Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Yay...Craig in the Morning! Better get some shut eye now so to be up early for that (comes at 5:30 am for me).

Wait...Wednesday was the 16th - Thursday is the 17th...or did I miss that already? I'm confused (not difficult).

New news...old news...nothing matters as long as Obama's opponent is Hillary, the candidate everyone loves to hate...it will be a different story when Obama goes up against McCain.

OBAMA & AYERS

" ...asked Barack Obama about his long relationship with terrorist William Ayers — who has admitted setting a bomb in the Pentagon and whose Weather Underground girlfriend was killed while making bombs. (Finally, Barack Obama is beginning to be asked about these worrisome relationships of long standing.)

To this day, William Ayers expresses no regret. Ayers told a New York Times reporter...”I don’t regret setting bombs.” He said, ”I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Obama’s long associations include Ayers’ sponsorship, contributions and fund-raising work for several of Obama’s campaigns, as well as their joint membership on the board of the Woods Foundation. The two men have also appeared together on panels.

Both Barack Obama and William Ayers — sitting together on the Woods Fund board — “voted to donate $75,000 of the largesse they controlled to the Arab American Action Network.”

The AAAN was “co-founded by Rashid Khalidi, a longtime supporter of Palestinian ‘resistance’ attacks against Israel,” and widely considered himself to be a dangerous radical, according to an opinion piece on April 11, 2008...

The most pressing problem for the Democratic party is to consider the effect of Barack Obama’s longtime relationship with William Ayers in a general election contest. Larry Johnson spoke to the Times UK about what the GOP and its 527s will do with such proven information:

Larry Johnson, a former counterterrorism official at the CIA said: “They’re going to kill him with this. The guy is an unrepentant terrorist, so please, Barack Obama, explain why you aligned yourself with him. It is a fundamental question of judgment. By the time he [Obama] was hanging around with Ayers, his position was well known. He [Ayers] was not a freedom fighter; he belonged to a violent terrorist group.”

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/16/obama-asked-about-william-ayers-in-tonights-debate/

I was only able to see the last 40 minutes of the debate.

If Hillary is on the ropes, it sure didn't show here.

She was in command of the issues and made very clear her case for her candidacy.

Hannity interviews Rove about William Ayers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JishkSYhx34

"That summer she went to work at the most important radical law firm in America at that point: Treuhaft, Walker and Bernstein in Oakland. They defended the Panthers. Two of their partners were members of the Communist Party--including Bob Treuhaft, who was married to Jessica Mitford. I talked to Bob Treuhaft not long before he died, and he said he was certain that Hillary came there because she subscribed to some of the kind of law they practiced and the kind of clients they defended. In her so-called autobiography, "Living History," she put in a couple of sentences about living in Berkeley with Bill that summer and working at that law firm, but she makes it sound like their work focused on postal rate increases. There's not a word about radicals."-C Bernstein

What a disgraceful performance by these two so-called newspeople. Almost an hour of tabloid journalism questioning before we ever got to anything Americans are really interested in. Gibson and Stephanopoulos epitomize all that is wrong with the MSM today. The whole event looked like a right wing talking points hit job orchestrated by Fixed News Channel. I always knew Gibson was a right wing tool. But Stephanopoulos, actually using questions from Sean Hannity of all people? And about William Ayers?? ABC needs to fire everyone at the News operation from top down. And while your at it please apologize to America for wasting so much of our time on nonsense.

Yours truly, A bitter Pennsylvanian

Tonight's debate was a good warm up for the general. My take is that Charlie doesn't think Hillary will be the nominee so why bother asking her tough questions. Roast the front runner was the theme of the evening. What's become very apparent is that the voters have turned off to politics as usual and really aren't into smearing the candidates.

I never thought I would live to see Charlie Gibson attacked.

But then, for most of my life I didn't know about the Church of Obama.

Well Stephanopoulos worked for Bill Clinton, the ethics of his participation in tonights debate is rather suspect.

Why wouldn't you expect to see Charlie Gibson attacked OD? Tonights debate was clearly designed to keep Obama on the defensive, I think over the next few days you'll be seeing Gibson performance tonight called into question from a lot of quarters.

Immediately after leaving the Clinton administration, George wrote a tell quite a bit book. The Clintons see him as a turncoat.

Gibson is the most benign of the anchor community..
He was perfect for Good Morning America..He is good ole Charlie.
You wlll remember that when Hill was the frontrunner she took the brunt of the attack in the first bunch of debates.
I don't know if this tact is a good one or not.
I think Obama seemed tired tonight. At the last debate they both were drained I thought.
Hillary must have gotten some rest. She was at her best tonight.

Whoever did Hillary's makeup should be very well paid, it was well done.

Hillary looked presidential Wednesday during the debate. She was glowing. Obama seemed defensive, boyish and tired. Not at all like someone I'd want running America. For once two newspeople asked Obama some tough questions at a debate and all the Obama fans are complaining, trying to demonize poor ole Charles Gibson and sweet faced Stephanopoulos.

Craig, don't be so sure that the Rev Wright issue and Rezko are behind Obama. I doubt Hannity and the swift boaters would agree with you. The Republicans
are just beginning their assault on Obama.

Oh boy, did Hillary look smashing. Her hair was done just so, I mean she must have told her hair stylist to give her the "presidential special". And her choice of pant suit? Smashing.

Obama, positively passe in contrast. I mean, who wears a suit to a debate?

Give me a break. You timid Democrats are soooo scared of the bogey man Republicans. I love how Hillary said that she had baggage. Uh duh! That's why she'll never be president.

George Steph will get a pat on the head tonight and Bill will toss him a cookie for a job well done. Still, it ain't gonna matter. She's still behind, will remain behind and she'll be in the audience with an awkward smile when Obama is sworn in.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/debate-surfaces-obamas-weather.html#comment-69043

ah, Ivy Green, if you're still there, it is the 17th -- today, i had the right day but the wrong date on there. all fixed now.

Prof Marcia,

I don't think Craig is saying Rezko and Rev Wright won't come up in the general election, but his point was that they'll be old news, so no shock to the public and less likely to have news folks with an appetite to keep digging for more information on them.

Craig, I still remember my old dogs, I remember them often. And I could tell how you miss Rebel, too. Damned dogs.

Mr Obama kept saying, "It was forty years ago!", while the others were saying, no what about right after 9/11 and the Woods Fund board. As you say, that will raise some interest.

I thought both did alright with a slight lead to Mrs Clinton. The wonk in her was clearly visible without being tedious.

Stinky and I are off to get prescriptions filled. Your parents know all about that.

Good, appearance Craig! You'll be back.

GORDO...

Ask Larry why Bill gave clemency to two of them terrorists and if he had any ties to them.

Even Republicans were pissed about the {pardon\clemency} as well as Democrats.

My favorite line was when Hillary said she thought the Bush administration had been so incompetent that the Republicans should apologize for the last 8 years and not run anyone at all in the 2008 election.Well, she worded it better, but it made her seem really human, like something you'd say to your friend over a cup of coffee. I would give a slight edge to Hillary overall last night.

This debate was on ABC, not C-SPAN, entertainment is their goal, 2nd hr was up against American Idol, so what would you do if you were running the network. Obama was the frontrunner, has had pretty much of a free ride so far, there is not much left to dish out on Hillary, so why not go after him, it's new, it's fresh.

stephanopolous on Imus.......

Did I hear correctly that Hannity or some other right wing radio guy got to Stephanopoulos and had him ask about William Ayers.

Interesting that ABC jumped on the Rev. Wright story and now the Ayers story, but Hannity has been on it for months and it went nowhere. Were the networks scared to touch it until nowl.

so Craig after you've had a good nights sleep..who do you think won the debate? i think Clinton did a great job and was very presidential..Obama looked like a 5th grader

Craig you were good as usual on Imus. Sorry to hear about your dog. It's must of been hard on you.

Wow...what a difference not getting thrown a bunch of softballs by NBC makes for Obama in the debate. He was stuttering and stammering all over the place and that was on the important stuff...policies.

Very sad for him that the first half of the debate focused almost completely on his dubious relationships and...so called...misstatements. Clinton was smart to stand back and let them have at it.

Looks like MSM agrees with me...weakest debate for Obama so far...and I thought NBC said he was just getting better and better after the last debate. I guess it wasn't that Obama was getting better it was that the questions were getting easier.

Clinton looked good...took a backseat for the most part in the first part of the debate and showed her command of the policies in the second half of the debate...whether you agree with her or not on her approach to the issues...she was better prepared with her answers and took a couple of opportunities to cut Obama's legs out from under him a couple of times.

Oh, but Rezko & the Rev would raise a big stink in the general. There are a lot of people who don’t pay attention to politics, or at least to the other party, until then. A McCain ad with a soundbite of Obama’s preacher damning our country…yeah, that’ll go over big.

Couple that with the relationship with Ayers & the vote to donate money to a group with the word “Arab” in it and the GOP will be playing the terror card, again. They will paint Obama as an enemy of the people, as a sleeper cell of one. Don’t think they wouldn’t do something that despicable.

The GOP wants Obama to win. Hil’ry would be a much tougher candidate in a match-up with McCain.

BTW, her performance last night was stellar & she is the one to bring both sides together to work on the issues.

"The guy is an unrepentant terrorist, so please, Barack Obama, explain why you aligned yourself with him."

He's aligned with these people because underneath it all...like A LOT of the people he surrounds himself with who are overtly anti-Israel...I suspect Obama is secretly anti-Israel but an anti-Israel platform isn't going to fly in either of the major parties so he has to pander to the pro-Israel crowd in order to get elected.

good morning gang....
thanks for all your comments on last night's debate..... I think I made the right choice for myself to watch the ball game and AI..... the only opinions that count are those of the voters to come..... it should prove interesting....

what a weird ball game.... pitching totally collapsed on both sides..... but my side was worse..... congrats to all you Yankees fans....

Craig.... I missed your Imus appearance this morning..... got up very early to work and forgot to change the radio station....

gotta get back to work.... I want to get as much done as I can before heading off to lunch with some book club buddies..... we're going to a sugaring house restaurant..... gonna order buckwheat and blueberry pancakes with real NH made maple syrup..... YUM!

mornin', all. Just a quick check in - work requires my attention today. Didn't see the debate, but it doesn't sound like too much is likely to have happened that will sway many primary voters. From what I can tell from the post mortems, Craig was right - if it was going to be at all interesting, it would have to be personal. Apparently Gibson, Stephanopolis and Clinton heard that message. I can't get too excited about it any more. PA will come and go, the remaining primaries will come and go, enough super delegates will declare to make it clear which candidate will be the nominee and then the general election will swing into high gear.

I'm not yet fully convinced that Hillary can't win the nomination - the PA polls continue to be all over the place and she is ahead in at least 4 of the remaining contests, but it is an uphill climb. I only hope that Obama, if he's the nominee, can do better than he has defending his associations with people the majority of voters don't care for than he has to date. Those associations will be featured front and center in the Repug strategy, plus he's going to have to do a better job of convincing people that his string of brief careers has seasoned him enough to be a better choice than McCain. If the response to his positions is that he looked tired and responded like a fifth grader, he won't beat McCain. And finally, he'll heve to defend his record as the most liberal Senator in the Senate. Again, that will be a front and center issue, to which he'll have to respond and explain why he was and it was a good thing for Americans or why the rating is wrong. I hope he's up for that task. It ain't just raising money on the internet and winning caucuses.

Renee, now that's the NH I loved.

What a bunch of stupid "debate" questions. The MSM always focues on silly crap like Bosnia snipers and bitterness rather than Iraq, the economy, health care, etc.

Nash - you must have turned it off during the commercial. Since they have beat health care to death in other debates...I guess they skipped that question, but just before the break and after the break, they covered foreign policy, Iraq, Iran, Israel and the economy - especially taxes. It was very wonky in the second half.

Celebrity Endorsements:

Obama: Bruce Springsteen
Clinton: Elton John

Other endorsements you may not have heard about.

Obama: Rolling Stones
Clinton: Kiss

Obama: Tom Jones
Clinton: Wayne Newton

Obama: Elvis
Clinton: Ricky Nelson

Obama: Peter, Paul, and Mary
Clinton: Tiny Tim

Obama: Patridge Family
Clinton: Spinal Tap

Wendy: You are right. After listening to the stupid opening questions, I decided to watch one of my Mystery Science Theater DVDs. ("The Girl in Gold Boots.")

While I agree that the first hour of questioning was assinine, it did serve one purpose. For more than 20 years Senator Clinton has been dealing with assinine questions and rumors. She has taken it all, lived her life with grace, and come back fighting.

Sen Obama gets one hour of it and turns petty and whiney with an army of defenders coming out the next day to scream UNFAIR!! Well he better get used to it fast because if he is the nominee, this was only a taste test.

From the beginning she has been one of the best possible people for the job, but the public seems to want to give it to an amateur instead. Maybe this will make them and the SDs think twice.

Speaking ofhealth care a great and funny healthcare commercial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCHIuAShX8A

Jack

some people are looking at this debate thru a prism of what they want.......

---greenfield

Obama: Tom Jones
Clinton: Wayne Newton

Nash you have this one backwards. Tom Jones really likes older women. He's still married to one. Newton is into cradle robbing. :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNhvYavW5Is&feature=related

Rupert Murdoch goes on a profanity laden

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/136581.asprant about Tony Hendra's "My Wall St. Journal"

oops

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/136581.asp

sounds suspiciously like Tony Hendra's voice, I must say..........................

For more info on Senator Ron Wyden's "healthy Americans act"
http://www.standtallforamerica.com/page/s/careyoukeep

I like the looks of it. It is far better than anything any of the candidates have proposed.

Jack

Renee,

or anyone else, who may know the answer:

What's a sugaring house restaurant?

maybe?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GxM6mAK60Y

EdVB

A sugaring house is where maple sap is converted to maple syrup. Many of the places that make the syrup also have restaurants and/or gift shops attached that use the products.

EdVb

Here's one http://www.rathbunsmaple.com/

EdVB

Sugaring is the term for turning 40 gal. of maple tree sap into 1 gal. of maple syrup. A sugaring house is where you boil all the liquid off.
What Renee will get is maple syrup that was made that day on site.

I'm jealous

Jack

Nash wrote: "You are right. After listening to the stupid opening questions, I decided to watch one of my Mystery Science Theater DVDs. "

LOL - I can't say I blame you there.

So Who Is This Bill Ayers??

..."Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn (now married to Ayers) were two of the most infamous domestic terrorists ever to be allowed to continue to walk the earth in America, thanks to a screw up in the surveillance. But that didn’t stop Ayers from bragging on what he did. “i don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough”
–Bill Ayers, September 11, 2001

Weatherman, AKA Weather Underground Organization, was a violent U.S Radical Left group. They called themselves a revolutionary organization whose purpose was to carry out a series of attacks to overthrow of the Government of the United States.

So what exactly DID Obama’s friend, campaign ally and Woods Foundation Colleague and his wife do?

For starters, the Weather Underground claimed credit for a bombing in Chicago, which they referred to as a “kickoff” of what they called their “Days Of Rage”. Their book. entitled, “Prairie Free”, strongly called for a unified Communist Party.

The Weather Underground blew up several Chicago Police cars at that time as well.

Next, these slime balls held a “war council” to firm up plans to remain underground and commit acts of sabotage against the US Government. They bombed several police cars in Berkley. Then they detonated a bomb at the San Francisco Police Department, during which one officer was killed and several others were injured. When 36 sticks of dynamite were discovered at a police precinct in Detroit, Bill Ayers just happened to be in town.

Later, several of the Underground’s own members died when they accidentally blew up their own bomb factory in New York. No loss. The bomb was intended to be used at an officer’s dance at Fort Dix. The bomb they were going to use was packed with nails for maximum damage. Fortunately those nails ended up stuck in their own miserable dead asses instead. Then another bomb factory was discovered in Chicago’s North side. Their weapons cache was also discovered in an apartment in Chicago’s South side. Then they blew up the National Guard building in DC.

They claimed credit for the explosion of the San Francisco Hall of Justice, which never occurred. Later, an undetonated explosive device was discovered on the premises. Then the NY City Police headquarters was bombed. Then they bombed the Presidio Army Base in San Francisco in honor of the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

Next, they bombed the US Capital. Another of their bomb factories was discovered in San Francisco. Then they bombed the office of California Prisons, The New York Department of Corrections in Albany, NY, and William Bundy’s office at MIT Research Center.

They bombed the Pentagon. They bombed the 103 Police Precinct in New York. Then they bombed the ITT buildings in both New York and Rome, Italy. They bombed the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. They bombed the Office of California of Attorney General. They bombed Gulf’s Pittsburgh headquarters. Then they bombed the Anaconda headquarters. They bombed the State Department. They bombed the Banco De Ponce in Puerto Rico as well as the Kennekot Corporation. They also committed the Brinks Robbery in conjunction with the Black Liberation Army.

So, let me ask you: If you had any judgment at all, and if you billed yourself as a “Uniter,” would you go to Bill Ayers’ home and be on the Woods Fund with him for years? Would you take a political contribution from him and let him introduce you around? Would you mind if your sister brought Bill Ayers home to meet the family?"

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/17/so-who-is-this-bill-ayers/

WaPo appears to have curtailed Kurtz article on the debate in his Media Notes this morning. Only can get the first page. Sounded like he was giving a pretty balanced critique; but maybe that's why they "lost" it in cyberspace.

To go along with Craig's take...here are a few brief observations from others in the MSM of last night:

Hillary dominates Philadelphia focus group. ‘NYDIA HAN: The real take away is this. We now know who won the debate according to our focus group. Take a look. Senator Clinton is the debate winner, at least according to our focus group. 23% believe Senator Obama won while 50% believed Senator Clinton won.” [WPVI Post-Debate Analysis, 4/16/08]

ABC News Rick Klein ‘'Clinton is back to the strong presence we saw early in the cycle.' [ABC News Political Radar, 4/16/08]

NBC News Chuck Todd ‘Obama ‘did not have a good night. [MSNBC Post-Debate Analysis, 4/16/08]

NBC News' Chuck Todd’Obamas answer on Ayers and the flag ‘were simply weak. ‘His answer on Ayers and the flag question were simply weak; He seemed unprepared for them; Kinda surprising because he normally has a decent rant against "old politics" and yet "old politics" questions seemed to stump him.” [NBC First Read, 4/16/08]

The Atlantics Marc Ambinder ‘[T]here's no way Obama could fared worse. [The Atlantics Marc Ambinder, 4/16/08]

Washington Post Chris Cillizza ‘ Obama ‘struggled quite a bit when asked about Rev. Wright. ‘…He struggled quite a bit more when asked to answer for Wright, his former pastor.” [Washington Post, The Fix, 4/16/08]

New York Times Katharine Seeyle: Hillarys ‘in her element as she goes into details. "Shes becoming expansive, seemingly in her element as she goes into details; Mr. Obama does not look as thrilled to be still standing there." [New York Times, The Caucus, 4/16/08]

Talking Points Memos Josh Marshall ‘Hillary ‘certainly seems more self-assured. ' ‘She certainly seems more self-assured on the Iran question than Obama did. The question of extending an American security umbrella to Israel is very dicey. And he could clearly see he was on delicate territory.” [Talking Points Memo, 4/16/08]

Philadelphia Inquirer blog ‘‘Obama is again less certain, and rambles a bit. ‘Obama is again less certain, and rambles a bit when asked about the Washington D.C. gun ban. Gibson asks him to deny that he has ever advocated a complete ban on hand guns in 1996. Obama says no. But whatever the truth, no other answer is possible.” [Philadelphia Inquirer Blog, 4/16/08]

NBC News Matthew Berger ‘Obama ‘tried to have it both ways with Israel. ‘Obama's answer on an Iranian attack on Israel tried to seem to have it both ways: highlight his support for Israel but not lock him into treating an attack on Israel like an attack on the U.S. But it may have looked more like a no because it wasn't a firm yes. Clinton's answer seemed more direct.” [NBC First Read, 4/16/08]

Transcript from last night

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/story?id=4670271&page=1

Craig: Listened to you on Imus this morning. Great to hear your analysis (and funnies) as usual. Have you cut ties with MSNBC? Matthews and Olbermann have lost their journalistic integrity so I don't watch anymore, but gather from some posts that you haven't been on. David Gregory is pretty good and I do watch that couple times a week, but haven't seen you there either. Anyway, what's the story? Maybe I'll start a thread on the MSNBC blog about having you on more often. After NYTimes mag article on Matthews the other day, they need to increase the talent quotient.

No Whining About the Media

By David Brooks

Three quick points on the Democratic debate tonight:

First, Democrats, and especially Obama supporters, are going to jump all over ABC for the choice of topics: too many gaffe questions, not enough policy questions.

I understand the complaints, but I thought the questions were excellent.

For the life of me I can’t figure out why he didn’t have better answers on Wright and on the “bitter” comments. The superdelegates cannot have been comforted by his performance.

Final grades:

ABC: A
Clinton: B
Obama: D+

http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/no-whining-about-the-media/index.html?hp

David Brooks has been unreasonably kind to Obama so this is not the usual spin.

toast

It was interesting that Pat Buchanan said to Keith O after the debate it was the first he heard of Ayers or must of forgot about what was said about him. He must have a short term memory loss because he was on Hannity's show the other day and they disucssed this. Do these talking heads think we are all stuck on stupid.

You think it gets rough in here? Take a look at what the commenters are doing to ABC this morning. There could well be some pink slips if these remarks are any indication of what may be going on behind the scenes

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/DemocraticDebate/comments?type=story&id=4666956

My other thought was that Pat was playing to the MSNBC execs and acting like he knew nothing about it because they did not want to give any credit to FOX or hannity for bringing up the issue for months and they didn't.

EdVB,

This is the Real deal. Parker's Maple Barn in Mason, NH

Parker's Maple Barn: a New England dining legend

MASON, N.H. --Parker's Maple Barn is located in the middle of nowhere. From any direction, you're sure to experience endless winding roads, pine trees that join for miles, and disbelief that 79,000 people living in Nashua are only 20 minutes away from seemingly the most quiet place on Earth.

Why anyone would want to travel to seemingly the other side of the universe for bacon and eggs is sincerely answered upon arriving at the bumpy, dirt parking lot. You feel like you're home, at a nice, warm safe place -- perhaps a reminder of what New England used to be like before the population boom and commercialization of scenic areas.

The maple barn is actually an authentic 1800s dairy barn and silo. Inside, the antique cow stanchions integrated into handmade wooden tables and antique farm items hanging on the walls create an instant time warp atmosphere set to dim lighting, bright service, and absolutely electrifying comfort food.

http://www.visitingnewengland.com/parkers.html

[repost]

My take on the debate:

I could of done without the first 45 minutes. It was uncomfortable to watch - and did nothing to make the potential nominees look Presidential. Good for Obama pointing that out.

I see two problems for Clinton. First, with respect to the nomination - it looks like she is going to have a tough time arguing to the Super D's that Obama can't win the general election after tonight. Especially after she brushed off questions about her credibility as "no big deal." (She can't very well go back on her word now.) I am not sure how the Super Delegates overturn the primary without the argument that Obama can't win the general.

Anyways, the more critical problem is her position on Iraq. Agreeing with Wolfson's categorical statement - that she would begin to pull out troops within 60 days - even if the generals on the ground said it was a bad idea - was a big mistake. She should have thrown Wolf-boy under the bus and backed off of that position.

I do not see how a Democrat can win the Iraq debate against Senator McCain taking that position - having no clue what the conditions on the ground would be in January and Patreus's testimony that conditions are "fragile" and "reversible". And stating that she would insist on a 60-day timetable no matter what would be front and center in the general election - and it could not be dismissed as a distraction. (She is damn near coming close to unelectable.)

Obama left himself 16 months and made clear he would consult the generals on the ground for tactical decisions - in contrast to HRC giving them a 60-day deadline - and basically telling them to "make it work" even if they don't agree. (Not listening to the generals was part of how Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld made such a mess in Iraq.)

I also thought Obama's answer about the CIC setting the "mission" sounded more Presidential.

(And I know everyone got a big laugh from HRC saying that she wishes the GOP would just give up and not run a candidate this year - but that sense of entitlement will not score any points with the swing voters in the middle.)

Drat...I slept through Craig in the Morning, but I will catch the replay on the various Imus recaps.

So thrilled, though, to get a nod from the C-Man...thanks, Craig...your interaction and feedback to your readers is so appreciated. Thanks always.

P.S. I was feigning befuddlement about the date typo...I know how easy it is to make cut-and-paste mistakes since I make them all the time.

Thanks for the "sugaring house" answers. We have some maple farms around here which provide the same service, and I wondered if that might be the case.

I just talked to our telephone receptionist about the term "sugar house restaurant." She said this year was the best ever for her husband as far as the volume of maple syrup. They don't sell it. Just produce enough for themselves and their kids' families. She said, "Other places have sugar houses, we just use our shed."

Sen Obama should pay someone to go get a still of the shot that was just on MSNBC of him walking and chatting with PM Gordon Brown. They were laughing, gesturing and both looking confident ... Gotta give him credit for physical presence. Michelle Obama is right. She likes accessories, she's married to one.

That's my "make nice" for the day.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/04/debate-surfaces-obamas-weather.html#comment-69101

no ties cut, Lynn, these things are cyclical. Comments about MSNBC are best directed to their message board: http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/board.aspx?BoardID=780

Another transcript of the debate

http://moonshinepatriot.blogspot.com/2008/04/democratic-debate-abc-april-16-2008.html

The Weather Underground opposed pointless imperialist wars and tried to prevent big corporations from dominating the political process.

Boy, it's a good thing we didn't listen to them.

Wendy:

"Obama ‘tried to have it both ways with Israel. ‘Obama's answer on an Iranian attack on Israel tried to seem to have it both ways: highlight his support for Israel but not lock him into treating an attack on Israel like an attack on the U.S."

Perhaps because Obama understands that the Constitution would prevent him from making such a committment without the authorization of Congress. Perhaps it is also complicated by the fact that he would be making such a commitment based on a hypothetical given at a debate as opposed to responding to an actual world event.

(I guess Hillary only engages in hypotheticals when she believes it is in her own political interest to do so.)

Pat B. (one of her biggest fans) even called her out on this point.

So it was alright for Bill to grant clemency to two of the Weather Underground members I guess.

Did the Clinton's receive any money for those clemencies like Hillary's brothers received for other pardons Bill granted?

Do the Clinton's have ties also to any other members of the Weather Underground?

I think this needs to be looked into more.

More radical skeletons in the closet:

One summer Hillary worked for a law firm with two partners who were commuinst party members. They were defending the Black Panthers.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-cooper/hillary-and-the-commies_b_97131.html

The Black Panthers had a lot of guns, and they were bitter.

Maybe they took Hillary duck hunting in Oakland.

After last night, Obama must agree to the North Carolina debate.

Otherwise, it would seem he thinks he would not come off well compared to Hillary.

Looks like O's disciples are back on the attack this morning. I'd hate to be in their position this morning.

The bizarro world of Barack Obama

"Welcome to the bizarro world of Barack Obama. He is personal friends with an unrepentant terrorist and takes his campaign donations and claims this is the same as Hillary being married to the President who pardoned two members of the Weather Underground who had served six years in prison. And Rosenberg actually apologized for her crime.

I disagree with Bill Clinton’s decision. I think he was wrong. But I blame him, not Hillary. Hillary did not put him up to it and Hillary did not benefit from the decision. So what is Senator Obama’s point? Hillary is not friends with an unrepentant terrorist. Barack is. Explain that one to us Mr. Obama."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/16/hillary-the-weather-is-just-fine/

Here's some more Terrorists that were pardoned or granted clemency by Bill Clinton.

FALN Terrorist granted clemency or pardoned.

http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/faln.htm

Bill liked letting Terrorists go I guess.

MSNBC politics message board stinks, but I just posted:

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?boardid=780&ThreadID=635478&BoardsParam=page%3d2%26HIPDelay%3d1

Those who are frustrated with biased MSNBC coverage and/or would like to see Craig on more often should post.

Of course Hillary did the right thing on the FALN issue and opposed it.

here is the voting record on things Military (not counting his undying support of the war). Here is how Senator McCain, who wants to run as a war hero, supports the troops.

McCain's voting record speaks for itself ... and him.

August 2001
McCain votes against increasing the amount of cash available for veterans' medical care

March 2004
McCain votes against creating a reserve fund for veterans' medical care

March 2006
McCain votes against increasing veterans' medical services funding

May 2006
McCain votes against additional funding to the VA for health care facilities

September 2007
McCain votes against the Webb Amendment, which would have provided for adequate periods of rest between deployments to Iraq

Yo soy un demócrata amarillo del perro.

Yo soy Hussein Horsedooty!

Why the Titanic sunk: cheap rivets.

Why Clinton will sink: cheap shots.

Hillary:
yada yada yada Rev. Wright,
yada yada yada bitterness,
yada yada yada Weather Underground,
yada yada yada (insert racist code words here).

Am I the only one that is tired of the All Barak All The Time cable news? First it was MSNBC drooling over him, then it spread to CNN. To put it bluntly, I don't see how he can sit down with so many media folks stuck on his butt.
Best line of the debate was Hillary, "I have a lot of baggaage and people have been riffeling thru it for years"
I started out supporting Sen. Obama, but his lack of clear policy or answers has scared me.

"The Weather Underground opposed pointless imperialist wars and tried to prevent big corporations from dominating the political process.

Boy, it's a good thing we didn't listen to them."

Yes and chose to resort to terrorist tactics to get their point across - this included the deaths of innocent people.

I'm not sure this does Obama any favors by praising a terrorist organization that a current friend of his once belonged to and that same friend still praises the terrorist acts of.

It is not a bad thing to oppose imperialist wars...it's the tactics one uses in that opposition that is problematic.

warren,

I do not see how a Democrat can win the Iraq debate against Senator McCain taking that position - having no clue what the conditions on the ground would be in January and Patreus's testimony that conditions are "fragile" and "reversible". And stating that she would insist on a 60-day timetable no matter what would be front and center in the general election - and it could not be dismissed as a distraction. (She is damn near coming close to unelectable.)

Posted by: warren

For what it's worth I believe your right, and I fail to see her reasoning.

toast

And I still have not seen why Hillary is not ask about the money her brothers received from pardons they got Bill to grant either.

One brother had to finally return $400,000 dollars and the other one is in a lawsuit right now IIRC.

The Polls are all over the place and there seems to be folks reading and watching different thing from the comments.

And how much money have the Clinton's received for any of the other pardons and grants of clemency Bill issued?

Now I am befuddled for certain...Weimaraner or Wiener Dog? Sounded like Craig was referring to the breed known as the "Gray Ghost," but Imus thought he meant a dachshund ("wiener dog"). A Weimaraner would be a big mouthful for an alligator, but a dachshund would be a tasty morsel.

I used to live in Altamonte Springs...my wiener dog got eaten by fire ants, but survived.

"All pundits should be like Craig Crawford."
D. Imus

Wendy:

Nixon killed hundreds of thousands of innocent Vietnamese civilians. Bush killed tens of thousands innocent Iraqi civilians.

The white upper and middle-class revolutionary wannabes in the Weather Underground killed a handful of people. For that, they were condemned by the vast majority of people on the left who were, and still are, non-violent.

By comparison, the U.S. right wing LOVES violence and hardly anyone in government of the mass media ever criticizes them.

Last night illustrated Obama's weaknesses for the general election.

Now, let's sit back and watch the usual suspects savage the Clintons instead of defending their candidate.

OD...

She admitted she lied about her trip to Bosnia. This time she didn't say she misspoke, but that she said something she knew not to be true.

Clinton admitted LYING.

But I'm sure all the Clinton supporters will try to spin that too.

Anon..Thank you for illustrating my point..

Oh, what a great day!!!

anon-p:

No one is concerned about HRC's skeletons right now. Last night was an inquisition of the presumptive nominee by three prosecutors. He may have looked bad since he was on the defensive all night - but he did not make any huge mistakes (unlike HRC - see my post above re: Iraq). In other words, Hillary again needed a game-changer - and she did not get one.

(She also gave a bit of a preview of her concession speech in the first five minutes).

This debate showed what happens when you have 21 freaking debates. They have been through the issues - and the only current events they addressed was the campaign gossip that us and the pundits care a lot more about than the majority of voters.

It's Obama's nomination to lose, at this point. He should NOT do another debate and he should only do prepared speeches. No questions from the audience. No cable news appearances. No fundraisers. No questions from the audience. I'm semi-serious here: He has the best chance of cruising to the nomination the less opportunities he has to underperform or make gaffes.

Hi everyone,

I think the issue with Obama is that being presented as an Washington outsider, people need to know who he considers his insiders. Who are his acquaintances, who is the man behind the face. Being that he is fairy young, he has already acquired list of shady characters.

This will reflect a pattern of choices he has made. It's like that old saying birds of a feather flock together-or the other one - if you want to know a man's character look at his friends.

I suspect most people on this blog don't hang with people anything like Rev. Wright , Rezko, or Ayres.

I think this will really sink him in the general, unless he counter balance with some positive acquaintances, mentors or friends.

OD: "Last night illustrated Obama's weakness in the general election?"

Last night illustrated the fact that the Clinton campaign consists of nothing but stupid swiftboat slogans, AND that the MSM would rather cover that than deal with substantive issues.

Have you read the polls? Nearly EVERYONE hates Hillary, thanks to her dirty campaign.

THAT could be a weakness in the general election.

AP

Repeat after me: Women are no longer chattel. They do not belong to fathers, brothers, or husbands.

Hillary Clinton is not her father
Hillary Clinton is not her brother
Hillary Clinton is not her husband

--------------------------------------
Now if you can find anything she has SAID OR DONE that upsets you, go for it but attacking her for the actions of family members just plain STUPID.

The days when a woman who was practically a saint in her private actions such as Lucrezia Borgia can be blamed because her brother poisoned her husband to arrange a better marriage are about 500 years out of date.

OK, women with Yale law degrees aren't chattel, but how about cocktail waitresses and interns?
-Bill (how dare you question my private affairs) Clinton

I have mirrors that are deeper than Gibson's and Stepho's questions and Crawford's analysis isn't a whole lot deeper.

Obama didn't do well but I doubt that he expected a Grand Jury interrogation filled with "Have you stopped beating your wife?" questions. I wish he'd gotten angrier and started answering questions they weren't even asking for the first hour... social security, the war, the tanking economy, the national debt.. ad infinitum.

Nash: Exactly my point. If you really believe that the nearly EVERYONE in the entire country hates Hillary Clinton, the best thing Obama could do is just sit back and relax for the rest of these primaries. Get off the circuit. Don't give that big f*$%#@g whore any ammo. Right?

Last night Hillary finally acknowledged that Obama was electable and could win in November, however she tried once again not to answer the question.

Obama on the other hand said "Absolutely and I've said it all along". He than said he thought he was the better candidate.

He had no problem answering the question, because he has not been telling the SD's that Hillary wasn't electable like she's been doing about him.

She made her case to the SD's about his being unelectable moot when she admitted he could win.

Or was she lying about that?

Jamie:

"Now if you can find anything she has SAID OR DONE that upsets you, go for it but attacking her for the actions of family members just plain STUPID."

You mean like going after Obama for what Ayers and Rezko did and what Wright said? On this point we agree - it is stupid. (And I thought Obama's point on Tom Coburn was pretty good to illustrate this point.)

(btw, I don't know if the "Bosnia" story upsets me - but it is video evidence of her lying to the American people 3 times - she did it - and it is a legitimate weakness in the general. I don't believe in "guilt by association" - but "credibility is key" - especially against the "Straight Talk Express")

Actually, Obama should be able to take those questions and handle them easily and presidentially. He should be smart enough to know they may be asked.

I bet Michelle Obama could have shut them down with ease!

: )

"ABC News' Teddy Davis and Talal Al-Khatib Report: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., maintained at Wednesday's ABC News debate in Philadelphia that his handwriting does not appear on a 1996 questionnaire stating support for a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns. The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise."

Misstatement or lie...you decide...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/obama-forgets-w.html

I do hope that Clinton supporters recognized one thing from the debate. I know many of you have been turned off by some of the agressive and mean-spirited attacks you see on this blog.

But Obama - despite having every right to and given a clear opportunity - chose not to throw Clinton under the bus and did not attack her on Bosnia.

(I do not think he will be so nice to McCain - and I think it the long run - he will be rewarded for not tearing into Clinton the same way she tore into him).

Excuse me, I keep hearing about dirty politics. I havn't seen this from Sen. Clinton'camp, any more than from Sen. Obama's. For those that think he walketh on water...He is a politition.

Jamie...

Repeat after me...

Obama is not Rev. Wright
Obama is not Louis Farakan
Obama is not a Muslim
Obama is not a Marxist
Obama is not Ayers
Obama is not a bad Father or Parent
Obama's mother is not a bad Mother or Parent

Show me the difference when guilt by association is used against Obama, but doesn't matter when used against Hillary.

The Democratic presidential frontrunner made this claim even though a copy of the original document suggests otherwise."

Bull --Everyone knows it's Bill Clinton's handwriting and he wrote it at a Klan meeting which screwing the Grand Kleagle's wife

Well Wendy , I say he has a problem with that one.

His name, his handwriting, and his answers in black and white.

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?boardid=780&ThreadID=635478&BoardsParam=page%3d2%26HIPDelay%3d1

Those who are frustrated with biased MSNBC coverage and/or would like to see Craig on more often should post.

Nothing changed, he's still headed to be the nominee!

If Obama gets torn to sheds in the GE, it will be because of things he has done and/or said in his life. Nothing Clinton says now or does now ( prior to picking a dem. nominee) will be relevant.

They each stand alone in this primary contest and they are BOTH fighting to win.

Wendy! It is very reminiscent of the "pushed the wrong button" issue. And the didn't see the Punjab memo story. And the didn't hear Wright sermons or read the bulletin scandal. And the "Ayers is just a guy in my neighborhood" response. And the 5 hours of work by his law firm for Rezko explanation.

Clinton's story about Bosnia makes her a LIAR so that makes Obama what? Deaf? Blind? The intern did it?

"shreds"

DB: I happen to agree with you. That's why I say to Obama: Just sit back and be crowned.

AP

I've never said any of those things about him. I've said that he is too inexperienced to be President and that many of his claims of public service had more to do with self service than public good,.

Black liberation theology doesn't particularly bother me. I don't agree with Wright and Farkhan about Israel nor Ayers about blowing up innocents to make a political statement. Obama can't be blamed for their positions or actions unless he ascribes to the same ideas and actions.

Nash

I find it odd that you defend them.

I do not defend our governments actions

I do not defend terrorist actions whether foreign or domestic

I believe we should mind our own business and don't believe in imperialistic war and at the same time, I don't believe that bombing innocent people here at home will change the course of our government either.

I cannot, myself, excuse any of it. I'm glad you find it easy to do. I would think an ardent Obama supporter such as yourself would condemn all kinds of violence for any purpose. You seem to excuse it based on the right wing government actions. That is your right.

But, I have to say, even though the MSM would have us think Senator Obama is some sort of peacenik, with friends like Wright, Auchi and Ayers and supporters that excuse domestic and foreign terrorism as somehow payback for what the US has done...I have to wonder about him.

I believe that the Woods Foundation is a Charity so if your using guilt by association than what's the difference with Hillary's time with Walmart?

Or how about Tyson Chicken?

These debates are providing great footage for the GE attack ads.

Jamie...

My point exactly. However, theres a lot of that being posted not only on this site, but all over the web.

Wendy!...

I don't believe that Nash condones it, but its clear that he understands why they did it. Are we not also doing the same thing even now while I'm typing this in Iraq and very possibly soon in Iran?

Got to go now and will check back later.

We should all be discussing issues and not this BS anyway.

Obama should have answered, " Yes, I know Ayres, we were on a charity board together."

I wish they would have asked Obama what comments Rev. Wright made to Rolling Stone, which led Obama to un-invite the Rev to speak.

*running through waving*

Hi y'all. Keep up the good work.

tt

AP

My problem is seeing my candidate blasted on this site for things she never said or did. It would be nice if we could all stick to the facts rather than just repeating slanders.

Of course this site also proves that almost all of us can come up with better questions and analysis than the talking heads. Maybe they should come here for a little insight. :-)

Historical note for today: Apollo 13 made it home safely after having that "problem"

anon-p,

What is the distinguishing standard between those who hate and urge destruction who you loathe and call "Germans" or "Nazis" (or, at best, "good Germans") and those who hate and urge destruction who you find acceptable?

Former Youth Wants To Know.

Handwriting’s on the Wall … Err, the Questionnaire

"Sen. Obama’s Handwriting Appears On Questionnaire Supporting Total Handgun Ban.

Tonight, Sen. Obama flatly denied his handwriting appeared on a questionnaire where he expressed his support for a total gun ban:

That’s not the case, you can see his handwriting on the very questionnaire here:

http://www.politico.com/static/PPM43_080328_obama_iviquestionaire_091096.html

Oops! He got another one wrong guys. I suppose now he’s going to issue another one of his “what I meant to say was…” memos or deliver one of his famous speeches to undo the damange caused by getting caught out in this blunder, eh?"

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/04/17/handwritings-on-the-wall-err-questionnaire/

didn't BHO say that he was about 7 when Ayres was in the Weather Underground? I don't think he condones that kind of activity at all and to insinuate that he does is shameful.

Yo soy un demócrata amarillo del perro.

Yo soy Horsedooty!

The "Where's Waldo" subject about Craig is getting some nice feedback and not just from us

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?boardid=780&ThreadID=635478&BoardsParam=page%3d2%26HIPDelay%3d1

Wendy
"with friends like Wright, Auchi and Ayers "

come on there is no need to be untruthful here.

Wright is a friend and mentor of Obama.

The other two have no real connection to Obama except they run in the same political circles. There are thousands of people who have the same tenuous connection to Obama. Some saints and some devils.

Jack

Last night I read the 1996 questionairre. The Obama campaign admits that the writing on it is Obama's.

I also noticed that on one of the answers it starts out "I".

I've worked on several campaigns and candidates have either filled out the questionairre themselves, wrote a roughdraft and checked and approved, or dictated, checked and .

I would give him the benefit of the doubt, that during a long , grueling campaign..you sometimes just step in it.

The usual suspects on this site certainly would not do the same for Senator Clinton.

I'm back home tonight and work on the campaign for several days before I need to be out of town for work again.

Burrito:
"Obama should have answered, " Yes, I know Ayres, we were on a charity board together.""

Yes!
And then went on to explain all the good work the charity was doing in the Chicago area.

Those people who keep bring up the Woods Foundation up as if it is a problem don't know how silly you sound.
Did you also worry about the trilateral commission and black helicopters?

Jack

I wish Craig had a daily program with Rachel Madow.

I also wish Craig would not appear on Imus. The positive aspects of Imus do not compensate for his actions or having Bernard as part of his program.

It's simple; just answer the questions correctly, then move on, people can deal with the facts. Obama tends to get muddled down when he answers questions about these characters, and it seems to comes across as he is trying to hide something.

That's all I am saying.

Unfortunately, some of Obama statements do not ring true. That is why people want to get to know him better, and better understand his various connections.

I think Hillary made it clear that she doesn't think she is going to win. I think she wants to embrace and nurture her "political capital" and hold on to in the years to come.

~it is absolutely beautiful here today ~ off to the dog park ~

peace & enjoy

Current Derby Contenders still in the field
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/contenders
with handcappers top ten

War Pass
Pyro
Tale of Ekati
Colonel John
Gayego
Big Brown
Z Humor
Monba
Court Vision
Z Fortune
Adriano
Recapturetheglory
Smooth Air
Cool Coal Man
Anak Nakal
Eight Belles
Cowboy Cal
Visionaire
Big Truck
Denis of Cork
Tomcito
Atoned

Jamie

Have you got a $2 window?

I pick Cowboy Cal to win.

No reason just like the name.

Jack

Thanks, Jamie. Yes, very flattering comments about Craig and suggestions that MSNBC can't take analysts who don't drink the koolaid. Along these lines, I came across the following:

http://mediamatters.org/items/200801260001

"I really think the evidence-free bias against the Clintons in the media borders on mental illness."

Want to find the TRUTH? If so, then look in the "SHADOWS".

forgot to post msnbc message board link in praise of Craig and MSNBC's need of his objectivity:

http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?threadid=635478

I've got a ton of work to do, and not sure why I feel so strongly about this, except that I think the Obama-infatuated media have done the country such a disservice. Plus, I feel bad about the alligator getting Craig's dog when he was a kid. Anyway, MSNBC needs to hear from Crawford fans so he gets Matthews chair when he leaves to run for Senate!!!

Jack,

Ayers gave speeches together with Obama, they served on the same board. Ayers threw a fund raiser for Obama and in an attempt to distance his relationship with Ayers in 1995, Obama said their children attended the same school. Obama did not have children then. To compare this relationship which Obama on other occasions has termed a "friendship" with the pardon of two repentant Weathermen, is deflection. If Ayers was the only one, it would be different, but Khalidi, Rezko, Auchi know each other and money has flowed. It is the circle which includes Wright as Woods Fund gave Trinity money because of Obama.

Obama sat on the same board and sat in the same pew. He had poor answers and the questions were hardly as nasty as they will get. I have been saying this for some time, but few listen here. Obama fumbled the economy questions and even lied about his signature on some gun questions. He has a lot of nerve slamming Hllary months ago for being untrustworthy and his act will not convince the majority of voters.

I suppose when people come forward to say Obama toasted Auchi, it won't matter that Obama said he never met or talked to Auchi. You do see why Obama has distanced himself from these people, so why are you claiming they are unimportant? If you are right, then Obama wouln't care. He does care and his lack of response to the Hamas newsletter and his stuttering mess of an answer about Israel will add to why Jews will probably vote for McCain over Obama.

Even his answer regarding Iran was absurd and I wonder why Hillary didn't bring up his promise to AIPAC to sanction Iran and then not even voting on the Kyl Bill. Jack, if you can't see the BS, what can I say?

Last night at the Press diner all the reporters laughed at the Hillary jokes, but frowned at the Obama jokes. Now there is some objective crew. Obama is lucky the experiance issue didn't come up. Then Hillary would have asked about that trip to Pakistan or mentioned what Obama was doing while she was in Bosnia. Hanging out with Ayers and Khalidi while getting funding from Rezko/Auchi....LOL

A poor showing for Obama. He only flies when left before Obama supporters to wax rhetorical about the unity he will bring. His campaign has certainly sparked discord and we ain't even to the GE yet.

"Good luck had just stung me
To the race track I did go
She bet on one horse to win
And I bet on another to show"

The Band , Up On Cripple Creek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIpfhEwlw5c

Jack

I think Olberman is, in his own way, just as bad as the Fox boys.

I saw replayed briefly last night and it i