Thursday, January 31, 2008
Jackie Mason '08 Vlog 9 - John McCain is a Phony!
As usual the J-Man nails it. Watch the video here.
John McCain's battle to win conservative votes
If John McCain is to be sure of the Republican nomination, he needs to win over more arch conservatives, both of the fiscal and evangelical variety.
In every primary so far exit polls have showed him losing among those describing themselves as "very conservative".[snip]
He also voted against George W Bush's 2001 tax cuts, arguing that federal spending was not being cut in kind. This is all sacrilege to conservative Republicans.
Rush Limbaugh, the most influential Right-wing talk radio host in the country, said Mr McCain's nomination would "destroy the Republican Party". Evangelical leader James Dobson said he would not support McCain "under any circumstances".
Dobson had his chance. He could have endorsed a strong conservative like Fred Thompson or even Mitt Romney but chose rather to bash them. Now he's faced with a likely nominee that is WAY unacceptable and he can't do a thing about it. You made your bed Dr, now sleep in it.
In every primary so far exit polls have showed him losing among those describing themselves as "very conservative".[snip]
He also voted against George W Bush's 2001 tax cuts, arguing that federal spending was not being cut in kind. This is all sacrilege to conservative Republicans.
Rush Limbaugh, the most influential Right-wing talk radio host in the country, said Mr McCain's nomination would "destroy the Republican Party". Evangelical leader James Dobson said he would not support McCain "under any circumstances".
Dobson had his chance. He could have endorsed a strong conservative like Fred Thompson or even Mitt Romney but chose rather to bash them. Now he's faced with a likely nominee that is WAY unacceptable and he can't do a thing about it. You made your bed Dr, now sleep in it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Reagan Library Republican Debate
1. Romney
2. Paul
3. Huckleberry
4. Crazy Codger
Romney did very well tonight but I'm afraid regardless of how well he performs and how poorly McQueeg does the die is cast.
2. Paul
3. Huckleberry
4. Crazy Codger
Romney did very well tonight but I'm afraid regardless of how well he performs and how poorly McQueeg does the die is cast.
Raul Castro tops Fidel in Cuba election
A virtual blueprint as to how a repressive, communist dictatorship passes the baton of power while still giving it's people the perception that they're not only involved but behind it.
HAVANA - Acting President Raul Castro — not his older brother Fidel — was the top vote-getter in Cuban parliamentary elections, according to official results Wednesday.
Bespectacled, camera shy and far less charismatic than Cuba's ailing long-time leader, the 76-year-old Raul received 99.4 percent of votes cast in the family's base of Santiago in eastern Cuba — a percentage point more than Fidel got.
Both brothers easily won re-election to the rubber-stamp legislature known as the National Assembly of Popular Power, as did all of the 614 candidates presented to the island's 8.4 million voters on Jan. 20.
HAVANA - Acting President Raul Castro — not his older brother Fidel — was the top vote-getter in Cuban parliamentary elections, according to official results Wednesday.
Bespectacled, camera shy and far less charismatic than Cuba's ailing long-time leader, the 76-year-old Raul received 99.4 percent of votes cast in the family's base of Santiago in eastern Cuba — a percentage point more than Fidel got.
Both brothers easily won re-election to the rubber-stamp legislature known as the National Assembly of Popular Power, as did all of the 614 candidates presented to the island's 8.4 million voters on Jan. 20.
John Edwards to Drop Out Of Presidential Race
Per Fox:
John Edwards plans to drop out of the presidential race Wednesday afternoon, FOX News confirms, ending an underdog bid that was jeopardized by his distant third finish in the South Carolina primary on Saturday.
Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and two-time White House candidate, plans to make the announcement at 1 p.m. ET in New Orleans, where he already had scheduled a speech on poverty, according to advisers
My Little Pony gallups off into the sunset.
Update: Julie Annie too.
John Edwards plans to drop out of the presidential race Wednesday afternoon, FOX News confirms, ending an underdog bid that was jeopardized by his distant third finish in the South Carolina primary on Saturday.
Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and two-time White House candidate, plans to make the announcement at 1 p.m. ET in New Orleans, where he already had scheduled a speech on poverty, according to advisers
My Little Pony gallups off into the sunset.
Update: Julie Annie too.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Florida Primary
Initial reports beginning to trickle in show the results tight, tight, tight. The Panhandle appears to be coming in fairly strong for Romney. We'll see how this translates in the more "moderate" areas of the south.
Update: The talking heads are officially reporting nothing but to analyze their mood one would have to believe things are not looking great for Romney, we'll see.
Update II: McQueeg wins Florida, pass the cyanide.
Update: The talking heads are officially reporting nothing but to analyze their mood one would have to believe things are not looking great for Romney, we'll see.
Update II: McQueeg wins Florida, pass the cyanide.
Durable Goods Orders Rise by 5.2 Percent
Where the he!! did this come from?
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Orders to factories for big-ticket manufactured goods soared in December by the largest amount in five months, welcome news for an economy buffeted by talk of recession.
The 5.2 percent increase in orders was a surprise finish for the manufacturing sector at year's end -- a segment of the economy considered to have had a poor year.
The increase in orders, as reported Tuesday by the Commerce Department, was far larger than had been expected. The strength came from a big increase in demand for commercial aircraft, but even excluding the transportation sector, orders posted a solid 2.6 percent gain.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Orders to factories for big-ticket manufactured goods soared in December by the largest amount in five months, welcome news for an economy buffeted by talk of recession.
The 5.2 percent increase in orders was a surprise finish for the manufacturing sector at year's end -- a segment of the economy considered to have had a poor year.
The increase in orders, as reported Tuesday by the Commerce Department, was far larger than had been expected. The strength came from a big increase in demand for commercial aircraft, but even excluding the transportation sector, orders posted a solid 2.6 percent gain.
NOW NY Slams Kennedy
Ahhh the circular firing squad, sweet.
"Marcia Pappas, NOW-NY's president, wrote in a news release that on a host of issues and positions, "Women have forgiven Kennedy, stuck up for him, stood by him," but "We are repaid with his abandonment. He's picked the new guy over us. He's joined the list of progressive white men who can't or won't handle the prospect of a woman president"
"Marcia Pappas, NOW-NY's president, wrote in a news release that on a host of issues and positions, "Women have forgiven Kennedy, stuck up for him, stood by him," but "We are repaid with his abandonment. He's picked the new guy over us. He's joined the list of progressive white men who can't or won't handle the prospect of a woman president"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Datamar/Florida Mitt Romney: 35.6% John McCain: 23.2%
Outlier?
Sample size 492 +/- 4.4 percent sampling error January 25 – 27, 2008 San Diego – A statewide poll of Florida voters for the Republican presidential primary election, released today by Datamar Inc., shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in first place with 35.6%. U.S. Senator John McCain is in second place with 23.2%; former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani is in third place in the polls with 14.8%; and former Governor from Arkansas Mike Huckabee is in fourth place with 13.2%. The findings are based on a January 25 – 27, 2008 survey of Florida voters.
Sample size 492 +/- 4.4 percent sampling error January 25 – 27, 2008 San Diego – A statewide poll of Florida voters for the Republican presidential primary election, released today by Datamar Inc., shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in first place with 35.6%. U.S. Senator John McCain is in second place with 23.2%; former Mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani is in third place in the polls with 14.8%; and former Governor from Arkansas Mike Huckabee is in fourth place with 13.2%. The findings are based on a January 25 – 27, 2008 survey of Florida voters.
Massachusetts Healthcare Plan Costs Skyrocket
Romney better learn his lesson on Government Health Care and learn it quick.
(CNSNews.com) - According to recent reports, the cost of Massachusetts' health insurance mandate will rise 85 percent, or $400 million, in 2009. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), meanwhile, has been on the presidential campaign trail praising the program he put into place.
According to The Boston Globe, the cost increase is largely due to an increase in the number of people signing up for state-subsidized health insurance. State and federal taxpayers are likely to shoulder the cost increase.
"Essentially, the people who signed up under the mandate were the people who were getting subsidies," said Michael Tanner, director of health and welfare studies at the libertarian Cato Institute.
(CNSNews.com) - According to recent reports, the cost of Massachusetts' health insurance mandate will rise 85 percent, or $400 million, in 2009. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), meanwhile, has been on the presidential campaign trail praising the program he put into place.
According to The Boston Globe, the cost increase is largely due to an increase in the number of people signing up for state-subsidized health insurance. State and federal taxpayers are likely to shoulder the cost increase.
"Essentially, the people who signed up under the mandate were the people who were getting subsidies," said Michael Tanner, director of health and welfare studies at the libertarian Cato Institute.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Kennedy to Endorse Obama, Officials Say
MACON, Ga. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts will endorse Senate colleague Barack Obama for president, party officials confirmed Sunday.
The endorsement will be announced Monday in Washington, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for the record. An official close to the senator said the announcement will be made during an Obama campaign rally at American University, where he will be joined by Sen. Kennedy and his niece, Caroline Kennedy, who also has endorsed Obama.
OUCH!
Riehl World View reports: Bill Pleads With Ted, Is Rebuffed
Big Mo has turned and for the first time since this began I'm honestly beginning to question whether Hillary is going to prevail.
The endorsement will be announced Monday in Washington, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak for the record. An official close to the senator said the announcement will be made during an Obama campaign rally at American University, where he will be joined by Sen. Kennedy and his niece, Caroline Kennedy, who also has endorsed Obama.
OUCH!
Riehl World View reports: Bill Pleads With Ted, Is Rebuffed
Big Mo has turned and for the first time since this began I'm honestly beginning to question whether Hillary is going to prevail.
Good News for Romney
First Rasmussen has Romney up on McQueeg by the largest spread to date:
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Florida shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney earning 33% of the vote while Arizona Senator John McCain attracts 27%.
And this pickup from the Thompson coalition:
Liz Cheney, Vice President Cheney's daughter, plans to endorse Mitt Romney for president, three Republican sources familiar with the discussions tell CNN.
Also Ed Morrissey at one of our favorite blogs, Captains Quarters.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Florida shows former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney earning 33% of the vote while Arizona Senator John McCain attracts 27%.
And this pickup from the Thompson coalition:
Liz Cheney, Vice President Cheney's daughter, plans to endorse Mitt Romney for president, three Republican sources familiar with the discussions tell CNN.
Also Ed Morrissey at one of our favorite blogs, Captains Quarters.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Barack Hussein Wins in SC
Looks like a rout. The only question remaining....will the Beast come in third? Stay tuned it's gonna be close.Update: Hillary comes in second but Obama beats her by a more than 2:1 margin.
Love for Hillary spurs Bill Clinton's attacks on Barack Obama, he says
Love is the reason Bill Clinton has gone wild on the trail, turning his red-faced rage at Barack Obama's presidential campaign and reporters on a serial basis, he explained Thursday. It was his answer to a female voter in South Carolina who urged him to "stop taking the bait from Obama."
"When I was running, I didn't give a rip what anybody said about me," he said. "It's weird, you know, but if you love somebody and you think that they'd be good, it's harder."
He blasted Obama recently as a closeted Ronald Reagan fan who loves GOP ideas, accusing his campaign of intimidating voters in Nevada and injecting race into the contest.
BWAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
"When I was running, I didn't give a rip what anybody said about me," he said. "It's weird, you know, but if you love somebody and you think that they'd be good, it's harder."
He blasted Obama recently as a closeted Ronald Reagan fan who loves GOP ideas, accusing his campaign of intimidating voters in Nevada and injecting race into the contest.
BWAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
More than 40 Egyptian border police injured by stampeding Palestinians
Egypt is beginning to reap what they've been sowing for years...
Saturday, Jan.4, they tore across the border in hundreds of vehicles for the first time. On the fourth day of the mass Palestinian exodus from Gaza, Egyptian foreign minister Abdullah Gheit appealed to “our Palestinian brothers” not to abuse Cairo’s hospitality as Egyptian police strove to prevent the tide slipping south. Friday night, Hamas bulldozed another section of the Gaza-Sinai border wall against Egyptian efforts to seal it. Some three quarters–of-a million have so far swarmed through.
DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources report that the flood of shoppers masks intense efforts by the Palestinian terrorist Hamas, Jihad Islami, Fatah-Al Aqsa Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees as well as al Qaeda to establish a base in northern Sinai. They don’t see anyone stopping them.
Restoring the border, Western military experts have told DEBKAfile, would require the deployment of 30,000 Egyptian troops to the El Arish area and divided Rafah Gaza border, backed by air force, navy and armored units.
Saturday, Jan.4, they tore across the border in hundreds of vehicles for the first time. On the fourth day of the mass Palestinian exodus from Gaza, Egyptian foreign minister Abdullah Gheit appealed to “our Palestinian brothers” not to abuse Cairo’s hospitality as Egyptian police strove to prevent the tide slipping south. Friday night, Hamas bulldozed another section of the Gaza-Sinai border wall against Egyptian efforts to seal it. Some three quarters–of-a million have so far swarmed through.
DEBKAfile’s counter-terror sources report that the flood of shoppers masks intense efforts by the Palestinian terrorist Hamas, Jihad Islami, Fatah-Al Aqsa Brigades, the Popular Resistance Committees as well as al Qaeda to establish a base in northern Sinai. They don’t see anyone stopping them.
Restoring the border, Western military experts have told DEBKAfile, would require the deployment of 30,000 Egyptian troops to the El Arish area and divided Rafah Gaza border, backed by air force, navy and armored units.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bill Clinton: John McCain and Hillary are 'very close'
As if we don't have enough reason's NOT to vote for John McCain.(CNN) — If Hillary Clinton and John McCain become their party's presidential nominees, the general election race is likely to be a love-fest.
At least according to Bill Clinton.
Campaigning in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Friday, the former president brushed aside suggestions his wife would prove to be a divisive nominee for the Democratic Party, pointing out how she has successfully worked with Republicans in the Senate — including one of the current GOP presidential candidates.
"She and John McCain are very close," Clinton said. "They always laugh that if they wound up being the nominees of their party, it would be the most civilized election in American history, and they're afraid they'd put the voters to sleep because they like and respect each other."
Granted it's Bill Clinton saying this. Even so, it's not even a little bit surprising.
Iraq ready for "final" battle with al Qaeda - PM
Cornered and soon to be toast...
BAGHDAD, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces have begun a "decisive" final offensive against al Qaeda in Iraq to push the Sunni Islamist militants out of their last major stronghold in the north, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Friday.
He said Iraqi soldiers and police were being sent to Mosul, where a massive blast blamed on al Qaeda killed 40 people and wounded 220 on Wednesday, and an operations room had been set up in the city, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad.
U.S. military commanders say al Qaeda, blamed for most big bombings in Iraq, has regrouped in the northern provinces after being squeezed out of western Anbar province and from around Baghdad during security crackdowns last year.
They describe Mosul, capital of Nineveh province, as al Qaeda's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.
BAGHDAD, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Iraqi security forces have begun a "decisive" final offensive against al Qaeda in Iraq to push the Sunni Islamist militants out of their last major stronghold in the north, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Friday.
He said Iraqi soldiers and police were being sent to Mosul, where a massive blast blamed on al Qaeda killed 40 people and wounded 220 on Wednesday, and an operations room had been set up in the city, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad.
U.S. military commanders say al Qaeda, blamed for most big bombings in Iraq, has regrouped in the northern provinces after being squeezed out of western Anbar province and from around Baghdad during security crackdowns last year.
They describe Mosul, capital of Nineveh province, as al Qaeda's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Rush Limbaugh: May Not Support GOP Nominee
I must say I have a similar sentioment.
Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh stunned his listeners by announcing that he might not support the Republican presidential nominee in this year’s election.
Limbaugh said on Monday’s show: "I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."
The reason: “You don’t have a genuine down-the-list conservative” among the GOP candidates.
“Wherever you go here in this roster of candidates, you're going to be able to point out ‘not conservative, what he did there is not conservative’” Rush said.
Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh stunned his listeners by announcing that he might not support the Republican presidential nominee in this year’s election.
Limbaugh said on Monday’s show: "I can see possibly not supporting the Republican nominee this election, and I never thought that I would say that in my life."
The reason: “You don’t have a genuine down-the-list conservative” among the GOP candidates.
“Wherever you go here in this roster of candidates, you're going to be able to point out ‘not conservative, what he did there is not conservative’” Rush said.
Student: Anger Management Instructor Broke My Finger
Serenity now, serenity now....CLOVERDALE, Ind. -- A Cloverdale Middle School anger-management teacher resigned after he broke a student's finger during what began as horseplay, school officials said.
Scott Porter recently broke an index finger of Jordan Mundy (pictured) as they were wrestling each other during an anger-management class, Jordan and the school's principal said.
"It did start off as kind of a fun horseplay type of incident. Whether or not somebody got angry during that altercation is what is in dispute right now," Principal Charles Bollinger told 6News' Rick Hightower on Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee
What the F*&%?
"I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail," said Hunter. "Of the remaining candidates I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China's emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America‚s industrial base."
"Along with these issues of national security, border enforcement and protecting the U.S. industrial base, I see another quality of Mike Huckabee's candidacy that compels my endorsement. Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well. My personal choice is Mike Huckabee," Hunter concluded.
"I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail," said Hunter. "Of the remaining candidates I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China's emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America‚s industrial base."
"Along with these issues of national security, border enforcement and protecting the U.S. industrial base, I see another quality of Mike Huckabee's candidacy that compels my endorsement. Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well. My personal choice is Mike Huckabee," Hunter concluded.
Romney Trolling for Support
I'll say one thing for Mitt Romney, his campaign is on the ball. I received this E-mail yesterday a scant few hours after Fred Thompson's withdrawal from the race:
Rob,
Since you’ve endorsed Senator Thompson at OpiniPundit, I wanted to reach out after your candidate’s decision today.
With Senator Thompson’s departure, I believe that Governor Romney is the only candidate capable of maintaining the unity of the conservative coalition. And I believe that only Governor Romney can stop Senator McCain in Florida and beyond.
Please let me know if I can be of assistance as our party moves forward.
Thanks,
Stephen B. Smith
Director of Online Communications
Romney for President, Inc.
www.MittRomney.com
Rob,
Since you’ve endorsed Senator Thompson at OpiniPundit, I wanted to reach out after your candidate’s decision today.
With Senator Thompson’s departure, I believe that Governor Romney is the only candidate capable of maintaining the unity of the conservative coalition. And I believe that only Governor Romney can stop Senator McCain in Florida and beyond.
Please let me know if I can be of assistance as our party moves forward.
Thanks,
Stephen B. Smith
Director of Online Communications
Romney for President, Inc.
www.MittRomney.com
Active volcano under ice
An active volcano has been found under Antarctica's rapidly melting western ice sheet.
Although it has not erupted for more than 2000 years, heat from the geologically active Hudson Mountains Subglacial Volcano helps explain why nearby Pine Island Glacier shrinks by more than a kilometre every year, British scientists claim.
Only a matter of time before the Global warming Nazi's insist on a virgin sacrifice.
Although it has not erupted for more than 2000 years, heat from the geologically active Hudson Mountains Subglacial Volcano helps explain why nearby Pine Island Glacier shrinks by more than a kilometre every year, British scientists claim.
Only a matter of time before the Global warming Nazi's insist on a virgin sacrifice.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thompson Out
This time the best man didn't win.
Word is he will not be endorsing another candidate. Wise choice as no one in the field measures up to his conservative bonafides.
Couldn't have happened at a better time for Romney as he will pick up the additional neccessary support to carry Florida.
Update: As we predicted....along with Rasmussen, Insider Advantage now has Romney up by 5 in Florida.
Word is he will not be endorsing another candidate. Wise choice as no one in the field measures up to his conservative bonafides.
Couldn't have happened at a better time for Romney as he will pick up the additional neccessary support to carry Florida.
Update: As we predicted....along with Rasmussen, Insider Advantage now has Romney up by 5 in Florida.
Iran Warns Netherlands Not to Air Controversial 'Anti-Muslim' Film
A senior Iranian lawmaker warned the Netherlands on Monday not to allow the screening of what it called an anti-Islamic film produced by a Dutch politician, claiming it "reflects insulting views about the Holy Koran." Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, promised widespread protests and a review of Iran's relationship with the Netherlands if Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders' work is shown. "If Holland will allow the broadcast of this movie, the Iranian parliament will request to reconsider our relationship with it," Boroujerdi said, according to IRNA, the official Iranian news agency. "In Iran, insulting Islam is a very sensitive matter and if the movie is broadcasted it will arouse a wave of popular hate that will be directed towards any government that insults Islam.
Netherlands to Iran, "BITE ME"!
Netherlands to Iran, "BITE ME"!
Monday, January 21, 2008
'BILL HAS A DREAM'
Our first "black President" in all his glory. Bill Clinton showed yesterday why he made it into the book "The Art of Napping."
During an appearance at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, the former president was caught nodding off.
Clinton was there during a service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while his wife was nearby at Abyssinian Baptist Church, where she was endorsed by its minister, Rev. Calvin Butts.
Romney Ahead by 5 in Florida (Rasmussen)
Good to see the Huckster doesn't make it into the top three....
Election 2008: Florida Republican Primary Florida: Romney 25% McCain 20% Giuliani 19% Monday, January 21, 2008.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds Mitt Romney with a slight lead in Florida’s Republican Presidential Primary. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are close behind in what may develop into a three-man race. It’s Romney at 25%, McCain at 20%, and Giuliani at 19%. Romney has picked up seven points over the past week while McCain and Giuliani each inched up a point.
Last week, before the Michigan and South Carolina Primaries, Rasmussen Reports polling found essentially a four-way tie for the lead in Florida. However, Mike Huckabee has slipped to 13% in the current poll. A week ago, he was the top choice for 17%.
Election 2008: Florida Republican Primary Florida: Romney 25% McCain 20% Giuliani 19% Monday, January 21, 2008.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds Mitt Romney with a slight lead in Florida’s Republican Presidential Primary. John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are close behind in what may develop into a three-man race. It’s Romney at 25%, McCain at 20%, and Giuliani at 19%. Romney has picked up seven points over the past week while McCain and Giuliani each inched up a point.
Last week, before the Michigan and South Carolina Primaries, Rasmussen Reports polling found essentially a four-way tie for the lead in Florida. However, Mike Huckabee has slipped to 13% in the current poll. A week ago, he was the top choice for 17%.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Where We Stand
South Carolina proved to be anything but a surprise as the Real Clear Politics poll averages played out pretty much down the line. Thompson will stay in through Florida but will need a miracle. Hunter is out, Giuliani is damaged beyond reclamation, Huckabee is weakened leaving McCain and Romney to duke it out for the title.
I find Thompsons lack of strength inexplicable. The political junkies were behind him by a wide margin. It's hard to argue he isn't the most solid conservative on the ticket yet he never real gained the big mo. Why? The only answer can be that a plurality of the electorate didn't feel he could win and therefor wrote him off for a more moderate candidate that they thought could defeat the Dem in the general.
Thompson was the last hope of the GOP to produce a concensus candidate that could win the general. Romney may win the nomination but so many evangelicals will sit out the general that he can't prevail, If McCain wins the nomination, so many core conservatives (including this one) will simply not vote for him that he also can't possibly win. Bottom line, the GOP lost the Presidential election of 2008 last night.
There are quite a few folks that feel that a Thompson pull out will benefit McCain. That's precisely wrong. Thompson's supporters will go to Romney 3 to 1 as most Fredheads list Romney as their second choice. They know McCain's not a conservative they still hold out the remote hope that Romney might could be.
Romney has managed to do extremely well with some of the worst press any modern candidate has had to endure and that I do respect. His pandering, however, has become so insufferable that it's initiated my gag reflex on almost a daily basis. I'll vote for him with an industrial strength alligator clip on my nose when the time comes.
The Evangelicals have really shot themselves in the foot on this one. They have virtually assured a Clinton III Presidency. They wielded their power in a ignorant and misguided frenzy to nominate a self righteous liberal Gomer who can't possibly win and in doing so forced the best man out. One consolation....they'll have the next 4-8 years to contemplate their folly.
Update: Occasionally their is a comment so good it's worthy of being published main page. This thought by Redrider is such a comment. "Nothing cures bleeding heart syndrome like having 4 or more years of liberal leadership."
And therein my friends lies the silver lining.
I find Thompsons lack of strength inexplicable. The political junkies were behind him by a wide margin. It's hard to argue he isn't the most solid conservative on the ticket yet he never real gained the big mo. Why? The only answer can be that a plurality of the electorate didn't feel he could win and therefor wrote him off for a more moderate candidate that they thought could defeat the Dem in the general.
Thompson was the last hope of the GOP to produce a concensus candidate that could win the general. Romney may win the nomination but so many evangelicals will sit out the general that he can't prevail, If McCain wins the nomination, so many core conservatives (including this one) will simply not vote for him that he also can't possibly win. Bottom line, the GOP lost the Presidential election of 2008 last night.
There are quite a few folks that feel that a Thompson pull out will benefit McCain. That's precisely wrong. Thompson's supporters will go to Romney 3 to 1 as most Fredheads list Romney as their second choice. They know McCain's not a conservative they still hold out the remote hope that Romney might could be.
Romney has managed to do extremely well with some of the worst press any modern candidate has had to endure and that I do respect. His pandering, however, has become so insufferable that it's initiated my gag reflex on almost a daily basis. I'll vote for him with an industrial strength alligator clip on my nose when the time comes.
The Evangelicals have really shot themselves in the foot on this one. They have virtually assured a Clinton III Presidency. They wielded their power in a ignorant and misguided frenzy to nominate a self righteous liberal Gomer who can't possibly win and in doing so forced the best man out. One consolation....they'll have the next 4-8 years to contemplate their folly.
Update: Occasionally their is a comment so good it's worthy of being published main page. This thought by Redrider is such a comment. "Nothing cures bleeding heart syndrome like having 4 or more years of liberal leadership."
And therein my friends lies the silver lining.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Hunter Out
Duncan Hunter drops out of race per Fox.
For the moment there's one true conservative left in the campaign. Hunter never had a snowballs chance but Opinipundit respects the man and all that he stands for.
For the moment there's one true conservative left in the campaign. Hunter never had a snowballs chance but Opinipundit respects the man and all that he stands for.
Friday, January 18, 2008
At the Last Minute, Thompson Shines
If Fred fails it's because he just waited a few weeks too long to make his "transformation". We always knew he had it in him and there's no one better when it's on dispaly.
Greenville, South Carolina — At various times during Fred Thompson’s presidential campaign, there have been moments in which Republicans who admire Thompson and want him to succeed have said, “Yessssss! Yessssss! Why haven’t we seen more of that?” One such moment happened in December, after Thompson’s “no hand shows” performance at the Des Moines Register debate in Iowa. Another came nine days ago after Thompson’s forceful performance at the Fox News debate in Myrtle Beach. And there was another last night, in the final appearance of Thompson’s South Carolina primary campaign, in a packed room at Greenville’s Embassy Suites hotel. At that appearance, Thompson was so good, so energized, so non-laid-back-Fred, that many of his supporters wondered where the man had been during the campaign.
Greenville, South Carolina — At various times during Fred Thompson’s presidential campaign, there have been moments in which Republicans who admire Thompson and want him to succeed have said, “Yessssss! Yessssss! Why haven’t we seen more of that?” One such moment happened in December, after Thompson’s “no hand shows” performance at the Des Moines Register debate in Iowa. Another came nine days ago after Thompson’s forceful performance at the Fox News debate in Myrtle Beach. And there was another last night, in the final appearance of Thompson’s South Carolina primary campaign, in a packed room at Greenville’s Embassy Suites hotel. At that appearance, Thompson was so good, so energized, so non-laid-back-Fred, that many of his supporters wondered where the man had been during the campaign.
Familiar rhetoric
More liberal talking points from Obama? Edwards,? The Beast? No, guess again.
"The consitution is a living, breathing document"
A true conservative believes that the constitution should be altered only in the most rare of circumstances. The most noble goals don't excuse corruption of the process.
"The consitution is a living, breathing document"
A true conservative believes that the constitution should be altered only in the most rare of circumstances. The most noble goals don't excuse corruption of the process.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Romney Changes Position Again, Will Now Run As A Black Woman
Too funny...
Natick - Seeking to capitalize on what he is now calling "an evolving campaign, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced following his victory in Michigan that he had changed his position on himself and is currently running as a black woman in the Democratic primary.
"This country is ready for big change, and I am ready to deliver it – as a black woman," Romney said to a modest crowd of confused onlookers during a stump speech in Columbia, S.C.
"Together, we have a chance to make history by electing the first white man to run as a black woman," added the former Massachusetts governor, the clear fingernail polish on his right hand glistening in the klieg lights as he formed a fist, pounded his chest and looked skyward for emphasis, his eyes welling up briefly with emotion.
Romney insisted his identity change wasn’t some cheap political attempt at repositioning himself with voters. The revelation, he said, came to him suddenly and naturally, during a meeting with his campaign advisors.
Rest
Natick - Seeking to capitalize on what he is now calling "an evolving campaign, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney announced following his victory in Michigan that he had changed his position on himself and is currently running as a black woman in the Democratic primary.
"This country is ready for big change, and I am ready to deliver it – as a black woman," Romney said to a modest crowd of confused onlookers during a stump speech in Columbia, S.C.
"Together, we have a chance to make history by electing the first white man to run as a black woman," added the former Massachusetts governor, the clear fingernail polish on his right hand glistening in the klieg lights as he formed a fist, pounded his chest and looked skyward for emphasis, his eyes welling up briefly with emotion.
Romney insisted his identity change wasn’t some cheap political attempt at repositioning himself with voters. The revelation, he said, came to him suddenly and naturally, during a meeting with his campaign advisors.
Rest
Thompson Makes LARGE South Carolina Ad Buy
Zogby has Thompson moving into a statistical tie for second with Huckabee.
ABC News' Christine Byun Reports: In an aggressive ad buy, GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson's will air a 60 second commercial tomorrow night in South Carolina on nearly every major broadcast channel from 6:25 pm to 6:30 pm.
In the ad, which is titled "Consistent Conservative," Thompson talks about having "common sense" principles. He says "basic rights come from God, not government," a classic line from his stump speech. Thompson also makes a play at his humble beginnings in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
This is a make or break situation for Thompson, a third place finish and he's done. If however, he manages to finish on top or even a solid second and things get very interesting.
ABC News' Christine Byun Reports: In an aggressive ad buy, GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson's will air a 60 second commercial tomorrow night in South Carolina on nearly every major broadcast channel from 6:25 pm to 6:30 pm.
In the ad, which is titled "Consistent Conservative," Thompson talks about having "common sense" principles. He says "basic rights come from God, not government," a classic line from his stump speech. Thompson also makes a play at his humble beginnings in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.
This is a make or break situation for Thompson, a third place finish and he's done. If however, he manages to finish on top or even a solid second and things get very interesting.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Huckabee Channeling Hillary
Unfortunately for the Huckster Democrats can't vote in the SC primary.
Mike Huckabee went on Morning Joe today and toyed with suggesting a "conspiracy" composed of the "Washington power circles" was out to get him. At 7:41 AM ET, the former Arkansas governor was discussing his efforts in South Carolina with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
Newsbusters has the vid
Mike Huckabee went on Morning Joe today and toyed with suggesting a "conspiracy" composed of the "Washington power circles" was out to get him. At 7:41 AM ET, the former Arkansas governor was discussing his efforts in South Carolina with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
Newsbusters has the vid
Romney Wins! Who's next?
Just some personal observations from last nights Michigan primary.
Mitt Romney not only won but he won big and in doing so he has made it all more the likely that we will go to a brokered convention. He stopped whatever momentum McCain had building and seriously clipped the the wings of upstart Mike Huckabee. We now have had 3 primaries and three different winners. If Fred Thompson should pull the upset in South Carolina and Giuliani in Florida that total will go to 5 respectively and the race will have degenerated into a full blown free for all.
If these contests tell us anything it's that the Republican electorate just flat hasn't made up their collective mind. They neiher love nor hate any of the contestants and untill someone emerges to definitively make the sale this thing will be in limbo.
I for one welcome a brokered convention. It will be good for the process as well as the party and may end of giving are party the conviction we have so sorely been lacking. If South Carolina and Florida turn out as I suspect they might, stock up on the popcorn, it's going to be an epic adventure.
Mitt Romney not only won but he won big and in doing so he has made it all more the likely that we will go to a brokered convention. He stopped whatever momentum McCain had building and seriously clipped the the wings of upstart Mike Huckabee. We now have had 3 primaries and three different winners. If Fred Thompson should pull the upset in South Carolina and Giuliani in Florida that total will go to 5 respectively and the race will have degenerated into a full blown free for all.
If these contests tell us anything it's that the Republican electorate just flat hasn't made up their collective mind. They neiher love nor hate any of the contestants and untill someone emerges to definitively make the sale this thing will be in limbo.
I for one welcome a brokered convention. It will be good for the process as well as the party and may end of giving are party the conviction we have so sorely been lacking. If South Carolina and Florida turn out as I suspect they might, stock up on the popcorn, it's going to be an epic adventure.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Final Michigan Primary Prediction
Intrade CloseRomney 29%
McCain 22%
Huckabee 15%
Thompson 8%
Giuliani 6%
Paul 5%
Update: Boston Globe: Early Mich. Exit Polls Favor Romney (
Early exit polling from Michigan appears to bode well for Mitt Romney and ill for John McCain.
McCain won the Republican primary in 2000, thanks largely to support from independents and Democrats who crossed over.
But while independents made up 35 percent of primary voters in 2000, they only comprised about 25 percent of voters today, according to the exit poll, conducted by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International for The Associated Press and television networks
Good for Mitt and also good for Fred.
Update II: Here's what I mean...
Thompson SC at Intrade up from 4 to 18 with likely Romney MI win.
Police: Man Shot Himself In Genitals During Robbery
Definate Darwin Award winner candidate here...
KOKOMO, Ind. -- Police said a man accidentally shot himself in the genitals as he robbed a convenience store early Tuesday morning.
Kokomo police said they were called to a Village Pantry store at 100 North Ohio Street at about 4:20 a.m. after a clerk at the store called them.
The female clerk told police that a man came into the store with a semiautomatic handgun and demanded cash and cigarettes before handing her a white cloth bag.
The clerk said that as she retrieved the cigarettes she heard a gunshot and turned to confront the man, who yelled that he had shot himself.
KOKOMO, Ind. -- Police said a man accidentally shot himself in the genitals as he robbed a convenience store early Tuesday morning.
Kokomo police said they were called to a Village Pantry store at 100 North Ohio Street at about 4:20 a.m. after a clerk at the store called them.
The female clerk told police that a man came into the store with a semiautomatic handgun and demanded cash and cigarettes before handing her a white cloth bag.
The clerk said that as she retrieved the cigarettes she heard a gunshot and turned to confront the man, who yelled that he had shot himself.
Tree man 'who grew roots' may be cured
DAMN!An Indonesian fisherman who feared that he would be killed by tree-like growths covering his body has been given hope of recovery by an American doctor - and Vitamin A.
Dede, now 35, baffled medical experts when warty "roots" began growing out of his arms and feet after he cut his knee in a teenage accident.
The welts spread across his body unchecked and soon he was left unable to carry out everyday household tasks.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Clinton booed at MLK rally in New York
Ruh Roh...
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dogged by continuing racial tensions around her presidential campaign, Hillary Rodham Clinton drew a smattering of boos on Monday when she spoke at a religiously tinged Martin Luther King Jr. rally put together by a union organizing predominantly black security workers.
The catcalls came when Clinton was introduced and her speech drew only tepid applause compared to the boisterous ovations drawn by many of the pastors and reverends — not to mention a hip-hop artist and slam poet — who took the podium before her.
Appears that being married to the first black President isn't helping her any.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Dogged by continuing racial tensions around her presidential campaign, Hillary Rodham Clinton drew a smattering of boos on Monday when she spoke at a religiously tinged Martin Luther King Jr. rally put together by a union organizing predominantly black security workers.
The catcalls came when Clinton was introduced and her speech drew only tepid applause compared to the boisterous ovations drawn by many of the pastors and reverends — not to mention a hip-hop artist and slam poet — who took the podium before her.
Appears that being married to the first black President isn't helping her any.
Hutchison's border fence move raising a stink
Certain Republicans are going to learn the hard way that betraying the electorates trust on this issue in particular will result in consequences far more severe than they realize.
BROWNSVILLE — Some conservatives are labeling U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison a traitor after she slipped an amendment into the federal budget bill passed last month that some say effectively kills the border fence.
The conservative radio world and blogosphere has been buzzing with outcry that the amendment — which removed the requirement under the Secure Fence Act for a double-layered fence and gave Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff flexibility in its placement — did just that.
Nationally syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin decried the "incredible shrinking border fence." Others called Hutchison "Benedict Arnold" and said the Texas Republican used the "cover of Christmas" to ram the measure through.
BROWNSVILLE — Some conservatives are labeling U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison a traitor after she slipped an amendment into the federal budget bill passed last month that some say effectively kills the border fence.
The conservative radio world and blogosphere has been buzzing with outcry that the amendment — which removed the requirement under the Secure Fence Act for a double-layered fence and gave Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff flexibility in its placement — did just that.
Nationally syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin decried the "incredible shrinking border fence." Others called Hutchison "Benedict Arnold" and said the Texas Republican used the "cover of Christmas" to ram the measure through.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Bad to Worse
It's hard to believe but I'm actually beginning to feel sorry for Giuliani. He's getting absolutely hammered on the campaign trail...
Giuliani Rattled, Cancels Remarks as Pro-lifers Disrupt Sunday Bus Tour Stop
Fire Union Assails Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani 5th place at 10% nationally.
Giuliani Rattled, Cancels Remarks as Pro-lifers Disrupt Sunday Bus Tour Stop
Fire Union Assails Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani 5th place at 10% nationally.
Romney leads McCain in Michigan poll
The headline is not near as telling as the highlighted statement below.
“Romney led McCain by 2 to 1 among voters who ranked the economy and jobs their top concern. He led Huckabee by a slightly greater margin among those voters. He also led McCain by 2 to 1 among likely voters who called themselves Republicans.”
The analysis continued: “McCain owes his solid standing to independents and Democrats, taking 38 percent of their support, while Huckabee had 22 percent and Romney had 18 percent. ... Evangelical Christians represented 46 percent of the likely primary vote in the poll, and Huckabee got 31 percent of their support while Romney got 23 percent.”
“Romney led McCain by 2 to 1 among voters who ranked the economy and jobs their top concern. He led Huckabee by a slightly greater margin among those voters. He also led McCain by 2 to 1 among likely voters who called themselves Republicans.”
The analysis continued: “McCain owes his solid standing to independents and Democrats, taking 38 percent of their support, while Huckabee had 22 percent and Romney had 18 percent. ... Evangelical Christians represented 46 percent of the likely primary vote in the poll, and Huckabee got 31 percent of their support while Romney got 23 percent.”
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Iraqi Lawmakers Pass Key Benchmark De-Baathification Law
Nancy? Harry? Are you listening?
Iraq's parliament adopted legislation Saturday on the reinstatement of thousands of former Baath party supporters to government jobs, a key benchmark sought by the United States as a step toward national reconciliation.
The bill was approved by a unanimous show of hands on each of the law's 30 clauses. Titled the Accountability and Justice law, it seeks to relax restrictions on the rights of members of Saddam Hussein's now-dissolved Baath party to fill government posts.
It is also designed to reinstate thousands of Baathists in government jobs from which they had been dismissed because of their ties to the party.
Iraq's parliament adopted legislation Saturday on the reinstatement of thousands of former Baath party supporters to government jobs, a key benchmark sought by the United States as a step toward national reconciliation.
The bill was approved by a unanimous show of hands on each of the law's 30 clauses. Titled the Accountability and Justice law, it seeks to relax restrictions on the rights of members of Saddam Hussein's now-dissolved Baath party to fill government posts.
It is also designed to reinstate thousands of Baathists in government jobs from which they had been dismissed because of their ties to the party.
Friday, January 11, 2008
HUMAN EVENTS Endorses Fred Thompson
We begin by recalling the profound words of Ronald Reagan at the Conservative Political Action Conference Feb. 15, 1975: “A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency or simply to swell its numbers.” We believed that then, and we believe it now. The issue for us -- and for the conservative community -- boils down to which of the candidates is most representative of the fundamental conservative principles we believe in. The answer is Fred Thompson.
A bit of Perspective from DFT: Ronald Reagan said towards the end of his second term as president that the only publication he reads cover to cover each week and every week is Human Events. He also said his staff would put together 'clippings' from other newspapers for him to peruse ''but no one touches my Human Events"
A bit of Perspective from DFT: Ronald Reagan said towards the end of his second term as president that the only publication he reads cover to cover each week and every week is Human Events. He also said his staff would put together 'clippings' from other newspapers for him to peruse ''but no one touches my Human Events"
Sir Edmund Hillary Dies at 88
The Beast's namesake passes on.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Edmund Hillary once expressed surprise that it was he --"an ordinary person with ordinary qualities" -- who became the first man to conquer the world's tallest peak.
He spent the rest of his life telling the story of the climb up Mount Everest that made him one of the 20th century's best-known adventurers. But he maintained his reputation for humbleness, while working to aid the impoverished people of Nepal.
Hillary died at Auckland Hospital about 9 a.m. Friday from a heart attack, said a statement from the Auckland District Health Board. Though ailing in his later years, he remained active.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Edmund Hillary once expressed surprise that it was he --"an ordinary person with ordinary qualities" -- who became the first man to conquer the world's tallest peak.
He spent the rest of his life telling the story of the climb up Mount Everest that made him one of the 20th century's best-known adventurers. But he maintained his reputation for humbleness, while working to aid the impoverished people of Nepal.
Hillary died at Auckland Hospital about 9 a.m. Friday from a heart attack, said a statement from the Auckland District Health Board. Though ailing in his later years, he remained active.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Republican Debate in Dixie
Great debate. Fred came out guns blazin and rocked the house.
Rankings:
Thompson (easily)
Romney
Queeg
Huckster
Guiliani
Rankings:
Thompson (easily)
Romney
Queeg
Huckster
Guiliani
Key Huckabee Backer in Michigan Is Obama Man
I's the perfect opportunity for Democrats to pick their Republican candidate of choice..... Huckabee
State Rep. LaMar Lemmons of Detroit, a Democrat and African-American, recently unveiled “Democrats for Huckabee” to urge crossover votes for the former Arkansas governor January 15. In a state with no party registration, crossovers from one party without a presidential contest to another can have an impact; in 1972, thousands of Water Wonderland Republicans crossed over to give George Wallace a commanding win in the Democratic presidential primary.
In 2000, Democrats eager to embarrass then-Republican Gov. John Engler came over in droves to put John McCain over the top against Engler’s candidate, George W. Bush. One of the ringleaders of the crossover campaign was a group that worked in the inner city known as “Democrats Out To Get Engler” (DOG) and its kingpin was -- are you sitting? -- LaMar Lemmons.
State Rep. LaMar Lemmons of Detroit, a Democrat and African-American, recently unveiled “Democrats for Huckabee” to urge crossover votes for the former Arkansas governor January 15. In a state with no party registration, crossovers from one party without a presidential contest to another can have an impact; in 1972, thousands of Water Wonderland Republicans crossed over to give George Wallace a commanding win in the Democratic presidential primary.
In 2000, Democrats eager to embarrass then-Republican Gov. John Engler came over in droves to put John McCain over the top against Engler’s candidate, George W. Bush. One of the ringleaders of the crossover campaign was a group that worked in the inner city known as “Democrats Out To Get Engler” (DOG) and its kingpin was -- are you sitting? -- LaMar Lemmons.
Tata Nano: World's Cheapest Car
Pretty cool.Details of the People's Car:
Ratan Tata, while unveiling the nano, said: "The car will meet all current safety norms and all emission criteria. The pollution it will cause will be lower than 2-wheelers."
The car, Tata said, is smaller than a Maruti [Get Quote], but has 21 per cent more volume or space inside than the 800. He said that the dealer price of the car will be Rs 10,000 lakh(~$2500) plus value-added tax (VAT) plus transport charges.
The car will have a 624-cc petrol engine generating 33 bhp of power. It will sport a 30-litre fuel tank and 4-speed manual gearshift. The car will come with air conditioning, but will have no power steering. It will have front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 23 km per litre.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Powerful Nevada Union Backs Obama
Ouch...
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Presidential candidate Barack Obama has won the support of the 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union in Nevada, a major coup for the Democrat that could boost his candidacy against Hillary Rodham Clinton in the party's major nominating contest.
Leaders of the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226 was to announce the endorsement at a news conference in Las Vegas Wednesday, the morning after Obama narrowly lost the New Hampshire primary to Clinton, said a Democrat close to the union.
FYI this is the largest union in Nevada. The Service Employees International Union of Nevada gave Obama their endorsement last night.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Presidential candidate Barack Obama has won the support of the 60,000-member Culinary Workers Union in Nevada, a major coup for the Democrat that could boost his candidacy against Hillary Rodham Clinton in the party's major nominating contest.
Leaders of the Culinary Workers Union, Local 226 was to announce the endorsement at a news conference in Las Vegas Wednesday, the morning after Obama narrowly lost the New Hampshire primary to Clinton, said a Democrat close to the union.
FYI this is the largest union in Nevada. The Service Employees International Union of Nevada gave Obama their endorsement last night.
Huckabee retreats on birthright citizenship
Just how long before the Republican electorate wakes up to this snake oil salesman.
Mike Huckabee yesterday contradicted his own top immigration surrogate, announcing he will not support a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal aliens.
It was a stark reversal after The Washington Times reported that James Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project, said Huckabee promised to pursue an amendment to the Constitution. In an article in yesterday's editions, Huckabee's spokeswoman did not challenge the former Arkansas governor's statements to Gilchrist...But by yesterday afternoon, Huckabee had backed away..."I do not support an amendment to the Constitution that would prevent children born in the U.S. to illegal aliens from automatically becoming American citizens. I have no intention of supporting a constitutional amendment to deny birthright citizenship," Mr. Huckabee said...
The Times reported that Gilchrist, in a conversation while campaigning with Mr. Huckabee last week, pinned down the Republican presidential candidate on various immigration stances, including how he would address what most legal scholars see as the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to any person born in the United States, except for diplomatic situations.
Gilchrist said Huckabee promised to bring a test case to the Supreme Court...and would press Congress to pass an amendment to the Constitution.... Huckabee also said on CNN that he hasn't given much thought to the issue of birthright citizenship. But he previously had taken a position in an interview with The Times in Iowa in August.
Mike Huckabee yesterday contradicted his own top immigration surrogate, announcing he will not support a constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal aliens.
It was a stark reversal after The Washington Times reported that James Gilchrist, founder of the Minuteman Project, said Huckabee promised to pursue an amendment to the Constitution. In an article in yesterday's editions, Huckabee's spokeswoman did not challenge the former Arkansas governor's statements to Gilchrist...But by yesterday afternoon, Huckabee had backed away..."I do not support an amendment to the Constitution that would prevent children born in the U.S. to illegal aliens from automatically becoming American citizens. I have no intention of supporting a constitutional amendment to deny birthright citizenship," Mr. Huckabee said...
The Times reported that Gilchrist, in a conversation while campaigning with Mr. Huckabee last week, pinned down the Republican presidential candidate on various immigration stances, including how he would address what most legal scholars see as the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to any person born in the United States, except for diplomatic situations.
Gilchrist said Huckabee promised to bring a test case to the Supreme Court...and would press Congress to pass an amendment to the Constitution.... Huckabee also said on CNN that he hasn't given much thought to the issue of birthright citizenship. But he previously had taken a position in an interview with The Times in Iowa in August.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
McCain Wins NH
Looks like he's going to take it by at least 7%. Too early to mourn Mitt but things are looking pretty grey.
Be Careful What You Wish For
Who would easier to beat in the general Obama or Hillary? A perplexing question indeed especially now that it appears Obama has some serious momentum. Let's tick down the pros and cons of each.
First Obama has the charisma. Someone said this earlier in the week and it's true ..."Obama sounds better saying nothing than any politician in the field", a prerequisite for any successful candidate. Looking and sounding good is 70% of the battle when running for any office especially the Presidency.
Secondly, he is a minority and when you're a Democrat that's worth 15 pecentage points in and of itself. If you doubt it ask yourself, would he be a serious contender if he was not?
Thirdly, he's anti-establishment. Obama is riding the wave of a "change mentality". Hillary is considered the old guard, her support is coming from institutional Democrats whereas Obama is being bolstered by the perceived outsiders. Remember, one Oprah endorsement is worth a hundred Ted Kennedy's at this point in time.
Fourthly, the Press loves him.
Lastly, he's not Hillary. Aside from the fact that Hillary Clinton's negatives are higher than any serious contender for the Presidency in history she is associated with Bill Clinton. If you think that Clinton fatigue is not alive and well in the minds of the electorate., take a look at the crowds Bill has been drawing lately.
Hillary on the other hand is far from a gimme either. First she is still a powerful money generating machine. The limousine liberals, Hollywood and top eshelon establishment Democrats will no doubt cough up hundreds of millions of dollars to insure her victory over the "vast right wing conspiracy". Like her husband, she's better at fundraising then anyone in the business.
Secondly, she's a women. It's not as strong a motivator for liberals as being a minority but it's a significant advantage when wishes to spur an ambivalent electorate to get to the polls.
Thirdly, much of Obama's support is coming from younger voters whereas Hillary garners advocacy from the rank and file. In a general election the younger voters tend to be a good deal less dependable then the rank and file.
Fourthly, the Press doesn't particularly like her.
Lastly, Hillary, deserving or not, is perceived as the more experienced candidate. Her eight years in the White House and few more years [than Obama] in the Senate will be construed by her proponents as ample preparation for the Presidency. Obama's complete lack of ANY significant experience will prove an easy target for any Republican running against him.
So there you have it, which would prove to be the easier to defeat? My personal opinion is Hillary. Her very high negatives show her to be unlikable and regardless of how wonderful your policies, people will not vote for someone they don't like. Obama on ther other hand is eminently likeable, even his opponents admit this.
Style over substance has become increasingly important in Presidential politics, on the Republican side Fred Thompson is a perfect example of this. If this were not true it would be a two man race between Romney and Thompson for the nomination.
Three months ago I was salivating over the possiblity that Obama could give the Beast a very hard time, maybe even slay her. Well, now that this has become a distinct possiblity I'm beginning to wonder if my wish coming true is such a good thing.
First Obama has the charisma. Someone said this earlier in the week and it's true ..."Obama sounds better saying nothing than any politician in the field", a prerequisite for any successful candidate. Looking and sounding good is 70% of the battle when running for any office especially the Presidency.
Secondly, he is a minority and when you're a Democrat that's worth 15 pecentage points in and of itself. If you doubt it ask yourself, would he be a serious contender if he was not?
Thirdly, he's anti-establishment. Obama is riding the wave of a "change mentality". Hillary is considered the old guard, her support is coming from institutional Democrats whereas Obama is being bolstered by the perceived outsiders. Remember, one Oprah endorsement is worth a hundred Ted Kennedy's at this point in time.
Fourthly, the Press loves him.
Lastly, he's not Hillary. Aside from the fact that Hillary Clinton's negatives are higher than any serious contender for the Presidency in history she is associated with Bill Clinton. If you think that Clinton fatigue is not alive and well in the minds of the electorate., take a look at the crowds Bill has been drawing lately.
Hillary on the other hand is far from a gimme either. First she is still a powerful money generating machine. The limousine liberals, Hollywood and top eshelon establishment Democrats will no doubt cough up hundreds of millions of dollars to insure her victory over the "vast right wing conspiracy". Like her husband, she's better at fundraising then anyone in the business.
Secondly, she's a women. It's not as strong a motivator for liberals as being a minority but it's a significant advantage when wishes to spur an ambivalent electorate to get to the polls.
Thirdly, much of Obama's support is coming from younger voters whereas Hillary garners advocacy from the rank and file. In a general election the younger voters tend to be a good deal less dependable then the rank and file.
Fourthly, the Press doesn't particularly like her.
Lastly, Hillary, deserving or not, is perceived as the more experienced candidate. Her eight years in the White House and few more years [than Obama] in the Senate will be construed by her proponents as ample preparation for the Presidency. Obama's complete lack of ANY significant experience will prove an easy target for any Republican running against him.
So there you have it, which would prove to be the easier to defeat? My personal opinion is Hillary. Her very high negatives show her to be unlikable and regardless of how wonderful your policies, people will not vote for someone they don't like. Obama on ther other hand is eminently likeable, even his opponents admit this.
Style over substance has become increasingly important in Presidential politics, on the Republican side Fred Thompson is a perfect example of this. If this were not true it would be a two man race between Romney and Thompson for the nomination.
Three months ago I was salivating over the possiblity that Obama could give the Beast a very hard time, maybe even slay her. Well, now that this has become a distinct possiblity I'm beginning to wonder if my wish coming true is such a good thing.
New Hampshire Republican Primary-Rasmussen Late
Close as it gets.
The final Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the New Hampshire Republican Primary shows John McCain clinging to a statistically insignificant one percentage point lead over Mitt Romney. It’s McCain 32% Romney 31%.
The final Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the New Hampshire Republican Primary shows John McCain clinging to a statistically insignificant one percentage point lead over Mitt Romney. It’s McCain 32% Romney 31%.
Monday, January 07, 2008
With Enemies Like This
Hell hath no fury...
Bill Richardson will need all the friends he can get ... if Clinton should win.
Gov. Bill Richardson has denied those pre-Iowa caucus reports that he made an 11th-hour deal to send his supporters to Barack Obama if he failed to reach the 15-percent "viability" threshold in the first round of Democratic caucus votes.
But true or not, someone believes it's true -- longtime Clintonista and fund-raising whiz Terry McAuliffe, who told The New Republic's Michael Crowley on the grimly upbeat flight out of Iowa last week aboard Hillary One.
The usually upbeat McAuliffe's mood darkened when Crowley asked him about Richardson, according to The New Republic (and this excerpt on the Real Clear Politics blog): "The preternaturally jolly McAuliffe is a good man to have spinning for you in a pinch. But his good cheer dimmed when I asked him about Bill Richardson, who appears to have made an 11th-hour deal to throw his supporters to Obama. "How many times did [Clinton] appoint him?" McAuliffe marveled. "Two? U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary?" He looked at me, half-glaring, awaiting confirmation. "I don't know," I joked, "but who's counting?" "I am," McAuliffe said firmly"
Bill Richardson will need all the friends he can get ... if Clinton should win.
Gov. Bill Richardson has denied those pre-Iowa caucus reports that he made an 11th-hour deal to send his supporters to Barack Obama if he failed to reach the 15-percent "viability" threshold in the first round of Democratic caucus votes.
But true or not, someone believes it's true -- longtime Clintonista and fund-raising whiz Terry McAuliffe, who told The New Republic's Michael Crowley on the grimly upbeat flight out of Iowa last week aboard Hillary One.
The usually upbeat McAuliffe's mood darkened when Crowley asked him about Richardson, according to The New Republic (and this excerpt on the Real Clear Politics blog): "The preternaturally jolly McAuliffe is a good man to have spinning for you in a pinch. But his good cheer dimmed when I asked him about Bill Richardson, who appears to have made an 11th-hour deal to throw his supporters to Obama. "How many times did [Clinton] appoint him?" McAuliffe marveled. "Two? U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary?" He looked at me, half-glaring, awaiting confirmation. "I don't know," I joked, "but who's counting?" "I am," McAuliffe said firmly"
U.S. says Iranian gunboats harassed warships
Poking the tiger....
WASHINGTON - Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats harassed three U.S. Navy warships in the Strait of Hormuz Sunday, in what the U.S. military considers a "significant provocative act."
Military officials told NBC News that two U.S. Navy destroyers and one frigate were heading into the Persian Gulf through the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz when five armed "fast boats" of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard approached a high speed, darting in and out of the formation.
At one point a radio message from one of the Iranian boats warned, "You are going to blow up within minutes."
WASHINGTON - Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats harassed three U.S. Navy warships in the Strait of Hormuz Sunday, in what the U.S. military considers a "significant provocative act."
Military officials told NBC News that two U.S. Navy destroyers and one frigate were heading into the Persian Gulf through the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz when five armed "fast boats" of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard approached a high speed, darting in and out of the formation.
At one point a radio message from one of the Iranian boats warned, "You are going to blow up within minutes."
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Rasmussen 1/6 Democrats
Dropping like a rock...
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in New Hampshire shows Barack Obama earning 39% of the vote while Hillary Clinton attracts 27%. The survey was conducted on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. All interviews were conducted after the Iowa caucuses and before last night’s debate.
Obama is seen as the most electable Democratic candidate. Eighty-seven percent (87%) believe he would be at least somewhat likely to win if nominated. Seventy-six percent (76%) say the same about Clinton and 75% think Edwards would have a chance. Fifty-one percent (51%) of the Likely Democratic Primary Voters believe Obama would be Very Likely to win. Just 38% have such confidence in Clinton.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in New Hampshire shows Barack Obama earning 39% of the vote while Hillary Clinton attracts 27%. The survey was conducted on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. All interviews were conducted after the Iowa caucuses and before last night’s debate.
Obama is seen as the most electable Democratic candidate. Eighty-seven percent (87%) believe he would be at least somewhat likely to win if nominated. Seventy-six percent (76%) say the same about Clinton and 75% think Edwards would have a chance. Fifty-one percent (51%) of the Likely Democratic Primary Voters believe Obama would be Very Likely to win. Just 38% have such confidence in Clinton.
Question of the Day
Rick Klein, ABC News:
How could Mitt Romney have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare?
How could Mitt Romney have let Fred Thompson best him on a debate over healthcare?
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Republican Debate # 7,385,523
Actually this was a pretty decent debate, some pretty good questions and they mixed it up a bit.
Winners: Fred, Mitt, and Rudy. Less then stellar: Huckleberry, McCain, and Paul.
Winners: Fred, Mitt, and Rudy. Less then stellar: Huckleberry, McCain, and Paul.
Romney's Last Stand
It cannot be overstated just how important a win in New Hampshire is for Mitt Romney. He has gone all in with the so-called early primary strategy and without a win in either Iowa or New Hampshire he's toast.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in New Hampshire shows John McCain leading Mitt Romney by five percentage points. It’s McCain 31% Romney 26%. The survey was conducted Friday night, the night following the Iowa caucuses.
Expect Mitt to go after McCain bare knuckles in the Saturday debate as he knows better than anyone the importance of this win.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in New Hampshire shows John McCain leading Mitt Romney by five percentage points. It’s McCain 31% Romney 26%. The survey was conducted Friday night, the night following the Iowa caucuses.
Expect Mitt to go after McCain bare knuckles in the Saturday debate as he knows better than anyone the importance of this win.
Hillary was booed at NH Democratic Party Dinner
No coronation here...
If the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s 100 Club dinner is any bell weather – Barack Obama will handily win here. When Obama, the dinner’s last speaker, took the stage the crowd surged forward chanting “O-bam-a” and “Fired Up, Ready to Go!” So many people pressed toward the stage that an announcer asked people to “please take their seats for safety concerns.”
By comparison Hillary was twice booed. The first time was when she said she has always and will continue to work for "change for you. The audience, particularly from Obama supporters (they were waving Obama signs) let out a noise that sounded like a thousand people collectively groaning. The second time came a few minutes later when Clinton said: "The there are two big questions for voters in New Hampshire. One is: who will be ready to lead from day one? The second," and here Clinton was forced to pause as boos from the crowd mixed with cheers from her own supporters. "Is who can we nominate who will go the distance against the Republicans?”
Note to author, it's bellwether.
If the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s 100 Club dinner is any bell weather – Barack Obama will handily win here. When Obama, the dinner’s last speaker, took the stage the crowd surged forward chanting “O-bam-a” and “Fired Up, Ready to Go!” So many people pressed toward the stage that an announcer asked people to “please take their seats for safety concerns.”
By comparison Hillary was twice booed. The first time was when she said she has always and will continue to work for "change for you. The audience, particularly from Obama supporters (they were waving Obama signs) let out a noise that sounded like a thousand people collectively groaning. The second time came a few minutes later when Clinton said: "The there are two big questions for voters in New Hampshire. One is: who will be ready to lead from day one? The second," and here Clinton was forced to pause as boos from the crowd mixed with cheers from her own supporters. "Is who can we nominate who will go the distance against the Republicans?”
Note to author, it's bellwether.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Iowa Epilogue
Of the 5 viable Republican candidates that competed in Iowa Thursday night, the worst of them won. Huckabee is a more God more government "Nannydad" who's populist pablum is naive and vacuous. If this man becomes the Republican nominee it will mark a precise 180 degree turn away from Reaganism.
To put it simply Huckabee is the "anti-Reagan" and actually has a great deal more in common with Jimmy Carter than anyone I can think of. With the exception of a few social issues he could easily run as a moderate Democrat and he has the record in Arkansas to back up that bonafides.
Estrich said it on Fox yesterday that Huckabee is the "Democrats dream" and it's true. This man is a guaranteed loser regardless of who the Democrats choose to put up. Other than Paul, he's probably the only other candidate that I would refuse to vote for and that includes Guiliani.
There's still an amazingly long ways to go and I could even picture this thing going to convention without a nominee. If after all is said and done and it does turn out to be Huckabee, God help us all.
To put it simply Huckabee is the "anti-Reagan" and actually has a great deal more in common with Jimmy Carter than anyone I can think of. With the exception of a few social issues he could easily run as a moderate Democrat and he has the record in Arkansas to back up that bonafides.
Estrich said it on Fox yesterday that Huckabee is the "Democrats dream" and it's true. This man is a guaranteed loser regardless of who the Democrats choose to put up. Other than Paul, he's probably the only other candidate that I would refuse to vote for and that includes Guiliani.
There's still an amazingly long ways to go and I could even picture this thing going to convention without a nominee. If after all is said and done and it does turn out to be Huckabee, God help us all.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Huckster Takes Iowa
It's as though none of Huckabees MANY not ready for prime time moments never happened. I guess ignorance truly is bliss. Although we support Thompson here I am sure that most of my readers would agree that Romney is far preferable to Hucklebeery
This hurts Romney bad. Thompson will hang in there but a stronger showing of at least 16% would have been helpful. McCain will be invigorated as will L. Ron Paul.
Hunter will pull out likely backing Thompson for what good it will do.
Best news of the night....Hillary pulls in a skanky third.
This hurts Romney bad. Thompson will hang in there but a stronger showing of at least 16% would have been helpful. McCain will be invigorated as will L. Ron Paul.
Hunter will pull out likely backing Thompson for what good it will do.
Best news of the night....Hillary pulls in a skanky third.
2008 Iowa Caucus
Opinipundit final prediction:
Romney: 26%
Huckabee: 22%
Thompson 18%
McCain 13%
Paul: 8%
Guiliani: 8%
Others: 5%
Romney: 26%
Huckabee: 22%
Thompson 18%
McCain 13%
Paul: 8%
Guiliani: 8%
Others: 5%
Single trader behind oil record
Talk about more money then sense...
The man behind the record rise in oil prices to $100 a barrel was a lone trader, seeking bragging rights and a minute of fame, market watchers say.
A single trader bid up the price by buying a modest lot and then sold it immediately at a loss, they said.
The New York Mercantile Exchange confirmed that US crude oil futures traded just once in triple figures.
One floor trader bought 1,000 barrels, the smallest amount permitted, and sold it immediately for $99.40 at a $600 loss.
"He paid $600 for the right to tell his grandchildren that he was the first in the world to buy $100 oil."
The man behind the record rise in oil prices to $100 a barrel was a lone trader, seeking bragging rights and a minute of fame, market watchers say.
A single trader bid up the price by buying a modest lot and then sold it immediately at a loss, they said.
The New York Mercantile Exchange confirmed that US crude oil futures traded just once in triple figures.
One floor trader bought 1,000 barrels, the smallest amount permitted, and sold it immediately for $99.40 at a $600 loss.
"He paid $600 for the right to tell his grandchildren that he was the first in the world to buy $100 oil."
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Huckabee's Iowa Meltdown
Toast?
So in calling around to figure out what exactly is going on in Iowa, I'm hearing that Huck's stunt yesterday — where he showed an anti-Romney ad at a press conference and then said he wasn't going to show it — was genuine. I hear that broader coordinated efforts to support the anti-Romney ad were also called off at the last minute, after materials were prepared.
But this shows the Huck camp's basic problem. They are a shoestring organization that has struggled to put together a cohesive strategy. Further, Huck's flighty campaign style — as evidenced by the stunt yesterday — does not lend itself to a disciplined campaign. For weeks, I've been hearing that if Iowa was at all close, Romney would probably pull out the victory because his ground organization there was so good.
Other Iowa operatives claim that Huckabee's internal polling weaknesses meant he didn't see his downtrend there until after other campaigns did. So now a few days before the election, Huck's panicked and doesn't know what he's doing — hence yesterday's press conference.
And ealier today: "Governor Huckabee is no conservative"- Rush Limbaugh.
So in calling around to figure out what exactly is going on in Iowa, I'm hearing that Huck's stunt yesterday — where he showed an anti-Romney ad at a press conference and then said he wasn't going to show it — was genuine. I hear that broader coordinated efforts to support the anti-Romney ad were also called off at the last minute, after materials were prepared.
But this shows the Huck camp's basic problem. They are a shoestring organization that has struggled to put together a cohesive strategy. Further, Huck's flighty campaign style — as evidenced by the stunt yesterday — does not lend itself to a disciplined campaign. For weeks, I've been hearing that if Iowa was at all close, Romney would probably pull out the victory because his ground organization there was so good.
Other Iowa operatives claim that Huckabee's internal polling weaknesses meant he didn't see his downtrend there until after other campaigns did. So now a few days before the election, Huck's panicked and doesn't know what he's doing — hence yesterday's press conference.
And ealier today: "Governor Huckabee is no conservative"- Rush Limbaugh.
New Orleans on track to be nation's deadliest city
No Virginia, money was not the answer.
NEW ORLEANS -- The bloodiest city in the country in 2006, reeling from crime in its struggle to recover from Hurricane Katrina, got even worse in 2007.
New Orleans registered 209 homicides last year, a nearly 30 percent increase from the 161 recorded in 2006.
NEW ORLEANS -- The bloodiest city in the country in 2006, reeling from crime in its struggle to recover from Hurricane Katrina, got even worse in 2007.
New Orleans registered 209 homicides last year, a nearly 30 percent increase from the 161 recorded in 2006.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Number of Republicans in U.S. Increases in December to Two-Year High
The general populace is again beginning to remember what it's like with the kids in charge.
The number of Americans who consider themselves to be Republicans jumped nearly two percentage points in December to 34.2%. That’s the largest market share for the Republican brand in nearly two years, since January 2006 (see history from January 2004 to present).
At the same time, the number of Democrats fell to 36.3%. That’s down a point compared to a month ago. During 2007, the number of Democrats has ranged from a low of 35.9% in July to a high of 37.8% in February.
These results are based upon tracking surveys of 15,000 adults per month. The margin of sampling error is less than one percentage point, with a 95% level of confidence. Please keep in mind that figures reported in this article are for all adults, not Likely Voters.
Expect the likely voter% to be 3-5% higher yet.
The number of Americans who consider themselves to be Republicans jumped nearly two percentage points in December to 34.2%. That’s the largest market share for the Republican brand in nearly two years, since January 2006 (see history from January 2004 to present).
At the same time, the number of Democrats fell to 36.3%. That’s down a point compared to a month ago. During 2007, the number of Democrats has ranged from a low of 35.9% in July to a high of 37.8% in February.
These results are based upon tracking surveys of 15,000 adults per month. The margin of sampling error is less than one percentage point, with a 95% level of confidence. Please keep in mind that figures reported in this article are for all adults, not Likely Voters.
Expect the likely voter% to be 3-5% higher yet.
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