Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Go left, go right, will Obama get a DUI for being all over the road?

" Trouble ahead, trouble behind, and you know that notion just crossed my mind." (Grateful Dead)

Craig
Hey Mister as always you get my brain thinking.Very Good.Interesting and yes Sen.Obama's choice for VP with say much about him,I can't wait...........

The conventional wisdom has been track to the center for the general. Will Obama throw out the playbook and just veer to the left, thinking that he has such a huge following of new voters that he can just brush off the moderates? I'd like to see him try.

Good morning lovely people! I'm glad to be able to poke my head in here for a little while this morning.

Very interesting campaign tidbit, Craig.

Emboldened by his Euro-lead in the polls, maybe Obama will just throw the troublesome Kennedys under that overcrowded bus. Teddy can't do much for him now, Caroline will not likely take Obama on in public, and remember how the other half of the Kennedys were supporting Hillary -- not Obama. Besides, Eric Holder is the VEEP searcher doing the heavy lifting, not Caroline.

And here's an ABC legal correspondant discussing Obama's flirtatation with Thomas and Scalia's abortion policies:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/legalities/2008/07/obama-sounding.html

Patsi
Wow indeed!! Thanks for that link.Presto we have change.It may not be the change some were hoping for.

Details missing from Obama's social security plan:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080728/ap_on_el_pr/obama_social_security;_ylt=AlgJ_al9idhMw53cLsaFZRis0NUE

I think if people re-read any post from yesterday, it should be this one from KGC about Democrats holding Obama's feet to the fire for Democratic principals:

Posted by: Katherine Graham Cracker | July 27, 2008 8:41 PM

Craig might especially want to read it, since he'll probably have the Thought Police after him for today's column. :)

I've always disliked the O-camps' continually trying to link Obama and Kennedy, right down to saying Michelle is the new Jackie. Michelle is okay, but until she shows the kind of sparkle and humor that this photo shows, she ain't no Jackie...

http://todayspictures.slate.com/20080728/

And Slate questions Obama's Iraq no-policy:

http://www.slate.com/id/2196068/

The One's VP options will be dictated by the polling data at the time of the conventions. If indications and expectations are that He is a shoo-in, He will choose anyone but Hillary. If trouble or unrest in River-City and a tight, toss-up electoral contest is indicated, he can't risk choosing anyone else. If the One loses in November with so many factors and issues favoring the Democrats, and Hillary is not on the ticket, Party leadership reverts back to the Clintons. The Obama Party fears that among all.

this article is total nonsense.

"Which means that Obama is now under extreme pressure to go left for a running mate.".......

no he's not.

when the alternative is old man, old ideas mccain...anybody who thinks that the left will abandon sen. obama needs to rethink the matter.

And either way, Bill and Hillary will be blamed if he loses. That crowd is big on the blame game.

There is a ad in the job listings for a babysitter needed in Grand Rapids. The pay is $700 a week! That kid must be Damien or something!

"...Democrats holding Obama's feet to the fire for Democratic principals..."

Patsi,

That's a real hoot. He OWNS the Democratic Party. He DEFINES Democratic principals for the unwashed masses.

The days of Eleanor Roosevelt Democrats are over--with a stake through her heart.

anyone who thinks this will be a cakewalk for obama and the gop will just take it all lying down had better, perhaps, rethink the matter.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_WRONG_LARRY?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

jp - The far left & far right aren't going to move away from their respective noms. However, the larger issue is the group of folks in the middle.

BO has done nothing to persuade a Hil'ry supporter like me to vote for him in the general. (I didn't think I'd support her in a million years at the beginning of the primary season; I had big hopes for BO until I learned that there was no "there" there and that his personality & actions had many parallels to W.)

There are still a lot of us in the middle looking for a VIABLE alternative. Unless an organized Hil'ry write-in campaign appears, it looks like McCain will get my vote. I don't think I'm alone on this, either, as much as the MSM likes to report that everyone is in love with the shining one.

"There is a ad in the job listings for a babysitter needed in Grand Rapids. The pay is $700 a week! That kid must be Damien or something!"

HarborWoman would be the only person around here qualified for the job. And, for her, the pay is much too low.

meant to ask along with this post: does this mean dirty tricks season has begun?
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/ODD_WRONG_LARRY?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Well, Caroline said she was on board because her kids were so excited about BO. I remember when I used to get really excited by the prize in a box of cereal, too. The reality of what was inside was never as good as what was promised on the outside of the box.

With all this talk of Afghanistan, are we gonna leave Iraq and then go there instead?

What's wrong with urban medicine? People using the ER for their primary care.

Hint: Mr Obama, take two aspirin and see your family doctor in the morning.

On MTP yesterday, I 'heard' Mr Obama saying he would meet directly with people but Town Hall meetings with Mr McCain were no longer envisioned.

It was the last exchange of the interview and Mr Brokaw didn't ask the obvious next question, "So, you'll have the three debates but there will be no joint town hall meetings?"

"The days of Eleanor Roosevelt Democrats are over--with a stake through her heart."

Sadly, Flatus, I believe you are absolutely correct.

Craig,

Another provocative post. Interesting perspective. To be continued.

In the meantime, it seems that concern for those wayward Clinton supporters is still unsettling for Team Obama.

Mark Halperin (The Page-Time) (a consistent Obama cheerleader) provides his take on what Obama & McCain must do in the final 100 days

Obama should:

Finesse & muscle the Clinton situation so the former First Couple (and their supporters) are happy

http://thepage.time.com/halperins-take-what-obama-and-mccain-must-do-in-the-final-100-days-to-win/

patd -- I'd kill for one of those buttons!

A test your knowledge quiz that the morning crew might enjoy. I posted it yesterday but many of you don't read the weekend.

http://washingtonbureau.typepad.com/nationalsecurity/2008/07/ns-news-quiz.html

"a news quiz to test our readers' (and our own!) knowledge of some basic facts about diplomacy, intelligence and the military"

Jack

I truly believe Hillary is out regarding VP unless something drastic happens. Too bad about the Kennedy clan it serves them right for abandoning Hillary the way they did so publicly. I think at this point he is leaning very much toward Biden which would be a rather safe but uninspired pick.

Biden would add a lot of excitement to the campaign.

Oh Please, he can't please everyone all the time. Hillary Clinton would be a disaster as VP. Barack would have to hire a food taster and they (the shady Clintons) would set up a government in exile across the street from the White House and plot against Obama every step of the way. HE IS SOOOO BETTER OFF WITHOUT THE DRAGON LADY.....

BS like Skylark's post is exactly why I do NOT want Hillary on The Pretender's ticket.

"Biden would add a lot of excitement to the campaign."

ROFL, Flatus! Yer on a roll!

Craig,

What a great picture of JFK and Caroline!

There was something so real about him.
Either that, or I was so young and idealistic, that it seemed that way. But I still sense that authenticity when I look at him or read about him or think about him. If only I could feel like that about some politician now.

Will Obama throw out the playbook and just veer to the left, thinking that he has such a huge following of new voters that he can just brush off the moderates? I'd like to see him try.
Posted by: Bowmanc | July 28, 2008 6:47 AM

Bowmanc,
I can't help but think they're still going by a "playbook".
You don't run a brilliant primary, then suddenly not know what you're doing. We're just not seeing the 'plan' yet.

For consideration, a measured & thoughful Q & A interview of Barbara Streisand (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12091.html

It's hard to imagine Caroline Kennedy being concerned about a move to the right if it's true she suggested the consideration of Ann Venneman for vp
from politico
"Barack Obama's vice presidential search team has floated the name of a member of President Bush's first-term Cabinet, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, as Obama's running mate.

The search committee, now led by Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, raised Veneman's name — among others — in discussions with members of House"

Sounds like the Kennedy's are leading the charge to the middle......they like to win too :)

boop
Fire in this area would be very bad. Like the fire in the Yosemite area --lots of stuff to burn here --sudden oak death etc. and no fire in a long time.

Are you looking for an American beer now that Budwieser is owned by foreigners

http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/9250

Jack

Hi, Craig. Though I almost always defer to your judgment in issues such as this, I don't get the impression that the Kennedys have that much leverage in the Obama campaign. With an ailing Ted in the Senate, and hardly any immediate family of JFK left, I believe the torch has passed to a younger generation.

As a former Hillary supporter, I echo the sentiment that Obama hasn't given me much reason to vote for him - to some extent. McCain has given me the most reason to vote Obama. I strongly believe it is absolutely vital that if America is to be the great country we can be, we need a period of stark, clean separation from the policies of the Bush administration, and someone smart, eager, and energetic to get us through the first years of healing.

"There was something so real about him."

Chloe,

Yes, Chloe, he was real. He came from a real political family, he was a real writer of books on subjects beyond himself, he was a real war hero, and he had real senatorial accomplishments.

He WAS real. And he was suspect to people not of his generation, and, for religious bigots, he was repugnant.

Morning Peeps,
The Kennedy clan pissed with Obama? This is the first I've heard of that, frankly I'm not buying it.

Patsi, reg. that link from abcnews, I couldn't find the Relevant Magazine interview online, but they sure make Obama look like he's going toward McCains views on several issues.

"..there's no mistaking that Obama says he

no longer will support what's long been a

cornerstone of the abortion rights

debate..."

"...McCain and Obama were on the same side, blasting the liberals' decision striking down laws that allowed the death penalty for child rape."

"...Obama, too, sided with conservatives -- rejecting opinions by the liberal justices who, presumably, are of the kind he would appoint if elected President."

"Yes, Chloe, he was real. He came from a real political family, he was a real writer of books on subjects beyond himself, he was a real war hero, and he had real senatorial accomplishments."

Flatus,
Thanks for validating what I felt.

" I echo the sentiment that Obama hasn't given me much reason to vote for him - to some extent. McCain has given me the most reason to vote Obama. I strongly believe it is absolutely vital that if America is to be the great country we can be, we need a period of stark, clean separation from the policies of the Bush administration, and someone smart, eager, and energetic to get us through the first years of healing."
Posted by: Mary Kitt-Neel | July 28, 2008 9:15 AM

Mary,
Good to see you here this morning.
Adding a new perspective to our ideas.

Coreen -- I loved this Q&A from your link"

Question: A lot of folks object to "Hollywood celebrities" participating in political discourse. Aside from pure disagreement over certain issues, why do you think there's such a backlash when you or other well-known performers speak your mind?

Streisand: On a very basic level, many people think celebrities have too much already so we shouldn’t be entitled to our political opinions. Also, the other side objects to the fact that we might be listened to. But, I see myself first and foremost as a citizen of this country. And I am outspoken about the issues I care about like healthcare, global warming, the war in Iraq, energy independence, education, poverty and so on.

I think we are all lucky to live in a country

Chloe, I feel exactly as you do on this. It's a shame that Caroline has been manipulated into supporting a candidate who's running under a manufactured mantle of authenticity.

" McCain has given me the most reason to vote Obama. "

I agree, Mary.

"The Kennedy clan pissed with Obama? This is the first I've heard of that, frankly I'm not buying it. "

I'm sure one of the Kennedys will drop by your apartment to fill you in. Guess they didn't know you hadn't been consulted.

"I think we are all lucky to live in a country"

Oops...I cut off the quote -- she was talking about a country where we can have opinions.

In study, evidence of liberal-bias bias

Cable talking heads accuse broadcast networks of liberal bias -- but a think tank finds that ABC, NBC and CBS were tougher on Barack Obama than on John McCain in recent weeks.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-onthemedia27-2008jul27,0,712999.story

I wonder if they included this blog in this study.

Craig,
Has this been reported anywhere, or is it a "I heard it through the grapevine" kind of story?

"I'm sure one of the Kennedys will drop by your apartment to fill you in. Guess they didn't know you hadn't been consulted."

You never fail to make me laugh in the morning Patsi.
Great way to start the day.

"Craig,
Has this been reported anywhere, or is it a "I heard it through the grapevine" kind of story?"

In case you haven't noticed, Craig IS a member of the press. And he is reporting it.

"I'm sure one of the Kennedys will drop by your apartment to fill you in. Guess they didn't know you hadn't been consulted."

"You never fail to make me laugh in the morning Patsi.
Great way to start the day"

Right there with you, Chloe.

He report a story without facts ---

"word is" who 's word?
" to their dismay" to exactly who's dismay?

sounds like gossip to me.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hajBdDM2qdg

Good Lord, UB -- Do you ever listen to the news? Throughout this campaign we heard "sources say" all the time. It it really necessary to insult the board host by demanding to know the names of everyone he talks to?

Gee Patsi I hope they give me heads up so I can vacuum the rugs before they get here. My cousin's daughter used to be Caroline's personal assistant, maybe I should call her first.

"In case you haven't noticed, Craig IS a member of the press. And he is reporting it."

He is also a commentator.
This is a think piece.
Not necessary to back it up with anything.
He made it clear, "word is".

Patsi ,

I would just like to know more detail, before I blindly believe something on a blog.

Seems no one else is reporting this story, if it had legs it would be walking. It is not an insult...it's a question.....I didn't demand anything...

You are out of line - but that is nothing new.

Didn't Robert Novak report last week that a source in the McCain campaign told him McCain was going to announce who his running mate was going to be? Isn't Noak a member of the press too Patsi?

http://www.cafepress.com/dumpbushnow.54071997

The Operative Term is 'Hubris'

"But even if he hasn't founded cities, destroyed monsters, or led men into battle, Obama does share one quality with the heroes of the ancient world: an absolute conviction that he is superior to the ordinary run of humanity. Like them, Obama believes himself a man of destiny, and like them, Obama will go over the edge.

What we can be sure of is that Obama will not avoid the final reckoning. The last, and strangest, characteristic of the victim of hubris is that he appears to welcome his fate, almost embracing it, cooperating in his own downfall. So it will be with Barack Obama. But he must not be allowed to take the country with him."

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/07/the_operative_term_is_hubris.html

Here's some real news:

Iraq Bombings Kill Scores, Wound Hundreds in Baghdad, Kirkuk

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/28/iraq-bombings-kill-43-wou_n_115280.html

Another American brewing Company

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

The used to make Utica Club and the famous Matt Beer balls.

Get Your Free Obama Bumper Sticker!

https://political.moveon.org/obamastickers/?rc=ads.adwords.img200x200&gclid=CMuF0unf4pQCFQOIFQodt3z7SA

"Senator Barack Obama signaled on Sunday that he would return his focus to the economy after a whirlwind foreign tour, but Senator John McCain’s eyes remained very much fixed on national security, as he repeatedly attacked his rival."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/28/us/politics/28campaign.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

interesting photo....New York Times

They have free buttons also - @ move on - at least they did ls week!

I found Obama's prices on promotional items are much better than Hillary's ..... another smart move by the Obama team.

My Hillary t-shirt was 40.00
Obama's t-shirt was 18.00 ( so I bought 2)

Hey Patsi do you know this guy in Tenn. who shot up the Unitarian church? I know you know everyone of note in your home state.

Hey Patsi do you know this guy in Tenn. who shot up the Unitarian church? I know you know everyone of note in your home state.

"My cousin's daughter used to be Caroline's personal assistant, maybe I should call her first"

Who is the name dropper?

looks like someone poked a stick into the obama ant hill.......

lol

Sturgeone,

The ants go marching two by two.....

Why would you use the term Obama ant hill.

Brian the comment about the guy in Tennessee wasn't nice !!

Corey,

"That kid must be Damien or something!"

Hate to break it to you, but if they are looking for someone with full "Nanny" training and can afford it, that is at the low end of the scale. If that's what they want, then it may include room and board as well.

Mary Poppins doesn't work cheap. :-)

"Sloppy attacks are not the path to victory."

"McCain is attacking too much and indiscriminately. The barrage undermines his brand, takes time away from telling voters what he might do for them, and looks awfully old-timey in a year when voters want a new brand."

http://www.slate.com/id/2195762/

" Old timey " - that petty much sums up McCain

bowman..........hey, good pernt.....

EuroT........somehow, I dont think "nice" is what he was going for..........

And here's an ABC legal correspondant discussing Obama's flirtatation with Thomas and Scalia's abortion policies:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/legalities/2008/07/obama-sounding.html

Posted by: Patsi | July 28, 2008 6:53 AM

This is very disturbing! I wonder how National NARAL is feeling right now?

Mornin' all.

That sound is the sound of my molars grinding after reading the article Patsi posted at 6:53 a.m. The only out I see is that if Obama is elected, I doubt that the judges and justices he is likely to appoint would agree with his backing away from the Roe and Doe holdings. And I still can't bring myself to vote for Johnny - heard too much of him on Sirius Left last week to seriously consider casting a vote for him - then I saw him on the tube last night getting all weird about Obama's trip to the mideast and Europe (after he had said Obama needed to go tothemideast and see what's happening there). Note that the more things change there the more they stay the same - 50 Iraqi Shiites were killed in 2 bombing incidents yesterday. Yep, nice, peaceful place now that the surge has been such a stellar success.

BTW, are you folks deranged? Craig doesn't post news articles here - he posts teasers for the blog. How much of a stretch is it to believe that it could be true that members of the Kennedy family might be less than thrilled at Obama's drift to the center on issues the Kennedies have reportedly cared about over the years?

Cool, Bowman - 2 of the 3 oldest - Matt (Saranac) and Yuengling are 2 of my favorites. I absolutely love Yuengling Amber, and it is thankfully distributed in my neck of the woods. Of course, Saranac is as well. Their 12 beers of winter is a really good selection for the beer drinker who thinks Bud is a bit light.

What can I say ET, being a chronic name dropper has it's risks.

UB,

Hey if sexism worked the first time, why not try ageism the second time?

ET, I'd venture to say there's no need to wonder how NARAL feels about Obama's latest position change on abortion. I expect they will be silent though, knowing that the alternative is much worse for them.

BTW, your weight loss was an inspiriation - so far I've lost 13 of the 25 lbs I'm trying to drop this summer.

"The days of Eleanor Roosevelt Democrats are over--with a stake through her heart."

Sadly, Flatus, I believe you are absolutely correct.

Posted by: Patsi | July 28, 2008 8:12 AM

Not only that, but the days of Hubert Humphrey Democrats are also over it seems. The DFL of Minnesota was radically for social programs, coalitions with the party, farmer and labour, and using government as a tool to bring about positive change in society. Now the Dems sound more and more like moderates, rather than liberals....

Flatus,

Not all people who are old act like they are in a time warp. McCain acts older than my 82 year old mother.

Pogo,

I just have beer and wine on 'state' occasions. But, I really like beer. I used to make marvelous ales and stouts. Of the store boughts, I will still go with Guinness.

Shades of Dick Tuck and Donald Segretti! Not only do we have to counter bald faced lies from the lunatic right, but now we have to sort out whether the commentators are agents provocateurs or 5% solution liberals who want intellectual purity instead of pragmatic governance. This blather about the candidate steering all over the place misses some fundamental points. To wit: Dirksen's Dicta: "Get elected. Get re-elected. Never make a promise you have to keep."

It was last said about Clinton, and with some accuracy. that in order to earn this job, you have to have a fire in the belly to win. It would seem that Obama has the fire, and that's exactly what we need now.

I started out backing Bill Richardson, but moved to Obama because he offers "something different" in the way we might be governed. But he's still a product of American politics and if that twists your knickers, that's kinda too bad. If the Democratic left is so appalled by Obama's centrist moves then they can bloody well stay home in solidarity with the working poor of the hill country, and help usher in a third Bush term, with McCain becoming just another Neo-Con sock puppet.

That's the kind of thinking that brought in the Gingrich Revolution in 1994 and that has held us in thrall for the last 14 years. C'mon, get over it. This is a campaign to win, not dither over...

ADB

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/07/dems-royal-left-grows-uneasy.html#comment-121010

Flatus,

I don't think that tingle would make it past Matthews' ankle bone.

"McCain's dumb attack came in a television ad that blamed Barack Obama for high oil prices. You might have thought the cause of the oil-price hike was war, SUVs, OPEC, speculation, and global demand for oil. Nope—it's Obama. By this standard, he should also answer for the Starbucks closings and the dent in my Honda."

from Slate article

Pogo
Least we forget
One year ago in Iraq
http://www.juancole.com/2007/07/8-us-troops-killed-100-casualties-in.html

"undermines his brand"

This is the problem with the entire election. Both candidates are all about creating a "brand." It's a full frontal marketing assault. I have yet to hear either candidate say anything substantive on the economy, or what they'll do to roll back the executive powers that Cheney grabbed.

And there is much to attack McCain on -- just snipping about his age is meaningless. Unless you want to seriously talk about his temper, his mood swings et al. Relying on his age as the biggest target is stupid.

flatus, UB's comment isn't ageist from my perspective. It's not that McCain is too old to be president - it's that he ACTS and THINKS too old to be president. Alex Bennett put it pretty well - it's not that he is old, it's that he acts too much like he's a doddering old fool considering that he's only 71. Aside from agreeing with that assessment I just don't like the fact that he seems to be incapable of overcoming the apparently deep mean streak that he has and that he lets out of the bottle every so often.

Pogo,

"I expect they will be silent though, knowing that the alternative is much worse for them."

Whici is unfortunately the most distressing, albeit honest assessment of where many of us find ourselves at this time.

And that doesn't just apply to the NARAL comments.

"... Obama is an "image" candidate. He is obsessed with his image; his success is based on image and imagination. The existence of vocal resistance to his candidacy within the Democratic Party jeopardizes the illusion of unanimity and party unity, and shatters his image.

... if the opposition to Obama reaches the match point and ignites, Obama could be embarrassed in Denver. After Clinton suspended her campaign, Obama thought he had a green light to run roughshod over her supporters. That has proven to be a mistaken view.

But any opposition to Obama's image could prove fatal, since image is the foundation of his campaign."

http://contrariancommentary.blogspot.com/

"This is a campaign to win, not dither over..."

And ADB will be standing in line chanting Yes We Can every time Obama bends over yet again and drops his trousers for the Republicans.

O-bots, Bush-bots: ...and they're all made out of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same.

beer here!

The micro and craft brewing business is growing --even the daily gallup pointed out beer is big!

Here's our local craft brewery

http://www.stumptown.com/

If you are in the area on 8/16 they have the best event
fundraise for the local senior center $40 includes all the beer tastes and all the bbq (27 beweries and 27 bbq teams)
The owner is an interesting guy...he made beer from 45 million year old yeast that was found encased in amber...it's called fossil fuel :)

or the year before that
http://www.juancole.com/2006/07/al-zaman-shiite-clashes-with-british.html

ET

"The DFL of Minnesota was radically for social programs, coalitions with the party, farmer and labour, and using government as a tool to bring about positive change in society. Now the Dems sound more and more like moderates, rather than liberals.... "

It was also focused on community involvement, education and the work ethic. Modern liberalism often seems to forget that human nature does not respond well to unearned dependent charity. It doesn't matter if it is someone on welfare or a trust fund baby getting an allotment for breathing.

For consideration, a measured & thoughful Q & A interview of Barbara Streisand (Politico)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12091.html

Posted by: Coreen | July 28, 2008 9:09 AM

The Streisand "interview" was really enlightening. I particularly liked what she had to say about celebrities becoming outspoken in their political beliefs.

jack,as long as the Iraqis keep blowing themselves up in large numbers, I don't think we're in danger of forgetting.

flatus, Guiness is one of my favorite stouts - although my tummy objects to stout any more. But I do love the taste of red wines (Pinots, Cabs and the occasional Merlot if it's very good) and amber and darker beers, and there are a few pilsner lagers out there I enjoy (Bud and Pilsner Urquell being among my faves).

"O-bots, Bush-bots: ...and they're all made out of ticky-tacky and they all look just the same."

God Patsi.
Right on! As usual.

"I just don't like the fact that he seems to be incapable of overcoming the apparently deep mean streak that he has and that he lets out of the bottle every so often."

McCain's mean streak is a serious flaw....but his lack of any perception about the economy is far worse, IMO.

From "informed comments" for July 27 2008
http://www.juancole.com/

"Police found one dead body throughout Baghdad in Baladiyat neighborhood"

as opposed to the

"Some 20 bodies were found in the streets of Baghdad on Thursday. "
Found in the last year link I posted.

Are there still problems in Iraq? You betcha.
But there is a world of difference between last year and now.

Jack

The biggest "trick" Obama used against Hillary in the long primary season was that she was "old" Washington politics and he would inspire a change. Well, hasn't anyone noticed by now that he is a champion of playing the political game? Must have started way back when he was a "community organizer" And that is "politics (old) as usual. My biggest concern with BO is: Forget all the words, what is he really about? For those who continually slam Hillary (the DragonLady?) Maybe Obama will be the DragonMan!! Fortunately for Obama, McCain is not much better than Bush. Do we really have a choice here?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/07/dems-royal-left-grows-uneasy.html#comment-121073

Coreen, that's where I'd be if I could just keep my mouth shut. Fortuneately or unfortuneately, I can't.

KC, we have a decent craft brewery (West Virginia Brewing Company - who would have guessed?) about 40 miles up the road that makes very good beer. Unfortuneately, my favorite craft brewer - Deep Creek Brewing in McHenry MD, became a victim of bad economics - it still has a website so they may be back in business, but the last time I went there they weren't brewing beerany longer. Shame, too. They had a "six pack" that was 6 different beers - they had 3 that they brewed all the time and woudl brew a variety of others depending on the whims of the brewmaster - that were about half sized that made for a great drinking experience. Throw in their BBQ sandwich, which was excellent, andit made for a great meal.

Pete Seeger:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN3rN59GlWw

...".but his lack of any perception about the economy is far worse,"

It is his most serious problem in this election IMO. He needs to articulate a sound economic policy that doesn't sound like warmed over Reaganism. I don't think he or his staff are capable.
He is striking Obama hard on the gas issue, as Obama is looking like he is stuck in the dreamy leftist past. But that alone won't be enough.

Jack

Patsi....
there's a blue one.... and a pink one.... and a green one.... and a yellow one...

just listened to a program on NPR about states budgets..... Steve Roberts (who is filling in for Diane Rehm) asked the $64,000 question.....

"if state budgets are so tight...... yet we hear how we must be willing to spend more on education, healthcare, police and fire protection, our infrastructure, etc...... but the economy is so bad we can't raise property taxes or taxes in general.... where's the money coming from?".....

good morning gang.....

Jack,

You're not counting the 45 from yesterday?

http://news.theage.com.au/world/women-bombers-kill-25-shiite-pilgrims-in-baghdad-20080728-3m4z.html

"I just don't like the fact that he seems to be incapable of overcoming the apparently deep mean streak that he has and that he lets out of the bottle every so often."

I also don't like the idea that some try to make us feel we're unpatriotic or bad Democrats, it we don't admire Obama's character.

Not agreeing with Obama doesn't mean we agree with McCain either. It's important we look at our politicians as what they are. We'll never have more influence over Obama than we have right now. We have something he wants. Our vote.

Yes, Jamie bombers make the news. They did a year ago and the year before that. But overall violence is down.
only one body found in Bagdad,

Jack

Well gee Jack if you're suggesting we need military forces in every place that there is a terror bombing we better bring the draft.

jack, one?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/world/middleeast/29iraq.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Try 48. Are things better? Probably. Have we won a war because of the surge? What the hell is the war? Extremists? They seem to still be active. Maybe not as active, but is this what the surge's success was supposed to yield? Call me skeptical.

The Bush Justice Department - the gift that just keeps on giving.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Justice-Politics.html?hp

Must be toking early today, Brian

Just for you Brian

"One Toke Over The Line"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZu8Q_yZOlw

Jack

"...where's the money coming from?"

RR,

That's exactly the rub. So many of the 'great' programs fall squarely on state and local governments' shoulders to implement and fund.

The feds can mandate anything they want, but if there's no funding provided, forget it. That's reality. Most state and local governments are required to balance their budgets. (Shocking concept, that!)

Back in the early Clinton years we were offered a handful of money to have our paramedics hold daily sick calls in our local ACLFs. It was a nice concept that would have been enthusiastically received. The kicker was, they only offered two year's worth of money with us to pick up funding after that. We declined.

What can I say ET, being a chronic name dropper has it's risks. Brian

You would like the world to think you are hot snot on a gold plate, when all you are is small cold buggers on a paper plate.

Chloe, I couldn't agree more. Depending on who you believe, you're unpatriotic for supporting Obama or undemocratic for not doing so. Look at the candidates and make up your own mind and realize that ll opinions (especially re; politicians) are like a$$holes, everyone has one, and everyone is more interested in their own than in others'. I'ma lesser of 2 evils voter this time around, and like him or not, Obama is the lesser of the 2 evils IMHO.

it's amazing to me that anyone thinks that what they post in the comment section of a blog will:

A. Change any other commenter's mind
or
B. Affect the outcome of any election a whit or a jot....

it's like the ant making passionate love to the elephant.....when a coconut falls on the elephant's head and she says "Ug" The ant looks up and says, "Suffer baby, suffer."

Has anyone ever had their mind changed by a comment on a blog? Just curious.

Sturgeone,

I still don't think we're here to change anyone's mind.
We're just working things out in our own minds.
Expressing yourself and getting feed back is a way of doing that.

The fact that we're not changing minds doesn't mean we're not accomplishing anything.

not by a comment, sturg, although I think I changed my mind about something, probably not of much significance, after reading an article linked in a comment - once. But I can't remember what it was.

BTW, LP just ordered a new amp - VOX Valvetronics AD100VT - what a sweet amp.

links, yes.....i can see that....it's the argumentative personal points of view which Im questioning, I guess.......

...it's the argumentative personal points of view which Im questioning, I guess...."

I would guess very few come here with an open mind, if that's what you mean.

You know the old joke about how many shrinks does it take to change a light bulb: one, but it's got to want to change.

Sturge
If you mean persuaded by someones "logic and opinion" probably not. But persuaded to look at the issue from a different point of view. All the time. It is probably why many of my posts are on the order of , take a look at this.
Except, comments directed toward Brian, lol of course.

Jack

then again.......maybe I just wanted to tell that stupid joke..........

vox.....in 65 some slick salesman sold us all vox amps.....they were pretty good as I recall, but we all wound back up with fender dual showmans.........like the road groups were using.

For Pogo et al.,

"And malt does more than Milton can
To justify God's ways to man.
Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink
For fellows whom it hurts to think:
Look into the pewter pot
To see the world as the world's not."

http://www.tetrameter.com/housman.htm#Terence,%20This%20Is%20Stupid%20Stuff

"very few come here with an open mind"

I've often been told I have an open mind. True they do use the term empty, But an emty mind is an open mind I always say.

Jack
listening to the whistling wind

Today's thread on the BackChannel Blog:

Old Dogs, Old Tricks, by Aging Hipster

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

Well, I -- for one -- am glad you told the ant and elephant joke! I loved it, sturge!

I'm not here to change anybody's mind on anything.....

I'll vote for Obama as long as he's competitive in my state..... other than that... I have nothing more to say on the "horse race"..... which at this point.... I could care less about.... que sera, sera....

it seems the older I get..... the more I care about issues..... but for some strange reason.... it seems the less the candidates.... and the media.... do...

How was Dukakis polling around this time in his run for the White House?

If Obama chooses to continue respecting the Kennedys' wishes (rather than just throwing the entire family under the bus now that he doesn't need them anymore which is his usual m.o.) and picks a vp from the far left it will cost him too many votes. He won't do it. He is a true chicago style "politics before principles" kind of guy.

I can say from experience that the modern Fenders - at least the solid state ones - aren't what the old ones were - I've got a Princeton 650 that is Ok clean, but hisses like a snake when it's overdriven or any of the onboard effects are used. I guess the tube amps are as good as they ever were, but they's a bit rich for my blood.

And you're right IMO about duelling opinions on blogs. If we were smart we'd follow the old advice about wrestling with a pig, but if we were smart we probably wouldn't spend much if any time here.

Good post by Hipster -- who over here was looking for him the other day?

flatus, LOL. Gotta go to lunch now - later.

"it seems the older I get..... the more I care about issues..... but for some strange reason.... it seems the less the candidates.... and the media.... do..."

Ditto that, RR!!! This is a beauty contest, nothing more.

Oh, and ROFL to pogo! (but if we were smart we probably wouldn't spend much if any time here.

"it seems the older I get..... the more I care about issues..... but for some strange reason.... it seems the less the candidates.... and the media.... do..."

It keeps me asking the question, Am I getting smarter or are they getting dumber.
I'm voting for they are getting dumber, cause I don't feel so smart most mornings
If you folks think I'm a sarcastic bastard here you ought to here me talk at the TV news in the morning.

Jack

BO said he was pulling together folks like Robert Reich & Warren Buffett to get their input on the economy. (First thing that's given me a smidge of confidence in him.) However, will he listen to them any more than he was gonna listen to the generals on the ground? Huge trust issues with BO. Huge.

Still looking for an organized write-in campaign, or better yet, roll call!

Hillary supporters, still angry, frustrate attempts at party unity

"An uncounted swath of Clinton backers" is supporting the nation-wide efforts of PUMA and frustrating Democratic politicians in Texas trying to boost party unity, including those who worked for Clinton's campaign.

"So why is he prancing around in Europe like he's the president-elect?" Morey said this week. "I cannot vote for him. I cannot bring myself to vote for this poseur."

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Hillary_supporters_still_angry_frustrate_attempts_0727.html

Whoever is doing the McCain commercials must have a screw loose. The latest one with "Obama made time to go to the gym" with the background faded is just a completely dumb move.

The Senator making that three pointer while visiting with the soldiers was all over the news. Do they think people won't remember or are they hoping all their voters are too old to remember?

I am really getting sick of the threats and scare tactics of some of your bloggers. If you do not support Obama, Roe v. Wade will be overturned. If you don't support Obama we will have Bush III. If you don't support Obama we will be in Iraq for a hundred years. You all are just as bad as Cheney saying vote republican or have another terrorist attack.

The truth is that Clinton was going to be the nominee then we would not have to worry about Roe v. Wade because she has a long history of supporting a women's right to choose both in word and deed. Obama mostly voted present and now is backing away from support. NARAL's Board who made the asinine decision to support Obama should be removed. But I suspect they shall remain silent and hope. Oh while we are talking about silence, where are those unions whose workers are being hurt by trade agreements like NAFTA now that Obama is rethinking his feigned political opposition. I have not heard their outcry.

I thought Obama was firmly in the group which sought to limit gun ownership especially the right of large cities such as DC and Chicago to ban certain weapons. Oh sorry that was wrong and where is the outrage. Obama promised during the campaign to personally fillibuster telecom immunity in the FISA bill. His righteousness in proclaiming his expertise as a constitutional law professor and self proclaimed defender of civil liberties which got him the support of the liberal wing of the party. Whoops. So sorry that Obama caved in and abandoned his principles.

Obama claimed all during the primary that he would be better than Clinton to uphold the constitution, a women's right to choose, worker's rights, etc.etc. but he continues to back track on the positions he took while continuing not to offer any substance.

Obama looks good and sounds good but there is no substance. What have we done??

After hearing Obama does anyone really believe Roe v. Wade is safer with him? After listening to Obama does anyone really believe that individual rights under the constitution are going to be enhanced by him. After listening to Obama does anyone really believe that there will be a new kind of politics?

The frustration of it all is that there is no viable alternative. With a projected large democratic majority in both house and senate who will stand up and challenge the Obama onslaught. Who will say no to appointment of judges who would see Roe v Wade as something to be modified? Who will stand up and say no to more trade agreements that do not protect american workers? Who will stand up and say no to the further encroachment of the federal government into the privacy of its citizens?

"...and instead analyzes the context of each page and the concepts behind each user search request."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080728/wr_nm/internet_search_dc

Analyzing for context rather than just looking at audience traffic patterns. Geez, can the MSM be renovated to work like Cuil?

Blue,

"Robert Reich & Warren Buffett"

This would be a good combination. Buffett's practicality melded with the Reich idealism might balance nicely. Reich doesn't always play well with centrists even when the goals are the same, but he is brilliant and willing to throw lots of ideas into the mix.
Buffett is good for the can do end of the spectrum. If there is a way to accomplish a goal, he's one to get it done.

Yep, huge trust issues with BO. Huge.

Is their a concerted effort for a Hil'ry write-in campaign? A roll call would save us the trouble; she'd be the nom. A lot of people who supported BO have buyers' remorse. (That's not gonna make them vote for McCain, though.) Hil'ry is clearly the best-equipped to be prez.

jamie - Well, he said was polling more than just those two for advice. Will he listen anyway? *Was he just throwing some big names around so he can claim an association with them & gain credibility?
The shining one is a slimey one.

Ya know, that's probably it. Credibility by association. (He seems like the kind of guy who probably sat next to the foreign exchange student one time in high school & then claimed he could speak French.)

Blue,

There is no concentrate Clinton write in simply because the states that do allow it often require the candidates cooperation, and she isn't going to do that. Many states don't allow it at all and with a few it invalidates the ballot.

You can leave the choice blank. (this is the reason that down ticket races often total more votes than top of the ticket). The VP choice will actually make the decision as to whether I exercise this option. McCain would be a disaster, so it is blank or Obama for me.

Sen Obama is obviously brilliant. He is also glib. Someone used to telling people what they want to hear in order to succeed. I believe there is a real person with real beliefs under that facade. Whether or not he is willing to stand up to the Chicago handlers to exercise those beliefs and listen to the advice of others is another matter.

Gallup Daily: Obama 48%, McCain 40%
http://www.gallup.com/poll/109126/Gallup-Daily-Obama-48-McCain-40.aspx

concerted not concentrate. Good morning.

Hear, hear, Jo!!!!!

Posted by: jo | July 28, 2008 12:39 PM

Another whiny day from the Sour Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.

Jamie,
I think if you want to peek at the Obama behind the hype, look to his children and look to his wife, look to what he accomplished in his schooling....He appears to me to be a very decent man, who is intelligent, and is a hard worker, a loving father, and an adoring husband. I bet if he were your son you would be very proud of him......Sometimes we can't see the person, because we are caught up in the political implications of every single teeny tiny move....

I could never see Barack disrespecting Michelle the way John McCain disrespected Cindy.

(jmo)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/07/dems-royal-left-grows-uneasy.html#comment-121121

Jo wrote: "The frustration of it all is that there is no viable alternative. With a projected large democratic majority in both house and senate who will stand up and challenge the Obama onslaught. Who will say no to appointment of judges who would see Roe v Wade as something to be modified? Who will stand up and say no to more trade agreements that do not protect american workers? Who will stand up and say no to the further encroachment of the federal government into the privacy of its citizens?"

Who indeed?

From today's Times stock market report:

"Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat company, fell 93 cents, or 5.7 percent, to $15.30 after reporting a 90 percent drop in its fiscal third-quarter profits because of rising cost of grain used to feed chicken."

Got Corn (in your tank?)