Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

First?
I fele I shoudl repost this...

Good Morning.

I am getting quite tired of this, but once more I will say what I feel.

Yes, I was an ardent Hillary Clinton supporter
Yes, I was extreemly upset that she lost this close race
Yes, I think the media let to the demise of the campaign
Yes, I still feel that Hillary is the strongest candidate to beat John MacCain in November
Yes, I think both Hillary and Bill were treated very unfairly during the primaries
Yes, I know Obama has made this a racial primary (we in Fl and NC have the proof)
Yes, I certainly feel that Nanacy Pelosi, Howard Dean and Donna Brazile did everyhthing they could to end teh Clinton dream

BUT,
I am not angry or Hurt or whatever

The primnaries are over. It is gone, basta, finito, keba!
I have moved on and moved on good.
But that doesn´t mean I will be voting for Barrack in November. If this primary has taught me one thing, it is that I have to look beyond any party for a president. I am not just voting for DNC, I am going to vote for a president. DNC has let me down and it opened my eyes to the truth. And the truth is that DNC doesn´t represent me anymore. I cannot see myself within DNC anymore. So the next step is finding the person who can represent me. And in this election (post primaries) I have not met that person yet.
So, I wil skip i tand sit this elction out. Not out of anger, frusttraion or hurt that Hillary wasnt nominated, but because none of the candidtaes has what it takes to be presdient of the USA. This GE I will NOT vote.

Is it so difficult to understand that?
I can´t fall in line behinf BO because he (in my humble opinion) doesn´t nearly have the minimum requiries to be POTUS.

I think what DNC needs to focus on, instead of crying that the HRC women and man are hurt etc etc etc…is to find a way to win in November without playing the blame game.
Shut the fuck up DNC and your personal trolls and do what is in your power, within what is tolerable, and win…because from what I see, this is going to be a lost cause, in a year that democrats should in fact steamroll through the general election.

So there. And please people on this borad…. I urge you, stop telling me that I am bruised or hurt or whatever. I am not . This African American brother is doing extremely good and fine.

Jason..If you wish, you could write in the name of someone you admire..or..as you said, not vote at all.

Each person's vote is unique and special. It is really no one's business, the choice each of us makes.

Gee, Craig, those barricades look pretty flimsy compared to the concrete tank-stoppers that have re-shaped traffic flow in Washington . I suppose they will stop pedestrian protesters
and bicycles and scooters, though.
Fifty million bucks, eh? It appears as though they are getting a good start on spending it. I hope Andrew or you can videotape some security people on the curb with a sack-o-doughnuts.
That would be some good muckraking!
Oh, please restaurant-review some Rocky Mountain oysters for us!

OD,
Nope.
I repsect that some of you will wrote in HRc, but in my opinion it is waste of my time.
The candidates are presented and nonen of them I feel is equipped. So, for me it is: Siting out....

Am very interested to see if Teddy Kennedy is going to make it tonight.

briefly checking in before sleep to confirm that I'm booked for Trail Mix Western Round Up coming Nov. 14-17 at the Asilomar Conference Grounds on the Monterey Peninsula shoreline in Pacific Grove, CA. I'll be there, hope you can join us. Book early: http://www.visitasilomar.com/

Thanks to Jamie for organizing this, our Second-Ever Not-So-Annual Meetup

As a Civil War buff, here's new book I'm about to read:

Bitterly Divided: The South’s Inner Civil War” (New Press, $27.95)

HW - I responded to your last post to me (which I loved) just now, at the tag end of yesterday's posts. I considered re-posting it here as Jason did, but wanted to leave it behind and not start another day with it. I hope you'll go back and read it. thanks.

Jason - way to go.

We already know who the nominees are for the democrats, my guess is that this convention will have the lowest TV ratings ever. Some folks will watch to see if Hillary damns Obama with faint praise and to see if former president Clinton does even worse. Other than that what's to watch? Maybe they can stage a riot to jack up interest.

Dexter; 2:23 am on previous thread.......... I totally agree Lieberman is a snake, but I don't understand why everyone is so concerned about McCain and the Supreme Court nominations. He can only nominate, they still have to be approved by the senate and the House and for sure the down ballot this year will give the Dems a majority...............

Rezdog....... I guess I should thank you for answering my "rant" which it was, I freely admit. Pure, unadulterated frustration with the stupidity and - in your face - blatant manipulation of the party's platform and personel. And you didn't say why it's such a tough job for Obama, when it really shouldn't be. I mean he's had 12 years of Repug corruption and the msm to smooth his way for him, what does he need to prove to people that he's a reincarnation of JFK and MLK besides an open air stadium and the anniversary of "I Have A Dream."..............................

Rita

Jason; 2:30 am.......HEAR, HEAR. Unfortunately, whatever mishap occurs, the Clinton's will get the blame, I mean it couldn't be because he's a flawed candidate. I listened to Howard Dean lie through his teeth today when he was asked why the DNC didn't go to Hillary's defense when the media were shredding her and all he could say was "well, Obama got some rough treatment too (what a joke) and that the DNC was not a buffer between the candidates and the media.

I agree with you that neither one of these candidates even resembles a picture of a president but unlike you I AM frustrated and hurt that my vote and my party don't count anymore, it's all done for me, I don't have to think at all...............and if I do question, I'm a racist, or hysterical, or stubborn. So much for democracy which was defined by Pericles as "mob rule".............

Rita

I would love to go to your gathering in Nov. but because I am so new I worry I might not be that welcome. What do you all think.? Is it kind of for the old timers. Please be honest---

Jane......you should of course go if you are able to......you will most certainly enjoy it.......

Jason, thanks for reposting that. Excellent thoughts.

By the way, my post yesterday wasn't about leaving the blog. It was about the fact that certain posters, and I am one, seem to make "some" start namecalling. Often speaking/lecturing from both sides of their mouths. Yesterday's suggestion that we are morally unfit was about my last straw.

Bo Dietl heartily approves of Biden as Obama's VP pick.

Patsi suggested I put this up for you:

CatBalu: reaching out here: I do understand the pain you are feeling, because you and many identified so greatly with Hillary Clinton. You are right; it's ridiculous that the US has not elected a woman president yet. When I read Jamie's posts, and others here, you can see the outright pain in them.

Where we part ways: Hillary Clinton campaigned very hard. She is a role model there. It is hard to imagine the strength she called upon when she addressed arenas full of people when her campaign was struggling so badly. She is talented and has many good qualities. She works hard and studies her issues.

However: she was brought down by her poor executive skills/shambolic campaign, and people just plain wanting an option other than Hillary, as much as any sexism she suffered at the hands of the media and other politicians. She was outmaneuvered. She miscalculated on how much the country was ready for a change.

She is not the only woman in America who should have concluded she had the means and opportunity of running on the Democratic ticket and winning, but that's exactly what happened.

Please realize: if the campaign becomes a referendum on experience only -- as the GOP is doing and you are all helping along, Hillary is vulnerable to McCain there too.

I would have supported the ticket with Hillary as VP. One can understand why Obama would pick her, and why he might not.

Further, it's hard to argue that Biden is less skilled than Hillary Clinton. Or less experienced. Different skills, different experience, but no less qualified.

Biden cannot claim 18 million votes, true, but were Hillary not a woman, Harold Clinton would not have pulled those in either or had people digging their heels in so hard.

Many of you would be bashing Harold Clinton for insolence and inexperience in running against party icons. (Only in elective office since 2001? Got there through family ties? Insane. Hey, doesn't that remind us of somebody?)

Last, that you and others would punish ALL of us to punish the DNC and "sexists" and the media is shortsighted and morally incorrect.

Especially when just about everybody agrees there is not a whole lot of difference between Clinton and Obama on platform or policy.

And there is a world of difference between either and what the GOP will demand its president do or at least try, and what it will not do (policy guided by science, for one).

This election is shaping up as the most crucial in our lifetimes. The division within the Democratic party is the gift to the Republicans that has got to stop giving.

Good morning!
Sturge- am looking forward to hearing Carville- he just cracks me up, enjoy his wife too.

Dog's eye- not really trying to stir up a lotta shit this morning, but want to put forth this idea and ask. If AA's made a protest vote, would you consider it morally incorrect?

Dog, I think Brian posts witty things here about as much as he thinks I do. 'nuff said.

Besides the below facts here is one that I let slip my mind. Another reason for HRC not being the D nominee, has nothing to do with the enlighten ones out-politicking her. It has to do with the convenient lack of news coverage by the MSM of the Rev. Wright and BHO's other questionable associates. Had the Wright's story been brought to light during the primary, HRC would be the rightful nominee of the D party, and not some Johnny Do-nothing Nobody. All you have to know about BHO is he can't stand on his own with out the support of those who have more gravitas than he does. He is the new Wizard of Oz.

REHASH:

After receiving 18,000,000 votes, HRC was never considered, never consulted by the BHO camp to become his VP. Someone who likes to proclaim himself to be an agent of change, has kicked the female to the curb once again.

Remember, if HRC really wants to become POTUS, BHO has got to loose this election. Should BHO get elected, and do a poor job at POTUS, the country will vote R in 2012. HRC only real chance of becoming POTUS is to have McCain win, as he will be a one term president, only then will HRC can have a real shot in 2012, if HRC misses the 2012 election her next chance will come in 2016 when she will be 69.

In other word ladies, Team BHO has screwed you royally. You'll not see a female POTUS from your side of the aisle in your lifetime. HRC had the best chance, and team BHO with the help of the MSM, trashed that hope of ever seeing the light of day. Your only hope is for BHO to get his butt kicked, then 2012 would look very good for a HRC presidency. And you can thank Team BHO, MSM, and the ever PC DNC for all this.

You'll have to register, but if you're feeling creative...

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080825/OPINION06/80824052

Evidently there might not be a roll call after all.
http://logisticsmonster.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/puma-politics-oh-hell-nono-roll-call-vote/

For those who still question Hillary supporters please see video at bottom of post- Ickes speaks for me!

Dexter, the barricades are backed-up by claymores.

Remember, this year's DNC has learned from the best--Shrub &Co.

There used to be a time when convention security was intended to keep drunk conventioneers from spilling out into the streets and hurting themselves. How times have changed.

I like Dog's invocation of party icons in her polemic to Clinton supporters. Party icons--something like the party's inner scrotum.

Tensions Boil Between Obama-Clinton Campshttp://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12782.html

Looks like this community reflects the Party well.

It would be funny if convention goers wore Detroit Red Wings jerseys this week in Denver.

Liberal's Lament To win, Obama must convince the country that he is a man of substance, not just style. History suggests this won't be easy.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/154911

icon, definition

3. a person or thing regarded as a symbol of a belief or cultural movement: a feminist icon [Greek eikōn image]

Collins Essential English Dictionary 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers 2004, 2006

jason - A 3rd-party or write-in vote might be a throw-away given the strangle-hold of the two-party system, but it still makes a statement. You're right about the DNC just not gettin' it though.

As for the BO propoganda at the Madonna concert (or Madje or Esther or whatever she goes by these days --hey, Gordo, better check into that), once again, it was overseas. They can't vote for him, so why try to win their hearts & minds? Plenty of time to do that if BO wins, although, his majesty probably thinks it's a foregone conclusion. Way off base, too. Likening McCain to Hitler or Mugabe is more of a slam to the victims of the latter two, than is to McCain; shouldn't cheapen horrible events to go negative in a political campaign. One more big-headed celeb showing her pointlessness. Personally, I think she's trying to glom onto BO to get attention; it's her m.o.

Madonna may have on thing right..."Let's Get Stupid," could be the theme song of the DNC the last 8 years.

Good to have MoJo back; don't miss the handball/soccer/water polo, etc., one, little bit. Would like less background chatter.

In BHO's own words:

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121366164848479237.html

Basically BHO believes winners should be penalized, while loser should be rewarded. If only Vegas was this way, but then if it was there be no Vegas.

This is so similar to giving little Johnny credit for adding 2+2 and coming up 5. This doesn't make little Johnny any smarter, this just give him the false impression he is smart until he enters the real world and discovers he has been lied to all his life to make him feel better.

Buddy Harman, legendary nashville drummer, RIP

ALICIA,

I was interested in your program trying to get women into the elected mainstream.

Is this group on the right track (somehow I got on their mailing list)?

Ah, the missing link:
http://www.scelectswomen.com/events/celebration/

Buddy's obit:

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Buddy_Harman.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-to-secure-america-denver.html#comment-132726

Blue
Love Madonna.What is this about?

"Way off base, too. Likening McCain to Hitler or Mugabe is more of a slam to the victims of the latter two, than is to McCain; shouldn't cheapen horrible events to go negative in a political campaign."

Blue, you sure have the right. Well said.

"I think she's trying to glom onto BO to get attention."

BHO will need to bathe in Lysol if that ever happened.

ralph naders voters made a statement in 2000

everybody praises them for their judgment taht there would be no difference between Bush and Gore wow was that a good use of a vote they didnt twant to be corporate.

the=that

Argh.

Jason
Thanks for you post at the top of the thread! I enjoy you so much.Still cleaning up all weekend here in Central Florida from Fay.Glad your folks in South Florida are well.Your Madonna count down is ticking away...

Another reason for HRC not being the D nominee, has nothing to do with the enlighten ones out-politicking her. It has to do with the convenient lack of news coverage by the MSM of the Rev. Wright and BHO's other questionable associates. Had the Wright's story been brought to light during the primary, HRC would be the rightful nominee of the D party, and not some Johnny Do-nothing Nobody. All you have to know about BHO is he can't stand on his own with out the support of those who have more gravitas than he does. He is the new Wizard of Oz.Posted by: FryDaddy | August 25, 2008 7:18 AM

As well as DNC blatantly trying to screw the Clintons and BO pushing the racial envelope big time in certian states where it mattered....

mornin' all.

Bowman, what the hell are you doing up at 4:45? Anyway, your post

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-to-secure-america-denver.html#comment-132705

is IMHO likely right on the mark. I know I have very little interest in the convention aside from hearing the Big Dog speak.

sturg - http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-to-secure-america-denver.html#comment-132711 - That's it- I can't vote for the anointed one, despite Biden's presence. I obviously had the wrong impressionof Biden. LOL

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iMHaHSPtf_wVUZlMMbj02lCVclDA

Jason,

They will do as the press always does.

After the administration implodes, our press will say, "We had indications, but..."

They suck (with the exception of 'our' host).

How wrong can BHO be. Here is just a snippet of his economic vision of wisdom.

"Globalization and technology and automation all weaken the position of workers, and a strong government hand is needed to assure that wealth is distributed more equitably."

So by reducing trade, returning to the pencil and eraser, and the full manual assembly line, will some how strengthens the US while the rest of the world marches on.
And as far as the wealth distribution issue, there will be no wealth to distribute if we follow his plan. The more I read his own word the larger the oncoming nightmare .

CNN ran the McCain Clinton delgeate ad second time in their news porgramming in mabye 40 minutes. anchorwoman asks - what do you think about that? maybe that CNN is carrying McCains water on this?

Ok, with regards to the Madonna controversy...Well, I don´t read to much into that.
OK, maybe because I like the artist, I am maybe biased...

Situation: During a break there were two segments in which certain persons or situations flashed on screen. In one segment Hitler, hunger, starvation, Mugabe and Mc Cain appeared.
In another segment: Al Gore, Oprah, Mother Teresa and BO appeared....You can view the clip on youtube..

I am not reading too much into it. Madonna is a democrat and has been vocally all her life. So she used BO again to court controversy..... I don´t see it as making BO big, I see it as a vote anti republican...

Yup Tony, Next week Tuesday it is party time in the Amsterdam Arena. Madonna at her best.....

old sea......yep Carville, si; Mary, not so much.......lol

Sturg--
This was just below the fold in this morning's Times. Thought of your islands when I read it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/25louisiana.html?hp

trip,
The add ran this whole morning on RTL and NOS news here in Holland... It was confronting, but everyone seems to think it is news. It is still running and the US anchor for the news is making a special item about this ad....This ad specifically
I
When I saw it this morning I thought...dayung, this one is a homerun.....

I think they (republican machine) will misuse this whole HRC thing during the GE....

shrimpers catching hell......imported shrimp, gas prices....etc.....going the way of the tomato farmers.....

from Wall Street Journal

Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain disagree sharply on economic issues, with the Arizona Republican promising to cut the corporate tax to 25% from 35%, retain all of President Bush's cuts in personal income taxes, and push for a host of free-trade agreements.

Sen. Obama has proposed a variety of measures that would raise taxes on individuals at the top end and provide tax relief to middle- and lower-income households. Under his plans, those in the middle would see their after-tax income increase by 2.4%, or $1,042, according to a nonpartisan analysis by the Washington-based Tax Policy Center. Americans with incomes above $2.8 million would see their after-tax income decrease by 11.5%.

Jason,

"As well as DNC blatantly trying to screw the Clintons and BO pushing the racial envelope big time in certian states where it mattered...."

Can't say those things, not sure you can even think those things or Team BHO will label you some sort of a racist. BHO is such an empty suit, not sure what Biden was thinking. I take that back ,Biden maybe thinking better half a loaf than no loaf, as this will be as close as he'll ever get to becoming POTUS

this is the article on the forrestal reunion from last saturday...........

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/aug/16/forrestal_veterans_recall_heros_wartime_51108/

Fry, I'm no happier with you - actually, I expect you are considerably happier than I - with the dems' pick for POTUS. That 2 month old WSJ article is certainly not news - it reflects a progressive tax structure that certainly comes as no surprise to anyone who has followed party politics in the US for more than 2 minutes. Tax schemes aren't about rewarding losers (although that does speak volumes about the lack of compassion of Republicans) or penalizing winners. They are about funding priorities set by the party with the votes to get them through Congress and signed by the Pres. The problem with your argument is that the rise of wealth in the US came under an era of hugely more progressive taxes - if you buy your argument, that would never have happened - and the Bushco tax scheme based on reqarding the wealthy should have resulted in a boom in economic growth, but it rather damed that growth. I can think of a lot of reasons that I might not vote for Obama, but a 4% rise in the top marginal tax rate resulting from a rollback of a tax policy that squandered large surpluses is certainly not one of them.

Jason, as they say at the carnival, you pays your money and you takes your chances. Some choose not to play. (Problem is, you can still lose if you don't play). It's your choice - you're an adult and you've made a conscious decision that you shouldn't feel the need to apologize for (and I don't think that's what you're doing) or justify it to anyone.

PP, if the dems in the SJD would reject a nominee, I
's agree qwith you on the SCOTUS appoeintments - nothing in the recent past suggests they will do that - and remember who's chairman.

A Chris Buckley creation:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/25/opinion/20080825_opart.html

Jason
Thanks for the Madonna info..I'll be thinking of you the Tuesday after next!! Party time indeed!

a little morning humor...

A man died and went to heaven. As he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.

He asked, 'What are all those clocks?'

St. Peter answered, 'Those are Lie-Clocks Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock.

Every time you lie the hands on your clock will move.'

'Oh,' said the man, 'whose clock is that?'

'That's Mother Teresa' s. The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie.'

'Incredible,' said the man'. And whose clock is that one?'

St. Peter responded, 'That's Abraham Lincoln's clock. The hands have moved twice, telling us that Abe told only two lies in his entire life.'

'Where's Obama's clock?' asked the man.

'Obama's clock is in Jesus' office.

He's using it as a ceiling fan.

8~D

that Obama one scary dude Wall Street Journal again

The chances of pushing through an infrastructure spending program are greater now than they were in 1992, Sen. Obama said, because of new concern about energy prices. Many alternative-energy projects -- clean-coal technology, wind-power generators and the like -- could be packaged as infrastructure. "The difference I would suggest is that there is a strong recognition in the public mind that we can't continue on our current energy path," he said. That means "there's a bigger opening to bring about change."

To "capture some of the nation's economic growth," he OBAMA said in the interview, "and reinvest it in things we know have to be done like science, technology, research and fixing our energy policy, then that is actually going to spur productivity."

Sen. McCain argues for as little government spending as possible and paints his opponent as a liberal who would tax more, spend more and drive the country into deficit.

More recently the Clinton administration, at the urging of then-Vice President Al Gore, spent heavily on a project with the Big Three auto makers to build a higher-tech family car that produced three times the gas mileage of a conventional car. The car was never built and the Bush administration killed the project. At a rally in Detroit Monday night, Mr. Gore announced his endorsement of Sen. Obama.

Pogo-

Morning! Your analysis of taxation was absolutely correct.
----
"The art of taxation consists in so plucking the goose as to get the most feathers with the least hissing." --Jean-Baptiste Colbert

Obama wrong about this? all sharing the gains from economic growth?

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the Illinois Democrat said that he was trying to put together tax and spending policies that dealt with two challenges. One is the competition from rapidly growing developing countries, like India and China. The other: the U.S. becoming what he called a "winner-take-all" economy, where the gains from economic growth skew heavily toward the wealthy.

Sturg--

Made me think of Blackthorn.

Morning whiners

flatus -- that cartoon is great!

Cool, Teddy is in Denver and may appear tonight at the convention.

Jason @ 2:30, you said:

"And please people on this borad…. I urge you, stop telling me that I am bruised or hurt or whatever. I am not . This African American brother is doing extremely good and fine."

Jasson @ 8:01, you said:

"As well as DNC blatantly trying to screw the Clintons and BO pushing the racial envelope big time in certian states where it mattered...."

You asked us not to call you "bruised or hurt of whatever"... assuming that you are the same Jason from both quotes, guess what bud -- you ARE bruised or hurt or whatever.

This is what I cannot fathom: Hillary Clinton supporters (nothing wrong with that) who are so upset by the primary results that they are going to let a WAR MONGERING, POW ABUSING, BUSH WANNABE become the next president. I just don't get it.

I understand that you are all upset (many here on this blog)... I get that. But, now it comes to this: who would you rather see in charge of our nation's future, a guy whom you think played a race card in 'certain states where it mattered' , or a guy who WILL START MORE WARS. Clearly, Barack Obama is the lesser of two evils for you.

Get the f**k over it. All of you.

If you decide not to vote in November, that is a choice I can live with -- but I beg you all PLEASE do not vote for John McCain.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

"This is what I cannot fathom: Hillary Clinton supporters (nothing wrong with that) who are so upset by the primary results that they are going to let a WAR MONGERING, POW ABUSING, BUSH WANNABE become the next president. I just don't get it."

Ah, the voice of intellectual reason.

Good Morning everyone -- Watching MoJo this am -- loved seeing Mark Warner and Terry McCaullife on the show - but couldn't hear a darn word they said do to all that awful background noise! Did the sound techs take the day off?

"As well as DNC blatantly trying to screw the Clintons and BO pushing the racial envelope big time in certian states where it mattered...."

You asked us not to call you "bruised or hurt of whatever"... assuming that you are the same Jason from both quotes, guess what bud -- you ARE bruised or hurt or whatever.

Stating the facts is not the same as being "bruised or hurt of whatever" Pajamas

The only person in pajamas I would ever listen to is Hugh Hefner.

mornin' flatus - love the goose plucking analogy.

I was just over at RCP, and based on what I see there Dems better STFU and get to work - at this point, the battleground states that matter a whit are not breaking Obama's way in any big way - McCain leads in FL, OH, Missouri & NV. Obama leads in PA, MI, WI. And VA, CO, NH, NM are tied or within a point. Their Battlegound EC map - with no tossups, shows an 8 vote edge to Obama, with CO going to O (call me skeptical).

"Get the F**k over it. All of you. " How masterfully persuasive.

Where's the Bush Cheney lie clock?

You're standing over it. It's holding up these clouds and kicking up all this strange weather and bad storms.

Where's John McCain's clock?

not sure which house it's in, or if it got left on his wife's jet, so let's say it must be in his POW cell.

Where's John Kerry's clock?

That swiftboating liar? Who cares?

ALL ABOUT HILLARY
BAM NEEDS HER VOTES AND MORE
" IT'S Hillary's convention. Not in the way she imagined it when the primary battle began - she's not the nominee making history and bidding to end the dread Bush years. That role has been usurped by Barack Obama.

But the convention narrative revolves around her in important ways. "
http://www.nypost.com/seven/08252008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/all_about_hillary_125970.htm

Where's Al Gore's clock?

*sigh*

This, from Paul Krugmolumn that morining, sums up nicely what I hope thia electionwill come down to:

"The central fact of this year’s election is that voters are fed up with Republican rule. The only way Mr. McCain can win the presidential race is if it becomes a contest of personalities rather than parties — and if his campaign can instill in voters the perception that Mr. Obama is a suspicious character while Mr. McCain is a fine, upstanding gentleman.

"The Obama campaign, on the other hand, doesn’t need to convince voters either that he’s the awesomest candidate ever or that Mr. McCain is a villain. All it has to do is tarnish Mr. McCain’s image enough so that voters see this as a race between a Democrat and a Republican. And that’s a race the Democrat will easily win."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/opinion/25krugman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Anyone out there listening? DNC, Axelrod, anyone?

"Get the f**k over it. All of you.

If you decide not to vote in November, that is a choice I can live with"

Ig'nert. I am writing in Hillary or voting for Cynthia McKinney. Get over THAT, pajama.

I was just watching MOJO when it hit me: "Inside-The-Media". For how many years have we heard the "Inside-The-Beltway" slight that implied that so much of the news of conversations from inside government wasn't reaching the American People who could care less about that Game? Listening to Andrea, Warner & Company, their analyses, predictions of what the American People would or should do, et al. They don't get that the People are smarter and wiser in deciding what is best for their individual lives and for their America. I believe the Media is frustrated that for all their subjective objectivity, they can't move the needle, the Polls. Only the People can do that. The campaigns naturally Fall into that Game/Trap because with their higher education and incomes, they just don't or can't understand, can only imagine and guess what really happens and is felt around the American Kitchen Table. They always seem confounded (and frustrated) by how/why the People rail against Washington and still re-elect their local Representatives. For lack of insight and effort, they try to project local voting patterns onto the Presidential race when, in fact the People really get it: Voting for their Representative(s) is about them, what they need and want. Voting for the President is about America!

The ACORN story seems to be getting some legs.http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=73335

John Hogue--

Thank you. An excellent analysis. From your keyboard to their monitors.

Today's pick on the BackChannel Blog:

Fantasy Cabinet Pick - Round 2

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

Flatus -- Thank you for sending me that link to SC Elects Women. I love it. They look like they are doing a great job. We had a group like it in Virginia -- Make Women Count -- that kinda fizzled and I'm hoping we can revive it.

My own group is a small group of DEM/Progressive women who have decided to primarily focus our donations on women candidates. We have in the past given money to men who support women's issues, but that's because we haven't had any women candidates in quite a while -- until this year. Now I'm trying to convince the women in my group -- many of whom just joined in the last three years that we should send our money to a woman who is running in the district next door, instead of the man who is running in our own district. Right now it's a split decision, which is a little aggravating for me, but whatever.

Here is another worthy group that supports women candidates:
http://www.wcfonline.org/Found/foundation
Women's Campaign Forum is a non-partisan pro-choice, national membership organization dedicated to ensuring women become leaders in public life. We recruit, train, launch and support women to run for office beginning in their earliest days in politics. We also build a national network of women voters, donors and activists whose efforts and venture capital ensure women's voices are heard.

Patsi- I was with you- until the 3 AM text. Think I'll go with McCain now. They still don't get it.

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice acknowledged Monday it will be difficult to reach a year-end target for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal..."

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-US-Mideast.html

Man, nothing gets past her, does it?

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice acknowledged Monday it will be difficult to reach a year-end target for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal..."

LOL
Good catch Pogo.

jack

"Think I'll go with McCain now. "

Well color me surprised!

Thanks, Alicia. I will send them a contribution. I've been trying to get my daughter actively involved, but she's just so terribly over-committed at her non-profit.

I hope the groups are wise enough to enlist male allies (like me) who think our country would be better with more women in elected positions.

Oops.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25biden.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1219670178-xCO2ECtEjHJDiZyg/339oA

Alicia,

Previously, we both commented on Joe Biden's ardent support of BAPCPA. Today's NYT provides more information regarding his long history with MBNA.

"Obama aides defend bank's pay to Biden son"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/25/us/politics/25biden.html?ref=politics

Do you know why Baskin Robbins only has 31 flavors? Chuck Norris doesn't like Fudge Ripple.

Pogo,

Delaware is Delaware. That state has been built on its foundation of support for corporate interests. Biden, and his son, have been supportive of those important interests. That's representation.

But, you knew all of that when you posted that link. :)

"The former president is disappointed, associates said, because he is eager to speak about the economy and more broadly about Democratic ideas — emphasizing the contrast between the Bush years and his own record in the 1990s."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12782.html

What a surprise, Bill wants to talk about Bill.

"All it has to do is tarnish Mr. McCain’s image enough so that voters see this as a race between a Democrat and a Republican. And that’s a race the Democrat will easily win."
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-to-secure-america-denver.html#comment-132774

You know Pogo, That clip you posted says more or less the opposite of the link I posted from the New York Post.

" He'll need to express sympathy with the morés of the middle of the country and blunt the sharp edges of his party's social liberalism, something Clinton did during the primaries in emphasizing her Midwestern roots and with her caution when addressing hot-button social issues. He'll have to sound tougher on foreign affairs, something Hillary did with some well-placed bluster about "obliterating" Iran.

And he'll have to make the connection between his domestic policies - from taxes to health care to energy policy - and the interests of the middle class..."

Assailing John McCain, which will be a favored sport here, doesn't substitute for any of this. In the end, the election is essentially about Obama, and whether he can connect with average voters and meet the standard of commander-in-chief."

I was surprised too that someone running for POTUS, who speaks of Party unity would mock the other nominee and her supporters at such a crucial time before the convention. It doesn't help his "judgement" claim.

the other nominee? Oh please, get a clue.

"I was surprised too that someone running for POTUS, who speaks of Party unity would mock the other nominee and her supporters at such a crucial time before the convention. It doesn't help his "judgement" claim."

Habit Sea.
Maybe he got so used to doing it for all those months, that he can't seem to quit now. They like doing it.

yep, flatus, DL is the land of banks and Insurance companies - it is just fodder that goes counter to the change image the O campaign continues to try and project.

Flatus -- I would definitely welcome enlightened men like yourself who also share the view that we need more gender balancing in elected --and appointed -- offices.

BTW, men can become members of NOW -- the National organization *FOR* Women.

Building NOW membership in my area is also another project for me. I go my son to join -- although have to admit it didn't take much effort.

Chloe- Agreed!

Like it or not, this is the real news now. And it needs to change, or..

Poll: More than half of Clinton backers still not sold on Obama
"DENVER — Fewer than half of Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters in the presidential primaries say they definitely will vote for Barack Obama in November, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, evidence of a formidable challenge facing Democrats as their national convention opens here today."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-24-campaignpoll_N.htm

chloe, imagine a divergence in opinion between the NYP and the NYT!!! :) Actually, at one level Krugman is talking obout overarching campaign themes and approaches and at another the Post is talking about how he might go about doing what Krugman is suggesting since what the Post is suggesting is pointing out how the O policies are Dem, or at least that's how aI see it.

Pogo, So you don't agree that it's important that Obama does those things that the Post said?

Chloe, Pogo,

NYTimes (Paul Krugman) v. NYPost (Rich Lowry)
A perspective from the left and very much from the right.

In essence, don't they both say the same thing--which is the goal of each side.

Whoever negatively defines the other side first wins.

A really nice picture of JFK at the coliseum in 1960 here:

A Liberal’s Lament
To win, Obama must convince the country that he is a man of substance, not just style. History suggests this won't be easy
http://www.newsweek.com/id/154911

I'm not sure Coreen. I don't think negativity is all that matters this time.

chloe, see, I'm one of those Clinton supporters who will vote for Obama - because he's the only hope I have of the two running to do what I think is in the best interests of the country if elected. And it won't matter on ewhit. WV will be a red state again this November. The only states in which it will matter if Clinton supporters vote for Obama are close states that could swing either way - see my 8:52 post.

The Obama campaign has squandered a fairly solid lead - apparently he's not proving to be the superior campaign manager that he was portrayed to be here by the Obama supporters during the primary. The landslide pedictions we heard ad nauseum look about as likely as an Edwards presidency or a Sibelius or Kaine VP pick we also heard. Change is a wonderful thing - I hope the O campaign changes and turns the direction of the contest around - the direction it's going now leads to a defeat in Nov., and the thought of hearing "I, John McCain, do hereby solemnly swear..." makes my blood run cold.

Actually, chloe, I do think he needs to do that - it's what distinguishes dems from Bushco repugs.

Jason,

"As well as DNC blatantly trying to screw the Clintons and BO pushing the racial envelope big time in certian states where it mattered...."

Can't say those things, not sure you can even think those things or Team BHO will label you some sort of a racist. BHO is such an empty suit, not sure what Biden was thinking. I take that back ,Biden maybe thinking better half a loaf than no loaf, as this will be as close as he'll ever get to becoming POTUS

Posted by: FryDaddy | August 25, 2008 8:20 AM

Fry, I know... But I am an Afriacan American and my dad taught me to be fair. We all know that he did it, buts ome of my fellow AA´s are too cowardous to say it.

Good Morning to all--

chloe,

I saw that stat: over half of Clinton supporters either definitely won't vote
for Obama or haven't decided who they're voting for. I fall into that half.
When you think about it, that's a lot of voters.

politicallypissed:
I enjoyed your post today.

Jason:
I liked your post earlier and I understand completely.

I'm so unenthusiastic about the convention today. Maybe I'll get more
revved up by tomorrow when Hillary and Chelsea make appearances and Wed when Bill is there.

I just don't identify with the DNC anymore. I feel like a pilgrim looking for
something to believe in, something that I can trust.

That should have been "it's one of the things that distinguishes Dems from Bushco Repugs - the list is a long one"

I know pogo.
But what I'm really asking is how do the Democrats go about winning. If I'm reading you correctly (8:52) you're worried about it. I really think the Dems need to change direction now. And I think Obama needs to find a way to connect to more voters. Those swing states are all about the working class. And that's his weak point. They're not going to be swayed by McCain bashing. They just want to know what's in it for them and that they can trust whoever they vote for.

Pajama pundit,
LOL.....
You wknow what...You seen to know my inner feelings better then me...well listen up Dr.Phil...Ya wrong!

And on the second note: The problem is not, US Hillary supporters, are whatever label you wanna tag on us, the problem is that you know this is gonna be one hell of a problem for BO starting now because the falling-in-line-unity is not working. Let the blame game continue.

Hip Hop Hooray....

Salute

Good morning Marcia. me too.

Just saw your 9:50 pogo

Chloe

But what I'm really asking is how do the Democrats go about winning.

1. Enough with the Northeast and the Kennedys as your spokes people. The primary is over. Get somebody out there speaking for you that can reach the heartland voter and the western voter. I looked at the Sunday talk shows and where were the people that can reach the middle class? nowhere.

Jack

I feel like a pilgrim looking for
something to believe in, something that I can trust.

Posted by: prof marcia | August 25, 2008 9:53 AM

Maybe I shouldn´t laugh at this Marcia, but really, I nearly pissed in my pants when I read this. I can just see you saying it....LOL....
Well join this pilgrim and only vote when someone represents YOU!

Who said landslide some time ago?
As I have said more than 2 months ago...BO will LOSE this GE in a year that we ough to steamroll.....

Bumpersticker:
Don´t blame me,
I voted Hillary

More from SoetorObama's "hidden" past.
=============================

For anyone who missed this yesterday -- here is the new Floyd "Willie Horton" Brown ad. Floyd has done a terrific job with this one -- never thought I'd be congratulating him. It's 100% accurate -- no distortions. Hope we see more good work like this from Floyd. As I've said, sometimes foes unite against a common enemy. FB is only revealing SoetorObama's "hidden" past. FB is the TRUTH teller, SoetorObama is the liar.

Call to Prayer

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

PUMA

Colleen: Some of the progressive bloggers are referring to Biden as "Senator Mastercard."

I don't like that Joe Biden did that, nor do I like his drug-bill legislation that put Tommy Chong in jail. Obama did vote against bankruptcy bill. McCain voted for it. So this issue might prove to be a wash. As far as the drug bill -- I don't think it will cost him many votes.

DE is an unusual state, small as it is. Quite rural, full of old colonial-era families who are still very prominent, a lot of really rich families -- i.e. Du Pont. Dover is like a sleepy southern small town. Wilmington is like Baltimore -- very industrial. Taxes are extremely low, there is a wide-open pro-business environment. Bible-belt values permeate the state, despite the gay-friendly tourism (Dewy Beach) and gambling interests (Dover Downs). Most of the locals really hate Dover Downs. My sister's ex-husband was from one of those old Delaware families, and her MD Eastern Shore house is just a short drive away from DE, and I've spent a little time there with my nieces and nephews. One of the cousins, Charles Paradee, III, is running for state office this year -- and getting help from Joe Biden.

Here is a NYT article about how there is still prayer in DE schools, and how hard it is to be a religious minority there.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/29/us/29delaware.html

"What a surprise, Bill wants to talk about Bill. "

Considering that the only decent economic times we had were in his administration, why the hell not? Unless you are secretly rooting for a return to Obama's hero Ronnie Reagan's heyday.

good morning gang.....

I do think "change" is in the air..... the change I'm seeing and hearing is that voters have become disillusioned with both political parties..... I know the Dems like to talk about all the new voters they've registered..... but I'd bet money that there's a record number of registered voters from both parties reregistering as independents.....

the change I see happening is more and more people claiming to vote for the person they want to see as POTUS and not just the political party....

all the insults of "your not a true Democrat/Republican if you don't vote for so and so" don't seem to be budging people one iota.....

Pogo, Chloe

I think the McCain campaign is very comfortable with making this an election about Obama. Obama , however wants to make this election about Bush. That is a harder sell as McCain has his maverick reputation. Many Independents and Republicans just aren't going to believe it I think it would be easier to make it about Republicans in general. ex, pogo's comment on failed tax policy. But to do that he is going to have to build up the Clinton years in the mind of the voter. Something, he seems very reluctant to do.

He also could pull a Rove. Go after the Republicans strength. Hire Max Cleland and lauch a tour of every military town in the nation. Have Cleland introduce Obama at every event on the tour, reminding veterns of the shameful things that the Republicans have done to vets.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-to-secure-america-denver.html#comment-132814

Jason, I didn't find Marcia post funny at all. People need hope. And want a candidate they can believe in. They want to feel like things can get better. And that their vote is important.

The rest of your post I agreed with. And when you said "BO will LOSE this GE in a year that we ough to steamroll....." , that reminded me of Mr. D's post from last night.

" Hillary is going back to the Senate where she'll be the junior Senator from New York. A footnote in history, right along with Samuel Tilden, the Bull Moose Party and John Anderson. But at least she didn't go in debt...oh..never mind..."
Posted by: Mr. Democrat | August 25, 2008 12:50 A
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/08/dems-gearing-up-mccain-house-j.html#comment-132681

And one can say the same thing about Obama, right Mr. D? If he loses this election, where will he go, and will he be even a footnote in history?

President's Oath of Office:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

It does not say Republican, Democrat or Independent, etc.

Gordo have you always been a racist and bigot or did the fact the next president of the United States is going be a black man bring it out in you?

"will he be even a footnote in history"

Chloe
He will be in the three sentence paragraph after Alfred E Smith.

Jack

"Obama , however wants to make this election about Bush. "

Jack,
It seems as though Obama has a hard time changing gears. Just because his strategy worked in the primary, it doesn't mean it'll work in the General. He'd better figure that out soon.

And so had his followers, Chloe. Can attract a lot more bees with honey than vinegar.

chloe, I am indeed worried about the election - I don't know exactly how the Obama campaign can go about winning - other than by concentrating its efforts on state it is close in and must hold or is close in and can gain. I think the approach ot making it a Dem versus Republican election - with Republican is what you have now, if you like it keep it as the message - is what can win the day ultimately. The points made in both posts - if it becomes McCain v. Obama then McCain wins - are probably pretty well righton the mark. As far as what soundbites will convey the message that will sway voters - well, there are folks who are paid to figure that out. If it's just me, opining, I think the message just has to be something like - "In the past 8 years Bush has lied to you and f*cked this country up in more ways than two months allows me to list. The economy, the budget, the Court, our foreign relations, our civil rights. John McCain is offering you more of Bush's policies. It is the Republican philosophy applied by guys who don't really seem like such bad guys. You've fallen for it before. Don't be stupid. This is not 1980 an it doesn't work in today's world. Don't fall for it, don't vote for it."

Jane - Everyone from the list is more than welcome at Asilomar.

I'm trying to keep a list of the prospective attendees. Because of personal matters, Blue has had to drop out. I could use a roomate.

Chef Sheila doesn't think she is up to the trip from Palm Springs but is still tentative.

If everyone planning on attending would send me an email if you haven't done it already. Send to

webthings@comcast.net

At present this is what I have

BethyBoo 1
Craig 4
Dog's Eye View 2
EdVb 1
Frydaddy 1
Jamie 1
Julia 2
KGC 1
Prof. Marcia 1
TipToe 1
Chef Sheila 1

"Can attract a lot more bees with honey than vinegar."

Flatus, a simple truth. But apparently hard to understand for many people.

pogo,
I don't know. I tend to agree with Renee: "the change I see happening is more and more people claiming to vote for the person they want to see as POTUS and not just the political party.."

I think Obama's only chance is to get REAL.
Hillary figured that out in the last few weeks of the primary, and she was winning some districts 3/1.

BTW, men can become members of NOW -- the National organization *FOR* Women.

Building NOW membership in my area is also another project for me. I go my son to join -- although have to admit it didn't take much effort.

Posted by: Alicia Knight | August 25, 2008 9:32 AM

I joined NOW when I was 18 years old. I was at The Minnesota State Fair and there was a both for NOW and they were seeking contributions (memberships) which was focussed on reproductive freedoms at the time. I gave $25, I used to give to lots of political groups... People for the American Way, NARAL, Privacy Fund, et al... Since then I have learned to manage money, so I am very careful anymore. I support the goals of the groups, and will do action letters and emails for them.

NOW is particularly and organization I've always admired.

Tom

Jason, but you weren't a BO supporter. If you were paying attention, Brian said "landslide" time and time again.

Jack "I think the McCain campaign is very comfortable with making this an election about Obama. Obama , however wants to make this election about Bush." Yep, you are correct IMHO. Each is doing exactly what the NYP pointed out they must. And while selling McCain as more Bush may be a harder sell for Obama, maverick image be damned, the policies he's advocating are nothing but more Bush. And when he picks Romney as his running mate, the rush toward Bushian policies reflected in both of their campaigns' rhetoric in the Repug primaries make that pretty easy to demontrate.

btw, jack, I like the Cleland angle.

chloe, if the change you and renee see is indeed what is happening - and I fear you may be right - get used to the sound of "President McCain."

Biden is no threat to Obama - but no asset
In rejecting Hillary Clinton for a politician with a murky record, the presidential candidate may have lost the White House
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/william_rees_mogg/article4601971.ece

pogo, Know this. I am not interested in being right.

"Hire Max Cleland and lauch a tour of every military town in the nation. Have Cleland introduce Obama at every event on the tour, reminding veterns of the shameful things that the Republicans have done to vets."

jack, terrific idea. but isn't he still under the o bus because he's a reminder of the administration of "he- who-has-been-disowned" ?

@Pogo: I know!

@Chloe: I understand, it just sounded funny to me....

Bye y´all.
Going home to check out the first day of the US Open...
Stay true....

chloe is a GOP supporting blogger herding you towards McCain and beefing about Hillary's treatment to sow dissension. She's got most of the posts today. Wake up.

Here we go again.

"Gordo have you always been a racist and bigot or did the fact the next president of the United States is going be a black man bring it out in you?"

Posted by: BrianInNYC Author Profile Page | August 25, 2008 10:26 AM
=========================

Poor Brian, you just don't know how to deal with the TRUTH. Did Floyd's new 100% TRUE ad upset you? Get out your deck of race/religion cards -- that's all you're able to do because it's impossible to face the TRUTH from SoetorObama's "hidden" past.

The TRUTH from his "hidden" past will crush SoetorObama as flat as a waffle.

PUMA

LOL@ sheep brain

Hey silly, it is a blog discussion. If Chloe thinks she is herding sheep she is in for a rude suprise. Cats is more like it. From what I've seen of chloe, she is one of the more independent cats roaming the place. The sheep all hang out on those other blogs.

Jack

Yesterday I was very bored with politics and today I am just "taking in