Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Speaking of a guy who probably is off McCain's VP list now:

"In an essay Bobby Jindal wrote in 1994 for the New Oxford Review, a serious right-wing Catholic journal, Jindal narrated a bizarre story of a personal encounter with a demon, in which he participated in an exorcism with a group of college friends. And not only did they cast out the supernatural spirit that had possessed his friend, Jindal wrote that he believes that their ritual may well have cured her cancer. "

The candidate who can communicate with the middle class without sounding condescending will have the advantage in my humble middle class opinion. It's a gift that left wing progressives don't seem to have. Bill Clinton has it--he could have a conversation in the faculty lounge at Harvard and then go to McDonalds for lunch and have a meaningful conversation with the person clearing the tables.

Margaret Carlson was on NPR last week and made the comment that Obama needs to eat a Taco to help him connect "to those kind of people." I had to laugh when she said that wondering if she also feels that journalists who eat Doritos are "those kind of people."

Craig, a blogger I can believe in. It's true!

Craig,
As far as candidates, I'll believe in one that's sincere. And honest.
Got any of those around?

Bill Clinton has it--he could have a conversation in the faculty lounge at Harvard and then go to McDonalds for lunch and have a meaningful conversation with the person clearing the tables. Posted by: ubns | June 12, 2008 6:52 AM

ubns, you made me laugh with that one.
A perfect description of Bill Clinton-there lies his secret.

Craig Crawford for Prez! All you have to do is get a ranch in Texas. Crawford , Texas...maybe?

First thin I saw when I turned on the TV this morning was:
Obama camp slams McCain for being "confused?.
Reminded me of Craig's ageism blog the other day.

Well, I've just broke Lards 4 block rule. I'm talking to myself. Have a good day.

ROTFLMHLAO @ PRESIDENTIAL PENIS!!!!

craig mentioned that "confused" word on imus this AM.........when 2 or more from the same camp use the same word it shows where they intend to go ..........Im waiting on the word "doddering".........

And???

November's Magic Numbers

WASHINGTON -- Presidential politics, like football, chess and other rule-bound competitions, is simple in objective but complex in execution...

2016: Assuming, not rashly, that Barack Obama wins, 2016 is the next time Hillary Clinton, who will then be 68, can seek the Democratic nomination. By then, the median age of the electorate will be 47, so for many millions of voters, Bill Clinton's tenure will seem only slightly less distant than Grover Cleveland's, the last Democratic presidency that did not make sensible citizens wince.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/06/by_the_numbers.html

OK, pay attention: There is no “age card.” A person CAN be too old to be president.

A person CANNOT be too female to be president. Therefore, voting against a woman because she is a woman is sexism.

A person CANNOT be too black to be president. Therefore, voting against a black because he is black is racism.

But a person CAN be too old. For instance, I think most would agree that 95 is too old to be president. Believing that is not ageism.

So…"How old is too old" is a legitimate question. Opinions vary. But referring to McCain’s’ age is not ageism.

BTW, he’s way too old and out of touch with today’s America.

Great video Craig -- It is all about the props. Your "Made in China" flag pin is perfect! That tie is little too fashion forward for a politician. Nice, though.

I was reading an account by one of the local DEMs of the Obamafest in Manassas. She wrote that an Obama staffer at the gate approached then to ask if they would like to be seated in the VIP section. She said she fit a "demographic that Obama wanted to highlight." She is Caucasian with grey hair. She was shuttled to a holding area which was set up with snacks, drinks and seating. It was all very nice, but with a catch -- the VIPs were to be the props behind Obama, in camera range and had to stand on risers for an hour and a half. Before they were hustle to their places, everyone was strongly encouraged to use the potty, because one in position, they would not be allowed to move. Must not ruin that camera shot.

Sturgeone , care to comment?

Craig, From standing on a chair on top of a table on your front lawn, to a video blog. You have come so far. But was that a keychain rather than a lapel pin? Clearly, you were pandering to us…and the manufacturers in China. : )

Never noticed BO’s hand gesture before. Reminds me of The Kids In The Hall skit…”I’m crushing your head, I’m crushing your head, I’m crushing your head. You’re all a bunch of flatheads.”

"Barack Obama is having the first postprimary crisis, a moment in which the only conceivable response is: what was he thinking?
...............at least they can’t blame this one on Hillary."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/opinion/12collins.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

corey.............yeah, but..........

Anybody just see Scarborough? He is a total cry baby.

What makes him think John McCain is above criticism just because he was in the service?

The Republicans set the standard 4 years ago with their treatment of John Kerry.

That's why every time I start thinking those folks aren't all bad I get reminded very quickly what a pack of hypocrites they are.

Lurking
Aging Hipster

I vote for Craig! Always enjoy him on Imus. This morning he mentioned the sexism directed towards Clinton and the ageism regarding McCain. I imagine Imus, being a McCain supporter, will pick up on the ageism. He didn't respond to Craig's comment on sexism and I didn't expect him to. He has done a fine job of cleaning up his racist statements, but seems to forget that his blunder last year was not only racist but sexist as well. The show has become so bland now (safe sexism-always tolerated) I almost miss the days when he abused everyone. Nowadays I only watch when Craig is on.

Blue -- You never noticed that little pincer grasp hand gesture of Obama's? What about how he never looks straight on when speaking -- it's always that side to side teleprompter head thing, and most annoying of all is that upward chin thrust. The cadence is tiresome too. Memo to Barack: Okay, WE GET IT. YOU ARE THE GREATEST LIVING SPEAKER OF THE WESTERN WORLD. Now start talking like a normal person.

Last week I mentioned if you thought food and gas prices were high now, we better hope the mid-west doesn't have a drought this summer during peak growing season. Stupid me I forgot about spring floods, which are now ravaging the corn fields across the mid-west. Corn is expected to go o $8.00 a bushel, Dec 2008 corn is now trading at $7.34. Corn normally trade between $3 to $4 a bushel. The 2007-2008 corn carryover number is 1.438 billion bushels, quite a bit lower than what was expected. This can only equates into your corn flakes and filling-up your car will only increase. Plus what happens if we have a drought this summer? Ethanol from corn, a major food source, what a marvelous "F"ing idea. But if you think we have it bad, in Spain the cities of Barcelona and Seville have little or no gas due to the truckers parking their rigs in boycott of the high cost of diesel fuel. God lets hope that idea doesn't catch on here in the US.

I see that the jihadists are out there trying to help mccain.....lol

Never noticed BO’s hand gesture before. Reminds me of The Kids In The Hall skit…”I’m crushing your head, I’m crushing your head, I’m crushing your head. You’re all a bunch of flatheads.”

Looks more like a pinch to me.
The one I like is when he puts his index finger up (and we won't mentioned which one he used when talking at a rally about Hillary) at debates to show his disagreement and that he has something to say. I've even hold his hand up to ask to be called on like we used to do in elementary school.
So well mannered, sometimes.

Ethanol seemed like a good idea, FRY, and I was all for it....but the road to hell is paved.....

etc etc etc

out Hipster

JP, milltown,

And a person can lack from to little experience to be POTUS.

Chloe-

If I had known about Lard's 4 block rule I would have replied to your comments to keep you from the penalty box.

Speaking of China, here's another boycott Beijing moment. "...laptops and e-mail devices taken to the Beijing Olympics are likely to be penetrated by Chinese agents aiming to steal secrets or plant bugs to infiltrate U.S. computer networks."

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=5042616&page=1

So if this blog gets converted to Pinying system by the end of August, we'll know why.

fry - Luckily, like many Americans, I have prepared for famine over the past 5 years or so by stockpiling food in my body.

hehe. i recently picked up a gig writing statements and speeches and whatnot for a local candidate. your video made a great "textbook" for a subject that is actually quite new to me. thanks for pointing out what i need to look for in a speech!

Alicia - Yeah, BO is more equipped to be the president of Toastmasters.

Yep, they need to think outside the box with regard to new energy sources. Not ANWAR and not using food.

Maybe we will catch up with Japan & Europe and get super-duper fast trains.

I saw that RR ad from Craig's video on TV the other day. That should resonate with people soon.

Another great video Craig! Thanks!

Also...tell CQ's ad department I love the new freight train spot.

Not that we're gonna have to start hopping freight trains...

Thank you , Sturge! I'm off to bed now. Have a good day all.

Chloe...UBNS...

I only apply my "rules" to myself -- to keep from getting longwinded! Would never apply them to either of you.

Anybody just see Scarborough? kcowley | June 12, 2008 7:48 \

Only thing I heard Scarborough say this morning, in response to someone saying McCain was confused, was that "his grandmother is 71, and she's doing fine in the nursing home".
After that, i just turned it off. The sarcasm was bad enough, but add to that the fact that's he's too old to have a grandmother that age made it all the more ridiculous. And he said it as though he were serious.

Lard, works for me.
I tend to get long winded myself, in case you haven't noticed.

C-Span 1 has Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D- Montana) on now. He's wearing a bolo tie, but it does not have a cool scorpion on it.
========

Craig: didn't you run for office? Does any videotape exist?

One of BHO's many gestures is stroking his face with his hand while talking. And he often strokes his face using his middle finger.

I happened to catch him on TV the previous week right after he received enough votes. He was very animated that day, walking vigorously back and forth on the stage, waving his hands above his head while he spoke, raising his voice higher and higher to keep pace with the cheering crowd. I kept thinking to myself, I have seen this act somewhere else, and then it dawned on me who use to do the exact same thing. JIMMY SWAGGER! It wouldn't surprised me to hear BHO was now Speaking in Tongues.

Good Morning All.......

I nominate Craig Crawford as a "Blogger You Can Believe In!". Any seconds?? Good
video. Satire is good for the soul.

BTW Obama is a Goof without a teleprompter, or a speech in front of him, no wonder he doesn't want to do Town Hall Meetings with Grandpa. Patience is a virtue, he's just going to keep going downhill, and she's(MO) going to be right there with him. They are sooooo phoney.

Lard-

I was just kidding. From reading your posts, I figure you're a "live and let live" kind of person.

ubns...LOL. That attitude is what I shoot for on my good days. Don't always hit the mark, though.

Dexter had a good post at 2:00 a.m.-ish last night; sounds like a short story:

sturgee...and I spent many miles riding shotgun in a '55 Chevy...I was 14, buddy was 16, and he worked his ass off mowing ditches in the summer, plus he was a radio & TV boy-genius and he made a lotta cash fixing TYs when he was still just 15 or 16...we rammed that damdam '55 all over hell's half acre and then came nightfall, and well...I was 14 and a drag on his social life because all the chicks he knew were his age and wouldn't be caught dead with a little 14 year old boy, so when the sun set, the chicks got shotgun, and I got my bike and rode to the drugstore and drank nickel cherry Cokes and I'd see buddy roaring past with 16 year old girls in the front seat, and Gene Pitney sang "Town Without Pity" through the speakers.

Pitney song on YouTube, with pics of dying towns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5BfjNdItBw

It's just a little after 8:00 and I wish I had counted the number of times I have heard the word confused this morning. Lost his bearings has been repeated numerous times, doddering, several. If I didn't know better I would think somebody's trying to say Senator McCain is old.

And it continues. Joe just said confused again.

Since I wrote that post at 8:20, I have counted confused 7 times and lost his bearings 5 times.

good morning gang....

Craig.... now THAT"S a lapel pin!

now we need to take up a collection to get you a pick-up truck with monster tires...... be a real American..... no more crummy Jappy car....

oh yeah..... and that train ad..... must be some kinda code for a phallus symbol....

chloe- I just can't watch that channel anymore, the combination of Mica and Andrea pushes me right over the edge! I did tune in for a couple of weeks when Hillary was his girlfriend, but then he disappeared and so did I.

RR,

Doesn't your husband drive a truck? If so do you know what he is paying for diesel?

I am sort of disappointed in Andrea Mitchell. No not because she is in the bag for BHO, but for a UoP grad, a main NBC news reporter, someone who has been on TV for many many a year, she seems to have a very hard to accurately express herself with constantly stumbling all over her words. As far as Mica goes, I don't know why she just doesn't don a T-shirt claiming she is the true "OBAMA GIRL".

in the last thread Alicia Knight posted this, "Doots -- I think you mean the Treaty Oak which is about 6 blocks fro the Gov's Mansion.:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_Oak,_Austin"

Yes, Alicia that is it. Thanks my memory is not as good as it used to be you know PSTD and all.

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

Their leading questions and comments were unbearable, as were the forced frozen smiles on their faces or looks of incredulity when someone said something positive about Hillary. So much for journalism 101.

mornin' all.

Hipster, I don't recall Scarborough being so irate 8 years ago when the bashing was coming from the rupugs - of course there was no MOJO then so his views weren't so obvious. Actually, he redeemed himself and made fun of Mika for being surprised that Obama is engaging in politics.

Fry, I think Andrea is stumbling over her words because she doesn't believe what she's saying and is trying to make it sound wise and insightful nonetheless.

btw, was it sturg or Bowman who commented yesterday morning that GE would want to see McGrandpa in the WH instead of the golden one? Oh, you skeptics. See, you doubters, MSNBC just spent the better part of the morning criticizing the Obama camp from just about every angle over the confused and not hip on foreign policy campaign angle. And for god's sake, can't Obama get a frickin' foreign policy advisor who can argue that spending 7 years in the Hanoi Hilton does not make you an expert on foreign policy issues? It may give you a unique and irreplaceable perspective on the sacrifices of service in the military during wartime (and would make me expect a less warlike stance from him, but that wouldn't appeal to his base, would it?), but it has nothing to do with foreign policy. Now how hard is that?

Thinking? he was thinking? What was he thinking?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/opinion/12collins.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Judgment? He was exercising judgment? What the hell kind of judgment is this?

JHC

OOOPPPSS - I see chloe already posted Collins' column.

f I had known about Lard's 4 block rule I would have replied to your comments to keep you from the penalty box.
Posted by: ubns | June 12, 2008 7:56 AM

ubns,
I laughed so hard when I just saw this.
Also, actually it was supposed to be '4 blog rule', one of my many typos.

Alicia, it's so hard to speak like a normal person and still make everything you say sound like soaring rhetoric.

Oh, and thanks for saving me, chloe.

"He was very animated that day, walking vigorously back and forth on the stage, waving his hands above his head,,,.. raising his voice higher and higher......, ..then it dawned on me who use to do the exact same thing. JIMMY SWAGGER! It wouldn't surprised me to hear BHO was now Speaking in Tongues." FryDaddy | June 12, 2008 8:13 AM

LOL, Wish I'd seen that. You guys are killing me today.

Should we expect an "I have sinned" moment over the Johnson FU? That would complete the picture wouldn't it?

here is a nice promo for yall that are thinking of a protest vote.

http://www.imvotingrepublican.com/

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

Here's a great article by Timothy Egan about keeping politics and religion in their proper places. I, of course, doubt that either campaign will either read or if they do, heed his advice. But what a refreshing change if they did.

http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/godless/index.html

Over the last 30 years, church and state have become far more entangled than any of our fair-minded founders and their better successors — including some chiseled on Mount Rushmore — envisioned.

Pogo,
Thanks for the link.
That's my husbands favorite pet peeves. Religion combined with Government.

Fry....
no..... my hubby's not a truck driver.... he's a networking specialist working for Hewlett Packard....

he does own a pick-up truck..... but it mostly sits in our driveway cuz he works from home.....

Hipster!.... it's great to see you again....
don't be such a stranger.....

chloe, it's one of my wife's husband's pet peeves, too!!

Good morning all.
Did any of you who watched MoJo get the allusion to the idea that Eric Holder might be the next one to go off the vetting team? Due to his participation in the Marc Rich pardon?
Wonder what they will find out about Caroline Kennedy? And will anyone over the age of 18 ever be found pure enough to serve on an Obama cabinet?

chloe, pogo: I join both sets of husbands. It was the main reason I didn't vote for Jimmy Carter. Not anti-religion, just suspicious of those who wear their religion on their sleeve.
Although, in defense of Barack Obama, he pretty much has to talk about his religion to defend against the perception that he is a Muslim.
Although, what would be wrong with that?

"....."The pople will get exactly what they deserve!"
Maybe we as a people deserve JmC or BO and continue to live hardship throughout....." Don´t blame me..... Jason | June 12, 2008 2:19 AM http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/obamas-vetting-blunder.html#comment-101410

Jason,
I don't thinks it's so much we'll get what we deserve, as it is, we were sold the goods, not knowing what we were getting.

chloe: And by the time people started to figure it out, it was just way too late.

Good morning All.

I left too early last night. When Sturgeone starts quoting Horace, you know the evening is going to be fun.

Craig,

Great video. Love the train ad. Now if the freight people all the rails were given to would only let the passenger trains use them a little more often, we might survive the airline and gas price mess.

maggs, silly woman. All muslims are terrorists (or is it extremists? I get those confused.) who want to kill us and our way of life - even if they act like normal people who just hold a set of beliefs different from those of the dominant J/C religions and say that those terrorist guys are doing things that offend Allah.

Maggi,
Obama has had to defend himself, but shouldn't have to. If we didn't keep inserting Religion into our Politics, then the question wouldn't have to been asked in the first place. Peoples belief's differ, and for a President to rely on qualifying what he does on a belief of his Church of preference, is not serving all the people. What about what others may believe.

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/12/disclosure-of-drug-use-and-other-unlawful-activities-is-required/#more-3010

1. Given the job for which he’s applying (President and leader of the free world), it’s certainly appropriate to seek more details about Barack Obama’s drug use and criminal activity.
2. Did Obama complete high-level professional applications truthfully, and fully disclose all potentially relevant information about his past?
3. Would Obama qualify for a Top Secret security clearance today if he were an average applicant, given his background?

All muslims are terrorists (or is it extremists? I get those confused.) who want to kill us and our way of life - : pogo June 12, 2008 10:10 AM

Sounds outrageous, but that's what you'd think to hear some people talk.

chloe, maggi, welcome to my club. We have a few members now, all pleasant folks who enjoy good company. The only requirements for membership are a dislike of wool over your eyes, a distrust of snake oil salesmen and a dislike of Kool Aid.

Looks like Paul Newman might not have cancer after all. Oops. Never mind:

http://www.usmagazine.com/paul-newman

vad, that's a noble thought, but I think that WJC and GWB have pretty much made those questions quaint and archaic - is that redundant?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/speaking-of-the-candidates.html#comment-101482

vadaryl, and how are we going to get these answers? The media sure hasn't seemed interested in asking or researching any of these things that would be nice to know. And it's starting to look like he may get a more or less free ride the rest of the way too. It's starting to look like non-stop McCain bashing this time around.

The only requirements for membership are a dislike of wool over your eyes, a distrust of snake oil salesmen and a dislike of Kool Aid. pogo

Posted by: pogo Author Profile Page | June 12, 2008 10:15 AM
pogo,
yes, no, no.
I'm in!

correction: yes, yes, yes

chloe, Jason: Although I do think that, on the Republican side, the best candidate was chosen from among those available.
Speaking of Republicans -- I have a new neighbor. Well, kind of a neighbor. Mitt Romney has just purchased a $12 million home on the shores at La Jolla.

chloe, I'm not pushing for answers to vad's questions - I feel certain that McGramps' guys are researching that as we speak (err, blog) and I don't plan to do anything to help him.

And at this point, I for one bash McGramps on two issues, and two issues only - his position on Iraq and his proposed continuation of the Bush economic plan. I'm sure others will come up.

chloe, nice to have you join.

maggs, do they call those summer cottages on the left coast?

Pogo .. I'm in as well. Snake-oil salesman. Wheee (to quote Mika B) ... I love it.

Pogo: No, not even here do these qualify as beach cottages. Maybe in Newport RI ... we call 'em what they are ... mansions waiting to be swept away in the next El Nino.

Pogo: The more I hear about McCain's position on Iraq the less different I think it is (in practical terms) from Sen Obama's position. Doesn't Sen Obama plan to leave residual troops for certain purposes?

Here's the real question each should be asked (by someone, anyone at all) -- what if the Iraqi government formally requests that we leave? That's something we're not good at ... I mean, we still have bases in the Philippines ...

Mitt Romney has just purchased a $12 million home on the shores at La Jolla. Posted by: maggisd | June 12, 2008 10:26

Maggi, what's he doing in California (beautiful as it is, I didn't know he had any ties there).

Oh, by the way, if you are going to use the analogy, wouldn't Obama himself be the snake oil? Axelrod would be the salesman.

Nice video, Craig. Speech instructors across the country should make copies of it and show it to their classes re: political rhetoric.

Here we go again moment: Bush saber rattling against Iran while in Europe. Is it possible that he will start another war before leaving office? The Pentagon yesterday decided to bomb the border inside Pakistan. Will BushCo leave four wars for the next president? If he even leaves office! See the Executive Order on Emergency Powers Bush signed last year providing for the suspension of elections.

chloe: I don't know what he's doing there either. One reporter speculated it might be another play for the VP slot, with the thought that he might deliver California for McCain.
I wonder if it might not have something to do with Mrs Romney's illness ... although I don't know what. They are within a stone's throw of the Salk Institute and Scripps Clinic ...

That's something we're not good at ... I mean, we still have bases in the Philippines ...Posted by: maggisd | June 12, 2008 10:36 AM

I'm not even sure we'd hear about it. And I doubt that it would affect what our top guy does if they did. He plays to his own tune, and what that is, I have no idea.

Maggi, I didn't even know his wife had an illness.

Oh, by the way, if you are going to use the analogy, wouldn't Obama himself be the snake oil? Axelrod would be the salesman.

Posted by: champ | June 12, 2008 10:37 AM

No....Axelrod is the manufacturer. Obama is the salesman.

It's Getting Crowded Under Obama's Bus

"Craig Crawford brings up another point: ..."

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/06/its_getting_crowded_under_obam.html

chloe: She has MS. I believe that it is of the waxing and waning variety and that she is currently more or less in remission.

chloe: At one time I thought that Romney was an absolutely shoo-in to win the GOP nomination. He seemed to have all the attributes to be nominated in either Party ... tall, good looking, slick, articulate, clean-cut, no soul.

Here're Chris Cillizza's columns about Sibelius as Obama's potential running mate. Maybe he should replace Johnson.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/06/the_case_for_kathleen_sebelius.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/06/the_case_against_kathleen_sebe.html

You may be right then. It may be that he wants her to live on the beach. Beautiful weather, low stress. Doesn't get much better than La Jolla.

The Pentagon yesterday decided to bomb the border inside Pakistan. Will BushCo leave four wars for the next president? If he even leaves office! See the Executive Order on Emergency Powers Bush signed last year providing for the suspension of elections.

Posted by: eprof2 | June 12, 2008 10:38 AM

That, my friend, and pardon my first amendment, is some scary shit.

chloe: At one time I thought that Romney was an absolutely shoo-in to win the GOP nomination. He seemed to have all the attributes to be nominated in either Party ... tall, good looking, slick, articulate, clean-cut, no soul.

Posted by: maggisd | June 12, 2008 10:44 AM

...my thoughts exactly.

If I had the money, I too would buy a house in La Jolla. Nothing better than 75 degrees, every day with beautiful ocean and female views to boot...

At one time I thought that Romney was an absolutely shoo-in to win the GOP nomination. maggisd.

And he's so upbeat. As long as you can remember he's not trying to sell you something, he's so likable. He's got it all. He's the one I've hoped would be McCains VP. I know a lot of the Republicans were cheering for him and were very disappointed that he wasn't the choice. Do you like him?

of course, nothing in this election cycle has going as expected.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25116362/

$12 million house in La Jolla? Must be a tiny bungalow.

Yes, maggs, you're in - and welcome.

I think that the McCain and Obama positions are different in philosophy even if the immediate plans for troop withdrawal of the two may be similar. McCain sees it as a noble quest, badly managed. Obama sees it as a mistake, badly managed. Ultimately, I can't agree with McCain's approach - because I don't know what the next noble quest will be.

champ, I didn't mention Obama, but that's not a bad point - but the snake oil seldom tries to sell itself while the salesman chats with the townies. Using you example, Axelrod is more of a marketer and a manufacturer (as th eever clear eyed maggs has noted) - obama is the saleman of his own product - himself.

Bear, Chloe: I worked in La Jolla for many many years and my late brother lived there. It has changed a great deal over the years -- much less charming than it used to be, and just a murderous drive --- and yet, nothing so hedonistic as a late brunch on the upstairs patio at the La Valencia, or a 4th of July picnic above the Cove watching fireworks from three locations and listening to the band

I too would buy a house in La Jolla. Nothing better than 75 degrees, every day with beautiful ocean and female views to boot...Posted by: Bear | June 12, 2008 10:47 AM

paradise

frank: The housing market in San Diego County has taken a tremendous hit in recent years. It's a pretty substantial place ...

chloe: It is our standard greeting to out of town visitors, you know ... welcome to Paradise. Everyone but Zonies, of course ... they come but we mainly wish they wouldn't.

Will BushCo leave four wars for the next president? If he even leaves office! See the Executive Order on Emergency Powers Bush signed last year providing for the suspension of elections. Posted by: eprof2 A | June 12, 2008 10:38 AM

Another scary thought.

maggs, is the Carl Rogers Center still in LJ?

Supreme Court rules, 5-4, against Bush administration again. Gitmo detainees gain right to sue in civilian courts.

Dissenters were Chief Justice Roberts, Alito, Scalia and Thomas.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Scotus-Guantanamo.html?hp

Now: back to your Obama bashing.

And even though McCain might or might not agree with this particular ruling, consider what kind of Justice(s) he will put up to appease his GOP base.

You likely would not see this decision.

(Fry says "good";' the rest of you might give that some thought. How much longer do we want to look like jackalopes in the world's eyes?)

Maggi, I didn't realize where you live. No wonder you're always in such a good mood. Are you far from the ocean?

Pogo: I have to confess that I am not familiar with the Carl Rogers Center. More info, please?

Dog's eye: 1) The Dems and moderate Republicans will have a sufficient majority in the Senate to deny confirmation to any Justice whose viewpoint they don't accept (even McConnell is in trouble right now) and
2) I reject the notion that an American President should be chosen on the basis of what the world will think.

I doubt that the Congress is in a mood to accept any declaration by Bush under his own facially unconstitutional Executive Order, and the next president might have to go fisticuffs with him to get him out of the house and office. Of course, Roberts might decline to swear the President elect in - he is, after all, beholden to Dumya. I seem to have heard something about consent of the governed somewhere along the way, and I don't speak for anyone else, but I ain't consenting to an additional day for the Bozo (HE was DEFINITELY on the bus).

maggs, it was called something like the Center for the Study of the Person. I'm not sure it was in LaJolla, but I believe it was.

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

I don't understand how any candidate can have one thing after another knock him down but he still gains in the poll numbers.

chloe: As the crow flies I am not far ... but the geography of the area is such that I am in a completely different temperature zone. I could no more afford to live near the beach than I could afford to summer in the Hamptons. In fact, I doubt seriously if I could even afford to buy back the house I grew up in (an actual beach bungalow)
My sister in law once had a little gathering where a friend of hers showed slides from a trip to Africa. At one point the picture of a wattle and daub hut was shown and my sister in law quipped ... in La Jolla that would go for a million five.

Decline of the Senate
...""The American people live under the illusion that we have a United States Senate. The facts show that the Senate is realistically dysfunctional. It is on life support, perhaps even moribund.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_572240.html

If this would happen to McCain or Hillary they would drop fast.

Great Trail Mix Video.
Love the lapel pin...especially the made in China tag!

Craig you look wonderful. May I have the name of the person doing lighting and make-up :))))))))))))))

I guess it does not hurt if you have the media on your side. They let a lot of things go. Like today when McCain said it does not matter much on the Today show. That will be played over and over again. If Obama would of said it who know what they would of done.

... I could no more afford to live near the beach than I could afford to summer in the Hamptons. maggisd

But close enough. I know about property prices in California. It boggles the mind. And it's still over populated. (Oh, I guess that's what makes it so expensive-high demand).

Pogo: Appears that it still exists ... right in La Jolla Village. I know where it should be ... about two blocks from where I used to work. Next time I have occasion to drive to LJ I'll check it out.

maggs, don't let only Supreme Court Justices guide your thoughts on the judiciary. The magistrate judges, district court judges and circuit judges - all of whom are subject to much less scrutiny when placed in nomination for appointment - are much more numerous and do much to shape the body of law in the U.S. It is not uncommon for the Circuits to be split nearly evenly on the constitutionality or the appropriate application of laws passed by congress, and until the supreme court accepts an appeal, the law remains unsettled.

And Rogers' Center is still there.

http://www.centerfortheperson.org/

chloe: Here's the difference ... my house was 36,000 new and 67,000 when I moved into it. The last time a house at the beach sold for that little was probably in 1906.

maggs, jinx.

Rogers was a giant in the development of the counseling psychology movement (although he was a psychiatrist). He was one of my heroes in grad school.

I don't understand how any candidate can have one thing after another knock him down but he still gains in the poll numbers.
Posted by: vadaryl | June 12, 2008 11:07

Teflon.

"The Republicans set the standard 4 years ago with their treatment of John Kerry. "

Yep, Hipster -- and with Max Cleland as well.

Maggi: "Dog's eye: 1) The Dems and moderate Republicans will have a sufficient majority in the Senate to deny confirmation to any Justice whose viewpoint they don't accept (even McConnell is in trouble right now) and
2) I reject the notion that an American President should be chosen on the basis of what the world will think. "

Yup. That's why the Republicans are always so lacksadaisical about supporting their candidates, even over a cliff.

The Senate is in reactive mode with Supreme Court choices, and can at best mitigate a disastrous one.

There is a LOT to be said for having the bully pulpit of the presidency.

You are too sanguine.

Pogo: By and large I believe that Sen McCain accepts the notion that home-state Senators present a list of acceptable candidates for circuit and appellate judges to the President's office. That was SOP for WJC and actually even GWB has done that ... except in a few high profile cases where he sought to use the issue of judiciary appointments to rile up the base.
My only real concern about McCain in re judges is how much influence will Ted Olsen wield?

maggs, if you're into that sort of thing, his book, On Becoming a Person, is wonderful.

Pogo: Bearing in mind that I don't expect that Sen McCain will win.

Here is a link to Executive Directive 51, called National Security and Homeland Security Executive Directive 51
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_Directive_51

Is it possible that BushCo would invoke it?

Pogo: I must confess that the entire field is one in which I have not had much interest, so I did not even know the name.
We poli sci / history / literature types tend not to delve much into self actualization. I'll bet my daughter would enjoy his writings.

OK folks ... Tiger and Phil tee time was 17 minutes ago .... at beautiful Torrey Pines. I have to go ....

my house was 36,000 new and 67,000 when I moved into it. maggisd

Those were the good old days in California. You could buy a new house and it would double in value before you could move into it. Even in the 70's we would watch our house go up 15-20% a year in Southern California. Then we would sell it, get a pile of money and buy a bigger and better house. The same thing would happen again. But eventually it got bad there in the late 1990's. Those days are long gone.

I doubt that Ted would have much say in any but the most controversial appointments - unless of course you think he would be McCain's AG (which is not a bad bet). I am not comforted by the notion that the state's senators and congresscritters submit an acceptable list - while I think it worked out very well for the chief judge in our district - a very thoughtful jurist with one hell of a good mind who I know well and have the utmost respect for - the process that put her there was FUed to say the least. Then again, Jay Rockefeller and Bob Byrd got her the appointment - after she switched parties and donated heavily (at laest that's how I heard it) to their campaigns.

From Hope and Change to Doubts and Fears

"But if the doubts that have persisted about him begin to grow and metastasize – if large numbers of Americans come to believe that the Obama appeal is, at its core, a mirage – then McCain has a real chance to prevail. And if he does, the Democratic party and liberalism will have a nervous breakdown unlike any we have seen."

http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MWQwZWJkYjdkNjEzNjExOWU5NTQ5ZThkNmUxMjU4NmI=

My primary concern this election, as it has been from the beginning of the primary season, is how someone will react to another 9/11. (My second concern is that this country is completely run by business interests, but that's another post.)

Frankly, now that Hillary Clinton is out of the picture, I think we're screwed. I don't have an ounce of confidence in McCain or Obama should that kind of crisis, with the accompanying public hysteria, come down.

A year ago Hillary was going to be the democratic nominee, no question about it. Everybody said so. What happened?

It is just beginning sink in that I have a choice for president -- John McCain or Barack Obama. Jeeesuz, I think I'll just kill myself.

Oh, you'll be okay.

Maggie

"my house was 36,000 new and 67,000 "

The house my ex and I bought in '64 was really expensive for us at $21,900. just a 4 br 2 ba track home. It sold most recently for almost a half million. Even with the drop in the mortgage market, the prices for homes in California are insane.

"It is just beginning sink in that I have a choice for president"

You could of fooled me lizbeth. :)

1. Given the job for which he's applying (President and leader of the free world), it's certainly appropriate to seek more details about Barack Obama's drug use and criminal activity.
2. Did Obama complete high-level professional applications truthfully, and fully disclose all potentially relevant information about his past?
3. Would Obama qualify for a Top Secret security clearance today if he were an average applicant, given his background?

Interesting set of questions.
1. Well yes it would but there is a bit of a problem with his admission of drug use. BHO is the only one who was aware of it. No one from his past remembers him ever doing any drugs and were shocked when he admitted same. Criminal activity. Well you can admit to anything, it is proving it that counts. I personally always thought it was made-up story to appear what he thought main stream Americans expect a AA youth to be involved in.

2. I would have no idea on this one. I do think he pushed the envelope on claiming that he was once a professor.

3. Again there would have to be something in his background that would disqualify him from being granted such a clearance. His paper trail runs rather slim. It was said that Bill Clinton, and I think true, Bill Clinton would not have been able pass a top secret background investigation if he was to apply for a government job. George Stephanopoulos. if my memory serves me right, was reported as never receiving a top secret clearance and that is why he left the Clinton administration.

lizbeth,

You had a choice, but the D party took care of that.

"Barack Obama's drug use and criminal activity."

"I personally always thought it was made-up story to appear what he thought main stream Americans expect a AA youth to be involved in."

All BS! You did say you're a Goper, Right?

Jamie,
Even with the drop in the mortgage market, the prices for homes in California are insane.

Maybe so, but there are a number of cities in CA, Sacramento being one of them, and due mostly to the high foreclosure rate you can buy a $700k home for less than half price. $350K or lower..

"I think I'll just kill myself.

Selected a method yet?

Now, that wasn't very nice.

Hey Rezdog,

How do you know? Were you and BHO passing the bong around, or the mirror back in Hawaii. Who can you point to that would support his claim of cocaine use? Not even his best friends knew he used drugs. Funny after all these years and especially now that he a big famous politician, NO ONE has even tried to sell their story of party with BHO, or I use to be BHO's supplier. Since the statues of limitation has passed no one would be arrested, and since BHO admitted it, you would think someone would come forward and support his claim. They did with both Clinton and Bush, why not BHO? Because it never happened.

lizabeth: fraid you walked right into that one ... besides, when has brian ever been described as "nice" on here...

Well I was just wondering if she was going for neat (pills) or dramatic (noose, rafter, chair). Gee shoot me for being curious.

*tosses the assembled masses some raw meat*

Couric on the Media and Clinton
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/couric-on-the-media-and-clinton/

I seem to do it all the time, so don't feel bad .. say somethings, not realizing how they sound .. hell, even my Doc got me last time ..
I've got arthritis & stenosis of the spine, so every time I go in he ask me if I have any new pains .. well, I told him I did in several places, but the pain in my ass was hurting me the most { turned out to be a pull hamstring} .. not missing a beat, he asked "what's his name?" lol

Fry,

First, smoking (using) a little dope 20-25 years ago does not make him the big criminal you'd have us believe.

As to "maybe" trying some coke does not either and so what if there is no one to "rat' on him or see him. If there was someone "talking", that would be what you'd be commenting on the most. Probably never hear the end of it from you.

FD

"Since the statues of limitation has passed"

I didn't know it could walk. : )

Actually, I think it is hilarious that in an earlier election the right was all up in arms because Bill Clinton did smoke pot and now they are up in arms that Barack Obama may not have.

Make up your minds. What's next getting upset that he doesn't cheat on his wife unlike most legitimate politicians? : )

Hey Fry,
Put this in your bong and smoke it:

PRINCETON, NJ -- The current political landscape, with the percentage of those identifying themselves as Democrats outnumbering those who identify as Republicans by a 37% to 28% margin, provides a significant advantage for Barack Obama's presidential chances.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/107842/Large-Democratic-Base-Provides-Big-Advantage-Obama.aspx

Rezdog,

Obviously you misunderstood my post. I was replying to a set of questions that have previously submitted. I wasn't accusing the enlighten one of being a criminal. BHO whole life should be throughly inspected, just never know when another American hater will surface.

Maggisd said this, ". I mean, we still have bases in the Philippines ...Posted by: maggisd | June 12, 2008 10:36 AM"

The agreement between the Philippines and the US expired in 1991 and was not renewed. I can't remember but I think Clark AFB was the last base to be abandoned in that year.

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

Hot damn, the latestest Wisconsin poll shows Obama up by 13, looks like soon we can stop referring to WI as a "swing state"

"Consistent with evidence from other national surveys, the study paints a picture of a hostile political environment in the swing state of Wisconsin for Republicans in 2008. Eight in 10 Wisconsin voters think the country is going in the wrong direction, President George W. Bush has a favorability rating of only 30 percent, 66 percent believe that the war in Iraq was not worth fighting, and the top two issue concerns are the economy and getting U.S. soldiers out of Iraq."

http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=128513

The exception being those of us who have always voted Dem in the past who will no longer stand for the DNC putting up a sub-par candidate as the nom.