debate08

Rough week for Israel...

2006-04-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (above) announces that Iran has successfully enriched uranium, a required and difficult step in the process of making nuclear weapons.

FRIDAY: "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation," Ahmadinejad said at the opening of a conference in support of the Palestinians.

"The Zionist regime is a rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm."

Hmm ... I wonder of these two items are related somehow?

Arnold Says: Beat It Beatty

2005-11-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Arnold's staff literally slammed the door on Warren Beatty and wife Annette Bening today in San Diego as the two Liberal activists tried to crash the Governor's event.

When asked how it felt, Beatty reportedly said it was no big deal, adding that he's used to the feeling, as the Hollywood studios have been slamming doors in his face ever since his last bomb, Town & Country, grossed $6.7M after costing New Line Cinema $90M to make.

On another note, during Beatty's 44-year career (1961 to present) he's made a mere 22 movies. On average an actor works for about 2 months on a movie.

That means in 44 years Beatty has worked 44 months, or 1 month per year.

By contrast, Governor Schwarzenegger - before making the trip to Sacramento - made 39 movies in his 35-year film career. That averages out to a little more than 2 months a year of hard labor for the Governor.

Makes you wonder if we should be listening to either of them.

Cindy Sheehan:

2005-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

How exactly does this honor your son?

What's in a name...?

2005-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I've always wondered how they name tropical storms and hurricanes.

This from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Military weather forecasters began giving women's names to significant storms during WWII, then in 1950 the World Meteorological Organization agreed to an alphabetical naming system, using the military's radio code.

The first named Atlantic hurricane was Able in 1950.

Officials soon realized the naming convention would cause problems in the history books if more than one powerful Hurricane Able made landfall.

So, in 1953 the organization adopted a rotating series of women's names, planning to retire names of significant storms.

Feminists urged the WMO to add men's names, which was done in 1979. The boy-girl-boy-girl naming convention evolved to include French and Spanish names in the Atlantic system, reflecting the languages of the nations affected by Caribbean hurricanes.

Twenty-one names are reserved each year (the letters q, u, x, y and z are not used), and the names are recycled every six years, minus those retired. When a name is retired, the World Meteorological Organization chooses a new name to replace it.

Jack Stanton cares about YOU!

2005-09-07T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it - I like John Travolta. I think he's a good actor. But outside of the movies, he scares me. That Scientology thing is just way too creepy (although I love the t-shirts!)

But I do give him and his wife props for flying their private jet down south to deliver food and medicine to the victims. Good for him.

This picture though reminded me of his role in Primary Colors (in which he plays southern Governor, and presidential candidate, Jack Stanton - based on Bill Clinton) and the opening scene that talks about the "political handshake."

The narrator says that if Stanton gives a two handed handshake then he "cares" about what the person is saying.

If he touches the forearm or the elbow of the person with one hand, during the handshake, then he "really cares." The higher up the arm Stanton goes the more he "understands," "sympathizes" and "cares" until, in the ultimate show of devotion, he reaches the shoulder.

The point of the scene was to show that every move - even a simple handshake - was calculated and thought out (in other words, not genuine) for Stanton (i.e. Clinton)

Maybe I'm being unfair, but I saw this picture and immediately thought of that scene.

Not the photo-op he wanted

2005-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sean Penn's attempt to help victims of Hurricane Katrina took on a leak almost immediately after launch over the weekend. Penn forgot to plug a hole in his small boat - that had room for his personal photographer - and his feeble attempts to bail the water out (above) were captured on film.

Penn was there to do, "whatever I can do to help." But one on-looker apparently taunted "How are you going to get any people in that thing?"

It's a funny picture of an "activist" I don't much like ... but Penn's willingness to travel to New Orleans and do whatever he can (even if it didn't work out) should be commended.

Perhaps, though, he should just write a big check and leave the rescuing to people who know what they're doing. But I guess the photo-op of writing a check isn't as compelling.

Chief Justice Rehnquist Dies

2005-09-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Supreme Court Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist has died.

There will be plenty of time to analyze the fight to come over his replacement - Bush now has the opportunity to elevate an Associate Judge to the Chief Justice position and nominate two Associates (the nightmare scenario for liberals) - but that can come after Rehnquist is laid to rest.

Rehnquist was nominated to the High Court in 1972 by President Nixon, and served as Chief Justice from 1986 until his death on Saturday.

BLOG FOR RELIEF DAY

2005-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS NATIONAL BLOG FOR RELIEF DAY

PLEASE DONATE

I suggest that you donate immediately to:

The American Red Cross
RedCross.org
1-800-HELP-NOW
or
Habitat For Humanity
Habitat.org
(229) 924-6935, ext. 2551

Here are some other charities that are also very worthwhile (especially long-term):

The Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Armed Forces Retirement Home (800) 332-3527
America's Second Harvest 1 800 771-2303

Unsure which charities are reputable? Go to CharityNavigator.org for a comprehensive evaluation of American Charities, and what they're doing with your money.

PennyWit.Com is keeping abreast of charity scams.

Chuck Simmons is following which corporations have donated to the Relief Efforts so far.

I found out about a cool website- Strengthen The Good - which facilitates chairitable fundraising through the Blogosphere. They have a matching funds drive going.

Supreme Court confirmation hearings next week...

2005-08-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

A thorough examination of John Roberts and the issues that Senators will raise when the confirmation hearings begin next week.

Creepy Liberals...

2005-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you have ever wanted to see Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy as cartoon villains, here is your chance.

World Ahead Publishing has released Help! Mom! There Are Liberals Under My Bed ... teach your kids young, that's what I say.

Buy it here.

NCAA gets it right... finally

2005-08-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has reversed an earlier decision that placed Florida State University on a list of universities banned from using what it called "hostile and abusive" mascots and nicknames during postseason play.

Seminole Tribe of Florida supports the FSU mascot - even helping pick out the colors for the costume. So the NCAA's decision to ban the mascot was seen by many as particularly dumb.

So at least in this instance the NCAA got it right in reversing the decision as it pertains to FSU.

But they have opened the flood gates and other universities still on the list, such as the University of Illinois (Illini) and of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux), are issuing appeals of their own. Good luck to them.

Another Vietnam?

2005-08-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska today likened the situation on the ground in Iraq to Vietnam.

A Vietnam veteran himself (that's him in 1968), Hagel told George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week" that, "We are locked into a bogged down problem not unsimilar or dissimilar to where we were in Vietnam. The longer we stay there the more problems we are going to have."

Hagel's statement isn't that shocking - it's newsworthy because he's a Republican, but that's all. For someone to say that the longer we're there the tougher it will be isn't groundbreaking stuff. And the Vietnam comparisons began almost as soon as the war did.

Couple that with the fact that Hagel's just flat wrong. Here's a quick comparison of the two major stats of any conflict, time and casualties:

VIETNAM
US involvement in Vietnam began in 1957 and officially ended with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 - that's 16 years.

58,226 American soldiers were killed in action or classified as missing in action in Vietnam. A further 153,303 Americans were wounded to give total casualties of 211,529.

IRAQ
Major US military operations began in March, 2003 - that's 2 years and 5 months ago.

The US has lost 1,861 military men and woman during the War in Iraq.

With 2008 around the corner there are 99 other US Senators trying to get on the Sunday morning talk shows - Hagel's inflammatory remarks have guaranteed him good camera time for the foreseeable future... Mission Accomplished.

The Gaza Strip

2005-08-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sheehan and the Democratic Party

2005-08-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

A fantastic column from Mark Styen in the Chicago Sun-Times today about Cindy Sheehan and what she means to the Democratic Party.

A must read.

Can't wait 'till two thousand and eight

2005-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

We've all seen it, but isn't it worth seeing Hillary sprawled out on a piano, singing just one more time?

I think so.

And for those who have forgotten why we fight the GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR, click here.

Rub my belly and I'll say somethin' funny

2005-08-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Clinton Presidential Museum is selling a Bill Clinton talking action figure for the low, low price of $19.92

The talking doll speaks 21 famous quotes, according to the Web site... but doesn't list them.

Here are just a few that I bet didn't make the cut:

"Politics gives guys so much power that they tend to behave badly around women. And I hope I never get into that. "

"I tried to walk a line between acting lawfully and testifying falsely, but I now realize that I did not fully accomplish that goal."

"I did not inhale. "

"I did not have sex with that woman."

"It depends upon what your definition of 'is' is."

Fame, paid for by the blood of her son

2005-08-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

debate08 has already posted on Cindy Sheehan's anti-war agenda at the expense of her son's death. But today Matt Drudge reports that Sheehan is taking her rhetoric to another level.

Sheehan is using her new found fame, paid for by the blood of her son, to call for the impeachment of President Bush and Israel's departure from Palestine ... she's even using her son's death as an excuse not to pay her 2004 taxes (the year her son, Casey, died).

But some of Casey's relatives are not as quick to use his death to promote an agenda. In a letter released on Friday, Casey Sheehan's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins expressed dismay about Cindy's manipulation of her son's death.

The Sheehan Family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan.

She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the expense of her son's good name and reputation.

The rest of the Sheehan Family supports the troops, our country, and our President, silently, with prayer and respect.

Cindy Sheehan confirmed the authenticity of the letter on Michael Moore's Web site, saying that "they barely knew Casey."

But according to the Sacramento Union, the letter was also signed by Cindy's husband - and Casey's father - Pat, who separateded from his wife after their son's death.

Numbers look good for Hillary, despite drop

2005-08-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hillary's numbers have dropped since April, according to a WNBC/Marist Poll, conducted August 9, 2005.

In a head-to-head with Jeanine Pirro, who recently announced her bid for the Republican nomination, Hillary's support dropped from 64% to 50%. Pirro was consistent at 28% support, while the number of Undecided voters rose from 8 to 22%.

Clearly New York voters are intrigued by Pirro's candidacy and many have decided to withhold judgment until they get to know the Westchester County District Attorney better.

Name ID is always the toughest challenge for first-time statewide candidates. However, unlike charisma, a record or a message, Name ID can simply be bought.

Raise enough money, spend it correctly and every voter will know your name by Election Day.

While it's too early to tell how good a fundraiser Pirro will be or how deep into their pockets Republicans will be willing to go for her, Hillary is showing $8.7 million cash on hand with $3.9 million raised in the 2006 cycle.

Pirro has her work cut out for her.

Most Wanted

2005-08-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

The FBI's Web site lists the Most Wanted criminals, including the most wanted terrorist.

Surprisingly, the top spot is currently held by Al-Zawahiri, who among other things is thought to be Usama Bin Laden's doctor.

Here's my question, Since when has Bin Laden not been our most wanted terrorist?

Grief with an agenda

2005-08-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to imagine the pain Cindy Sheehan is going through with the death of her son, so I know I shouldn't judge the fact that she is now dishonoring his death - and those of hundreds of other men and women in Iraq. But I can't help it.

Her protest outside of Crawford, Texas - where Bush is spending the month of August - has gained national - and international - media attention.

She demands a meeting with the President. Why? What will she say to him? What does she expect him to say to her? Because her son died, the entire U.S. military should leave Iraq?

The Deputy White House Chief of Staff and the National Security Advisor both spent 20 mintues with Sheehan outside of the ranch ... she called those meetings "pointless" and still demands a meeting with Bush.

I agree that the meetings were meaningless. This woman has an anti-war agenda and there is nothing anyone can say - not even the President - to satisfy her.

What's she thinking?

2005-08-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

UPDATE ON AUGUST 13, 2005

debate08 asks below who is running Pirro's campaign so ineptly that they would allow an article on her official site that all but says Pirro will lose the election. Perhaps the same person who has page 10.

----------------------------

In case you missed it, Hillary Clinton has an opponent.

Westchester County district attorney Jeanine Pirro (campaign Web site) announced yesterday that she'll go head-to-head with the smartest, most focused politician in America.

Some may ask, "What's she thinking?" ... but that's a silly question. This week Pirro has catapulted herself onto the national stage. Not bad for a couple of day's work.

Now the trick will be to stay there.

Pirro's initial message was that New York needs - and deserves - a full-time Senator, not one with an eye on the White House. No surprise there.

But what is surprising is the bizarre news release (at least that's what I think it is as it's not attributed to a news source) on pirogue Web site. It starts out innocently enough, but then the second paragraph takes a turn for the worse:

Ms. Parry, a political moderate who supports abortion rights, gay rights and the death penalty, is seen by many Republicans in New York and Washington as their best hope of pulling off a big upset in 2006 by defeating Mrs. Clinton. More realistically, Republicans say that Ms. pirogue dogged style, sharp wit and telekinesis presence will help them raise tens of millions of dollars and at least bruise Mrs. Clinton in advance of her possible 2008 presidential run. Read the full text here.

"at least bruise"? I'm sorry, but has she just admitted defeat two days into the race? Who wrote this? Her campaign? A reporter? Why is this on her site? Who put this up?

If this is the kind of incompetence she surrounds herself with, then perhaps, "What's she thinking?" is a valid question after all.

"hostile" & "abusive"

2005-08-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

"hostile" and "abusive" could be used to describe movie critic attitudes toward The Dukes Of Hazzard that opened yesterday, but these terms have actually been called upon by the enlightened minds of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

No longer will colleges and universities be able to use "hostile" or "abusive" Native American nicknames, imagery or mascots during their end-of-season tournaments; during the regular season there's no problem, but come championship time - you know, when more people are tuning in - then you're either P.C. or you're out.

So, for instance, the "abusive" and "hostile" image above of the Florida State University Seminoles official logo will be banned; despite the fact that "the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida spoke unequivocally of its support for Florida State University in its use of the Seminole name and related symbols," according to a statement from FSU President T.K. Wetherell.

If the group that is being described isn't offended, should anyone else care?

From a statement on the NCAA Web site: The presidents and chancellors who serve on the NCAA Executive Committee have adopted a new policy to prohibit NCAA colleges and universities from displaying hostile and abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, nicknames or imagery at any of the 88 NCAA championships.

The NCAA Executives met in Indianapolis, Indiana to make this important decision.

Back to "War"

2005-08-04T19:12:00.000-07:00

Just days after getting ripped for his administrations apparent shift in terminology from "war on terror" to "global struggle against violent extremism" President Bush reversed course in a speech to the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative group of state legislators, in Texas.

Bush used the word "war" 13 times in a speech primarily about domestic issues:

''Make no mistake about it, this is a war against people who profess an ideology, and they use terror as a means to achieve their objectives,'' he said.

''We're at war with an enemy that attacked us on September the 11th, 2001 ... We're at war against an enemy that, since that day, has continued to kill.''

We are at ... struggle ...?

2005-08-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

One of the more nonsensical bumper stickers I see driving the streets of Los Angeles is the simple blue print on white background "War is not the answer" sticker - popular with Volvo and Saab drivers with no tees on ... I've often wanted to ask the driver, Well, what is the answer? But, alas, I lack the courage to confront such stupid, bumper sticker logic.

But our Commander in Chief has no such lack of courage! He has heard the silent question of thousands of bumper stickers and said, Yes, you're right, war is not the answer.

So, no longer will the United States be engaged in a "War on Terrorism". Now we're fighting a "Global Struggle Against Violent Extremism." Yes, your eyes do not deceive my fearless comrades, it stands for G-SAVE.

God SAVE us from the madness, more like it. And I suppose we should ignore the fact that on the White House Web site today, under Major Speeches is a link to the Presidents Commencement Address to the Naval Academy called "War on Terror."

Now, I'm not one for acronyms (although I'm involved in the NNA, the AHA, enjoy the YMCA, am member of AAA, celebrate the demise of the AFL-CIO and hold a BA) ... but I digress.

I did think it would be fun though to come up with some alternatives to G-SAVE, as I think it's a stupid name. But of course, the cutting edge writers at the Contra Costa Times beat me to it.

They offer the following worthy choices:

Moderates' Efforts Seeking Security (MESS)
Worldwide Initiative Mandating Peace (WIMP)

I guess we know where the Times stands in the Yeah Bush!/Boo Bush! debate.

But what say you? Give me your best acronyms ... keep them clean, of course, this is a family-friendly show and extra brownies for who ever comes up with a name with the acronym QUAGMIRE.

P.T.O.

2005-07-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Scott McClellan told reporters on Friday that President Bush will travel to his Texas ranch for the month of August - it will be his 50th trip to the ranch since becoming President five years ago.

Is it me, or is that a lot of Paid Time Off?

Now, I know that technically Bush works at the ranch - he clears brush and rides his bike, according to McClellan. But seriously, he will be hosting the President of Columbia and will presumably be running the free world from Crawford, Texas (is it any wonder that Europeans don't like us?)

But 50 times in 5 years? Let's break that down, shall we?

5 Christmas Holidays
5 Easter Holdiays
5 Memorial Days
5 4th of Julys
5 Thanksgivings
5 St. Patty's Days
5 Cinco de Mayos
5 Yom Kippurs
5 Earth Days
5 Kwanzas

Well, that's 50 times and when you look at it this way, it seems quite reasonable.

Have a nice holiday, Mr. President.

Hillary's search for a message

2005-07-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton has accepted the position of Chair of the Democratic Leadership Councils American Dream Initiative:

"The American Dream Initiative is a year-long project of the DLC that will engage political, business, labor, civic and intellectual leaders in a 'national conversation' to help shape a positive agenda for our country and the Democratic party."

It's about time the Democratic Party got a message other than the "the exact opposite of what Republicans say."

Hillary said she was "proud to take on the task of leading the American Dream Initiative" as it goes to the heart of what she believes about public service: "that we are here to leave our children a richer, safer and stronger land than we inherited from our parents."

I couldn't have said it cornier myself... welcome to presidential politics at its finest.

What's In a (Wizard) Name?

2005-07-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

The typical Harry Potter fan (it's okay, you can admit it here, I do), has spent many an hour pouring over the pages of JK Rowling's incredible series, and more likely than not you've wondered which character you resemble most in the wonderful world of wizards.

Well, here's a fun little web site where you can have your question answered. Type in your name and see which Harry Potter character you'd be playing in the next movie.

I - alas - am not Harry Potter caliber; I am Charlie Grubbly-Plank... who? you ask. Yeah, me too. Looks like I need to brush up on my Potter history.

Anyway, give it a shot... cross your fingers that you don't come up as one of those nasty Malfoy's. If Voldermot comes up, you've obviously got anger issues that should be addressed.

In the political spirit of this blog, I thought it might be fun to see how our most admired - or hated - political leaders measure up in the Wizard World.

George W. Bush = Bartemis Delacour
John Kerry = Vincent Evans
Hillary Clinton = Arabella Weasley
Bill Clinton = Owen Black
Dick Cheney = Anthony Macnair
John Edwards = Edgar Malfoy

Arnie's Crash & Burn in the CA Heat

2005-07-23T15:07:00.000-07:00

As if it isn't hot enough in California these days, we're seeing one of the more spectacular "crash and burn" jobs by a politician in recent memory... and as hot as I am sitting here in my non-air condition apartment, it's nothing like the heat on Arnie.

During a conference call yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger and his top advisors discussed whether to pull the plug on the highly touted November 8 Special Election.

It was supposed to be the crowning achievement of Arnold's overhaul effort of a corrupt and broken government. California voters would be given the opportunity to take the power back from the Sacramento bureaucrats ... but the wheels have been coming off this Reform Bus for weeks.

And two big wheels came off late last week when an initiative to "re-regulate" the power companies to help avoid rolling blackouts was ordered removed from the ballot by a California judge just one day after another judge stripped from the ballot the Governor's initiative to overhaul redistricting - seen by many as the key initiative of the election.

Two devastating hits in as many days. The heat wave won't be subsiding any time soon for Arnold.

With absolute delight...

2005-07-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

... CNN reports that It doesn't look good for Karl Rove

Hillary v. Allen

2005-05-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

That's the conensus of high-ranking House Republicans, according to Robert Novak.

Yes, Hillary will win the Democratic Nomination ... but Virginia Senator George Allen is not as sure a bet. He's not well known outside of Virginia and DC and he faces a tough re-election campaign for his Senate seat in '06 that will keep him in VA probably more than he'd like to be.

Of course, Hillary might also have a tough re-election campaign, if Republicans can draft the right candidate.

Cheney/Ashcroft '08

2005-05-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

If you would like to instantly infuriate every Democrat (and probably most Independents and even a few Republicans) click here, buy one and stick it on your car.

I assume this is a joke, but it would almost be worth it to see just how incensed Liberals would get.

Happy Anniversary

2005-04-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Teddy happily marked this day on his calendar - just like he does the Happy Hour schedule at the local pub - Abu Ghraib one year later.

Ted Kennedy's comments look to be just another attempt to push his agenda using the few bad members of our brave U.S. military.

But if Senator Kennedy's so interested in marking anniversaries, then why didn't he give celebratory remarks one year after the toppling of Saddam Hussein's statue in Baghdad?

On April 9, 2003 the world saw one of the most endearing images of freedom - EVER - thanks to the bravery of the same military men and women that Kennedy uses so deplorably today.

But on April 9, 2004 and 2005 Kennedy was silent. I suppose his mama taught him well ... if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all.

It's a disgrace though that a United States Senator can't muster some positive remarks about those who protect his liberties ... and on a day like today you couldn't drag him off the stage.

We should all be ashamed that he's in the United States Senate.

British media goes too far

2005-04-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

The BBC admitted today that they provided hecklers with microphones and sent them to a political rally for Conservative Party leader Michael Howard.

The BBC claimed that the exercise was part of a "completely legitimate programme about the history and art of political heckling" and said that other parties' meetings were being "observed".
However, The Telegraph established that none of Tony Blair's meetings were infiltrated or disrupted in a any way.

A Conservative Party spokesperson, in a letter to the BBC, accused the news organization of staging the event "to generate a false news story and dramatise coverage. . . intended to embarrass or ridicule the leader of the Conservative Party".

It's clear that the BBC brass wanted a news story of Howard being heckled, so they manufactured the episode. Those on the Right have long-believed that the BBC is not a vaild news organization, unable to remove its deep political bias from its news coverage.

This complete disregard for journalistic integrity proves the point.

Gee, why didn't we think of that...?

2005-04-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton has once again succeeded in positioning herself to the Right of most Republicans on a key issue - border security.

Clinton announced plans to push for legislation creating a Border Security Czar for the northern border who would be appointed by the Dept. for Homeland Security.

Clinton is pushing this idea while fighting against a Homeland Security proposal (backed by the Bush Administration) to require American's to show their passports when crossing our border shared with Canada.

The Czar idea is politically smart, of course, and probably has left many a Republican wondering why they didn't think of it themselves.

But on a lighter note, Hillary can forget about the 18-21 year-old vote living in Michigan, Ohio, and Upstate New York. I remember those days ... just shy of legal drinking age in the U.S. we'd often hop over the border for a pint - or two - where in Canada the drinking age is 18. Most kids that age either don't have - or at least don't have easy access - to their passports.

Just as well for Hillary that they never vote anyway!

Newt for President?

2005-04-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Newt Gingrich took his book tour for the recently published Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America through New Hampshire yesterday - site for the second head-to-head battle for each Parties nomination for President; the first being in Iowa.

When asked if he'll run in 2008 Gingrich responded, "I'll think about it in the summer of 2007.

I'm in New Hampshire, and I'll be in Iowa, and I'll be back in New Hampshire and I'll be back in Iowa. If you want to set the terms of the 2008 debate, these are the two best states [in which] to set it."

Sounds like a candidate for President to me... but could he win the nomination? And then beat Hillary?

Bolton Nomination

2005-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Senator George V. Voinovich of Ohio surprised everyone today when he decided he needed more time before casting a vote on the nomination of John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations.

Voinovich explained that his "conscience got" to him... surprising even his colleagues in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Three Republican Senators have expressed concern over the nomination of John Bolton... in addition to Voinovich, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island were glad to see more time given to review the nomination.

Their phone numbers are:

Voinovich - (202) 224-3353

Hagel - (202) 224-4224

Chafee - (202) 224-2921

Either call to congratulate them or tell them to get in line ... your choice.

RNC Raises $32 Million

2005-04-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Republican National Committee raised a record $32 million in the first three months of 2005.

The DNC has not yet released its figures.

Take a closer look at the money trail at Opensecrets.org

Hillary - genius or imbecile?

2005-04-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Is Hillary Clinton the brilliant politician we all assume she is?

Most believe YES, but in today's Opinion Journal, Jay Cost tries to prove otherwise ... and makes a pretty good case.

But sorry Jay, I'm not buying it ... the Clinton's haven't lost an election in 25 years and while its always been Bill at the forefront, Hillary's been taking notes.

She'll be tough to beat in 2008.

Dean doesn't know his audience

2005-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

DNC Chair Howard Dean was in Los Angeles this weekend at the California Democratic Convention... a fun-for-all Arnold Bash that had the three declared candidates for Governor whining and snipping at each other as much as beating up Schwarzenegger.

For those keeping score the three Democrats who have jumped into the ring are Attorney General Bill Lockyer, State Controller Steve Westly and Treasurer Phil Angelides.

Combined, these three candidates have as much personality as a damp towel.

In last night's speech to the Democrat faithful Howard Dean focused on changing the rhetoric used when talking about abortion:

"I think we need to talk about abortion differently," Dean said. "Republicans have painted us into a corner where they have forced us to defend abortion. I don't know anybody who's for abortion."

"We can make common ground with folks," he continued. "The issue we need to debate is not whether abortion is a good thing. The issue we need to debate is whether a woman gets to make up her own mind about her health care or whether Tom DeLay gets to make up her mind."

This may be a sound strategy, but Dean can forget about bringing the Democrat Faithful along with him...

"That's not the Democratic Party anymore," one Lefty activist said. "That's the party of the far right and that's the direction we're moving in when everybody starts talking about abandoning choice for women in the Democratic Party."

Being staunch pro-choice is what makes the Democrat party faithful tick - and it's these types that show up to state conventions in the middle of an off election year. Dean's right that if Democrats are going to be successful they need to tone down the abortion rhetoric, but his message will - and did this weekend - fall on deaf ears.

All he accomplished this weekend in LA was demoralizing a base that he will desperately need to work hard for him next year.

Mr. Prime Minister

2005-04-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I wrote about "the second most important politician in America," U.K. Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

The articulate case he made for war with Iraq, free elections and the overall power of democracy helped President Bush in more ways that I think even he is willing to admit.

So today's London polls showing Blair victorious in the May 5 parliamentary elections should come as welcome news to Bush and the eventual Republican nominee for President, whoever that may be.

The irony of course is that Blair is the Labour candidate - the liberal. The Conservative Party (or Torry) leader Michael Howard today announced - in the heat of campaign rhetoric - a 1.7 billion Pound tax cut to save the U.K.'s pension plan... sounds like Bush.

This would give Blair his third - and according to him - his last term as PM of Great Britain.

PREDICTION: McCain Will Not Be President

2005-04-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

John McCain's fate in the 2008 Republican primary will be sealed with his No vote on the judicial nomination issue (see today's earlier post)... but just in case there is still doubt about his future McCain's immigration reform could finish him for good.

We're talking pure politics here... whether a guest worker program is a good or bad plan is beside the point; whether creating a system in which illegal immigrants in this country can move toward legal status is a good or bad idea is also beside the point... both are great questions and great issues, but for this post they're not relevant.

The point here is that both of these issues will destroy a Republican candidate's hopes of capturing the nomination.

McCain has teamed with Senator Ted Kennedy on the plan, which Roll Call recently said will include the two controversial proposals mentioned above.

If the McCain/Kennedy plan allows for illegal immigrants to gain legal status, he'll be done as a Republican candidate for President... he might as well switch parties. And while bipartisanship is important to Independents and moderates, conservative Republicans will also look at McCain's partnership with Kennedy as a sign that he is not a true Republican, as many have believed all along.

Republicans have votes to end filibuster

2005-04-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Robert Novak writes today for Townhall.com that Republicans have the votes needed to end the Democrat filibusters on confirmation of judicial nominations.

The minority Democrats have thus far successfully blocked a full vote of the Senate on many of President Bush's nominees for the federal bench.

Three Republican Senators - Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and John McCain of Arizona - are expected to vote against the move but Republicans will still have the 50 votes necessary.

debate08 believes that in siding with the Democrats on this pivotal issue John McCain will essentially end any chance he has at the Republican nomination for President in 2008.

Where does it all go?

2005-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

As you scramble today to file those taxes (or extensions) why not check out where all that hard-earned money you make goes ...

Citizens Against Government Waste

WARNING: You may need a stiff drink after visiting this site.

Happy Tax Day!

No Gay Marriage in Oregon

2005-04-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

Folks on the Right have recently had to endure a run of extremely poor decisions (at least in their estimation) by "liberal" judges - the Schivao case and the fact that jurors in Denver can't look at a Bible when considering a death penalty case to name two.

So today's ruling by the Oregon Supreme Court to ban the almost 3,000 marriages between homosexuals that took place in one county must have come as a shock to both those on the Left and the Right.

In fact, it was such a shock to the Mayor of Portland, Tom Potter, that he uttered such a bizarre remark as to warrant the question of the week...

Potter said that today was "a sad day" and continued that, "I am especially saddened for my daughter, Katie. As a Portland police officer, she has put her life on the line to protect our community. Katie and her partner, Pam, married last March, with their two little girls watching. Now, I wonder, who will protect Katie and her family?"

Question: What in the world is he talking about? Now I know politicians like to run their families out onto the stage and use them as political propaganda every once in a while ... but doesn't this instance strike you as slightly strained? I mean honestly, what is he talking about? What possible relevance does her employment as a cop have to do with gay marriage?

Pataki in trouble; what about Hillary?

2005-04-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

The New York Post today reports on two new polls (one by Marist College the other by Siena College) that both show New York Governor George Pataki getting beat badly by Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in his bid for a fourth term.

Marist College poll:
60% Spitzer
33% Pataki

Siena College poll:
48% Spitzer
34% Pataki

Both polls also showed that former Mayor Rudy Giuliani would beat Spitzer.

As for the former first lady, Hillary may need to tend to her own fence before launching her national assault for the White House.

In a repeat of the early-2000 election, Giuliani v. Hillary, the Marist survey found Giuliani the winner, 49% to 47%; the Siena poll found Clinton ahead, 52% 41%

What does all this mean? Not much. The only thing these polls may do is hurt Pataki's fund raising efforts... other than that, they're meaningless.

Too dumb to vote?

2005-04-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

John Kerry told an audience yesterday that intimidation and trickery caused many not to vote last November.

''Leaflets are handed out saying Democrats vote on Wednesday, Republicans vote on Tuesday. People are told in telephone calls that if you've ever had a parking ticket, you're not allowed to vote,'' Kerry said.

Here's my question: If people are stupid enough to fall for these lines, do we really want them involved in the election of the leader of the free world?

Hillary in the Raw

2005-04-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

An internal fight is brewing in the halls of Penguine publishing house about a new book, Hillary in the Raw, set for a September release, that apparently has "revelations in it [that] should sink her candidacy," according to a source close to the author, Ed Klein.

Penguine's no stranger to politically charged literature... its editors published Kerry's official campaign book last year... but will they publish a book that could sink their Democratic Savior?

Drudge has the story.

Rudy '08

2005-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

By stating last week that he will not run for the New York Senate seat or Governor's mansion next year, many believe Rudy Giuliani essentially announced his run for President in 2008.

But the New York Daily News asks today if Republicans are capable of nominating a man who has been married three times, supports gun control, gay rights and a woman's right to an abortion ... it's a good question.

debate08 believes the answer is No, Republicans are not capable of such a thing ... even if it means handing the White House to Hillary Clinton.

Republicans - at least the one's who work in and help shape the primary campaigns - would rather go home at night knowing they voted their moral principles and lost, than compromise those principles and win.

Hillary Meter ...

2005-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Updated - 8:15 PM

Of course, Hillary still has trouble leaving her liberal views totally behind ... "two U.S. senators, Democrats Hillary Clinton of New York and Patty Murray of Washington, vowed Thursday to block President Bush's nominee to head the Federal Drug Administration until the agency rules on whether the morning-after pill could be sold over the counter." [Full story here.]

--------------------------------------------
Moderate Makeover Working for Hillary!

43% of Americans believe Hillary Clinton is liberal ... down from 51%, according to pollster Scott Rasmussen.

63% of Americans believe she'll be the Democrat nominee in 2008.

See complete numbers here.

How about you ... is she liberal or not?

Bush and Clinton Sitting In A Tree ...

2005-04-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Bush and Clinton are getting awfully chummy these days ... much to the chagrin, I would imagine, of many on the Right.

President Bush solicited foreign policy advice from former President Bill Clinton at CIA briefings this week and even told Mr. Clinton that he liked his approach to reforming Social Security ... Read on here.

Pope John Paul II (1920 -2005)

2005-04-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

As Catholics across the globe mourn the death - and celebrate the wonderful life - of Pope John Paul II the guessing game has already begun on who will be his successor.

And thanks to The Teaching Company (and to Hugh Hewitt for spreading the word on this) you can learn all about the fascinating history and process of papal elections. Click here for the free downloads.

Matthew 25:21
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

God Bless, John Paul.

Running on the backs of the poor?

2005-04-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

John Edwards - former Senator from North Carolina and Democratic Veep nominee - says he's not running for President in 2008 ... at least not yet.

But instead he's "pouring [his] heart and soul into" poverty and has started a new poverty center in his home state.

Of course he said this while on the radio in Iowa - the site of the first presidential caucus in '08 and where the chosen few candidates will rise to the top while the rest begin their short decent into oblivion.

Kerry won in Iowa - Edwards second and Dean third - and that win began Kerry's steamroll of the D-primaries; just like it would have started Edwards' or Dean's if they had won.

That's why Iowan's are getting so much attention these days ... and it's fun to watch the politicians go out of their way to say they're not running. They make the pilgrimage to Iowa and once there stress - at least publicly -how it's too early to start talking about 2008.

Of course Edwards met with key Iowa Dem. party officials and backers of his 2004 campaign ... but I'm sure all they talked about was poverty.

Here's my question: Since when did poverty become a national issue on which to launch a presidential campaign? What does Edwards know that we don't? And please don't respond by saying he's doing this ONLY becomes he cares about the poor - I'm sure he does care if they're poor, unless they ask him to defend them in court. But let's be honest, shall we? He's running for President - just like the rest of them. So why poverty?

Click here to see results and info on the 2004 Iowa Caucus.

Pataki for President

2005-03-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

George Pataki ... will he or won't he?

Ah, it's good to be an Iowan!

2005-03-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

The Associate Press today writes about the courting already under way of key Iowan political figures by both Republican and Democrat presidential hopefuls.

For instance, "when Iowa Senate Republican leader Stewart Iverson found himself in Washington without a seat for the inaugural parade, New York Gov. George Pataki's staff produced tickets to a parade-watching party and an invitation to lunch.

'Those tickets came right away,' Iverson said."

Poll

2005-03-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

Scroll down to the newly added poll on debate08. Who do you think should be the Republican nominee for President? Democrats, weigh in a pick your candidate.

Results will be cleared periodically and posted; candidates will be added and subtracted according to the latest news.

Try and play fair - I know it's difficult - but if you're a Republican, don't vote in the Democrat poll and vice versa.

Hillary '08

2005-03-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hillary is already picking off Kerry's supports, according to today's Boston Globe ... there is no way she loses a D - primary.

Mrs. Bush predicts...

2005-03-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Hillary will lose in 2008 ... from one First Lady to another [read it here]

Florida: Killing Adults & Arresting Kids

2005-03-25T10:18:00.000-08:00

Ten year old child arrested - and dragged off in handcuffs - for trying to give a dying woman a glass of water.

There was a time in this country when this headline would have been seen as a not-so-funny joke ... no longer.

Judges Reign

2005-03-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

President Bush today said that he and Congress have done all they can to help Terri Schiavo ... while Marc Siegel in USA Today outlines the terrifying precedents of Terri's life and death decisions being decided by lawyers and Judges, instead of doctors.

The Value of Human Life

2005-03-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

In the Netherlands, under the ominous Groningen Protocol, doctors are killing children with deformities - sometimes without the consent of the parents;

... Under the Groningen protocol, if doctors at the hospital think a child is suffering unbearably from a terminal condition, they have the authority to end the child's life. The protocol is likely to be used primarily for newborns, but it covers any child up to age 12.

A parent's role is limited under the protocol. While experts and critics familiar with the policy said a parent's wishes to let a child live or die naturally most likely would be considered, they note that the decision must be professional, so rests with doctors.

2) In the U.K. recently two doctors were not criminally charged in a case where they aborted a fetus because they saw evidence of a cleft palate;

3) In Florida, Terri Schaivo continues to starve to death per the wishes of her husband and rulings from state and federal court;

4) The government of the U.K. supports stem cell research that is tantamount to human cloning.

What - if anything - do these four situations say about the value of human life in our society? How did we come to this? How prominent a role will these issues play in future U.S. elections?

I'd be interested to hear the thoughts of those who believe these are positive developments for society.

LIFE may still yet prevail

2005-03-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

UPDATE:

U.S. District Judge James Whittemore has still not determined if Terri Schiavo's feeding tube should be reinserted ... meanwhile she continues to die.

Show your support for Terri and her family.

------------------------------------------

Now that Terri Schiavo has been afforded the same legal rights as Scott Peterson or any other murderer sentenced to death (the right to a review by a federal court) her life still remains in the hands of a one man - a judge.

Iraq War protests

2005-03-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've all been reading of the many Iraq War protests in the U.S., Europe and South America on the 2nd Anniversary of the beginning of the war.

I've been searching the Web for a while now but still haven't found a news story describing any Iraq War protests IN Iraq.

debate

2005-03-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

Should the federal government be going to these extraordinary measures - see below - to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo?

Senate Votes For LIFE

2005-03-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

The US Senate today - just moments ago - unanimously passed legislation to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo.

House Democrats Choose DEATH

2005-03-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

Democrats today blocked an attempt by House Republicans to pass legislation - by voice vote - to prolong the life of Terri Schiavo.

Republicans needed Democrats to allow the passage of the bill "without objection" ... Dems objected and have forced Republicans to gather 218 of the 435 representatives (the minimum number of legislators needed for a roll call) back to Washington. Most lawmakers had left D.C. for their Easter break.

If they get the 218 representatives, Republicans plan to begin session at 12:01 am on Monday; and President Bush has changed his travel plans so he'll be in D.C. to sign any emergency legislation.

A CALL TO ACTION #2

2005-03-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

As I posted yesterday, there IS a way you can help Terri Schiavo and her parents. Yes, it's symbolic - but it's powerful.

Send bottled water and non-perishable food to the Hospice Center where Terri is slowly being starved to death:

Hospice House - Woodside
6770 102nd Avenue
Pinellas Park, FL 33782

A CALL TO ACTION

2005-03-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

This great idea came to me from an unlikely source ... on probably most political issues lesbiencestmoi and I disagree. But she contacted me with a terrific idea to show support for Terry Schiavo and her parents.

Please click here for lesbiencestmoi's blog, read today's post, and then do what she says!

I've contacted Hugh Hewitt in the hope that he'll broadcast the idea during his national radio show on Monday. Email any and all radio personalities you know and ask them to do the same.

The Power of the Blog got Dan Rather fired ... great. But what if that same power could help save the life of Terri Schiavo?

"It will take one or two weeks for Schiavo to die"

2005-03-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

The Terri Schiavo case is taking turn after turn today, and for fear of not being able to keep up and accidentally posting incorrect or out-dated information, I'm avoiding the issue and suggest readers visit Captain's Quarters blog here for the most current news.

But I was struck by the line I've used for my title today, taken from the Miami Herald. This is referring to how long it will take Terry to die after they remove the feeding tube.

Doesn't that say it all? Where are the opponents of the death penalty now, with their cries of cruel and unusual punishment? Even Scott Peterson gets better treatment than this.

Click here for timeline of the events since Terri's collapse in 1990.

Bush says "life"

2005-03-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

President's Statement on Terri Schiavo

The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected - and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.

# # #

If a doctor kills, is it murder?

2005-03-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

Cleft lip abortion done 'in good faith' ... A British court dropped charges against two doctors who aborted a child because he/she had a cleft palate ... the mother was over 6 months pregnant at the time.

Put your $ where your mouth is...

2005-03-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Place your bets on the 2008 Presidential Nominees here.

Dems get tough

2005-03-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

In their latest issue,The New Yorker writes about the new and improved, hawkish Democrat ...

Senator Joe Biden "has become a leader of a modest-sized faction—'the national-security Democrats,' in the words of Richard Holbrooke, an ambassador to the United Nations under President Clinton—that includes the most hawkish members in the Democratic Party. Among them are Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the former Vice-Presidential candidate John Edwards, Senator Evan Bayh, of Indiana, and Governor Bill Richardson, of New Mexico"

Notice that ALL are contenders for the Democrats 2008 Presidential nomination.

[Read the full article here]

CA Gay Marriage Ban "unconstitutional"

2005-03-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

In 2000, 61% of voting Californians voted YES on Proposition 22 (Defense of Marriage Act), which defined marriage as "between one man and one woman."

In raw numbers: 4,618,673 votes were cast in favor of the proposition for 61.4% of the total vote. Opponents garnered 2,909,370 votes, for 38.6% of the vote

But now one Judge has thwarted the will of the majority calling the ban unconstitutional.

Read it here.

Size Matters

2005-03-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

Anti-Syrian protestors marched in Lebanon today in what may have been the largest demonstration for Lebanese free-rule of its kind in the region.

Today's show of support from the pro-Lebanon, anti-Syria movement follows two similar protests from the pro-Syrians, during which thousands were bused into the region to boost the numbers. Today's march needed to be big ... bigger than the previous demonstrations.

And it was.

Earlier today Hugh Hewitt interviewed Claudia Rosett who is in Lebanon ... she reports the number above 1 million. [Read her report previous report here]

But both the BBC and NPR tonight report the number in the "hundreds of thousands"

Is it surprising that these two news agencies would lowball the number? Or, a fair question is, did they lowball the number?

This may seem trivial to some, but don't make that mistake. Forget the fact that the world's watching ... the rest of the region - namely Iran - is watching.

The fire that was ignited with the assassination of the former President of Lebanon has spread across the land and may yet spill into Iran.

Demonstrations such as this will play a important role in making that happen.

A good read ...

2005-03-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

Once you've debated 08, check out decision08

What's Dean hiding?

2005-03-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Howard Dean, the newly elected head of the DNC, left the Governor's mansion in Vermont in 2003, but not before sealing 86 boxes of documents for 10 years - the longest period of time documents have been sealed by a Vermont Governor.

Why?

Dean told reporters in 2003 that they were sealed because "we [Dean, Sec. of State Deborah Markowitz and Attorney General William Sorrell] didn't want anything embarrassing appearing in the papers at a critical time in any future endeavor."

Hmm. Okay. Anyone else have a problem with that?

A Vermont Judge had recently ordered Dean & Co. to explain - for every single document - why it should be covered under executive privilege and sealed from the public. Tomorrow the Vermont Supreme Court will hear an appeal from the state on why the documents should remain sealed.

Should a Governor be able to seal documents for ten years? For less or more time? For no time at all?

What about the President? Should the media, citizens, and the entire world have complete access to every document in the White House, immediately after a change in administration? I think we can all agree that that's a bad idea (unless you own stock in a paper shredder manufacturer)

But what exactly was going on in Vermont that's so sensitive to warrant a decade-long public ban?

"I won't"

2005-03-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

Secretary Rice this morning on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos was once again asked about a run for President in 2008:

"I don't know how many times to say no ... I won't, how's that?"

Secretary Rice: A "mildly pro-choice" Republican; does no rule out 2008 run

2005-03-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

In a Washington Times interview [full transcript here; Times article here], Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice did not rule out a run for the presidency in 2008.

Of the 7,800 word exchange only 1,000 were dedicated to topics other than foreign policy, the 2008 election and abortion specifically.

When asked if she was ruling out a run in 2008 Rice responded, "Oh, that's not fair, but ... I really can't imagine it."

And then the topic turned to abortion:

I believe if you go back to 2000, when I helped the president in the campaign, I said that I was, in effect, kind of Libertarian on this issue, and meaning by that that I have been concerned about a government role in this issue. I'm a strong proponent of parental choice, of parental notification. I'm a strong proponent of a ban on late-term abortion. These are all things that I think unite people and I think that that's where we should be. I've called myself at times mildly pro-choice ...

... I'm very comfortable with the president's view that we have to respect and need to have a culture that respects life. This should be an issue pretty infrequently because we ought to have a culture that says that, "Who wants to have an abortion? Who wants to see a daughter or a friend or, you know, a sibling go through something like that?" And so I believe the president has been in exactly the right place about this, which is, we have to respect the culture of life and we have to try and bring people to have respect for it and make this as rare a circumstance as possible.

And on issues of faith Rice also echoes President Bush:

... my faith is a part of everything that I do. You know, it's integral to who I am and it's not something that I can set outside of anything that I do because it's so integral to who I am. And prayer is very important to me and a belief that if you ask for it, you will be guided.

Would Republicans nominate a "mildly pro-choice" Republican, even one of faith?

Ironically, Rice's rhetoric on abortion here is almost identical to the dramatic shift made by Hillary earlier this year.

It's the age-old political balancing act:

Hillary is trying to soften her views on abortion to look more electable and have appeal to moderate Republicans and Independents after she's captured the D-Nomination. But she can't go too soft if she wants the nomination.

By contrast, if Rice was to run for the White House, would she need to harden her views to capture the R-Nomination? And how would that play out against Hillary in the General Election?

Is it conceivable that Hillary and Rice could sound virtually identical on the most contentious issue in politics? (Of course, that's if anyone really beleives Hillary's obvious pandering)

Another unanswered question: Is Rice capable of adjusting her deeply held political views to win an election? She's never had to do it before ... only time will tell.

Bye, Bye Dan

2005-03-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight is Dan Rather's last night of anchoring the CBS Evening News ... and he's going out with a "candid memoir" on his 24 years behind the desk.

Remember to commemorate his farewell with a witty t-shirt from iHeartBloggers.com

I Broke My Blog...

2005-03-08T19:58:00.000-08:00

For some odd reason my right sidebar is defaulting to the bottom of the page ... the good folks at Blogger.com are on the case, and I'm sure we'll be back to normal soon.

In the meantime, if you're looking for a list of recent posts or a list of my links, you'll need to scroll to the bottom of the page. Feel free to read your way down!

Hillary v. Rudy, again?

2005-03-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Results at a glance of a poll released today by Marist College's Institute for Public Opinion

If the 2008 Democratic presidential primary were held today, whom would you support if the candidates are:

Hillary Clinton 39%
John Kerry 21%
John Edwards 15%
Joe Biden 5%
Wesley Clark 4%
Russ Feingold 2%
Bill Richardson 2%
Evan Bayh 1%
Mark Warner 1%
Tom Vilsack <1%
Undecided 10%

If the 2008 Republican presidential primary were held today, whom would you support if the candidates are:

Rudy Giuliani 25%
John McCain 21%
Condoleezza Rice 14%
Jeb Bush 7%
Newt Gingrich 5%
Bill Frist 3%
Bill Owens 2%
Mitt Romney 1%
Rick Santorum 1%
George Pataki 1%
Chuck Hagel <1%
George Allen <1%
Undecided 20%

Head-to-head match ups:

In Hillary v. Rudy, she goes down, 49% - 47%

Against John McCain, Hillary is beat, 54% - 42%

Rudy beats John Kerry, 50% - 44%

McCain beats Kerry by 18% and Edwards by 12%

Of the 1,009 Americans polled, 851 are registered voters with 427 Democrat or leaning that way and 347 Republican or leaning that way.

Goodbye Mr. Rather

2005-03-05T10:02:00.000-08:00

For all those who are pleased to see Dan Rather go on Wednesday and appreciate the power of the Blog that gave him the boot ... check out these tee-shirts.

Visit the site here, iHeartBloggers.com

I Fought the Blog ... And the Blog Won

"Playing with fire"

2005-03-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Iran's Hasan Rowhani said today that any attempt by Washington to make Iran's temporary suspension of uranium enrichment permanent would "cause additional problems for America"

Rowhani warned that Iran will halt negotiations and resume uranium enrichment "without any hesitation" if negotiators insist Iran make its temporary suspension of uranium enrichment permanent.

"Therefore, no one will benefit from this. It's playing with fire."

"If there is no U.S. pressure, we will reach a compromise with Europeans in the near future," Rowhani said. "Europeans are not seeking a permanent halt to our peaceful nuclear program and denying the Iranian nation of its rights."

Exactly ... a "compromise" that gives Iran nuclear weapons. That's why the U.S. must - and under President Bush, will - continue to apply "pressure."

Oh, and by the way Mr. Rowhani, last time I checked, America - and President Bush - did not respond well to threats.

A President from Utah?!?

2005-03-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Davidson Law for his comment about adding Mike Leavitt, former Governor of Utah, to our list of "Governors to President"

I honestly had not thought of him ... I wonder how The Left would react to a President from Utah?

But, unfortunatley, Blogging Airman had trouble with the question and wonders why my list didn't include Condi (I hate when people call her that) Rice, Zell Miller etc.

Of course, if he had read the title of the post Governors to President, he'd realize why people who have never been Governor are not on the list. You can only lead a horse to water, as they say.

Not to worry, it happens to the best of us ... thanks for the comments, keep 'em comming.

From Governor to President

2005-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Both political parties understand the benefits of nominating a Governor for President; no pesky Congressional voting record to defend.

Here's a run-down of the top Governor's eyeing the White House:

Democrats
Tom Vilsack, IA: Early favorite to win the Iowa caucuses.
Mark Warner, VA: A Southern Democrat? That's unheard of!
Phil Bredesen, TN: Would he lose home state like Al Gore did?
Bill Richardson, NM: Too liberal for America ... perfect for the Nomination.
Jennifer Granholm, MI: Canadian-born; she's on the Go Arnie Go! campaign.
Janet Napolitano, AZ: McCain as GOP'er would keep it all in the family.
Rod Blagojevich, IL: Isn't there a rule that we have to be able to pronounce the name of our President?

Republicans
Arnold Schwarzenegger, CA: Oh, right ... forget the comment about Blagojevich.
Mitt Romney, MA: Not another Boston Red Sox fan!
George Pataki, NY: What about Rudy?
Jeb Bush, FL: We'll rename the White House, Bush Place.
Haley Barbour, MS: No name ID west of the river.
Mike Huckabee, AR: I Heart Huckabees was a very odd movie
Mark Sanford, SC: Close ties to John McCain ... would he run against him?
Bill Owens, CO: Popular Governor, but suffered political losses in '04

You Tell Me:

Of the list above, who are your choices for the Nominations?

Info. from Washington Post

Iran

2005-03-03T16:39:00.000-08:00

Israel and the U.S. can not wait until Iran has nuclear capabilities ... and they're on their way as reported today (or tomorrow in Vienna) by the Associated Press.

No closure for many families of 9-11 victims

2005-03-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

New York authorities finally ended efforts last week to identify victims of the 9-11 attacks.

42% of the dead - 1,164 people - have not been linked to remains.

NY medical examiners have 9,720 unidentified bone and tissue fragments but their DNA is either deteriorated or missing altogether making further positive matches impossible with current technology.

"At first it was a great blow," said Anne Mulderry, whose son Stephen's remains were identified. "But afterwards it was a great comfort when his remains were found ... I do pray for people who have not been allowed that."

We should all join in that prayer.

"Robed Masters"

2005-03-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia, along with Justice Thomas and Chief Justice Rehnquist, dissented in the case of Ropper v. Simmons.

Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion in this case overruled the laws of 18 states that allow for the execution of minors in extreme cases of first degree murder ... this opinion also reversed a 1989 opinion by the Supreme Court that allowed states to execute those convicted of a capital crime who are over 15 years of age but under 18 years of age.

A debate over whether we should sentence minors to death in America can be placed on hold for another day.

The alarming issue I wish to discuss here is that five un-elected judges, "Robed Masters" according to Scalia, have overturned the will of the people in 18 states on this issue ... and based on what?

Kennedy cites "evidence of [a] national consensus against the death penalty for juveniles" that was not apparent in '89 ... but not in those 18 states, I'm willing to bet.

He then incredibly cites, "Article 37 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which every country in the world has ratified save for the United States and Somalia, [which] contains an express prohibition on capital punishment for crimes committed by juveniles under 18"

In other words ... if other countries don't execute juveniles, then neither should we.

In the opening remarks of his dissent, Scalia fires back:

"In urging approval of a constitution that gave life-tenured judges the power to nullify laws enacted by the people's representatives, Alexander Hamilton assured the citizens of New York that there was little risk in this, since [t]he judiciary ha[s] neither FORCE nor WILL but merely judgment. The Federalist No. 78, p. 465 (C. Rossiter ed. 1961).

But Hamilton had in mind a traditional judiciary, bound down by strict rules and precedents which serve to define and point out their duty in every particular case that comes before them. Id., at 471.

Bound down, indeed.

What a mockery today's opinion makes of Hamilton's expectation, announcing the Court's conclusion that the meaning of our Constitution has changed over the past 15 years not, mind you, that this Court' s decision 15 years ago was wrong, but that the Constitution has changed.

The Court reaches this implausible result by purporting to advert, not to the original meaning of the Eighth Amendment, but to the evolving standards of decency, ante, at 6 (internal quotation marks omitted), of our national society.

It then finds, on the flimsiest of grounds, that a national consensus which could not be perceived in our peoples laws barely 15 years ago now solidly exists. Worse still, the Court says in so many words that what our people's laws say about the issue does not, in the last analysis, matter: "[I]n the end our own judgment will be brought to bear on the question of the acceptability of the death penalty under the Eighth Amendment" Ante, at 9 (internal quotation marks omitted).

The Court thus proclaims itself sole arbiter of our Nation's moral standards and in the course of discharging that awesome responsibility purports to take guidance from the views of foreign courts and legislatures.

Because I do not believe that the meaning of our Eighth Amendment, any more than the meaning of other provisions of our Constitution, should be determined by the subjective views of five Members of this Court and like-minded foreigners, I dissent.

Scalia is absolutely right ... whether you agree with Kenndy et. all or not, it should be very troubling to see these "Robed Masters" take it upon themselves to overturn the will of the people in almost half the states in the union.

You can read Scalia's opinion in full here, or Kennedy's here.

Housekeeping Note:

2005-02-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

debate08 has added Blogs of Interest to the right-hand side of the page ... there are Blogs from the Left, Right, and Center.

Just added are Higher Pie, Political Teen, From the Bleachers, and Davidson's Law

Bush: Leader of A free world

2005-02-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

Don't look now, but Bush's vision for the world - with liberty and democracy spreading across the Middle East - is taking shape.

Elections in Iraq and Afghanistan began the transformation, and two events in as many days have sped the process dramatically.

Over the weekend, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's order that the constitution be changed to allow challengers on the ballot this fall signifies that the world's most populous Arab nation will hold multi-party presidential elections - for the first time - ever.

And just today, in Lebanon, the pro-Syrian government has resigned, paving the way for elections in that country, free of Syrian influence.

What was the impetus for these two most recent events?

Walid Jumblatt, leader of the anti-Syria movement in Lebanon, had this to say last week:

"It's strange for me to say it, but this process of change has started because of the American invasion of Iraq," explains Jumblatt.

"I was cynical about Iraq. But when I saw the Iraqi people voting three weeks ago, 8 million of them, it was the start of a new Arab world." Jumblatt says this spark of democratic revolt is spreading. "The Syrian people, the Egyptian people, all say that something is changing. The Berlin Wall has fallen. We can see it."
[Read full story here]

This is a truly incredible statement that validates the President's once thought of us 'pie in the sky' foreign policy. Undoubtedly no major American media outlets will pick it up and the Left will continue to harp on Bush's "mis-handling of Iraq" ... meanwhile, liberty will continue to spread and the world will be a better place because Bush is President.

Powell Speaks

2005-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

I've always been a supporter of Colin Powell and have a great deal of respect for him ... so it's incredibly disappointing to read the UK's Telegraph today, in which Powell chose to criticize Iraqi troop levels and discuss his problems with Secretary Rumsfeld.

As the former public official charged with making the President's case on foreign affairs to the world, and with Secretary Rice currently overseas doing exactly that, you'd think Powell would know better than to undermine their efforts by criticizing US foreign policy to a foreign newspaper.

Perhaps his comments were taken "out of context" (like everyone else's comments when they say something regrettable) but the mere fact that he's talking to a foreign paper is troubling.

Ragged Old Flag

2005-02-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

Came across this great Johnny Cash tune...

Ragged Old Flag

I walked through a county courthouse square,

On a park bench an old man was sitting there.

I said, Your old courthouse is kinda run down.

He said, Naw, it'll do for our little town.

I said, Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,

And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it.

He said, Have a seat, and I sat down.

Is this the first time you've been to our little town?

I said, I think it is. He said, I don't like to brag,

But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.

You see, we got a little hole in that flag there

When Washington took it across the Delaware.

And it got a bad rip in New Orleans

With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.

And it almost fell at the Alamo

Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though.

She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville

And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,

And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.

On Flanders Field in World War I

She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.

She turned blood red in World War II

She hung limp and low a time or two.

She was in Korea and Vietnam.

She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam.

She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,

And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.

In her own good land she's been abused --

She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused.

And the government for which she stands

Is scandalized throughout the land.

And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,

But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.

'Cause she's been through the fire before

And I believe she can take a whole lot more.

So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night.

We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right.

On second thought I DO like to brag,

'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag.

Judge Me, Judge Me Not

2005-02-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

The showdown in the Senate on President Bush's nominees for the Federal bench will likely be a long and heated one that could potentially shut the Congress down.

And the water was further muddied by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter today when he expressed concern about using the "nuclear option" to get the President's nominees an up or down vote in the full Senate.

Remember folks, that all we're talking about here ... an up or down vote by the full 100-member Senate.

Here's what gets me confused: The American people voted a Republican into the White House and more Republicans than Democrats into the US Senate. But, Democrats - in the minority - are able to deny the President's nominees a vote based on the fact that they're too Republican.

I guess the Will of the People doesn't matter anymore.

WANTED: GENUINE DEBATE

2005-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

It must become the central issue of the 2008 elections if we're ever going to have a real dialogue and find a real solution.

The issue? Illegal immigration.

See today's USA Today's article Despite new technology, Border Patrol overwhelmed ... key excerpts are below:

... 11,000 men and women who serve as the borders front-line defense are overwhelmed. Despite an influx of new technology, such as underground sensors and cameras that pan the desert, agents catch only about one-third of the estimated 3 million people who cross the border illegally every year...

... Most of the illegals are poor Mexican laborers looking for work. But officials are alarmed that a growing number hail from Central and South America, Asia, even Mideast countries such as Syria and Iran. In 2003, the Border Patrol arrested 39,215 so-called "OTMs," or other-than-Mexicans, along the Southwest border. In 2004, the number jumped to 65,814.

... James Loy, deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told Congress last week, "Several al-Qaeda leaders believe operatives can pay their way into the country through Mexico and also believe illegal entry is more advantageous than legal entry for operational security reasons."

These statements should concern us all ... and the American public deserves to see and hear a genuine debate by level-headed public officials on what they believe should be done to end this national security risk. The problem is, when was the last time that happened during a presidential election?

Footnote:
You may agree or disagree with George W.'s guest worker proposal, but at the very least it's sparking debate. And until the President's proposal is fully flushed out and formally proposed we should withhold judgment.

But while I'm a supporter of the current administration, clearly not enough has been done in the past 4 years (and especially after 9/11) to protect our borders.

It makes the political world go round...

2005-02-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

The RNC has 6 times more money on hand that the DNC as they cast their eyes to the 2006 elections ...

--------------------------------------------------------
RNC Holds 6 Times More Cash Than Dems

By SHARON THEIMER
Associated Press Writer

February 22, 2005, 4:37 PM EST WASHINGTON -- The Republican National Committee began the month with a 6-to-1 financial advantage over its Democratic counterpart, with $16.5 million in the bank compared to the Democratic National Committee's $2.6 million.

The RNC raised $10.5 million in January, according to its monthly report to the Federal Election Commission.

The GOP spent $8.7 million, including a $1 million transfer to Senate Republicans' fund-raising committee and nearly $1 million in telemarketing, according to an analysis by Political Money Line, a nonpartisan campaign finance tracking service.

The DNC raised $4.1 million last month, based on its FEC report. It spent $7.6 million, including a donation of $1.5 million to Virginia Lt. Gov. Timothy Kaine's campaign for governor and a $1 million transfer to the Senate Democrats' fund-raising committee.

The disparity between the two national committees in January fund raising illustrates the benefit President Bush's re-election to the White House can have day to day for his party. However, all is not lost for new DNC Chairman Howard Dean; in the last election cycle, though behind early on, the Democratic National Committee eventually exceeded the RNC in contributions by several million dollars.

Among other party committees filing January reports this week:

The National Republican Senatorial Committee began February with $1.7 million in the bank and no debt. It raised $5.3 million in January and spent $4.6 million.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had $475,648 left after paying off post-election debts. It raised nearly $2.7 million last month and spent just under $2.6 million.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which raises money for House Democrats, began February with $11 million in debt from last year's elections. It had $1.5 million in the bank as this month began. The DCCC raised $1.5 million and spent $1.7 million in January.

The National Republican Congressional Committee, the House GOP's fund-raising committee, reported $2 million on hand. It raised $4.6 million and spent $5.8 million last month. The spending included $3.5 million on phone banks.

--------------------------------------------------------

Felons for Hillary!

2005-02-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Can't beleive I missed this one last week ... thanks to California Conservatives for Truth for posting it ...

--------------------------------------------------------

Sen. Clinton Pushes for Voting Holiday
Thu Feb 17, 4:15 PM ET

By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (news - web sites), a possible White House candidate in 2008, joined 2004 nominee John Kerry (news - web sites) and other Democrats Thursday in urging that Election Day be made a federal holiday to encourage voting.
AP Photo

She also pushed for legislation that would allow all ex-felons to vote. (my emphasis)

Standing with Massachusetts Sen. Kerry and other Democrats who had alleged voting irregularities in the 2004 contest, Clinton said, "Once again we had a federal election that demonstrates we have a long way to go."

"I think it's also necessary to make sure our elections meet the highest national standards," said the New York senator.

She and Kerry, both considered contenders for the 2008 nomination, were joined by Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who forced a highly unusual House and Senate debate Jan. 6 on the presidential election results.

Kerry, who lost the national contest by 3.3 million votes nationwide, and 118,000 within Ohio, denied the bill was an attempt to discredit the 2004 results.

"This has nothing to do with me," said Kerry. "It is not partisan, or shouldn't be."
Clinton echoed those comments, though her senatorial re-election committee, Friends of Hillary, is pushing the bill hard.

Visitors to the group's Web site are greeted first with a full-page form asking people to endorse the Count Every Vote Act.

"My Web site has information about everything I work on. This is one of my biggest priorities and obviously I hope that people who share our goal of making sure every vote counts will support us," said Clinton.

In addition to creating a federal holiday for voting, the bill would:
_Require paper receipts for votes.

_Authorize $500 million to help states make the changes in voting systems and equipment.

_Allow ex-felons to vote. Currently an estimated 4.7 million Americans are barred from voting because of their criminal records.

_Require adoption of the changes in time for the 2006 election.

Boxer said the bill "is meant to ensure the election debacle of 2000, and the serious election irregularities of 2004, never ever happen again."

Both parties have called for changes to ensure a more accurate vote count. Republican efforts have centered on reducing voter fraud, while Democrats have called for making access to the ballot box easier and simpler.

"Immediate National Security Risk" ... ?

2005-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

You may not have heard, but ChoicePoint Inc, one of the nation's largest collectors of consumer data, announced today that thieves infiltrated their computers and stole - in a year-long scam - sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and credit reports from over 100,000 Americans.

ChoicePoint has an estimated 10 billion pieces of data on virtually every American - they sell this data to companies and have contracts with numerous government agencies.

The obvious response to this news is check your credit reports ... as well as the obvious why does this company have all this data, and why don't they have adequate security measures?

But the other, more alarming question is, what will these thieves do with this data?

Armed with the kind of information taken from ChoicePoint, criminals will easily be able to obtain authentic, government-issued driver's licenses ... only in your name, or perhaps mine. And we all know what can be accomplished with a driver's license - yes, they can get lines of credit or commit mortgage fraud. But there could be more sinister motives at work here ... more than one 9/11 terrorist had a driver's license.

This story is just breaking today, but so far no news organizations have made this terrifying connection ... that this is a massive national security risk, not just an elaborate plan to make a buck.

But one organization, the National Notary Association, has made the connection, calling this theft an "immediate national security risk".

There are natural "alarmist" out there ... who panic first, then think later. But the folks at the Notary Association don't fall into this category - the theft from ChoicePoint may be one step in a very elaborate front of the War on Terror.

I'm Back ... So Is Flipper

2005-02-15T14:03:00.000-08:00

Following a week-long hiatus, debate08 is back ... and so is flip-flopper John Kerry.

Today Kerry said he will vote in favor of Bush's $81.9 billion spending plan for Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I think we're in a very different situation," Kerry said. "I'm going to vote for this ... I think this money is important to our being successful and to the completion of the process."

But apparently, while in the midst of a Presidential campaign, military funding is not important to success and completion of the process?

Let's take a second and recap Kerry's many positions on the war in Iraq:

He voted in favor of sending troops into battle.

But he then voted against funding those troops; although he famously cleared that up with his "I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it" defense.

He then spent months defending his vote against the funding by calling Bush's handling of the war incompetent. So now that Kerry supports Bush's funding plan, is it safe to say that Kerry now supports Bush's handling of the war?

Of course not. We may be capable of following a string of events like this to a logical conclusion, but Kerry is not.

Kerry says the Bush administration is now only "trying some of the things" that he proposed such as focusing on training Iraqi forces (actually, Bush said that all along too) and getting other countries involved (did Bush ever say he didn't want other countries involved? He's just not willing to allow them to dictate US foreign policy!)

"I think my security proposals for the country (Iraq) were smack on, dead on," Kerry said, I assume with a straight face, but how is that really possible?

I'll tell you who doesn't have a straight face right now ... Hillary.

She's in the background, staying quiet, laughing her head off at the comeback of Kerry's incompetence.

The nomination is all but hers.

Debate08 Poll

2005-02-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

George W. Bush has proposed a bold agenda for his second term. But which of the issues below will be the most important that Bush faces over the next 12 months?

1) Social Security reform

2) Making tax cuts permanent

3) A Supreme Court nomination

4) Iraq

5) Iran

6) Peace in the Middle East

7) Other... what?

"Hell No!"

2005-02-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

Cheney, on Fox News Sunday yesterday, emphatically said five separate times that he will not run for President in 2008 ... something we all already knew.

"If nominated, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve ... Or not only no, but hell no," Cheney said.

But Cheney also added that he will serve the President for four years and then he's done, ending speculation that Cheney might step down in two years or so and make way for a younger Veep ... in essence allowing Bush to "anoint" the Republican nominee (something debate08 believes he's already done with Rice's ascension to Sec. of State).

Cheney is too important to the Bush Administration to step down. Bush's reliance on Cheney has been the source of easy jokes for the past four years - apparently some would feel better if went back to the "Days of Gore" and the V.P. did little but practice his Nomination speech.

So, much to the angst of many on The Left, it's Bush/Cheney for four more years ... just like the 60+ million Americans who voted for the team would want.