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Chuck Hagel: "An Obama-Biden Ticket Is A Very Impressive And Strong Team"
This statement on Biden, just out from GOP Senator Chuck Hagel, won't make him any more friends on the right:
"Joe Biden is the right partner for Barack Obama. His many years of distinguished service to America, his seasoned judgment and his vast experience in foreign policy and national security will match up well with the unique challenges of the 21st Century. An Obama-Biden ticket is a very impressive and strong team. Biden's selection is good news for Obama and America."
The whole thing edges awfully close to an endorsement, and the claim that Biden's national security experience "will" match the 21st Century's challenges sounds a lot like an outright prediction of victory.
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Just got up here on the West Coast. Obama's text message finally came through sometime during the night. Glad they kept at it, even though the news was up on their web site before I turned in.
I just feel sorry for the poor guy they hired to send out all those text messages. He must have one helluva sore thumb by now!
August 23, 2008 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not so much. I don't think it's gonna happen, but it's possible that Biden's experience "will" match those challenges in his role as head of the Senate Foreign-Relations Committee.
Juat sayin'...
August 23, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I never got my message, and I signed up for cell and email. But whatever.
I forgot to mention, what with all the Biden buzz, that his wife, Jill Biden, is rumored to be just delightful and highly thought of; she is in teaching. And since we all are most likely members of the 'I cannot stand Lynne Cheney' this will be great.
August 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Biden's family story is almost unbeatable (taking the oath of office in a hospital next to his severly injured sons after losing his wife and daughter??? Jesus...).
I'm really looking forward to getting to know them better.
August 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am looking forward to hearing about him too! I like what I know so far and his speech today moved me!
August 23, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, someone was saying that below. I really didn't know anything about his family; I had forgotten the tragic accident, too.
Now, since we have two kick-ass spouses on this ticket, I'm hoping so goddamn much that McLame picks Thompson. Then there will be two sluts on the Repug ticket.
I've seen how Cindy dresses- skin tight jeans, like they were painted on her. Cindy, come on - you are older than you are admitting, to start with...
August 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cindy looks ridiculous. And I swear, if I ever see a 'real' smile on the woman I will be amazed. On the flip side, (overshare) going to bed with John would make me numb too.
August 23, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Someone's gotta make a Google bomb that links Cindy McCain with "uncanny valley".
August 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
She makes my skin crawl - I'm not kidding.
That face hasn't moved since about 1998, I'd say.
And every time you see her, her cleavage is out there a little bit more...
I don't know what the hell the McLame's think they're doing -
August 23, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
On the lack of skin movement it is called formaldehyde.
August 23, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
She freaks me out too. I think it is the eyes though. Those grey eyes remind me of the serpent alien chicks on that made for TV movie in the 80's "V".
Eeeeew
August 23, 2008 9:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, I never got my text message on my cellphone, but did get an email. The thing is, I was already on their email list, but signed up for the cell phone thing as well. Maybe people who were already signed up for email only got email and not both?
August 23, 2008 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I gave numerous times and have been on the email list in what now seems like forever, yet no email. Also no cell, although I did that late in the game.
August 23, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
i got both at different times. i am also signed up for CNN breaking news alerts on my blackberry so I got CNN's email first.
August 23, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hagel rocks. I hope Obama puts him in the cabinet.
August 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
think that's a given, KH in Maine. At least I hope it is. Hagel's always touted for his criticism of Bush and Iraq, but I also remember he was the only one to speak out when Israel was pulverizing Lebanon.
The guy pulls no punches. Secretary of Defense?
August 23, 2008 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
yeah that would rock
Video: McCain “Americans Won’t Pick Lettuce for $50/hr”
August 23, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama probably will go with Democrats for State and Defense, but Homeland Security would fit Hagel just fine.
August 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love Hagel on foreign policy. He despises neocons and chickenhawks and he is smart as hell.
August 23, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nice words form Chuk Hagel for whom I have lots of respect because of his view on the Irak war...
But today is not a good day me, So I hope Obama will win.
August 23, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
I am glad Hagel agrees. To those anti-Biden ads that McCain decided to run today, well if he picks Mitt Romney as his VP, which he will likely do and not self destruct his party with a Judas Joe Lieberman pick.
We will have reponse ads like this ready.
Mitt Romney: Best person with the message to lead the nation Barack Obama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPGnJmbDq08
Mitt Romney: McCain is not a real conservative that represent the American people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwY3WCNEwR8
August 23, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fun, thanks!
August 23, 2008 1:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Republicans are ALREADY chattering like crazy that it would be stupid for McCain to pick Romney now.
They are saying that one of the key criteria should be someone who can be consistent with McCain 100% of the time.
This tells me about the upcoming "comedy/loose cannon" line of attack against Biden.
The Republican VP will be someone they can position as authentic, no flip-floper, candid honest person. The only thing they would need to add to McCain is economic credentials.
August 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
If he doesn't pick Tim Pawlenty I'll eat a bug. And then their attack will be "Both tickets have youth and experience, the Dem's got it upside down"
August 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
interesting point, but the flip side is that it would be hard to criticize Obama's lack of experience if they put a guy who is the exact same age a heartbeat away from the presidency. with a 72 year old president. if pawlenty's the pick, this argument could go either way, depending on how the dems play it.
August 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jonze: I lived in Minnesota for 15 years, and now in CA, I have NO clue who Tim Pawlenty is, and frankly, I am surprised he won the election there. He has NO experience, and I was reading that some conservative (I hate birth control) from Ohio, a woman very active in that movement, did not know who he was but preferred him over Romney due to questioning Romney's stance on abortion. I think Pawlenty is a weak pick, and Minnesota is not a definite red state at all. So you have a young guy with no experience who no one knows possibly taking over, a VERY possible event, for a very OLD guy who is a bully. I don't see the positive there at all.
August 23, 2008 1:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
God I'm so glad I'm not the only one who has no clue who the hell Pawlenty is.
August 23, 2008 1:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's an empty suit pretty boy, with one line - "no new taxes". He's Minnesota's answer to Dan Quayle. He's only in office because Minnesota Democrats can't get their act together to nominate an effective candidate to take him on.
Biden would slice him, dice him, fry him up and serve him for breakfast.
August 23, 2008 2:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seriously? You have a link?
If so, the perfect Democratic response is "We've had 7 years of everyone in lockstep with the President. Look where it's gotten us. Do we really need more?"
August 23, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not with Bush, with McCain. jennifer Rubin's blog.
August 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Huh?
I don't think I understand. If Republicans are saying that whoever it is can't ever disagree with McCain, then the counter argument is that being constantly in lockstep with the candidate is what got us to where the country is right now.
August 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry. I meant that there is no gap in their positions on Iraq, Georgia, national security, so that hole is closed for exploitation.
August 23, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Never mind. Just read it. Hilarious, in a way: as consistent as McCain is on message. LOL!
August 23, 2008 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad even John Sydney McCain III himself can't fulfill that criteria.
He's flipflopped so many times and 180 degrees at that.
Plus, McCain's off the cuff remarks at town halls have been dismissed by his own economic advisors as not "official".
August 23, 2008 1:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Inoperative.
August 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like the RNC's own nominee, they don't have a whole lot to choose from for VP either?
Ron Paul is probably the sanest choice for them. Just channeling here . . .
August 23, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
But isn't he remembered as a bit of a joke by an average joe out there?
August 23, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's not even remembered by the average Joe.
Joke or otherwise.
August 23, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
You have got that right.
August 23, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
BO campaign has played this wonderfully. This is a great tactical game the BO camp is playing. They are very discipline. The start of this week was not good, but they dont flich when things arent going their way.
For the next 8 days its going to be all BO on all the networks and it is going to be all positive. Its going to be funny watching McCain trying to break through.
August 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
New meme - Joe "The Mouth"
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/08/joe-bidens-mout.html
August 23, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
One thing I like about Biden: He's old enough to balance out Obama's youth, not too old to be president if needed, and too old to run as the presumptive Dem nominee in 2016.
I can't help but wonder where we'd be now if we hadn't been stuck with (yawn) those snoozers Mondale and Gore.
August 23, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
psssst: can I just say a quick "thanks" for that connection of "snoozer" and "Gore"?
Bless his heart - what he says can be so good, but how he says it drives me fucking nuts. He's better than he used to be, but dayum I cannot take the weird high-pitched sing-song he used to speak in. And it matters how the president sounds - goddamn, Commander CooCoo Bananas proved that all to hell.
August 23, 2008 12:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah . . . 2000 was a classic case of shooting the messenger.
August 23, 2008 8:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, excellent statements from Hagel a REPUBLICAN. Gee, why can't the clintons say something like that? Oh, that's right it's 2012 or bust for them.
August 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary Clinton did release a strong endorsement statement of Biden. He's a DLC'er after all isn't he?
August 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jonze, you don't need to clarify. Michael wasn't really asking a question. He just wanted to say what he said. It makes him feel good.
August 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Joe Biden is not a DLC member. I checked DLC's website, they don't list members, but the Democrat underground had this discussion and they confirmed he isn't.
August 23, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's a really unfair comment, since Clinton already released a statement with strong praise for Biden.
August 23, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Uh, the clintons have released a strong statement about biden, but have been slamming obama. That was the point. I haven't seen the biden statement, but I am willing to bet that it didn't include any praise for obama. I could be wrong.
August 23, 2008 1:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's the statement:
August 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like I thought. Don't you see the difference between what hagel said and what the clintons said? I do.
August 23, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wonder what Hagel will think of McCain-Romney, aka the Billionaire Boys Club.
August 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
More than anything else, Biden will help reassure all those fence sitters that when Obama talks about "change", he's not going to go off the reservation.
I hate making any comparisons to the current debacle in the Whitehouse, but I do see Obama's pick of Biden as being similar to Bush's pick of Cheney. Of course, no one knew at the time what kind of evil mastermind Cheney would end up being, but the pick certainly reassured a lot of people that Bush would have a steady hand helping to steer the ship.
I don't know how well defined Biden is in the general public, but certainly among the media circles he seems very well liked and respected. I think that will shine through and bring a lot of people on board with the ticket.
August 23, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cheney is what got Bush enough votes to steal the 2000 election. You're right - a lot of people who were concerned about Commander CooCoo's "experience" thought Cheney at least had a brain, some know-how and would keep the chimp out of trouble.
BWAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAhahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!
frelling idiots.
August 23, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Voter's perception:
What actually happened:
August 24, 2008 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dick Lugar is out with effusive praise as well:
"I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy." -- Sen. Dick Lugar, R-Ind.
August 23, 2008 12:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Really? Source? If that's true it's great.
August 23, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chicago Tribune quotes, all Indiana-sourced and mostly expressing regret re: Bayh not making the cut.
August 23, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Halperin also has an encapsulation up, though it's mostly headline spin.
August 23, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can't forget that Obama sought out Lugar as a mentor on foreign policy. This morning, MSNBC reported that Obama sought Lugar's advice as to a VP. He gave one name: Joe Biden.
August 23, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are reasons I respect Chuck Hagel.
Hagel for Sec. of Defense!
August 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain-Romney - LMFAO
A pox on all of their houses and condominiums and mansions and estates and rentals and servants quarters and guest houses and dog boxes strapped to the car roof!
August 23, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hagel's press release took care of Ron Fournier fair and balanced article of this a.m.
August 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ron is such an ass.
August 23, 2008 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lugar also gave it a thumbs-up. Come on Colin Powell, we know you're itching to do it...
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
August 23, 2008 12:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
DannyNoonan,
Powell needs to repair his reputation, maybe an Obama Administration can open the door for him.
August 23, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell, for being military, sure is weak. How can anyone respect the guy when he has no backbone?
August 23, 2008 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think at this point we can say we know how the rest of the election will unfold.
Obama will use Bill Clinton's strategy against Bob Dole, old man out of touch, economy.
McCain will use character, judgement, national security, foreign policy.
It's going to boil down to economy vs national security. Both candidates are weak on economy.
Does Biden help Obama?
August 23, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is perceived better on the economy. Hagel represents a lot of the moderate Repubs and independents, and Biden reassures them that Obama isn't some socialist-marxist wacko. In places like Michigan (where latest poll has Obama at +7) Biden will help tip the balance.
August 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are you sure?
General Democrat blows a generic republican away in a hypo poll match up. Obama leads McCain by about 1 point, according to Krugman.
My question is how does Biden help with this?
August 23, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama's populous message and McCains "I don't know how many houses" statement will start to show movement to Obama on the economy. Biden just cements the populous message given he is worth about the same amount as McCain pays his house staffers yearly.
Of course McCain and Romney could turn that around and say "We have money and know how to make it". Then again McCain married into money and Romney is a "robber baron".
August 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
This generic election is a mere abstraction. Obama McCain is real. And it's real close, Obama has a very slender lead at this point. Biden doesn't ensure a victory. No VP choice would. Both candidates have shown an inability to attract new voters since Obama received the nomination.
There is about 10 to 12% undecided with probably 35% of those that don't like either. So one is looking for the reason what is keeping this or that person from putting their lot behind this or that candidate. With Obama it is uncertainty about his experience in many cases. Biden is enough of presense I think to make some inroads some, not all, of these people.
August 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lalo,
Biden can speak more fluently and authoritively on foreign affairs than McCain.
The idea that McCain and Obama are equal on the economy is laughable.
August 23, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Biden just got back from Georgia where he had been invited by Saakashvili himself while McCain talks to him every day on the phone thanks to his lobbyist campaign adviser.
August 23, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, god knows, Krugman should be a really good objective source of information about Obama.
[rolls eyes]
August 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another jerk who lost all respect. Krugman totally pissed me off.
August 23, 2008 1:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Krugman and Blumenthal have made enormous asses of themselves in this campaign season.
They are permanently on the top of my "fuckwits" list.
August 23, 2008 1:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
How sad that you're attacking Le Krug. You've been bitching for years about how the media is merely a soundbox for the current administration, and now you're attacking anyone who doesn't portray Obama in the impossibly pristine light that you perceive him in?
Check yourselves: Norman Mailer said that a leftist totalitarian state would be far worse than a conservative one. Based on these comments, it would seem that's what you're after. Wait -- there's not much separating Obama from being a conservative. At least based on platform (what is it?), voting record (expand Executive powers under FISA?!?), and comments (NAFTA isn't all that bad?!?).
Didn't Obama himself say he wanted a partner that would challenge and knock heads with him? I mean, Biden pretty much called him a House Negro during the early primary season ("articulate"). Why wouldn't you want a more thoughtful critique out of your media?
If Obama does get into office, the best thing we can do is to hold him under one helluva big magnifying glass. Silencing people like Paul Krugman will make us blind fish in a cave, the word "change" echoing off walls until people forget what it means.
August 24, 2008 9:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lalo, Krugman has lost his mind over Obama, and his ugly side -- which we tend to forget about since he turned it on Bush -- has won the doeppelganger fight.
August 23, 2008 1:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know that Biden can be somewhat longwinded, but I tend to think he'll help Obama on a very superficial level, which shouldn't matter, of course, but will: the soundbite war.
August 23, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
In some ways, it is Biden who the straight shooter: "This is bullshit, this is malarkey. This is outrageous, for the president of the United States to go to a foreign country, to sit in the Knesset ... and make this kind of ridiculous statement.” This kind of talk plays well with certain segment of the population.
August 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
In a lot of ways he is.
You're right, but you underplayed it. ;)
August 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have lot's of respect for Hagel, and I hope he would get a postion in the Obama's administration.
I also hope that Tim Kaine and Sebelius will also get a position in the McCain administration.
Yes a few republicans like Lugar, and Hagel were very positive about Biden.
I am not too keen on Biden (mainly his Irak war position) , but I am sure I will get around it, but it is hard to swallow.
August 23, 2008 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
What?
August 23, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
TPaw's experience consists of reading and following the Grover Nordquist playbook. He's been leading MN government towards the bathtub for his entire political career. I look forward to the national press scrutiny should he be the VP choice.
August 23, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oops, that was in reply to Jonze at 12:10.
August 23, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
TPAW is the classic example of why Democrats lose. He boldly takes a position farther to the right than his consituents, faces down the opposition, the constitutents admire the tough guy boldness and he wins the point. Classic Republican. Can sell taking medical care away from sick kids.
Dems start out assuming that they can't win the point and don't try because somebody might think supporting sick kids makes them look wimpy. Their constitutents think - look at those bozos, won't even stand up for sick kids, why vote for that pathetic bunch of losers.
August 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Paw is such a humanitarian!? Was for, then against, getting drugs from Canada. What a wimp. Screw old people who need medication when their heating bills are off the chart.
August 23, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hagel's obviously going to have a top position.
August 23, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Republican senators praise Biden
Chuck's statement, plus:
Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana said in a statement: "I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his selection of my friend, Senator Joe Biden, to be his vice-presidential running mate. I have enjoyed for many years the opportunity to work with Joe Biden to bring strong bipartisan support to United States foreign policy."
Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. "No one on the Democratic side knows more about foreign policy than Sen. Biden. He's been an articulate spokesman on the subject. He also knows about domestic policy. He's been a leader on crime control."
August 23, 2008 12:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Which plays into the idea that when the Obama Biden administration goes to get stuff done, they'll be able to work with Congress on BOTH sides of the aisle.
August 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL, I meant to say in the Obama adminsitration...
Sorry Jonze....
I am a bit tired this morning...I hope McWar is toasted...
August 23, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
McToast. Count on it.
August 23, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Gates deserves to hold on to his Sec. of Defense role if Obama does win in November.
August 23, 2008 12:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
believe it or not, but Arlen Specter also praised the selection ... is it the norm for the other party to do this????
August 23, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
They're Senators and they all pride themselves on being respectful. I'm guessing that's why these statements are coming out.
Plus, if they wanted to go on attack at some point, they now can say "While I initially praised the choice of Biden, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah..."
August 23, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed. Something tells you're not 16, are you?
August 23, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
No doubt this will seal the impression that I'm a moron for you, but what the heck are you talking about?
No, I'm not 16.
August 23, 2008 1:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
No. Come on folks, this is not the norm. They don't have to line up on the morning of the announcement like this. If our people did it, we'd be pissed.
Coming out right away like this is going to shape the coverage of the announcement -- it's going to be framed as a ticket with bipartisan cred.
Wake up and smell the victory, homies.
August 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just saw this on a dailykos blog:
"One House. One Spouse. Obama-Biden" lol
August 23, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like it.
August 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's priceless.
August 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sedona Ranch $1,081,000, Arlington condo $850,000,....having a wife pay for all eight, priceless
August 23, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
And all the McCain wives handle the money, so John really doesn't understand finances, according to his brother. LOL.
August 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, dude -- killer line. It's all there. We need to spread that around.
August 23, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
well a few republicans have endorsed Obama from Rita Hauser, Susan eisenhower to Joel Haugen, Tony Campbell, Bruce Bartlett...
I hope that Hagel, and Powell will endorsed Obama...That would be great...
August 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell's been pretty quiet, yes?
August 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do we have a new logo yet?
August 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obama-Biden: One house, one spouse".
See Humanity Critic, above...
August 23, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's a bumper sticker waiting to happen.
Cafepress needs to be working on that right this minute.
August 23, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
On PolicHO Jmary says McNero and his band of oxygen thieves delight in Fournier's piece...I sapt out my coffee laughing so hard. His piece? Jeebus hoped they used good l lube for that wrinkled horror show
August 23, 2008 12:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
And Fournier already had an attack piece if Obama chose Kaine, Sebelius, Schewitzer or Edwards saying that Obama was so self-conscious about his inexperience that he couldn't bring himself to choose somebody like Joe Biden.
Fournier was offered a job within the McCain campaign back in 2007, and praised Karl Rove in an email to "keep fighting the good fight" or something like that. He's bought and paid for. He probably accepted the role in the McCain campaign, but figured sending out talking point memo's under the banner of the AP was a better strategic move.
One could easily say this shows Obama's confidence in his abilities. He's unafraid to stand beside Biden and choose him as his running mate.
August 23, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, Ron should not be able to write headlines for the AP. It is obvious he is compromised, documentation is there, they should pull him off the campaign diagnostics.
August 23, 2008 2:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Greg Spector and Lugar also lauded the pick that is equally as significant if not more so
August 23, 2008 12:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell will get on the bus. its only a matter of time. Plus Condi also said she hasnt decided who she is going to vote for.
August 23, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lalo it is simple McNero = no clue how many homes I have. Obama & Biden = 2
August 23, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I hope it is, but I've been around long enough to know that it usually isn't. It's not going to go on in a vaccum for as long as Celebrity did. The Ad Wars are about to start in earnest.
August 23, 2008 1:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why do so many people still fail to get that fact that is way public:
Colin Powell is a lying neo-con fascist fuck who was a member of the committee which discussed down to which fingernail to pull out of which prisoners the torture of our POWs, though the government refuses to call them that.
Colin Powell is a an empty goddamn uniform - there is no honor, no character, no there there.
August 23, 2008 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think some people are seeing Powell solely for his marketing potential with the some swing voters.
August 23, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
So I'm not arguing, Tena, just discussing. I think about this all the time.
When they told Powell he needed to go to the U.N. and read off their bill of phony particulars, and when he went through the data and realized there was next to nothing there, yes, he should have gone over to Pennsylvania Avenue and quit. He should have said, "Mr. Pres., you have lots of people who can do this. George Tenet, Sec'y Rumsfeld, the Vice President, Dr. Rice. I just can't, and so I can quit tonight or give you some kind of notice, however you'd like me to do it."
That he didn't do that is a failure of cataclysmic proportions, and it ruined his career and destroyed his integrity. He knows that. But "without more" like the ole lawman say, I don't see this as making him a "neo-con fascist fuck," although it's hard to dispute "lying" on this one occasion. (Citing scant accounts to support what is likely a false story can fairly be regarded as "lying" IMHO, though I know our Vice President stakes his whole shameful identity on the converse.)
Respectfully offered,
ETJ
August 23, 2008 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
And, oh, I think as a military man he probably did discuss with them what he thought the outer limits of interrogation might be (this would have been his job if they asked), but I have a hard time believing he told them one could yank fingernails. Unless you have info, of course.
August 23, 2008 1:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, you are convinced he's ok - you want to give him a pass as a "military man."
I am so not giving any person who was remotely involved in those war crimes a pass.
Not one fucking centimeter - yeah, I get absolute about some things and torture is one of them. It's absolutely immoral, end of story.
August 23, 2008 1:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Anna (below) sees it more my way. I don't want to give him a pass.
There are such things as interrogation techniques, no? In a war? If they asked him what they could get away with, what was he supposed to say? "Ask them politely and be sure not to be rude?" Or, "I can't talk about it."?
I sincerely don't understand your position on this.
August 23, 2008 1:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, if you don't get the point, I feel terribly sorry for you, cause you are lacking a huge number of basic human feelings.
August 23, 2008 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Basically, if you care, and I doubt it - you need to read Gita Sereny's book about Albert Speer: Albert Speer, and his war with the truth.
He had some of the best excuses going for why he did what he did.
August 23, 2008 1:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
With respect, I think we're talking past one another. I believe he argued hard against torture and was blackballed with Bush for it. And his performance at U.N. was a grave failure for him, something he should never have done -- no question. Please don't get ahead of me as to what you think I might mean. If I have my facts wrong, I want to be corrected. Somebody else said he covered up My Lai -- if true, yes, that's warm crime material for sure.
August 23, 2008 1:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you will please give me a link to a source that says Powell fought against the war crimes, then we can talk.
I haven't seen it. And sorry - I'm not going to just take anyone's word for it.
August 23, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.americablog.com/2006/09/powell-joins-mccain-warner-and-lindsey.html
Well above is a link with him opposing torture, and I think he is in one of the war books pulling out his hair at all the torturing they wanted to do. But I'm very sorry I got into this discussion as it's obviously a hot button issue for some, and indeed for some, if he was in the room when they discussed it and he didn't rip off his shirt and denounce all of them, then he's a war criminal. And maybe he indeed is, I have no way of knowing. There are some sites claming he did not criticize water-boarding. As I said several times, (1) he should have quit and (2) he did not and (3) that establishes much culpability in him.
August 23, 2008 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Johnny, Powell makes me think of King Lear. If there ever was a tragic hero who was ruined for his own mistakes, it is Powell. Sad, sad, sad.
August 23, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for jogging my memory (high school was many, many years ago).
August 23, 2008 8:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Or he is the soldier following orders. He was used by the Bush White House and he knows it. He also tried to cover-up My Lai, and sat-in on the Torture Roundtable.
August 23, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, Jonze - you're right - Powell got himself up that ladder by helping to cover up My Lai.
August 23, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell indeed seems to have written a white wash report about My Lai. Maybe not specifically false but intended to directly mislead.
Maybe this is the same kind of perverse, misguided "good soldier" ethic that got him to go to the U.N. when he should have said no. Only decades earlier.
August 23, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're wrong here, Tena. I read (I believe it was in The Hill) at the time that Powell fought long and hard against the others at those torture discussions.
He isn't an empty uniform. Perhaps he doesn't and didn't have the courage he should have had. But who of us does?
August 23, 2008 1:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I get your King Lear point, for sure. But he should definitely have quit, certainly before trotting up to the U.N. and putting on some phony show. He didn't, and he paid the consequences in terms of his blackened reputation.
I think you are right on the money that he argued hard against torture.
August 23, 2008 1:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, if I were Powell, I could not look in a mirror knowing I was the turning point for the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and American soldiers. It would tear me apart. The LEAST I would do now is stand up and support Obama for being the true hero.
August 23, 2008 2:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you'll give me a link for that, we can talk. That's the first time I've heard that he fought.
August 23, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell's career has been based on being in the right place at the right time, and being the "good team player". He's what we in the military called a "political General". Meaning his military career, from which he easily warped into a pure political career (after
getting rich in the oil industry). That said, I like the guy and would certainly welcome him coming over to our side....
August 23, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hagel rocks.
Maybe he'll be SecDef?
August 23, 2008 1:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lalo I dont disagree but the home gaffe is simple and easy to frame. Low info voters like simple messages they understand this is tailor made. I am telling you this because I live in a state that is a bastion of low info voters. Already in mere days I have heard Mccain's gaffe talked about at work (Keesler AFB), in a local restraunt, at a gas station and at a small charity event. Now I doubt Miss will fall to Obama but it is a definitive sign this will stick and if it sticks with voters here? Mccain is in deep kimche in states where it really conunts such as Ohio.
Additionally Mccain had to spend capital in big ads early and often. AFter the conventions he has limited funds even with the RNC's help. SO the celeb is his big play. How will that sell when it took a nine motorcade for his cappucino, his home count is an enigma and he cant remember what care he drives?
Message is great when it defines something opposite from an opponent that frames them in a negative light, however, it fails badly and even slaps back when you are guilty of the same thing.
I understand your concerns, though I dont share all of them. If Mccain's campaign had message discipline and mccain was watertight in his comments Obama would face a seriously uphill battle but Mccain is worse than Biden, far worse and what execerbates that further is his campaign's inablity to mount a decent defense when he does so. They have gotten to the point POW is bordering on white noise at best and puerile Ghouliani at worst. Again sloppy message discipline very sloppy.
A man with pithy wit to impale them with such gaffes well despite his foibles Biden excels at that and the gift of homegate is like receiving the answers to the big exam the night before.
August 23, 2008 1:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree the house thing has legs because it's broader than the candidates. It hits upon a topic and very real issue, the foreclosure crisis/decline in American's real assets, it hurts the Republican party by reinforcing the view that they are the party of the wealthy, and it also reinforces the disgust many have at the "let them eat cake" quality of the Bush years from Katrina to the economic mess.
August 23, 2008 1:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
More indication of Obama's smart decision.
Biden is going to have to shore up Obama and 'why he is ready to lead'.... he can say this guy is smart... he picked me for his VP didn't he...
August 23, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you only read one Biden article, make it this one - http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/08/joe_biden_profile_of_vice_pres.html
August 23, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tena's right on point, as usual. Powell failed in his sworn duties to protect and serve the American People. He sold his soul to his neoCon commander and sold the world a pack of lies. Damn shame really, up till then he seemed a very respectable guy........
August 23, 2008 1:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you. I can't believe what an uphill battle it is to get people to see Powell for who and what he is.
After everything that has happened, everything he's done and done knowingly. He should have walked right out of the White House and told the country what crimes were going down. He was Sec. of State - not a general; not under the orders of the CIC. He was an independent goddamn agent. He chose.
August 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell is and has been the consummate company man. Nothing more but considerably less than has been thought.
August 23, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mr. Hagel:
Thanks for the kind words. I'm waiting for your endorsement. The risk is worth taking. Take the shot.
August 23, 2008 1:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Powell is still respected by the older less informed generation, so if he comes out for Obama it will impress them and possibly convince them to trust Obama.
The GOP have turned this campaign into an issue of trust, and unfortunately McCain has built up a lot of trust over the years.
August 23, 2008 2:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Something needs to be done about this Ron Fournier asshole. He has too much power.
August 23, 2008 2:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
If it can't be McCain-Lieberman, please let it be McCain-Romney...
two rich white guys....(yeah, we need to do something about Fournier...but what?).
August 23, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I JUST GOT THE TEXT MESSAGE AND FOUND OUT THAT SEAN HANITY FROM FOX NEWS IS THE V.P AMAZING!!!
August 23, 2008 6:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
PRESIDENT OBAMA,VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN,SEC.OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL,CHIEF OF STAFF WES CLARK,ATTORNEY GENERAL HILLARY CLINTON,ENERGY CZAR AL GORE OR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER,SEC OF HEALTH CARE ELIZABETH EDWARDS,AND MY FRIEND RICHARD LUGAR IS DEFINITELY WORKIN IN AN OBAMA ADMINISTRATION!!!!
August 23, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
PLEASE STOP SHOUTING.
Thank you.
August 24, 2008 3:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey coba11, I just disseminated that video over at reddit and it was like throwing Wonder Bread into a carp pond. They're still working it. Seems some think he must have meant $50/day, then when pressed on why he would be confused they defend him on the grounds that, "Hey, you can't remember everything, now, come on!"
Thanks.
August 24, 2008 3:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Re, torture, this was on Muckraker in April re "Professor" John Woo and tough-talking Condi Rice.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/todays_must_read_315.php
'But the "Golden Shield" did not end the Principals meetings. ABC reports that the CIA was still nervous and still returned again and again for approval from the Principals Committee for the OK for certain "enhanced interrogation" techniques even after Goldsmith had withdrawn the Bybee memo:
But the CIA had captured a new al Qaeda suspect in Asia. Sources said CIA officials that summer returned to the Principals Committee for approval to continue using certain "enhanced interrogation techniques."
Then-National Security Advisor Rice, sources said, was decisive. Despite growing policy concerns -- shared by Powell -- that the program was harming the image of the United States abroad, sources say she did not back down, telling the CIA: "This is your baby. Go do it."'
August 24, 2008 7:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/parimi/gGxYL8
My bad -- is Chomsky a "fuckwit" like Krugman?
All I'm asking is for an Obama supporter to give me a reason to vote *for the Senator,* and not against the failed policies of the past eight years. And please spare me metaphors involving Band-Aids or stopping the bleeding from an open wound.
August 24, 2008 9:32 AM | Reply | Permalink