Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

woo-hoo! If I'm not first, it still applies because it's cold & windy in Iowa!

Off the table? There's still a week and a day to go. I'll bet someone will serve up a steaming, helping of Rev. Wright between now & then. It still disturbs me that he sat there & listened to that for years & said nothing. I still think Hil'ry was the best hope for the country this election cycle. If not for the writers' strike, SNL would've called the MSM on their coddling of Obama and it would've been a different story.

Has the early voting made much of anything a wasted effort for McCain? We attacked Syria? Haven't seen much news in 2 days.

Did see lots of Obama & McCain signs down here. More houses with McCain signs but if a yard has one Obama sign, they tend to have 2 or even 3 in one, big clump.

Wright story is an Old News cycle.
Obama will say he came clean - which he gave the big speach but never addressed the issue - along withany others - But these issues to Obama are protected by the duck oil of much of the media.

Even if a valid point could be made McCain has no vocalization ability to get it out

Blue -- Not only did we bomb a Syrian village, but I believe we strayed into Pakistan and dropped a few as well. Unbelievable.

Hopefully the 527's should be picking up the Wright story this week. This just goes to demonstrate Obama lack of judgment, as does his association with Ayers and all the other usual suspects.

McCain and Republicans must stay on fiscal message – all of the other items are noise despite the basis in fact.

The message must be strong for any chance of victory and to continue to force Obama to the middle. He may not stay there but Obama will be forced to talk about his liberal fiscal and social past and maybe some of the centric themes Obama is spouting will stick – and lessen the damage that his historical self would play.

Craig an A for the day but big Bonus points for incorporating the “Shun” word appropriately with the topic – an old practice rarely found in modern America.

Give me some of that ole time Rel.......

But these issues to Obama are protected by the duck oil of much of the media.

Even if a valid point could be made McCain has no vocalization ability to get it out

Posted by: Ping Pong | October 27, 2008 6:24 AM

Another slam dunk from Ping.

My opinion is that McCain should shut up about this. He had his chances and blew them, helped by his own miscalculations and by the media obama love fest...
..... Sad....but true.

This just goes to demonstrate Obama lack of judgment, as does his association with Ayers and all the other usual suspects.

Posted by: Anselm | October 27, 2008 6:43 AM

Do you actually think that at this point the media will even attempt to burn Obama now that the celebration party is being scheduled allready in Chicago?
Come on...They gave him the royal treatment for a year now.....In sight of the shore, they will willfully see him through to the finish line....

I have come to terms with him being our next potus. It´s okay. A country deserves the rpesident they get.

Now, that said, it is lunch time here in Holland.....
Will be back after my ciabbatas and bacon with eggs....

In all this joyous triumphant moment over Obama's march to the White House, lets us take a moment to remember the true fallen heroine who lost because of her sexuality, and the back stabbing hypocrisy of her own party.

R.I.P
Hillary R. Clinton
2008
Death by Colleagues

"Not only did we bomb a Syrian village, but I believe we strayed into Pakistan and dropped a few as well. Unbelievable."

patsi, blue..... and god knows what else w & co will do in the next 85 days.
maybe it sounds like tin hat stuff and silly to expend the time and money this late in their terms for impeachment; but, lacking a revolt/mutiny, they still have two months plus and the power to do a great deal of damage. well, back to the basement until 1/20/09.

don't these remaining months conjour the nightmare of sherman's march to the sea with w in playing sherman applying "the principles of scorched earth, ordering his troops to burn crops, kill livestock, consume supplies, and destroy civilian infrastructure along their path"?

[quote lifted from wiki]

Jason,

As to your question of the new media. The answer is no, that is why I am hoping the 527's come out with guns blazing this week. Seriously how does a interview like this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iivL4c_3pck , not receive scrutiny by our news media? I don't fault Obama because he has always been a FLLL, Far Left Leaning Liberal, but our news media, because of their bias coverage, has for the most part made a conscious decision not to fully explore his numerous questionable statements and/or associations.

patd, Sherman was an evil instrument of the Yankee army.

The Syria and Pakistan actions are only using the rules of Military operation espoused by Barack Obama.

Come now what is the problem

Just be ready as anything that happens Barack can claim as he has been all over the map in his transition to the middle.

No Remorse later

ciabbatas and bacon with eggs

Now how is that egg cooked? Scrambled, fried, boiled or poached?

Obama cannot win

but

McCain can lose

Good morning all. 8 Days to Go!

Tony Hillerman has died, age 83. Wrote those great murder mysteries built around Navajo life and culture. RIP. If you have not read one, please do -- they're a treat and entertain (and inform) even if you don't usually read mysteries.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/28/books/28hillerman.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all

ciabbatas and bacon with eggs

Now how is that egg cooked? Scrambled, fried, boiled or poached?

Posted by: Anselm | October 27, 2008 7:36 AM

The ciabbta was a no go.
I had eggs with bacon - scrambled. Just two slices of bread and a phenomenal salad with artichokes... Sometimes the dutch know how to cook (not very often though)

LOL @ Anselm...... for your 7:10 am post.....

Another note:
Can someone tell me why the hateful Alex Castellanos is still a panel member on CNN? I watched CNN this past week, I had to...... :-). And saw that pudit there yet again...was a bit amazed to say the least!

Can't comment on Alex Castellanos, as the only time I even watch CNN is to see if Larry King has anyone of interest. I love FOX and although they get beat-up here, they have more Democrat viewers than MSNBC's total viewership.

Jason: how's the teaching going?

====

PS: watching MSNBC/Joe (a rarity); Chuck Todd just announced that Obama has a path to win 270+ that does not include Ohio, Pennsylvania or Florida (given his strength in Virginia, etc.). Interesting.

Whatever happens, we need to gear up to abolish the Electoral College asap. And paper trails for all voting machines; make the voting process more tamper and error proof.

I think federal standards for federal voting, too - it's ridiculous that Pennsylvania voters get no early presidential voting and stringent standards for absentee ballots, while Oregonians (the more sensible crew) get a month to MAIL in their ballots.

Better to have a few days or weekend to vote than one Election Day that disenfranchises those voters who cannot wait out 3-4 hours in line, by flook or whatever.

Well Pong and I agree on something, the Wright story is old news and more than likely wouldn't work. I doubt McCain wants to labeled a racist for the remainder of his career.

I'm gonna write in Mike Singletary, the 49'ers new coach!

This is why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfYhYft8dwI

The biggest fallacy in Republican thought on the Wright issue is that 'Obama sat there for 20-odd years of listening to Wright spew his hate.'

Repubs should really attend a Black church or two. This logic would fall by the wayside. I know that by now that an army of researchers have gone back and looked at every published sermon, and they've found approximately four controversial ones............ That's a very, very low percentage.

More importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that Obama actually was present during the sermons.

Last night 60 Minutes, they aired the story on the multi-trillion dollar unregulated market called, credit default swaps. Which is another reason for this financial crisis we find ourselves in. I just assumed this practice started under Bush, but learned it started under the Clinton administration with the blessing of Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.

http://tinyurl.com/creditswaps

OSH

Breakfast

A Hippie scramble

cook 1/2 onion, 1/2 cup or so of your favorite mushroom
1/2 cup firm tofu cut into small cubes or meat of your choice
when onions are clear and tofu is warmed add one cup of cooked brown rice and cook until warm

crack 6 eggs and put into a mixing bowl add 1/3 cup of condensed milk. whisk until eggs and milk are mixed. add salt and black pepper.
Stir in the warm rice mixture with eggs.

Spoon the egg mixture into your egg skillet and cook as you would any scrambled eggs.

Ham and sausage are great substitutes in this.

You can also add bell peppers of any or all colors The red yellow and green make for a very eye catching meal. Or add a hand full of spinach.

Jack

Perhaps I'm missing something but it seems like McCain has been given the free pass. Judgment? Seeking out the endorsement of anti-semetic preachers is NOT good judgment. But that story is a blink of an eye compared to the obsession with Wright whose "crime" was to say something bad about America and back it up with the bible. You can bet that if Wright had talked about witchcraft it would be all over for Obama - but it's ok for Palin, right? You can bet that (if they were older) if one of Obama's daughter's got pregnant out of wedlock, if would be over for Obama - but it's ok for Palin. You can bet that if Obama consistently mixed up Sunni and Shia if would be all over for Obama - but it's ok for McCain.

How can McCain back the socialist bank bailout and then call Obama a socialist? Oh. Yeah. Because THAT form of socialism is "saving the economy".

I honestly don't understand the blinders people put on to claim that the media is crucifying McCain and giving Obama a free pass. It's backwards, folks.

And you're posting recipes?? WTF??

I doubt McCain wants to labeled a racist for the remainder of his career.

Using Wright's own words, I would say Wright is the racist. If one bet on you can't be Black and a racist, as the great Warner Wolf would say," You lose".

As I said yesterday, this election is all about opinions. See what I mean?

"I don't care if you think I'm racist. I just want you to think I'm thin." - Sarah Silverman

But Corey, only my opinions are based in reality, all the rest of you live in some strange fantasy world. Some stranger than others btw.
Jack

We usually don't start getting feisty around here until about 10:00 a.m.

Well, it would make things a lot easier if people didn't constantly turn me off to their candidate of choice.

Agree with Paul. (And welcome to Benny and Paul and any new commenters. Come on down.)

Think about the double standard for Palin behavior, and contrast it to how Obama or Hillary Clinton would fare if exhibited the same.

PS: WJack posts recipes to help folks eat healthily for less $$. Hard times demand good food!

And you're posting recipes?? WTF??

Just because it is the end of the world, there is no reason you can't eat well.

And remember all Gods children get grumpy if the don't eat. Some of us get grumpier than that.

Jack

I cannot agree. Will not agree. Except about the food part.

So , Corey what is your scedual these days are you up early heading out , or up late getting ready for bed?

Jack

See - "Wright is racist" completely avoids the point. McCain actively courted people with the same types of views you condemn Wright for having and yet it's not a problem for you? Why? If McCain hadn't vetted Hagee - doesn't that show a lack of judgment? If he DID vet Hagee and STILL asked for his endorsement - doesn't that show a lack of judgment?

This is the kind of blinder I'm talking about. McCain gets a free pass for the same behavior. He dumped Hagee and the storm passed. Obama (stupidly bowing to pressure) dumps Wright and it's still considered an actively issue.

It's mind-boggling - esp. given that the other examples I brought up fell by the wayside to focus (again) on Wright.

mornin' all.

Ping, I think that in your return to party politics, you left part of your reasoning behind. Obama can't win, McCain can only lose? McCain is too far behind in too many states to make any such statement. It's the guy who's ahead who can lose, not the guy who's desperately trying to gain enough traction in two states where he's down by 5-13 points, depending on the poll, and both of which he has to win to have a prayer of making it a close contest in the EC. I'd be thiniking about 2012 about now.

Now really, has McCain decided at this late date to try and salvage some of his above the fray reputation? Perhaps sticking with the truth about his and his opponents' respective positions on the issues might be a good start. Clinging to that 8-10% of the time that he'sdiffered with Bush is less than convincing. He may not be Bush, but he ain't far from it.

And please Obama campaign and supporters, enough about the Palin wardrobe costs - it's had its effect- drop it and get on with talking economics.

Back on 3rd shift. Now working 11pm to 7am. We'll see what happens Chrysler is making major cuts at the Jeep plant in Toledo. That's where my new line ships parts to. Things could slow down again.

Ya know the good thing about spell check is you can throw just about any close spelling up there and it will find the right word. The bad thing is sometimes you forget to use it.
LOL

Jack

DEV,
the teaching was terrible.... The students are 5 to 6 years younger then me, and I was barely able to get done what I prepared.
There only interest was the USA and my views on the election. Who I was for, and what was the trigger of the financial crisis. When I said that BO wasn´t my choice, everyones jaw dropped.....
No one was interested in the goals and objectives of hedgef unds... LOL.... :-)
Come to think of it...It was okay....

Benny,
"Repubs should really attend a Black church or two."

I couldn't agree with you more. Oh come to think of it I do.

"More importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that Obama actually was present during the sermons."

According to whom, Obama? One thing about Black churches, the message of the sermon doesn't end that day with the congregation. So for Obama not to know the content of the sermon, even if he hadn't attend that, is very questionable.

You're not running for any office, Jack. Don't be expecting any campaign ads about your poor spelling. LOL!

You can bet that (if they were older) if one of Obama's daughter's got pregnant out of wedlock, if would be over for Obama - but it's ok for Palin. You can bet that if Obama consistently mixed up Sunni and Shia if would be all over for Obama - but it's ok for McCain.

Posted by: Paul | October 27, 2008 8:37 AM

Hey Paul, sorry but I don´t buy this for a split sec.....
BO could get away with everything. Come on guys, let us be honest.....
They even gave Palin a hard time with this. Shall I go back and recycle all the news stories and the "NEWS" coverage that she got from it. All the tablods?
Nah......If that is what you call a free pass, I am desperate to kow how you call the BO lovefest....

something un-american about a recipe here and there?
I dont get it.

All free passes end on November 4th.

"There only interest was the USA and my views on the election."

That was a good start Jason. At least you got their attention. And you gave them a few surprises. There's plenty of time to get to the 'hedge funds', right? Did you enjoy it?

Obama has proven to be a teflon candidate, if calling him a communist isn't working why would anyone think invoking Rev. Wright would work. The only one who would be benefit by McCain bringing up Wright would be pundits who would have something to cluck about.

Paul, in the post camcorder era when all the candidates (except Biden - and who even knows who his preachers have been?) have gone to churches with nutty pastors, no one wants to run the risk of trying to use the issue.

Oh, and welcome aboard (and try the recipes that appeal to you).

"Just because it is the end of the world, there is no reason you can't eat well."

LOL Jack. I agree. And I always get grumpy when I'm hungry.
I love eating, but I really don't like to cook (anymore).
Luckily, that's not a problem, since others like to cook (for money). :)

"if calling him a communist isn't working..."

Best. Comment. Ever.

Yup. It's all about the smear. As usual. What kind of an idiot was I to believe that McCain would run an honest campaign. "Ohhh, if only he'd bowed to my will and done town halls with me I wouldn't have had to have gone down this road. But what do you expect from someone who pals around with terrorists?"

:-|

anyone have a recipe for Baked Alaska?

More importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that Obama actually was present during the sermons.

Posted by: Benny | October 27, 2008 8:31 AM

He married Barrack and Michelle
He brought their children to faith
I don´t know about you, but when we got baptized and when my parents got married the priest came home and had long discussions about faith and the church...I suspect that , seen as he was their priest, they at least had one discussion on where the guy stood....

And if they didn´t know, they have some explaining to do about their judgement...

But nevertheless, this is an old topic....... Johnny Mac shouldn´t recycle this topic, it is old and tired. The media and the public had their chance to weigh in and (hopefully) they did.....

"The only one who would be benefit by McCain bringing up Wright would be pundits who would have something to cluck about. "

True. And they'd use it to their own end.

McCain does NOT want anyone to get started on right wing preachers and his association with them.........

How did this get overlooked?

http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews\Music\20081026\Obit-Merl-Saunders.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=music&pageid=1

You'll have to ask Sarah for that one Sturge.

Paul, and then there are the dead enders like Anselm.

Jason - not a lot of students have homes that could be foreclosed or 401k's (or whatever their equivalent is over there), to say nothing of no real world experience with economic malaise, so despite a world economy that is sliding quickly into the muck, I imagine US politics is interesting to them by comparison.

Corey

It is almost time for halloween, wonder if it is time to bring the skeletons out of the closet.

Waylon Jennings - I`ve Always Been Crazy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ecE1UML1q8

Jack

How is Anselm a dead ender Pogo?

Former Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.), who was the first Vietnam veteran to serve in the United States Senate, is the latest Republican to back Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Politico learned Sunday.

Pressler, who said that in addition to casting an absentee ballot for Obama he'd donated $500 to the Illinois senator's campaign, cited the Democrat's response to the financial crisis as the primary reason for his decision.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14963.html

I agree with Paul, also.
And let's get real. McCain is going to lose because he is a terrible candidate who has run an undisciplined and, frankly, just plain awful campaign. He hasn't found a message that resonates with the majority of the American public; his ideas are old, stale, and out of touch. He has acted erratic and almost frenzied since mid September. He performed poorly, according to the voters, in the debates. He looks and sounds tired and, dare I say it, old. He has sounded nasty and condescending when speaking to or about Obama. He is perceived as the more negative of the two candidates; and people are tired of the negativity. He negated his only rationale, experience, when he opted for Palin as his vp pick. In short, he has lost because the American people aren't buying what he is selling.
His refusal to bring up Wright is wise. The people who care, already know about Wright and won't vote for Obama. The rest of us have heard all about him and don't care. We will elect Barack Obama on November 4, 2008.
All that is left for McCain and the repugs is the postmortem.

anyone have a recipe for Baked Alaska?

Posted by: sturgeone | October 27, 2008 9:07 AM

No,
but am dying to know....... LOL

damn.......all I could find is Half-baked Alaska...........I'll have to look in deep google........

Jason - not a lot of students have homes that could be foreclosed or 401k's (or whatever their equivalent is over there), to say nothing of no real world experience with economic malaise, so despite a world economy that is sliding quickly into the muck, I imagine US politics is interesting to them by comparison.

Posted by: pogo | October 27, 2008 9:11 AM

True Pogo, and they showed true interest in the way the markets collapsed and what the difference would be bewteen a Mc Cain presidency and an Obama presidency... I couldnt tell them that in much detial, cause frankly I don´t even know...But they showed interest.
Moreover seen as the housing prices DROPPED for the 1st time in 18 years in Holland last month, alarm bells are going off....

btw, Anselm, thanks for the Saunders link. Sad news. Incidentally (and tangentially), Little Pogo & I were watching VH1Classic'sHistory of Rock & Roll - the episode on the late 60s, and Garcia was featured prominently in it. LP is a budding lead guitarist , so he knows of Garcia, but being of the Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen ilk, he's not a fan of the Dead.

Sturge

No baked alaska.
But I've got a great one for moose

Jack

"McCain does NOT want anyone to get started on right wing preachers and his association with them.."

I'll take that bet any day. Along with the Democrats 527 spot showing McCain's cancer oozing from the side of his face. Just god awful disgraceful, but what is one to expect from those who demean females as a form of entertainment and continue to try to make slaves of the less fortunate among us.

The Democrats would be wise to watch the Chef Jeff Project. They would see that the hand-up is approach is far superior to the failed method of giving handouts.

He's still talking about preachers, chloe. And in fairness, others are too. I only mean it in that sense.

Jason, they probably are paying attention to falling housing prices - as an opportunity to buy one, perhaps? Start mentioning the fact that they will have an exam -their interest in the subjects you''re trying to teach should awaken soon enough.

The World That Awaits
Richard N. Haass
NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Nov 3, 2008

"Let me close where I began. This is a sobering moment in American history. You begin with a good deal of popular support, but mandates must be replenished. I suggest you think of the Oval Office as a classroom, and explain to the American people what we need to accomplish and what it will require. Some 21st-century version of the fireside chat is called for. My reading of things is that the American people are ready to be leveled with. Once the campaign is over, let the leveling begin."
http://www.newsweek.com/id/165648/output/print

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164401

Thanks Pogo.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164400

Reencarnation is real,
Ronald Reagan has returned as a gay black man.

Hey, dude, it is the 21st century, time to catch up with what is going on in the real world.

Jack

re more (genuinely) dead news re Grateful Dead (and think pogo will find this article interesting): their longtime attorney died recently as well; really interesting guy. Talented on many fronts; was a psychologist before he attended Harvard Law, and then ended up with the Dead as clients in 1971. Poker expert and author too.

re Hal Kant

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-kant26-2008oct26,0,5959373,full.story

"No baked alaska.
But I've got a great one for moose"

jack, usta know some fried and stewed moose; but never a baked one.... well, half-baked? yeah now that i think of it quite a few. anyone for a bpoe pie?

ok, Ill bite.

Whats "bpoe pie"

Jack

benevolent and protectective order of the ELKS

"It is now the hour of eleven"

Yes, Anselm, that hand up not handout message is resonating loudly with the voters in the context of Bush's corporate handouts. Please help make that a message of the McCain campaign if you have any influence. You know, when after McCain symbolically (only) suspended his campaign and rode into town, guns drawn, to fix the failing bank bailout, he became a full fledged member of the gang who couldn't shoot straight, and now that the mega banks are benefitting from the bailout's largess by buying up failing banks instead of loaning money to them (like the bailout was intended), McCain doesn't seem to have much to say about the economy other than mischaracterizing Obama's tax plan.

nannymm

So what you like is symbolism over substance. Pretty speeches, pretty deliveries, lots of promises which will never come, nice looking youthful people, whose accomplishments in life are very few, and as a junior US Senator has spent more time campaigning then serving in the Senate for which he was elected. You should be asking yourself after the first 2 years with a Democrat Congress controlling both Houses, what happens when the status quo stays the same? In reality the big things Obama has promised will take much longer than 2 years to accomplish. Obama's problems are the voters who have been brained washed into believing he'll be able to deliver these promises overnight. The truth is he has promised way to much and the natives are restless, and remember that the first year he'll still be operating under the Bush budget. Promises made, promises broken.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164336

McCain has a streak of decency. Let him have the points for not dredging up no political issues. I believe Ayers was out of line as well, but at least it was political and didn't touch Obama's family in the way that attendance by wife and child would have.

Ping may fall over, but I agree that the financial argument is the most moral of the possible attacks.

While I don't agree with the premise or charges of "socialism", at least it is a political argument and I have totally had it with these 527 garbage producers and their even more ignorant conspiracy clown compatriots.

Dog, thanks for the Kant obit. He was associated with some of my faves aside from the Dead (SRV, Hot Tuna).

""if calling him a communist isn't working..."

Best. Comment. Ever."

What political rock have you been living under, Paul. Republicans have been calling Democrats pinko commies for DECADES.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164409

Pogo
Who would a thunk it, I mean I would have never thought of that in a million years,
Banks behaving as banks.
;-0

But you would have thought some one at the fed would have, as using bank greed is the way they manipulate the money supply.

Jack

"Last night 60 Minutes, they aired the story on the multi-trillion dollar unregulated market called, credit default swaps."

anselm, saw that too... did you catch any of the names of those they said made a bundle since and because of the meltdown? saw some pix but didn't get the names.

btw, are you named for the saint? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anselm_of_Canterbury

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164340

Anselm, You finally came up with something with which I totally agreed. Blue, Patsi and I along with several others were the "Clintonistas" here complete with our high flying brooms and witchy ways. She would have been a great president. She still is a great senator and Obama is lucky to have her support and advice.

I've become content with the change of the generations in the White House and do sincerely believe that Obama is growing into the job.

Anselm, glad to see you recognize that a hole dug in 8 years can't be filled back in in 2. Let's see if that's the message you are posting in 2 years - or whether it morphs into a failure on Obama's and the Dem Congress' part. I do agree that those who think Obama can reverse the collision course the good ship USA has been set on quickly had better think again,and grow patience. The electorate has been way too patient - to say nothing of stupidly gullible- with Bush and the Republican congress who did his every whim for his firstsix years in office; they probably sholdn't judge Obama's successes or failures any differently. Those 2010 midterms will be interesting to watch.

The Palin witchcraft videos are really funny, if not scary. I don't think the Republicans want to open up that can of worms.
And to be fair, I think all of these pastors are a minor distraction, like the social issues of McCain's divorce. The viewers seem to have reached the opinion that the economy and Iraq are the main issues. Who knew that the American people would have such good judgment.

"The only one who would be benefit by McCain bringing up Wright would be pundits who would have something to cluck about. "

True. And they'd use it to their own end.

==========

Do we know any pundits like that?

Jack, apparently that possibility escaped Paulson.

I couldn't have said it better, Pogo.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164358

Paul, If you stick around, you'll get used to is. We post recipes, play songs for each other, tell jokes, and chat about politics around the country store stove run by Mr. Crawford.

Most of the times, the neighborhood stays peaceful even among the denizens that don't like each other so much ... grouchyness is permitted but public manners are usually observed.

Good morning all!
Jack, thanks for the new recipe! There are going to be more egg dinners in my future for sure.
Am starting a file of Trailmix recipes, nothing wrong with throwing recipes in the mix. The posters here are from all over the country and various backgrounds and with economy as it is there's less money for eating out. Besides how many more times can we reiterate who our candidate is and why. It is reminiscent of groundhog day.

Jack- Did you get the tsp. of baking powder. Sorry I initially left that out.

Good morning Jamie, Would love to visit your blog! Would you post it please? Will get that recipe to you by the end of the day. Time to make the chocolates!

Basic Baked Alaska

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Alaska-2/Detail.aspx

Boy McCain really knocked it out of the park just now, "I won't raises your taxes, Obama will"

Grampa doesn't have a clue!

Anselm,
I agree that they'll be looking for instant successes. Actually, since congress controls the budget OB will be dealing with a dem budget. Let's see what he does with it.

More Waylon

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

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164400

Anselm

This one always sounds great in Republican speeches to the crowd except that every time a newly elected GOP looks into it, they find out that the "hand up" is way, way more expensive than the "hand out" in the short term. Since all they have is "the short term" before the next election and don't want to be seen as a spend thrift, the status quo remains status.

Happy Belated Birthday (yesterday) to Senator Hillary Clinton.

Today's thread on The BackChannel Blog

Palin’s wardrobe saga…Can We Vote Now? by Chef Sheila

http://clistersbackchannel.wordpress.com/

I assume some of you caught McCain's MTP appearance yesterday - he obviously saw Brokkaw and his facts as the enemy. I was amazed (why, I'll never know) that McCain didn't try and use the appearnce as an opportunity to lay out his positions and contrast them with Obama's - you know, act as if you can listen and respond thoughtfully - instead of cutting Tom's questions off and belching out talking points. I almost spit my coffee up when he tried to explain policy differences between him and Palin as being a result of them both being mavericks.

Chloe,
I agree that some direct dialogue would be nice but let's look at the facts. BO is a politician/lawyer. Not a working lawyer either, an academic. None of those is based on clarity but instead a haven for the verbose, intellectualized, conceptual, disguised......in other words....no substance.....nothing to grab on to.

OSH

All the links to blogs that belong to the trailmixers are on the left hand side of the site here. For everyone else just look under "Links" and click on "blogroll". Everybody who has given the info to Craig is there.

Some have stopped posting, but many of them are still active and very good. Mine is Durward Discussion

http://jdurward.blogspot.com

Joe the plumber
Joe the plumber
Joe the plumber
Joe the plumber
Joe the plumber
Joe the plumber

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164433

Pogo,

McCain has never been the brightest bulb in the points of light known as Congress. He is a decent man, but his elections have always been talking points or opposition punchlines and a jovial nature of the sociable man telling joikes. He married money so he didn't actually have to work for a living. Expecting him to have ideas other than the boilerplate is pushing him outside his comfort area.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164436

She strings those talking points together well. Never says anything, but it sounds good. The "Joe Mama" line was cute. I wonder if she wrote it or someone on staff.

.

Monday 538 numbers

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

351 Obama halfway between ET and Gilbert

As we enter the final days of the presidential election campaign, likely voters1 in Virginia prefer Democratic Party nominee Barack Obama, over Republican Party nominee John McCain by an 11‐point
margin (51% for Obama to 40% for McCain).

http://www.commonwealthpoll.vcu.edu/CPOLL-Pres-Sen-Race-report-10-26-08.pdf

As Buchanan said if McCain loses VA he's lost the White House, I think now every poll is showing Obama with a double digit lead in the state.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164432

Good advice Sheila, and I've already VOTED.

Obama/Biden all the way baby !!

Let the repugs eat cake !

Another voice as to why McCain shouldn't pull out the "Wright Card"

Bill Kristol in yesterday's Times:

"That has to be the substantive core of his closing argument. But style and tone matter, too. Last week’s New York Times/CBS News poll showed 64 percent of voters saying McCain is spending more time attacking the other candidate than explaining what he would do as president. Just 22 percent say the same of Obama.

When you’re in a hole, stop digging. McCain could order his campaign to pull all negative ads, mailers and robocalls."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/opinion/27kristol.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

"From her first event in historic Leesburg through Fredericksburg and Salem in the conservative southwestern part of the state, Palin is trying to make McCain's closing argument that electing Obama would give Democrats control of the White House and Congress when checks and balances are most needed.

"It's a tough sell for Republicans eight days out from the Nov. 4 election. "

RFLMFAO - ya think? How's this argument go - not having republicans serve as the checks and balances that were lacking for 6 of the last 8 years, and that led us to this point is too risky while we try to correct the problems that not having democrats serve as the checks and balances that were lacking for 6 of the last 8 years led to...

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Palin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Talk about asking voters for the blind suspension of disbelief.

ET,
I thought you said that you don't pay US taxes anymore?

The nation wants the Dems to have control of the govt. The Obama-Pelosi-Reid argument is a stupid one and carries no weight with anyone other than the repug base.

Today on blistersyeahbutchannel

October is the new November
Almost half of America will vote before 11/4
Why wait in line on November 4 when you can stand in line today?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164437

jamie, I know. But sometimes pointing out the obvious can be fun.

Actually, 3 of the last 7 polls in Virginia are double digit - RCP average is 7.7%

Anselm's proclamation that the mainstream media is "far left" belies the truth. In fact, there is rarely true left-wing columnists in the MSM. The American populace seems to think that the two capitalist parties, The Dems and Repugs are the furthest politics travel on the spectrum and the MSM generally exists only within that said spectrum.

More on the myth of the "liberal biased media"

http://media.eriposte.com/myth.htm

Another thing where would the money come from to launch this Wright attack you suggest. There are articles all over the place explaining how the swift boat crowd issitting on their funds and not forking over bucks for McCain. Plus with the market collapse a lot of people just aren't willing to give period.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164346

Ping's comment makes no sense.

While patiently waiting for my DHL package to arrive I found this story on media bias. Hard to believe but here it is in full living black ink.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Story?id=6099188&page=1

Ink? What type of monitor do you have?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164416

Agreed. As I was totally in the tank for Hillary, I think I was also a "Clintonista". For a while I was even considering voting for McInsane but then I decided that only "insane" one in this situation would be me, voting against my rights and interests. I still question the real reasons why Barack Obama snubbed Hillary vis-a-vis the VP running mate slot. However, I have become more impressed over time with his demeanor, his knowledge, his ability to respond and his desire to make a better world for us all. There are things that have been at least 8 years missing in the Executive Branch.

McCain / Whitey Tape
------------------------------
"None of my three main sources on who told me about the existence of a video recording of Michelle Obama making disparaging comments about white folks have backed off. Two of these sources are Democrats and are journalists.

My Republican friend tells me that the McCain campaign intervened and requested the tape not be used."

http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/10/21/whitey-tape-api-phil-berg-and-andy-martin/
------------------------------------
"whitey tape" -- the supposed campaign-killer video, supposedly in GOP hands, which supposedly captures Michelle Obama using racist language.

... i asked him if the tape was real.here is what larry replied to me [michael brooks from media matters was the primary source and sy hersh was the confirmation with a additional confirmation from a unamed cia buddy.

I was originally told that Johnson said that he learned of the matter directly from David Brock, the head of Media Matters. ... I suspect that Brock learned from Brooks."

http://cannonfire.blogspot.com/2008/10/whitey-tape-sources-follow-up.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164452

Michael S. Malone? A former editor of FORBES and the Wall Street Journal??? You are taking this person as an authority on the MSM???

ROTFLMFAO... hehehehe 'chortle chortle... SNORT!

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164445

I believe I said that in comparison to what Europeans pay, US citizens don't know what really "paying taxes" means.

What is the point of your comment?

Yes, Michael Malione is certainly an unbiased commentator.

Oh the Michelle Whitey tape, I was wondering when GORDO would bring that one back. Gee GORDO you've been promising that one for 6 months, time is running out dude. Where is the damn tape?

ET,
I didn't think that you were going to actually vote here since you weren't paying taxes here anymore. That's all.

There are those who share the same nationally, race, heritage, sexuality preference as you, yet they use the same slurs and vulgar terms in defining you as the bigots they so vehemently claim to detest. I believe this is an odd thing to do, and wonder if they don't suffer from some sort of self loathing of their own kind. An example of this can be seen in the movie, "A Soldier Story"

If engaged in a battle it would be prudent to keep such individuals to the front of you, and not let them fall to your rear. To do otherwise, and you may find yourself surrounded.

Gordo, hiding behind a McCain campaign request that an issue not be published lest the publisher risk repudiation by the campaign to explain the lack of production of the promised bombshell is weak even for your vapid sources.

Brian ---------------

Do you understand the connection between McCain not using the Rev Wright video (which we know does exist) and his decision to not use MO "whitey" video?

Is that too complicated for you?

Cram it GORDO, you're a joke.

Still waiting, almost lunch, no DHL.

In the meantime, ref" GORDO. There might be something to this Michelle Obama remark. And I only say that because of all people Bob Beckel alluded to it during the primaries,and he thought it could prove very troubling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zmdhoGKdrk&feature=related

jax, I never knew that paying taxes was a requirement to vote. I thought it was a matter of citizenship?

Obama, in 2001 Interview, Lamented Failure of Civil Rights Movement to Redistribute Wealth
In a radio interview in 2001, Barack Obama said the civil rights movement failed when it became so dependent on the Supreme Court that it never got around to working toward redistributing income.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/27/radio-interview-obama-laments-lack-supreme-court-ruling-redistributing-wealth/

"vis-a-vis" means "face to face"

michael,

Toot, toot,

I posted that story at 7:30, but I am glad I'm not the only one who has seen it. Obama is a true FLLL. Keep posting

Palin going "Rouge" -

John should dart her from a helicopter, and put some sort of tracking collar on her.

Why is my previous comment held and being reviewed by the blog owner?

Jason, did you have more than 2 links, because if you did that would be the reason.

pogo -------------

The Repubs have the MO video -- I don't. I am not a defender of McCain/Palin - just against SoetorObama. You tell me why the Repubs are being so soft on SoetorObama. Yesterday, I posted that maybe they are not trying to win. Where were the tough 527 ads?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccains-exit-interviews.html#comment-164065

If I controlled the "whitey" video -- it would be used. If MO said what has been reported, the American people need to be told the TRUTH about her.

Jason,

No comments are held unless they contain more than three links and that is automatic. Craig doesn't check there often, so limit the number of links in each message to two.

If your message didn't have links, then it was a hiccup in the system and you need to resubmit.

ET,
It's definitely not a requirement. If paying taxes were a requirement to vote in the US we'd be having totally different candiates and discussions. I guess it's just a moral issue with me.....The way we're headed there will be a majority voting block of non-tax payers dictating policy to the minority that do. Kind of reverse slavery....it'll be interesting

Champ ... you are correct. My bad... My French is horrendous. Thanks for the info !

"Republican insiders" . . .ROFLAMO

damn Rez, you beat me to it! LOL

Well ya know, they can't have BOTH Rev. Wright AND Muslim, now can they??

tt

Some other "commies" supporting Obama -

The Ft. Worth Star Telegram

The Financial Times

Paul Volcker

Warren Buffet

That's some real Bolsheviks alright.

And Jax, if we wanted the poor or underprivileged to actually have the opportunity to vote, elections would be held on non-work days, or at least more than one day to give the people a chance to cast their ballot.

Problem is Jax, you view this issue in the context of the USA only. The banks here are failing because of the sub-prime and investments in bad American financial institutions such as Bear Sterns. Another bank in Belgium had to be given billions to stay afloat... KBC. So my point is, even if I didn't pay taxes because I live now in Europe, the tax and spending polices of the USA effects the rest of the world...

Time to go...

ps... anyone else just wishing this damn election was over? It's maddening ... :-)

"... Not a working lawyer either, an academic. None of those is based on clarity but instead a haven for the verbose, intellectualized, conceptual, disguised......in other words....no substance.....nothing to grab on to."

jax, sounds like you had some of the same profs as i did. squirrely bunch of critters. but then there are a lot of nuts in law school for them to chew on.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/mccain-shuns-the-wright-factor.html#comment-164479

me three !!!!

Gordo- Read your post last night. So what is the reason for the Mercier Island visit?

Sad development:

CNN reports that an SUV connected to Jennifer Hudson's missing nephew, Julian King, has been found, with additional unconfirmed reports that a child’s body was inside. The 7-year-old has been missing since Friday, when Hudson's mother and brother were found murdered in their home. Police have an unnamed suspect in custody who is believed to be Hudson’s brother-in-law.

Don't know about alot of atates but we have 2 weeks of early voting here in TX. It's great ....not long lines but in Houston alone first week over 300K voted. I don't know if other states do this but I think it's a great idea. Not alot of excuses not to vote when you have 11 days to get it done.

"So what is the reason for the Mercier Island visit?"

Probably a sea food dinner.

This is fun -

"In addition to the Colorado and Virginia changes, we have moved McCain’s home state of Arizona from Likely McCain to Lean McCain, a tip to the reality that Arizona, without McCain on the ticket, would have been a contested battleground. A new poll conducted by a Democratic group found McCain with just a four-point lead over Obama in the state, 48%-44%. This comes on the heels of private polls we have seen that show the presidential contest to be tight in Arizona. In addition, McCain's collapse in Hispanic support is contributing to this downturn here as well."

Philosophical discovery of the day:

It is impossible to be in a bad mood with a kitten on your head.