Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

I'm truly surprised that Brian isn't a Clinton supporter. If there is anything this country needs it is informed commitment to agreed upon goals. She has shown the skill of achieving agreement through force of intellect rather than the brutism that has characterized the Bush-Cheney Administration.

I agree with Jamie that Mr Obama has many distinctive qualities. His ability to marshal support for positions that are not fully defined testifies to his ability to gain willing followers.

Mushroom, Tomato and Basil Frittata

4 – 5 large eggs
3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 medium tomatoes, seeded & diced
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1/2 c sliced mushrooms

Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. In a non-stick, oven-proof frying pan, sauté onion in oil for 5 minutes. Add tomato and basil and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms and cook until most water is removed. While still on heat, add egg mixture and cook until about half set. Remove pan from heat and place into oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Check center. Do not overbake.

Serves 6

I hope you all know that it's 7:30 Sunday evening here, so I have to be good for only about 11 more hours.

Patsi, your recipe reminds me of one that we used to do when the kids were at home. It was a stove top version consisting of a basic white sauce with tomatoes and basil added along with salt, pepper and, in our household, some cayenne and perhaps a little soy sauce. In this concoction we would poach half a dozen eggs until done. We served it atop toasted bread.

If I still ate eggs and white sauces, I would probably try it again.

"In this concoction we would poach half a dozen eggs until done. We served it atop toasted bread."

Excellent! Eggs, cheese, white sauce.....I'm not sure my body would work without 'em! Although these days too much grease makes me mildly ill!

Flatus -- Your poached eggs in sauce concoction might be pretty good with some chopped spinach in the sauce, as well.....maybe remove a portion of the cream sauce, add spinach and a little cheese to that, then poach the eggs and serve over toast -- then pour the spinach/cheese mixture over the top.....that ought to be about as rich as possible!

How about leaf spinach with thinly sliced onions tossed with extra virgin olive oil served as an accompaniment?

Maybe add some croutons as well.

Jamie and Brian--

Kudos to both of you. I don't think it's easy to point out positive attributes of the opposing side. You have done it beautifully and have given me something to think about today. Bless you both.

Thank you, Craig.

Sounds good! When I was a kid we used to have just plain old creamed eggs on toast. Cream the eggs and top with some of the yolks, mashed. Add some paprika to the top.(Perfect for right after Easter.....)

And the mother (father?) of all similar recipes is the classic SOS enjoyed by GIs for generations. I used to have the recipe for a company of 200 hungry soldiers. Hmm, when I get back home...

"Are you aware that the word Frittata implies that it is something containing eggs and other goodies cooked on top of a fire (or heat source)."

No, Nick -- I guess I never thought about it. Cool to know! In fact, now that I think about it, for some reason, I guess I equated the word with the use of fresh tomatoes. I have no idea why!

Jamie, I'm glad it was you Craig asked to offer the things you admired about Obama, because, at this moment, I don't think I could do it. By the way, I agree with most of what you wrote.

Thanks, Craig, for reminding us loyal Trail Mix bloggers that we can disagree, but still respect each other.

Happy Springtime Sunday of Love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejEVczA8PLU

Way to go, both Jamie and Brian. Hats off.

Brian gave a compelling arguement for voting for Hillary Clinton.Group hug for Brian ((((((()))))).Although Jamie's facts are all true,They aren't strong enough for electing a president.Maybe in a few years when we are able to see if he is the man we can trust and we can see some accomplishments he can do while he is in Senate,then he could try again.
Ruth

Craig,

Remember when we used to do the fluffy news and scandal report when things got a bit heated? Did you know that QEII's eldest grandson got married and sold the story of the wedding to OK magazine for a million dollars?

http://www6.comcast.net/articles/news-world-europe/20080517/Britain.Royal.Wedding/

May I add that he could be vp and given more responsibility where he could show his abilities rather than stay in Senate as I previously stated.After all in today's world with everything a president has to do some help at the top would go a long way in getting things done .And I don't mean help Like Cheney.He is a disaster.But an agreement could be made beforehand laying out just what those responsibilities would be.And they need to be substantial.In today's world the vp needs to have more power with the POTUS having final word.
Ruth

BLESSED are the peacemakers...

And Brian although I said I would not vote for Obama even if Hillary were on the ticket I would reconsider if he gave her the same deal I would want her to give him.After all when this country was founded we only had 13 states and a very small population.One person could do it all.But look at the size of government today.The VP has to be more than a figurehead.
Ruth

Painter: you drew exactly the conclusion Jamie intended. You have confirmed your reasoning ability.

Brian: a special thank you to you for observing Craig's guidelines and for your generous spirit in analyzing Mrs. Clinton's strengths, which are considerable.

Jamie's was so backhanded I would have handed it back for a redo.

I think this exercise said more about the character of the respondents than the candidates themselves.

2 hours and 44 min.

LOL
Truce over
Good work , Dog

Great personal attack by the first Obama supporter.

LOL

Jack
Jack

Dog's Eye view.
I agree with you that Brian gave substantial and good reasons for voting for Clinton and Jamie did not.Maybe she just couldn't or wouldn't give us anything that would convince us to vote for Obama.You are right she needs to do a redo.Or Craig needs to find a different Clinton supporter to try it.But maybe what Jamie wrote is all that Obama has going for him.,Because I can't think of anything better than what she wrote.
Ruth

Jamie and Brian, BRAVO!!

You two should be professional columnists!

Jamie, I like the way you were able to justify your compliments. I could have never done it. But you made even me look on the bright side of things.

And Brian, thank you for being so sincere.

Arugula and Fennel Salad
Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

1 large fennel bulb
1/2 red onion
1 bunch arugula
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small piece Parmigiano-Reggiano

Trim the fennel bulb and reserve the fronds. Cut the bulb in half and remove the tough inner core. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin cut the fennel into very thin slices and put them into a large bowl. Cut the onion into very thin slices and add them to the bowl. Add the arugula to the bowl and give it a good toss. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice, season it with salt and pepper, and toss it again to coat all the ingredients; put the salad onto a large platter. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin pieces of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and scatter them over the salad. Garnish with the reserved fennel fronds.

No Jack -- knew someone would say that, but did not think it would be you.

There is a significant difference in how the commenters approached their assignment from Craig. One of them succeeded.

Can you see that?

I am not an attack dog, but have always believed in fair play and did not see it here.

Gently,
dog

Jamie and Brian,
Two beautiful people!

Hillary could have used Brian on her side. What a boost it would have been.

Jamie, I glad you weren't.

Thanks you two!

Jack,
After I reread what Dog wrote I have to agree that the last sentence was kinda snarky
Ruth

gently dog

who appointed you referee?
The goal was "three things you admire most" not to be a campaign ad.
and speaking of not observing the rules
you should ban yourself

you think you are fair but you are an advocate for a side and not capable of that kind of judgement

so suck it up and recognize you own role in the problems

And one more in honor of the preordained nominee:

Grilled Fig and Arugula Salad

8 large black mission figs or 12 smaller green figs
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for brushing figs
1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 lb. arugula
1/2 lb. ricotta salata, grated
1/4 lb. proscuitto, julienned

1. Rinse and trim stem end of figs and split lengthwise.

2. Whisk olive oil into 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Toss arugula with vinaigrette.

3. Lightly brush figs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or broil figs one minute on each side. Remove figs from heat and toss with remaining 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar.

4. Place figs on a bed of greens then sprinkle with cheese and Proscuitto and serve.

Jamie, I glad you weren't. Jamie I meant I'm glad you weren't on obama's side. The meaning was clear the way I said it.

Hey gang

I actually agree with Dog. Mine was the first in and done off the top of my head as being the best I could say about him as a Presidential candidate. I was genuinely surprised at the generosity of Brian's response and I will try to come up with some more positives about Sen. Obama.

Now am I allowed to pick on Timmy? As much as I love Sen. Webb, there doesn't seem to be even one woman on MTP. Have we scared him or was McCaskill overbooked?

Dog and Painter and all.....

Jamie did speak to his strong points well mostly. On the race issue, we are not now starting, we have come a long way and it is problematic and destructive to keep going back 50 years. For BHO to make the white house says we arrived at another point, however racist is an individuals disease.

And agree that not much fact can be said about BHO as he is a green banana... This is a term used in industry !!

no women on any of the Sunday crapfests

ABC's "This Week" - Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio.

CBS' "Face the Nation" - Gov. Charlie Crist, R-Fla.; Republican strategist Ed Rollins; former Govs. Mario Cuomo, D-N.Y., and Roy Romer, D-Colo.

NBC's "Meet the Press" - Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va.; former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark.; Republican strategist Mike Murphy; Democratic strategist Bob Shrum.

CNN's "Late Edition" - Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez; former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss.

"Fox News Sunday" - Sens. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn.; Rick Dutrow Jr., trainer of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown.

Why BHO - IF he can bring all of our society to work for the good and contribute as able. This would be awesome. As Jamie stated he has the talents.
He must overcome his extreme liberal positions and core issues make a huge shift - which one of his strengths is what.... it is CHANGE.. so BHO use this CHANGE to find DIRECTION and STABILITY.

Painter: you drew exactly the conclusion Jamie intended. dog

I don't think Jamie intended any conclusion. I think she said it perfectly. She speaks the truth.

There's my Jamie back!! I am almost ready to cry because it's the wonderful and intelligent friend I have been missing for months.

Thank you, Jamie. I look forward to seeing your post, when you've had some time to prepare. Am sure it will be well worth the read.

Will be several miles down the road when do see it! Driving the Land of Enchantment today with the remarkable Chef Sheila; we're in Santa Rosa NM bound for points north and west.

Hugs and kisses from Sheila. She misses you so much too and with that repost you have just proven how eloquent and equal you are in your person. (Direct quote from Sheila, who is so excited at the better turn of the blog.)

I am SICK of seeing Hucksterbee everywhere.....his comments at the NRA didn't surprise. After all, his son is a serial killer in search of a dog.

anyone watching the Sun. Shows?
I may watch George S. but have given up watching Russett and Mathiews.
Ruth

"There's my Jamie back!! I am almost ready to cry because it's the wonderful and intelligent friend I have been missing for months."

ROFL!!!!!!!!! Shape up, Jamie! Start supporting the right candidate so you, too, can be wonderful and intelligent.

I gotta go. It's too deep in here.

Posted by: dog's eye view | May 18, 2008 9:18 AM

what a patronizing load of crap

Watching the morning shows, I saw Sen. Obama's response to the White House about the war and Iran. He did an excellent job. No histrionics, just a straight forward statement of policy laying out differences between himself and George Bush.

Dog and Sheila
Enjoy your trip.Glad to see you and Jamie being so lovable
Ruth

Just curious.
Are dogs eyes view and Sheila the same person!

Sweetness and light folks ... it's only 24 hours. You can stand it. I'm not changing my vote, just trying to be gracious.

I have to compliment Obama on his ability to con millions on Americans.

o

No Dog and Sheila are not the same person. They are both long time regulars. Of late we have had a major falling out because of our differences over the election.

Sweetness and light folks ... it's only 24 hours. You can stand it. I'm not changing my vote, just trying to be gracious.

Posted by: Jamie | May 18, 2008 9:32 AM

......All we ever wanted Jamie.

Painter, thanks much!

o....whoever you are, we are two people

Boy it's getting mean in here already.That truce didn't work.Some of you couldn't even come up with a positive remark so they gave recipes.How can there be hope for the country when people on this blog can not be civil for just one day.And a Sunday,no less.
Ruth

save it for tomorrow, Gordo. this is group therapy day.

Of late we have had a major falling out because of our differences over the election. Jamie

Yes Jamie. But I thought today was no personal attacks.

Jamie
While the critique on your post was skating the rules.
(BTW, I was trying to come up with a polite way to point out my problems with you comment, too.)

It was the comment about character that was a personal attack and against the rules. IMNSHO
lol
She just couldn't resist.

I expected Patsi to be the first one to yield to temptation.
lol
Some of her salads are close.

Oh, before someone points it out , my two posts are also outside the rules.

Rules?
We don't need no Stinkin Rules!!!

Jack

o WTF etc.

Benefit of a doubt time. We are in a truce and cease fire. There are bound to be a few sporadic shots going off from the trenches .. try not to shoot back.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/topic/?topic=Election_2008

Is there a GOP path to victory?
Schwarzenegger thinks the GOP should be more like him.

save it for tomorrow, Gordo. this is group therapy day.'"
Posted by: Craig Crawford

Therapy is hard! It's hard to talk when you're afraid it won't come out nice.

Brian, that was beautiful; and Jamie, yours is a solid foundation for your redo. Thank you both.
Towards more summer love, I offer a sincere apology for abetting the rat gate scandal and seek forgiveness from all the good crawdads and fellow rodents I may have offended.
Hillary yesterday was at Maker's Mark distillary on a perfect sunspeckled rolling bluegrass hills KY day speaking to a much larger than expected crowd. There was sweet smell of KY bourbon blended with bar-b-que and old fashioned politickin.

"Some of her salads are close."

Ha! Close but no cigar, Jack.....

My husband who I consider a bigot and a chauvinist prefers Hillary because he thinks she is more capable.Although he doesn't think Obama is capable will vote for him because he can never see himself voting for a Republican.He would have rather had Biden,as he doesn't like the fact that he only has the choice between a woman or an AA.He would rather have neither.

Now I would like to see a grass roots effort to start a write in campaign for Hillary.We could start from this blog.If all the Hiilary supporters here, would e-mail all on their lists and they add please forward to all on your lists it could snowball.Now I would have a hard time convinving my husband to do this because he can't handle the challenge of a write in.He is not open to new ideas.

And if someone with money would take out tv spots explaining how to do a write in and flood the airwaves we could finally break the hold the two party system has on this country.It is not impossible.And if it hit the air even my husband could be persuaded,maybe.

After all Clinton has gotten over 16 million votes.And that is only primary voters which are smaller than the GE

Ruth

Now I did write a nasty note to terrible Timmy. Talk about no girls allowed in the all boy's club of Meet The Press. All that testosterone laden back slapping was pretty awful.

Hillary yesterday was at Maker's Mark distillary on a perfect sunspeckled rolling bluegrass hills KY day speaking to a much larger than expected crowd. There was sweet smell of KY bourbon blended with bar-b-que and old fashioned politickin.
Posted by: patd

pat, You make that sound so wonderful. I would love to visit Kentucky And truly wish I had been there. How was the response to Hillary from the crowd. We rarely see her on TV
any more.

There is a great deal of news in the world. Fortunately Britain will allow us to know what is happening so we don't miss out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

"We have to be the agents of change."

---John Boehner

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

"I've had my differences with Pres Bush......like the Farm Bill in 2002 for instance........."

---John Boehner

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Good Morning Peeps! It's a beautiful day on the Eastern Shore, and I have just enough WiFi to follow along with Craig's SOL Challenge. I like what both Jamie and Brian said about the two prospective nominees. Jamie -- you did a far better job than I could do at this point. Guess I'm not feeling the Obama-let's-all-heal-and-unify-love yet. I'm at family gathering and even my own family is divided. Needless to say things are tense, like the campaign is the 800 pound gorilla in the room and we are all stepping around it. We really don't want to destroy the bride's special day with pitched political combat.

Special TY to Brian for acknowledging that there are still TWO candidates for the DEM nomination. Flatus -- I've been reading about your trip to Korea in the previous threads. I haven't picked up on the full story, but good to see that Stinky is able to be with her family members. Patsi -- I love how you post a recipe at just the right time. I was wondering when the recipes would come out on this list again. if you can't say something nice, why not post a recipe? In that vein, here are mine:

Obama Bomb

2 Parts Blavod Vodka
1 Part Red Bull
1 Part Cranberry Juice

Fill a Highball Glass with crushed ice, pour in Cranberry and Red Bull. Float Blavod Vodka on top. Garnish with a green apple fan.

Clinton Cocktail

2 parts Kentucky Bourbon
1 Part Triple Sec
2 Part Florida Orange Juice
Dash of Bitters

Combine all ingredients in ice-filled shaker, shake well.
Pour into old-fashioned glass that is half-filled with ice. Garnish with a Michigan maraschino cherry.

sturgeone's recipe for Wild Turkey and water:

Drink the wild turkey......pour the water on the houseplant.

Craig,

Do you know anything about a lockdown at the Secret Service building last night on 17th St? We had to wait about three hours to get our car because it was parked across the street from there.

The story my ex got from some news crew was, some guy left his car running outside the building, and that created the stir.

Also, congrats to Jamie and Brian. I've got to give Brian a higher grade for staying on the high road while Jamie chose to temper her praise, but both did a good job.

Off to graduation.

EdVB

i would love to see one full day tomorrow without anyone hurling personal insults at another. Insult the candidates if you must, but just try a day without demeaning each other.
Or not. It's really just a suggestion."
Posted by: Craig Crawford (quoted from yesterday)

"We have to be the agents of change."
---John Boehner

Never an original thought has come out of Obams's mouth.
I feel I can say this because of what Craig said yesterday.(above). If I am wrong to have said it, please let me know, and I will obide by the rules.

For my part in today’s exercise, here are 3 things I like about each candidate . . .

Obama: 1) Tremendous composure and patience under fire, a truly presidential quality; 2) Open-minded intellect, a major asset for building coalitions; 3) Inspiration, a unique life story and background that gives hope to society’s disenfranchised.

Clinton: 1) Intense focus, the hallmark of a get-things-done president; 2) Sense of humor, an appealing trait that she too often downplays; 3) Policy expertise, important for maximizing control of your own administration.

McCain: 1) Authenticity, a down-to-earth manner that builds trust; 2) Resolve, a determination to prevail despite the odds -- his comeback in this campaign is one for the history books; 3) Spontaneity, a disarming artlessness to his ways that wins support.

Wheeeeee

Your socky baby looooooooves you

Group hug
Group hug

Lets sing the Barney song

Wheeeeeeeeee

"I love you, you love me"

Come on everybody

Join hands and sing along with Barney

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZivl5iKCo

Love, love, love,

kiss, kiss, kiss

Hug, hug, hug

Wheeeeeeeeee

There alls better now

Lets beat up on them nassssty Republicans.

My compliments to Brian & Jamie.

Brian, quite possibly could have been a Clinton supporter at a different time & place, he provided a completely unexpected assessment that I suspect many would not have imagined he would.

Jamie offered solid examples of Obama's strengths,
tempered by her personal opinion as to why those may
not be persuasive to her, and still concluded that he
possessed qualities that would serve him well in
the future.

Wow, Craig even took this one step further. He also included McCain. That add's all kinds of possibilities. Love it!

Don't everyone be too hard on Jamie. Look, she and other Clinton advocates have to know that this thing is winding down, unless something completely unexpected happens. And Obama supporters could allow the Clinton folks a bit more space to vent as they move through the stages of grief. It is, after all, much easier to be totally positive when you're winning. But given that, Brian went beyond the call to offer a sincere effort at healing. Thanks to both for taking this seriously.

k

I really enjoyed both comment from Jamie and Brian. I actually, thought, "Wow, those were good. "

I wasn't reading them with the mind set to tear them apart, but rather reading them to find the good. And finding the good in people (candidates), you do not care for can be quite a challenge.

When we approach intent of message without preconceived prejudices, I believe we allow possible understanding of points without getting bogged down in meaningless minutia. (as does the MSM)

I like this Summer of Love, it's a "good thing"
Well done!

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.'

My contribution to SOL will be to only post Bible verses all day. That little gem from Luke, Ch6 seemed to be perfect for the current mood.

Don't worry, Brian and Max...I'll be shopping the Old Testament too. And for you GORDO, I'll look for some nuggets from the Book of Revelation.

Well , 90 minutes of watching Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz has already made this day a good one. Viva Bandidas!

Great job, Jamie and Brian. I was impressed by the strength and graciouness of your words. Brian, you in particular amazed me. I've long suspected that there is far more depth and complexity to you than what you usually permit us to see with the witty one liners you so often toss out. Thanks for giving me a knew perspective.
Mary

Jamie and Brian

Excellent job.

Sturge: Your 10:21 post was priceless, made me laugh out loud..

Julie

For Corey, now that the movie's over:

"Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids."
Proverbs 6:25

Jamie and Brian

Excellent job.

Sturge: Your 10:21 post was priceless, made me laugh out loud..

Julie

Now what do I admire about BHO:
1. Great smile, dresses well, good posture
2. He is married to a intelligent strong woman, which I see as a huge plus.
3. Barack is a successful. He sets goals and achieves positive results. He has a "winning" persona, which requires intense personal drive.
4. Barack was able to envision a path and follow it, that all others thought not possible. Not many people can do that, that in of itself, is pretty amazing.

Enjoy your day,
peace~

Some music for today:

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

good morning gang....

Jamie and Brian..... great job!...
and let me say thank you to Brian for being so gracious in his remarks about Clinton..... I too am surprised by it.....

sturg & Alicia.... LOVED the cocktails suggestions...... LOL!

sorry about this Pogo..... but...... GO CELTICS!

" as they move through the stages of grief. It is, after all, much easier to be totally positive when you're winning. But given that, Brian went beyond the call to offer a sincere effort at healing. Thanks to both for taking this seriously."

I took it very seriously. But Craig, you've missed the point. The talk of "healing" is almost a root metaphor, based on the belief that the injured can always be repaired and they will get over whatever caused that wound.

What you see are people who believe the "system" was wounded -- rigged (certainly not by Obama, but well used by him) and a HUGE amount of sexism allowed, even condoned by the powers that be in the Democratic party.

I don't know what the implications are, ie, will vast numbers of Hillary's supporters vote for Obama? But I do know, that a great number of women have changed their gut level opinion of the Democratic power structure. You don't "heal" that. You just understand it's very, very real.

It's a shame that a special day has to be designated for a moratorium on insulting other posters.............that's my sunday thought.

The civil war going on between the elite DNC and old DLC-Clinton political supporters is reflected in the passions on this thread. The DNC and Obama based their primary strategy on voter disenfranchisement and the Clinton supporters got the message. The thunderous roar heard is millions of women, working class, and senior citizens defecting.

The frustration being played out here is that our founding fathers had the insight to build a system where every vote should count. However, the proportional delegate system adopted by the DNC flies in the face of that one vote..one delegate. The continued disenfranchisment of FLA and MI just adds to our sense the primary has not been a fair contest and Obama has been advantaged by the power of the DNC .

The question that Craig asked.. Can this disenfranchisement be healed? We shall see..

As I've said before.. we know when they spit on our shoes and tell us it's raining...

"It is not over" Posted by: nick

Thanks Nick.

The DNC and Obama based their primary strategy on voter disenfranchisement and the Clinton supporters got the message. The thunderous roar heard is millions of women, working class, and senior citizens defecting." BOWWOW44

Amen

'And on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bear twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.'
Revelation 22:2

LL , Regarding eyes and Salma and Penelope...

"If you could see you (Through my eyes) you'd see someone beautiful on the inside and outside." - Kenny Lattimore

"Then certain of the people were so forward herein...whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen."
Maccabees 1: 13-14

(That means I'm headed out to the Y for a couple hours. Will catch all you summer of lovebirds later this afternoon)

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

Beatles : All you need is Love

Agree with most that both did an excellent job. Being for the O man, I have to give the nod to Brian, who I think nailed it. Jamie hedged on a couple of her points, but no doubt was true to her beliefs and feelings.

However, I'm sure not one to criticize. Extemporaneous writing and speaking has to be one of the most difficult tasks. I struggle with participating here.

Great job you two! And to Craig, for the inspiration.

From Craig- "For my part in today’s exercise, here are 3 things I like about each candidate . . .

Obama: 1) Tremendous composure and patience under fire, a truly presidential quality; 2) Open-minded intellect, a major asset for building coalitions; 3) Inspiration, a unique life story and background that gives hope to society’s disenfranchised.

Clinton: 1) Intense focus, the hallmark of a get-things-done president; 2) Sense of humor, an appealing trait that she too often downplays; 3) Policy expertise, important for maximizing control of your own administration.

McCain: 1) Authenticity, a down-to-earth manner that builds trust; 2) Resolve, a determination to prevail despite the odds -- his comeback in this campaign is one for the history books; 3) Spontaneity, a disarming artlessness to his ways that wins support."

Those are all the qualities I'd use to describe Jeb Bush!!! Well maybe we'd have to get rid of the background that gives hope to the disenfranchised but his background is definately unique. ; )

Nick and Meg, i said what i said, not what you're reading into it -- i didn't say "it's over," i said it is winding down unless something completely unexpected happens. and in politics the unexpected is never impossible. that seems to me an accurate and fair assesment of the reality of this race.

What's Love Got To Do With It , TINA TURNER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eu3WIXuzmo

Craig,

Another aspect of the race is that a great number of buttons are being pushed that have nothing to do with the candidates themselves. They have been put in the position of being archetypes carrying a lot of emotional baggage for their respect groups.

Can you imagine a young woman today being told, "It's a shame you are not a boy, you could have been anything you wanted to be.". Fast forward 40 years and in many eyes seeing a very capable woman though she is part of a political machine with some questions attached being forced aside in order to favor a man that they see as being less experienced. How do you desert her even if you like the man more?

You are someone who marched in Selma, had hot coffee dumped on you at a lunch counter, saw children being blasted down a street by fire hoses. Fast forward 40 years and see a young vibrant contender who may be a little green with some questions about associations. How do you desert him even if you like the woman more?

Top all that off we a great deal of game playing by both political party and media. You are going to get an explosive situation that could erupt violently at any time.

For whichever side loses this Dem race, the Kübler-Ross stages of grief might be helpful, unless you have no intention of accepting the nomination winner (a valid choice as well):

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

If you missed Face the Nation, try to catch a rerun or podcast. Bob Schieffer was a twit and Mario Cuomo was brilliant as always.

Can we go back, start over, and nominate Mario?

"The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way."
Henry David Thoreau

Craig,

If you don't mind I'll avoid that scale considering that my son does the whole "bargaining" routine from All That Jazz every year for my birthday. : )

Take HER ... She's Old, I'm Weaned.

Yes, we have very weird family jokes.

But Craig.....what you are seeing is not really grief. It's that many of us saw clearly through a window that had previously been muddied. It has a lot to do with how we view the party and its primary process (an undemocratic clusterf&&k no matter which one would have won)...not to mention its silent approval of palpable sexist commentary that very well may have affected the outcome. This is very different than, say, Howard Dean and John Kerry.

"If you are part of a society that votes, then do so. There may be no candidates and no measures you want to vote for ... but there are certain to be ones you want to vote against. In case of doubt, vote against. By this rule you will rarely go wrong."

Robert Heinlein

As a New Yorker and staunch Clinton supporter, here is a plan I can wholeheartedly endorse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/opinion/18bass.html?th&emc=th

Jamie, you validate what I feel so beautifully.
This truly is good "Therapy."
There are so many times you articulate what I'm feeling in a way that I could not do. And for that I thank you.

And Craig, I assure you I didn't see in your post any more than there was. I saw what you meant and I respected it. Nick said:: "It is not over" and for that I thanked him.

Communication is hard work. But you guys all really inspire me so much. Thanks.

"It has a lot to do with how we view the party and its primary process (an undemocratic clusterf&&k no matter which one would have won)..."

Patsi really nailed it with this one. Craig, you mentioned the possibility of legal action once this barf fest of a primary season has ended. Tell us as much as you can when you can. Do you think some of this will be confronted by delegates at the convention or will it be for member of the DNC to try to clean up later?

"If you are part of a society that votes, then do so"

Let me give a local perspective
When I worked with the local block clubs and neighborhood associations I found out.
The powers that be may not know how you vote but they do know you do vote.

so go vote even if all you do is spoil a ballot.
Then when you raise hell as a voter, they know it to be true.

Jack

To o...and all who keep bringing this up...

"Just curious.
Are dogs eyes view and Sheila the same person!"

I know both of them. No, they are not the same person. But, if you were capable of "hearing" a person's voice when you read what they write, you would already know that. Each of us writes with a very distinct style, one that is nearly impossible to mask. I would venture to bet you that I can recognize almost nearly everyone on this list who has attempted anonymous posting...that is, if they've been on the list long enough for me to become familiar with their "voice".

One positive thing about Senator Clinton is that she has been willing, on occasion, to take on the hypocrisy of the current administration. For instance, when Mr. Bush publicly pledged a specific amount of aid to New York after 9/11 and then privately attempted to renege on his promise, making just half the amount available, Senator Clinton (and Senator Schumer) pushed back, and Mr. Bush was forced to honor his commitment.

Unfortunately, even when Senator Clinton is correct, the media often positions her attacks as a family vs. family, Bush vs. Clinton, sour grapes kind of attack, and segments of the public buy into this perception, whether or not it is fair.

So Senator Clinton, because of her former position as First Lady, is damned if she does do the correct thing (attacking Mr. Bush's zany policies) and damned if she doesn't (supporting war-mongering Mr. Bush's Iraq policy).

LULAC sued Texas Democratic Party over primary delegates

05/09/2008

By MICHELLE ROBERTS / Associated Press

The Texas Democratic Party was sued Friday by Latino advocacy groups that contend the complicated primary and caucus system used in the March 4 presidential primary unfairly diluted Latino votes.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D90ICDA02.html

One positive thing about Senator Clinton is that she has been willing, on occasion, to take on the hypocrisy of the current administration. For instance, when Mr. Bush publicly pledged a specific amount of aid to New York after 9/11 and then privately attempted to renege on his promise, making just half the amount available, Senator Clinton (and Senator Schumer) pushed back, and Mr. Bush was forced to honor his commitment.

Unfortunately, even when Senator Clinton is correct, the media often positions her attacks as a family vs. family, Bush vs. Clinton, sour grapes kind of attack, and segments of the public buy into this perception, whether or not it is fair.

So Senator Clinton, because of her former position as First Lady, is damned if she does do the correct thing (attacking Mr. Bush's zany policies) and damned if she doesn't (supporting war-mongering Mr. Bush's Iraq policy).

Senator Edwards (my original choice) has praised both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama, but his judgment, which I respect, is that only Senator Obama can be a clear change agent; Senator Clinton has too much baggage that portions of the electorate cannot or will not ignore.

To o...and all who keep bringing this up...

"Just curious.
Are dogs eyes view and Sheila the same person!"

I know both of them. No, they are not the same person. But, if you were capable of "hearing" a person's voice when you read what they write, you would already know that. Each of us writes with a very distinct style, one that is nearly impossible to mask. I would venture to bet you that I can recognize almost nearly everyone on this list who has attempted anonymous posting...that is, if they've been on the list long enough for me to become familiar with their "voice".

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/05/the-summer-of-love-challenge.html#comment-84388

NIck, i am not telling you how to feel. I noted that refusal to accept the winner is also a valid choice. But as one who worked in my share of losing campaigns (decades ago, ugh), i always found those stages of grief as helpful in politics as they are in personal loss. Please don't mistake my empathy as arrogance.

we are people and we know and will remember the loathing displayed and the foulmouthed invectives hurled at Hillary Clinton and towards those who either support her or voiced discomfort with the way she has been treated and pleaded for fair play." Posted by: nick

What Nick has voiced is what the media, the DNC, and the Obama campaign don't seem to understand. They think all will be forgotten and we will all just come along for the good of the party now. They have no idea how deep these wounds are.

Craig's thoughts on today's SOL bear repeating for me...

"Don't everyone be too hard on Jamie. Look, she and other Clinton advocates have to know that this thing is winding down, unless something completely unexpected happens. And Obama supporters could allow the Clinton folks a bit more space to vent as they move through the stages of grief. It is, after all, much easier to be totally positive when you're winning. But given that, Brian went beyond the call to offer a sincere effort at healing. Thanks to both for taking this seriously."

What attracts me to Craig's comments are his thoughts about how difficult it is to let go when it appears that your chosen candidate will not make it to the nomination. The more hateful the comments from other bloggers, about either the candidate or you personally, the more difficult it is to forgive the other blogger and move on.

top of the day peeps

nannymm

Presuming that he is the nominee (never say never), I think that in exchange for their full support and enthusiastic campaign skills, Barack Obama should give the Clintons anything they want that wouldn't diminish his power structure.

Former Pres. Clinton has a well established international role. Put it to use in the UN as a world wide emissary of some sort.

Sen. Clinton may want something other than being VP. That would simply be the easiest way to unify their various factions, but if she made it clear that there was something else she desired, then that would be accepted. I think she would make a wonderful Supreme Court Justice, but she might want something more legislative or activists.

For all we know, they both might want a long European vacation as ambassadors to the Court of St. James. He did have a good time at Oxford and their daughter is named Chelsea : )

Patsi....
kudos to your 11:55 post.....

what Kubler-Ross was writing about was the reactions to a loss of a close loved one and the reactions to the imminent loss of one's own life..... to compare that to the losing side of a party nomination in politics is almost laughable....

I remember remarking during a dinner conversation to my husband just before Super Tuesday...... "if the Dem nominee turns out to be Obama and the Repub nominee turns out to be McCain and then the press turns on Obama and we wind up with president-elect McCain.... at long last I will realize that "we the people" are superfluous to this whole process".....

I have accepted that this will probably be the outcome..... but am frustrated that I may be right when I would so dearly love to be wrong.....

Jamie, also think it would be a good move for the Clintons to ask for nothing. They really don't need to be appearing to scheme for personal gain out of this. They ought to leave it entirely up to Obama to offer something if he chooses to do so.

Craig - what a great idea you had posting 2 Democratic supporters showing their best sides to the rest of us. I hope it starts a trend!

Happy Sunday!

Good Morning Brian

sprinkles of rose petals and sun beams ....

"Barack Obama should give the Clintons anything they want that wouldn't diminish his power structure."

An apology for trying to destroy the president's legacy would be a good start.

I agree, Craig. I don't think they should ask for anything. And I doubt they will.

"The powers that be may not know how you vote but they do know you do vote.........so go vote even if all you do is spoil a ballot. Then when you raise hell as a voter, they know it to be true." whiskyjack

Jack, what you wrote makes me feel better about what I intend to do, somehow.

"if the Dem nominee turns out to be Obama and the Repub nominee turns out to be McCain and then the press turns on Obama and we wind up with president-elect McCain.... at long last I will realize that "we the people" are superfluous to this whole process".....
I have accepted that this will probably be the outcome..... but am frustrated that I may be right when I would so dearly love to be wrong....." Posted by: RebelliousRenee

Renee, could be your worst fear come true. You aren't the only one to come to the same conclusion either.

And a lovely day to you also Jamie and everyone else too.
(I need a dramine)

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1 (9 inch) pie shell
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees F).
In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell.

Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/05/the-summer-of-love-challenge.html#comment-84408

patsi, that acually isn't a bad idea (though perhaps not in those exact words) -- if he is the winner, it is up to Obama to lead his flock back to a better view of the Clintons, and to patch the wounds among their following -- just don't think he has to go as far as saying he tried "to destroy" the legacy, merely an expression of regret for the damage rendered by a heated campaign

I, too, agree that the Clintons shouldn't ask for anything. However, if Obama doesn't make them a genuine offer, it will not bode well for him. And it will make him look rather small-minded and mean-spirited. (For the record...i am NOT suggesting that he is either!)
Patsi stated, "An apology for trying to destroy the president's legacy would be a good start."
I hope that Obama will not merely offer an appology, but that he will actively work to reverse the damage that has been done to both Bill's and Hillary's reputations. They are not now, nor have they ever been, racists. And it is up to Obama to make sure that absurd notion is put to rest once and for all.
Bill and Hillary shouldn't ask anything for themselves. But we who love and support them most certainly can and MUST.

Meg....
it is not my worst fear.....
my worst fears have to do with my personal life...... not politics.....

despite the fact that I see Bush as the worst president in my lifetime..... my hubby and I have led a very good life in these past 71/2 yrs......

for me..... politics is fun to observe...... it's a microcosm of human behavior.....
I do get frustrated from time to time..... but nothing like grief comes close to what I'm feeling.....

time for basketball....... have a good Sunday everyone!

Jamie

I don't it is safe for me to read the recipe let alone make it and eat it.
Just reading it made my blood sugar shoot up

Jack

I have every confidence that Barack will be able to reunite the party, this is first and perhaps most important test as party leader. I also have faith that once the passions of the primary season cool most people will see the wisdom of remaining withing the party fold.

Craig....
before I get lost in my other hobby...... I just want to note that I can see you and I were thinking of 2 different things when commenting on "grief"....

you were talking about the people who get down in the trenches and campaign hard for their candidates.....

I was talking about people such as myself..... have an interest in politics, but mostly observe it from afar.....

considering where your point of view was coming from..... I think it is indeed valid....

"I also have faith that once the passions of the primary season cool most people will see the wisdom of remaining withing the party fold. "

Not trying to start an argument. But would you say that to the black community if Hillary had won by a whisker, with two disenfranchised states and places where black votes didn't count as much as hispanics? What if that had happened and blacks stayed home?

Patsi I truly believe (no way to prove this of course) that if it were Hillary that won by a whisker the AA community after a period of mourning unite behind Hillary.

And Patsi that of course would be a test of Hillary's role as leader of the party. I stand by my post of last evening, her biggest problem was Bill, he played far too big a role in her campaign. This is meant to be a slam against Bill, really, but lines were blurred, too much attention taken away from who was actually running for office. And I do think my "doctor-lawyer" analogy holds true.

before I get lost in my other hobby...... I just want to note that I can see you and I were thinking of 2 different things when commenting on "grief"....RebelliousRenee

There's also another point of view. The grief I feel has to do with the regret, frustration, the disillusionment as well as disappointment, but not only in this primary, but on a more personal level of seeing the world. Most of the things I feel had less to do with who won this nomination and more to do with HOW the nomination was won (if things stay on course). I was pained to see how unfair things "seemed to me" . I was pained at the way the media handled it, I was pained to see the media and others being so unfair (from my point of view) to Hillary and overpraising Obama. I was disillusion to see that the process truly was being led by the DNC in a way that would achieve an outcome that was predetermined by them. I was disillusioned by the fact that so many men really do not respect women or believe that they deserve equal treatment. I was disilluioned that so many people decided racism is evil, but sexism is acceptable. I'm also disillusion that many can't even see that women have gone through similar discrimination as have minorities. There should actually be a bonding between the two, since there are those similarities between what both have experience. So, yes, Renee, I do also see politics as a "microcosm of human behavior" as you do. And that is the very thing that brought out all those feelings I've had and I've only listed a few. It's much more complex than I can ever put into words.

So, Hillary did represent something a lot deeper to women than her quest to become President of the United States in the same way Obama represents more to the African Americans.

This a fun piece for JFK fans:

Kennedy's Voice
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051504157.html?nav=rss_politics

As a psychologist, the dynamics of this election are fascinating. It's especially interesting to listen to pundits who attempt to delve into the psychology of the candidates and voters (not surprisingly, the analyses can be particularly off-base in terms of what research on human behavior actually shows.) It might be helpful to take some cues from the research and practice in conflict resolution and couples therapy. To very grossly summarize, when two parties are in conflict, therapists/consultants generally determine, first, the probability that any resolution is possible (there are factors that seem to be good at predicting and others that are not.) In this case, a factor that is a positive indicator of a resolution is that the alternative to resolving things (for both Dem. camps) is a Republican for president. Another indicator is that each Dem. camp has a good deal of bargaining power, with popular support for each camp about even. The latter is also part of the problem. Factors working against a solution include, but are not limited to, the obvious fanning of the flames by the opposition, the MSM and Republican party, which includes the increased revenue the MSM receives when viewership/readership increases during elections AND the benefits to these third parties of divide and conquer tactics (e.g., McCain said, "fight amongst yourselves" on SNL last night.) Another factor working against a resolution is that many of the facts are in dispute (e.g., electibility in a GE) because of the MSM's meddling in the reporting of such facts.

The first step in conflict resolution would be for both Dem. camps to get the third parties out of the way and establish what the facts are, THEN thoroughly air and talk until each party understands each other's points of dispute (this hasn't even started because it appears that the Repubs. are clouding these points with their trolling on the blogs so that it's impossible to tell who is a dem, who is a repub, who is a woman vs. man, and whether the bloggers' positions really are what they say they are.) Next, each party should state what substantial changes would make them satisfied (not just the threat that if you don't do what we say, it will be your fault if bad things happen - very counterproductive.) Then, each party has to do something that truly convinces the other party that their word will be good, since trust in words is one of the main problems here.)

Continuing to claim that one party has won and the other lost, it's just sour grapes, we don't need you, etc. is going to make things worse and less likely to be solved in time.

wow, Shrink, you're hired. thanks for that. come back often. obviously, we need it.

The Real McCain
http://therealmccain.com/?utm_source=rgemail

After the disaster that Bush and the Republicans foisted on this country it was a slam dunk that a democrat was going to win this election.Any democrat.It is just too bad that a woman and an AA decided to run at the same time.I think the powers that be saw the opportunity through the media to only promote these two candidates and ignore the others in the race and by doing so they could pit one against the other