Anastasia

Antigone
by Sophocles

Never may the anarchic man find rest at my hearth,
Never be it said, that my thoughts are his thoughts.

Recent comments by this user

Obama Superdelegates: Waxman And Berman

Interesting point. It's remarkable is how easily the media is willing skip the facts that don't fit their narrative. posted 05/15/2008 at 14:35:43

California Gay Marriage Ban Overturned: Major Updates

If a proposition was passed allowing employers to discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender, it would be the court's duty to rule on the constitutionality of the issue.

The CA court, both made the right decision to take the case and, IMO rule as they did. posted 05/15/2008 at 18:08:35
You nailed it!

Lots of stuff like that in the Bible that we completely ignore today, keeping the Sabbath being the biggie. People drink, shop, gamble, don't got church or temple, take the Lord's name in vain, visit porno sites, you name it.

To show how much things have changed, when my mother was a little girl, her grandmother wouldn't allow her grandchildren go to a movie, or play cards on Sunday. Even 40 years ago, almost all stores and restaurants were closed on Sundays. In Toronto, Canada, you couldn't even get a newspaper.

Notice; none of these hyper religious folks, are advocating any dialing back on their ability to shop-till-they-drop on the Sabbath. posted 05/15/2008 at 17:24:25
Hope that's true.

Even though I'm very happy for my gay and lesbian friends, I too, wish this decision could have waited until after November 2008. posted 05/15/2008 at 17:11:21

Bush Uses Holy Land Pulpit to Launch Smear Campaign

Since most Israelis want their government to have direct talks with Hammas, does that mean that they are appeasing terrorists too? Or do they have a more sophisticated understanding of the situation, in their own country than George Bush does?

Poll: Most Israelis back direct talks with Hamas on Shalit

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/958473.html posted 05/15/2008 at 15:52:11
Great post, Paul.

While the facts and moral arguments are on Obama's side, much depends on how the mainstream media handles this. That is where the real battle for the presidency will take place.

It's time for every elected Democrat to not only, defend our nominee for the presidency, but make sure that both local and national media outlets get the story right.

For example, Time magazine completely ignores whether George Bush was speaking the truth or was inappropriate in his remarks and turns this into a classic MSM favorite, of "politics as usual".

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1806747,00.html posted 05/15/2008 at 14:17:27

Bush Compares Obama To Nazi Appeasers

Will the mainstream media "appease" George Bush by going along with this propaganda ploy? Or will they put this into some kind of context for their audience?

Up until a few years ago, if Bush had said the moon was made of green cheese, the media would dutifully report it without comment. It will be interesting to see how they handle this. posted 05/15/2008 at 13:23:09

Obama Hamas Smear: Clinton Says It Shouldn't Be Taken Seriously

Rovian Sith Lord - Love it! posted 05/14/2008 at 17:09:17

John Edwards Endorses Obama... GOP Prospects "Worst Since Watergate"

Perfect timing. Edwards couldn't have had a more important impact, if he'd planned it.

As to the lingering health care issue, some is better than none. We can work to constantly improve the chances of every single American to get complete coverage, only if a Democrat is elected in the fall. posted 05/14/2008 at 18:36:19
The Edwards endorsement is part of what I love about Obama. It's the quiet competence, the sure footedness, and the way he slowly but surely builds on his successes.

Hillary on the other hand, builds houses made of playing cards. They seem spectacular but lack solidity. posted 05/14/2008 at 17:05:38
LOL!

Probably. She's not merely stubborn, she's perversely so. posted 05/14/2008 at 17:01:53
Now, that would be fab! posted 05/14/2008 at 16:54:19

Clinton's West Virginia Victory Does Little To Slow Obama

Praise from Paul Volker, is high praise indeed.

Plus, Obama got the following endorsement from NARAL, the National Abortion Rights League:

"We are confident that Barack Obama is the candidate of the future. Americans are tired of the divisive politics of the last eight years, and will unite behind Obama in the fall. We look forward to working with a pro-choice Obama White House in January." posted 05/14/2008 at 16:19:28
After staying neutral for the bulk of the primaries. NARAL - The National Abortion Rights League has endorsed Obama:

"We are confident that Barack Obama is the candidate of the future. Americans are tired of the divisive politics of the last eight years, and will unite behind Obama in the fall. We look forward to working with a pro-choice Obama White House in January." posted 05/14/2008 at 16:10:54

David Broder, Tony Kornheiser Take Buyouts At Washington Post

It's not clear from Broder's memo but it appears that his column will be syndicated to papers who want to pick it up, but he won't be writing for WaPo anymore. I think. posted 05/14/2008 at 17:17:21

Why NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorsed Barack Obama

Obama has an 100% abortion rights rating from both NARAL and NOW.

During the NH primary, Hillary's people were sending out flyers quesioning Obama's commitment to a woman's right to choose. the tactic backfired among those who knew his record and if anything solidified his support among them. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:50:41
The longer Hillary drags this on, the more likely McCain will be president in next year. Nothing could be more devastating to women, than losing the power to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice.

It's not NARAL who has betrayed women, but Hillary herself, in her bid to bring Obama down. That's all her campaign can possibly be about, at this point. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:34:49
You're a feminist, the best kind. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:29:41

Hillary Agonistes: Why Doesn't She Concede?

While I get where you're coming from, think of it as ransom money. It's the price we have to pay to get our Party back and our candidate up and running. posted 05/14/2008 at 16:14:31
Obama has attracted plenty of those voters, in every State except WVA.

Minnesota
North Dakota
Iowa
NH - he only lost by a few percentage points there
Colorado
Idaho
Alaska
On and on posted 05/14/2008 at 15:49:57
For Hillary, anyone taking her job, would be the "enemy".

See Araxiel's post below. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:41:43
Good point! posted 05/14/2008 at 15:34:32
Re: "Maybe she feels she owes something to the citizens who have known her and hoped to see her break the glass ceiling for decades now."

If that's the case, this is the worst possible way to set an example.

A year ago Hillary was considered a shoe-in, but she made some serious tactical and strategic errors along the way.

If anything, those who want to break through the glass ceiling ought to do the opposite of what Hillary is doing. That is, don't take it personally lose gracefully and move on to the next opportunity.

Playing games and backstabbing, is merely self-defeating. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:29:01

Rumsfeld On 2006 Election: "The Correction For That...Is An Attack"

It's such a pity that there weren't more attacks after 9/11, so that Rummy and Dubbya could use the fear factor, to drum up more support.

It doesn't get more nauseating than that. posted 05/13/2008 at 16:59:46

Revenge of the Wimp Factor: The Ironies of Proving Manhood in the Democratic Primary

Re: the future of the world is on the line, and the most inexperienced candidate (Obama) is going to be left to win or lose, for all of us. I find that frightening and very sad.

I don't get that at all. I think Obama has shown a capacity to roll with the punches and make course corrects to an impressive degree. He has a first rate organization made up of smart, talented and decent people.

He'll be fine and the country will be fine. posted 05/13/2008 at 14:54:41
Hillary's father was a terrible bully. If she forgot to put the cap back on the toothpaste, he would throw the cap out the window and make her look for it, even in the dead of winter.

Unfortunately, like a lot of kids in that kind of situation, Hillary learned that the "tough ones" in the family, have all the power. On some level, she unconsciously modeled herself after him.

She's a tragic figure, really. posted 05/12/2008 at 22:43:48

Reid Rebuffs Idea Of Senate Majority Leader Clinton

No way she could lead the Senate at this point. Had she not run for Prez, it would have been a shoe-in, eventually.

Hillary doubled down and doubled down again, on winning the nomination. No more chips left. posted 05/12/2008 at 22:22:12
If Hillary had dropped out two months ago, it would have been a possibility. Too late now. posted 05/12/2008 at 21:31:16

Skyrocketing Energy Prices

Indeed. In fact, Senator Levin voted against raising CAFE standards, the last time around.

In grew up in the Detroit area, and it saddens me to say this but the US automobile manufacturers of today are completely out of touch and unlikely to survive, even in their present form, let alone revisit the great days of the past.

Detroit right now, is a wasteland. The 14 story department store was torn down, and is now a vacant lot surrounded by a chain link fence.

http://detroityes.com/home.htm

All of the automobile executives, designers and engineers live in the suburbs and have no major city nearby, as a reference point. Mass transit is rare and only used by the poorest of the poor. Meanwhile everyone else drives huge distances on a daily basis.

While the wealthier suburbs are mere are enclaves that have no edge, excitement or vision. The word pleasant comes to mind, even beautiful. But it's not a culture that dreams of pushing the envelope. The most important quality a person can have, is to be nice. There's nothing wrong with that except, when an entire industry is on it's knees, because the people in charge are either too fearful or complacent to innovate.

Senator Levin, as well as the other politicians in Michigan, who prop up the Big Three, rather than push the industry to do better, would do well to rethink their positions. posted 05/13/2008 at 00:30:41

Clinton's Top Gun: "I Have Seen No Evidence Of Interest" In VP Spot

It would be like having Lady Macbeth as your number two. Not a good idea. posted 05/11/2008 at 19:12:54

Clinton Campaign Still Searching For "Damaging Info" On Obama

Hillary - Egoiste!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GeWwB_ig-Y&feature=related posted 05/11/2008 at 22:12:02

Clinton goes from inevitable nominee to on the ropes

Nice post.

When people talk about Obama's problem with white voters, they tend to omit Hillary's high negatives with all voters.

The Democratic Party is lucky that Obama came along when he did. posted 05/11/2008 at 17:08:11

McAuliffe Says Russert's Dad Is 'Watching From Heaven' -- He's Alive (VIDEO)

McAuliffe was using Russert's supposedly deceased) Dad to make it seem as though, Real American Men, are for Hillary.

Talk about shameless. posted 05/11/2008 at 16:26:06
The subtext of McAuliffe's riff is that Big Russ, the classic all American guy, is sitting in heaven slugging back whiskey, cheering for Clinton along with McAuliffe's dad.

Utter BS that is nothing more than white, male cheerleading. posted 05/11/2008 at 16:05:44
He was talking about his grandfather, who served in WWII. posted 05/11/2008 at 13:51:54

"Saturday Night Live's" Message From Hillary Clinton: "I Have No Ethical Standards" (VIDEO)

Brilliant video up on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6Lstkiexhc

The main character swears like a stevedore, if that offends... don't go there. posted 05/11/2008 at 14:17:05

Clinton's Open Letter To Obama On MI and FL

Short of creating an all out civil war, within the Democratic party, there is no honorable path to the nomination. No plan, scheme, stratagem or tactic will change the fact that the tide has turned.

Her close friends an advisors can help Hillary by reminding her that while it takes real courage to let go, she can do it. posted 05/08/2008 at 20:16:03

Clinton: Obama Not Winning Over "Hard-Working Americans, White Americans"

It sounds like you're saying that whites won't vote for a candidate, who locks up the black vote, that we're all racists. posted 05/08/2008 at 12:03:21
Marshall county, Indiana is a largely rural area and is the home of a military academy. The population is 93% white. Obama got a respectable 45% of the vote.

He'll do fine in the fall.

One has to wonder, if all of this talk about Obama not being able to get the white vote, is a way of opening the door for those with latent, racist tendencies. It sounds like Hillary Clinton, has just given permission for white voters to vote on the basis of race.

I hope I'm wrong about that. posted 05/08/2008 at 11:53:39

How can we miss you when you won't go away?
We keep telling you day after day
But you won't listen, you always stay and stay
How can we miss you when you won't go away?

- With apologies to Dan Hicks posted 05/08/2008 at 11:15:30

Why Women Gladly Date Ugly Men (And Probably Even Prefer Them)

Your analysis makes a lot of sense.

When I was in college, I was invited to a party which was attended by some v. famous and wealthy rock stars. My excitement around meeting them, faded fast, as they turned out to be crashing bores.

Whatever native charm or wit they possessed at birth, had been replaced by a sense of entitlement and complete self-absorption.

It's not just good looking guys that women should avoid, but the rich and famous too. posted 05/15/2008 at 21:43:31
A lot depends on what sort of messages she got from her family, specifically her mother. If "judging a book by it's cover" is excepted practice in the family, then that's what is like to occur in adulthood.

If the values passed on are more humanistic, i.e. that the worth of human beings has little to do with their looks, girls are more likely to prefer men who are kind, funny and beautiful on the inside.

While it's not always true, very often, good looking people are disappointing in the soul department. posted 05/15/2008 at 15:49:20

Hillary Is John Cleese

Groaning out loud. posted 05/11/2008 at 21:59:10

John Oliver Reports From Political Ads Awards Show: It's The Pollies!

It's not for real. They taped the most outrageous stuff when there was no audience in the room and cut it with reaction shots during the real awards ceremony.

Loved the Daily Show before they went high tech and fancy. Not so much now. posted 05/07/2008 at 15:53:52

Obama Victorious, Clinton On The Ropes

One might even suppose that some of Hillary's supporters would be relieved that's it's over. It was getting surreal. posted 05/07/2008 at 16:10:35

Why Couldn't Hillary Close the Deal?

In Marshall county, Indiana, a rural area with a 93% white population, Obama got around 45% of the vote, a respectable figure by anyone's standards.

While there may be some Hillary supporters who won't vote for Obama in the fall, it's probably no more than the number of people who would refuse to vote for Clinton, be they Democrat, Independent or Republican.

So far, the American people have shown that they can't be fooled by kitchen sink strategies and tax holidays, to a remarkable degree. There is no reason to think that they won't continue to do so. posted 05/07/2008 at 14:03:35

Hillary Clinton Loan Suspected, Campaign "Close To Broke"

Well, maybe a little quiet, schadenfreude. posted 05/07/2008 at 02:20:07

What's My Logo: Madeleine Albright Talks Signature Brooches And Barack Obama's Missing Lapel Pin (VIDEO)

Like love, patriotism is subjective. There is no objective way to define the word. The whole argument of who is a patriot and who isn't, is absurd. posted 05/06/2008 at 17:17:18

McCain and Me: Hero Worship Dies Hard (But When It Does...)

While it's not surprising that the McCain camp is denying the story, it is dismaying that they are attacking Arianna.

While McCain is somewhat less than the Golden Boy he is often portrayed as being, he is a complex guy who will often do the the right thing, within the confines of his conservative philosophy. It's sad to see him take the low road.

Sorry this happened to Arianna. But in she said, he said situations, it's often the case that the truth teller, is the one who ends up getting hurt. posted 05/06/2008 at 17:38:12

What John McCain Told Me, and What it Says About How Far He's Fallen

You're probably right. But being the paranoid that I am, I'm wondering if there isn't something else behind it. posted 05/05/2008 at 18:30:04
Some friends of a friend of mine, from Australia were at a resort in Bali that the McCains were staying at and they ended up socializing with them. The Aussies were impressed with how down to earth, friendly and moderate they seemed. They were able to discuss politics in a genial way, even though the Aussies are quite liberal.

So why is McCain going ultra-right wing, especially, now that he's assured of getting the nomination?

I'm also hearing through a reliable source, that McCain is seriously considering Romney as his running mate. Another tack to the right that doesn't fit with McCain's more moderate and politically nuanced persona. posted 05/05/2008 at 18:15:45

Clinton Camp Says It Will Use The Nuclear Option

Interesting idea.

Obama and the Dem establishment, need to get tough with Hillary. She's behaving like a spoiled four year old, run amok. posted 05/05/2008 at 15:18:19
The Michigan primary was a farce and Hillary knows that.

This stuff is typical of what authoritarian groups do to get and keep power. Think Juan and Evita Peron, for starters. posted 05/05/2008 at 14:58:14
Edwards was not on the ballot in Michigan. According to Wikipedia, Hillary, Gravel, Dodd and Kucinich were the only ones on the ballot. Dennis tried to remove his name, but waited too long and was unable to do so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Democratic_primary%2C_2008

As to Obama's ad in Florida, Wiki says:

Obama campaign advertisement controversy:

In the run-up to Super Tuesday on February 5, the Obama campaign ran a nationwide television advertising campaign that was shown in all states, including Florida.

Obama's campaign asked for the ads not to be shown in Florida, but were told by the cable networks this was not possible.

The campaign then sought and received permission to run the ad from South Carolina Democratic chairwoman Carol Fowler as at that point South Carolina had not already voted.

Clinton adviser Harold M. Ickes has claimed that this violated Obama's pledge not to campaign in the state..

Who could have imagined that her character was no different from George Bush's? posted 05/05/2008 at 14:34:28
So true! posted 05/04/2008 at 18:52:01
If anything, obscure books are the only things keeping me alive. That and art. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:49:34
All of the Democratic candidates signed a pledge that they would abide by the DNC rules regarding states that voted early. But in Hillary's world of Topsy Turvydom, up is down and left is right. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:43:16
Fabulous image.

Likewise, Hillary is so Evita Peron without the charisma. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:18:53
Good point! While I understand why some of the Super Dels don't want to get out ahead of the voters, but if they don't, the Democratic party could implode. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:13:05
Insanity, thy name is Hillary. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:09:19

Clinton Defends 'Obliterate Iran' Comment, Obama Calls It Bush-Style 'Cowboy Diplomacy'

A Nobel Peace Prize winner versus George W. Bush.

Hmmm.... I wonder which would make the better President? posted 05/04/2008 at 17:24:00
With apologies to George Gershwin and thanks to poster Catharsis for wondering what Hillary's come Bomb Iran, style theme song, might be like.

I"m going to obliterate you, sweetie pie
No matter what the outrage or hue and cry.
At least, I never had the idea of
Bombing sites in N. Korea.

Could you sue, do I care
If there's radiation, in your hair?
The world won"t pardon my mush
But I"ve got to obliterate you. posted 05/04/2008 at 17:12:49

Howard Dean On Fox News Sunday: Your Coverage Is "Shockingly Biased" (VIDEO)

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. But Fox has thrown perspective and detachment, into the drink, along with any facts that might get in the way of their point of view.

Rupert Murdoch has been the ruination of American news. posted 05/04/2008 at 19:18:00

Actor Tom Hanks Endorses Barack Obama

Happy to share it, it's one of the most inspiring songs out there.

PP&M did such a beautiful job of recording it. It's on iTunes and other venues, I believe.

Keep the faith! posted 05/04/2008 at 00:49:33
I'm Anastasia, and I approve (of) Tom Hanks' message. ;-)

It reminds me of a song recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary by Joe Glazer

Thank you Tom!

Because all men are brothers, wherever men may be.
One union shall unite us, forever proud and free.
No tyrant shall defeat us, no nation strike us down.
All men who toil shall greet us, the whole wide world around.

My brothers are all others, forever hand in hand.
Where chimes the bell of freedom, there is my native land.
My brother"s fears are my fears, yellow white or brown.
My brother"s tears are my tears the whole wide world around.

Let every voice be thunder, let every heart beat strong
Until all tyrants perish, our work shall not be done.
Let not our memories fail us, the lost year shall be found.
Let slavery"s chains be broken, the whole wide world around. posted 05/04/2008 at 00:08:21

Superdelegates Must Tell Color of Change What it Can Do With its Silly Vote for Obama Petition

Nothing like facts to set the record straight. Thanks. posted 05/03/2008 at 17:06:05
Re: Anybody who has paid attention could not support her anymore than they could support Ted Bundy for President.

Or Lady Macbeth.

For a while, Hillary's desperation for the presidency seemed sad but it's morphed into toxic, on a Shakespearian level. posted 05/03/2008 at 16:51:26
Re: Anybody who has paid attention could not support her anymore than they could support Ted Bundy for President.

Or Lady Macbeth.

For a while, Hillary's desperation for the presidency seemed sad but it's morphed into toxic, on a Shakespearian level.

With so many bright capable people in this country, how did we end up with a situation in which the candidate best able to lead this country out of it's morass, is being taken down by someone as psychologically messed up, as Hillary is? posted 05/03/2008 at 16:46:17
LOL! posted 05/03/2008 at 16:35:15
It's been estimated, that approximately 700,000 voters stayed away from the polls in Michigan, because they knew the primary wouldn't count.

Why didn't Hillary remove her name from the ballot, as Biden, Edwards, Kucinich, Richardson and Obama did? Seems kinda odd, when you look back on it. posted 05/03/2008 at 16:33:54
Well said! In Michigan, the Democratic Party leadership who pushed the early primaries, all happened to declare for Hillary, either before, or after the vote.

There is also the question, as to why Hillary didn't take her name off of the MI ballot, as Biden, Edwards, Kucinich and Obama did. Was she hoping for an easy win? posted 05/03/2008 at 16:30:50

The Question of Hillary Clinton's Guilt-By-Association Tactics

What is heartening, is how many people there are who care deeply about the ethics of the candidates and how serious they are about the democratic process.

If only we had a mainstream media, to match! posted 05/03/2008 at 09:56:07
How has he been hypocritical? He didn't trash or throw Wright to the sharks, the way Hillary would have. It wasn't until Wright blew a gasket, a second time, that Obama put some real distance between them.

If Obama erred, it was on the side of loyalty and kindness. posted 05/03/2008 at 08:50:17
Whatever faults Obama may have, he's no hypocrite.

As to nefarious characters in Hillary's past, what about Bill? It's hard to believe that the Republicans be able to resist playing - "I did not have sex with that woman" - on a continuous loop. posted 05/03/2008 at 01:32:22

Bloomberg Slams Clinton, McCain Gas Tax Plan

According to some estimates, it would cost the federal government 9 billion dollars. Since that money is used to construct highways, an estimated 300,000 workers would be laid off. Plus, it would be an administrative nightmare. To say nothing of the extra carbon put into the atmosphere and the putting off of drivers facing up to the reality of inevitable higher gasoline costs.

How is an extra 30 bucks per person, worth all of that? posted 05/01/2008 at 18:18:24
ROTFLOL! Naughty but true! posted 05/01/2008 at 17:47:14
John McCain and Hillary Clinton are proving themselves to be the Mr. and Mrs. Id of America.

Bread and circuses for the masses, fiddling as icebergs melt. posted 05/01/2008 at 17:32:17
Wow! Talk about refreshing candor!

The reason why Clinton is so 20th century, is that she panders to what she thinks the voters want, rather than urging them to think beyond their most primitive impulses and what is best for their community and country. posted 05/01/2008 at 17:15:21

Fox News Lincoln-Douglas Graphic Shows Frederick Douglass

This isn't ineptitude or idiocy, it's calculated.

Fox wants the Hillary's proposal for Lincoln - Douglas style debates to be about black versus white, former slave against a revered president. posted 04/30/2008 at 00:42:31

Regarding Reverend Wright: I'm Glad I'm the Crazy Uncle No More

LOL! Love Greg's take on Wright. posted 04/30/2008 at 00:32:31

Obama's Reverend Wright Press Conference (VIDEO)

It's been something of a mystery about who put the Rev. Wright videos up on YouTube. Who got a hold of them, how, etc. Maybe Wright himself, did so. Seems far fetched, but so has Wright's recent behavior. posted 04/29/2008 at 15:06:38

John Paul Stevens vs. Barack Obama On Voter Fraud

If it turns out that every voter is required to show I.D. will John Fund and the rest of the right wing finally lay the notion to rest, that there is massive voter fraud, in minority communities? If so, this may end up helping the Dems, more than hurting them.

The Dems will then be able to focus attention on issues such as voting machines without paper trails and Republicans skewing Democratic Primaries at the behest of right wing radio talk show hosts, something no Republican, that I'm aware of, has spoken out against. posted 04/29/2008 at 22:28:51

Obama's 'Sister Souljah Moment'

Obama's statement hit all of the right notes. More proof that he's an exceptional guy and would make a great president. posted 04/29/2008 at 15:41:55
As an Obama supporter, I get where you're coming from. But I've seen good candidates tanked by issues far more trivial than this.

Mike Dukakis would have been a perfectly acceptable and competent president, but the media thought he looked silly wearing a helmet. He also failed to come across as mach enough, when asked what his reaction would be if his wife were raped.

Unfortunately, we live in a country where the most rational leaders are rarely the ones who get elected. The media is the ring master in this circus called American Politics. It's not a good thing but it's the way it is. posted 04/29/2008 at 14:58:36
Obama can successfully distance himself from Wright's comments if other African American leaders do so as well. It would take a lot of courage, but Obama's ability to secure the nomination and win in the fall depend on it. posted 04/29/2008 at 14:16:41
The reason why the latest round of statements by Jeremiah Wright are so damaging, is because they take place in the present, not the past.

Up until last weekend, voters could look at Rev. Wright's comments as something that happened a long time ago that Obama's opponents were dredging up to use against him. But Wright's recent foray into the media spotlight has destroyed that argument.

In theory, Wright's disloyalty should free Obama to criticize him but he has to do it in a sensitive way. Something Obama is more than cable of. posted 04/29/2008 at 13:52:00

New York Times Circulation Plummets

Where's the link to the story? posted 04/28/2008 at 16:05:30

TV SoundOff: Sunday Talking Heads

Wonder what the presidential campaign process would be like if the media didn't comment on it but just reported the news, the way C-Span does.

"Today, Senator Obama kissed ten babies and promised the moon and Senator Clinton kissed two babies and promised the sun." No speculation on who's winning or why.

Just a thought. posted 04/27/2008 at 14:19:05

DNC Iraq McCain Ad Sparks Controversy: Watch Video

While it's OK for the Dems to Bash Bush and the Republican Congress, bashing MCCain, seems to boomerang. The media is partly to blame for this, but there's not a lot the Dems can do about that.

Since the surge, a lot of people believe that the troops are acting as de facto police in Iraq. Withdraw, them and it would be like removing 4/5 of the cops from the NYPD. It was idiotic as it was for the US to invade Iraq and there is no harm in stressing that. But there are no easy solutions for this tragedy and it would be unwise for the Dems to paint themselves and the eventual nominee into a corner. posted 04/27/2008 at 16:53:55
He may be out of touch with reality, but the average American voter wants a strong Daddy figure, a parent who will keep the boogey man at bay.

The Dems can beat McCain if he sticks to economic and social issues. But if they go the McGovern route, by emphasizing war and peace issues, they will lose. posted 04/27/2008 at 16:30:11
The problem with this ad, is that everyone's already heard the 100 years thing. Even so, roughly fifty percent of the voters have decided that it's not a deal breaker.

The Dems need to hit McCain on the economy, jobs, the mortgage thing, and good old class warfare stuff. Not in a heavy handed way, but in way that appeals to the voters more rational side. posted 04/27/2008 at 16:15:35

Hillary Is Not A Monster

Maybe she's not a monster in the theological, or theoretical sense. But her actions are monstrous.

For the Democratic party and those who care deeply about getting this country back on track, Hillary is pure vampire; feeding off of the process, so that she may stay alive politically. posted 04/26/2008 at 17:40:12

Democrats Fear Clinton's Attacks May Cause Racial Backlash

It seems likely. According to the book For Love of Politics, by Sally Bedell Smith, Bill was throwing wrenches in Al Gore's 2000 campaign, too. Much more subtle stuff, but definitely undermining, enough so that the press called into question Bill's confidence in him.

Some thought it might be because Bill and Hill wanted a clear path to the nomination in 2008. But Bill seems to have a problem with other Dem politicians outshining him. Even when Hill was running for her Senate seat, there were occasional, passive aggressive "goofs" that hurt her.

Either way, it's always about them, 24/7. posted 04/26/2008 at 13:59:16
And Marc Rich. And the sexual harassment and rape allegations.

Hillary may be able to secure the support of a majority of blue collar Democrats, but what about the rest of us?

If she were to get the nomination, the right wing attack machine, would flood the airwaves with 527 ads on all of the above scandals and more. posted 04/26/2008 at 13:52:12

Source: Zuckerman Submits $580M Bid For Newsday

Better Mort, by a landslide. I'd even be willing to pitch in, if it would help. ;-) posted 04/26/2008 at 16:47:32

David Rockefeller Pledges $100 Million To Harvard

Gonzales and Powers don't even belong in the same sentence. The former having gone along with his bosses plans to torture prisoners, and deny them access to a lawyer. Plus repeatedly to investigators about his role in the firing of the US attorneys.

Powers on the other hand called Hillary Clinton "a monster". Something that at least half the country agrees with. posted 04/26/2008 at 20:04:59

Take My Wife, Please: Angst and Ambivalence in the Clinton-Clinton Campaign

If Hillary was vying for the job of a Fortune 500 company, she wouldn't be able to get away with this behavior. She wouldn't be hired.

But here we are, seemingly stuck with a narcissistic power couple, who have repeatedly shown a pattern of lying, cheating and down right, bizarre behavior.

They couldn't land a middle management position at Wal-Mart. Yet, she's within a hairs breadth of winning the Democratic Party nomination. Or at least, so she claims. posted 04/23/2008 at 15:59:54
According to Sally Bedell smith's book on the Clintons, "For Love of Politics", Bill Clinton also had passive aggressive issues, around Al Gore's candidacy.

There was the relative lack of fundraising, especially vis a vis Hillary. There was Clinton's attention grabbing speech at the convention, which was largely about him, and his accomplishments. Comments to the press, such as: "Suppose al Gore turns out to be wrong, because there's a little bit of recession and we don't have enough money to keep all of these commitments?"

Smith also tells of how Bill told a group of Congressional Democrats that he "almost gagged" over Gore's failure to challenge Bush's false claim of credit for the patient's bill of rights in Texas. His criticisms made headlines and in the words of Gore strategist Tad Devine, "the President goes out and awakens doubts about Gore, and all the bad stuff comes to the surface."

It's not just Hillary, of course, who is on the receiving end of this stuff. Bill's inability to allow another Dem politician outshine him, is probably behind much of the toxic and fratricidal campaign against Obama. posted 04/23/2008 at 15:24:56

Why I Predicted the PA Results Exactly Right

I've noticed that the media does that too.

During the run up to the Iraq War, the media generally used Arabs to speak out against a US invasion, while white Americans were always used for the pro invasion arguments. Worse, it was usually someone such as the Iraqi Ambassador, arguing that we shouldn't invade his country. The message was a subtle and unmistakable, it's Us vs. Them.

With Obama, it's not just whites who are dominating the pro Hillary airwaves, it's usually, the authoritative, white male that is in her corner. On CNN, it's John King and on MSNBC, it's David Gregory. posted 04/23/2008 at 14:57:05

Do You Need to "Believe" in Climate Change?

It's mind boggling that they don't "believe". Is it because they don't want to? Are they that closed minded? It's no wonder, GM is in trouble. posted 04/22/2008 at 11:48:37

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