Election Central Morning Roundup
Republican Convention Reconvening Today, Minus Rudy
The Republican National Convention will be meeting again today, with prime-time programming set to go ahead after yesterday's cancellation from Hurricane Gustav. But there have been some major changes: Rudy Giuliani has been bumped from the schedule completely, and will be replaced tonight by Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman.
Both Presidential Candidates Off The Trail
Neither Barack Obama nor John McCain have any public events scheduled for today.
Biden In Florida Today
Joe Biden is campaigning today in Florida, with stops in Deerfield Beach and West Palm Beach. Biden's relative age and experience could go a long way in convincing voters here that Barack Obama is a safe choice for president.
McCain Adviser Touts Palin's Virtues In Wall St. Journal
McCain Adviser Nancy Pfotenhauer has penned an entertaining column in The Wall St. Journal today, arguing that Sarah Palin has the real experience necessary to be on the national ticket and that women have a chance to break the glass ceiling. For one thing, Pfotenhauer says Palin is "chief executive of the nation's largest state," which is only true by geographic size -- Alaska is one of the smallest states by population, and Palin has been chief executive of it for a very short period.
Intrade Taking Bets On Palin Pulling An Eagleton
Intrade.com is now offering a contract on the proposition that Sarah Palin will have to withdraw her vice-presidential candidacy before this election is over. As of this writing, the price is 18.0 and climbing.
Palin's Town Secured Massive Earmarks
The Washington Post profiles Sarah Palin's history of earmarks, finding that her town of Wasilla secured about $27 million worth of earmarks during her years as mayor -- quite impressive for a town of less than 8,000 people. It's a reality that goes heavily against her professed opposition to big spending from her big speech on Friday.
Poll: GOP Way Ahead In Open House Seat
A new SurveyUSA poll shows the GOP heavily favored to hold on to their open House seat in Alabama, which Dems have been making a major play for. The numbers: Republican state Rep. Jay Love 56%, versus Dem Montgomery Bobby Bright's 39%.
From:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/unsurprised.html
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Unsurprised
"No Surprises From Palin, McCain Team Says"-Washington Post
Senior McCain officials described themselves as "unsurprised" today as huge storms of locusts flew from Wasilla, Alaska and descended upon McCain campaign headquarters. "Locusts were vetted. Locusts were vetted in the vet" said one campaign official, who spoke without attribution out of concern that he would be devoured by a verminous flying cloud. The campaign also said that they were nonplussed by reports that the rivers were running black with ashes, that family pets were begin to speak in human voices, declaiming "Release Sarah!", and that a huge spreading stain was beginning to blot out the Northern sun. "Vetted" said the campaign.
"There are exciting new studies that show that locusts can be used as a source of biodegradable fuel" said Newt Gingrich, as he hunkered down to avoid the black marble obelisks falling from the sky around him. "Palin, if she can be said to have played a role in bringing about these new biofuel resources, should be praised for her innovative role in the solution to our future energy demands".
"These events firmly demonstrate Palin's deep connection to traditional modes of traditional expression, in traditional forms, traditionally." said William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard. "Experience, in the face of these more traditional events, is overrated..." continued Kristol, before ending the interview to wrap himself head-to-toe in mosquito netting and swallowing a bitter tasting anti-malarial drug, the taste of which, as his lips contorted, he noted to be "surprisingly refreshing."
Palin's schedule in the upcoming days of the Republican National Convention has been cut short due to, as one McCain communications aide reported, a desire not to "let the magic out of the bottle too quickly." "Sarah is a precious resource, who each moment brings a new vitality and energy to every worker on the campaign" said the aide, while fighting to remove the nest of serpents which had suddenly materialized on the floor beneath him, and were now slowly ascending his legs. "Do these bite, or just slink?" asked the aide, who spoke on conditions of anonymity so as not to provoke or otherwise alienate the reptiles.
Meanwhile, as the heavens darkened, the seas began to boil, and the voice tore through the clouds shouting, in deep, stentorian tones to one and all "It was a Mistake!", campaign offices described themselves as "unperturbed". "Serpents materializing, house pets suddenly called to vocal advocacy, Celestial callings to revise and repent...Vetted" said the spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was turning into a pillar of salt. "Everything that was vetted was vetted in the vet."
Cite:
Head of State:
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/09/unsurprised.html
September 2, 2008 9:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lie-berman is still going to speak after being all-but-publicly spurned at the behest of the theocrats? Truly, the man has no self-respect at all.
September 2, 2008 9:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
We all think he's a good guy. We just didn't want him as VP.
September 2, 2008 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your presidential nominee did.
September 2, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Most of us didn't want him as the nominee either...not sure how that happened...
September 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good one.
September 2, 2008 9:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, it happened because most of you did.
At least, most of you who bothered to vote.
September 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe if they weren't so worrying about what the Democratic presidential nominees were doing, they could have found a better nominee for themselves.
...but probably not.
September 2, 2008 10:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
actually i think most republicans didn't really like any of their options and just didn't bother....
September 2, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
"and Palin has been chief executive of it for a very short period."
Palin was Governor longer than Obama was a Senator when he decided he was ready. You guys amaze me with your duplicity.
September 2, 2008 9:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
She was also governor longer than John McCain has held any executive office. You guys should flip the ticket upside-down!
And don't forget, she was also Mayor of Lower Moosefuck! Where she also abused power much the way she did later as governor (of a state with about the same number of people as Columbus, OH).
September 2, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually we have the guy ready to be President on top with the understudy as VP. Y'all have the ticket upside down.
September 2, 2008 9:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
According to John, she's ready on day one. Not as an understudy, but ready on day one.
My question is: can you really trust his judgment?
September 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
The question is if the guy lives long enough for the understudy to be ready (on Day One -- wasn't that the standard?). If McCain becomes incapacitated on January 21st, how do you feel about President Palin taking over?
September 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Better than I do about a President Obama who has less experience making decisions than Palin (Governors can't vote "present" when they're scared to commit to a decision).
September 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
hahaha!
The "present" thing again?!?!
September 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
You don't need to make a decision as a Senator...that's why they traditionally make such bad candidates and hardly ever get elected as President.
September 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, thankfully W shored up his decision making skills as governor or we'd REALLY be screwed right now.
September 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
"She has more than Obama...
September 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
...his campaign has more employees and a bigger budget than her state.
September 2, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
ok... ok... I got a little over zealous.
September 2, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
More what? Qualifications?
Hmmm...professor of constitutional law vs. BS in journalism? Let's see. That's a tough one. US Senator who has participated in over 25 debates in the last year and half vs. a woman who claims a month ago that she didn't even know what the VP did.
Give me a break. You all flap your gums all of the time about national security and this is the most dangerous time in our nation's history... we're fighting two wars and now you're ready to promote a woman who said she hadn't had much time to think about the war in Iraq until a year ago....why? Because she's radically pro-life and she's a member of the NRA. That's it. It doesn't have anything to do with security, experience, or anything. It's all dogma. You tell me who's putting country first.
September 2, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, yup... You can't get much more decision-y than being the self proclaimed "Decider".
September 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
I get that. But the "present" bullshit has been so routinely debunked that you really lose a lot of credibility bringing it up.
September 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Tucker Bounds is that you?
September 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
She's nothing more than a mayor. Give me a break.
By the way at least obama shows up. Mcbush has been absent from the senate for over a year. That's a heck of alot of MIA voting. At least obama was showing up for work. Also, you don't understand the present voting situation in the illinois senate, obviously.
September 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL. Dude, I hope you had your Wheaties this morning. It's going to be a long day if you are already pulling up this kind of bullshit in defense of the indefensible.
Next you are going to trot out that she was commander-in-chief of the Alaska National Guard during a time of war. Come on, you know you want to....
September 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
You're right...I need to pace myself...I'll just start pasting "She has more than Obama..." as a response to any experience questions.
September 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Your candidate was arguing experience, how critical it is given the grave dangers we face. He said that whoever he appointed would be ready on day 1. Then he turns around and appoints Mayor Quimby. She has NO RECORD on national domestic issues or foreign policy issues. None. Zilch. Nada. Nathan.
This has always been about judgment. My candidate has it; your's not so much. I feel for you today. You deserve better than this. Hey, cheer up, President Bush is going to make it to St. Paul after all.
September 2, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
And that will be a brilliant exercise in trolling!
September 2, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama has been preparing to be president for over two years (probably more if you subscribe to the ambition theory). Palin has about 4 months to get ready.
I'm guessing that you're a man of faith because logic doesn't seem to be an acquantence of yours. Have another glass of Kool-Aid.
September 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
"She has more than Obama...
September 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
You mean kids. I agree.
September 2, 2008 10:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah real leaders just don't even bother to show up.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
And in that time she ruined Wasilla's budget with a fouled-up bid to build a super-expensive sports center and fired the city's police chief for questionable reasons in her time as mayor, and is alleged to have fired a state employee for questionable reasons in her 18 months as governor.
What experience!
The only thing Palin has any real experience in is bankrupting budgets and politicizing public offices -- on second thought, she's the perfect Republican!
As far as voting present is concerned, that argument is bogus. It's a frequently used tactic in the Illinois legislature to signify unresolved issues with a bill, a willingness to cooperate on an issue, disapproval with a bill or the unconstitutionality of a bill. It's sort of like saying "nay, but...". http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4152798
September 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Gee I remember the "old days" when Cheney decided to pick himself as Dubya's VP and all the GOP yakkers were all glowing with praise at the "gravitas" that would bring to their ticket... Talk about situational ethics??
In the meantime, watching the partisans on the right try to defend this current nominee for VP they're stuttering along about complete nonsense - CiC of the AK National Guard? More Executive Experience than who(?) Like all Three Senators running for President... So is McCain gonna have Palin write the "signing statements" for him??
You know - there was a successful President once - who ran for office with a resume nearly identical to that Of Barack Obama - he is considered one of Our Greatest of All Presidents - can you guess who that is???
There is a Monument to Him on the Potomac River it's called the Lincoln Memorial - ever been there?
Honestly - You ought to quit embarassing yourself with this tripe you're putting out - your betters in the GOP aren't even getting away with it and neither should you.
September 2, 2008 10:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't use my name in vain. I say she was mayor of Upper Caribou-Turd.
September 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dude, this really is silly. Alaska has 650,000 people. It is nothing more than a mid-level us city. It's like saying the mayor of memphis, who served for a year and a half, has the executive experience to be president. Give me a break.
September 2, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
...but you have a guy who himself said he wasn't ready at the top of your ticket and don't think that is equally as silly. You guys are officially nuts.
September 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Huh? That makes no sense. And we are officially nuts?
September 2, 2008 9:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obam has less experience than she does and he's at the top of your ticket...y'all are nuts...or in denial.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Is that you Tucker Bounds?
I heard Campbell wants you back to give you some more bitch-slapping.
September 2, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
I still don't understand your argument. If it's the fact that the critical issue is 1 1/2 years experience as a mayor, than she has more experience than mcbush as well. It really is a silly argument. Obama's illinois senate experience is ten times more valuable than her 1 1/2 years "experience." You can keep repeating it, but it doesn't make it true. Sorry.
I would rather that you were crowing about her being the lone sentinal guarding our north-west frontier against the red menace. She is our guardian and has been stationed on the beaches of Alaska with her automatic assault rifle making the country safe for democracy. See, that's better.
September 2, 2008 9:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Judgment, SFC, it's about judgment. Seriously, I hope you stretched this morning. You are going to pull something with all this contorting and twisting you are doing in defense of McCain's crap shoot. He's definitely not ready to be POTUS.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
"She has more than Obama...
September 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Already winded I see. I didn't argue the experience argument.
September 2, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
She has more executive experience than McCain. By your implicit argument, then SHE should be the top of the ticket. I know you are in a tough spot trying to defend this bullshit pick, but let's be honest, Candidate McCain really blew this pick. After 5 or 6 months, he settled on a candidate he meet ONCE.
Obama's argument has NEVER been about experience, but about judgment. I think he's winning that argument pretty handily.
September 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's a trap to fall into the experience argument. Probably a trap for McCain too since, as you noted, she has more "executive" experience than him.
But yes, it's not about experience. It's about judgment.
September 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
"She has more than Obama...
September 2, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Judgement > Fricking experience
September 2, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
not particularly duplicitous to point out the length of her tenure in response to claims of her having "an impressive record... of executive experience."
perhaps you imagine 'duplicity' to mean something other than what it means. claiming that palin has an impressive record of executive experience is duplicitous. pointing out the less impressive details of her actual record is not duplicitous.
if the person pointing out her short time in office were the one making the comparison to obama, your charge might actually make sense. but they weren't the ones who made the comparison. you were.
(and obama wasn't the one making the 'experience matters' argument, the guy who picked palin was. obama was the one making the 'judgment matters' argument.)
September 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
So they replaced Rudy with Fred Thompson? Or did Rudy decide that it was in his best interests (2012) to stay as far away from the RNC as possible?
Of course, he has been way off message of late.
Too bad, I was hoping he'd appear in drag to sing "Happy Birthday, Mr. President-to-be".
PEACE
September 2, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Please don't post that image again. I've already got permanent psychological scarring from seeing it the first time!
September 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because his speech would start "9 days from now we will mark the 7the anniversary of..."
September 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
And McCain is now expected to actually accept the nomination in person.
I guess the Gulf Coast wasn't devastated enough for his tastes.
September 2, 2008 9:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
From Diageo/Hotline poll:
Obama 48, McCain 39.
Obama led previous poll 44-40.
Dated conducted: August 29-31.
http://thepage.time.com/
September 2, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Joe Lieberman speech on Obama that really matters occurred two years ago (with vid):
September 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
You mean Obama is running for Likud party chairman? Wow.
September 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Wouldn't it be nice if the networks showed that clip just prior to Senator Schmendrake's speech tonight?
Oh well, one can only dream...
September 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ok, Palin is imploding with facts that are coming out. Gee, what a shock. It is much better that this is happening as opposed to silly speculation based on wacked theories that give her sympathy. It's nice to see it play out and she appears to be sinking like the titanic. Gotta love it. I bet she doesn't make it through the week. One of the reasons why is that many states have a 60 day ballot access requirement. That would be even more of a disaster for mcbush if he doesn't have time to get his vp nominee on the ballot. Either she is in it for the long haul or she is history by friday. I still can't believe that they didn't vet this looney toon. Unbelievable, but the facts appear that they didn't.
By the way, this is a funny piece. Mcbush didn't throw a hail mary, he tried to pull a fumblerooskie. Too funny.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-bonifer/not-a-hail-mary-a-fumbler_b_122845.html
September 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
The only place she's sinking is here (and Daily Kos...) the real world doesn't have a problem with her.
September 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Now that is delusional. Even the corporate right-wing media is going after her. Too funny.
September 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
So people betting on Intrade only come from here and Kos?
September 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
I have to give it you, you are fighting the good fight. Unfortunately, she's not who the McCain camp presented her as being. I don't blame her for that (though I do question her judgment of accepting the position under the current circumstances), I blame the McCain campaign.
In language I'm sure you can recognize: this is FUBAR.
September 2, 2008 9:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Funny, I've never seen Richard Cohen post here or on Kos. Talking points have to have at least a shred of credibility to be effective, you know.
September 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe not with her, but with McCain's decision to pick her, the first real Executive level decision he gets to make....Take a little peek at the Pollster chart. Quick note: recent red dots on bottom bad for you, recent blue dots near top VERY bad for you.
http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/08-us-pres-ge-mvo.php
September 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Listening to news-radio station KCBS here in SF this morning, most of the train-wreck elements were being mentioned. Most were on the CBS network news; one (I forget which) was local convention coverage.
♦ Bridge to nowhere -- check
♦ Daughter's teenage pregnancy -- check
♦ Incompetent vetting -- check
♦ Troopergate lawyering-up -- check
♦ AK Independence Party -- not yet
♦ John McCain's head exploding -- not yet
Does radio count as MSM?
September 2, 2008 9:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Does radio count as MSM?
Yes, for people who use 56K dial up modems. Radio to them is like, like the first jet engine.
September 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
On the lawyering-up, it's SUPER-significant that she's actually making the "State" of Alaska pay for her lawyer!
She'd be right at home in the Bush White House.
September 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
obama 51% in ras today
September 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why can't Obama reach 52%? Clearly his candidacy is doomed.
September 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Can't stand ratsmussen. Right-wing wacked out polling operation. However, if they are saying 51, it might be as high as 56. Now there is the bounce.
September 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, the gap has opened up to 5-6%, which is enormous for Rasmussen.
Toast. Toast. Toast. People are getting the impression that Palin is an inexperienced candidate, chosen at the last minute for political reasons -- and one who comes with a lot of unknowns.
They've succeeded in making the VP slot a net negative for their ticket. And they couldn't afford any more negatives. Toast.
September 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
They violated the first rule of selecting the vp nominee. Do no harm. She is a total train wreck. Too freaking funny.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Who ya gonna call?
September 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Dogs and cats...living together...MASS HYSTERIA!" :D
September 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Its a fine line between clever and stupid.
September 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Republicans finally got too damn cynical for their own good. "Yeah, I know . . . we'll choose a woman, and steal away the Hillary voters! But first we'll precede that with a week of obviously manipulative advertising, just to make our cynical intentions completely transparent to the electorate! And since she's got to also be pro-life, let's choose a complete unknown . . ."
Not even McCain can break out of the Republican MO:
Priority #1: Ratfuck the opposition.
Priority #2: Govern the country.
September 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
You got it.
September 2, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm really glad, in fact, that McCain has chosen to run this sort of Rovian, image-obsessed campaign. Because I hate the Republicans' cynical *tactics* even more than I hate their actual *policies*.
If McCain had run the sort of honorable campaign David Broder expected, there would have been no catharsis. But instead he sidelined policy in order to make sneering "celebrity" ads, and chose a VP who was less about governing than demographic calculation.
It's been a real pleasure watching these tactics backfire.
September 2, 2008 9:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
damn obama got 51 percent on ras?!? great choice mccain...................
September 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is going according to plan. Palin is the perfect Rovian choice. The MSM is no longer discussing the incredible speech, democratic party unity and remarkable organizational excellence that was the Denver convention. The bloviators have been salivating over Palin rather than noting that a McCain presidency is simply carrying on the failed policies of GWB.
September 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Counterpoint: 60% of those who watched the Kerry-Bush debates thought that Kerry won. 60% of those who watched the post-debate analysis/spin over the next few days thought Bush won. If not for the VP announcement, we'd probably have seen a lot of second-guessing of the speech; instead, no one's bothered to dispute how good the speech was.
It's a bit of a stretch, but there you go.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fear not. The real story- currently being openly reported all over the place- is that McCain chose her despite not knowing the first thing about her. The obvious (and true) conclusion, which is coming through loud and clear even in the TradMed, is that he lacks the judgment required of a President (and that his claims to put country first were bullshit.) This whole story really is about McCain and trust me, it's not the kind of attention he wants.
September 2, 2008 9:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't see that as a problem at all. Some 68 million people saw the speech firsthand (not counting radio and streaming on the internet). They saw it for themselves and don't need the MSM beating it to death. Let them tear apart Sarah Palin and question McCain’s judgment. By all means. It seems Palin has actually woken them up to do their fucking jobs.
September 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why bother linking him to Bush when McCain is doing just fine sabotaging his candidacy on his own terms?
September 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think that was the plan -- follow Obama's speech with a weekend of gushing over McCain's pick -- and then re-focus on McCain as maverick at the RNC.
But the lack of vetting has led them to violate what must be the first rule of choosing a VP -- don't let the VP overshadow the candidate (and certainly don't let speculation about the VP's negatives overshadow the candidate). All Palin, all the time is no longer good for McCain.
September 2, 2008 11:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
John, it's Sarah. I was in your oval office today with Trig just pushed this big red button. What does it do?
September 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
"She has more than Obama...
September 2, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
More kids?
September 2, 2008 9:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
More what? More involvement with Ted Stevens? More connections to fringe secessionist parties?
September 2, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Both are true.
September 2, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Poor sfc. His only talking point gets bitch slapped all around.
September 2, 2008 10:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Unless you count as "executive experience" running a nationwide political campaign organization with more staff, volunteers and contributors than live in the state of Alaska, much less Wasilla.
Go ask your mom for a clue.
September 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
More earmarks?
September 2, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
O woe to be an elephant.
September 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jeez, that's like bumping Senor Wences for Norm Crosby and Phyllis Diller.
Helluva shoe, Republicans!
September 2, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Speaking of "helluva," today is the third anniversary of those ineffable words:
Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job."
September 2, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
On the contrary, those words are very f-able.
September 2, 2008 10:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman? Are there two more uninspiring, seemingly detached candidates? That's not sounding like fear-mongering, smear job politics you can believe in.
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
September 2, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Pictures which MAY bolster case that Sarah Palin is Trig's grandmother: http://cajunboy.tumblr.com/ Supposedly from the myspace page of the father's (Levi?) sister. Sarah Palin is referred to in a caption as the "mommy-in-law.." I found these last night googling around on Levi, etc.
September 2, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
1. Obama says back off of this stuff. He is offended and rightly so.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/obama-to-media.html
2. This whole thing is beyond absurd. There would have to be a huge conspiracy involving thousands of people. Give it a rest.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-stranahan/anchorage-tv-station-pali_b_123029.html
September 2, 2008 10:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
so intrade has replacing palin nearing 20%.
what should the replace mccain numbers be at?
September 2, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't we need to know a little more about Todd Palin?
Fundamentalist Christian dogma is for wives to submit to their husbands. How big a role would "the first dude" (as Sarah calls him) have if she were to step up and become commander-in-chief of the most powerful military in world history?
In the conversation between the governor's chief of staff with the soon-to-be-canned state police chief, the COS said "the Palins" were very interested in the trooper case. This would indicate some involvement by Todd in the decision-making, otherwise why would he mention them both instead of just "the governor"?
If, on Day One, McCain croaks, who is going to be in charge of the US military? Scarier than Cheney?
September 2, 2008 9:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
There is no religious test for the Presidency. PERIOD.
September 2, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Who said anything about a "religious test"?
I am curious about the spouse of the Republican veep nominee and his role in her decision-making process.
September 2, 2008 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Can't remember where, but I read sites that said people who go in to speak to the Governor are disconcerted to find the First Dude sitting in and acting just as fully the Governor as she is supposed to be. So, there's your answer. Evidently, it's a two-fer-one deal.
September 2, 2008 11:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm. Why would Rudy have gotten bumped? That doesn't seem like it would make sense. Even if the GOP doesn't like him for president, he's still Mr. 9/11, and my sense is the base still likes him from a celebrity point of view.
Crazy speculation time: Maybe he'll be replacing Palin on the ticket Wednesday night.
September 2, 2008 10:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
I can't see how McCain can rid himself of Palin at this point. The rightwing base is hot for Sarah Barracuda, and McCain needs the nutcases.
September 2, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe he *wanted* to be bumped.
Sauve qui peut, and all that.
September 2, 2008 10:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
She has been the nominee for Vice President for four days now. But she has yet to hold a news conference or to accept any direct questions from reporters. Is she able to do that? Am I asking a lot?
September 2, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
but... she has more!!!!!
Figured I'd save sfcwallace the trouble.
September 2, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
No shit. They have to take her off the leash at some point, don't they?
September 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Republicans finally cop to Ken Starr having led a partisan witch-hunt.
Josh is up early. Just before 6 a.m. he posted this quote from Thomas Van Flein, the lawyering-up lawyer representing Sarah Palin at the behest of the McSame campaign...
... for those few who are still in denial about Ken Starr.
September 2, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
noun verb "executive experience."
September 2, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
For more about the role Todd Palin might play in a Palin presidential administration (OMG, I actually said it), see www.andrewhalcro.com/shadow_governor. You will also see Palin using Executive Privilege, just like Georgie Boy. And get ready for more of that, as they try to slow the Troopergate investigation past the election.
September 2, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
As Obama himself noted, he actually has more executive experience just by virtue of running a presidential campaign. His campaign has more people in it than Palin's Alaskan village. Not to mention his state senate district, which was almost a third the size of Alaska's entire population(excluding bears). He also has vastly more experience dealing with domestic and international affairs at the federal level.
Although, to be fair, Palin has more experience hiring a lobbyist to bring millions in federal earmark funds to her village.
She also has more experience as director of Indicted Republican Senator Steven's 527.
She also has more experience supporting a bridge to nowhere (before she was against it, but still took the tax dollars for other projects, hehe).
She also has more experience abusing her power in an attempt to settle a family score. And lying about her involvement in said abuse of power.
She also has more experience as a member of an anti-American secessionist organization. "Alaska First!" hehe
You see, moronic trolls like Wallace are actually correct, just not for the reasons they think they are. That's what makes them moronic trolls.
September 2, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
"bad hair" day for sfc today. getting bitch slapped can muss up your hair. Must have gotten out on the wrong side of the bed today.
September 2, 2008 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Palin is very qualified she was on the PTA and Alaska borders Russia
September 2, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Palin is very qualified she was on the PTA and Alaska borders Russia
September 2, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
oh yeah and she's got that BA in journalism from Idaho and beauty pageant experience. Better than those losers from Harvard.
September 2, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Palin Commander-in-Chief: Campbell Brown's interview was brutal. But she didn't quite get to ask the critical question: Yes, she in the position of deploying and commanding the National Guard, but has she ever done so? For what? If she's never made a decision to deploy the guard, or not to (harder to examine) then she has no experience as a commander despite the fact that her gubernatorial position might some day call on her to gain such experience.
rsl
September 2, 2008 11:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I've been waiting for one of the blogs to post this interview. It was hillarious!
September 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
The following will be posted to:
American Politics
Yes Virginia there IS a Santa Claus!
Bush is speaking tonight via Satellite
The Dems can now throw open the doors to our More of the Same War Room and the MSM will have two items of REAL news to report - the McSame old thing and the hot young thing
September 2, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
What a joy to our collective lives!!! Just when one thought there would be no entertainment value in this convention, the RNC bring us the first of their leaders to bring us the term "nuculer"... and later this week we will have the great honor to hear the gal who has a great grasp on the term speak, as well. I couldn't be happier!!!!
September 2, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink