suntzu

Political blog junkie with liberal leanings, majored in philosophy (U. of Chicago), retired from the computer profession, grandfather, writes fiction, edits books about Buddhism, vegetarian, cooks like a pro, but strictly for self and family. Cuisine? Call it fusion international.

With all its shortcomings, I find HuffPost the most fun and intriguing political blog, and the most fun to sound off on. The shortcomings are mostly too much tabloid stuff. Who cares about the stupid antics of Britney, Paris, and Tom Cruise?

Recent comments by this user

Iraqi Prime Minister Backs Obama Troop Exit Plan

So, Bush-McCain's response to this is to accuse Obama of appeasement. Of course, that Iraq is a sovereign nation does not count. The only defense Bush-McCain can put up is that no, we are an occupying force, and Iraq cannot tell us what to do. posted 07/19/2008 at 10:08:18

Phil Gramm Resigns From McCain Campaign

It's about Phil Gramm's follies. Go read it.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/145011 posted 07/18/2008 at 23:09:19

Microsoft's Real Problem: Steve Jobs

A leading edge of the gradual...not seismic, but gradual...shift to Apple is in the smaller colleges throughout the US. Apple is gaining on Windows-based PC's as the computer of choice for collegians. At Wesleyan for example, where my son goes, right now 60% of students use Apple laptops, and the campus computer store expects that number to reach 80% in a few years. One area where Windows-based systems still rule on campus is games. But with Bootcamp, buyers of the new Intel based Apples can now play their favorite Windows-based games.

Long term, until Apple changes/liberalizes its pricing, marketing, and servicing policies, I do not see it making threatening gains on the PC makers. Dell's biggest worry is HP not Apple. posted 07/19/2008 at 10:06:28

McCain Leaks Details Of Obama's Iraq Trip

Phil and Wendy: the couple from Hell.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/68401 posted 07/18/2008 at 23:27:24

McCain Attended Zero Afghanistan Hearings In Last Two Years

Afghanistan is a breed of dog with long hair. Even McCain knows that. posted 07/17/2008 at 20:06:33

Bob Barr, will.i.am Attend Gore's New Energy Challenge Speech

Larry (Wide Stance) Craig want the US to produce more oil so "the Venezualans, Nigerians, and Saudi Arabians, and the Iranians can't JERK US AROUND BY THE GAS NOZZLE the way they are doing it now."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vqANJCATrE&eurl=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/

Woohoo! What a relief not to be jerked around by the gas nozzle.

What was Larry thinking?

The only thing wrong Larry, is we are the ones jerking ourselves around by the gas nozzle. Americans are the most gas guzzling people on the face of the earth. posted 07/17/2008 at 16:42:40

New Yorker Unveils Next Week's Cover: Baruch Obama!

The funniest part is the play on the name Barack/Baruch. Of course they mean the same thing in Arabic and Hebrew: Barack = blessed; Baruch = blessed. posted 07/16/2008 at 23:59:21

Jon Stewart Takes On Media, Obama For Overreacting To New Yorker Cover: "It's Just A F***ing Cartoon!"

For Jon's information it was not Obama who reacted to the New Yorker cover calling it tasteless and offensive, it was Bill Burton, one of Obama's spokespersons. Obama himself said he had no response, and later passed it off as no big deal on Larry King's show. Jon Stewart can be funny at times, buy he is also a loose cannon and a pain in the ass. posted 07/16/2008 at 15:31:07

Obama's Larry King Interview: Responds To New Yorker's "Attempt At Satire"

It is not a real National Review cover, only a SIMULATED National Review cover. MSNBC is saying this is what a satire on McCain would be like IF the NR did the same thing as the New Yorker, but for McCain. posted 07/15/2008 at 19:28:57

A New Yorker Cover For National Review

Lighten up folks, that is not a real National Review cover. It is a SIMULATED cover. Jason says right in his article that it is an IMAGINED National Review cover. posted 07/15/2008 at 19:53:09

McCain's Perez Hilton Problem

Isn't it clear that the opposition to gay parents adopting children is the fear that they will raise the child as gay? Never mind that the vast majority of gay people are raised by heterosexual parents. posted 07/14/2008 at 18:16:07

Hagel Joins Obama on Trip

Mebbe not VP but this ups the ante for Hagel for Sec. Def. or National Security Adviser. posted 07/11/2008 at 23:07:19

HuffPost Citizen-Tank: What's Your Ideal Administration?

Jennifer said: "Supreme Court: Hillary Clinton appointed as Chief Justice."

Umm, last time I looked we already have a Chief Justice (name of Roberts), and last time I checked the Chief is a lifetime position (he is less than 55). posted 07/11/2008 at 23:17:45

World Leaders Eat 18-Course Meal While Discussing Solutions To Global Food Crisis

I just had my dinner which consisted of a plate of stir-fried garlic cloves, snowpeas and bok choy cabbage.That was my entire dinner. Honest. I feel so virtuous. Now I will brew me some nice tea for dessert. posted 07/08/2008 at 19:34:52

Condoleezza Rice: I'm "Proud" Of The Decision To Invade Iraq

Well, if she had any VP aspirations, there they go out the window. The war is unpopular with a great majority of Americans, and to remind them about this weekend...not cool. posted 07/04/2008 at 18:00:42

A Modest Proposal for the 4th: Take Back Old Glory

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a flag pin that is actually made in the USA? posted 07/03/2008 at 23:14:05

A Founding Father Missed It By That Much

Let's change the celebrationto the first Friday of July so people can have a three-day whole weekend off! After Dubya came close to destroying this country don't we deserve the weekend off? Besides it will help the economy. Think of all the barbecue pits and meat that will be sold on such a weekend, not to mention the amount of gasoline consumed going to the beaches and parks to witness the fireworks.

Consume! That is the American Way, and the best way to acknowledge our freedom!~ posted 07/04/2008 at 08:38:40

McCain Uses Swift Boat Vet Bud Day To Rebut Wesley Clark

And oh, by the way, Clark is not the only general that thinks McCain is unfit to be president. Many high brass think that Mcain's hair-trigger temper would make him a dangerous man in the Oval Office. posted 06/30/2008 at 14:10:52

Obama is not running on military experience because he has none, but John McCain is. Clark was telling the truth when he said that McCain had no command experience as a jet pilot. Clark is right: being shot down and imprisoned for five years does not qualify McCain to become president. His experience should have instilled in McCain a hatred for war, but on the contrary, McCain is a war lover. The McCain "truth squad" just can't stand the truth. posted 06/30/2008 at 13:56:43

McCain Makes Awkward Wife-Beating Joke

The worst thing about making the "are you still beating your wife" joke is that it reveals so glaringly McCain's age. That joke is something out of a joke book that might have been compiled around 1895. posted 06/27/2008 at 15:08:59

Tension In Unity: Clinton Donors Give Obama Cold Shoulder

The Clinton rich die-hards have good reason to resent Obama. With Clinton they were counting on being at the receiving end of a lot of goodies, and with Obama that flew out the window. They can claim they feel pain for Hillary, but it is as much for themselves. Obama made the gesture, that's done. Now he can move on. posted 06/27/2008 at 14:16:18

WSJ's Frank: Obama's Neighborhood Is A Haven For Elites - Conservative Elites

At least six, and they get around in a private jet. But they are definitely not elite. posted 06/11/2008 at 19:33:47

That the Republicans are trying to make where Obama lives into a hot political issue simply reveals how bankrupt they are when it comes to having real issues that the voters really care about. How many people do they really think are going to vote for McCain because Obama lives in Hyde Park, Chicago? Give us a break. The more they push the elitism meme, the more they reveal their desperation.

Can't talk about Iraq, can't talk about the economy, can't talk about why bin Laden is still at large, can't talk about global warming, can't talk about the price of gas, can't talk about the rising cost of food, can't talk about health care, but they can sure talk about elitism. How thoroughly embarrassing.

Oh, by the way I lived in Hyde Park in the middle of the University area for 20 years. I frankly don't remember meeting too many people I would consider elite. In fact, I can't think of one. But I guess that shows am I not part of the elite. posted 06/11/2008 at 19:30:28

McCain Supporter Fiorina Deserves The Same Scrutiny As Obama Veep Vetter

As CEO of Hewlett-Packard Carly was the chief architect of the merger with Compaq (remember them?) that nearly brought HP to its knees. She was fired in 2005, rather ungraciously, though I am sure her golden parachute gave her a very safe landing. If she vets McCain's VP picks as lousily as she vetted Compaq, McCain is in for a rude surprise. I am willing to bet though that Hillary is on her short list. posted 06/11/2008 at 18:03:02

Obama VP Vetter Johnson Resigns

A little bird told me that Obama hired him at Kerry's urging. Notice how fast Kerry came to Johnson's defense. I also thought it weird that Obama would pick someone from one of the most controversial -- most toxic next to oil -- business sectors in the US. He should have picked someone from the public service non-profit sector.

Barack is lucky. No serious harm done. posted 06/11/2008 at 17:51:30

MediaMatters Offers A Pictoral History Of The Fist Bump

This just in: The American Medical Association recommends the fist bump (dap) as being more hygienic than a traditional palm-to-palm handshake. After all, do you know what that hand touched last? posted 06/10/2008 at 14:41:51

Kathleen Sebelius, Completing The Obama Puzzle

Sebelius is her husband's name. Her maiden name is Gilligan, daughter of ex-Governor Gilligan of OH.

In a Sebelius - Clinton matchup Sebelius wins hands down in the executive experience department. posted 06/10/2008 at 14:35:49

Liz Cheney Slams Bush Administration: It's Not Hawkish Enough

Color me cynical, but I think this smacks of DISINFORMATION. These are just Bush/Cheney talking points, and she is putting up a smokescreen for Bush to come out and say, "Yeah, Liz, you're right. Time to get tough with the Palestinians and Syrians." I see this as an orchestrated smokescreen to beat the drums for war on Iran. What they are doing is escalating the mood and the talk. Dick Cheney is still in charge. Let's not forget that. posted 06/09/2008 at 12:42:16

GOP Insiders Worry About McCain's Chances

Great picture of McCain with the "deer in the headlights" look. posted 06/08/2008 at 22:51:21

The Second Vote

Simon is exactly right. One of the phrases that has been accepted as conventional wisdom is to describe the American president as "Leader of the Free World," as if by virtue of occupying the White House, he can tell the people of Sweden or Singapore how to run their lives. Unfortunately, this piece of conventional wisdom is no longer true, and no less a capitalist hero than Mick Bloomberg has said that more and more the US is becoming a third world country. With the coming of George W. Bush, the US, far from being Leader of the Free World has become a pariah among nations.

Well, I don't know if Barack Obama can pull us from that abyss, but I know for sure John McCain would plunge us deeper into the pit of ignominy. After all, he sees us in Iraq a hundred years, and bombing Iran to him is a campaign joke..."bomb bomb bomb, bomb Iran." posted 06/08/2008 at 12:21:01

Clinton Concession Speech Reaction

Some of the "naysayers" are Republican trolls trying to divide Democrats. posted 06/07/2008 at 16:46:20

Hillary Clinton Concession Speech: Suspends Campaign, Endorses Obama

msnbc.com has a nice being screen, running right now at 12:35

This link may take you there directly, but no guarantee

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22887392#22887392 posted 06/07/2008 at 12:36:28

A Sad and Lonely Lieberman Reaches Out

The other day Joe dissed Obama behind his back about Obama's talk at AIPAC on the Middle East, without having heard or read the speech. Afterwards, Obama and Lieberman encountered in the Senate chamber and Obama backed Lieberman into a corner, against the wall, and apparently gave him an earful, with a bunch of reporters looking on from a distance.

It was not reported in the press whether the senate janitorial staff had to clean up the mess that Lieberman left on the floor afterwards. posted 06/06/2008 at 22:39:52

Oil Crisis: Your Primer on the Great "Peak Oil" v "Speculators" Debate

Electric cars can go a long way to alleviate carbon emissions, but batteries still need to be charged, and that requires electricity, and that in turn requires oil to turn the generators (unless they are nuclear powered). The long term answer is nuclear, alternative, and renewable energy for out basic needs and redesign of the internal combustion energy to run on fuel cells. posted 06/07/2008 at 12:01:50

Angry Clinton Supporters Start Rallying For McCain

Here are the facts. Obama as well as both Clintons endorsed Lieberman in the CT primary because they felt some allegiance to a fellow senator, plus for a while Lieberman was sort of a mentor to Obama when the latter first came to the senate. When Lamont beat Lieberman in the primary, like a good Democrat Obama endorsed Lamont in the election. But with oodles of help from Karl Rove, Lieberman ran as an independent and won. The Republican candidate was thrown under the bus by the GOP. Lieberman is therefore owned lock stock and barrel by the Republicans. Since then he has been eager to wreak vengeance against the Dems, and Obama is a special target because of his anti-war stance, and sometimes ambiguous position on Israel. posted 06/06/2008 at 23:05:47

These people create a big dilemma for Hillary, who beginning tomorrow will officially be the also-ran (when she concedes at 12 PM). If she has any hope of being seriously considered for VP or a spot in an Obama administration, she has to call these people off and chill them. Also, if she has any hope of Obama helping with her $30 million campaign debt, how can she do so and still encourage these people? With efforts like these she is between a rock and hard place, and to be frank she created the situation herself by ramping up the whole MI/FL thing which was no fault of Obama's. posted 06/06/2008 at 22:54:30

A Mystery Meeting -- A Moment In History

"Hillary Clinton would make a good Attorney General or possibly Secretary of State."

VP is out for Hillary primarily because of Bill. I don't think Obama wants Bill anywhere near the White House. Why would he want a former president looking over his shoulder (assuming he can keep his finger to himself). But a cabinet position would put enough distance between Obama and Bill Clinton and may also be acceptable to Hillary, esp. Secretary of State. She may even want to visit Bosnia. posted 06/06/2008 at 14:11:25

Bob Dylan Loves Obama: "Redefining The Nature Of Politics"

I believe the selection of Poet Laureate is the job of the Librarian of Congress, but I could be wrong. He would really deserve it. posted 06/06/2008 at 12:16:59

I love Bob Dylan but his endorsement does more for Bob than it does for Obama. I cannot imagine more than three people in the whole country who would prefer McCain over Obama. Still, it was a nice gesture. The funny thing is that Bruce Springsteen endorsed Obama over a month ago (just before the PA primary), and Bob jumps in after the primaries are over. Perhaps he just found out about the primary.

Now, if Bob were to make a campaign appearance with Obama, that would be so cool.. So Bob, put your mouth (and harmonica) where your endorsement is.

Having said that, Bob Dylan to me is the greatest folk/pop singer/composer of the past century. posted 06/06/2008 at 11:15:53

Time And Tide Wait For No Woman

Mr. Bellows said: "But many of Obama's financial supporters -- who on average gave only about $95 -- are upset that their hard-earned contributions might be squandered on a woman who they (rightly or wrongly) have come to see as the enemy of their entire party.."

This is a mistake on Mr. Bellows' part: The Obama campaign may legally contribute $2,300 to Hillary's campaign, and that's it.. The way Obama can help Clinton pay her debts is to help her with separate fund raising activities for her benefit.. So anyone who donated money to Obama's campaign can rest assured that his/her money will not go to the Hillary campaign, other than the maximum $2,300. posted 06/06/2008 at 22:15:37

Major Clinton Backers Rally Around Obama

Well, after Carville said she should give Obama one of her three balls and they would both have two, are you surprised? By the way, did she ever do it? Inquiring minds need to know. posted 06/05/2008 at 15:41:25

Obama has Made History but Can He Change it?

I like what the author of this post says, but I don't understand the premise of "Obama has made history but can he change it?" He has already changed history by becoming the first black person to be running for the presidency? What more does he need to do to prove that he has changed American history? posted 06/06/2008 at 14:24:10

No More Drama

Is it not a profound irony that at the cusp of change, the Republicans have nominated the oldest man ever to run for the presidency? posted 06/05/2008 at 15:58:36

Carter: Obama-Clinton Ticket Would Be 'Worst Mistake'

Pelosi doesn't think it's a great idea either. In fact she went further, says it will never happen. posted 06/04/2008 at 19:18:00

Carter referred to the negatives each would bring to the candidacy but he did not even mention Bill Clinton (out of politeness I guess) who would make it an even greater disaster. Any number of independents or Republicans who might otherwise vote for Obama would not want Bill in the White House again, even as Second Gentleman. It would be so distracting to Obama he would have a hard time governing. posted 06/04/2008 at 19:14:47

Clinton To Obama: If You Don't Want Me, You're Gonna Have To Tell Me

There will be a fringe element among HIllary supporters that would not vote for Obama whether he had a male or female VP. There is a fringe element that would not vote for Obama if he had a female VP other than Hillary. But there is probably a very large segment of women who would welcome a female VP other than Hillary. The unifying effect would be much larger than any divisive effect. There is no need for Obama to cater to Clinton's ego. He has to figure out how the Democrats can win. posted 06/04/2008 at 22:38:20

Her own ardent supporter, Ed Rendell put it bluntly to Clinton: you can't upstage the nominee by openly bargaining for the position, even with 18 million votes. That was quite a public smack down. I disagree with Jane though. There is no need for Obama to openly reject her. He will just make her an offer she can't refuse. Look at it this way: he is the nominee, and she owes $20 million bucks. The 18 million votes is not hers to bargain with. As Hilary Rosen in her post said, I am not a bargaining chip, I am a Democrat. Clinton should think about what that means. posted 06/04/2008 at 22:18:37

Obama In Heated Conversation With Lieberman

They are worried about Iran having a first-strike capability. Israel already has a first-strike capability, as we all know. So from the nuclear point of view there is an imbalance of terror now in the Middle East. The United States, being Israel's protector, wants to keep it that way.

See, isn't that simple to understand? posted 06/04/2008 at 17:56:46

So here is one of the mystery questions of recent politics: how come a smart cookie like Gore picked Lieberman as a running mate. I couldn't believe the first debate with Cheney. It was so chummy, like they were having a beer together. posted 06/04/2008 at 17:46:41

Obama endorsed Lieberman against Lamont in the primary because he felt he owed it to Lieberman who was sort of a mentor when Obama first got to the Senate. In the senate there is a tradition that an old timer is assigned to mentor a newcomer. But when Lamont beat Lieberman in the primary and Lieberman turned coat, being a loyal Democrat Obama endorsed Lamont. This may have something to do with Lieberman's sour attitude towards Obama. posted 06/04/2008 at 17:42:57

Lieberman won with the support of the Republicans, but Reid allowed him to caucus with the Dems to keep a majority in the Senate. In a real sense the Dems are stuck with him until they have a comfortable majority in the senate. But I think they should boot him out anyway because his one vote has not helped much on key issues because he has always voted with Bush. posted 06/04/2008 at 17:35:28

I Am Not a Bargaining Chip, I Am a Democrat

Very well said! posted 06/04/2008 at 12:22:07

Obama Casts Race Between Him, McCain

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
NBC News has adjusted the delegate count in Mississippi, giving one more to Obama and one less to Clinton. The count was 19-14 and now stands at 20-13. The official results were certified in Mississippi and Obama finished with a slightly higher statewide vote result than originally indicated, 62.5% to 37.5%. That result broke a threshold and triggered the extra delegate.

We are also, however, reducing Obama's superdelegate count by one, since Rep. Al Wynn (D-MD), who lost his primary fight, said he will leave his office in June, two months before the Democratic convention. No word yet if Wynn's exit will reduce the total number of superdelegates from 794 to 793.

Earlier today, we noted that Obama won the total delegates in Texas, 99-94, after the remaining nine caucus delegates were allocated 7-2 for Obama.

Obama now leads by 130 in the overall delegate count, 1637-1507. Obama leads by 164 pledged delegates, 1416-1252. (There remains just one delegate unallocated by NBC News from Democrats Abroad.) Clinton leads among superdelegates, 255-221, per the NBC News Political Unit count. posted 04/01/2008 at 22:55:21

Obama is right to go after McCain even before the convention. It makes him look like the presumptive nominee, and HIllary's bickering makes her look like the presumptive loser. She is just hurting herself. posted 04/01/2008 at 21:16:11

PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Panel survey finds a majority of both Republicans and Democrats saying Barack Obama has a better chance than Hillary Clinton of defeating Republican John McCain in the November presidential election.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/105904/Dems-Reps-Agree-Obama-Tougher-Opponent-McCain.aspx posted 04/01/2008 at 20:59:43

Rep Emanuel Cleaver, Clinton-Supporter, On Obama: "I Will Be Stunned If He's Not The Next President"

Among the Congressman/Reverend's remarks, I found this the most interesting: "He is articulate - in the black tradition, he would probably be mediocre, but in White America..." he said, a bit dismissively, of Obama's speaking style, going on to joke about the word "articulate."

So Obama, being half-white, is really not in the black tradition, and is not as "articulate" as someone who is really in the black tradition. Unless I am wrong, what he is saying is that to the extent Obama has been successful as a candidate, he owes it to white support, the very people who have been impressed with Obama's rhetorical talents. In a way he is agreeing with Geraldine Ferraro --- he is saying in a left handed way, that white Americans created the Obama phenomenon because they found in him an "articulate" black man they could support. The question is, is that a racist position to take? Hmmmm. posted 04/01/2008 at 16:49:22

Obama Gets "Very Flirtatious" At Campaign Stop

William Safire, former NY Times pundit, called Hillary a "congenital liar." Interesting term, because if true, then you can't blame someone who has a fault that was given to her at birth. I prefer "congenial liar," one who can smile while lying to you. (Not applying this term to Hillary, mind you, I am just talking in the abstract, hehe.) posted 04/01/2008 at 15:44:41

Clinton Compares Herself To Rocky Balboa: We "Have A Lot In Common"

Was Hillary Clinton guilty of unethical conduct as a 27-year old counsel for the Judiciary Commitee during the Watergate hearings? Some people think so. She also lied, so the charge goes.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/4/1/16471/83829/739/488432 posted 04/01/2008 at 21:52:01

From NBC's Bethany Thomas and Domenico Montanaro

"Sylvester Stallone endorsed McCain today. "I like McCain a lot. A lot," Stallone said on Fox News. "And you know, things may change along the way, but there's something about matching the character with the script. And right now, the script that's being written and reality is pretty brutal and pretty hard-edged like a rough action film, and you need somebody who's been in that to deal with it."

McCain said in response, "I'm going to Philadelphia and running up the steps."

Unlike McCain, however, Hillary is going to Philadelphia to run up her campaign bills. posted 04/01/2008 at 16:28:24

Oh wait! I take it back. Hillary has endorsed McCain too! So she and Rocky are alike! posted 04/01/2008 at 16:15:45

Ooops, she should not have compared herself to Rocky. Stallone has endorsed McCain! This is going to be a real hoot among the McCain campaign team. posted 04/01/2008 at 16:12:47

Chelsea Clinton Asked About Monica Lewinsky Again, Watch Video

Maybe I haven't been paying attention the past 16 years but it would seem that an incident that led to the impeachment of the president of the United State, that hampered her father's ability to conduct the legitimate business of being president, that contributed to the loss of Congress for the Democrats, that had an important role in enabling George Bush to become president, is everyone's business. But I guess I am out of touch. posted 03/31/2008 at 18:38:28

Clinton Surrogate Ed Rendell Praises Fox News For "Most Objective," "Balanced" Coverage

Why would Fox favor Hillary? Doesn't Fox love the war in Iraq? Well, Hillary did vote for the war didn't she? And she has never backed down on that, right? There you go! A happy marriage of like minds. posted 03/31/2008 at 16:15:08

Why is it a surprise to anyone that Fox treats Hillary better than Obama? This is the person who thinks Republican McCain would be qualified to be commander in chief, but her fellow Democrat Obama is not. If that is not a Republican talking point, I don't know what is.

Now she is cozying up to Mellon Scaife, who once wanted to destroy her husband. Hillary herself accused Scaife of being part of a "vast right wing conspiracy." Hillary is a very nice fit for Faux News. Hopefully Democrats will get a chance to think about this before voting in the upcoming primaries. posted 03/31/2008 at 16:08:38

Pregnant Man: New Photos Revealed

So when is the movie coming out? posted 03/31/2008 at 14:00:53

John McCain's Biography Tour To Show How War Dominates His World View

It is clear from the picture that the chopper is already on the ground and motionless. What is the big deal with his apparent squeamishness? posted 03/31/2008 at 12:09:35

Little Girl From Bosnia Scandal Shocked, "Surprised" By Clinton's Lie

I finally figured it out. The whole Clinton/Obama thing. Here it is in a nutshell -- the more I learn about Hillary the less I like her, and the more I learn about Omaba, the more I like him. That's it. That is all the difference that separates them as candidates. And you know what? The public is beginning to feel the same way. posted 03/31/2008 at 23:31:19

Bill Clinton Tells Democrats To "Chill Out"

Did he really say that? If he did I don't see how that's going to help Hillary. Dumb move. posted 03/30/2008 at 20:00:23

Hooked on Hillary

She, Condi, and Imelda Marcos should get together. posted 03/30/2008 at 19:11:12

Perhaps what Ms. Ephron meant was that dealing with Bill's infidelities forced Hillary into a state of denial just to survive, and this kind of mindset may have morphed in Hillary's mind into a way of dealing with her own problems, i.e., trying to become the first woman president of the United States.

I am no shrink, but I can see some of the connections here. Kind of insightful on Ms. Ephron's part I think. At the same time, Hillary of course has to deal with her own realities apart from Bill's but it is close to impossible because there is no way to separate her wanting the Oval Office without Bill's being a part of that scenario. By wanting to become a woman who got to the presidency on her own, she has to rely on her ex-president husband, and that is a total contradiction.

I think Hillary's mind right now is bit of a battle ground of warring impulses that cannot be resolved without a shit load of reality falling on her head.

Disclosure: I perhaps have no right to say these things cuz I am a guy, and guys don't understand women. posted 03/30/2008 at 17:46:29

Op-Ed: Obama Was The First To Play Race Card

I totally agree that Obama was the first to play the race card, and I am an Obama supporter. Here is the deal: it is called CWB -- Campaigning While Black. The instant an African-American decides to enter the field of politics, whether he wants to or intends to , he or she is playing the race card because that will be the perception no matter what.

Example: one of the first things that happens to a black candidate is that the pundits start speculating about how that candidate's chances are going to be influenced by his/her being black. It is impossible for such a candidate to respond to this without somehow seeming to play the race card, at the same time he/she cannot ignore it. The issue is forced on them. So no matter how he/she tries, a black candidate cannot be perceived as NOT playing the race card.

Even Condi Rice says the same thing, except she uses a much starker phrase, calling this the black person's "birth defect."

Now I did not read Sean Willentz's article but I have read Sean's writing on Obama before, and there is no objectivity there. Which is OK, but he poses under the guise of an impartial journalist without telling you about his bilious preconceptions, and that is dishonest. You can accept what Sean says if that makes you feel better, but recognize that Sean is not a true journalist but a political pamphleteer. posted 03/30/2008 at 15:45:12

Cash Strapped Clinton Fails To Pay Bills

Hillary's big donors are all maxed out by now. Her online fundraising sucks. The only thing she can rely on now is HillRaisers, people who collect smaller contributions and "bundle" it for her campaign. Geraldine Ferraro was a HillRaiser. But with all the bad news in her campaign, bundling is going to be pretty scarce. I am sure Obama has bundlers too, but he mainly relies on small online donors.

One has to wonder if any of her campaign workers are being unpaid, and how long they can hang in there. She is into Mark Penn by a couple of mil, but he looks well fed to me. posted 03/30/2008 at 16:59:47

Hillary Clinton Deluged With Calls For Her Withdrawal

"Obama will never ever win the white house he cant even wrap up a primary."

This is an extremely ironic remark to make since it can apply equally if not more so to Hillary! Why can't SHE wrap it up? Where is your logic coming from?

Not to mention that she has a surrogate who is a former president, had 16 years of name recognition, the backing of the Democratic establishment, and she still can't "wrap it up." posted 03/30/2008 at 12:30:02

From the WaPo article: Asked whether Obama could win in November, Clinton deflected the question. "I'm saying I have a better chance," she said. "You cannot as a Democrat win the White House without a very big women's vote. What I believe is that women will turn out for me."

Well, at least she is honest about playing the gender card.

Now if only Obama is allowed to say, "What I believe is that African-Americans will turn out for me," without being called racist. posted 03/30/2008 at 11:35:11

Clinton Vows To Stay In Race Until Convention

This is talk to shore up the base. Right now, more than winning the next 10 primaries, she needs to find a way to pay her campaign expenses. And if she hints at dropping out, the money will dry up. But eventually reality will prevail if she cannot sweep Pennsylvania, Indiana, and North Carolina. Her biggest enemy right now is not Obama but her own wallet, which is near empty. posted 03/29/2008 at 23:29:44

Obama: Clinton Can Run "As Long As She Wants"

Pathetic. Would you be happier if he asked her to drop out? posted 03/30/2008 at 10:15:51

Newsweek: Hillary For NY Governor?

I am a strong supporter of Obama, but I would support Hillary for governor. There is a slight problem though. In case no one noticed, we (I'm a New Yorker) already have a governor, by name Paterson.
I think the best job for Hillary is to continue her career as a senator, until a Supreme Court opening occurs, preferably by Justice Ginsburg retiring, creating not only a vacancy but leaving the court without a female justice. A president Obama would probably think Hillary would be a good fit. Best part? It's for life, no need to fundraise or campaign. She may look fetching in a black pantsuit. posted 03/29/2008 at 18:22:23

Should Obama Drop Out of the Race?

"Bill Richardson endorses Barack Obama. Good for him. But he can't stop there. He calls on Hillary Clinton to get out of the race."

Mr. Press, you owe Mr. Richardson an apology. You are correct in saying that Richardson endorsed Obama, heck everybody knows that. But you are way off base in saying Richardson has called for Clinton to step down. He has not done that at all.
As far as Leahy, and Dodd, yes they have asked Clinton to drop out. However, as senior members of the Democratic party and incumbent senators, they have as much right to voice their opinions and concerns as Hillary has to continue running. It is not your position to lecture them no matter what your party credentials are.
The reason why you no longer recognize the Democratic party is because it has moved on and you haven't.. posted 03/29/2008 at 14:09:10

Iraq Crisis Threatens Bush-Petraeus "Surge" Strategy As Bankrupt

McCain: "The surge is working. I don't care what anybody says." posted 03/29/2008 at 13:57:07

Hillary And Bill: We Aren't Going Anywhere

Dear Arriana: At long last, please take that picture of Billary off the front page! My everlasting thanks! posted 03/29/2008 at 09:17:09

I must confess this is a rather grim development for Hillary. Slate has begun a Hillary Deathwatch meter which they say they will update daily as events unfold. They did a similar thing with Alberto Gonzales, so I don't know if that is the kind of association Hillary would appreciate.
As of today, they rate Hillary's chances of winning the nomination at 12%, which they say is somewhat more generous than her own campaign's 10%. Other analysts put it closer to 5%. They do not describe their methodology, so until they do, I would have to guess that they are relying heavily on their Delegate Meter technology.
Hillary supporters may not want to make a habit of going there, as it may be a depressing experience, or exhilarating, as events unfold. Take your choice.

http://www.slate.com/id/2187558/ posted 03/28/2008 at 21:40:43

This is a good point. The feminists have held up as their ideal of individual feminine achievement, a woman whose main achievement was to be married to a president. That is turning upside down the whole feminist ideal. posted 03/28/2008 at 20:35:34

So I guess it is now official: they are running as a pair. I wonder if anybody has checked on the constitution lately where it says only one person can be president at the same time. Well, I guess I should remember that the Clintons play by their own rules. The only detail remaining is, on the Pennsylvania ballot will there be one column that says William and Hillary Clinton, and the other one that says Barack Obama? So, Hillary supporters, what do you think? posted 03/28/2008 at 19:44:20

Ralph Nader Tells Clinton "Don't Listen" To People Telling You To Drop Out

Will wonders never cease! I spend so much time reading political blogs, ignoring my work, but then I can't help it because every time I open one of my favorite blogs, something new and totally off the all pops up. Today, at this juncture in her political life, Hillary has acquired a new consultant. That means she is now backed by the intrepid trio of Mark Penn, Harold Ickes, and Ralph Nader --- three all time world class LOSERS!
Today, after absorbing all the news of the past three weeks, I decided that Hillary had reached the Tipping Point, and her campaign was now beyond salvation. Now that Nader is advising her, I am sure that she is done. posted 03/28/2008 at 18:01:34

Slate Launches "Hillary Deathwatch"

Slate magazine did concede that their 12% was more generous than Hillary's own campaign team's 10%. But since they are going very high profile with it, it is understandable that they will want to hedge their bet a little bit. Give em a break. They are sticking their necks out as it is. Personally I would put it at less than 10% but I am discounting the future, just the way the stock market does. The Snipergate effect still has to sink in a little. 2,000,000 hits on YouTube and counting. That beats Obama's speech. posted 03/29/2008 at 13:08:15

Peggy Noonan: At This Point You Either Understand The Problem With Hillary Or You Don't

Perhaps, but not as brilliant or beautiful as Kathleen Sebelius, our next Vice President.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathleen_Sebelius posted 03/28/2008 at 23:45:31

Bush: Iraq Violence A Necessary Part Of Development

Yeah, and violence was a necessary part of Bush's development. He once challenged Poppy to a "mano a mano." The elder Bush probably just laughed and walked away. posted 03/28/2008 at 14:08:19

University Of Chicago: Obama Was A Professor

Most tenured law professors DO NOT have Ph.D.s By and large they have J.D.s (doctor of jurisprudence), but not all of them do. Or if they have Ph.D.s it is in some other subject than law. There is no PhD in law.
In any case, that the Clinton campaign would make this an issue reveals how low the bar of legitimate discussion of the issues has become for them. If their attempt was to counterbalance lying about sniper fire in Bosnia to legitimately claiming professor status, that are sadly deluded to equate the two on the scale of mendacity. Sad, sad, sad.
The defense rests. posted 03/28/2008 at 17:44:11

Rice: Race Still Issue Because Of U.S. "Birth Defect"

I should be the last person to defend Rice whom I hold at least partly responsible for Iraq, but I think the "birth defect" she is talking about is a metaphor for the fact that African-Americans are born with the legacy of slavery that still has residues today, long after the freeing of the slaves, in terms of lingering discrimination. She is saying that the heritage of slavery still affects African-Americans because they are born with it.
Having said that, I think Rice will forever be associated with another defect, which is the stain of having aided and abetted George Bush's march to an illegal war. She has yet to explain that. posted 03/28/2008 at 16:39:48

Would Geraldine Ferraro say, "Condi, you would never have gotten as far as you have if you were white." posted 03/28/2008 at 14:58:56

I find the timing of Rice's remarks on racism very interesting, as it comes just two weeks after Obama's thoughtful talk on the same subject. One wonders why it took her so long to get around to it. If it took Obama's courage to embolden Rice to speak about her own experience, well, let's give Obama some credit.
Does she have an unspoken agenda (VP?) as some suggest? Hmmm. Maybe she ought to have a chat with Geraldine Ferraro. Would Ferraro say, "Condi, you're a sweet and smart gal, but you would never have gotten as far as you have if you were white." posted 03/28/2008 at 14:46:55

Dean Says Attacks Getting Too Personal

Nice to hear from Dean and the need for the supporters to tone down the rhetoric. Maybe he should call should James Carville who called Richardson Judas on Good Friday for endorsing Obama. Or to Bill who suggested that McCain and Hillary are more patriotic than Obama. Or Hillary who said she would never have a pastor like Rev. Wright. Or to Geraldine Ferraro who said Obama only got to where he is because he is black. All personal attacks that have nothing to do with debating the issues. Personal, personal, personal. That is the Clinton style. posted 03/28/2008 at 09:28:43

Obama-Bloomberg Ticket? McCain-Romney Ticket?

A president Obama would be very smart to make Bloomberg Sec. of the Treasury. Mike would really like that job, plus it would be time for him to put his money where his mouth is. He has been deriding US monetary policy for a long time, calling America a soon-to-be third world country (because of its outstanding outside debt.) posted 03/28/2008 at 12:06:48

Obama/Bloomberg?
McCain/Romney?
Call these two tickets balanced: tall/short and short/tall. posted 03/28/2008 at 09:44:29

Carville Unloads: Richardson Misled, Promised He'd Back Hillary

"During the quaresma ( Easter) you're supposed to be more Christian, not less, you moron."
These are revolutionary words! God bless you. posted 03/28/2008 at 08:52:50

Well, we will have to take Carville at his word until Richardson speaks out. But are we being asked to believe that in their entire political career the Clintons have never changed their minds about supporting someone, whether justified or not?
My own guess is that Richardson was leaning to Clinton (mostly out of loyalty to Bill) until she started smearing Obama, and the latest version was to attack Obama on his choice of pastor. Whether that "leaning" was a commitment is a matter for the two parties to straighten out.
In any case, airing this out cannot help the Clintons, who will be seen as poor losers. I big girl will take her lumps and move on.
Funny thing is, by putting so much emphasis on this issue, they are giving more credibility to Richardson's endorsement because it says that the Clintons wanted it also. posted 03/28/2008 at 08:37:23

Obama Compares Election To Bataan Death March

Adlai Stevenson -- another Illinoisian! -- would have made a wonderful president. He had the great misfortune to run against a world class war hero, Dwight Eisenhower. I am old enough to remember that campaign, and the difference between then and today's Rovian political culture is like night and day. There is only one word to summarize today's political culture, and that word is HATE. posted 03/28/2008 at 12:59:37

Considering what Obama actually meant and said, that is a pretty stupid headline, even acknowledging HuffPo's need to capture the reader's attention. His real message is a lot more upbeat than the headline would indicate, and it was mostly on the status of the economy anyway. posted 03/28/2008 at 12:54:51

US Embassy Personnel In Baghdad Told Not To Leave 'Reinforced Structures' Due To Incoming Insurgent Fire

How long do you think it will take the Republicans to blame the Democrats for the new violence in Iraq, citing talk about withdrawing troops? Shoot, they've already been doing it! posted 03/27/2008 at 19:52:24

Clinton Campaign Stands By Harsh Letter To Pelosi

Obama was a faculty member and lecturer in constitutional law at the University of Chicago. As such he is entitled to describe himself as a professor. But he never claimed to be a tenured professor.

Wikidpedia: In the United States, Brazil, Canada, India, Hong Kong, individuals often use the term professor as a polite form of address for any lecturer, or researcher employed by a college or university, regardless of rank.

http://www.law.uchicago.edu/faculty/obama/cv.html posted 03/27/2008 at 21:35:55