Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Not trying to be a Bilderberg nut -- but what's Johnson's tie to that crowd?

This connection is just part of my problems with Obama. His being in the tank with the telecommunications industry is another. All the while, professing to be a new kind of candidate. America has been in a Bush-Depression, and Obama offered a Fix, a political upper.

Amazing, I'm actually going to be at the top of the 800 or 900 posts today. Having Johnson as a senior advisor on vetting any vice presidential nominee was not a good move by any stretch of the imagination. It makes him look like an old style politician not the breath of fresh air he wants the American people to believe in. Let's hope Johnson doesn't emerge from the pack as the vp nominee as Big Dick did in 2000. God forbid!

Patsi,

Are you going to adopt PB as a nickname? : ) This latest on Sen. Obama is what many of us keep sensing. Whether he is naive or devious, the associations with political power players of less than sterling repute call into question just how much "change" is likely to happen and is it "change" that we want?

I'm glad it's a long time until the election to wait and see what he has to offer other than words.

Sleepy Bye time for me. Everyone have a good night.

"Let's hope Johnson doesn't emerge from the pack as the vp nominee as Big Dick did in 2000. God forbid!"

Oh God. Call me stupid. (I know I'm opening myself for the insults...) But eprof -- I hadn't thought it through that far, to think about this guy pulling a Cheney.

Anyone else as tired as I am of the extremely long drawn out primary season this go around for president? I'm putting forth a plan to shorten the primary season by several months as well as making the process more democratic where every vote counts and every vote counts the same, almost. The plan is over on my blog, www.eprof2.blogspot.com. I know in advance I'm whistling Dixie in the dark or spitting in the ocean and expect to see it rise. But, as a political junkie and mostly turned off by the process, I can only imagine what the general public thinks about this "permanent campaigning." If it's Tuesday, there must be an election someplace!

"I'm putting forth a plan to shorten the primary season by several months as well as making the process more democratic where every vote counts and every vote counts the same, almost. "

Prof -- I'm heading to your site now. This madness must stop.

Hi all,

I am so excited to be on here before the 550th post! Being in Calif. and all, I guess I have to start coming on after 10pm my time.

Anyway, I don't have much to add except, BHO bad, HRC good -- you know, my usual.

eprof -- can you give an actual link....for some reason I can seem to get this to come up. I keep getting a different site.

Sorry about that Patsi. It's http://eprof22.blogspot.com/. I left the second 2 off. You can link from my type key id too. Let me know what you think about my plan.

Wow, I've been trying to get to my blog from here and neither entry above works. However, if you go through Jamie's blog, http://jdurward.blogspot.com/, you can get to mine. Weird!

You know Patsi I seem to recall you chiding Sheila because you didn't consider her to be a real Democrat, now you've made a career out of trashing the party nominee. You really are a nightmare.

You can't get to Jamie's blog either from these posts At least not tonight. I've never had this happen before so it must be something in Typekey. However, I just went to Craig's blogroll (on the right hand side above), scrolled down to Jamie's entry, Durwood Discussion, and got to her's ok. From there you can get to mine. Sorry about this detour. Apparently the road has some pot holes in it tonight.

Hi everyone,

The fact Obama chose a man so glaringly inappropriate as Johnson to be one
of only three on his VP search team, again, points out Obama's lack of judgment and inexperience.

Pack it in, Brian. If my party nominated someone I believed a complete phony, should I just suck it up? If the Democrats suddenly (propelled by Reagan voters, kids and indies) decided they would nominate Karl Rove, should I march in lockstep?

THE PARTY. Sounds a little Germanic to me.

Get it straight. I am not a lockstepper. Never have been. Never will be. I think the jury is out on whether O can deliver any of the grandiose things he alludes to. Key word: alludes.

And here's the kicker. I think Obama may be even more in the tank with big business than McCain, who I hate.

While Arizona Republicans are bogged down with nasty infighting and a slumping number of registered voters, Arizona Democrats are gaining voters daily. Powered by Sen. Barack Obama’s voter registration drive, Democratic voter registration is up 2.8 percent in the last year and Democrats are poised to gain control of a majority of the state’s House congressional delegation for the first time in decades.

The biggest shift in the Arizona political landscape has been in the number of voters registering as independents -- up 7.6 percent in the last year. Arizona is now essentially a tri-party state -- Republicans make up 38 percent of registered voters; Democrats, 34 percent, and independents, 27 percent. Securing a plurality of independents will be crucial to the presidential race here and Obama has the early edge. Without the enthusiastic support of rank-and-file Republicans, McCain could face a desert dogfight that could wind up costing him the White House in a close contest.

http://www.washingtonindependent.com/view/mccain-campaign

Grandpa Munster might now even be able to win his own state, how rich is that!

I really don't know why a person on the vp search committee is getting such a negative reaction when you people were quite willing to fellate Mark Penn.

CatBalu,

I know how you feel. I'm in California, too. It's difficult to coordinate times so
that I can blog on Trail Mix when anyone is awake.

Are you in southern or northern Cal? I'm in southern.

And I agree with you. Boo Obama. Yeah, Hillary. Not that it does much
good to support Hill now that Count Axelrod and Camp Obama have neatly shredded her.

eprof2,

Just a few quick comments. I won't go into great detail since it was just a precursory read and i ain't got much time.

1. What about Indep.and third parties.? Many don't like the lock of the two party system. Your plan would reinforces that.

2. Rotate regions on a schedule if not just so people can plan in advance. Have you ever tried booking a facility with only 1 years notice? impossible.

3. Caucuses exist for many reason that we don't really understand or could remedy easily. i.e. money, voting laws and legislation controlled by States.

Just a couple of quick comments as it appears you're in the input stage of plan development. I'm not throwing water your idea but wanting to contribute it. Please keep us informed, I enjoy this type of discussion and have been concerned about our electoral system for many years.

"you people "

Uh oh...watch out, Bear...:)

Good Morning all,

I cannot understand that all of you are so surprised by BO picking this man.
Please,
the big O is surrounded by the old guard from Washington. And all a bunch of sore losers who one way or the other or using this man to get back into the cream of Washington.
From Kennedy to Kerry. From Johnson to Jackson. they all lost bitter races...... and never seemd to recuperate form that embarrasment!

I said this when I started posting on this blog months ago. You will see more and more of the old guard back at the helm with BO, the closer we get to the GE. His mouth is full of change, but of course it is only talk.... He has the aura of being a big league speaker and that is what has brought him this far...

Stay tuned for more old guys form the establishment joinging ranks with this youngster. According to bambi, he needs them.....

Don´t blame me, I voted Hillary.....
(proudly displaying my bumpersticker)

Sen. Obama, We Women Are Not “Tokens”

"First, a word about the token selection of Caroline Kennedy (Schlossberg) to the “Veep” nominating committee. I know of nothing in Caroline Kennedy’s background that qualifies her to be one of three people to submit the short list of vice presidential nominees to Barack Obama. She has never been an elected official or run for office. She has never held a high-ranking position in any administration or federal department or agency. Mrs. Schlossberg has a distinguished resume as a patron of the arts and board member of important institutions, but not in political or government office."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/10/sen-obama-we-women-are-not-tokens/

Patsi,

You always make good points, worth considering. Any critical thinker
appreciates the fact you question the current dysfunctional state of the
Democratic party. The Dem party is seriously divided no matter what some people would like us to believe.

Rez -- Caucuses may not mean anything to you because you are still a young man. And on this board, we old bats have been bashed....so I understand people not considering us. But some of us would find it difficult to stand up at a damned town meeting for three hours. (Plus, keep in mind, it seems like yesterday that I was babysitting for 30-year old couples and wondering why they even cared to go to dances because they were so old....it's coming at you faster than you think.)

But the larger problem about this move toward caucuses is this: WHY don't the states have money for the single most important thing about a democracy -- a real VOTE? Could some have hoped that the secret ballot system is a problem that could be solved by caucuses? It's so Third World.

critical thinker, LOL, good one. And for your next trick?

Brian,
Can you please stop making fun of people appreciating people you do not like. You act like a little boy begging for attention. Patsi is not your cup of tea?....Fine, we have noticed. Deal with it and let it be. Dyeez! Grow up boy.

Gordo,
I think the only reason he put Caroline in, is because it will look like he is considering women by having a woman on th board, there goes Sebelius....... Also a lil payback (allready) to uncle Teddy for endorsing him, eventhough it did not help in Ma.

Fascinating that a moronic tattooed dope smoker would question that fact that Marcia, a college professor is a critical thinker.

Why do people care about the qualifications of a group that will make suggestions about possible Vice Presidential candidates?

If I understand Clinton supporters already, the voters were retards for electing him. With that being the standard, how could 3 people of above average intelligence and love for the Democratic Party do worse than the general, non Clinton voting public?

I see people taking about the damage within the Democratic party. What would you be thinking and saying when black leaders came out and expressed their dislike for Clinton's campaign? Would you mock them if they toyed with the idea of voting republican?

If Obama came out against affirmative action, would that get your vote if he removed racial bias but kept gender bias?

Patsi,

College professors gave George W. Bush 2 degrees. You hate Obama, what about those retards who gave him skins?

I have seen college professors bang their hot students so they could pass and I have seen dope smoking, tattoed idiots become multimillionaires. So your point is to judge by appearances?

Thanks for riding shotgun, Jason. Brian just hates it when women question him.

By the way, I was talking to my ex husband today and we got to laughing about when we were in Amsterdam in 1969, and I insisted on staying at a certain hotel. They told me no. My husband said no. Of course it was because it was a pay for hour hooker place. When my husband told me that, I said, "Screw it. I'm dead on my feet. Let's pretend I'm a hooker and pay by the hour."

Those who can't do teach.

Patsi,

Cute story, I hope you didn't have to give him change for a $10...

Well, Bear -- you are wrong. I don't hate Obama per se. I hate that he has lied about what he is, a politician. And I think the fact that Brian has tattooed much of his body with blood drippings is reflective of a self image problem that affects his very being.

Bear, are you referring to the man who was my husband? Unless that was a joke, I guess oinkers can make $10 whore comments even out of marriage.

Patsi and Jason,

Thanks! I love you guys.

I'm laughing at the way the discussion seems to be degenerate so often when
Brian comments--
from critical thinking skills to profs "banging" their students.

By the way, I'd put up my critical thinking skills against Brian's any day, just to
let you know.

Bear will you never learn!

patsi...happened to me in Calumet City , Indiana, 30 years ago...went to office of motel..."you want an hour, all-nighter, or what?", spoke the scantily clad room clerk as my wife waited in the car, weary from a motel-search. Three ladies came to the window , dressed in ...well...not much.
We hit the road and at 2:00 A.M. found a motel 90 miles away from the pay-by-the-hour love palace.

Brian,

You throw out a lot of old, tired cliches. "Those who can't do, teach."
Can't you do better than that?

How about those who can't teach wish they could.

Dex -- I hope you aren't joking, because that's a grand story!

"If I understand Clinton supporters already, the voters were retards for electing him."

The DNC "selected" him. Hillary received 300,000 + more votes than Obama.

DNC = SCOTUS

BHO = GWB

i confess to knowing nothing about jim johnson.

was caroline kennedy placed on the search committee just to give the kennedy family a say-so, to reward them for an early Kennedy family Obama love-fest?

I recommend Wesley Kanne Clark to Obama's search committee for veep.

Marcia -- That old saw about "those who can" is one of those memes that truly undermines our future. Because what it shows is a complete contempt for education.

We may be headed for Banana Republic status.

Typo: I meant "seems to degenerate"

The sad thing is, that Brian sometimes has valid comments... Really. The problem is: he often brings it in a way that is degenerating to people, and therefore it loses steam.
This is solely my humble opinion. It isn´t scientific or whatever... And I will not discuss it any further.

Anyway,
That is exactly the point what I do not like about BO Patsi... he lied that he is "change" . He is a politician pur sang!

Patsi,
the governor of Amsterdam is trying to shut down the heart of the red light district over here...It looks like catfight all over here.....

Can someone enlighten me...How old is this Jim Johnson? I am DESPERATELY trying to find some common sense in the claiming of BO that he is breaking with traditional Washington and bringing about change.
Maybe we should ask BO first: what is his definition of change? Where are the boundaries of that definition and how can we adopt or reject the hypothesis.....

patsi: Calumet City was a wide-open sin city in the 1950s. It had been 'cleaned up' by a succession of new city administrations, so we were kinda freaked out to find a whore-motel in 1977. It is true, my story...I can still visualize the "MOTEL" neon sign...how were we to know?...and we had only been married a week at the time. To this day, my wife has yet to laugh about that night...she was mortified.

@Dexter:
i love these stories...Always good to hear...What was the comment from the wife :))

@Dexter:
That is one reason. The other reason is that he needs to give the appearance that a woman is on his squad, giving the thought that women were not left out.

@Gordo:
Can you explain your abbreviations...Maybe I am a bit behind today.....

"The sad thing is, that Brian sometimes has valid comments... Really. The problem is: he often brings it in a way that is degenerating to people, and therefore it loses steam."

You are absolutely right Jason.

"Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is attracting elite Jewish Democratic donors who backed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) and are concerned about Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) stance toward Israel, say McCain backers who are organizing the effort to court Democrats."

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/jewish-dem-donor-joins-mccain-team-2008-06-10.html

Self images aside,

If Jesus Christ ran for political office, I would view him as a politician. Just like every other career that is in ill repute because of a few bad apples, I don't think there is anything wrong with a politician.

Where politicians go wrong is when they start to compromise their principles in order to get elected. When they decide that they would rather get the money or the power instead of doing the bidding of their constituents. I can understand concerns about Obama but I don't get how someone who has flip flopped so many times, how someone who says something, then when he is called on it, lies about having said it, even when presented with the video of it, is given a free pass. That I don't get.

There is such an unwillingness to look at all candidates through the same prism. I am convinced that were the roles between Obama and Clinton reversed, he would have been more magnanimous sooner, they would have begged Obama to help beg the black community to vote for her and that if she lost to McCain, he would get the blame. Instead you are setting Hillary up to be the hero of 2012.

"It is true, my story...I can still visualize the "MOTEL" neon sign...how were we to know?...and we had only been married a week at the time. To this day, my wife has yet to laugh about that night...she was mortified."

Hilarious! Dex -- I love this kind of stuff. I still remember when my husband whispered, "Dammit, honey, this is a hooker hotel!" And I -- dead tired --looked around and finally "got it" and thought, who cares? I need sleep!

Why do you need a committee when your short list is already

Sen Jack Reed of RI. A defense expert who is the preference of many current and retired generals in the Pentagon. Also a West Point grad

Sen. Jack Webb of VA. Another defense expert, former Sec. Navy, ardent anti war critic from a key battle ground state. He would also best help with PA, WV, OH voters that went for Clinton cuz he wasn't a dark candidate.

Gov. Mark Warner of VA. Telegenic and highly popular governor from VA.

Who gives a crap why he has Caroline Kennedy on the committee? Lord knows I wouldn't want Hillary on there because she was too dumb to spend $7 million on Mark Penn. If she hired OJ Simpson, she would have done better than with Mark Penn.

GORDO,

Yes, to your question as to why Caroline was placed on the search team.

It was almost laughable that she was so obviously picked as pay back to
Teddy and his friends, also she is the token woman meant to please all
us angry, Dem females.

As soon as I heard Caroline Kennedy was on the VP committee I thought, what experience has she ever had doing anything? She's overseen her mom's charities, more as a figure head and she's never really worked, at least not in a real job.

I mean I like the woman okay, but come on. She's a rich lady who was just lucky enough to have famous relatives. (Of course, it was a tragedy her father
was killed, but still that doesn't qualify her to choose a vice president).

Democratic National Committee

Supreme Court of the United States

Barack Hussein Obama

George Walker Bush

Who gives a crap why he has Caroline Kennedy on the committee? Lord knows I wouldn't want Hillary on there because she was too dumb to spend $7 million on Mark Penn. If she hired OJ Simpson, she would have done better than with Mark Penn.

Posted by: Bear | June 11, 2008 2:45 AM

LOL LOL LOL
We have a winner......... :))

"I don't get how someone who has flip flopped so many times, how someone who says something, then when he is called on it, lies about having said it, even when presented with the video of it, is given a free pass. That I don't get."

Are you talking about Obama or McCain?

Plus, regarding the rest of your post. Call it perception or whatever you want. Obama would never have pulled the AA community to the table. Do you ever listen to c-span? And he's setting Hillary and women up to be the "fallguys" if he loses.

Just listen to the pundits:

"Well, is Hillary REALLY going to campaign?"
"HOW HARD will she work for him?"
Really, really hard? Or not! Because if she doesn't....
"Well, is BILL going to help?"
"If Hillary doesn't bring her 'people' aboard, the Clintons are ruined!"
"Bill's legacy rests on Obama's election!"
"What about Chelsea? She better be in those same colleges where she campaigned for her mother!"

I have heard every one of those on cable in the past week.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

Where were those screams and threats when Howard Dean, Bill Bradley -- or for that matter, Gary Hart and Ted Kennedy involved?

This WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING WITH A MALE OPPONENT!

Here's what I say about all this oinker crap: I am woman, and in November, hear me snore.

Here's what I say about all this oinker crap: I am woman, and in November, hear me snore.

Posted by: Patsi | June 11, 2008 2:58 AM

Another winner.... LOL LOL LOL
Today must be my birthday!

Anyway,
I don´t know if it is a womans issue as much as a anti HRC issue. They (DNC cum suis) want to do everything to get rid of the Clinton´s. Now they sense a loss coming abound, so they prepare for the blame game when it happens. Of course they will do everything in their power to put it in HRC and her team and NOT on them or BO... Pathetic.
My girlfriend said it good: the media is obsessed with bringing down the Clintons. Their osession is so obvious that they don´t even hide it anymore....

excuse the typo´s...yet again!

I still support Hillary.

People need to understand that we do not have a nominee.

The first vote for a nominee will be in August.

If the best we can do in America is a McCain-Obama race..we are in deep trouble.

Champ - I take your comment very seriously and will do my best to respond adequately. I have to organize my thoughts so that I don't go off on a tangent, which God know I can do.

I want to make a copy of your comment so I can be sure to touch every one of your points. I hate it when some of my questions don't get answered, don't you?
I can't make that copy now, however, cuz my printer needs ink, and it's 12:15 in the morning here, and if I won't run out for vodka, I'm sure as shootin' not going out for ink. (No, I didn't just gulp the last of a jug - I forgot I was out !!!!!!!!!!!!)

I hope you realize I'm not dodging this since I actually expect to enjoy this. Making an effort to express myself always teaches me a great deal - some of those lessons have been ground-breaking.

I owe you thanks for the sincerity of your comment. It's a good description and example of why the two parts of the democratic party are not happy with each other.

Accept no other answers - be patient for the authentic response from bethyboo.

Jason -- I agree that this is a Hillary and Anti-Clinton thing as much as it is a wonen's issue.

But the way they went at her was a women's thing. That's what I won't forget.

Johnson's a Bilderberg, Patsi

Also:

Johnson's role as VP vetter says nothing about Obama's judgment. I doubt he had any say in the matter. Here's how it probably went down:

Shadowy Democratic Party Leader: "Hey, Congrats on the nomination, Barry. We're going to have Jim Johnson pick the VP for you."

Barack Obama: "OK then, Sounds good..."

champ,

Your scenario is even more disturbing than mine.

C'mon Marcia,

Do you honestly believe the ruling establishment of the most powerful empire in history would hand the reins over to one single person, a political novice at that?

Do you also believe that same establishment would actually allow the general public to decide on the leadership of this nation? Do you think powerful people just hand over their power with a wistfully nostalgic shug?

"The best argument against democracy is a 5 minute conversation with the average voter."

-Winston Churchill

That's the mentality we're dealing with. I'm not sure I disagree, sadly.

Champ,

Continuing on his mantra: change..
If this is how it went down, the I say...let us all migrate to Holland.. How will he stand his ground in making decissions of a heavier sort.

Come on Champ..This guy knows what he is doing.

Change?
Only if it is to the benefit of moi.....(BO)

Don´t blame me, I voted for Hillary!

champ,

I like the Churchill quote. I'd venture to say the average U.S. citizen today is
even a lot less informed than when Winston was around.

You're not telling me anything I don't know in regard to the fact Obama
is being directed by a powerful group of neuvo-liberals like Soros. I read
somewhere that the bulk of the internet money raised by Obama, which
was supposedly coming from the millions of new, young and ordinary
voters was actually from a few ultra-far-left ,extremely wealthy people.

The wealthy ultra-liberals and the wealthy ultra-conservatives all dine at the same restaurants, go to the same parties, and attend the same conferences; if you catch my drift, Marcia.

those who can............do.
those who can't............teach.
those who can't teach..........become critics.

nobody ever uses the whole cliche', it seems......

perhaps the caroline kennedy selection is a step toward establishing some creds for her and fits into the rumored appointment deal teddy made with the ma gov to put victoria in but with a variation: after me, either my wife or my neice.

i agree with craig on jj.

"Some people see things that are and ask , why? Some people dream things that never were and ask , why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that sh-t!" - George Carlin

Good morning Craig peeps! I missed the past couple days getting caught up with paid work. Still hae more to do in order to get ready for the Virginia DEM Convention in Hampton this weekend. It will be my son's first time as a delegate. While his friend will be attending their high school graduations and partying, he will be voting on who to send to Denver, choosing VA's Electors and whether to accept the party platform. And, partying.

That Obama is a typical old-style politician is no surprise. Look at who he picked to represet him -- Teddy Kennedy? Chis Dodd? Bill Richardson Pat Leahy? The sum of these guys political careers (and they *are* career pols) is well over 100 years!

Any way you slice it -- just more of the same.

Here is a log-forgotten article from The Hill on Obama's K Street Project:
http://thehill.com:80/leading-the-news/obamas-k-street-project-2007-03-28.html

Mojo's raking Howard Dean right now over Johnson and Obama .

Never argue with a fool. Listeners can't tell which is which.

good morning gang.....

Craig..... ROFL!!.... oooohhhh..... the sarcasm does drippth........

LOVE the use of such eloquent and professional words...... icky and ickier.....

OD.... that's exactly what I was thinking the other day..... we were all so excited about this wide open race..... on both sides..... oh the possibilities!....
and what do we get....... McCain vs Obama..... we most certainly are in deep doo doo......

Patsi.... after observing Florida in 2000 and this race for the Democratic nominee..... I've come to the conclusion we already are a Banana Republic....

Women in general, especially D women, should be outraged by the way the D party with the complicity of the MSM treated HRC during this primary election. They should be, but they won't be, because this is what they come to expect; to tolerate abuse in one form or another. Oh I know a lot of you will be offended by that, because you think your not that way, you would never stand for such total disregard, thoughtfulness and rudeness by anyone. But you have been, and what is worse it came directly from those who call themselves the beacon of protecting women rights, the D party, and the MSM. You can deny it if you wish, but the record, if you take the time to look, proves otherwise. If your employer treated you in this same way you would be taking them to court. The D party has thrown basic civility out the window when it comes to women's rights, and because of this callous act most of you will not see a female POTUS in your lifetime. My first thoughts are the majority of you don't care because you strongly believe the D party still has your best interest at heart, they honor women. But deep down in your souls, in your quiet moments you know I am right, and you also know you are powerless to do anything about it. Well there is something you could do, you could write in HRC, or sit out the election. I know this action would throw the election to McCain, but the differences between JM and HRC are not as great as one may think. So what good would this do? The one thing it would do, it would send a very strong signal to the D party that you women will no longer be taken for granted, you will no longer stand there as good loyal soldiers expecting a hand shake, a thank you, but end up only getting a pat on the head, and told in a condescending way, 'that your day will come, the time just wasn't right'. BS!!!. Your time came and it was stolen away from you by the very party you hold dear. So come November you'll end up pulling the lever for BHO, the candidate who falls far short in the qualification department, he is still the same person many of you articulated his many faults, he is the same person who the MSM provided cover for, the MSM are the ones who sat on the Wright story all those many months, it is BHO who has manage time and time again to associate himself with the elements of the VERY FAR LEFT, it is BHO's resume` that lacks any real depth. Nothing has changed about BHO, other than now he is going to be the D party nominee for POTUS. The second choice has been pushed up to the front of the line over the more qualified person, one could call this a sort of affirmative action D party style. But I'm just a R, so what I have posted has to be a misleading, or a lie. Really? Think about it.

Obama protests questions about lead V.P. vetter's history
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-06-10-Johnson_N.htm?csp=34

Obama’s Long Short List
“Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) was Shermanesque on Tuesday in saying that he would ‘absolutely not’ be Sen. Barack Obama’s, D-Ill., running mate even if asked to join the Democratic ticket. Asked on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ if he is auditioning to be Obama’s running mate, Strickland said, “Absolutely not. If drafted I will not run, nominated I will not accept and if elected I will not serve. So, I don’t know how more crystal clear I can be.’ ”
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/obamas-long-short-list/?scp=2&sq=jim%20johnson&st=cse

Axelrod doesn't think it's necessary to vet the vetters! He just said this on MOJO!

When we were traveling a lot, we used the AAA trip guides, figured how far we wanted to go the next day, then made reservations over the phone. Took much stress out of trips.

EP2,

I thought the '54 Fords were really good cars. A departure from the old flathead V-8s, and a more sophisticated look than the early '50s models. It was a nice precursor to the really stylish '55s and '56s and the T-bird.

All of this is much more meaningful than trying to get the DNC to attempt anything rational so far as primary season reform is concerned.

Craig,
The DNC and the presumptuous Sen Obama truly deserve Mr Johnson.

Fry, sounds as if it might be time for you to become an Independent.

Obama and his Next Goal
Democrat elders and activists, having engineered, or submitted to, their choice of Obama, can now begin attending to the risk they have created.
..Barack Obama, measured by his chosen life experiences, closest associations, voting record, and pre-presidential campaign utterances, is, in personality and experience, the least qualified, and, in philosophy and program, most radically left candidate ever offered for the presidency by the Democratic Party. By comparison, George McGovern, Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale, Al Gore and John Kerry seem the very embodiment of presidential readiness and political moderation.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/06/obama_and_his_next_goal.html

Women in general, especially D women, should be outraged by the way the D party with the complicity of the MSM treated HRC during this primary election. They should be, but they won't be, because this is what they come to expect; to tolerate abuse in one form or another. Posted by: FryDaddy June 11, 2008 8:05 AM

I can tell you of at least one who will not forget and has never, ever expected or tolerated abuse in any form. We don't all have short memories.

Corey
Is the Michigan State Legislature still in Rep. control?I know that Gov. is a DEM.

Axelrod doesn't think it's necessary to vet the vetters!

Typical BHO team spin on things. Similar to letting a bank robber do job interviews for the bank.

Not sure , Tony. I know all the reps from Ottawa County (where I live) are all Republicans.

I was surprised by Lindsey Graham's easy primary victory in SC. The conservative centrists prevailed over the irrational right. It bodes well for Mr McCain. Time for him to throw the switch on pander-mode.

FryDaddy,
Thank you for writing that.
Powerful stuff and it needed to be said.

Chloe, there are a whole bunch of us backing you up.

Craig
Thankyou Great read!! I think its important to vett the vetters,after all Dick Cheney!!! Hello

I've known two guys in my life named Jim Johnson. Both of them were jerks. Gotta get to bed. Have a good hour or two before the others wake up. LOL!

Think about it. Posted by: FryDaddy | June 11, 2008 8:05

There is a more important thing for us to do with our vote this year. Making a statement against this process is more important than electing a President. Which is more important, standing up for a life time of what we believe in or one person, Obama, achieving his dream.

Corey
Thanks.Im still thinking about Michigan and Florida and this whole Primary.Being from Michigan and living in Florida i just still feel so totally robbed by my own former and lifelong party.I just can't seem to buy into all this party unity stuff.....Never had a problem before???

Flatus,
Thank You.

Fry, sounds as if it might be time for you to become an Independent.

No. Just an R who doesn't like to see women being taken for granted.

If you weren't watching, MO JOE just had on Phil Ramone promoting his book. It sounds perfect for some of the music lovers in the crowd: "Making Music"

http://www.amazon.com/Making-Records-Scenes-Behind-Music/dp/0786868597/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213188452&sr=1-1

Never argue with a fool. Listeners can't tell which is which.
Posted by: Corey

"Words of wisdom" of the day.
Corey, you never fail to amaze me.
You turn the most complicated things into something I can understand.

Jamie
Thanks love music!!! Will give it a look.Its a great way to not think for a bit about the political mess were in!!!

Fry -- I don't know why you are bashing nwomen over this. Read the threads. There are more than a few who are mad.

"Women and elephants never forget."

Dorothy Parker

Patsi
I am Mad as Hell!!! I always ask myself don't these bashers have mothers??? Would they want there mothers and daughters continally to be second class?? MSNBC Men are you listening???

Patsi,

I think Fry was defending the women. He may have had an ulterior motive in getting us to vote Republican, but FD does actually like the ladies.

Yeah -- Jamie, I know what he meant...but it sort of took on a "if you women don't" --whatever -- tone.

I do know Fry has been supportive through this circus.

Completely off topic, but I went to see New Riders of the Purple Sage last night. They were one of the primier cosmic country rock bands of the 70's. It was is a beautiful small venu in Londonderry, NH. These guys have been around a long time (and they look it) but it was great to hear them play just like the good old days when they opened for the Grateful Dead.

Obama Gains Among Women After Clinton Exit

PRINCETON, NJ -- Since Hillary Clinton decided to concede the Democratic nomination to Barack Obama last week, Obama has established a lead over Republican John McCain in general-election polling. Obama's gains have come more from women than men, though he has picked up among both groups in recent days.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/107806/Obama-Gains-Among-Women-After-Clinton-Exit.aspx

Those Loyal to the Clintons Take Note of Who Was Not
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/us/politics/11clinton.html?_r=1&ref=politics&oref=slogin

A typical Maureen Dowd column.

She has taken such pleasure in undercutting Hillary
Clinton and all things Clinton, is leading the pack
in its effort to insulate Michelle Obama from any
upcoming scrutiny.

"Mincing Up Michelle"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/opinion/11dowd.html?ref=opinion&pagewanted=print

Thought this was just special:

"it's good news for Obama that Hillary's out of the race.
But it's also bad news. Now Republicans can turn
their full attention to demonizing Michelle Obama. Mrs.
Obama is the new, unwilling contestant in Round Two of the sulfurous national game of "Kill the witch."

Was it really only Republicans who slashed at Hillary
every chance they had.

Coreen: here's an LATimes story today on how Michelle Obama is next up for GOP derision. Many practitioners honed their skills on HRC and Teresa Heinz Kerry.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-michelle11-2008jun11,0,5727155,full.story

http://news.yahoo.com/edcartoons/tomtoles

Just finished reading that article myself dog.

Republicans Prepare For Major Losses In November
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/11/republicans-prepare-for-m_n_106455.html

dog this one will put a big smile on your face! Sorry Fry.

Coreen
The woman has no shame does she?
LOL

Jack

Hillary for Vice President
The only way this election year could get much more exciting is if Hillary Clinton is named as a vice presidential candidate.

I'd say she has a better chance than anyone in the U.S. because she could be the choice of either Barack Obama or John McCain.

But if Obama does not pick her, Hillary still has a chance to become vice president. Think about it. Why wouldn't McCain consider her? They aren't that far apart politically.
http://www.creators.com/opinion/joseph-farah.html

US elections: Barack Obama recruits team to tackle web smears

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/10/barackobama.johnmccain

Sorry Gordo!

"They aren't that far apart politically."

So early and we already have a candidate for the stupidest thing posted on the blog for the day.

Mornin' all.

Bowman, New Riders? Great group. Any of the originals still in the band?

Asked whether McCain could give us a good estimate when the troops might come home, McCain said:

"No, but that's not too important. What's important is the casualties in Iraq."

McCain went on to say that we have troops stationed at multiple other places around the globe. So, clearly, his point here is that the central question is not when they can be brought home, but when they can be moved out of harm's way.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/06/mccain_bringing_troops_home_fr.php

It is sad if people think that it was the Republicans who slashed Hillary...

Dream on..

Typical situation of: hold the thief......

Democrats Still Struggling With Whole 'Party Unity' Thing

As 18 elected Democrats filed into the party's conference room for the show of force, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, evidently not realizing the microphone was picking up his words, took a swipe at Sen. Chuck Schumer, the loquacious leader of the Senate Democrats' campaign effort.

Wait until Schumer stops talking," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid suggested to Dean.

"That'll be a long wait," Dean replied. Then began the meeting.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/10/AR2008061002705_pf.html

Collateral Damage? Half of the Democratic Party

"Having witnessed Obama, the MSM and the so-called “progressive” bloggers engage in their free-for-all of sexist, misogynist and degrading treatment of Hillary Clinton, no wonder Hillary’s supporters are inured to the fear-baiting taunts that we must vote for Obama lest we want Republican Supreme Court judges. If the Obama campaign’s performance toward Hillary and her female supporters is any indication of what they think of women, many of us will do anything to keep him out of the White House."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/11/collateral-damage-half-of-the-democratic-party/

Patsi,

I think it's time for all aggrieved women to either put up or shut up and create a third party based on woman's issues. As I look at all of the possible factions with the energy to launch such a group, it seems the Hillary supporters are that demographic.

I have a question, what percentage of woman who feel cheated, scorned etc. supported the ERA in 70's? I'm wondering if there is any correlation between those groups.

Now that I think about it, how many people in politics during the effort to pass the ERA were Clinton or Obama supporters.

Fry....
you obviously haven't been reading the thread again..... not that I blame you....
one would have to be retired or have no life to keep up with all the postings on this blog nowadays.....

so far.... I haven't seen one female Clinton supporter that posts here say they are voting for Obama.... it seems to be a split between voting for McCain and writing in Clinton (my choice)..... but then.... I don't read all the posts, so I may have missed any who say they are voting for him....

to be fair.... there have been a few male Clinton supporters here who say they are voting for Obama....

... me, for instance,

When the repubs knew they were going to loose the general they came up with bo (body odor) so they can keep the white house now thats brillant a party that can't loose elects a canidate who can't win by a party that can't win go mccain heres ten votes that were hillarys now there mccains

Another question to be asked...

If fervent dislike for Obama isn't in and of itself racist, why is the same dislike for Clinton then considered sexist?

I know we will be forever on this treadmill but it seems that much of her problems with the media was personal.

If you think that Obama hates women, perhaps you should start showing up at his rallies with coat hangers? Maybe pictures of a bruised and battered Hillary Clinton and just say he is abusive?

Clinton Supporters Voting For McCain

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

Obama’s Unofficial Slogan: ‘No, You’re Wrong.’
Whatever happened to his ‘pang of shame’?

As Barack Obama’s campaign becomes defined by a series of embarrassments — his assessment of what small-town residents cling to, a mentor who believes the government created HIV, a friend of 20 years who takes to the pulpit and demands whites give up 401(k) accounts to atone for their ancestor’s racist sins, a wife who pledges to take away some people’s pie and give it to others, an associate who expresses no regret over planting a bomb in a Pentagon women’s bathroom, etc. — it seems mind-boggling that this candidate was once promoted as a healer, a unifier, and a groundbreaking, post-partisan leader.
http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MDI5ZDMyZjM4ZWY5MWY5ZTgyNDU2MzExNjZmZTc2Yjg=

"No. Just an R who doesn't like to see women being taken for granted."- FD

Yeah, Right!

The great GOP. The party of women's rights. Give me a break.

Send that comment in and link the site, I think they'll pay you for that one... . Oh. sorry... .they're broke.

Perhaps a 12 step program will be started for the
Hillary Haters

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/09/AR2008060902238.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

"Now, though, an eerie silence has settled over the land. With Hillary Clinton out of the race, thousands of computer keyboards have been stilled, dozens of books have been abandoned in mid-chapter, and enormously influential bloggers, most of them unknown to me, have vanished from the Web. Some anti-Hillary obsessives (see the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) must be feeling the sickening vertigo once experienced by Vaughn Meader, whose entire show business career was based on impersonating John F. Kennedy and who, in essence, died when Kennedy did.

It's over, ladies and gentlemen. Hillary Clinton lost. And so did you."

Jack,

Yes. I'm pretty sure we agree that I was commenting that MODO & others like her had savaged Hillary, not just the GOP.

However, Dog's response suggests that I may have not made that clear.

For the record, I believe the MSM is circling the wagons to cut off, deflect, curtail any effort by anyone to scrutinize Michelle Obama.

Something that MODO & her co-horts never did with regard to Hillary.

Dog,

As far as your LA Times article, it simply reinforces my
observation--tthe MSM is attempting to pre-empt any
examination of Michelle Obama.

Fry, nice post. Nice sentiment.

As I read the opinions of Clinton supporters, I think the way that McCain could sure up those voters would be to frame Obama's candidacy as the ultimate example of what's wrong with affirmative action.

He could argue that "the more qualified white candidate" lost out to a less experience minority.

He could argue that race wrongly trumped gender as the most sensitive qualifier.

He could force Obama to come out against affirmative action, a move that would risk alienating his biggest bloc of voters.

The more I read news coming from the states where Obama struggled lately, I see that being the big issue going forward since it dovetails into questions about the economy.

Thanks, Rezdog and Flatus for your comments on a regional primary system. The plan laid out on my blog is a work in progress. Jamie, you're right, the DNC and the RNC would have to go along with the shortened primary season. If nothing else, maybe a "shot across the bow" will provoke the "deciders" into doing something worthwhile and get beyond this "permanent campaign" mode we seem to be stuck in.

Obama's Choice of Insider Draws Fire

For Republicans seeking to tarnish Obama's image as a squeaky-clean outsider hoping to clean up Washington -- not to mention divert attention from questions about lobbyists working in Sen. John McCain's campaign -- Obama's embrace of Johnson has been a gift.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/10/AR2008061003475.html

Coreen: I understood you were referring to members of the press, and maybe even other politicos, Democrats, and the common person on the street.

That was crystal clear.

Just happened to be cruising the LATimes site shortly before reading your comment.

Thought we might all think critically about where, precisely, we get our information and how we form impressions.

Patsi expects no less.

Chloe,

If McCain picked Hillary Clinton for VP, for every Democratic vote he gained, he would lose 3 on the right.

The RNC would lose the money solicitation subject that brings them the most money.

HRC would become a castaway, a la Joe Lieberman and would tarnish not only her legacy, but further bring into question the legacy of her husband.

People could accept a third party run, not a Republican run. Too many view her as a political opportunist. That move would confirm that opinion.

Rez, I don't think Fry represents the Repug party although he admittedly is one. He tends to be a bit more open than most Repugs to some of the concerns of women who supported HRC. He differs from the party in that regard IMHO.

Pogo,

Originals

David Nelson - Guitars, Vocals
Buddy Cage - Pedal Steel (replaced Jerry Garcia)
Spencer Dryden - deceased (former drummer of Jefferson Airplane)
David Torbert - Bass (deceased)
John " Marmanduke" Dawson Acoustic Guitar & vocals
(retired with health problems)

Replacements:

Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna) on guitar and vocals, Ronnie Penque (Stir Fried) on bass and vocals and Johnny Markowski (Stir Fried) on drums and vocals.

It is a great line up and nobody can get the sounds that Buddy Cage does out of the Emmons Custom Pedal Steel. He is possessed.

He tends to be a bit more open than most Repugs to some of the concerns of women who supported HRC.Posted by: pogo

I haven't heard any Republicans that have been as offensive to women as the Democrats have been.

Chloe: I think you said that with your tongue firmly planted in your cheek?

Hello?

The winds of change continue to blow across the US and especially here in New Mexico. This has been the windiest time I can ever remember in recent New Mexican weather...more tornadoes for the US this year than any other. And more "blow back" from the agent of change, BO. What is old is now new with him and he really selects some pathetic peeps for his campaign. Which again glaringly points out the fact that he is a politician just like the rest. Candidate of change, my ass! Recycled players...nothing new here.

Chloe, at least in this election, I have to agree. It has been despicable.

Bowman, sounds terrific - Hot Tuna was a great group. I guess I knew Spencer Dryden died, but didn't really remember that, and ididn't know he was with New Riders. They touring or just doing hit and miss gigs in the area?

Rez, Bear, and whatever few other sensible people there are here on the blog. Lets make a pact, from this day forward no more mention of Hillary. We've won the race, we're onto to the battle for the White House. What's the point of living in the past?

Pogo,

IMHO I don't he represents the Democratic party either.

But if Obama does not pick her, Hillary still has a chance to become vice president. Think about it. Why wouldn't McCain consider her? They aren't that far apart politically.

I think a comment like this demonstrates how HRC did a good job moving to the center because when the campaign started she thought she had the primary won and she needed to focus on the general election. Ironically, she didn’t really hit her stride until she began drifting back to the left (where she is more comfortable) started speaking from her heart and adopted a more populist message. McCain (who is truly conservative) has always done a great job pretending to be more centrist than he is. To think John Kerry actually wanted him as VP demonstrates either (1) how good McCain has been disguising his political beliefs; (2) how dumb John Kerry is; or (3) both. Just because McCain supported broad Immigration reform, campaign finance reform and now mentions “global warming” in speeches does not make him a centrist.

McCain and Hillary are as far apart politically on the issues as two people can be. Try: War in Iraq; Roe v. Wade, Bush’s tax cuts, Emission standards, federal student loans; windfall profits tax. Anyone remember how McCain voted on Robert Bork”s nomination to the Supreme Court? How about Clarence Thomas?

Women for McCain Acrylic Coffee Mug (pink)
http://store.johnmccain.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MGR2414

Wino: Obama had better be a politician, and a good one.

That said, I was mildly surprised by the Jim Johnson choice