let Obama build some expectations to knock down. Even our allies are worried they can't take on pirates or advance the reformation without us. Brazil and Chile watch to see if we screw Columbia.

Things will heat up soon enough. I still think that November surpise is coming if Obama looks like he has a chance to take the WH. For now let Maher and Mathews, the NYT and CNN continue their expert journalism. Let Zogby predict the Second Coming. I find it funnier than Stewart these days, don't you?

Look closely Wendy. Obama isn't comfortable in his own skin. That is why he tends to be arrogant and snide. That's why he needs those lofty lifting words and identity politics. His message has become stale and his ghosts still follow. Ironically, he has made his pivot the most phony thing he can do right now as long as Hillary remains. Media has bought him some more time, but that will run out eventually, like most fades.

Like a rolling stone........

Brzezinski & Obama => Modified Color Revolution (people power coup)

Ladies, It could be worse. A friend just sent me 1943 rules for hiring women. It's the real thing, but rather than show you the article picture which is really hard to read, here is the reprint on the Snopes page, because people couldn't believe it was true. Y'All go get plenty of rest now.

http://www.snopes.com/language/document/hiringwomen.asp

LOL w/ Patsi

Maxtrue - "Obama isn't comfortable in his own skin."

I have thought this of him since the beginning of the primary. This observation seems to fit with much of his behavior, or at last what I notice in his behavior.

Everyone enjoy, be as nice as possible. ciao

" Obama isn't comfortable in his own skin. That is why he tends to be arrogant and snide. That's why he needs those lofty lifting words and identity politics. "

Agree with burrito. I often disagree (to a point) with you Max....but I think this is an accurate assessment.

Obama/Webb 08 - "time for a real change"

(Webb was solid on Hardball - and he would be great in the debates)

Richardson - Sec. of State (he can finally have that "donor conference" he has been talking about. He is also very good at talking to "bad guys".)

Bill Clinton - MidEast Peace Envoy (w/o the "co-president" issue)

HRC - Senate Majority Leader (leading one of the largest Democratic coalitions this Country has seen in years...and with Hill in charge - we can pretty much do whatever we want ; )

I will say it again - Bill Clinton can have a formal role in an Obama adminsteration without raising the "co-president" issue. I agree it is silly - and Bill Clinton should be used any way we can. But you know the jackasses in the GOP will turn everything into a distraction.

With Webb - VA is definitely in play.

(it will be a battleground state.)

Great find Jamie. Where did you first see that, on the wall at MSNBC? I think McCain ought to pick a women to run with, but not Rice.

" with Hill in charge - we can pretty much do whatever we want ; )"

YES WE COULD! Except for the poseur who, with his band of caucus thugs and red state primaries, look like "hope."

Edwards can be Poverty Czar (whatever the heck that is. But I don't think Wall Street is gonna like it.)

But I think we need to come up with a new title. I am not a fan of labeling US Cabinet Members - Tsars...

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

(even though I am part Russian.)

Chris Matthews
I have a lot of options," Matthews told me. "I'm a free man starting next June." There has been long-running speculation that Matthews could be a candidate to replace Bob Schieffer, whenever he retires, as the host of CBS's Sunday morning show "Face the Nation
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlDC/television/nyt_mag_on_matthews_the_excerpts_81956.asp

"I agree it is silly - and Bill Clinton should be used any way we can."

Why the HELL would Bill Clinton help the a-hole who DEMONIZED his entire presidency? Who said RONALD REAGAN was a better president!!! "Use him" is right. Obama is a user and a traitor to the party. And you honestly think I'll do anything more than just cast a vote for this guy? I don't think so. And I'll be holding my nose when I do it.

"I have a lot of options," Matthews told me."

That's one way to find out just how many people detest you.

Patsi:

I know you didn't like Reagan. But remember how he had all those Democrats going along with whatever he said because he was charming. Well that is what Obama can do with Republicans.

(Everyone is sick of the current administration - and the GOP is not terribly excited about McCain - even though they think he is the most electable this year....)

Obamacans are a good thing. And many of us Independents are just standing around looking for something to do....

Obama brings that to the table. Along with intelligence and some pretty savy political skills.

(Oh - and he would be the first African-American President - and people all around the world will see this Country has "changed" . . . for the better. Just saying.)

(hope that wasn't too "smug" - I am not even sure what that word means : )

"And many of us Independents are just standing around looking for something to do...."

Uh....I get it now.

Hillary Clinton President

Barry Obama Vice President

Bill Clinton Secretary of State

Richardson Dog Catcher

Bob Kerry Middle East envoy

Patraous Secretary of Defense

Posner AG

Hillary Clinton President

Barry Obama Vice President

Bill Clinton Secretary of State

Richardson Dog Catcher

Bob Kerry Middle East envoy

Powell Secretary of Defense

Posner AG

Smug:

–adjective, smug·ger, smug·gest.
1. contentedly confident of one's ability, superiority, or correctness; complacent.
2. trim; spruce; smooth; sleek.

(Well when you put it like that - it almost sounds like a compliment. Although I cannot fairly be called "trim" given my current state of affairs....but things change.)

Warren & Bear = BRAINWASHED!!!

"(Oh - and he would be the first African-American President - and people all around the world will see this Country has "changed" . . . for the better. Just saying.)"

Oh damn! I had NO idea racism would be so easily cured! I expect the black/white prison ratio will immediately even out, the drop-out and unwed mom trends will "change" thanks to the Mighty O. Or maybe it's just that some idiotic whites think O in office gets them out of paying reparations.

Who's Barry?

(And Bill Clinton as Sec. of State with HRC as Pres is a pipe dream. Powell is very unlikey as well unless Obama is Pres.)

And we would have to talk about Posner as AG...

Oh Thank God Patsi you are back to yourself.

I thought Warren had you bamboozled there.

hee hee

Julie

"thanks to the Mighty O."

Wrong Patsi. We have to elect him. It will be thanks to us.

I am more of a boozer than a bamboozeler.

(But that is another one of those words I am not too sure of. Not going to look that one up - I think I have a pretty good idea.)

Independents voting for Obama? Well, they're not the Reagan Independents because Obama stands for nothing Reagan. These Independents are often upset because the Democrats are not Liberal enough. Repug/Independents trend towards Hillary for simple loic, she is more centrist. Your whole reasoning Warren is suspect. Why would a Republican leaning Independent support the more Liberal Democrat? I suspect there is much Warren is not telling us.

And we should vote for Obama becasue he is black? Then why not a woman Warren? You think Reagan won because he was charming? Savy political skills?...ha ha ha

and you don't know what the word smug is, yet you use it anyway?

Geez Warren, tighten up your game.

Good Grief Warren

"The Mighty O"

Yeah BO - "Bad Odor"

I didn't say it - his wife did.. to millions of people. He smells in the morning so bad even his daughters will not crawl in bed with them is what she said.

Julie

"Obama stands for [America]"

(go look it up buddy)

Barack Obama: There Will Be Bamboozling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuB_W8o_UsU

Just caught Jon Stewart's skit about Oprah supporting Obama....hilarious!

"I suspect there is much Warren is not telling us."

Go ahead and ask.

(and let me worry about my "game" - it seems like you have enough on your mind ; )

Obama supporter Oprah takes a big dive

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9427.html

Gordo:

That was a cool video!

(and you need to relax with all this plagarism stuff...it is called "sampling" these days...and we all do it.)

If you really think you have heard an original idea - one that has not been said before - please let me know about it.

I was talking about the Bamboozling video.

Lou Dobbs On Barack Obama Plagiarism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35OT17Z1qhY&feature=related

Just Words. Just Not Obama's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pqutz5ASDSA

"I am more of a boozer than a bamboozeler. "

Ha! God one Warren....and I'm wondering what happened to Blonde Wino....she's funny as hell.

Oops...meant "Good" one....just caught up in Obamamania...

http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/04/thats-what-i-like-about-me/index.html?ref=opinion

Well.....I've long thought that Mr. Obama is appealing to people who have poor self-image and think he can cure it....

I am hoping Obama can help me lose some weight.

Yes We Can!!

Obama - Change and more change

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v80By52jOI

"I am hoping Obama can help me lose some weight."

Maybe he can help me stop smoking....

By the way, Warren...I guess we all have an idea of what internet "characters" look like, and I sure never picture you as hefty. Always sort of svelte. A lttle like Michael J Fox as Alex Keaton.

And you may picture me as Ruth Gordon cussing and waving her shotgun at the bikers in Every Which Way But Loose.

Warren

If you seriously want to lose weight, go get the south beach diet book. It is the easiest diet I have ever been on. FIrst 3 or 4 days are hardest.

2 weeks - meat, vegetables, preferably green - saute onions, green peeper and mushroom to add to this.

Breakfast bake egg with dollop cheese, onion and green pepper and 2 or 3 strips in microwave of turkey bacon. Use egg in carton in store ( No cholesterol).

No pasta, no bread, no sugar, for 2 weeks.

It works wonders and you lose 15 pounds in that 2 weeks if you walk a little every day or do exercise.

Book has more recipes and things to eat. But this is easiest I have ever seen and it works.

Julie

Bacon was the hardest for me to give up - I love Bacon.

Damn, the subway in Amsterdam is making me fume...Ridciculous...

Anyway,
What is the deal with these polls. I can´t get the hang of them.
Is the protest march going ot be a success for HRC?....

Jason looks like we are the only two up right now.

If you are talking about the Pa polls, survey usa has hillary up by 18 points almost steady since 2 weeks ago. Others are a composite and not as reliable.. Cnn and fox reported that she had dropped to 6% lead.
With all the repubs crossing over, I personally do not see how they can come up with anything even reasonably accurate..

You have got me on the protest march. Had not heard about that one.

Julie

Jason

Are you talking about the protest march for Hillary for Media Bias and voter suppression. That is Friday April 11 at 8 am at Rockefeller center in NY city..

It is just now 2 am eastern time Thursday morning here so tomorrow.. Oh man that will make the morning rush hour traffic a stand still..
She may win this thing yet. noquarterusa.net has an article on gop already starting a swiftboat campaign on Obama. They will tear him to shreds with all the unfavorable associations..

I hope it works. Euro tom said something about going to Brussels to hear talk on media subject. do you think he will go? I hope so..
Julie

I think Euro Tom is in Brussels.
I am in Amsterdam and the tone of the media is very different over here. They cannot seem to grasp that no one is challenging Obama´s experience....
What strikes me the most is that MSM is persistent in keeping her down. The moment some polls showed she was losing ground in PA, MSM jumped on the story.(it was still headlines at CNN this morning)- I wonder if they will catch up with the survey USA poll, who as a matter of fact, was the only one spot on in Ohio and CA.... LOL

I wonder, If HRC wins PA by 20...what will then happen?

Can some one ask plastic surgeory fat ass nancy pelosi to put a sock in it.....

I like your description of Pelosi. I feel the same. Sue hasn't done a thing in the House.

I think if she wins Pa with a teens margin, she will go on to win almost all of them.. Bill is down in Puerto rico now campaigning. Oregon polls say Obama is on top, but Oregon Democrat gal says they are going every for Hillary and heavy. when Bill campaigned here last week there were so many people he had to hold a second speech outside.
Wish I was going to be in NYC. Sure would like to be in that March tomorrow.
Julie

Did you hear about the 20 mayors + Sen Bayh that have endorsed her in Indiana?

She is also holding slight lead in NC..

BHO has spent 4 /1 or 5/1 over her in Pa.

He was sure a zilch in his statements to Petrasus today. Unless he has a prepared written speech in front of him, he just stutters.

j

So what kind of state is Oregon?
I see SUSA has NC at 10 point lead, that is good news for us..... I think.

Hope the march will be succesful. Praying for it.

Tonight is the big Elton John concert. I hear that it is sold out. Also hear a surprise guest may show up??

To all the people who want the stickers. In Fl you can purchase them. My dad has had tehse stickers for two weeks now, and peole in Fl are driving around with them. " Don´t blame me....I voted for Hillary!"

Is he ahead in NC or she??????

BO is outspending her 5 to 1 accordng to FOX. Well, if he loses by 15 or more, the SD´s should really start to have a second GOOD look t the self proclaimed messiah

Where in the world is Michelle nowadays?? LOL. Think they made her shut up for a while... She was getting too controversial. Probabaly some skeletons in the closet which they are afraid will come out, if they continue to make her too visisble.....

If Bho wins genl He sure better not count on people of Fla or Mi voting for him. The people are going to have looong memories.

msm definitely is not doing journalism anymore. Just Hillary bashing. They need the protest against them.

She was pretty good and made her points today at the petraeus Iraq hearings..

oops won't let me post anymore -

so guess I will say good night. Nice talking to you

No pizza....

(ugh...maybe I'll start after this weekend ; )

But that diet does sound like a healthy way to lose weight.

And if HRC wins PA by 20 - well then the sh*t hits the fan.

And where do you people get your numbers from. Looks like Obama is still up by an average of 15 in NC.

But it is tough to predict what will happen on May 6 till we see what happens on Apr. 22

Alex P. Keaton!!

(Patsi - are you trying to call me a Republican again?)

But you are on to something - since I come off as much more of a prep than I actually am. I think you should mix in a little Kiefer Sutherland and I have also heard Peter Sarsgaard.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/nc/north_carolina_democratic_primary-275.html

Jason..I'm encouraged about Oregon. I attended theopening of thePortland Hillary headquarters.. They are encouraged so much about their own polling that they are opening six more offices including in my town of Salem.

Hillary supporters were enthused by her overwhelming appearances in Hillsboro and Eugene.
We're covering Hillary's back..We stand firm..

Don't lose faith..OD

Where is Michelle Obama...

You people....
Clintonista´s....
Clintonites..

Pffffff
get over it bro... Start using names and respect a bit more. Do not corner a group man. It´s us people...all of us, even after this election!

I think me & Julie looked at the SUSA poll.
If you read it, we took that poll, because they have been spot on in some crucial states over the past months.

Hillary is going to cream Obama in Pennsylvania.

Then it is a whole new ballgme..

Hillary's supporters won't crash!!!!!

Thought you had left us warren. I was posting to Jason and list would not let me post anymore.

You are outnumbered here by the Hillary supporters Warren. Ha

Wonder if they are going to show the Elton John concert anywhere on tv.

Julie

Thanks OD

You guys make it worth while, fighting for a cause.. damn, I admire you it. Maybe it is beacuse I am only 30 that I sometimes get discouraged, but you get me up and going in this campaign...Holla.....!!!

Makes me donate more and more and more and more......

Michelle is getting a makeover together with Oprah and Gayle! LOL....

Hear that the Elton concert will be out on DVD.

Indian is looking good as well. Up by 10 points...She was down by almost 15....You gotta love this.

Hop
Another $45 for HRC.....
I think PA can be close to 20 points, even if he outspends her 5 to 1. LMPO........

Anyone know how PR was yesterday for Bill?????

Jason..I have to go to bed.. I'm getting up at seven to get out for the rush hour with my Hillary signs. I was so encouraged by her appearances in our state.

I think many of the Obamamaniiacs don't understand the commitment of Hillary supporters. This is not a transitory thing. We get the big picture.

We are going to hold Hillary's back right up to November.

Goodnight...OD

The list keeps taking my comments and won't let me post..

You going to the protest in NYC Fri morning, warren?

Please go and get the pocket book size of the diet, it is easy - yes no pizza. But you get used to it real fast, because it is essentially just what you normally eat but hold anything with the sugar. I forgot to add salad but use lemon juice instead of dressings..

js

"You are outnumbered here by the Hillary supporters Warren. Ha"

That is why I am here. I hate "preaching to the choir."

Maybe I will head down to the protest (and throw some eggs!!)

Just kidding - I like "you people"...

Buenas noches.

I love preaching to the choir as much as preaching to another forum than the choir.
In both instances you try to bring your message accross....Something obviously some still have to grasp..... :))

And you may picture me as Ruth Gordon cussing and waving her shotgun at the bikers in Every Which Way But Loose.

Posted by: Patsi | April 9, 2008 12:31 AM

.....Funny, I have for a long time ;0)

Euro Tom will be sorry he is missing this conversation. : (

Posted by: unlikely_burrito | April 8, 2008 9:45 PM

U.B., I am reading it now...

sturg, whadd'ya mean "Donahue, no wonder Marlo Thomas married him" ??

Guys- anyone interested in politics/presidential race should definitely check out http://www.savagepolitics.com
Their articles are like nothing I have read in any of the current media outlets. It is brilliant writing plus it offers a great community in which to discuss. The editor actually takes time to answer and the political humor section is awesome!!!

Check out the article “We are the puppets”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://savagepolitics.com/?p=271

Hey, Craig & pogo, excellent TM today!

I so love the use of video on video. As they say, 1 picture or a 1 minute clip, equals billions & billions of words.

tt

Anybody going to check out Donahue's docu at IFC Center in NYC?

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/geoffrey-dickens/2008/04/01/today-promotes-phil-donahues-anti-iraq-war-doc