Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"The Obama camp is reportedly on the case trying to prepare Mrs. Obama for prime time. And there is clearly work to be done." Craig

Craig,

I didn't see Michelle yesterday, but from your description, it sounds kinda sad.

It sounds like the Party is going to try to mold her into shape now, like they do everyone under their thumb. She's sounding more and more like the genuine thing, says what she thinks and tells it like it is. Well, from the Parties point of view, that's probably not a good thing. Who knows, but if she really did say 'pathetic' maybe she resents Barack leading her down this path. It can't be an easy one.

I'm starting to like her.

I'm here first!
But now off!
To Golf!

Rats. Chloe edged me out!

What are they going to do, groom her to be a Senator, move to NY , the run for president? We see how well that one worked out.

Video for those of us that missed it.

"What?

There was another charming moment when Michelle clutched her heart to lament about her initial fears of Barack's decision to run for office. "He's such a sweet and pathetic man," she said in the Freudian slip of the campaign. (Or was it?)"

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/06/michelle-obama-on-the-view.php

Sorry Lard.
Early bird and all.

The campaign has plenty of money, they can hire the best media coaches, and do video recordings and do-overs and all that. It will just have to be seen if that does the trick.

ALL women think that ALL men are pathetic.

Have you never watched even one episode of sex in the city?

Good Morning,

Michele Obama rubs me the wrong way. It's not just because I'm not
into her husband at all. I swear.

Mrs. O seems so not ready to be a first lady. I'm not sure why. She's smart, educated, dresses well, seems to be a good mom, but she's got this loose
cannon quality that is disconcerting. Several of my Democratic friends, even
some firmly in Obama's camp, haven't warmed up to the lady either.

She often says vaguely snarky things about her husband meant to be
humorous but are not. I saw her on two different interviews and she did this--
like the "pathetic" comment she made about her husband on The View.
Then, there are those "slips of the tongue" she's made implying American is a mean (racist) country.

Hasn't the woman had the last year to prepare for the spotlight? If she's not
ready for prime time now, will she ever be?

they can hire the best media coaches, and do video recordings and do-overs and all that. It will just have to be seen if that does the trick. Posted by: Bowmanc | June 19, 2008 6:52 AM

or, They can just let her be herself and see how that works. Doing that would be something new and different. Then maybe we would feel like we hadn't been had. Whatever happened to 'what you see is what you get'. Old fashioned idea, I guess.

ps
Timmy, that's not real life.

The two Muslim women snubbed at the JLA rally are upset with Obama.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/NEWS06/806190376

Mrs. O seems so not ready to be a first lady. Posted by: prof marcia | June 19, 2008 7:13 AM

marcia,
I hear ya.

But did you listen to that clip I linked at the start (or maybe you saw it first hand yesterday). I will not vote for Barack because I am using my vote to make a statement. But I'm beginning to think Michelle has been pulled into this whole thing not fully wanting to be there. I don't think she really wants to be first lady. She's doing this for him. Can you imagine having to put up with that 24/7

The two Muslim women snubbed at the JLA rally are upset with Obama. Corey | June 19, 2008 7:15 AM

Join the club.

Why does the Obama campaign seem compelled to put her out for scrutiny if it's not in her or the campaign's interest?

Let her be the first modern first lady 'allowed' to pursue her own business/personal interests and to manage her family, including him, as she sees fit.

Sen. Obama backs off on Iraq. Told Minister of Iraq we will stay as long as necessary?

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/06/obama-and-iraqi.html

WaPo article on same subject. If reporting correct, this is exactly the same position as Sen. Clinton

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/17/AR2008061702034.html

"or they can just let her be herself and see how that works."
posted by Chloe

I think that's one of the points of Craig's blog. Mrs. O has been herself and that
ain't workin'. Craig states, "Mrs. O's appearance on The View did not go well."

One of the reasons Michelle Obama was booked on The View was to try to "soften" her image with women because of the negative reaction to her from a lot of female voters--independents, crossover voters and Hillary girls.

As Craig implies, Camp Obama is attempting to makeover Mrs. Obama now so she'll be more people friendly. Obviously, polls are showing a problem
with her or else Axelrod and his soldiers wouldn't be scrambling to transform her.

obviously, nothing is more important to the U.S. than the identity of the president's wife, and michelle may not be ready.

just as obviously, cindy is. her experiences with adultary, stealing drugs, influence peddling, and as a zillionaireness are soooo much more mainstream that michelle's sad upbringing as a poor, black girl.

you have done america and the world a great service with today's post, craig. others may think it is incredibly stupid, but not me.

The Right Iraq Footprint
"The time is ripe, at last, to think about a gradual withdrawal of most American soldiers. The U.S. troop surge has had enough success in reducing the violence that we can say "Hallelujah!" or "Alhamdulillah!" and start to look for the exit ramp. Not a quick pullout, but not a long-term occupation either, premised on the false hope that Iraq can be an Arab version of South Korea or Germany."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/18/AR2008061802635.html

As I said yesterday, I'm starting to like Mrs. Obama. At least when she says something snarky, she doesn't plead being misunderstood. When she made that "scratch his eyes out" remark about Pres. Clinton, her follow up was, "Oh oh that's the sort of thing that gets me in trouble".

I get the feeling she is not as amenable to being "managed" as the campaign would like her to be. I saw the program yesterday. It sounded as if she said "pathetic" and it was sweetly funny. If they want to plead "empathetic" that's okay, but I like the wifely sound of the first word better.

"or they can just let her be herself and see how that works."
posted by Chloe

Hi, Chloe!

I think that's one of the points of Craig's blog. Mrs. O has been herself and that
ain't workin'. Craig states, "Mrs. O's appearance on The View did not go well."

One of the reasons Michelle Obama was booked on The View was to try to "soften" her image with women because of the negative reaction to her from a lot of female voters--independents, crossover voters and Hillary girls.

As Craig implies, Camp Obama is attempting to makeover Mrs. Obama now so she'll be more people friendly. Obviously, polls are showing a problem
with her or else Axelrod and his soldiers wouldn't be scrambling to transform her.

What is the theme song? I've got 99 problems and.....

Craig,

A comment like this always prompts me to wonder waht we would do if the candidate for president were unmarried. Would the focus shift to every person the candidate ever dated? It seems with every election cycle, the spouse of the candidate plays a larger role. The Clintons called Bill’s election a “two-fer”, so her importance in the campaign and the administration was clear from the outset. Some might argue the idea of a “two-fer” in Hill’s run hurt her, but I think her loss had more to do with her strategy and organization than her spouse.

I’m not faulting the media on this. After all, they didn’t put MO on The View. And, once a candidate’s spouse starts giving speeches or making appearances, s/he becomes fair game. But, remember 100 years ago when Howard Dean was the front runner, and suddenly we got stories asking: Where is his wife? How come she never appears with him? Then the campaign had to drag out his wife, who was obviously intelligent but uncomfortable in the political spotlight. How many more cycles before the spotlight moves to sons and daughters, nieces and nephews?

Mrs. O has been herself and that ain't workin'. prof marcia

Yeah, but ain't working with who?
And, yes, they are trying to use her to win over women.
But most women hate phonies. She's not running for President. I saw somewhere yesterday that she's already more popular than McCain's wife.

Craig said they are making Michelle over, but he didn't say he necessarily agreed with it. Who wants another cookie cutter 'First Lady'. Maybe women want a new and different kind of role model.

Sorry! I posted twice. I don't know how that happens.

Here is background on Jeffrey Sachs, the guest from MoJo this morning. He had the guts to tell Buchanan to stuff it (nicer language) because we have to get away from oil NOW!!!

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

Chloe,

I agree with you!

But, in my humble opinion, I think Craig was being ironic in his post. He was suggesting that Camp Obama is trying to makeover Mrs. Obama and it DOES seem hypocritical since they're the party of change. (I'm not sure, but it
seems logical).

I think Craig was slyly implying that Camp Obama is just like the old politics that they are against because THEY are the ones now trying to makeover
Mrs. Obama.

This is for Michelle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNWNYxNJV6w

Is this the kind of story you got into journalism for? What a waste of space. Get a real job, Craig, you suck at this one.

I think Craig was slyly implying that Camp Obama is just like the old politics that they are against because THEY are the ones now trying to makeover Mrs. Obama. Posted by: prof marcia | June 19, 2008 7:45 AM

Prof. Marcia,

I think you're right own in your judgment of what Craig was saying. I hadn't thought of all the implications, but now that you say it, I think it is pointing out 'politics as usual'.

I'm more than a little annoyed at 'The Party' right now. Them more than anyone else.

Corey,

Thanks for the post. I love Barry White. And the way he translates Billy Joels'
"Just the Way You Are" is breathtaking. Somehow I can't see Obama
singing it to Mrs. O, though.

"Have you never watched even one episode of sex in the city?"

Acually, no.

"After the havoc that I'm gonna wreak , no more words will the critics have to speak." -Weezer

This may sound sexist, I don't mean it that way, but it appears that Barack is PW'd by Michelle.

Why does she have to run her man down so much?

It looks like they have a power-struggle in their marriage. Maybe Michelle is the person who should be running and she knows it and she resents having to be relegated into the role of wifey.

Maybe it's her just- below- the-surface anger that's off-putting to some people, or maybe a boulder-sized chip on her shoulder that transmits hostility. She seems conflicted and it's painfully awkward to watch her unfold in public.

Maybe she's still in the process of becoming what she's meant to be.

"She often says vaguely snarky things about her husband meant to be
humorous but are not."

Yo know, Prof -- I have felt the same way several times. Long ago, during the early stages of the campaign, she made comments about how he smells terrible in the morning....and I thought, "Oh Lord -- you may think that's funny, but....."

early on in an interview, didn't MO threaten to end the campaign if BO fell off the smoking wagon? she seemed adamant at the time, but must have changed her mind or had it changed for her when he alledgedly slipped during the primary. also wonder if effect of his habit is reflected in his med records.

The "pathetic" part is that MO has to soften her image for voters. Nothing "sweet" about. Hil'ry had the same problem the first time Bill ran for prez. I do have to wonder why MO chose to wear a black & white dress, though? Just kidding. Fist bump. But seriously, she should be proud of her accomplishments and own up her to her stance on the issues. The people who make it this far are going to be power couples from now on.

Tim,

The "first ladies" has often been a problem in their particular era. Many though Mary Lincoln was a confederate spy. "Lemonade Lucy" Hayes banned liquor from the White House. Grover Cleveland entered a bachelor with his sister serving as first lady, and exited married to his very young "ward", and poor Mrs. Jackson was so villified that some say it cost her her life and she died before the innauguration.

Martha Washington was an extremely wealthy heiress not exactly well loved by poorer folks. Edith Wilson is said to have taken over the job of president following her husband's stroke. Dolly Madison was a scandalous flirt. The stories are endless.

Maybe Mrs. Obama can take heart from this quote by Mrs Washington, ""I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else, there is certain bounds set for me which I must not depart from..." So in one of her surviving letters, Martha Washington confided to a niece that she did not entirely enjoy her role as First Lady.

Hey good morning, Alicia,

I always like to be here at 6 A.M. your time, (I'm in Calif) because you and people

like Patsi, Jamie and Chloe are here. Is it time to bring out the coffee and

blueberry muffins, yet?

Craig will understand this comment from me:

It's not Michelle's fault, Craig, they just keep "raising the bar."

The coffee pot is on a timer and fresh perked, but you will have to kick Sheila out of bed to get the really good muffins. The packaged stuff is on the mantle.

Alicia,

I like your post about MO--
"why does she have to run her man down so much?"
"boulder sized chip on her shoulder"
"painfully awkward"

So true!

"Is it time to bring out the coffee and
blueberry muffins, yet?"

I had coffe and Five-Flavored Pound Cake. Treat.

Thank you Jamie -- for reminding us of the historical context of First Ladies. You've inspired me to do more research in this area. Any books you can recommend?

good morning gang....

I didn't see the interview in question.....
I think Michelle Obama is a very accomplished and smart woman.... unfortunately, that will make her a target..... just like Hillary....

prof Marcia.... you may have hit the nail on the head.... she may be trying to be humorous and is one of those people who doesn't do jokes very well....
to me.... that just makes her human....

Craig.... you've made a typo....
in the third paragraph that starts with the word Still.... you typed Mts Obama instead of Mrs Obama....
I will refrain from making any "freudian slip" comment...... :)

Jamie, Patsi,

I love bakery stuff like pound cake, cookies, muffins, bread. . .
so bad for me. But. . .

Seize the moment--remember all those women on the Titanic who
waved off the dessert cart.

(Erma Bombeck)

Let her be the first modern first lady 'allowed' to pursue her own business/personal interests and to manage her family, including him, as she sees fit.
Posted by: Flatus | June 19, 2008 7:21 AM

Now there's a new and different idea.
Let her be herself.
Like it!

Craig, I suggest you get over bashing the Obamas. I think Michelle was great on 'The View' yesterday.
Face it, your gal lost. Or are you really a cheerleader for the McCains? Sometimes it's tough to tell.
If you're not, why not bash them? Your continual attacks on the Obamas suggest something to me, and if I see it, I'm not the only one.
Grow up and lose the hate.

Rebellious, thanks AS ALWAYS for the typo alert -- now fixed

Posted by: babylonsister | June 19, 2008 8:30 AM

Here we go again.

babylonsister,

I think you're misreading Craig's prompt. He certainly wasn't bashing
the Obamas. He wrote a rather ironic, perhaps somewhat polemic, well-written comment (except for the one tiny typo).

He wasn't taking sides, just reporting what the media is presenting.
And pointing out that Camp Obama is struggling to change Michelle!!

He's an analyst of the news, one of the few I might add.

It's not like anybody watches The View anyway. LOL!

"Seize the moment--remember all those women on the Titanic who
waved off the dessert cart.
(Erma Bombeck)"

Ha! Too true. The woman who babysat my then 2 and a half year old daughter when I went back to work, was a fabulous Catholic lady with a housefull of kids. Her husband owned a successful music store. When her sister-in-law died suddenly, Flo told me it changed her life. Flo's husband's brother (and partner) always made the wife scrimp -- no vacations, horrible old junk car, old, old clothes...always talking about retirement. Then she died, and the guy ended up re-marrying, going on trips etc with wife #2, who got the new car and wardrobe. He told the family he had realized how short life is..

As Flo told her husband, "Fat lot of good that did his first wife."

Alicia,

The White House has a page dedicated to each of the First Ladies. You can see which ones might be of interest to you. Almost all have had biographies written about them.

For an easy read of an historical novel, try

http://www.amazon.com/Presidents-Lady-Rachel-Andrew-Jackson/dp/1558534318

This is Rachel Jackson, the one mentioned above who died before becoming First Lady.

A fascinating bio I finished recently was "Alice"

It is about a presidential daughter, Alice Roosevelt, who was literally the center of Washington social life from her teen years until her death.

Teddy Roosevelt had the famous quote, "I can be President of the United States or I can control Alice. I cannot do both at the same time."

I wrote a review of it at the time

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/2007/08/wild-child.html

Here's a bit of a strange, but fascinating Russert tribute from Bob (gag) Novak: "My Friend and My Source."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/18/AR2008061802730.html

This smacks of a manufactured controversy to me, along the lines of how some people misrepresented Hillary Clinton's response about Bobby Kennedy and the June primaries.
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/06/michelle-obama-on-the-view.php

I still can't figure out how anyone can thing Craig's blog said anything negative about Michelle. I just don't see that.

He pointed out how it looked from the Obama campaigns point of view and that they've rushed out to try to fix what 'they see' as a blunder.

For days, we've been reading that they've hired speech writers for her, they're redoing her image, etc. etc. All he's doing is pointing out the obvious, that they're watching her every move. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if they were polling daily to see how she's doing.

I can't see where anyone can think he was passing judgment. Pathetic, empathetic, who cares.
She obviously said it playfully.

Patsi,

Great story.

We can worry too much and forget to live. I put gas in my car
tonight and it was just shy of $5.00 a gallon. A few months ago it cost me
only about $30.00 to fill my car, now it's nearly $70.00.

don't know where that radar link came from ??

Patsi....
interesting article from "the Prince of Darkness".....

just goes to show you that all those guys know and respect one another....
they may look like they are in conflict on air..... but it's really only for show...

Craig?

My husband just called and said Obama is taking "public financing" for his campaign. McCain gets his wish, I guess.

I just talked to him again. He opted OUT of public financing. sorry

Mornin' all.

jamie, I caught Sachs on MoJo and he was absolutely spot on IMHO. Now that the dem primary season is over B uchannon is returning to his paleoconservative roots to try and move McOldFart into the WH, and it ain't pretty. Opposite him Pat looked like a doddering old fool.

MO- I'm not crazy about her, but she's smart, attractive, and is IMHO certainly ready to be 1st lady. And I'm betting that she learned a bit from Hillary's reception in DC when she was a similarly situated 1st lady. I think the real question is whether she'll be bored in the position, but I'm guessing whe'll either adapt to it or adapt it to her style.

Chloe

I was just about to type that he was getting "out" and read your second message.

Okay, Obama supporters this is not a slam at your guy since I have been saying all along that he is a politician, but one has to wonder how many other positions he is going to "modify".

He is now virtually echoing every single position taken by Hillary Clinton during the primary. Maybe my group will get their wish on White House policy. It will just be delivered by someone else.

Jamie,

Remember during the debates? Hillary usually went first and didn't Obama's
responses frequently sound like an echo of hers?

from Talklleft liveblogging the view

'Did she want Obama to be President? No. She thought he was sweet and pathetic -- she mispoke, meant empathethic, big laughs. She says she was selfish, thinking about the sacrifices her and girls would have to make. When she stepped out of that, out of being Michelle and a mom, and thought about what is best for the country, she saw it differently. "
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/6/18/114728/886

I only had one opportunity to see Michelle Obama - it was in December and she poke at our local college- the audience was about half college, and half over 40, with about a third over 70 or so.

My first observation is that she was very tall and willowy, with long hands. She was graceful towards everyone, and seemed very comfortable in her skin.

I was really surprised at her delivery. I had seen her speak on c-span at a NY womens forum, and had found her engaging there.

But in person, she was fantastic- she connected very clearly, and spoke about her childhood and the opportunities given her- how hard her parents worked, and how she and Barack were 2 years out of paying student loans.

mainly I liked her part about her dreams for her girls, and how she wanted children to have the opportunities she had- including the right to be able to travel as Americans- I do not feel I am doing her speech justice. I will see if I can find it online-

At the time I was very undecided on who to support, and found her as engaging as Elizabeth Edwards, if not more so, which is saying a lot for me-

I also found Huckabee;s comments interesting about demonizing Obama- I think the same applies to spouses to some degree.

I cringed at listening to Cindy MCCain's remarks on Michele this morning- i find that tactic to be a no win strategy.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/viewing-michelle.html#comment-104574

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/viewing-michelle.html#comment-104575

Jamie, Just some FYI. This is nothing more than what Obama has said since before he began running. Both of them have said "Lets Get Out", but both have always said that they wouldn't get out irresponcibly.

In truth anyone who takes over has to see whats in the classified information and listen to the Pentagon before changing course.

It sounded as if she said "pathetic" and it was sweetly funny. If they want to plead "empathetic" that's okay, but I like the wifely sound of the first word better.

Posted by: Jamie | June 19, 2008 7:32 AM

You are very right. Mrs Obama has said it before in the context of making Obama more human in other peoples eyes. The word "Pathetic" was a part of her first "Get to know Barack and the family" stump speech.

I bet the campaign is trying to back her out of painful trouble....to bad she just can't be herself. I have found her witty, gritty, and charming too.

There is always an excuse.

About the Muslim women being dispatched away from the coveted VIP standing area behind Obama. Anything behind the stage and the candidate is all about the image building.

There has been a certain ambiguity in the Muslim community about Obama -- on the one hand, they are thrilled that a person who has Muslim roots could be President. On the other hand, there is pain in that he seems to be in constant denial about any Muslim experience he's had in his past, sometimes going overboard in calling the Muslim referrals to his past as a "smear." It's painful to hear from someone who you've embraced as one of your own calling your faith and culture a "smear." Like it's something dirty he needs to run away from. This is not sitting well with the Muslim community. I think those women were demanding to be placed behind him on the stage as a test to see how Obama really felt about the Muslim community -- which represents a growing block of voters in this country. It is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, if not the fastest growing religion in the US. American Muslims are highly educated, with the numbers holding at least a bachelor's degree far exceeding the national average, and with high incomes due to their predominance in professional fields. Over 70 percent of American Muslims consider themselves to be Democrats. This is a desirable demographic for Obama, yet one he wants to hold at arm's length.

Alicia- I fear BO is in a no win position with American Muslims-

my 11 year old who is exposed to a lot more politics than most adults was telling me BO was a Muslim because she heard it on the news.

Those vicious emails are still out there. Clearly that women the other day was a misstep- but it is a damned if you do and damned if you don't-

Alicia

Not the case at all. The women were with two large groups who had come to hear Obama and both groups were invited to stand on the stage...except for the women in the "traditional headgarb."

Alicia,

Shall we add Muslims to the growing body count of groups and people Obama
has tossed away (I'm tired of "thrown under the bus") when it's politically expedient?

Perhaps the host at Talkleft also missheard Obama when he said this:

Sen. Barack Obama today named his National Security team and delivered a prepared speech on the war on terror and Guantanamo. I'm disappointed with it.

Three examples:

There are terrorists who are determined to kill as many Americans as they can. The world’s most dangerous weapons risk falling into the wrong hands. And that is why the single greatest priority of my presidency will be doing anything and everything that I can to keep the American people safe. (my emphasis.)

If you were hoping universal health care or creating more jobs or reducing our country's reliance on incarceration would be his greatest priority, this is a letdown.
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/6/19/2155/15989

This is a desirable demographic for Obama, yet one he wants to hold at arm's lengthby: Alicia Knight | June 19, 2008 9:41 AM

But Alicia,
Does he have any choice?
There's been indications of so much prejudice out there. As wrong as it is, the Middle East has come to symbolize danger to some. I do not agree with that idea. But I sure do see it. His campaign went out of their way to deny any ties.

It's just sad that it has to be done. People are so afraid and intolerant of anyone who is not exactly like them. The Bush administration (with their 'evil doers' expression) certainly haven't helped relieve fear and prejudice in our society. The next President needs to work on that.

There are terrorists who are determined to kill as many Americans as they can. The world’s most dangerous weapons risk falling into the wrong hands. And that is why the single greatest priority of my presidency will be doing anything and everything that I can to keep the American people safe. (my emphasis.) : Lynn C | June 19, 2008 9:58 AM

My God.
Bush could have said that.

LynnC,

You see that as threatening because it seems to be two opposing forces. But there is always a reasonable middle.

Since we are a country in crisis, I guess we have to see what the Next president will do.

I know for sure how McCain wants to act. I know how Obama wants to act.

But for sure, we don't know what will happen until the next President is in House and looking at all the information he didn't get to see before now.

Belated Good Mornings to everyone -- Sorry I missed the muffins! Thanks for your kind words, Prof Marcia -- I enjoy the early morning vibe in here as well. I am impressed that you rise so early PST to join the klatch.

I think some Muslims are feeling a little like Obama is making them ride int he back of the bus. They can be on board, but not seen. Like the Clinton holdhouts -- where can they go?

LynnC -- Thanks for the particulars about the incident. It seems to make it even worse that the women in hajib were not testing his loyalty. But really, how many women in hajib has Obama been pictured with? Hi campaign did put out one photo where there was a woman with a headscarf on in the bottom of the photograph, who was several people away from the candidate. Is that the best they can do?

“There has been a certain ambiguity in the Muslim community about Obama -- on the one hand, they are thrilled that a person who has Muslim roots could be President. On the other hand, there is pain in that he seems to be in constant denial about any Muslim experience he's had in his past.”

Look, if the Muslim community, particularly those living in the USA, were not so ambiguous about 9-11, or whether or not they support acts of terrorism, then maybe people running for President would not have to be ambiguous towards them.

I remember how impressed I was by the Muslim participation in the event in Yankee Stadium shortly after 9-11, and how I thought it would go a long way towards isolating the Ji-had extremists from the Muslim community. But, unless I have some how managed to miss it, there has been very little condemnation of Osama bin Laden and his misuse of religious teachings to support the killing of innocent children, adolescents and adults.

I think the Muslim community missed a wonderful opportunity to educate Americans (and others) about its religion, about its values and beliefs, but instead it has seemed to be afraid to take public positions against suicide bombings and the like.

Okay, so be it. But let’s not cry foul when people seeking the presidency seek to distance themselves from you, or are not prepared to share the spotlight with you.

Chloe,

But, as a candidate of change AND one who speaks so loftily about the importance of "a national dialog about intolerance and racism" why oh why doesn't Obama speak up about the bigoted attitude of so many in this country toward Muslims? Instead his staff asks the head scarf wearing ladies to
move away. Sounds hypocritical to me.

Is it the same reason Obama remained silent when Hillary Clinton was smeared my the misogynists?

Remember this?

On the campaign trail with Michelle Obama

"In Wisconsin, I asked her if she was offended by Bill Clinton's use of the phrase 'fairytale' to describe her husband's characterisation of his position on the Iraq war. At first, Obama responded with a curt 'No'. But, after a few seconds, she affected a funny voice. 'I want to rip his eyes out!' she said, clawing at the air with her fingernails. One of her advisers gave her a nervous look. 'Kidding!' Obama said. 'See, this is what gets me into trouble.'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/may/04/barackobama

What gets lost in this Muslim discussion is that there are 1.3 Billion Muslims in the world - only a small percentage of the most radical muslims are out to get us. There always have been and always will be people, ideologies and countries who want to kill us - sometimes more and sometimes less. Our foreign policy responds directly to that small percentage rather than to developing strong and positive relationships with the coutries the rest of them inhabit. We are reactionary idiots.

" why oh why doesn't Obama speak up about the bigoted attitude of so many in this country toward Muslims? Instead his staff asks the head scarf wearing ladies to
move away. Sounds hypocritical to me.
Posted by: prof marcia | June 19, 2008 10:09 AM

Marcia,

I couldn't agree more.

ProfMarica,

The campaign immediately came back with apology.....what else do you want? It been less than 24 hours since the appology. I believe patience is the wiser option and let the cards fall to see what else is going to happen.

"Aref, who was born in the United States to Egyptian immigrants, said she had defended Obama during the primaries against a constant drumbeat of rumors that he was Muslim. Obama is a Christian.

Obama also has been careful in denouncing the links, noting that some rumors about him also have been insulting to Muslims.

"I don't want to be called something I'm not, but I felt like ... everyone was treating this accusation of being Muslim as though it were some sort of crime or sin," Aref said.

She was grateful that the group she was with at the rally, which included her brother, Sharif, as well as non-Muslim colleagues of his, declined the invitation to take seats behind Obama after she was refused.

Still, she said, it was difficult to hear Obama's message of unity among races.

"As he's saying it, I'm thinking, 'Well, wait a minute, I was obviously ... profiled and discriminated against an hour ago.'"

Aref, a 25-year-old lawyer, said a member of her group was told by a volunteer that she could not invite Aref because of "a sensitive political climate."

"The Campaign" may have apologized.

Obama spokesman Bill Burton issued a statement saying such actions are "not the policy of the campaign."

"It is offensive and counter to Obama's commitment to bring Americans together and simply not the kind of campaign we run. We sincerely apologize for this behavior," the statement read.

Aref said she replied by thanking Burton, but requested Obama apologize directly to her and Abdelfadeel, as well as invitations to sit behind him at a future campaign event. Obama spokeswoman Amy Brundage said the campaign has apologized.

"He needs to take the matter seriously and send a strong message against any kind of discrimination," Aref said.

There is always an excuse.

What gets lost in this Muslim discussion is that there are 1.3 Billion Muslims in the world - only a small percentage of the most radical muslims are out to get us. pogo

pogo,

Don't you think our leader led us in this direction? The unfair profiling they've done, the fear they've spread in order to justify the war to begin with. They treat the public as though we're puppets, and it's impossible to ever know the truth when our own news organizations won't give it to us straight.

Posted by: chloe | June 19, 2008 10:06 AM

That's exactly the thought that came to mind.

I like Michelle Obama. I like her more then I like her husband.

Have any of you guys ever been on camera? (craig excluded and he is very good at it) I can tell you the pros make it look easy, it is not! There are entire businesses based on teaching people how to speak, stand, sit, what to wear, eye movements ect.

So she had some rough spots, who cares! She isn't running, however, she certainly is smart enough to run. I think we should allow her to work on her public persona. I do not think for one minute that will change who she is as a person.

I support her and I think she will be a remarkable first lady! If that is how it ends.

(pulls your claws in.... : )

peace~

"It is offensive and counter to Obama's commitment to bring Americans together and simply not the kind of campaign we run. We sincerely apologize for this behavior," the statement read. Posted by: Lynn C | June 19, 2008 10:17 AM

This would be the perfect time to show us he can lead. How about starting now and setting an example of tolerance and acceptance of EVERYONE and showing he won't accept anything less. We haven't seen it so far, but this could be a good start.

Must be a slow news day if this is all Craig can come up with. Good morning, all.

The media portrayal of the candidates and families all play into the narratives of the campaigns. Get used to it. This is nothing compared to the abuse Eliabeth Edwards and Teresa Heinz Kerry took during the 2004 campaign.

Morning Burrito!

Peace back atcha.

Chief Sheila,

You're right. It is early after this particular mishap. Maybe Obama will give
an inspiring speech about Muslims, but I doubt it. It isn't in his best interests.
The reason Obama gave "the race speech" was he was backed into a corner
because of Rev. Wright and his entire campaign was derailing.

My point is that the Muslim-hate has been happening for months--this undercurrent of Muslim attacks aimed at Obama. He has insisted often enough that he is not a Muslim, has no ties to Muslims, implying there's something dark and evil about this whole group.

Obama hasn't once taken the opportunity to praise Muslims. And now he bullies them by refusing two women seats on his podium. That's old fashioned politics, even if he did apologize. That's all I'm saying.

chloe, of course I believe our leaders (and please don't use that word for Dumya - he may be my president but he's not my leader) has taken us in this direction, and we willingly followed, took up the verbiage about terrorists and extremists as if it is a huge army of them and cheered when we attacked 2 countries and killed a dictator who had nothing to do with the attacks on us. And it disturbs me that Obama is adopting that same language. If I believed he did not still hold his commitment to getting out of Iraq as quickly as we safely can (and that he might not make the correct decisions about judicial appointments - my No. 1 priority in Nov.) I'd consider not voting - because god knows I could NEVER vote for McCain.

" I think she will be a remarkable first lady! If that is how it ends."

Well, she can't be any more obnoxious than Nancy Reagan was, that's one thing we know for sure.

Hey Shelia,
what's cookin?

Hey you idiot. She said he was "Sweet, empathetic, ..." NOT sweet AND pathetic.

lol Patsi -
or anymore boring then Laura Bush

leader ... has; leaders ... have. duh

Here is the transcript:

"You know, I did not want Barack to go into politics because I thought politics was a mean business. And you know, I knew this man that I loved, he was sweet, empathetic. I thought, there was no way..."

Jackie Kennedy while very popular also got very bad press on a number of occasions, particularly for her extravagant spending and odd diet.

"or anymore boring then Laura Bush"

Precisely!

Unlikely,

Doesn't sound like you've read most of the blogs today. The majority of
the conversation has been about how Obama's camp is trying to change Michelle Obama. Where's the attack on MO in that?

Obama hasn't once taken the opportunity to praise Muslims. And now he bullies them by refusing two women seats on his podium. That's old fashioned politics, even if he did apologize. That's all I'm saying.

Posted by: prof marcia | June 19, 2008 10:36 AM

That's not a fair statement. The Advance Team made the decision, not Obama. It was clearly the mistake of his Advance Team trying to stage a good shot.

The candidate comes into town is is led from one event to another, depending on his advance team to have done a good job....

Your blaming Obama for something he "Personally" didn't do....

The statement that there is too much attention is being paid to visuals is again more accurate.

However in that, at this point, you can bet that these Press Advances have been taken to task and or let go for such a huge gaff.

Too demonize Obama at this point is not logical

Can you imagine what would happen if, the country started to turn around, and people in general, started to take more personal responsibility for themselves and their actions?

--Sorry my claws came out on the Laura Bush comment…..note to self “reel it in”

If the Obama campaign has any sense, it will have an American Muslim rally in Michigan, talk about the value of religion in general and Islam in particular to American families and his heritage and value system, and appear to show that in his world, Muslims are among the people of faith who he embraces. The media will give it lots of coverage, the headscarf FU will be forgotten and everyone will be happy. And I'll be disappointed once again that religion is having such a prominent role in our politics.

Hey burrito,,,,,one of the greatest mexican fast food in the world......but I digress. ;0)

I have a huge dinner tonight. I am about to go and start breakfast and prepping.....and I have a hormone migraine....can I be anymore feminine? ;0)

Michelle Obama: "I'm A Big Fan Of Accessories. I'm Married To One"
Huffington Post | April 9, 2008 04:54 PM

Bon mot or misstep. What about stinky and snorry

My money is on "pathetic."

As for the current Muslim controversy, the women who were insulted are not happy with the campaign's response. Shouldna't their feelings be the ones that count?

Oh I most likely skimmed over way too fast. I thought the post was about MO attempted make-over....and her appearance on the TV show the View.

Well if I was wrong , whatever, I have heard Michelle attacks on this blog before, actually I may have even posted one when I didn't know much about her.

Just pass over my posts , if they are too off topic for you. It's not like off - topic doesn't happen here on occasion.... And it certainly isn't worth an arguement/ discussion.

I don't mind being wrong, if I offended you that was not my intent. I'll just shut up and go to work now....you all have a very pleasent day!

peace~

I wonder what Rep Keith Ellison thinks about the
incident in Detroit.

Craig, I can't believe you posted this. This is so dishonest on your part. It's very disappointing because I thought you had some integrity even though you have let your bias be known.

She said empathetic. You know this but you want to run with a lie and start another false story.

What a shame. You used to be a somewhat adequate journalist.

There are different views for different people. I thought she did a great job. The MSM makes much of her gaffes and refuses to see her as her own person but as an extension of her husband. Only she knows if she said pathetic and I thought when she said it she stated empathetic without any help from the hosts.

We could focus on what she said about her children and how committed she is to maintaining as much as she can a normal life for them. We could focus that Senator Obama makes it to recitals and how important family life is to him also. But we focus on gotchas.

With the hatchet jobs done on strong democratic women in the past, it’s not surprising the obsession with any misstatements Mrs. Obama makes. For me, I would rather have a strong First Lady with compassion. It does not matter political party. Barbara Bush focused on reading and as a young teacher I was a fan.

Muslims in this country have been living constantly with the specter of 9/11 over their heads. They are fearful that the slightest misstep could land them in FBI custody and whisked off to some non-Geneva country for interrogation.

I bought a book at a homeschool fair, titled "Backyard Ballistics." It's a fun little book with ideas for making various cannon and projectiles out of household items -- potato rockets, vinegar and baking soda rockets, etc. My friend Priscilla, who does practice hajib, asked to look at the book, saying she couldn't buy it. I offered to loan he the money to get it, when she corrected me -- "I can't have this book in y house. If my neighbor decided they wanted to mess with me, they could just call the FBI and if the FBI found this in my house, my husband would be taken in. "

Our family celebrates Christmas and the Muslim branch are eager participants. My nephew Omeran is the same age as my kids, and like all teenagers he loves video games. The popular game "Medal of Honor" was on his wish list, as it was on my own son's wish list. Medal of Honor is a first person shooter game that allows the players to re-enact US Military battles from WW2 and other wars. I had no problem with my kids playing it, but Omeran's mother had to nix it for her own son. She did not want such a game in their house because it could be construed to be a "paramilitary training" game. Again, fear of the FBI being called by a nosy neighbor and the FBI storming the house and finding this game.

How am I demonizing Obama when the gist of my comment states a fact
and my opinion about that fact. I pointed out that Obama could have spoken
up in the past about the Muslim-hate attacks percolating since the campaign started and he did not. I think that's hypocritical. Period. That is not demonizing your candidate.

anonymous - maybe a personal phone call from Obama would be in order - it would take a couple of minutes and could defuse the whole situation - the women would get the message to the press and people would either talk about how wonderful it was for him to call them and apologize or they would say it was just a cynical response. Of course no candidate can personally respond to every person that campaign staff have affronted, and not everyone will be happy with him no matter how he tries to address it, but until the press and his detractors drop it, he needs to do something.

Meanwhile, a Washington Post/ABC poll shows that 48% view Michelle Obama favorably versus 39% who say the same of Mrs. McCain.

yep...craig and you others...right again. LOL

Mr. Pogo

A phone call from Obama is a good idea. Or maybe Michelle can call and be emphathetic.

Particularly since both these young women (at least one is a lawyer by the way) have been big supporters of Obama. I agree with others who have stated this could have been a time to set an example instead of responding to fear.

Chief Sheila,

We have something in common. I get terrible migraines, too. They are getting worse every year. The world is divided into two groups, those who have never experienced a migraine and those who have. I'd rather be in the former group.

about this Muslim business....
you all know I'm not a fan of Obama...... but..... I have to agree with Kathy on this one..... he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't.....

now I'm sure he'll purposely put women in headscarves in the next photo opportunity..... and he'll be criticized for pandering.....

unlikely,

Don't worry. No harm done. You have a pleasant day at work.

Michelle Obama's makeover is news.
It's been a story all week including the hiring of Stephenie Cutter as her "polisher" The appearance on the View was the kick off of the new Michelle

The Obamabots as usual never want to discuss
anything that is factual. They only want to discuss stories they pull out of their asses.

Slightly off-topic -- Felafel =The Food of Terrorists! (Including recipe for lowfat vegan felafel. )

http://rubyshooz.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/terrorist-food-vegan-falafels/

Renee, if he does that he deserves the criticism. Of course, pandering is a bad thing in politics, right? If only politicians understood that. :)

The Bush administration is finally getting what it wanted from the invasion of Iraq:

Exxon Mobil, Shell, Total and BP — the original partners in the Iraq Petroleum Company — along with Chevron and a number of smaller oil companies, are in talks with Iraq’s Oil Ministry for no-bid contracts to service Iraq’s largest fields, according to ministry officials, oil company officials and an American diplomat.

The deals, expected to be announced on June 30, will lay the foundation for the first commercial work for the major companies in Iraq since the American invasion, and open a new and potentially lucrative country for their operations.

But remember, it's not about oil. The war is about WMD ... no, it's about making Iraq stable ... no, it's about spreading democracy ... ummmm ...

Posted by: Alicia Knight | June 19, 2008 9:41 AM
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/viewing-michell

e.html#comment-104641

Alicia, I thought a lot about what you posted earlier.
I'm really glad you wrote it. I agree it is extremely
bothersome that Obama has so constantly denied his muslim roots in a way that seems offensive to other muslis. I'm ashamed that I hadn't thought of it before. I's like, maybe, he's put some muslims in the position of
feeling like they have to defend and legitimize their
religion. I just hope you don't see that in the general
population.

I've always thought of the Democratic party as the party of
inclusion, the party for the little guy. Now we're told, no
working class, no muslims (heaven only knows what els) are needed. The new demographic doesn't represent us any more.
I totally agree with what you were saying and I feel the same way.

anonymous,

Thank you. That's exactly what I have been trying to point out all day!
(Craig too, I bet). I don't get why all these folks are attacking Craig's
prompt. He was analyzing politics-- that's his job.

Alicia, terr'ists are vegans? Who knew?

I admit to liking felafel, but in truth, I prefer peanut butter.

Alicia,

Thanks for the link to felafel (the food of terrorists). It's a great post.

anonymous, please don't group all the obama supporters into the same group. Not productive, not accurate.

KC, good point. Not about oil, my ass. But then we've known tha all along, haven't we?

google
445,000 for Michelle Obama's makeover
405,000 for Bush administration makes oil deal iraq

"the New Democratic party doesn't represent us anymore." posted by Chloe

Truer words were never written. The Dem party surely left me and anyone
who is a centrist.

Also, the neuvo-liberal Democratic party doesn't need anyone over
40 either (and certain women).

Having a terrible time posting this morning....

On headaches,,,,,me too Marcia, me too.

On the post that lead me to my answer. You naturally feel very negative toward my candidate and so it would seem natural that I point out the way it read.

Obama and any other candidate, of course is over all responsible for Serious gaffs. Because the buck stops here.

But lets be paient and see how it is handled. I happen to aggree with my friend Pogo. Some sort of heartfelt coming to together has to happen.

Obama is being hammered on two fronts. Clinton supporters who still are not convinced and the Right Wing. Doubley hard to make amends and not be swiftboated at the same time.

More wonderful news from your economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/business/business-markets-stocks.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/business/politics-usa-economy-index.html?ref=business

Pogo...
I thought your 10:13 post on Muslims was spot on....
pandering..... politicians.... they both begin with pee....

Alicia.... I live in a rural white bread area..... I don't even know what a felafel is..... so sue me...... (and yes.... I know I can google it)....

KGC.... and I doubt the Democrats would do anything differently.....
one thing I've learned from this primary season is that Dems are no saviors and are as much in the pockets of big business as the Repubs..... they just do a better job at hiding it.....

Pogo

The total arrogance of the deal is mind boggling.
I expect Shrubco to keep rolling out this kind of crap until 1/20/2009.

The Democrats in Congress should hang their heads in shame.

Of course some sort of repair work has to happen, Sheila, the media has picked up and run with this silly IMO story and Obama is taking hits about it from all sides. He has to get it behind him quickly, and reaching out personally is the best way I see to do that.

Now go take whatever meds you need to to get rid of your migraine, close your eyes and let it slip away - you have a lot of work to do today, and staring at a screenful of pixels with people rolling into disharmony can't be helping.

RebRenee

Mazzocco Zin my latest find. Hmmmtasty.

"With the hatchet jobs done on strong democratic women in the past,"

Tell that to the "progressive" blogger boyz who brought out their hatchets for Hillary Clinton.

Hey all you, "this new Democratic Party doesn't represent me anymore" people? Why don't you leave already? We're tired of your belly aching and there are some political alternatives for you.

Join the Republicans. They'll take about anyone right about now. Join Bob Barr and the Libertarians. You'll get Mike Gravel as a bonus. I heard that Ralph Nader is running again. He can use a few hands at his one campaign office. But dear God, just go. You thought that being bitter would have some type of blowback against Obama. It didn't. You thought you had some type of movement that would cause Democrats to flee the party. They didn't. You predicted that the polls would portend disaster for Obama against that great American hero McCain. It hasn't. So why not just go and try to make it happen? Nah, that would mean having to stand up for something rather trying to tear something down.

I don't know why the Muslim community should be offended at the Obama campaign keeping themaway from cameras....the campaign did the same thing to some young black volunteers in Iowa.

Chief Sheila,

I have known and do know many fine, successful, warm Muslim people.
There was a Middle Eastern bakery/cafe in the town where I used to live.
I loved the Peta bread they baked and so I started traveling across town to buy the bread there once a week. This was at the height of the second Iraq war. The shop smelled of exotic spices and sweet honey. Iranian music played in the background. There were always old men sitting on patio chairs outside as I entered the store. Inside the owner and his wife, both about 35, were usually busy waiting on customers or preparing food. I was always the only non-middle Eastern person in the shop. I felt fear in the air and cautiousness. My blond hair and green eyes seemed so out of place among the other patrons who were dark skinned with deep espresso colored eyes some wearing Muslim garb.

After a time, the cliental got used to me showing up every Friday. I asked the owner questions about his country. When I asked if he was a Muslim, he hesitated. There was real terror in his eyes. He told me he was. I smiled and
he seemed to relax.

But, I never once saw another non-Middle Eastern person in that store. I don't know why I loved going to that shop so much.

Mr. Demogague

You and your ilk will be gone after November.
Like John Kerry you will be just another Republican joke smeared on the shoesole of history.

Chicago Police and 3 Murdered Choir Members

"Fact: Within a 40-day period in November-December, 2007, three openly gay members of the Trinity United Church of Christ, all young African American men, were each murdered execution-style with bullets to the backs of their heads. One of them was Donald Young, the choir director. The cases have reportedly never been solved."

http://texasdarlin.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/chicago-police-and-3-murdered-choir-members/#more-349

"The deals, expected to be announced on June 30, will lay the foundation for the first commercial work for the major companies in Iraq since the American invasion, and open a new and potentially lucrative country for their operations."

It'll be okay, KGC....because the day Obama is elected he is going to clean up all those oil company deals, get us out of Iraq, solve the Mid East problem, save the economy, throw out his telecommunications lobbyist pals, cure racism, give everyone great health care and make the world love America. It's gonna be a damn miracle!

Sheila: "Doubley hard to make amends and not be swiftboated at the same time."

Given many of the negative characterizations and comments McCain is using to attack Obama are the same ones Hillary used during the primaries.

"Mr. Demogague

You and your ilk will be gone after November.
Like John Kerry you will be just another Republican joke smeared on the shoesole of history."

LOL G1

Obama are the same ones Hillary used during the primaries.

Posted by: DBCooper | June 19, 2008 11:49 AM

As opposed to the rightwing smears the Obama campaign used.

Get off your cross. If Obama loses it will be his own fault and the fault of WATB like you

For Bye-Bye aka Mr. "Democrat"

"Let’s not fool ourselves. It’s Nader’s party now."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0608/11018.html

"the New Democratic party doesn't represent us anymore." posted by Chloe

Truer words were never written. The Dem party surely left me and anyone
who is a centrist.

Also, the neuvo-liberal Democratic party doesn't need anyone over
40 either (and certain women).

Posted by: prof marcia | June 19, 2008 11:23 AM

hate to keep posting on you Marcia,

But I am so centrist is drives Patsi crazy and I am over 50 and I'm for Obama. I am a registered Dem...

There are so many happy mediums. No absolutes on this. The Dem Party has expanded by neccesity. if Neuvo is what you call it, then Neuvo it is. However, Neuvo has always served in the positive realm too.

I am over 50 and I'm for Obama. I am a registered Dem...

for Obama you are a Democrat but you are not a real Democrat which is the point the others have been making. You are an Obama only Democrat.

With regards to the first lady discussion, is it just me or is substance abuse a recurring theme amongst most of them?

If this article is any indication, your integrety and observation skills leave MUCH to be desired.

Did you actually listen to what was being said? Or simply listen for statements to take out of context and distort?

YES, Michelle said she originally did not want her husband to run for president, her honesty and candor may be something you are unfamilar with, BUT- you neglect to mention how she went on to say that she recognized while her initial reaction was understandibly selfish, when she looked at what was best for this country, she knew that Obama needed to run.

She was very poised, genuine, comfortable and real. The hosts of the view appeared to really enjoy her participation, and sense of humor. As did the other scheduled guests, and the audience.

Your perception of this show is rather shallow and predjuced- I'm very disapointed- you are a professional???

Last I checked Barack Obama is the Democratic Party nominee

Bear -- If you had to be married to McCain -- wouldn't you take drugs too?

Craig,

Come on. I've always liked you and thought you to be fair. What you've said about Michelle Obama is not fair. Did you even bother to watch "the View"? Not only was Michelle Obama gracious, she was swarmed for photos and autographs after the show. The producers spoke extensively about the charisma she exhumed and how impressed they and many of the audience members were with her.

Why do you "reporters" insist on making shit up when it's really nothing there? If you don't really like the person, then just come out and say it without all the sneaky "neerer, neerer," stuff. Come on Craig, do what the late Tim Russert was asking of reporters this political season. Keep to the issues and not the petty "gotcha" stuff. You'll like yourself better in the morning. I promise.

Last I checked Barack Obama is the Democratic Party nominee

Posted by: anonymous | June 19, 2008 12:01 PM

presumptive nominee
It wouldn't be the first time a party has been captured by interests contrary to its core values.
George W Bush is a perfect example

Barack is not the Democratic Nominee yet -- not until August.

It's like that saying about getting married -- Before you marry, have both eyes open. After you marry, keep one eye closed. Well me and Barack, we ain't married yet. We're not even engaged, maybe dating, maybe not.

Nick -- I thought the View ladies did decide that flat earth/round earth controversy already. I wouldn't know, though, haven't watched since Rosie left.

Sheila -- did you leave the convent? You dropped the nun! Is the nun under the bus? (LOL -- just kidding!)

Renee -- Think of Felafel as a fried bean sammich on funny bread.

Sig Heil

how's your credibility? Don't forget Godwin's Law

The media has not changed one whit since the primary, except McCain is the teflon candidate now.

anonymous,

Not true. A Democrat doesn't have to be a lefty to be in the party. I am a bleeding heart liberal with fiscal conservative tendancies. I am an evangelical with strong faith who tends toward great family planning education to stop abortion, but also leaving a female's body in the hands of the female and and protection of that under the law.

So I believe I am in tune with most democrats....The Democratic Party has never been so narrow anonymous. I've always felt comfortable until recently when others began to narrow focus like what you just stated.

What is your position on immigration?

Perhaps a Reagan Democrat but not a "yellow dog Democrat"

One more Middle Eastern Recipe -- before I have to take the kiddos to the library:

Arnabeet Mekleh -- Fried Cauliflower (except I don't fry it -- this is the oven-baked version)

Take a cauliflower and tear apart into even-sized pieces.
Toss in enough olive oil to lightly coat all the pieces.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Spread in one layer on a baking sheet.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Serve warm as a side dish or with pita bread as a snack.

LOL Alicia,

That Nun thingy was for Patsi's benefit. I think its run its course. Forward and onward.

but do you have something in mind?

Analyzing Anna’s Childish Games

Tracing the Moose family

LOL, that had to be one of the most politically stupid posts I've ever seen. It's going to be a long 4 years.
Anna Moose
Posted by: anna moose | August 17, 2007 at 11:07 PM
http://funksfrontporch.typepad.com/index/2007/08/newsletter-2.html

member of the Anna Moose Lodge,

Chef Sheila -- Ha ha! I didn't know the origins of the nun thingy.

Am I the only one here who uses her real name?

I feel so....exposed...

YES, Michelle said she originally did not want her husband to run for president, her honesty and candor may be something you are unfamilar with
Posted by: Someone who actually saw the show | June 19, 2008 12:00 PM

You're right. We seldom see anyone on that campaign being honest.

"Your perception of this show is rather shallow and predjuced-"

Like yours

What is truly pathetic is the Obama camp trying to win back the women's vote -- especially the HRC supporters -- by giving MO a makeover and putting her on The View. Could they be any more clueless?

Chef Sheila,

Sorry I misspelled your name in previous posts. (Chief instead of Chef)

Of course, there are many of us who don't fall into neat categories like you and like me. According to all stats, I should be supporting Obama--white, upper middle class, advanced degrees, lifer Dem--but I'm not.

You have to admit the Democratic party has changed. Most of the people I know talk about the party's tilt to the far left all the time. Many of these people have resigned from the party recently.

To some, neuvo is good. What I mean by the term is simple-- that the party is not the same Dem party of twenty years ago--therefore it is new, taken over by
Obama and his followers.

I see it as having become very far left in the sense that many of the policies now don't represent what I believe. For instance, Obama's ideas concerning education don't work for me. And I have already made myself clear about my belief Obama was at least partially responsible for the sexist tone of the primary, another reason I cannot support the "new" Obama Nation.

But, I get your drift. I just don't understand how you call yourself centrist. Are you telling me you think Obama is centrist?

Also, I am unhappy with the DNC in general for many reasons. So, as far as I'm concerned new isn't better this time.

Sure Anonymous,

Reagan Democrat is good, if that is how you want to catagorize me. ;0)

I'm a centrist who is a democrat and I'm voting for Obama.

Oh! And I happen to think Michelle is all that! She will make a fine modern first lady. In the aspect that she doesn't take crap, she reminds me of Clinton. Hillary was someone to be proud of as the first modern first lady.

BTW,

Some of my best friends are Yellow Dogs and Blue Dogs and They think my thinking is just fine.

Alicia,

I'm not thinking of her only. Never mind Betty Ford but Laura Bush was named as a dealer at SMU, Kitty Dukakis was drinking cologne and rubbing alcohol. I wouldn't be shocked to hear that Hillary hit the bottle hard in Bill's second term either...

Chef Sheila,

I just saw your post to anonymous. You answered the question I asked in my
post. So, you don't need to restate it.

"I am in tune with most Democrats," you write. That statement is only true
if you surround yourself with Obama followers.

What about the millions who supported Hillary? They aren't Democrats? I betcha they don't feel in tune with Obama.
Some may vote for him, but there are many who won't or who will do so with
great trepidation. Half the party is unhappy. There is a great divide.

wouldn't be shocked to hear that Hillary hit the bottle hard in Bill's second term either...

Posted by: Bear | June 19, 2008 12:28 PM

What piece of crap . Bseless and mindless speculation.

Let's speculate on the drugs being given to Mtrs. Obama to keep her from screaming whitey did it during the rest of the campaign.

Prof,

Not every thing Obama talks about lines up with my way of thinking. However, there never has been on Candidate that lined up with my way of thinking. ;0)

Having a huge dose of how the WH and congress work in my former life, no one would be able to get all that they want and promise.

Obama is an aile crosser and negotiator. He is also authentic in his desire to do the peoples work.

Prof,

Once again, not quite there. This party has a huge tent. Much much bigger inclusion factor than the republican side.

The party is not perfect, however it just fit the next generation in and thats a huge stretch of the imagination. You right, its not the same party as 20 years ago.

I am wringling my ample tush to fit as we speak. But my bottom line is that, since my son and his generation are fighting this war and we are not, then if they choose to come inside, we should allow them too. No matter how hard it is.

This is why I am not so hard on Change and Yes We Can

Chef Sheila -- Ha ha! I didn't know the origins of the nun thingy.

Am I the only one here who uses her real name?

I feel so....exposed...

Posted by: Alicia Knight | June 19, 2008 12:23 PM

Ha! I don't know about you, but I am so well documented by the US Government, its no use trying to be anonymous!

Chef,

I'm nodding off to sleep as I type this, so I'll make it short.

I agree the Dem party is not perfect, anymore than the Republican party
is. That's why we need a more perfect third party.

I think the problems you and I are having in our back and forth debate is that we see what has taken place in the last year or two in the Democratic party so differently.

What is the saying? One person's treasure is another person's junk.
Where you see treasure with the neuvo Obama Dems, I see trouble.

I think Hillary was treated shabbily by a party that she has given her life to support. Where I see distruction, you see bridge building.

We are at an impasse. Neither of us is going to change our minds.
But, it is commendable we can share our differing opinions.

Good luck putting that migraine to bed.

Marcia,

Wonderful discussion and we agree to disagree in the ole Craig Crawford Mantra! Thanks and here to getting through the next 24 hours of working with a migraine.....

Women our age ought to get a medal!

I think there's a whole lot of reaching going on here...reaching for reasons to criticize Michelle Obama. I watched the entire View program...beginning to end. She said "sweet, empathetic". There was room for interpretation, so the ladies of The View made sure the interpretation was cleared up. Nothing more to see, nothing more to comment on...unless you've joined the hallelujah chorus on this blog.

profmarcia...You are wrong. Michele Obama wasn't booked on The View to soften her image. She was booked on The View because, in fairness, Cindy McCain and both presidential contenders had already been there. It's called balance, something that's sorely lacking on this blog of late.

Alicia and prof marcia...I have to question who has the chip on their shoulder(s)....

Excellent post, kgc...at last, a topic worthy of discussion this morning...
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/viewing-michelle.html#comment-104702

The View appearance was a debut

Michelle Obama on "The View"
On the morning that the Times ran a front-page story about Michelle Obama's recalibrating her image in the wake of conservative attacks, the potential first lady appeared friendly, well spoken, likable, if understandably measured, on "The View." It was a big moment for her, what Times writer Jodi Kantor dubbed "the television equivalent of a Broadway debut."

Despite anyone's opinion about MO's success on "The View" (and I only saw the clips from the news), she was on that particular show because of its demo. This is how women in the 'burbs get to know her. Not sure where Axelrod is gonna send her to win over the male, blue coller voters. Babe Winkleman's Fishing Show?

Blue-\

Do you think that the first lady is critical to the blue collar male vote?

And if so, do you think they start out in Cindy McCain's corner?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/06/viewing-michelle.html#comment-104771

blue...as were Cindy McCain and both presidential contenders....

And if so, do you think they start out in Cindy McCain's corner?

Owner of a billion dollar beer company?

I would have thought that the strong women on this site would recognize one of their own in Michelle Obama and would be pleased to see their kindred spirits on TV. Guess not. Silly me. I have testicles so I guess I can't understand you positions.

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

Renee

" I don't even know what a felafel is..... " It's a snack made with fava beans ... don't forget the Chianti.

If O makes a gesture of respect to the Muslims, all the neo-cons-in-Clinton clothing will say he is pandering;
If O doesn't make the gesture, all the neo-cons-in-Clinton clothing will say he's a hypoctrite.

We saw this kind of thing in 1972, when a kleptomaniacal forger and political unknown named donald segretti sank the candidacies of Hubert Humphrey, Scoop Jackson, and Ed Muskie.

Everyone who supports bushmccain is a republican. Don't pretend it ain't so; the pretense is laughable. You support bushmccain, the end to social security, the end to Federal oversight of Wall Street and banking, the end of public education, the end of Congressional oversight of the NSA and Pentagon, the end of the Geneva Convention accords, the end of the seperation of Church and State, and the end of the US Constitution.

However, take it from me, being a republican IS curable.

The two Muslim women snubbed at the JLA rally are upset with Obama.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/NEWS06/806190376

Posted by: Corey | June 19, 2008 7:15 AM

I can understand the campaign not wanting Muslim imagery in the photo-ops from Obama's rallies. I haven't seen any polls on American attitudes toward muslims, but they are probably a little better than in Europe, if that tells you something. And after all the brouhaha over Barack's middle name, and the photo of him in Islamic dress visiting an Muslim country, it's an image that will alienate a lot of independent voters and, let's face, Democrats as well.

On a personal note, I find the habib a symbol of oppression, not something that is inclusive in a pluralistic society. But then I am negative toward all religions that indoctrinate hatred of Gays and Lesbians, women in leadership, non-believers, etc. etc. So I dislike organized religion. I probably shouldn't share my personal note because I am sure someone will call me a bigot or something. When it comes to organized religion, I base it totally on personal and public encounters over the years.

I make falafel with chickpeas...

Mrs. O seems so not ready to be a first lady. I'm not sure why. She's smart, educated, dresses well, seems to be a good mom, but she's got this loose
cannon quality that is disconcerting. Several of my Democratic friends, even
some firmly in Obama's camp, haven't warmed up to the lady either.

Posted by Prof. Marcia at sometime this morning...

Michelle is who she is. She will stumble, sometimes fall, and get right back up again. I don't particularly like her but, as far as I am concerned, she can do her own molding of First Lady just as Hillary did. I often admire people who "shoot from the hip"... at least then you know what they really think and where they stand. I find it more honest. And besides, she will find her groove, no doubt of that.

I don't even know what a felafel is..... " It's a snack made with fava beans ... don't forget the Chianti.

You think it was one of H Lecter's favorite hors d'oeuvres?

Sen. Obama backs off on Iraq. Told Minister of Iraq we will stay as long as necessary?

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/06/obama-and-iraqi.html

Posted by: Jamie | June 19, 2008 7:23 AM

Jamie, I hope it's not true. I didn't even get to reading the article once I saw Jake Tanner's photo ;-)

I find the habib a symbol of oppression, not something that is inclusive in a pluralistic society
EuroTom

I was surprised to read they are trying to bring the "right" to wear the habib back to Turkey.
In the US a lot of people see wearing it as just another
religious garmet such as yamulke. They aren't familiar with the quite literally wars over the habib in over countries.

What piece of crap . Bseless and mindless speculation.

Let's speculate on the drugs being given to Mtrs. Obama to keep her from screaming whitey did it during the rest of the campaign.

Posted by: anonymous | June 19, 2008 12:38 PM

If you think I was accusing Hillary of being a drunk, excuse the lack of decorum but you're a freakin retard.

It seems that the more and more you look at the issue and the crap that spouses of politicians have to deal with, it's sad that self medication seems to be most prevalent. I have seen this on all levels of government.

Never once did I intimate that Hillary Clinton was a drug abuser or a drunk. I just said that if that story ever came to light, I wouldn't be shocked. Having dealt with my own issues in that area, I sure as hell would NEVER hold it against her.

As for Michele Obama, if you think its easy being labeled and angry black woman, or an uppity black woman, a white hating traitorous black woman married to a terrorist trained husband, etc etc. I think she would have an excuse to hit the bottle.

"Is it time to bring out the coffee and
blueberry muffins, yet?"

I had coffe and Five-Flavored Pound Cake. Treat.

Posted by: Patsi | June 19, 2008 8:23 AM

I had carrots, low calorie soup and peas...

Hi Tom, how's the weather? Beautiful as the countryside?

If Barack can Michelle, he really can change the country.

Bear

Thank you for calling me a freakin' retard
and explaining what you really meant instead of what you obviously said.

You make yourself very clear at all times. I have a very clear idea of who and what you are.

KGC.. very observant !! It's a big battle in Turkey right now. Turkey is a Muslim country with a tradition for secularism. The ruling party is an Islamist party and there are extreme fears that they will step by step turn the country into dogmatic islamic country curtailing the rights of others. However, it should be noted, the Turkish military will surely intervene if the Islamists try this. They will not hesitate to topple any government or leader trying to do away with the official policy of an `(semi-) open secularist society.

Bear FWIW, your meaning was clear to me.

"H Lecter's favorite hors d'oeuvres?"

Since Muslim's don't drink alcohol, that was my reason for suggesting that particular wine as an accompaniment.

It is sunny here now! And I am so glad it's Thursday... It's getting close to 8 pm and I am washing clothes and catching up on emails and the like. I've been looking at buying a newspaper shop but my partner tells me we'd make a lot less money if I did it, though the stress of people taking fuel and driving off would be gone. Oh, what to do? What to do?

Mostly sunny and a nice breeze. What else could I ask for? Oh, maybe winning EURO MILLIONS, but besides that :-)

If O makes a gesture of respect to the Muslims, all the neo-cons-in-Clinton clothing will say he is pandering;
If O doesn't make the gesture, all the neo-cons-in-Clinton clothing will say he's a hypoctrite.

Enough with the Clinton clothing for crying out loud, Aren't you the one who was crying foul yesterday over personal attacks.

If Barack can Michelle, he really can change the country.

Posted by: jeejee Author Profile Page | June 19, 2008 1:45 PM

Hasn't succeeded so far.

You are welcome for me labeling you what you are anonymous.

If you can't recognize that what I said is what I meant then so be it.

EuroTom

I was surprised at the size of the American expat community in Turkey. A friend is living there now.
It sounds absolutely beautiful and fascinating. I don't know why the US doesn't do more to enable US Turkish relations.

Sheesh,

I'm almost ready to call any "anyonymous keyless" as "totally clueless" and looking for a fight.

If someone isn't willing for the owner of the blog to know their email (not the public) then they are obviously just flying by to cause trouble.

Hillary was a target when Bill was running for President, Teresa Heinz Kerry was a target when John was running for President and now Michelle is a target because Barack is running for President. Oh and we can also go back to Eleanor Roosevelt... she ruffled a lot of feathers !!! (I like the statement about Dolly Madison being a flirt)... LOL.

But seriously, can any of us imagine the pressure the wives of the candidates experience in these Presidential contests? I would FOLD under the pressure faster than you could say "xanax please"...

:-)

jamie, was the Chianti included to keep the muslims away from the felafel? LOL

I don't know if anyone here is familiar with Jemele Hill. She's a talented sports writer for ESPN.com. She is black, from Detroit and as such, grew up a Piston's fan.

During the NBA finals she wrote the following about the Celtics:

“Rooting for the Celtics is like saying Hitler was a victim. It’s like hoping Gorbachev would get to the blinking red button before Reagan.”

For this, she got suspended by ESPN and some sensitive media types in Boston are demanding she get the same treatment Imus got, job loss.

Is that statement that bad? I suppose you would get more agreement if you inserted the Yankees or Patriots instead of the Celtics...

I'm curious because it seems on her personal blog, she is being called N#@$ and various other slurs by angry people...

KGC

" I don't know why the US doesn't do more to enable US Turkish relations. "

We have a juggling act going on between Turkey and Kurdistan who have been fussing with each other for decades.

Turkey is in NATO and Kurdistan wants to be independent of Iraq (Remember the commercials, "The Other Iraq"). The Turks worry about their borders if the Kurds become independent and then there is all that Kurdish oil.

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

the vp wives too

People made terrible jokes about Marilyn Quayle
and Imus made jokes about Elizabeth Edwards weight.

NEW THREAD

Jamie....
should I also eat it with liver?.... :)
Chianti is too dry for my tastes..... think I'd rather have KGC's Mazzocco Zin....

in the meantime..... the mid-west is still drowning.....
heard a report on CNN this morning that it's also an ecological disaster because of all the nitrogen based fertilizer that's used on crops....

Bear,

I think you stepped a tiny bit over the line with anon, and I totally agree with you. anon is regularly the most abusive person who meets here. If he can't take a little brush back, then maybe he should repent of all the times he beaned others.

Btw, if anon is not a donald segredi-wannabe neo-con provocatuer-mole, I'll eat my '92 NYNY Convention straw hat.

Anyone want a fast crash course (since things have gone down hill of late with bombings in Mosul and Irkutz), here is a good site. There are additional links on the upper right with "helpful sites'

http://www.genjine.com/page/page/2625233.htm

For those tha complain about the wealth of Ciny McCain, how about this?

(06-17) 04:00 PDT Washington -- Led by Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco, the Bay Area's House delegation includes eight members with assets of at least $1 million, financial disclosure reports showed Monday.

Pelosi has assets valued at as much as $92 million, and she and the other local House millionaires join California's two millionaire senators, Democrats Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, in the nation's financial elite.

Nick

You use a recognizable name as someone who posts regularly and can be identified, so my gripe wasn't particularly directed at you.

If you would like a link which makes it possible for others to email you, connect to your blog if you have one and read a profile if you fill in the information plus the ease of signing in here without having to type every time, then you need to get a Typekey signature.

http://www.typekey.com

Click on "register for free", establish your ID and then comeback here. Fill in the information of your chosen ID and password and then click on the "remember me". It will ask if Craig can have you email. Click yes.

If all works as it is supposed to, you will never have to sign in here again. It will just remember who you are and automatically put up your name with the little key.

Click on any of the blue keys and you will see what information the others have chosen to make visible to the rest of the people on the list.

Oh for goodness sake. Did you even SEE the program? I know it's painful to watch an entire hour of The View, but if you had, you would have seen that Michelle Obama did a fine job dealing with the five View ladies for 59 minutes (Barbara Walters: pantyhose?! Elizabeth: scary baby schedule. Whoopi: gold rimmed teeth.). The one minute where she said "sweet, empathetic" -- or what controversy mongers heard as "sweet and pathetic" -- was a bobble in an otherwise bland show.

Bowmanc,

I don't remember reading complaints about la mccainbush's wealth. However, some seem quite concerned about her stealing from a charity. I am in that category.

You wouldn't happen to have her arrest record on you, by any chance?

EuroTom

I was surprised at the size of the American expat community in Turkey. A friend is living there now.
It sounds absolutely beautiful and fascinating. I don't know why the US doesn't do more to enable US Turkish relations.

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | June 19, 2008 1:54 PM

indeed... I hear that Istanbul is a lovely, contemporary city and there are so many nice places to visit. People here complain about the "Turks" et al, but you know what? When people steal gas from me, it is almost ALWAYS a white guy with a Belgian license plate... if you get my drift.

The problem with the integration comes from the fact that the poor and desperate have moved to Europe from Turkey, Morroco, Algeria, et.c etc. Usually they are mountain people raised in heavy religious tradition and lack of formal education. It leads to a skewed understanding of the countries' peoples.

RR

"ecological disaster because of all the nitrogen based fertilizer that's used on crops....

You think that fish killing algae bloom and growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico was bad before? Wait until next year.

xrepublican

Salon article about Cindy McCain's drug addiction, rehab and criminal charges

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/1999/10/18/drugs/index2.html

NEW THREAD

Thanks, Jamie.

I can't understand how this item could be passed over in favor of such insubstantial fluff as "whitey" and "proud" and lapel pins.

Prolly the republican bias of the MSM and smear radio.

Posted by: xrepublican | June 19, 2008 2:06 PM

here's your knife and fork

Yesterday you claimed there were no Republicans wotrh voting for since Ike and yet you stayed a Republican until at least 1992?

xrepublican = political operative

I never said that I stayed a republican until 1992, you made that up.

I flushed the last of the republican candidates and the party when it turned out that the "secret plan" was nothing more than a cynical plan to pass on the defeat in Viet Nam to the next administration. I felt badly about Sen. Hugh Scott. There was a sweet guy, knifed in the back by republicans he had thought were his friends. As if this is any of your business, mr. anonymous republican provocateur.

If you haven't been a Republican since you cannot remember when calling yourself an xrepublican is disengenous at best.

As for your petty charges, don't read my posts or any of the others who post as anonymous either. We won't miss you.
.

I confess to having supported republicans with contributions and votes before I discovered what lying, thieving, murderous people they are. YOU may not remember, but many of the rest of us recall those days quite clearly.

It is none of your business what I call myself, and I'll read whatever I wish, mr. totalitarian republican anonymous provocateur.

I watched it and clearly heard her say "empathetic". Whether you love or hate Michelle Obama, you can't deny that she obviously loves her husband. Calling him pathetic on national television makes absolutely no sense.

Certainly there are actual legitimate reasons to harp on her if you don't like her, but this isn't one of them. This even more ridiculous than the other side making fun of Cindy McCain for stealing cookie recipes. Is it possible for us to actually act like adults this political season or am I asking for too much?

YOU may not remember, but many of the rest of us recall those days quite clearly.

Unlike YOU I was never taken in by the GOP.

You know what is pathetic?

Craig Crawford's attempt to spin an outstanding appearance by Michelle Obama into anything other than what it was - a successful introduction of a warm, intelligent woman to an audience of at least 3 million.

Ms. Obama said "empathetic" and you know it. You also know her appearance was a hit. You also know she said the word more than 3/4 of the way through her interview.

So much for objective opinion from Craig Crawford.

I agree with everything you said, Craig, and that doesn't happen often at all. Michelle Obama is a tremendous asset and the Obama camp has to be careful not to make her a stepford character.

It's time for smart women to stop contorting themselves for become what the public thinks it wants in a first lady. We've grown up and dropped the issue of race, now it's time the issue of stepford first spouses.

Michelle ROCKS. I agree incognita, that she was a hit, but I wish there wasn't the need to have a dicussion about 'softening' her image. What needs to be softened about her? Why does 'smart' and 'tough' mean 'hard' only when it comes to women?

Bowmanc, the difference is that those you name don't pretend not to be wealthy and attack others as 'elitist'. The Republicans are trying to turn the two people who actually grew up as working class people 'out of touch' with working Americans.

Meanwhile, Cindy is lending her husband her private jet to fly around in to run for office.

@ Denni,

Here's the thing. Terms like "soften" and "makeover" are media inventions, designed to create controversy, promote insulting stereotypes and increase the viewership of news outlets and blogs. It is incredibly depressing that we still play these ridiculous games in the 21st century.

The media wants a catfight and by god, if there is no catfight, they will invent one. The same goes for the myth that John McCain has a snowball's chance in hades of winning, come November.

Our pundits can't sell a landslide or report on actual issues. They're not clever enough.

new thread

@ anon

Nope. Just another civilian, sick of supposed "media critics" buttressing their egos (and bank accounts) with petty attacks.

Hey, Craig?

What concerns you more? Michelle Obama's image or a war that's bankrupting this nation and destroying Iraq?