May 17, 2008
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CLEDUC
Recent comments by this user
Obama Muslim Smear Resurfaces: NYT Op-Ed Tags Obama As Muslim 'Apostate'
The NYT article is just another example. I've been follwoing campaigns since the sixties. I swear that I've seen more inaccurate nonsense published in the media in 2007-8 that all of the previous campaigns put together. And the NYT wonders why they're losing money trying to turn what was a relatively respectable paper into a tabloid comic book? I don't know how busy working Americans can be expected to sift through all the crap to get to the truth. posted 05/12/2008 at 19:55:11
Clinton In 2005: 'I Agree With McCain' On Long-Term Iraq Presence
"Iraq is sort of a situation where you got a guy who drove the bus into the ditch, you know, you obviously have to get the bus out of the ditch and that's not easy to do, although you should probably fire the driver... " - Senator Barack Obama (on The Daily Show, 11/07/2005) posted 05/06/2008 at 04:54:13
Clinton Adviser Claims Indiana Slur Video Is Conspiracy
That looks like the best effort to date to get to the bottom of it. posted 05/03/2008 at 13:59:30
Having looked at various versions, I don't know what to conclude. Either someone doctored the video recently or there are older undoctored versions that someone stumbled upon before the War Room video got doctored. Innocent until proven guilty. posted 05/02/2008 at 17:55:18
It doesn't look good for him. They can take that sound and digitally clean it up to get what he really said because there is enough sound on the tape to work with. Whatever he really said on that tape is very likely recoverable. His lips didn't seem to finish with 'now' to me. posted 05/02/2008 at 13:29:20
Top Clinton Strategist Defends Clinton Slam On Democratic Activists
She's only exceeded 57% twice, Bill's home state of Arkansas and Massachusetts (58%). There's no way for her to hit 65% the rest of the way to win the popular vote. posted 04/20/2008 at 17:09:31
Obama-Backing General: Clinton Lacks "Moral Authority" After Bosnia Gaffes
Again, Obama didn't say it. A General with his campaign did. Sen Casey on behalf of the Obama campaign disagreed with and disowned the General's remark. However, as some have mentioned, its bad enough that she lied about the sniper fire but when she goes on Leno and jokes about it, it's understandable how some in the military might not be able to hold their tongues.
Hillary stealing credit for starting the women's Irish peace effort from a now deceased Irish heroine, Joyce McCartan, who Hillary met and honored and who had lost 18 members of her family in that struggle, struck me as even more despicable and blatant than Bosnia. Another one the media took a pass on in terms of stealing credit from a dead woman who cannot speak.. posted 04/20/2008 at 17:28:40
Hillary stealing credit for starting the women's Irish peace effort from a now deceased Irish heroine, Joyce McCartan, who Hillary met and honored and who had lost 18 members of her family in that struggle, struck me as even more despicable and blatant than Bosnia. Another one the media took a pass on in terms of stealing credit from a dead woman who cannot speak.. posted 04/20/2008 at 17:28:40
Bill Clinton Says Criticisms Of Hillary's Healthcare Plan Are 'Bull'
Massachusetts Health Care Statistics (using Hillary"s universal approach)
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dhcfp/r/pubs/08/key_indicators_0108.pdf
Fact: In the first 18 months since implemented, Massachusetts reduced those not covered by only 10.9% . A bunch of people who couldn"t afford it were given fines higher than the health care costs they couldn"t afford. As well, the State acknowledged that their data on those not covered didn"t include people on the street, people who had moved fairly recently or people who had lost jobs fairly recently and were not covered.
Fact: the costs in MA have been staggering " way over budget. Hillary"s budget is roughly twice Obama"s for a country going broke.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/24/cost_of_health_initiative_up_400m/
If 47 million Americans don"t have health care now and Hillary"s universal plan goes like MA, then 18 months after Hillary"s plan is implemented, roughly 42 million Americans will still be without health care. Hillary"s approach has some serious issues relative to her promises. Hillary"s claim that everyone will have health care under her approach is dubious at best. Obama is being more fiscally responsible, practical and honest about it.
Unless the Democrats have control over the House & Senate, there"s no way the Republicans will go for Hillary"s plan. Even if the Dems do, it"s fair to suggest it"s chances are very doubtful because they"re going to choke over the costs. posted 04/20/2008 at 09:10:37
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dhcfp/r/pubs/08/key_indicators_0108.pdf
Fact: In the first 18 months since implemented, Massachusetts reduced those not covered by only 10.9% . A bunch of people who couldn"t afford it were given fines higher than the health care costs they couldn"t afford. As well, the State acknowledged that their data on those not covered didn"t include people on the street, people who had moved fairly recently or people who had lost jobs fairly recently and were not covered.
Fact: the costs in MA have been staggering " way over budget. Hillary"s budget is roughly twice Obama"s for a country going broke.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/01/24/cost_of_health_initiative_up_400m/
If 47 million Americans don"t have health care now and Hillary"s universal plan goes like MA, then 18 months after Hillary"s plan is implemented, roughly 42 million Americans will still be without health care. Hillary"s approach has some serious issues relative to her promises. Hillary"s claim that everyone will have health care under her approach is dubious at best. Obama is being more fiscally responsible, practical and honest about it.
Unless the Democrats have control over the House & Senate, there"s no way the Republicans will go for Hillary"s plan. Even if the Dems do, it"s fair to suggest it"s chances are very doubtful because they"re going to choke over the costs. posted 04/20/2008 at 09:10:37
Gingrich: Left Wing Of The Democratic Party "Admires" American Terrorists
People not wearing flag pins questioning the patriotism of another not wearing a flag pin. People trying to fabricate some sinister association with another"s acts of 40 years ago when they"ve spent time together that can be measured in hours working for charity and the rights of juveniles. That stuff reeks of a revisit to McCarthyism. posted 04/20/2008 at 10:46:06
Clinton Backer Distributes Essay On How GOP Would Link Obama To '70s Radicals
Did Hillary"s campaigner leave stuff like this out of his email on what the GOP might do ?
HILLARY"S LIST OF LIES
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/03/26/hillarys-list-of-lies/
Things worth knowing about Hillary Clinton
http://prorev.com/hillary.htm
Hillary Clinton Revealed
http://hillaryclintonrevealed.net/
Hillary Project
http://www.hillaryproject.com/
Operation Dragonfire Pardons
Bill Clinton's Pardons
Bill Clinton Record of Fighting Terror
Death of Vince Foster
Chinagate the Movie
Clinton Chronicles
Clinton Legacy
Clinton's Obstructing Justice
Clinton Scandals
Hillary Cover-ups
Things to know about Hillary Clinton
10 Unanswered Questions for Hillary
That"s far from the complete list. Obama has far, far less gotcha material for the GOP. There"s enough material up there to run one nasty gotcha on Hillary per day of the general election in September and October. And they go way beyond flag pins, verbal gaffes and tenuous associations. Hillary doesn"t have the White House protection or resources to defend herself on these issues any longer. Those issues haven"t been vetted in the primary or fully vetted with Clinton providing all the answers for them but you can be sure the GOP will remind the American public of them during the general election.
Did they think with this email that the people in receipt wouldn"t ask themselves what the GOP has on her just because Obama didn"t bring it up? posted 04/19/2008 at 17:07:50
HILLARY"S LIST OF LIES
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/03/26/hillarys-list-of-lies/
Things worth knowing about Hillary Clinton
http://prorev.com/hillary.htm
Hillary Clinton Revealed
http://hillaryclintonrevealed.net/
Hillary Project
http://www.hillaryproject.com/
Operation Dragonfire Pardons
Bill Clinton's Pardons
Bill Clinton Record of Fighting Terror
Death of Vince Foster
Chinagate the Movie
Clinton Chronicles
Clinton Legacy
Clinton's Obstructing Justice
Clinton Scandals
Hillary Cover-ups
Things to know about Hillary Clinton
10 Unanswered Questions for Hillary
That"s far from the complete list. Obama has far, far less gotcha material for the GOP. There"s enough material up there to run one nasty gotcha on Hillary per day of the general election in September and October. And they go way beyond flag pins, verbal gaffes and tenuous associations. Hillary doesn"t have the White House protection or resources to defend herself on these issues any longer. Those issues haven"t been vetted in the primary or fully vetted with Clinton providing all the answers for them but you can be sure the GOP will remind the American public of them during the general election.
Did they think with this email that the people in receipt wouldn"t ask themselves what the GOP has on her just because Obama didn"t bring it up? posted 04/19/2008 at 17:07:50
"did you miss the part where Obama attended a fund raiser at Ayers' house in 1995 that Ayers held for Obama's ILL state senate run?"
Former radical leader hosted event for Clinton White House alumnus in '96
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24196396/
HILLARY"S TERRORIST TIES
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/04/18/hillarys-terrorist-ties/
I'm sure there are plenty more of those in the Clinton"s history.
As to the particulars of your statement, the incumbent Illinois Senator, Alyce Plamer took Obama who she identified as her successor to Ayers house to introduce Obama to some of the influential liberals in the area before his senate run. It was not an event Obama organized. He was there to meet people Palmer knew. Did you ask for the resumes of and get background checks on every person attending a political gathering you have ever attended in your life? Activists on the extreme right and left frequently attend events like this at some point during their lifetime as part of their efforts and they have for as long as extreme activists have been around. posted 04/19/2008 at 16:00:23
Former radical leader hosted event for Clinton White House alumnus in '96
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24196396/
HILLARY"S TERRORIST TIES
http://www.dickmorris.com/blog/2008/04/18/hillarys-terrorist-ties/
I'm sure there are plenty more of those in the Clinton"s history.
As to the particulars of your statement, the incumbent Illinois Senator, Alyce Plamer took Obama who she identified as her successor to Ayers house to introduce Obama to some of the influential liberals in the area before his senate run. It was not an event Obama organized. He was there to meet people Palmer knew. Did you ask for the resumes of and get background checks on every person attending a political gathering you have ever attended in your life? Activists on the extreme right and left frequently attend events like this at some point during their lifetime as part of their efforts and they have for as long as extreme activists have been around. posted 04/19/2008 at 16:00:23
The list of Clinton garbage like this is 10 times as long. The Clinton admistration had more staffers convicted of crimes than any in US history, etc, etc. Obama hasn't used it but the Republicans will. Sometime before June 3rd, Hillary's campiagn will end. Probably May 6th.
As for Ayers, one can count the amount of time it's been reported that they've been physically in the same place in hours. The vast majority of that time was for the purpose of helping their community with issues like jobs, education, the arts, the homeless, the poverty stricken, rights of juveniles, etc.
Exactly how much influence has Ayers had on Obama when his published positions on Iraq and US foreign policy differ so significantly from Obama"s?
In Ohio and Texas, we saw the kitchen sink. For Pennsylvania, while her campaign is on life support, should we really be surprised if we see the bathtub, laundry tub and out house? As Obama said, Americans are smarter than that. They may get briefly fooled a little by the media reporting this crap in PA like they were in Texas and Ohio. But slightly longer term, it all comes out and that's why she's done. "you can fool some of the people some of the time but ..." posted 04/19/2008 at 10:45:04
As for Ayers, one can count the amount of time it's been reported that they've been physically in the same place in hours. The vast majority of that time was for the purpose of helping their community with issues like jobs, education, the arts, the homeless, the poverty stricken, rights of juveniles, etc.
Exactly how much influence has Ayers had on Obama when his published positions on Iraq and US foreign policy differ so significantly from Obama"s?
In Ohio and Texas, we saw the kitchen sink. For Pennsylvania, while her campaign is on life support, should we really be surprised if we see the bathtub, laundry tub and out house? As Obama said, Americans are smarter than that. They may get briefly fooled a little by the media reporting this crap in PA like they were in Texas and Ohio. But slightly longer term, it all comes out and that's why she's done. "you can fool some of the people some of the time but ..." posted 04/19/2008 at 10:45:04
Obama Hamas Ties Pushed In McCain Letter: So Much For "Respectful" Campaign
Interesting to see John McCain letting what Hamas says influence his thoughts and actions while boosting their international profile with his letter begging for dough.
A stronger, more savvy and principled leader would publicly ignore what Hamas have to say as if they don't exist and put the interests of the American people first. Elevating their profile with something like this will get back to them and only provide encouragement to their following " something like the reason the Republicans and Obama criticized Carter. And I note, all this "expense" for his personal desire to get money for his campaign.
I had hoped Clinton"s departure might give us a break from this garbage. I guess not. posted 04/18/2008 at 22:23:52
A stronger, more savvy and principled leader would publicly ignore what Hamas have to say as if they don't exist and put the interests of the American people first. Elevating their profile with something like this will get back to them and only provide encouragement to their following " something like the reason the Republicans and Obama criticized Carter. And I note, all this "expense" for his personal desire to get money for his campaign.
I had hoped Clinton"s departure might give us a break from this garbage. I guess not. posted 04/18/2008 at 22:23:52
Yep. Very misleading headline. posted 04/18/2008 at 22:01:41
Krugman: Obama Clinging To A Stereotype
Pennsylvania has one of the largest NRA memberships in the nation. 42% of PA homes have guns. Support against gun control in small towns in PA is well above the state average and the state average is well above the national average.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html
http://www.nbc10.com/politics/14782816/detail.html?rss=phi&psp=news
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/16002
"Voters who live in small cities and towns gave somewhat less weight to taxes (29%) than their rural counterparts."
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/17656
In small PA towns, based upon the polls:
"Gun control has less support in the region ... The older, more culturally conservative population finds the concept of "English only" more attractive. More likely to think protecting gun owners" rights should take priority over gun control. ...The use of second languages in public schools and official communications tends to be rejected. ... more conservative views on social issues like abortion .."
In 2006, gun control went higher and the tax issue fell in importance in small PA towns. They're more against abortion (a conservative faith/morality issue) and they tend to prefer no second languages (anti-immigrant) more than other PA areas. (issues Obama raised)
Other polls like Rasmussen echoed those results.
As I recall somewhat vaguely, Bartels analysis was on larger regions of the US " not small town PA. From my search of PA polls, I think Barack Obama is factually correct based on polls. posted 04/18/2008 at 16:38:05
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html
http://www.nbc10.com/politics/14782816/detail.html?rss=phi&psp=news
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/16002
"Voters who live in small cities and towns gave somewhat less weight to taxes (29%) than their rural counterparts."
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/17656
In small PA towns, based upon the polls:
"Gun control has less support in the region ... The older, more culturally conservative population finds the concept of "English only" more attractive. More likely to think protecting gun owners" rights should take priority over gun control. ...The use of second languages in public schools and official communications tends to be rejected. ... more conservative views on social issues like abortion .."
In 2006, gun control went higher and the tax issue fell in importance in small PA towns. They're more against abortion (a conservative faith/morality issue) and they tend to prefer no second languages (anti-immigrant) more than other PA areas. (issues Obama raised)
Other polls like Rasmussen echoed those results.
As I recall somewhat vaguely, Bartels analysis was on larger regions of the US " not small town PA. From my search of PA polls, I think Barack Obama is factually correct based on polls. posted 04/18/2008 at 16:38:05
WSJ: Clinton Needs Double-Digit Win In Pennsylvania To Hold Off Obama
Hillary has only exceeded 57% of the vote twice (Arkansas & Mass). Even if she holds NC to single digits and wins 57%-43% in all the other outstanding states including PA and Indiana which are close and Oregon, South Dakota and Montana where Obama is ahead, she still loses by over 100 pledged delegates and still loses the popular vote. This thing is over. The only question is when. Probably May 6th. posted 04/18/2008 at 22:49:26
Here's the 3 most recent polls:
Zogby/Newsmax 4/15-16/08 601 LV Clinton 45 Obama 44 Undecided 9
PPP (D) 4/14-15/08 1095 LV Clinton 42 Obama 45 Undecided 13
Rasmussen Today 741 LV Clinton 47 Obama 44 Undecided 9 (9 points last week)
They"re virtually tied. After what happened in the debate with gotchas and the subsequent public outcry, it"s tough for her limited negative media blitz to have as great an effect. With Clinton having Ed Rendell and so many mayors, she has the better political incumbents to help get the vote out. With Obama unwilling to pay people to get the votes out while up against the Clinton state political machinery, that"s probably good for a few points beyond the polls in Clinton"s favor. The trend seems to be that Obama continues to close with his larger media blitz.
If she doesn"t win big, she has no chance of winning the popular vote. It doesn"t look good for her to win big. In fact, it seems nearly impossible now. posted 04/18/2008 at 12:43:10
Zogby/Newsmax 4/15-16/08 601 LV Clinton 45 Obama 44 Undecided 9
PPP (D) 4/14-15/08 1095 LV Clinton 42 Obama 45 Undecided 13
Rasmussen Today 741 LV Clinton 47 Obama 44 Undecided 9 (9 points last week)
They"re virtually tied. After what happened in the debate with gotchas and the subsequent public outcry, it"s tough for her limited negative media blitz to have as great an effect. With Clinton having Ed Rendell and so many mayors, she has the better political incumbents to help get the vote out. With Obama unwilling to pay people to get the votes out while up against the Clinton state political machinery, that"s probably good for a few points beyond the polls in Clinton"s favor. The trend seems to be that Obama continues to close with his larger media blitz.
If she doesn"t win big, she has no chance of winning the popular vote. It doesn"t look good for her to win big. In fact, it seems nearly impossible now. posted 04/18/2008 at 12:43:10
Hillary Clinton And Barack Obama Appear On The Colbert Report
That old 90s clip of George Stephanopoulos asking the media to stick to the important issues involving the Clintons and stay away from the gotchas was priceless. It doesn't get much more hypocritical than that. posted 04/18/2008 at 12:12:12
PA Officials: No Trouble With Touchscreens
I"m not totally plugged in to what has been covered on Huffington previously but the link below is to a group who tries to monitor voting that may interest some.
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
I just read the net for news and I have no affiliations with any site. I don"t know much about blackboxvoting.org but from what I"ve read on their site, they"re worth checking out after the vote if anyone still has concerns. They seem to have good intentions.
Having said that, their videos on the New Hampshire primary are the most troubling I"ve ever seen on voting. Exit polls lined up with manual counts but not the machine votes. These folks were there as it went down taking video of what happened. The videos are not conspiracy theories " closer to raw evidence. I know MSNBC got into the story for a bit and probably a few others in the MSM. The amazing thing to me was why the story disappeared. I was left with real concerns about what happened in New Hampshire. The documentation and evidence they have is so extensive raising so many issues, I haven"t had the time to get my head around all of it. But if a blogger here was looking for a subject, I'd encourage someone take a look because there seems to remain a lot of questions that deserve more attention. The incomplete story has gnawed at me for some time. posted 04/19/2008 at 09:06:22
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
I just read the net for news and I have no affiliations with any site. I don"t know much about blackboxvoting.org but from what I"ve read on their site, they"re worth checking out after the vote if anyone still has concerns. They seem to have good intentions.
Having said that, their videos on the New Hampshire primary are the most troubling I"ve ever seen on voting. Exit polls lined up with manual counts but not the machine votes. These folks were there as it went down taking video of what happened. The videos are not conspiracy theories " closer to raw evidence. I know MSNBC got into the story for a bit and probably a few others in the MSM. The amazing thing to me was why the story disappeared. I was left with real concerns about what happened in New Hampshire. The documentation and evidence they have is so extensive raising so many issues, I haven"t had the time to get my head around all of it. But if a blogger here was looking for a subject, I'd encourage someone take a look because there seems to remain a lot of questions that deserve more attention. The incomplete story has gnawed at me for some time. posted 04/19/2008 at 09:06:22
Obama Criticizes Debate, Attacks Clinton For Being "In Her Element"
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1731655,00.html
"Obama's memoir dripped with contempt for modern gotcha politics, for a campaign culture obsessed with substantively irrelevant but supposedly symbolic gaffes like John Kerry ordering Swiss cheese or Al Gore sighing or George H.W. Bush checking his watch or Michael Dukakis looking dorky in a tank. "What's troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics"the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial," he wrote. " Time Magazine today reviewing what Obama said a few years ago.
Obama has been criticizing and making light of gotcha politics for years. The debate last night was a prime example of what he has criticized Washington politics for long before last night.
Obama has addressed the "flag pin" issue multiple times. If the media had done a good job of providing the public with his answers, it probably wouldn"t be an issue. John McCain, Hillary Clinton and the two ABC moderators were not wearing a flag pin yesterday as they often don"t. So how is it paramount that we waste time discussing Obama wearing a flag pin with all the other serious issues America is facing? Can the Clinonites honestly say they can"t acknowledge that he has a point about gotcha politics? posted 04/17/2008 at 22:49:51
"Obama's memoir dripped with contempt for modern gotcha politics, for a campaign culture obsessed with substantively irrelevant but supposedly symbolic gaffes like John Kerry ordering Swiss cheese or Al Gore sighing or George H.W. Bush checking his watch or Michael Dukakis looking dorky in a tank. "What's troubling is the gap between the magnitude of our challenges and the smallness of our politics"the ease with which we are distracted by the petty and trivial," he wrote. " Time Magazine today reviewing what Obama said a few years ago.
Obama has been criticizing and making light of gotcha politics for years. The debate last night was a prime example of what he has criticized Washington politics for long before last night.
Obama has addressed the "flag pin" issue multiple times. If the media had done a good job of providing the public with his answers, it probably wouldn"t be an issue. John McCain, Hillary Clinton and the two ABC moderators were not wearing a flag pin yesterday as they often don"t. So how is it paramount that we waste time discussing Obama wearing a flag pin with all the other serious issues America is facing? Can the Clinonites honestly say they can"t acknowledge that he has a point about gotcha politics? posted 04/17/2008 at 22:49:51
ABC Debate: High Ratings, Critics Give Broadcast Poor Reviews
Nor has the courtesy to offer any conciliatory remarks for the many who are unhappy with what they did. Before they started deleting the negative posts in the ABC blog, 9/10 were complaints. That's ok, I deleted ABC from our digital channel selections. FOX went a few weeks ago.
At this rate, by November, I'll be down to the net and Youtube for news. posted 04/17/2008 at 19:50:26
At this rate, by November, I'll be down to the net and Youtube for news. posted 04/17/2008 at 19:50:26
ABC Hosts Heckled After Debate: "The Crowd Is Turning On Me"
For sure. The race for sensationlism and ratings will cost them whatever credibility they have left.
I'm increasingly being turned off by mainstream media who "cling" to sound bites, tabloid issues and shallow, inept reseach. (I'm feeling a little 'elitist' today) posted 04/17/2008 at 08:11:30
I'm increasingly being turned off by mainstream media who "cling" to sound bites, tabloid issues and shallow, inept reseach. (I'm feeling a little 'elitist' today) posted 04/17/2008 at 08:11:30
Hillary Clinton On Southern Working Class Whites In 1995: "Screw 'Em"
The way he responded to this most recent incident and the polls suggest otherwise. His response to Rev. Wright with his speech on race shows otherwise. The way he's run his campaign shows otherwise. Hillary's national numbers never looked worse and her campiagn is turning into an 'inevitable' disaster. posted 04/16/2008 at 16:55:25
"In Michigan, I visited the small town of Barton, near Flint, where a large majority of the residents had come from Arkansas, looking for jobs in the auto industry. On March 12, I spoke in Macomb County, near Detroit, the prototypical home of the Reagan Democrats, voters who had been lured away from our party by Reagan"s anti-government, strong-defense, tough-on-crime message. In fact, these suburban voters had begun voting Republican in the 1960s, because they thought the Democrats no longer shared their values of work and family, and were too concerned with social programs, which they tended to see as taking their tax money and giving it to blacks and wasteful bureaucrats." Bill Clinton, "My Life" posted 04/16/2008 at 16:43:03
"One of the secrets of understanding polls is to identify the intensity of voters" feelings. A majority of voters may say they care about sensible gun safety measures, but they are not as adamant as the minority of voters who oppose any kind of gun control. The intense voters show up to vote for or against a candidate based on that one position, sometimes known as a wedge issue. The majority vote on a host of other issues or don"t vote at all. I knew that many of the Administration"s accomplishments could be framed as wedge issues. Most Republican voters were intensely opposed to the upper-income tax increase for deficit reduction, the Brady bill and the assault weapons ban, which had passed in 1994 and made it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess nineteen of the most dangerous semi-automatic weapons. The National Rifle Association, the religious Right and anti-tax interest groups were more motivated than ever."
Hillary Clinton, 2003 Living History posted 04/16/2008 at 16:41:37
Hillary Clinton, 2003 Living History posted 04/16/2008 at 16:41:37
"During the 1990s, I cannot remember being asked about immigration? Why? Because the economy was working? And average Americans didn"t have to go around looking for someone to blame." Hillary Clinton, Time Magazine, November 28, 2007 Edition: "Immigration: the hottest issue" posted 04/16/2008 at 16:38:45
"Justice Jim"s message was simply the latest version of an old southern song sung to white voters in times of economic and social uncertainty: You"re good, decent, God-fearing people; "they"re" threatening your way of life; you don"t have to change, it"s all their fault; elect me and I"ll stand up for you just as you are and kick the hell out of them. The perennial political divide, Us versus Them. It was mean, ugly, and ultimately self-defeating for the people who bought it, but as we still see, when people feel discontented and insecure it often works." Bill Clinton, "My Life"
"Most people have their hands full raising their kids, doing their jobs, and paying the bills. They don"t think about government policy as much as liberals do, nor are they as obsessed with power as the new right conservatives. They have a lot of common sense, and a desire to understand the larger forces shaping their lives, but can"t be expected to abandon the values and social arrangements that at least enable them to survive and feel good about themselves. Since1968, conservatives have been very good at convincing middle America that progressive candidates, ideas, and policies are alien to their values and threatening to their security." Bill Clinton, "My Life" posted 04/16/2008 at 16:38:23
"Most people have their hands full raising their kids, doing their jobs, and paying the bills. They don"t think about government policy as much as liberals do, nor are they as obsessed with power as the new right conservatives. They have a lot of common sense, and a desire to understand the larger forces shaping their lives, but can"t be expected to abandon the values and social arrangements that at least enable them to survive and feel good about themselves. Since1968, conservatives have been very good at convincing middle America that progressive candidates, ideas, and policies are alien to their values and threatening to their security." Bill Clinton, "My Life" posted 04/16/2008 at 16:38:23
Pa. Voters Divided Over Obama Remarks
"One of the secrets of understanding polls is to identify the intensity of voters" feelings. A majority of voters may say they care about sensible gun safety measures, but they are not as adamant as the minority of voters who oppose any kind of gun control. The intense voters show up to vote for or against a candidate based on that one position, sometimes known as a wedge issue. The majority vote on a host of other issues or don"t vote at all. I knew that many of the Administration"s accomplishments could be framed as wedge issues. Most Republican voters were intensely opposed to the upper-income tax increase for deficit reduction, the Brady bill and the assault weapons ban, which had passed in 1994 and made it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess nineteen of the most dangerous semi-automatic weapons. The National Rifle Association, the religious Right and anti-tax interest groups were more motivated than ever."
Hillary Clinton, 2003 Living History posted 04/15/2008 at 13:15:48
Hillary Clinton, 2003 Living History posted 04/15/2008 at 13:15:48
Obama: Clinton Using GOP Playbook
Pennsylvania has one of the largest NRA memberships in the nation. 42% of PA homes have guns. Support against gun control in small towns in PA is well above the state average and the state average is well above the national average.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html
http://www.nbc10.com/politics/14782816/detail.html?rss=phi&psp=news
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/16002
"Voters who live in small cities and towns gave somewhat less weight to taxes (29%) than their rural counterparts."
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/17656
In small PA towns:
"Gun control has less support in the region ... The older, more culturally conservative population finds the concept of "English only" more attractive. ¦ More likely to think protecting gun owners" rights should take priority over gun control. ...The use of second languages in public schools and official communications tends to be rejected. ... more conservative views on social issues like abortion .."
So in 2006, the gun control issue went higher and the tax issue fell in importance in small PA towns. They're more against abortion (a conservative faith/morality issue) and they tend to not like any second languages around more than other PA areas. (issues Obama raised)
In San Francisco, someone asked Obama why he wasn"t getting more support from the middle class in PA. Is it "elitist" to answer his question on the basis of the known facts? I don"t think so. posted 04/15/2008 at 00:15:29
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html
http://www.nbc10.com/politics/14782816/detail.html?rss=phi&psp=news
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/16002
"Voters who live in small cities and towns gave somewhat less weight to taxes (29%) than their rural counterparts."
http://www.issuespa.net/articles/17656
In small PA towns:
"Gun control has less support in the region ... The older, more culturally conservative population finds the concept of "English only" more attractive. ¦ More likely to think protecting gun owners" rights should take priority over gun control. ...The use of second languages in public schools and official communications tends to be rejected. ... more conservative views on social issues like abortion .."
So in 2006, the gun control issue went higher and the tax issue fell in importance in small PA towns. They're more against abortion (a conservative faith/morality issue) and they tend to not like any second languages around more than other PA areas. (issues Obama raised)
In San Francisco, someone asked Obama why he wasn"t getting more support from the middle class in PA. Is it "elitist" to answer his question on the basis of the known facts? I don"t think so. posted 04/15/2008 at 00:15:29
I Was There: What Obama Really Said About Pennsylvania
Thank you for taking the time to write that.
In a previous post, I looked at opinion polls on issues for small towns in PA. A higher resistance to gun control laws, a lower interest in tax (economic) issues, a higher interest in anti-abortion and a higher interest in anti-second language issues (immigrants) were reflected in those 2006 polls. Aside from the word "cling", according to those polls, Obama's remarks were factually right on. posted 04/15/2008 at 09:38:40
In a previous post, I looked at opinion polls on issues for small towns in PA. A higher resistance to gun control laws, a lower interest in tax (economic) issues, a higher interest in anti-abortion and a higher interest in anti-second language issues (immigrants) were reflected in those 2006 polls. Aside from the word "cling", according to those polls, Obama's remarks were factually right on. posted 04/15/2008 at 09:38:40
For Barack Obama, It's Not a Question of Being Elite, It's About Understanding
"You've got conservative whites here ... who are not ready to vote for an African American candidate. I believe, looking at the returns in my election, that had Lynn Swann been the identical candidate that he was -- well-spoken, charismatic, good-looking but white instead of black -- that instead of winning by 22 points, I would have won by 17 or so. I think there was that factor there. And that exists, but on the other hand, that's counterbalanced by Obama's ability to bring new voters into the electoral pool." Ed Rendell
Is Ed Rendell an elitist trying to analyze how people are voting? Or is he not an elitist because he 'only' used racial lines to propose his argument instead of groups of people in small town PA who feel strong about gun or faith or other issues? posted 04/14/2008 at 15:10:57
Is Ed Rendell an elitist trying to analyze how people are voting? Or is he not an elitist because he 'only' used racial lines to propose his argument instead of groups of people in small town PA who feel strong about gun or faith or other issues? posted 04/14/2008 at 15:10:57
Bill Clinton Flashback: "All These Economically Insecure White People...Are Scared To Death"
"Justice Jim"s message was simply the latest version of an old southern song sung to white voters in times of economic and social uncertainty: You"re good, decent, God-fearing people; "they"re" threatening your way of life; you don"t have to change, it"s all their fault; elect me and I"ll stand up for you just as you are and kick the hell out of them. The perennial political divide, Us versus Them. It was mean, ugly, and ultimately self-defeating for the people who bought it, but as we still see, when people feel discontented and insecure it often works." Bill Clinton, "My Life"
"In Michigan, I visited the small town of Barton, near Flint, where a large majority of the residents had come from Arkansas, looking for jobs in the auto industry. On March 12, I spoke in Macomb County, near Detroit, the prototypical home of the Reagan Democrats, voters who had been lured away from our party by Reagan"s anti-government, strong-defense, tough-on-crime message. In fact, these suburban voters had begun voting Republican in the 1960s, because they thought the Democrats no longer shared their values of work and family, and were too concerned with social programs, which they tended to see as taking their tax money and giving it to blacks and wasteful bureaucrats." Bill Clinton, "My Life"
there's some more posted 04/16/2008 at 10:04:22
"In Michigan, I visited the small town of Barton, near Flint, where a large majority of the residents had come from Arkansas, looking for jobs in the auto industry. On March 12, I spoke in Macomb County, near Detroit, the prototypical home of the Reagan Democrats, voters who had been lured away from our party by Reagan"s anti-government, strong-defense, tough-on-crime message. In fact, these suburban voters had begun voting Republican in the 1960s, because they thought the Democrats no longer shared their values of work and family, and were too concerned with social programs, which they tended to see as taking their tax money and giving it to blacks and wasteful bureaucrats." Bill Clinton, "My Life"
there's some more posted 04/16/2008 at 10:04:22
Clinton Becomes A Gun Lover
In light of her behavior and Obama's remarks, this is kind of amusing:
American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA) Endorse Obama for President
http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/495693.html
It's not the NRA (a long way from it) but still. posted 04/16/2008 at 14:21:20
American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA) Endorse Obama for President
http://www.sunherald.com/447/story/495693.html
It's not the NRA (a long way from it) but still. posted 04/16/2008 at 14:21:20
Obama 'Small Town' Comments Draw Fire, Support
I was really impressed with Obama's off the cuff stump remarks in response to this. People start out sitting quietly. Then they start to clap. Within 3 minutes, they're on their feet cheering. Aside from his speech on race, it was one of my favorite moments of the campaign. posted 04/12/2008 at 14:18:22
Tavis Smiley Reportedly Quits Radio Show Over Obama Hate
It's unfortunate he feels as he does about Obama not attending his event. Unlike Travis, Obama is in a tough fight. He's got to do what is best for his campaign overall - in the big picture. He has an obligation to do that for all his supprters - not just Travis' group. If Travis can't handle that, he's not the man I thought he was. posted 04/11/2008 at 17:05:19
Begala: "Nothing But Contempt" For Penn, Compares Him To Rumsfeld
Strong words from an ardent Clintonite apologist. I wonder which name from the Bible Carville will come up with?
More deep cracks are showing in this campaign. posted 04/11/2008 at 12:59:55
More deep cracks are showing in this campaign. posted 04/11/2008 at 12:59:55
Obama: No Surprise That Hard-Pressed Pennsylvanians Turn Bitter
After seeing the remarks in context, I didn't have a big problem with them at all. Thanks for providing all of his remarks. The MSM stand to learn something if they'd behave accordingly. posted 04/12/2008 at 00:00:18
Ouch! The Daily Show's Eviscerating "Documentary" About Fox News
FOX "news" isn"t news. Journalism on FOX is virtually non existent. It"s shallow snippet sensationalism poorly analyzed by Neanderthals like Sean Hannnity caught in an ancient time warp of ignorance or suffering from some form of dementia. And of course, it"s a 24/7 McCain campaign ad when I last looked which gives one pause as I have more respect for McCain than the idiots who spew on FOX. In fact, I"ve got more time for Jeremiah Wright and Bill Ayers as flawed as they are than anything Sean Hannity has to contribute to the dialogue. I deleted FOX from our cable channel selections because I didn"t want my kids to have to sift through that garbage. We haven"t missed it. posted 04/11/2008 at 11:11:08
An Idea for Obama's Public Financing Quandry
Obama's pledge was conditional on reaching agreement with the Republicans for public funding. That agreement would have to cover various conditions. All they have to do is sit down with the Republicans and disagree on those conditions (which was likely whether he was ahead in funding or not). posted 04/10/2008 at 22:58:47
Lanny Davis: Obama's Wright Problem
This isn't an article. It isn't even an opinion piece. It'a a Clinton campaign ad because her campaign is broke and desperate.
Hillary Clinton"s pastor addressed this better than Mr. Davis :
A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth.
Dean J. Snyder, Senior Minister
Foundry United Methodist Church
http://www.foundryumc.org/pdfs/Statement%20concerning%20Rev.%20Jeremiah%20Wright.pdf posted 04/09/2008 at 12:16:05
Hillary Clinton"s pastor addressed this better than Mr. Davis :
A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE REV. JEREMIAH WRIGHT
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is an outstanding church leader whom I have heard speak a number of times. He has served for decades as a profound voice for justice and inclusion in our society. He has been a vocal critic of the racism, sexism and homophobia which still tarnish the American dream. To evaluate his dynamic ministry on the basis of two or three sound bites does a grave injustice to Dr. Wright, the members of his congregation, and the African-American church which has been the spiritual refuge of a people that has suffered from discrimination, disadvantage, and violence. Dr. Wright, a member of an integrated denomination, has been an agent of racial reconciliation while proclaiming perceptions and truths uncomfortable for some white people to hear. Those of us who are white Americans would do well to listen carefully to Dr. Wright rather than to use a few of his quotes to polarize. This is a critical time in America's history as we seek to repent of our racism. No matter which candidates prevail, let us use this time to listen again to one another and not to distort one another's truth.
Dean J. Snyder, Senior Minister
Foundry United Methodist Church
http://www.foundryumc.org/pdfs/Statement%20concerning%20Rev.%20Jeremiah%20Wright.pdf posted 04/09/2008 at 12:16:05
Rather: "I'd Probably Just Sit Here And Drink" If I Had To Read CNN's News
I can"t say I"ve agreed with every single thing Dan Rather has ever done. But I can say that I always respected him as a genuine journalist concerned with provided a balanced story based upon verified facts. Bias probably got in the way of the truth sometimes like it would for any of us if we were truly objective and honest about it. Sadly, there are not enough guys like Rather around any more. I recently beefed up my cable package to get the entire suite of news services and find myself having to cut through the BS of showmanship and sensationalism more concerned with trying to score ratings than provide good quality journalism. It"s sad, somewhat scary and I think we"re all worse off than many of us think for it. If there has been good quality journalism consistently provided for this US election by a network, I"ve yet to see it. posted 04/08/2008 at 22:05:06
Bill Clinton's Ties To Colombia Trade Deal Stronger Than Even Penn's
So I guess if Columbia calls at 3am, the outcome depends on which one of them answers the phone.
Ready to flip-flop on Day One! (that"s a slogan that might arouse Bill)
I think it's high time the Clinton Foundation cut Columbia a check for a library or something ... oh, wait ... they don't have a vote !
I realize that electing the next president should be pretty sombre business but stuff like this strikes me as so surreal, it"s got me laughing. This Titanic of a campaign just keeps on hitting icebergs. It"s like an out of control, slapstick comedy. In some respects I"ll be sorry to see her candidacy come to it"s inevitable end. It"s remarkable that it"s lasted this long. posted 04/08/2008 at 14:55:14
Ready to flip-flop on Day One! (that"s a slogan that might arouse Bill)
I think it's high time the Clinton Foundation cut Columbia a check for a library or something ... oh, wait ... they don't have a vote !
I realize that electing the next president should be pretty sombre business but stuff like this strikes me as so surreal, it"s got me laughing. This Titanic of a campaign just keeps on hitting icebergs. It"s like an out of control, slapstick comedy. In some respects I"ll be sorry to see her candidacy come to it"s inevitable end. It"s remarkable that it"s lasted this long. posted 04/08/2008 at 14:55:14
New Book: McCain Once Physically Attacked Fellow Congressman
'McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt." '
Poor FOX. If Rev. Wright had said that snippet, they'd have two weeks of news already prepared for their loop with no more investigative journalism than they did for Wright. posted 04/08/2008 at 15:17:14
Poor FOX. If Rev. Wright had said that snippet, they'd have two weeks of news already prepared for their loop with no more investigative journalism than they did for Wright. posted 04/08/2008 at 15:17:14
Mark Penn Speaks (In Private): Will Still Advise Clintons, Calms Nervous Aides
Gov. Rendell: Clinton should dump Penn altogether
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/04/gov-rendell-cli.html
Rendell isn't doing Hillary any favors making his feelings public (even if he's right)
I think Penn has a pretty big mouth and that's why he still has a job with the Clintons.
Who knows, maybe the Clinton Foundation needs a pollster like South Carolina needed a library when votes were on the line. posted 04/08/2008 at 09:37:45
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/04/gov-rendell-cli.html
Rendell isn't doing Hillary any favors making his feelings public (even if he's right)
I think Penn has a pretty big mouth and that's why he still has a job with the Clintons.
Who knows, maybe the Clinton Foundation needs a pollster like South Carolina needed a library when votes were on the line. posted 04/08/2008 at 09:37:45
Clinton Tax Lessons - Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120752549042393619.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks
"Meanwhile, the Clintons also made liberal use of the charitable deduction, claiming $10.2 million in charitable giving over the eight years. Intriguingly, nearly all the donations went to the Clinton Family Foundation, which has disbursed only half the money. The Clintons can thus use the foundation for, er, strategic giving, such as the $100,000 it donated last year to a local South Carolina library " the day after Mrs. Clinton debated in that key primary state. There are other examples of such politically targeted philanthropy, and it's worth noting that most of the foundation's disbursements came only after Mrs. Clinton announced her Presidential run."
Looks like that issue will get a healthy run in the media - Hillary using the Clinton Foundation contributions to make primary voters "happier" with the Clintons as they trot around the country.
The longer we watch this campaign, the sicker it gets .. kind of like the Clinton White House years. posted 04/08/2008 at 08:30:28
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120752549042393619.html?mod=opinion_main_review_and_outlooks
"Meanwhile, the Clintons also made liberal use of the charitable deduction, claiming $10.2 million in charitable giving over the eight years. Intriguingly, nearly all the donations went to the Clinton Family Foundation, which has disbursed only half the money. The Clintons can thus use the foundation for, er, strategic giving, such as the $100,000 it donated last year to a local South Carolina library " the day after Mrs. Clinton debated in that key primary state. There are other examples of such politically targeted philanthropy, and it's worth noting that most of the foundation's disbursements came only after Mrs. Clinton announced her Presidential run."
Looks like that issue will get a healthy run in the media - Hillary using the Clinton Foundation contributions to make primary voters "happier" with the Clintons as they trot around the country.
The longer we watch this campaign, the sicker it gets .. kind of like the Clinton White House years. posted 04/08/2008 at 08:30:28
In some respects, Clinton's campaign is so insane and/or surreal, it's entertaining. This is another one of those moments. posted 04/07/2008 at 18:44:40
Obama's Lobbyist Fib
I think the headline of this article is more of a fib that Obama's position.
To contribute to Obama's campiagn, one must agree to the following conditions that Clinton doesn't require:
1. This contribution is not made from the funds of a political action committee.
2. This contribution is not made from the funds of an individual registered as a federal lobbyist or a foreign agent, or an entity that is a federally registered lobbying firm or foreign agent.
I think it's more than fair for Obama to make that distinction.
People who lie about the above may still donate but the candidate has no special obligation to them. A gas attendent may contribute but Obama is under no obligation just because he is somehow associated with an oil company.
Sadly, I think the logic of the above escapes some when they need to crank a headline to get themselves attention that they would not receive otherwise. posted 04/07/2008 at 14:44:16
To contribute to Obama's campiagn, one must agree to the following conditions that Clinton doesn't require:
1. This contribution is not made from the funds of a political action committee.
2. This contribution is not made from the funds of an individual registered as a federal lobbyist or a foreign agent, or an entity that is a federally registered lobbying firm or foreign agent.
I think it's more than fair for Obama to make that distinction.
People who lie about the above may still donate but the candidate has no special obligation to them. A gas attendent may contribute but Obama is under no obligation just because he is somehow associated with an oil company.
Sadly, I think the logic of the above escapes some when they need to crank a headline to get themselves attention that they would not receive otherwise. posted 04/07/2008 at 14:44:16
Axelrod On Penn: 'You Can Use The Word Hypocrisy'
"You can use the word hypocrisy, but there are certainly questions that arise from this. "
The headline is a little misleading. From the above, Axelrod was using the word "hypocrisy" - he was asked about "hypocrisy".
I did some digging a while back on NAFTA. I agree with Axelrod that Obama has been quite consistent. Obama is pro free trade but folks often get that confused with being pro NAFTA which is a speciifc agreement that Obama has several issues with.
One thing missed by some of the US media was how much Canada retracted the "leak" Goolsbee was accused of.
CBC reports on Canadian Government NAFTA lie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgxxWhzdhv0
Barack Obama NAFTA Scandal: A Smear Says Canada PM 3/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ULhR5RQGUY&feature=related
CLINTON CAMP THE ONE MAKING PROMISES TO CANADA ABOUT NAFTA!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOLEK2lr3CM&feature=related
If there were any doubts of that, the new article below kills those doubts:
Canada working furiously to prevent NAFTA re-opening (Montreal Gazette)
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=3d8691d0-d6ae-4417-af26-bd8204a22c26&k=55787
McCain is very much against reopening NAFTA. Hillary"s chances have slipped to about 10% since the "leak". So how else could one explain the increased Canadian anxiety and actions over NAFTA getting reopened unless what Obama has maintained all along was true and the "leaked" memo was bogus? They can"t reconcile Canada"s actions after the "leak" with the memo. posted 04/07/2008 at 19:09:41
The headline is a little misleading. From the above, Axelrod was using the word "hypocrisy" - he was asked about "hypocrisy".
I did some digging a while back on NAFTA. I agree with Axelrod that Obama has been quite consistent. Obama is pro free trade but folks often get that confused with being pro NAFTA which is a speciifc agreement that Obama has several issues with.
One thing missed by some of the US media was how much Canada retracted the "leak" Goolsbee was accused of.
CBC reports on Canadian Government NAFTA lie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgxxWhzdhv0
Barack Obama NAFTA Scandal: A Smear Says Canada PM 3/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ULhR5RQGUY&feature=related
CLINTON CAMP THE ONE MAKING PROMISES TO CANADA ABOUT NAFTA!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOLEK2lr3CM&feature=related
If there were any doubts of that, the new article below kills those doubts:
Canada working furiously to prevent NAFTA re-opening (Montreal Gazette)
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=3d8691d0-d6ae-4417-af26-bd8204a22c26&k=55787
McCain is very much against reopening NAFTA. Hillary"s chances have slipped to about 10% since the "leak". So how else could one explain the increased Canadian anxiety and actions over NAFTA getting reopened unless what Obama has maintained all along was true and the "leaked" memo was bogus? They can"t reconcile Canada"s actions after the "leak" with the memo. posted 04/07/2008 at 19:09:41
Obama: No Need For Foreign Policy Help From V.P.
I like Obama's foreign policy approach. Here's one of many articles on it:
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_obama_doctrine
To me, it beats the heck out of Clinton lying and not being able to be trusted. And it beats the heck out of McCain's extension of Bush policies.
Few seem to want to say it but if one can justify the loss of American military lives somehow (and I can"t), they still have a tough time reconciling waging a war that the US can no longer afford.
At some point, we have to recognize that the US can"t pick up the tab for all the problems in the world while the country rapidly slides downward. If I have to choose between a starving American baby and a starving Iraqi baby, as bad as I feel about that tough choice, I won"t apologize for siding with an American. John McCain with all his experience hasn"t figured that out while all Hillary seems to bring to the table is experience in how to lie about it.
I think Barack Obama is offering a sensible alternative regardless of how many countries he has visited or how many years of "experience" he has. posted 04/07/2008 at 15:12:11
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_obama_doctrine
To me, it beats the heck out of Clinton lying and not being able to be trusted. And it beats the heck out of McCain's extension of Bush policies.
Few seem to want to say it but if one can justify the loss of American military lives somehow (and I can"t), they still have a tough time reconciling waging a war that the US can no longer afford.
At some point, we have to recognize that the US can"t pick up the tab for all the problems in the world while the country rapidly slides downward. If I have to choose between a starving American baby and a starving Iraqi baby, as bad as I feel about that tough choice, I won"t apologize for siding with an American. John McCain with all his experience hasn"t figured that out while all Hillary seems to bring to the table is experience in how to lie about it.
I think Barack Obama is offering a sensible alternative regardless of how many countries he has visited or how many years of "experience" he has. posted 04/07/2008 at 15:12:11
Mark Penn Finally Fired
Campaign manager replaced. Now Cheif Strategist "title" canned. Campaign doesn't pay bills on time and struggles financially compared to competitor who started from way behind financially and used the internet to raise unprecedented grassroots funding. A campaign that was way out in front for the "anointed coronation" is now all but hopelessly behind. Organization on the ground hasn"t been nearly as good as her competitor"s. Organization among the party faithful and the selling of her message to rally them for caucuses hasn"t been nearly as good as her competitor.
Lies, misrepresentations and/or exaggerations surround her claims for foreign policy experience in Ireland, Bosnia and Macedonia as well as her positions on the Iraq war, NAFTA and healthcare.
Out of that, maybe the most remarkable thing is that she still has a campaign. However, how she has managed her campaign doesn"t speak well for demonstrating her ability to be President of the United States. posted 04/07/2008 at 07:40:06
Lies, misrepresentations and/or exaggerations surround her claims for foreign policy experience in Ireland, Bosnia and Macedonia as well as her positions on the Iraq war, NAFTA and healthcare.
Out of that, maybe the most remarkable thing is that she still has a campaign. However, how she has managed her campaign doesn"t speak well for demonstrating her ability to be President of the United States. posted 04/07/2008 at 07:40:06
"Among Mr. Penn"s other public relations clients ¦. (are) Countrywide Financial, the nation"s largest home mortgage lender ¦ (and) Blackwater Worldwide, the private security firm under investigation by numerous government agencies for the deaths of civilians in Iraq.
¦
His polling firm, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, will continue to provide polling and advice to the campaign, the statement said." NY Times today
Hillary shuffled a title and is being rather heartless about Mr. Penn. He has all these other conflicts of interest that are paying him millions to look after them and Hillary won"t let the poor overworked guy go. posted 04/06/2008 at 22:18:03
¦
His polling firm, Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates, will continue to provide polling and advice to the campaign, the statement said." NY Times today
Hillary shuffled a title and is being rather heartless about Mr. Penn. He has all these other conflicts of interest that are paying him millions to look after them and Hillary won"t let the poor overworked guy go. posted 04/06/2008 at 22:18:03
An Issue of Legitimacy and Democracy
Florida and Michigan will be included once Hillary has conceded under the existing rules. This is unlikely to be an issue as of June 3rd. Hillary's got too low of a ceiling as a candidate to win states big to make large gains and she's too far behind to realistically make Florida and Michigan material to the outcome. I really doubt this is much of a long term issue. posted 04/06/2008 at 23:47:28
McCain Gets Facts Wrong On Iraq Again
The woman candidate is constantly getting caught making up facts while the old guy can't remember them. Could make for a completely nonsensical campaign in the fall should Hillary find away to steal to nomination. posted 04/06/2008 at 17:48:48
On Obama Not Going to Memphis
"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." Martin Luther King
Obama didn"t follow consensus today for the media attention in Memphis like the other candidates. He went to Indiana where Robert Kennedy tried to pick up the pieces on the evening Dr. King was shot to encourage people to move forward peacefully. I take that as leadership.
I wonder which Dr. King would prefer: standing around a motel gawking at the second floor where Dr. King was blown away or out on the road, trying to move people forward on the path Dr. King set, a little closer to the mountain top he saw.
I wasn"t in Memphis today either. I don"t think the lack of my presence reflects on Dr. King or his movement. And it"s insulting for someone to suggest that somehow my lack of being in Memphis diminishes my high regard for Dr. King. We all have to move on as Dr. King would want us to. I think Barack Obama was leading us and doing just that today. posted 04/04/2008 at 21:58:11
Obama didn"t follow consensus today for the media attention in Memphis like the other candidates. He went to Indiana where Robert Kennedy tried to pick up the pieces on the evening Dr. King was shot to encourage people to move forward peacefully. I take that as leadership.
I wonder which Dr. King would prefer: standing around a motel gawking at the second floor where Dr. King was blown away or out on the road, trying to move people forward on the path Dr. King set, a little closer to the mountain top he saw.
I wasn"t in Memphis today either. I don"t think the lack of my presence reflects on Dr. King or his movement. And it"s insulting for someone to suggest that somehow my lack of being in Memphis diminishes my high regard for Dr. King. We all have to move on as Dr. King would want us to. I think Barack Obama was leading us and doing just that today. posted 04/04/2008 at 21:58:11
"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." Martin Luther King
I think Barack Obama was doing that in Chicago as a community organizer, a Civil Rights lawyer and then as a State Senator. I think he"s been doing it in Washington and during his campaign. I think he was doing in when he spoke in Martin Luther King"s Church on Martin Luther King"s birthday. I think he was doing it in Philadelphia a couple of week ago when he made probably the best speech on racial issues since Dr. King last spoke. I think he was doing that today.
Obama could have cashed in on the campaign photo op in Memphis like Clinton and McCain did. But he left the Memphis stage to people like Jesse Jackson who regardless of what some might think of him was with Dr. King when he was shot and was more deserving of attention today than Clinton, McCain and quite possibly Obama because of that. posted 04/04/2008 at 21:57:52
I think Barack Obama was doing that in Chicago as a community organizer, a Civil Rights lawyer and then as a State Senator. I think he"s been doing it in Washington and during his campaign. I think he was doing in when he spoke in Martin Luther King"s Church on Martin Luther King"s birthday. I think he was doing it in Philadelphia a couple of week ago when he made probably the best speech on racial issues since Dr. King last spoke. I think he was doing that today.
Obama could have cashed in on the campaign photo op in Memphis like Clinton and McCain did. But he left the Memphis stage to people like Jesse Jackson who regardless of what some might think of him was with Dr. King when he was shot and was more deserving of attention today than Clinton, McCain and quite possibly Obama because of that. posted 04/04/2008 at 21:57:52
Clinton Says Obama Wants to Stop Votes
More deceptions of the voters attempted by Hillary. What else is new?
Maybe when Hillary says that those who voted in the Republican Michigan primary after Hillary told them their votes in the Democrat primary wouldn't count are people Hillary wants to vote in a Michigan re-vote, we might consider taking this overall concern seriously.
In the interim, it just more disingenuous BS. posted 04/01/2008 at 13:27:37
Maybe when Hillary says that those who voted in the Republican Michigan primary after Hillary told them their votes in the Democrat primary wouldn't count are people Hillary wants to vote in a Michigan re-vote, we might consider taking this overall concern seriously.
In the interim, it just more disingenuous BS. posted 04/01/2008 at 13:27:37
Little Girl From Bosnia Scandal Shocked, "Surprised" By Clinton's Lie
Hillary claims to have preferable and more foreign policy experience yet when her habitual lying results in anger or laughter by the Bosnians and Irish, we're supposed to overlook that?
Can't wait for Hillary's new book: "Living Fantasy" posted 03/31/2008 at 12:17:51
Can't wait for Hillary's new book: "Living Fantasy" posted 03/31/2008 at 12:17:51
Without FLA and MI, the Magic Delegate Number Becomes 1832
I thought the total delegates was around 4048 (minus Spitzer and FLA and MI).
Because of that fact, I'm having trouble undersatnding the above. posted 03/31/2008 at 06:23:44
Because of that fact, I'm having trouble undersatnding the above. posted 03/31/2008 at 06:23:44
Fierce Iraq Fighting Forces War Back Onto Campaign Trail
We need a "surge" towards getting out of Iraq.
When in history has guerilla warfare been beaten? I'd like Joihn McCain to fill us in on that as soon as he figures out who we're fighting in Iraq. posted 03/29/2008 at 22:15:06
When in history has guerilla warfare been beaten? I'd like Joihn McCain to fill us in on that as soon as he figures out who we're fighting in Iraq. posted 03/29/2008 at 22:15:06
Hillary And Bill: We Aren't Going Anywhere
Not to worry. She's probably lying about this too. posted 03/29/2008 at 12:25:40
Flashback: Wright's Letter To NYT About Obama
I don't think the recent letter by the NY Times responding to this adequately addressed the issues raised in REv. Wright's letter. Generally, I think Rev. Wright's key points stand. posted 03/31/2008 at 12:08:43
Time Mag Cover: "How Al Gore Could Save The Democrats"
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/552412.html
On Friday, Rasmussen Reports released a poll showing that among Democratic voters, Gore finished third in a three-way contest. The numbers: 42 percent for Obama, 26 percent for Clinton, 23 percent for Gore.
The headline over that finding: "Gore Not Answer to Dem Divide."
Considring Gore is wishful erroneous thinking that ain't going to happen.
Interesting that Clinton has the softer support though. posted 03/30/2008 at 21:12:23
On Friday, Rasmussen Reports released a poll showing that among Democratic voters, Gore finished third in a three-way contest. The numbers: 42 percent for Obama, 26 percent for Clinton, 23 percent for Gore.
The headline over that finding: "Gore Not Answer to Dem Divide."
Considring Gore is wishful erroneous thinking that ain't going to happen.
Interesting that Clinton has the softer support though. posted 03/30/2008 at 21:12:23
Hillary Clinton: Truth or Consequences
I still think her lie about starting the women's movement for peace in Ireland ("bringing together for the first time Catholics and Protestants [women] from both traditions") was was more vile than Bosnia in light of her attending the cafe and then memorial lecture for Joyce McCartan.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/08/wuspols108.xml
It blatantly contradicted her 2003 book, her 1997 lecture/speech and her 1995 article on visiting Ireland. If folks got wound up about Bosnia, a video of her stealing credit for peace from a dead heroine of peace who can no longer speak for herself might get some serious ratings. posted 03/30/2008 at 18:11:11
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/08/wuspols108.xml
It blatantly contradicted her 2003 book, her 1997 lecture/speech and her 1995 article on visiting Ireland. If folks got wound up about Bosnia, a video of her stealing credit for peace from a dead heroine of peace who can no longer speak for herself might get some serious ratings. posted 03/30/2008 at 18:11:11
Clinton: Wright "Would Not Have Been My Pastor"
It"s amazing what happens when you hear the pastor"s quotes in the context they were delivered. See the posters comments below CNN"s Roland Martin articles:
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-rev-jeremiah-wrights-911-sermon/
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-wright%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cgod-damn-america%e2%80%9d-sermon/?s-%20?god-damn-america%20?-sermon/
I can"t say I subscribe to everything the pastor has said but I can say that it makes a heck of a difference when you hear them within the sermon.
This is a largely smear campaign. If they can"t nail the candidate, then they have to go after someone close to them to try to make the candidate look bad. Eventually, this story is going to come out " that Rev. Wright isn"t as bad as a few out of context clips make him out to be and most rational people will calm down. posted 03/25/2008 at 15:24:48
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-rev-jeremiah-wrights-911-sermon/
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-wright%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cgod-damn-america%e2%80%9d-sermon/?s-%20?god-damn-america%20?-sermon/
I can"t say I subscribe to everything the pastor has said but I can say that it makes a heck of a difference when you hear them within the sermon.
This is a largely smear campaign. If they can"t nail the candidate, then they have to go after someone close to them to try to make the candidate look bad. Eventually, this story is going to come out " that Rev. Wright isn"t as bad as a few out of context clips make him out to be and most rational people will calm down. posted 03/25/2008 at 15:24:48
The Tarmac at Tuzla
The crazy kicker was that even after they showed Hillary some of the video of her Bosnia visit to refresh her memory yesterday, she went on to fabricate another version that didn"t hold water. She"s chronic. posted 03/25/2008 at 09:36:20
Clinton Camp: Hillary Misspoke About Her Role In Bosnia
Well said BitJam. Just another in a series of blatant lies "misspoken" by Hilliar.
I'm still waiting for Mark Penn to tell us Bosnia isn't a big country so it doesn't matter. posted 03/24/2008 at 15:01:35
I'm still waiting for Mark Penn to tell us Bosnia isn't a big country so it doesn't matter. posted 03/24/2008 at 15:01:35
Obama Campaign Responds With Kitchen Sink Conference Call
So if the Obama campaign isn't supposed to point out when Hillary lies about NAFTA, are we supposed to rely on the Clinton campaign and FOX news to tell us?
Hillary Clinton's campaign seems like the most untruthful and unethical I've ever seen in US national politics. It's a real head shaker and discouraging when I see so many in the media and the electorate falling for that stuff.
When sound bites are broadcast with the significant support of the mainstream media without them investigating how valid they are, the assessment of what is really being campaigned gets very difficult for the average voter. When the result is that this type of coverage distorts for example, what Rev. Wright has really said and stands for and it goes on to seemingly prevail over the facts, fair judgement and sound reason, we"re in deep trouble as a society. We"re making decisions on things that aren"t factual or as representative of the truth as they should be and used to be.
Journalism on the tube or in the paper should be executing the duty to the public to search deeply for truth and thoroughly verify the facts. Instead, the next president of the United States seems to be heading for being decided on a contest of getting the most juicy, dirty sound bites on the evening news regardless of how valid they are.
I"m no longer sure what to be more disgusted with: a campaign like Clinton"s or the mainstream media who have abandoned their obligation to the public for the sake of higher ratings. posted 03/21/2008 at 17:28:28
Hillary Clinton's campaign seems like the most untruthful and unethical I've ever seen in US national politics. It's a real head shaker and discouraging when I see so many in the media and the electorate falling for that stuff.
When sound bites are broadcast with the significant support of the mainstream media without them investigating how valid they are, the assessment of what is really being campaigned gets very difficult for the average voter. When the result is that this type of coverage distorts for example, what Rev. Wright has really said and stands for and it goes on to seemingly prevail over the facts, fair judgement and sound reason, we"re in deep trouble as a society. We"re making decisions on things that aren"t factual or as representative of the truth as they should be and used to be.
Journalism on the tube or in the paper should be executing the duty to the public to search deeply for truth and thoroughly verify the facts. Instead, the next president of the United States seems to be heading for being decided on a contest of getting the most juicy, dirty sound bites on the evening news regardless of how valid they are.
I"m no longer sure what to be more disgusted with: a campaign like Clinton"s or the mainstream media who have abandoned their obligation to the public for the sake of higher ratings. posted 03/21/2008 at 17:28:28
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