Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

sweet. my parents are still living, and sometimes i think that following my career, such as it is, is their hobby now. i live too far north to worry about my dogs getting eaten by alligators, but a few years ago i kept a little flock of chickens, and one of my dogs would herd them into the henhouse at night. i'll have to try and figure out what channel rfd is on my tv now.

Colorado Bob's Internet Tombstone:

http://colorado-bob.blogspot.com/

Craig,

Oh so nice to see this again. I have missed your rambles.

Sutrg and Mary,

Good morning and where ever you are.....well Sturg, I KNOW where you are. But anyway, whereever Ya'll are, I hope the weather is blissfully warm and spring like!

I'm having a particularly great cuppa java. I wish your morning drink to be as great!

Well here is something that is amazing. A hort news article.

Obama greeted by largest crowd of his campaign

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/18/obama-greeted-by-largest-_n_97524.html

And, here comes Stinky asking me why, at 0815, am I not outside transplanting stuff outside. So, that takes care of my morning.

Morning Flatus,

I am directly Center Left, (distateful to some but HEY...lol )

And being the ever possitive person that I am, I see that whoever gets it on the dem side, Obama or Clinton, Clinton or Obama, they both will support each other and the American people. I don't see this as an all or nothing Race.

I see it as a race that has to change the face of this country in order to regain some semblance of balance and integrity again. I see vision to the future and I see our children making their preferance known. Whoever they pick.

I really see that whoever is the President will choose the same group of brilliant people to work this crisis out. I see the same group slogging for years to initiate the long years of recovery ahead.

This is why I am voting Democrat. I really don't see anything other than the same ole same ole that is pulling us down now. Because the same ole Reps could have risen up against the cuurent adminstration.

They could have shown courage in the face of such craziness, but the they didn't. That includes John McCain.

So McCain and his Republican bunch need a time out.

Ok, Off the Stump!

McCain's behavior and/or actions after SC 2000 are what invalidates him mostly to me. I could have supported the man except for that "pragmatism" he displayed after what they did to him in SC 2000.

That picture of his hugging of the bush is worth any number of Russian Novels for character insight.

Ok I have to put this up. Very good read from a regular person in Pennsylvania. just on point, but a good one. She explains "Bitter"

Marylee Smithwick

Marylee lives in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. She has seven children, 24 grandchildren and is about to be a great grandmother. Of the 80 houses on the street where she lives, 60 of them are now empty

Far More Than "Bitter": Message from a Small Town Pennsylvanian

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marylee-smithwick/far-more-than-bitter-mess_b_97494.html

When I say "supported" as to McCain.....it's not that I would have ever actually supported him for any candidacy he might have......but I could have had a respect for him and would have accepted his win, if he were to, in good faith........as it is.....no respect........

Flatus,

Compliments to you for so clearly & precisely sharing
excellent reasons to support Mrs. Clinton.

Your even-handed approach to discussions here merit
consideration by all of us who come by to enhance
our own opinions.

Enjoy your outside chores, I will be joining you today
as well--it is an exceptionally lovely morning in CT
& I have some plantings to attend to as well.

Sturg,

We must be related. Because "there" is where my opinion of McCain took a slide. I would have voted for him then. But he has proven again and again since 2000 that he has sold his soul to the extreme right for the Presidency.

Obama’s Swift Boat: Woods Fund

"Barack Obama’s association with the Woods Charitable Fund of Chicago could turn out to be the “swift boat” of his presidential campaign, according to a new report in the Wall Street Journal.

One of the Woods Fund’s directors is William Ayers, and Obama’s tenure as a director there overlapped with Ayers’ for three years ending in 2001.

But he said in a New York Times interview in 2001: “I don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.”

(Yes, I know it is Newsmax)

http://newsmax.com/insidecover/Obama_Swift_Boat_Woods/2008/04/18/89214.htm

Bob Herbert needs to be read this morning.

Yes, it's not unfamiliar.

But it is at this point approaching the undeniable.

You will not be bullied, mocked or ridiculed by his perspective.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/19/opinion/19herbert.html?hp

9/11,

Very good read indeed. Puts a reality and a splash of water on the sitch.

Sturgeone,

I just did another search and finally came up with the gallery in Lubbock where Colorado Bob did the work for their web page

http://www.tornado-gallery.com/CONTACTS/index.htm

That is their contact page. Who knew Bob best to write as they would probably know exactly what and when happened with him?

If you don't want to send a note I will

the pennsylvania debate in one minute:

http://www.236.com/news/2008/04/17/pennsylvania_debate_in_1_minut_1_5947.php

GORDO,

I see your article and raise you this one! A little education on both sides of the fence is a good thing.

In Praise of Bill Ayers and the Weather Underground

http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_dave_lin_080417_in_praise_of_bill_ay.htm

Jamie,

I believe we are all on the same page of emailing our dear Bob. I think Mad was closer, but its hard to get ahold of Mad too.

So why don't you write a note. You are well written and I"m sure it would be a good one and speak all of our minds. We just want to know how, where, and if he is.

Jamie......will do.....spent the early morning reading his musings and offerings.......

Oh Sorry Sturg. Let us know what you find out.

Sheila,

I'm a voter.

The blog is rich in supporters.

I voted for Senator Clinton in the NYS primary as I believed she would be the best national candidate.

My question at the time was how durable her campaign would be. (I was not emphasizing donations.)

Herbert's point which buzzes in my mind is that Senator Obama gains votes and delegates -- but what happened to the premise of his campaign?

And where are his galvanizing policies? I think at this point he should accept that he has defeated Senator (and former President) Clinton and run his campaign FOR the presidency and NOT against his opponent.

By doing so he has lost control of his campaign's development from seeking a party's nomination to seeking the presidency in the general.

McCain's policies are easy to ridicule. But they are emerging as the foundation of his campaign.

My feeling is that as someone who will vote for Senator Obama in November...

He needs to pay attention to the issues as those are EVERYTHING which matter to every American, hopeful or disillusioned about this race.

Jamie....agree with sheila.....will wait to hear from you.....

hmmmm........

9/11,

I believe that is happening now. From what I saw for the last week or two....that is not getting much airtime. Except for SUndays with battle bowl on CNN or on CSPAN....

Anyway Obama is clearly addressing his speeches and TownHall events to show McCains differences and his negatives.

I've been watching. ;0)

Of course the only clips that got BIG coverage were the FINGER and the reactions from the Debates. ;0)

The 24 hour News Cycle. Gotta love it....

Another Pennsylvanian;

By Nate Biehl - April 18, 2008, 1:38PM
I just watched a co-worker of mine choke back tears.

His son is being stop-lossed. OUR GOVERNMENT is sending him back for a THIRD deployment in Iraq.

He literally went to his ETS processing and the paperwork wasn't signed. Instead of separating in June, he's now scheduled to re-deploy in September. He came home from Iraq last November.

This bullshit primary is the greatest gift we could have given that Lame Duck and his henchmen. While we're pixel-whacking about flag pins and middle fingers, people are fighting and dying because we STILL can't find the guts to say NO MORE!

We need to do everything we can to end this bullshit now.
Are your representatives undecided? GIVE THEM HELL. Don't use kid gloves. Tell them lives are at stake.

Just for you 9/11. An eye witness to a typical Town Hall meeting in PA. He lists what is being talked about by Obama. Its a good read, but I pulled out what you are particularly interested in knowing.

Standing Room Only at Obama Town Hall in Erie, PA

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/standing-room-only-at-obama-to.php

After his speech, Obama switched to the Q & A town hall meeting format. There were a lot of interesting questions, ranging from national intelligence issues, health care, jobs and the economy, veterans issues, and disability benefits. Obama fielded all of these extremely well. No one asked about any of the media generated controversies at all, people really wanted to focus on real issues that had a direct effect on their lives.

You could tell by Obama's statements and answers that he has done a lot of listening as he has travelled through Pennsylvania, and he cited specific examples of businesses closing, such as the Corning plant in State College that shut down and shipped it's equipment to China, or Steris in Erie, which recently shut down and shipped 350 jobs off to Mexico.

One man stood up and said, "We have lost a lot of jobs here in Erie, and it's quite all right with us if you tell people that we are bitter." That brought the whole crowd to their feet in applause once again, and Obama said, "That's the biggest response we've had all day!"

After his speech, Obama switched to the Q & A town hall meeting format. There were a lot of interesting questions, ranging from national intelligence issues, health care, jobs and the economy, veterans issues, and disability benefits. Obama fielded all of these extremely well. No one asked about any of the media generated controversies at all, people really wanted to focus on real issues that had a direct effect on their lives.

You could tell by Obama's statements and answers that he has done a lot of listening as he has travelled through Pennsylvania, and he cited specific examples of businesses closing, such as the Corning plant in State College that shut down and shipped it's equipment to China, or Steris in Erie, which recently shut down and shipped 350 jobs off to Mexico.

One man stood up and said, "We have lost a lot of jobs here in Erie, and it's quite all right with us if you tell people that we are bitter." That brought the whole crowd to their feet in applause once again, and Obama said, "That's the biggest response we've had all day!"

Chef Sheila Hussein The Nun----------------------

"In Praise of Bill Ayers and the Weather Underground"

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/

So sorry for the double post within a post.....lol

Time to take a shower!

hey, Gordo,

you know that Bill and wife were acquitted in a court of law don't you? Your smear campaign is not holding water, now is it? You should spend more time outside in the spring rather than listening to what I am guessing is your hero Sean Hannity. Give it a rest, you are very boring.

yo soy Horsedooty!

Flatus wrote: "I think my candidate is best qualified to be president. I think she will reestablish our standing overseas, extract us from Iraq, work to get a truly universal healthcare program that will be supported by both sides of the aisle, reinvigorate our national, regional, city and neighborhood discussions on race, assure, as a minimum, equivalent legal rights for all individuals in committed relationships, take care of our disabled veterans and their families, assure officers nominated for the top general officer ranks are chosen for their professional competence and leadership abilities rather than the passing of some arbitrary political litmus test."

Flatus - nicely said - and I agree 100%. I would add to this that she is absolutely the best candidate to get our economy back on track. She has the best plans to tackle our economic problems and as is clear from McCain's stump speeches and Obama's debate performance, she has absolutely the best understanding of the economy.

actually I misspoke. Bill and his wife's charges were dropped due to prosecutorial misconduct during the long search for the fugitives. They turned themselves in. They were also able to become the legal guardians of Chelsa Boudin, the biological son of former Weathermen David Gilbert and Kathy Boudin, after his parents were arrested for their part in the Brinks Robbery of 1981. Most of those last statements can be found in Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Ayers

yo soy Horsedooty!

Horsedooty--------------------------------

"While underground, he and fellow member Bernardine Dohrn married and had two children, Zayd and Malik. They were purged from the group in the mid-1970s, and turned themselves in to the authorities in 1981. All charges against him were dropped because of prosecutorial misconduct during the long search for the fugitives.

********** "prosecutorial misconduct " **********

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

Gordo,

what did I just say? do you bother reading anyone else's posts or are you too involved in your own posts to care. I still say you are smearing them and BHO. Ayres has been an up standing citizen for over 40 years now. You would like to have his credentials and accomplishments.

yo soy Horsedooty!

Sent note to the Gallery. I'll let everyone know if I get a reply.

It really makes you proud to know this man is our president:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i6b913c786b0131f9fb4f6a616fbb0f7f?imw=Y

Horsedooty----------------------

I posted before seeing your post.

Jamie said, "Sent note to the Gallery. I'll let everyone know if I get a reply."

I hope you do. I know someone that recently sent a note to the Tornado Gallery and has not heard one word back. It may be that the Gallery is out of business as Art Galleries are notorious for being under-funded. They also may just be protecting his privacy. I fear that Colorado Bob may have posted his last post. If so, RIP Colorado Bob I will miss you and I know that many others will also.

yo soy Horsedooty!

re: the search for Colorado Bob -- i tried that gallery last year when CBob first disappeared, but never got a response -- glad you guys are trying again, we need closure

I am so glad I got to see the sign for Craig's mom and dad! I am relegated to streaming (like Lynn and others) until Charter cable signs on for RFD or we sign on to DirecTV whichever comes first.

Did Craig clear up the confusion about what breed of dog Rebel was...? I think Craig was saying weimaraner but, Imus and Charles heard wiener dog. Alligators are not the only dog-hazard in Florida - my wiener dog got eaten by fire ants and swelled up like a giant hot dog. We rushed him to the vet where he got cortisone and was fine...that was the last time he rolled in the grass though.

Horsedooty--------------------------

Continue to defend the Weatherman and Ayers - that's why Karl Rove and Newt Gingrich are grinning.

Remember the Fear comments from the other day? That is all you deal in. Right wing talking points that just don't seem to be grabbing hold. How old are you Gordo? Were you around during that time of American History? I was. Lots of stuff happened. The Hippies and the Yippies the Weather Undergound the Black Panthers. Different time same place.

yo soy Horsedooty!

What is the plural of "bus?" I've always been confused but this may clear it up...

http://curtis.cleverness.us/lang/bus_plural.html

"Bus" is just an abbreviation of "Omnibus???" I DID NOT know that...my oh my...the things we can still learn in life no matter our age, station, or level of education. I am humbled.

Here's why War with Iran is coming.

"Ahmadinejad called the U.S. currency "a handful of paper" without any global support.

Iran has stopped using the U.S. dollar in its oil transactions with the outside world, switching to currencies such as euro.

"The dollar is not money any longer but a handful of paper distributed in the world without commodity support," the Web site quoted Ahmadinejad as saying."

Here's the link below.

http://money.excite.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt_top.jsp?news_id=ap-d904r6o80&

Saddam did the same thing before we attacked Iraq, so who believes that this has never been the reason for War in Iraq?

Horsedooty------------------------

"Right wing talking points that just don't seem to be grabbing hold."

Have you heard of 527 Attack ads? The Repubs have not launched their attack on Obama-Ayers-Wright-etc. You do understand that a GE campaign is different from a Primary campaign? That little detail seems to be unknown to many Obama supporters.

"What is the plural of "bus? -- posted by Ivy Green"

funny you ask, i wondered about that when writing today's headline, but my websters was not much help, said "buses" or "busses" correct (but they listed "buses" first, so went with that).

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bus

All you informed Obama supporters who would prefer less of the first hour of ABC sty;e debate and more of the weak stuttering response that characterized Obama's seconf half should take a good look at his brilliance on foreign policy.

I know you all like to call what you don't like cut and paste or from wacko sources.....LOL so let us make a list:

1. Pakistan newspapers report a grwing national objection to resumed drone over flights be the US and call Pakistan's relationshi[p with the US a large part of their militant problem. The just test fired a nuclear capable missile and have done none of the things Richardson and Obama said they would do if a moderate regime came to power. STRIKE ONE

2. Iran now boasts 9/11 didn't happen and calls for oil producers to raise oil prices. The MUllahs say their legal system is corrupted with Western style laws while Quds continues to fuel problems throught the world. Obama wants to talk to a leader that is even worse than Hamas and objected to sanctions which he was to busy to actually vote against. STRIKE TWO

3. Carter's vist lead Hamas to declare that they are now recognized and considered a liberation army. They have responded to the vist with a new wave of terrorism. If Obama can't see the effect of unprepared and mindless visits, then STRIKE THREE

4. Afghanistan started talking to the Taliban and they launched an offensive. France is sending more troops and only the world taking a unified position of reall support can effectively reverse inroads made by AQ and the Taliban. The idea that we must bare the burden disproportionally is a contradiction of Obama's general foreign policy thrust. STRIKE FOUR

5. Obama has been far less vocal about the Sudan and Lebanon where Syria, extremists and Iran are promoting terror, genocide and a transparent attack on pro-Western forces. STRIKE FIVE

6. Obama's policy as stated so far would reduce or eliminate military and counterterrorism support to Mexico and Columbia despite those efforts struggling to keep back groups and criminals openly hostile to the US and the governments Congress says they support. The idea to redistribute foreign aid to "the people" of the region has no supporting practical policy and defies the very lack of investment in Latin America to usitilze their labor force at China's peril. Perhap[s such a notion goes against Union wishes and endangers a rational policy. Obama has offered nothing remotely centrist or bipartisan on this issue...STRIKE SIX

I could go, but I'll save this for later. And for Jack, I suppose counterterrorism blog is a wacko site, eh? Maybe you should take a look at it sometime.

If you want to compare McCain's or Hillary's positions to the one's I posted above, be my guess. It seems the game is to discredit talking about Associatiosn of the Obaminator and they paserse his words so his policy postions don't look as bad as they are, or use the supporters you LIKE to bolster his position. Sounds like a fair and balance approach to electing the next President....not.

That is why Obama's claim to a win in the GE is dubious whether you have faith in Zogby or not.

"Busses" always looks "fussy" anyway...thanks, Craig. I'll never have to doubt this spelling again. :)

"Did Craig clear up the confusion about what breed of dog Rebel was? ... posted by Ivy Green"

Rebel was a Weimaraner. Did not realize at the time that Imus and Charles were getting that confused.

Again, excuse the typos..I was having my breakfast while typing this off. It is another glorious day in NYC.

LOL....REAL bad typos...sorry. At least the posts were SMALLER....

Have a nice morning yall...

Craig,

One of my favorite places to research words and expressions is "The Word Detective". In addition to the regular articles there is a search feature for all the words and phrases he has covered before.

http://www.word-detective.com/

Read how are currency and are economy fall in ruins.

"Comments by China that it intends to move away from its reliance on the dollar triggered a sharp drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and heightened worldwide fears about the U.S. currency's stability. Chinese Central Bank Vice Director Xiu Jian said that his country is planning to shift much of its $1.4 trillion national currency reserve from dollars to more stable currencies, such as the euro or Canadian dollar. After these comments, the dollar fell to record lows relative to other currencies -- the lowest ever against the euro, the lowest in a generation against the British pound, and the lowest in 57 years against the Canadian dollar."

http://politicsplus.blogspot.com/2008/04/meltdown-of-us-dollar-underway-as-china.html

I hope everyone has invested in Gold and other more valuable commodities.

Thanks, Jamie. I added that to my bookmarks too.

When it comes to English, I always heard the difference was

Buses - Means of trasportation
Busses - Kisses

Of course kisses can be a means of transportation as well. :-)

that is a cool site, jamie, thanks -- and it led me to this site for etymology (i love word play):

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=bus

Craig, thanks for clearing up the identity of Rebel. Poor fella...that must've been extra traumatic for you as a kid even before we had images of "Jaws" in our heads. I hope you got another "best buddy" to help mend the loss.

I went nose-to-nose with a manatee once while swimming in the St. Johns. No trauma there. They have more to fear from man than man has to fear from them.

well, Ivy, next came "Barney" our crazy and wonderful Beagle we had for 16 years (until he drowned in the pool). Gave up dogs after that (i attract their fleas).

Hey Sheila,

I've solved your spelling situation by finding an absolutely wonderful explanation and name for them. You are using "eggcorns". :-) The latest Word Detective article "All Tolled" is about eggcorns.

http://www.word-detective.com/2008/04/11/all-told/

I know what you mean...I just found a tick on myself the other morning...my dogs get "Frontline." I wonder if I should put some on myself!

"Eggsellent" Jamie. I enjoyed that!

What is serously fun and interesting about you Maxtrue?

You mainly argue with yourself and you enjoy it.

okay i've enjoyed word geeking this morning but it's noon and a great weather day here, must enjoy it (rainy cold tomorrow)

Have a great day Cahoona!

For GORDO and anyone else here who's spreading the fear card about Obama.

They keep telling us we should fear Obama and don't ever tell us what the Republicans real agenda is against the American People.

So here is something you should all think about if your planning to vote for McCain.

“If there’s a threat, you have a right to defend society,” Gingrich said. “People will give up all their liberties to avoid that level of threat.“

Read the rest.

http://politicsplus.blogspot.com/2008/04/newt-reveals-fear-card-agenda.html

I think they protest Obama too much as I don't see Hillary or McCain restoring our Constitution, but carrying on the policies that are in effect now.

But that all depends on elections and not being in another War come November.

Max:

You still have not explained how "General Clinton" will get elected despite her position that she will shout down any generals when she gets into office - and will order a 60-day withdrawal "no matter what."

(Oh - I forgot - she is probably just lying on the campaign trail again - so I guess we shouldn't worry about it.)

"Phony umbrage"

Just saw this line used by M. Kinsley on Charlie Rose. It is when we all watch the other candidate looking for some statement that we can pounce on in an attempt to destroy our perceived political opponent.

b

LOLOL Hi Ruth!

I have a question about Colorado Bob...

What is the most recent information we had on him? I followed the link to his web page and noticed that his last post was about a year old.

Craig, I guess the tie yesterday jogged the memory banks because I was wondering how he was doing this morning...

Which leads me to ask if anyone has new about Trial Lawyer Richard?

Bear,

there is a vine site somewhere that is a little more recent than Colorado Bob's blog site but it too has not been posted to in maybe 6 months.

yo soy Horsedooty!

Bear,

here is the vine site

http://coloradobob1.newsvine.com/

yo soy Horsedooty!

Warren, on this military withdrawal thing, are you being obtuse just to jerk Max's chain?

Here is the danger as I see it for the remainder of the Democratic nomination race.

I think support for the big 3 - among (current) general election voters is roughly 30% Obama, 30% Clinton and 40% McCain.

What this means - is that when Clinton attacks Obama - 70% of people take up that attack. And of course when Obama attacks Clinton - (about) 70% of people take up that attack.

I say "about" - because I think some Republicans jump to her defense. Not out of a perceived weakness in Clinton - but because it seems that the one thing the GOP is clear on - is that the longer this race for the nomination goes on - the winner will ultimately be McCain.

(I think the GOP can't decide who they would rather run against - but at the end of the day - the more damage don't without their finger prints - the better.)

The upside is that when Clinton or Obama attack McCain - 60% of the (current) general election voters take up that attack.

(and btw - Both Clinton and Obama are far superior at attacking the GOP as compared to Dean. Some of Dean's petty attacks make McCain look stronger - and feeds into the false confidence the Republicans are building right now. And often if you can feign confidence long enough - it becomes real....)

(oh, and I say (current) - because I think Obama has a whole lot of new voters to still sign up. There are plenty of people - especially young ones - that are barely paying attention to the primaries and will not tune in until the general.)

Flatus:

No. I am pointing out what I think is a weakness the Republicans would exploit if Clinton got the nomination. It feeds right into the argument that the GOP has been making.

I also think there is a chance that McCain can win the general even if he loses the debate on the economy - as long as he wins the debate on Iraq.

(I think HRC's vote for the war and Wolfson's categorical promise that she adopted - will provide the GOP will plenty of ammo to "distract" from the real debate.)

Okay, Warren. Let's try it this way. From the military's standpoint, it is strictly a political question. That is, is continuing a significant military presence in Iraq in our national interest?

Politicians will decide if the cost in human terms, in diplomatic terms, in economic terms, in ability to govern terms, in depletion of our ability to fight in other theaters terms, is worth it.

Obviously, in the voluminous stack of position papers from all the agencies with an interest (and a bunch of agencies with no legitimate interest), DoD will have an annex at least two inches thick. Appended to the DoD annex will be studies by DIA, input from the military leadership in-country, and a solid assessment by the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Before the decision is really made (after the inauguration) there will be meetings with the Congressional Leadership, the opposition leadership, and whatever other opinion shapers are deemed appropriate.

After the decision is made, and communicated to DoD, the staff of that department will implement the President's directive. No more discussion about what is going to be done. (Although how it is to be done may require additional clarification and coordination.)

The days of generals seeking to place themselves in charge of national policy are long over. You can read Manchester's fine biography of MacArthur, American Caesar, to see how that five-star general came to learn the facts of life.

Opposition arguments that making such a decision is political usurpation of military authority are nothing more than blather.

Thank for the Imus post. Good stuff. Loved his bewildered head snap when he said, What?" to your alligator eating dog.

tt

I signed off this post an hour ago and now when i came back I am still froze even tho I went off line
Ruth

Flatus:

Don't get me wrong. I think that you can have a nuanced debate about the merits of her actual position. And as I told Max - I don't completely buy in to the argument that: "it will be chaos if we leave."

But I am talking in terms of a political debate in a hotly contested general election. And in a war time election - I have my doubts about a Democratic candidate with a position - that can be characterized as ignoring the generals. Especially after the disastarous results we had when all the civilian leaders in the Bush administration decided war policy. And especially running against John McCain.

Also - the GOP will attack HRC as taking such a strong position - because it was politically convenient to do so. And they will contrast that to the political courage McCain has shown on Iraq.

....Ruth....

I'm telling you, You are a very special woman. I have never heard of the like. YOu must be one of a kind, right down to your fingertips!

And Hi Sheila if you are still here.
Ruth

I am and hopefullly you can write to Craig and find out the email address to the techs that take care of this place.

If anyone can assist you, the technicians can!

Sheila
Maybe I'm being shunned

Thanks Sheila
I will e-mail Craig.
Ruth

No way Ruth.

But email Craig and ask for the email address for the CQ Techs. I hate to see you struggling.

Of course typing one letter doesn't take up much space and you'll know I'm lurking.
Ruth

Warren you said, "And in a war time election - I have my doubts about a Democratic candidate with a position - that can be characterized as ignoring the generals."

The discussion has to be re-framed. It is the Bush Administration that has been ignoring the generals. That's a true statement. It was true six years ago, and it's true now.

Mrs Clinton has the gravitas to state those facts convincingly.

Mr McCain's analysis will seem increasingly more flawed each time he invokes his "my friends" mantra.

http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/analysis/toons/2008/04/17/mitchell/index.html#

Bitter, Not Bitter.....Very Cute.

n

I'm watching Julienne Moore in "The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio". Wonderful movie that I've seen before but just caught a background bit of the 1960 Miss America contest with Bert Parks asking a contestant that "If a qualified woman was running for President, could she be elected?" The answer: "Women are too high-strung and emotional to hold national office,"

Oh well, maybe in another 48 years.

Flatus:

"Mrs Clinton has the gravitas to state those facts convincingly."

I am confident of her ability to reinforce the conviction of Democrats - who have had this position for years - but i have my doubts about her ability to convince the swing voters in the middle. Especially after how she has run her primary campaign.

"Mr McCain's analysis will seem increasingly more flawed each time he invokes his "my friends" mantra."

Maybe with loyal Democrats. But do not understimate McCain's "striaght talk" - especially against "Clinton speak."

(Plus, being a "wonk" is not always a strength in the general election. Kerry was a "wonk" as well. Charm is often more important than details. Especially when the details of the Clinton/Obama/Democratic policies are essentially the same. Obama is better at articulating that agenda in plain language.)

Well...here I come...late to the party again...but give me a chance to sleep in and I'll take it. Add the time difference between the east and west coasts, and I'm late, indeed, for you guys!

I wrote the Tornado Gallery a couple of months ago (roughly). to inquire about C'Bob. Haven't heard back from them.

Craig...I'm glad to know so many of us are trying to learn exactly what happened to him. And Jamie...hope you have better luck! Will wait to hear.

Obama is better at articulating that agenda in plain language.
Posted by: warren

warren, a point of view shared by 30% doing your math.

toast

Daily Gallup

1% apart Clinton in the lead.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/106606/Gallup-Daily-Clinton-46-Obama-45.aspx

Oh...OK...I'll do it.

Hillary Clinton now receives 46% of the support of Democrats nationally, compared to 45% for Barack Obama

http://www.gallup.com/

Hillary closed an 11 point gap in less than a week.

Guess people are starting to decide that changing to a whiny baby isn't exactly the kind of change they were looking for.

Jamie:

LOL - you beat me to it. and 2:44pm comment deserves a LOL as well.

;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KC7uhMY9s

Predictions come and gone

Clinton's tax returns will make her base hate her
Obama will fillet Clinton in the debate
Obama will close the gap and win in Pennsylvania
Obama never complains about the media.

warren,

I've spent the last week comparing their health care/insurance plans.

I did it objectively.

You should, too. You're too bright to settle for what's facile.

I'm prepared to vote for Senator Obama. It won't be because his plan is better than Senator Clinton's but because it is better than Senator McCain's. (Being shoved face down in Freshkills landfill for 72 consecutive hours is a better plan than McCain's.)

Feh. Who cares about congestion pricing?
I want to know where people stand on the Bloomberg plan for pushcart diversity.

CNN reporter faces drug charge after arrest in Central Park

"Richard Quest, 46, was arrested around 3:40 a.m. on a count of possession of a controlled substance — a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug. He was also charged with loitering; the park officially closes at 1 a.m.

Quest, who is British, is a correspondent for CNN International and is known for his reports on business travel. He hosts "CNN Business Traveler" and "Quest."

Quest's lawyer, Alan M. Abramson, said his client "did not realize the park had a curfew. He was returning to his hotel with friends."

http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=310170>1=7703

How is this a smear?

April 19, 2008
Gallup Daily: Clinton 46%, Obama 45%General election races remain tightUSA Election 2008 Gallup Daily Americas Northern America PRINCETON, NJ -- Gallup Poll Daily tracking shows that Hillary Clinton now receives 46% of the support of Democrats nationally, compared to 45% for Barack Obama, marking the first time Obama has not led in Gallup's daily tracking since March 18-20.

Toast:

"Obama is better at articulating that agenda in plain language.

warren, a point of view shared by 30% doing your math."

I beg to differ. Although 30% are backing Obama right now - almost 100% have acknowledged his oratory skills. (Even the Clinton campaign implictly acknowledged this in their attack: "words don't matter")

It seems that they now think that they "matter" an awful lot - especially when you catch someone with a quote that you can misconstrue...

9/11:

"i've spent the last week comparing their health care/insurance plans."

I have no doubt that HRC's plan looks better on paper. But that does NOT mean that it will (i) win the debate in the general, or (ii) be able to be passed over GOP resistance.

The Republicans will be attacking the Dems on heathcare by saying they are trying to get the government to manage healthcare. And since everyone agrees right now that the government is not good at much these days - why should it take over healthcare.

And the government mandates are a huge point against the Dems - at least with the GOP and some swing voters.

(The GOP will also say that the economy is in the shitter because of government spending. And if HRC was the nominee - they would argue that "Hillarycare" will break the bank - and instead - we should just allow the private market to take care of itself. Again, I don't buy this argument - but a lot of people believe in the "free market".)

I think Obama's plan focuses on what almost everyone agrees on - that healthcare should be more affordable and more accessible - immediately. I think such a bill - without mandates - can gain enough Republican support to get passed sooner rather than later.

And guess what. After we have that in place - and after heatlhcare has been substantially improved - if everyone realizes that mandates will make the system even better - and you can get enough GOP support behind mandates - than they can be passed in the future.

(Clinton's plans tend to be "everything all at once". Such "promises" sound great - but cannot be delivered on with the current partisan atmosphere in Washington - because many of her promises - including major ones such as healthcare and Iraq - are completely at odds with the Republican position. Which sounds like a recipe for further gridlock to me)

Warren, words matter a whole lot. But, when they're taken out of context, they reflect most unfavorably on the person misusing them.

"...She's not likely to be on the list of senators President Obama is going to look for to work with. ..."

Don't agree. HRC will be a major force in the Senate and the Democratic party for years to come - and any President will have to work with her.

time to take Lucy for a walk - it is beautiful in NYC!!

Have the Kennedys been active in the campaign lately?

Craig on C-SPAN
Sunday (4/20)
1:00-2:00 PM EST

Neat! No details in the schedule yet.

wont have to worry about Obama using Clinton.She will be our next pres.And if not her then McCain

besides the earlier states I posted that I don't think BO will win I will add Missouri and Kansas.Hillary won every district in Missouri except for St.Louis and KC.Obama won those because of the predominately AA vote there.Being A rep. stateI can't see him winning it
Ruth

m

Warren,

Every analyst who looks at the two health care plans agree on a few things. Hillary's is the best plan of all. Neither of the other two will work and they will both be more expensive than hers, Without the 100% mandatory compliance there is absolutely no hope of reducing costs.

Now you speak of the "government" running her plan. This means that you don't understand her plan since it isn't government run. You may need to go back and look at the details.

Why duel over health plans when both are going to be negotiated to the point where the original was just a touchstone from the we will get...

You guys KNOW Congress isn't going to let any of the three go buy without making a ton of changes......if the plans make it through that is.

AND they plan will not even get by until the end of the first term anyway.

Jamie:

"Without the 100% mandatory compliance there is absolutely no hope of reducing costs."

I am just pointing out that there is not yet a consensus on mandates even within the Democratic party - so how do you think the GOP feels about them?

I don't think mandates are so significant that a comprehensive plan without them would be a failure. And I also think that a plan without them will be implemented sooner. And like I said - if it turns out that we need mandates - we can push for those separately instead of holding up the whole reform. (And mandates will allow the GOP to "politicize" the issue - just like immigration.)

(And just because Edwards announced first - does not mean it is his plan. All of the candidates are working with experts that share similar views - and each of their "plans" try to do two things - make healthcare cheaper and more accesible.)

Don't be fooled by the "false confidence" the GOP is mustering for the general election. They are still in trouble - no matter how long the Democratic race lasts:

http://www.latimes.com/news/columnists/la-oe-brooks10apr10,1,4141643.column

I just wish that everyone would stop referring to what's happening in Iraq as a War.

Congress did not issue a Declaration Of War and therefore it is not a War.

What it was and is was a Illegal Invasion of a Sovereign Nation which Der Fuhrer Adolph Bush declared Mission Accomplished for on a Naval Ship.

We now have an Illegal Occupation of a Sovereign Nation by an invading force, namely us.

So please stop saying we are at War.

We will soon be though in a War with Iran and once again its all about Oil and Natural Resources and it too will be Illegal.

This too will be a War Crime when it happens.

Well I see my deodorant must not be working today.

anon-p:

I agree. But for a different reason. I think the war was to topple an evil dictator by defeating his army and disbanding his government. Mission Accomplished.

We are now in the "nation building" phase. Something Bush promised he would never do when he ran for election in 2000. (That was the GOP's argument against humanitarian intervention.)

Warren,

Check every universal medical system in the whole of the developed world. You know, those countries that actually take care of the health of their citizens without the corrupting influence of the massive drug and insurance cartels bleeding the country dry ...

The Clinton plan is the ONLY one that comes close. Anything else is doomed to failure and one that is even more expensive than the failure we already have.

Obama vs McCain
http://www.electora l-vote.com/ evp2008/Obama/ Maps/Apr19. html

Clinton vs McCain
http://www.electora l-vote.com/ evp2008/Clinton/ Maps/Apr19. html

warren...

I disagree with you. He was given the authority to use military force to implement the UN Security Councils Resolutions.

Not a Declaration of War by Congress to Illegally invade a Sovereign Nation.

why wouldn't the plural of "bus" be "bi" ?

octopus.......octopi omnibus omnibi........

oh....and I suppose it could be found, but Cbob came by one day quite some time back for one post which read:

"Who loved ya, C-listers?"

he may have said "crawdads" but I seem to remember C-listers......

I took that to be the big sign off at the time and have seen nothing to scramble that.......

Thanks Sturg,

I will file that one in my heart.

John Edwards was absolutely AWESOME on Colbert's show........

Hmmm.......I wonder...............Gore/Edwards......08

John Edwards was absolutely AWESOME on Colbert's show........

Hmmm.......I wonder...............Gore/Edwards......08

Ha ha ha ha
that's the kind of stuff I get in E-mail after E-mail from my goofy ultra-rightwing friend.........I should show you some of them.....except with him obama is included in the ridicule......

v

April 22 is also earth day...here's a personal footprint quiz...it's short

http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index_reset.asp?pid=3687860377438502

~ carry on

I was responding to the moonie comment. Your snark volume is turned down today.

" We now have an Illegal Occupation of a Sovereign Nation by an invading force, namely us. " posted by anon-paranoid

I agree with your statement on the term " war "

Internet mobs can virtually haul one away.......

The Modern Hiawatha

He killed the noble Mudjokivis.
Of the skin he made him mittens,
Made them with the fur side inside,
Made them with the skin side outside.
He, to get the warm side inside,
Put the inside skin side outside.
He, to get the cold side outside,
Put the warm side fur side inside.
That's why he put the fur side inside,
Why he put the skin side outside,
Why he turned them inside outside.

-- George A. Strong

Okay

I was referring to the fact that any halfway measure would fail or be more horrendously expensive than what we have now. Hers is the only complete one up for consideration at the moment. That doesn't mean that someone else couldn't propose it, but Obama claiming that his will work is a complete lie and the people fact checking his commercial have said so.

Now if he wins and proposes hers or the Edwards plan, that stands a chance of working, but not while he is in denial. That and I don't like him lying about her plan, but that is in line with his other snide remarks. At least one news person got the "brush off" reference.

Sorry, Sen. Obama doesn't deserve to be president, but then neither did GWB and we got stuck with him anyway.

Sorry, Sen. Obama doesn't deserve to be president, but then neither did GWB and we got stuck with him anyway.

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | April 19, 2008 9:33 PM

Does Sen. Clinton deserve to be president?

Watching Russert. The bluster is gone. Todd and Gregory are his toadies this week. They're doing a fairly decent job of dissecting the dynamics of the shifting popularity occurring over the past week.

I agree with that. But, Todd swings towards Obama.

I like Gregory--the kind of guy I'd like to hang out with.

There should be corollarys to Godwin's Law for the people who accuses others of the what they are doing and who contradict themselves from thread to thread,
They should be forced to read all of their own comments..

Senator Casey explains Senator Obama's position on the DC gun ban

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/19/205429/434

No matter, I still like Gregory--I think he knows how to have fun.

Oh, and I'd never tell my wife to whom and how much I contribute; it would simply validate her opinion as to my sanity.

Beth Wilkinson => $2300 (fan)
David Gregory => $2300 ( non-fan?)

Gregory 's program I will only watch if Joe is on....Gregory just doesn't have what keeps me watching him..

Yes

G-man,
I thought youd be liking the beast!

All of Cindy McCain's recipes are stolen from the internet. All of John McCain's ideas are stolen from the Repub Play Book.

tt

It's probably not going to change any minds, but here is an article from the Arkansas Gazette entitled "Obama's Remarks Feed Class Resentment"

by Gene Lyons

http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/222937/print/

http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/222937/

And good morning to all...

OMG this is funny from JibJab
http://www.jibjab.com/view/230851

good morning EuroTom

Thank you for the link to the Gene Lyons story. I have liked him for years, especially when he and Joe Conason exposed the operatives who wanted to destroy the Clintons through their book The Hunting of the President - http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-President-Ten-Year-Campaign-Destroy/dp/0312273193 - an excellent book.

It appears, though, that he has now moved from being a Clinton supporter to a Clinton apologist with this column. I an surprised and a bit disappointed with his zealotry. The Clintons should be pleased with his obviously unfettered defense.

NEW THREAD !!!!!