The New York senator’s presidential campaign announced a fundraising coup Thursday, projecting they would rake in $35 million for the month of February, her biggest haul to date.
Fox seems to think Clinton is down, but not out. They forgot that money doesn't matter if you can't actually win primaries.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Minuteman Article: Shays on McCain
My most recent article for the Minuteman is here. Don't bother clicking on it, just read it here:
In an interview with the Minuteman last Wednesday, Republican Congressman Christopher Shays defended presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, and spoke in detail about their mutually sponsored Campaign Finance Law, a law for which John McCain is taking heat from hardcore conservatives.
Shays, often tagged as a maverick along with McCain for his willingness to go against the conservative grain, sponsored the Campaign Finance Law in the House, and has fervently defended it since.
Shays also explained McCain's undeniable passion and willingness to fight for what he believes in, regardless of the opposition. "The man was a prisoner of war, tortured for six years," Shays explained, "So when a conservative senator confronts him on his supposedly liberal record, he isn't scared." Shays also vocalized his support of McCain, mentioning, "He will make a strong candidate, and hopefully a strong president."
The Campaign Finance Law, passed in 2002, had two major impacts. It limited the amount of money an individual can give to a political organization for use in an election campaign, and it limited time before an election in which advertisements may be placed in print or on television in support of a particular candidate. A segment of the latter was ruled unconstitutional in the 2007 Supreme Court ruling, Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc.
Ironically, just one day after last Wednesday's interview, The New York Times published a controversial article that has hurt McCain in more ways than one. The article, alleging that John McCain had an "inappropriate relationship with a female lobbyist" eight years ago, has done almost as much damage to his campaign as many of the conservatives taking aim at his moderate views. The Times front page article had a huge impact on McCain's integral reputation, and possibly the outcome of the election. According to McCain's own law, however, he would be incapable of publishing an advertisement defending himself any less than thirty days before an upcoming primary in that very same paper.
With this as an example, McCain has been attacked by many conservatives for limiting free speech.
"What the far right of my party is trying to do," Shays explained, "Is make you believe that [the law] is a violation of free speech. It's not." He went on to explain that by putting a limit on campaign funding and advertising, the law restores power to the individual, no matter their financial situation. If one person can donate more money and have a greater influence in an election than another simply because they are wealthy, essentially what that is, is support of an elitist government," he said. He also made evident the concept that the law limits the influence of money in politics. "To many [campaigning] politicians, dirty money is better than no money," he said, adding that a victorious politician won't forget where campaign money came from.
Shays certainly has earned the right to talk about dirty campaigning. In his successful bid for reelection in 2006, Shays won by just 3 percent. In an election that came down to the bitter end, Shays absolutely refused to use negative advertising and mudslinging despite strong urging from his advisers to do so.
When talk came up of simply exposing where campaign monies come from, Shays quickly pointed out that this would not suffice, saying, "Repaying a donation can be as simple as keeping legislation off the floor [of Congress]. That type of thing will never make it outside our walls. Those underground things never get discovered by anyone in the main stream media."
McCain's legislation is being harshly criticized by conservatives and enjoyed with a smirk by liberals.
Did I have to quote myself? I mean, I put it in italics, but I don't think I needed to. Oh well.
In an interview with the Minuteman last Wednesday, Republican Congressman Christopher Shays defended presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, and spoke in detail about their mutually sponsored Campaign Finance Law, a law for which John McCain is taking heat from hardcore conservatives.
Shays, often tagged as a maverick along with McCain for his willingness to go against the conservative grain, sponsored the Campaign Finance Law in the House, and has fervently defended it since.
Shays also explained McCain's undeniable passion and willingness to fight for what he believes in, regardless of the opposition. "The man was a prisoner of war, tortured for six years," Shays explained, "So when a conservative senator confronts him on his supposedly liberal record, he isn't scared." Shays also vocalized his support of McCain, mentioning, "He will make a strong candidate, and hopefully a strong president."
The Campaign Finance Law, passed in 2002, had two major impacts. It limited the amount of money an individual can give to a political organization for use in an election campaign, and it limited time before an election in which advertisements may be placed in print or on television in support of a particular candidate. A segment of the latter was ruled unconstitutional in the 2007 Supreme Court ruling, Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc.
Ironically, just one day after last Wednesday's interview, The New York Times published a controversial article that has hurt McCain in more ways than one. The article, alleging that John McCain had an "inappropriate relationship with a female lobbyist" eight years ago, has done almost as much damage to his campaign as many of the conservatives taking aim at his moderate views. The Times front page article had a huge impact on McCain's integral reputation, and possibly the outcome of the election. According to McCain's own law, however, he would be incapable of publishing an advertisement defending himself any less than thirty days before an upcoming primary in that very same paper.
With this as an example, McCain has been attacked by many conservatives for limiting free speech.
"What the far right of my party is trying to do," Shays explained, "Is make you believe that [the law] is a violation of free speech. It's not." He went on to explain that by putting a limit on campaign funding and advertising, the law restores power to the individual, no matter their financial situation. If one person can donate more money and have a greater influence in an election than another simply because they are wealthy, essentially what that is, is support of an elitist government," he said. He also made evident the concept that the law limits the influence of money in politics. "To many [campaigning] politicians, dirty money is better than no money," he said, adding that a victorious politician won't forget where campaign money came from.
Shays certainly has earned the right to talk about dirty campaigning. In his successful bid for reelection in 2006, Shays won by just 3 percent. In an election that came down to the bitter end, Shays absolutely refused to use negative advertising and mudslinging despite strong urging from his advisers to do so.
When talk came up of simply exposing where campaign monies come from, Shays quickly pointed out that this would not suffice, saying, "Repaying a donation can be as simple as keeping legislation off the floor [of Congress]. That type of thing will never make it outside our walls. Those underground things never get discovered by anyone in the main stream media."
McCain's legislation is being harshly criticized by conservatives and enjoyed with a smirk by liberals.
Did I have to quote myself? I mean, I put it in italics, but I don't think I needed to. Oh well.
Prince Harry in Afghanistan
British Royal Prince Harry has been fighting in Afghanistan since late December -- and has been directly involved in gun battle, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
The International Herald Tribune wrote a direct message to Drudge, ridiculing his exposure of Harry. Ironically, in doing so they gave away his location.
The International Herald Tribune wrote a direct message to Drudge, ridiculing his exposure of Harry. Ironically, in doing so they gave away his location.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Oh, Those Baby-Killing Israelis
Israeli aircraft attacked the empty office of Gaza's Hamas prime minister and the nearby Interior Ministry building late Wednesday, and Palestinians said the blasts killed a baby and wounded two dozen people in the surrounding area.
How convenient it is for Palestinian press that it killed a baby. I just want to know what a baby was doing near an exploding building.
How convenient it is for Palestinian press that it killed a baby. I just want to know what a baby was doing near an exploding building.
McCain v. Obama Debate
A hypothetical debate between Obama and McCain on Iraq:
To begin with, [Obama is] stuck with the position of running down a war in which our military is currently engaged. That defeatism takes more than simply a rhetorical flourish from a gifted speaker to pull off, once they are addressing people outside the Democrat base. In a debate extended over a Fall campaign, McCain also has the ability to remind people of the true lay of the land circa 2003, when Saddam was ignoring every sanction and profiting from a corrupt UN Oil for Food program.
McCain can factually be on the ball, but the second Barack brings up the hundred years' war comment, McCain is screwed.
To begin with, [Obama is] stuck with the position of running down a war in which our military is currently engaged. That defeatism takes more than simply a rhetorical flourish from a gifted speaker to pull off, once they are addressing people outside the Democrat base. In a debate extended over a Fall campaign, McCain also has the ability to remind people of the true lay of the land circa 2003, when Saddam was ignoring every sanction and profiting from a corrupt UN Oil for Food program.
McCain can factually be on the ball, but the second Barack brings up the hundred years' war comment, McCain is screwed.
A Pre-School Teacher Gets Even With Her Students
Watch this CNN video, where a preschool teacher is secretly recorded by parents, and calls her students "stupid."
That gets a teacher fired? I hear that on a daily basis. Granted, I'm not four.
And a direct quote from the video: "You kids are mean to me, so I get to be mean to you."
That gets a teacher fired? I hear that on a daily basis. Granted, I'm not four.
And a direct quote from the video: "You kids are mean to me, so I get to be mean to you."
Bobby Cutts Jr.
Bobby Cutts, Jr. gets life.
Sort of.
It's looking like he'll be able to get out when he's 86, but somehow I don't think he'll live that long. I watched the sentencing a few minutes ago and realized Bobby didn't have a great day.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Islamic Gym
Harvard University has moved to make Muslim women more comfortable in the gym by instituting women-only access times six hours a week to accommodate religious customs that make it difficult for some students to work out in the presence of men.
Men have not been allowed to enter the Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center during certain times since Jan. 28, after members of the Harvard Islamic Society and the Harvard Women’s Center petitioned the university for a more comfortable environment for women.
Men have not been allowed to enter the Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center during certain times since Jan. 28, after members of the Harvard Islamic Society and the Harvard Women’s Center petitioned the university for a more comfortable environment for women.
LGF: "Harvard Sharia Watch"
Combat Robot
The Pentagon's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA (which brought you a little thing called the Internet), has nearly finished work on the Crusher, a six-wheeled robot that rolls through ditches, walls, streams, other vehicles and almost anything else that gets in its way.
Read it.
"This vehicle can go into places where, if you were following in a Humvee, you'd come out with spinal injuries"
-Stephen Welby
I Could Go Unoriginal, But I Won't
I was considering calling this post "An Inconvenient Truth," but I decided that would be too original. Anyway:
"All four major global temperature tracking outlets (Hadley, NASA's GISS, UAH, RSS) have released updated data. All show that over the past year, global temperatures have dropped precipitously... The total amount of cooling ranges from 0.65C up to 0.75C -- a value large enough to wipe out nearly all the warming recorded over the past 100 years. All in one year's time. For all four sources, it's the single fastest temperature change ever recorded, either up or down."
Liberals will thank a new effort to hold back on carbon emissions, etc. Somehow, I don't think there were so fewer carbon emissions this year than there were in 1908 that we actually knocked global warming back a full century.
"All four major global temperature tracking outlets (Hadley, NASA's GISS, UAH, RSS) have released updated data. All show that over the past year, global temperatures have dropped precipitously... The total amount of cooling ranges from 0.65C up to 0.75C -- a value large enough to wipe out nearly all the warming recorded over the past 100 years. All in one year's time. For all four sources, it's the single fastest temperature change ever recorded, either up or down."
Liberals will thank a new effort to hold back on carbon emissions, etc. Somehow, I don't think there were so fewer carbon emissions this year than there were in 1908 that we actually knocked global warming back a full century.
Rough Day
I go to a private high school. It costs $15,000 a year. I therefore think it would be expected for it to be possible to meet my required credits by graduation, considering all circumstances normal.
Well, it's not.
Going into our senior year, all students have space for at least one elective and one free period. I decided to give up my free period to take another elective; an art class. I enjoy art, and I will be the editor of the yearbook, so that is where we typically work anyway. So, I filled my free period with an overload class, that doesn't count as a credit. On top of that, we had the electives lottery today. We were all assigned a random number in no particular order (not based on GPA or alphabetically, etc), and there were five elective classes. We were called up in order to choose our classes. I had one of the last ten picks. My personal first choice, sociology, filled up in a matter of minutes. My second choice, an additional english course, filled up before my turn as well. In fact, EVERYTHING was filled by the time it was my turn.
That's right. They didn't actually have enough classes for the students in our school. They didn't hire enough teachers for the classes next year. Good to know the $15,000 is being spent well.
Well, it's not.
Going into our senior year, all students have space for at least one elective and one free period. I decided to give up my free period to take another elective; an art class. I enjoy art, and I will be the editor of the yearbook, so that is where we typically work anyway. So, I filled my free period with an overload class, that doesn't count as a credit. On top of that, we had the electives lottery today. We were all assigned a random number in no particular order (not based on GPA or alphabetically, etc), and there were five elective classes. We were called up in order to choose our classes. I had one of the last ten picks. My personal first choice, sociology, filled up in a matter of minutes. My second choice, an additional english course, filled up before my turn as well. In fact, EVERYTHING was filled by the time it was my turn.
That's right. They didn't actually have enough classes for the students in our school. They didn't hire enough teachers for the classes next year. Good to know the $15,000 is being spent well.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Giving the Numbers
It's a little later than I would have liked, but here it is. Obama broke it open all the way:
McCain is in for the fight of his life if he hasn't already lost.
McCain is in for the fight of his life if he hasn't already lost.
Bloomberg: Nader Can Run
Good...
"I've just never understood why, just because you're a member of a party, you have special rights," Bloomberg said. "That's not the civics that I learned in junior high school, and if Ralph Nader wants to run, good luck to him."
Read it.
"I've just never understood why, just because you're a member of a party, you have special rights," Bloomberg said. "That's not the civics that I learned in junior high school, and if Ralph Nader wants to run, good luck to him."
Read it.
Clinton Staffers Circulate Obama Picture, I Circulate My Own
Drudge did a piece on Hillary staffers circulating this picture of Barack Obama in Kenya:
A Clinton staffer is outraged: Wouldn't we be seeing this on the cover of every magazine if it were HRC?
Well, to be honest with you, yes, I'm sure it would make front page. In fact, I see it now:
I guess the point is yes, we would see Hillary on the cover of every magazine had she dressed in traditional male atti... oh, wait... I guess the point is no, we wouldn't.
There aren't enough magazines to cover all the pictures of Hillary dressed in traditional male attire.
A Clinton staffer is outraged: Wouldn't we be seeing this on the cover of every magazine if it were HRC?
Well, to be honest with you, yes, I'm sure it would make front page. In fact, I see it now:
I guess the point is yes, we would see Hillary on the cover of every magazine had she dressed in traditional male atti... oh, wait... I guess the point is no, we wouldn't.
There aren't enough magazines to cover all the pictures of Hillary dressed in traditional male attire.
Hamas in Jordan
Jordan's military prosecutor on Monday charged five men with acquiring secret information that could jeopardize the safety of the kingdom.
Info and opinions from Holger Awakens.
Info and opinions from Holger Awakens.
American Faithful
More than a quarter of adult Americans have left the faith of their childhood to join another religion or no religion, according to a new survey of religious affiliation by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
While how many of the rest actually made a conscious decision to stick with their childhood religion still remains in the dark, it can't be higher than half. That means that regarding religion, we've improved to about a third of Americans actually thinking for themselves. It's bittersweet, at best.
Read it.
While how many of the rest actually made a conscious decision to stick with their childhood religion still remains in the dark, it can't be higher than half. That means that regarding religion, we've improved to about a third of Americans actually thinking for themselves. It's bittersweet, at best.
Read it.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Back to School
It was a fun week long vacation, but it's back to school tomorrow. ugh... grades, school, work. No good.
Wish me luck.
Wish me luck.
Autistism: No One Understands
A severely autistic girl opens up via computer. It's fascinating to watch, but I was under the impression that autism limited, among other things, understanding of emotion. Her opening up, saying "it feels hard, no one understands," seems to buck the system altogether. But what do I know?
Nader and Paul Prove the World Isn't Flat
Nader is running again.
"The consumer advocate also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt."
You know, Ralph Nader and Ron Paul are obviously on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, and, while I tend to lean farther to Paul's side, I see a similarity. Both seem to advocate a "politics for the people" thing. (understandably - I mean this country was founded on that idea at one point, right?)
The separation, and, in turn, desperate hatred, comes in its application. Paul wants to put the power of the world in the hands of the common man simply by limiting government. In a bizarre twist, Nader wants to empower people by, well, empowering the government.
Nader's philosophy may not make sense to the common man, but a connection is clearly present between the two. Both known for being extreme radicals in the political realm in quite opposite manners, they truly are just distant cousins. A connection between the two shows that the political world isn't flat, it is perfectly round, looping from intelligence in libertarianism back through to socialist stupidity.
...the circle of life must go on...
"The consumer advocate also blamed tax and other corporate-friendly policies under the Bush administration that he said have left many lower- and middle-class people in debt."
You know, Ralph Nader and Ron Paul are obviously on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, and, while I tend to lean farther to Paul's side, I see a similarity. Both seem to advocate a "politics for the people" thing. (understandably - I mean this country was founded on that idea at one point, right?)
The separation, and, in turn, desperate hatred, comes in its application. Paul wants to put the power of the world in the hands of the common man simply by limiting government. In a bizarre twist, Nader wants to empower people by, well, empowering the government.
Nader's philosophy may not make sense to the common man, but a connection is clearly present between the two. Both known for being extreme radicals in the political realm in quite opposite manners, they truly are just distant cousins. A connection between the two shows that the political world isn't flat, it is perfectly round, looping from intelligence in libertarianism back through to socialist stupidity.
...the circle of life must go on...
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Email to the NYT
Since Megan McArdle informed me that we can send in questions (cough cough, complaints) about the bogus McCain article, I decided to send in a reworded version of yesterday's post. I have yet to receive a response. I'm not really waiting on it.
State of the [race] Union
The annual State of the Black Union forum boasted a number of famous attendees in New Orleans on Saturday, but this year's event received much more attention for who wasn't there.
Naturally, Barack Obama... but what if John McCain accepted an invitation to the annual State of the White Union? He may actually regain the support of his lovely contemporaries, Coulter and Limbaugh, but somehow I think he'd lose the moderate vote.
KKK much?
Naturally, Barack Obama... but what if John McCain accepted an invitation to the annual State of the White Union? He may actually regain the support of his lovely contemporaries, Coulter and Limbaugh, but somehow I think he'd lose the moderate vote.
KKK much?
I can't think of a good title for this...
A mother who ordered her 14-year-old son to beat up another boy and then videotaped the fight behind a suburban Columbus school has pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge.
Thirty-one-year-old Tamara Saunders of Gahanna can be heard on the tape encouraging the fight that happened last month behind an elementary school. She says she does not condone violence, but that her son had been taunted by the other boy.
She told police she filmed the fight in case the boy fighting her son claimed injuries that he did not receive in the fight. The boy was not hurt; her son got a black eye.
I really want to say something sarcastic right now, don't get me wrong. I just can't find the words...
That was the whole story, but you can read it here if you don't believe me.
Thirty-one-year-old Tamara Saunders of Gahanna can be heard on the tape encouraging the fight that happened last month behind an elementary school. She says she does not condone violence, but that her son had been taunted by the other boy.
She told police she filmed the fight in case the boy fighting her son claimed injuries that he did not receive in the fight. The boy was not hurt; her son got a black eye.
I really want to say something sarcastic right now, don't get me wrong. I just can't find the words...
That was the whole story, but you can read it here if you don't believe me.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Renzi Indictment
Rep. Rick Renzi, an Arizona Republican, has been indicted on federal charges following an investigation into his relationship with a former business partner regarding land deals, the Justice Department said Friday.
In a 35-count indictment, Renzi is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and insurance fraud.
My Shays story for next week talks a lot about corruption. I may bring this up.
Read the CNN story here.
In a 35-count indictment, Renzi is charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and insurance fraud.
My Shays story for next week talks a lot about corruption. I may bring this up.
Read the CNN story here.
A Few Words on the Times-McCain Debacle
No single person- no politician, no reporter, no commentator, no blogger- can feasibly argue John McCain is a man without character, because, if there is just one thing he has left in this race, it's his character. McCain created a finance law that, political opinions aside, attempted to limit monetary influence and corruption in the very institute he was a part of. To do that, to take heat both publicly and privately from both side of the aisle and fight corruption against the very men you know bring it to this world, shows both the character and the balls this guy has.
John McCain has long been called a moderate, a maverick. He has been shot down, stood up and ravaged by his own party. He has been politically thrown out by the far right, but never, until now, has a shot been taken on his character.
Claiming John McCain is a man without character is like claiming a toddler is a pimp.
John McCain has long been called a moderate, a maverick. He has been shot down, stood up and ravaged by his own party. He has been politically thrown out by the far right, but never, until now, has a shot been taken on his character.
Claiming John McCain is a man without character is like claiming a toddler is a pimp.
That's all I've got.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Clinton-Obama Debate
Megan McArdle took up liveblogging duty on tonight's Democratic debate. She makes an excellent point:
8:33 For the second time tonight, a candidate opens up by acknowledging that he essentially agrees in most respects with his opponent on policy, before diving into some niggling details where they differ. This underscores, for me, how little daylight there has been between candidates on either side of this race on the major issues; until we get to the general election, the question is personality, not policy.
8:33 For the second time tonight, a candidate opens up by acknowledging that he essentially agrees in most respects with his opponent on policy, before diving into some niggling details where they differ. This underscores, for me, how little daylight there has been between candidates on either side of this race on the major issues; until we get to the general election, the question is personality, not policy.
She's right. That's why I happen to prefer the man who wrote the book as opposed to the woman who married a crook.
ha, yeah, I thought it was clever too...
When Serbs Attack
Here's some stuff on the Serbian attack on the US embassy.
"One charred body was found in the U.S. Embassy compound."
ugh...
"One charred body was found in the U.S. Embassy compound."
ugh...
School Space Minuteman Article
My most recent Fairfield Minuteman article is up here. If you're not from Fairfield it isn't even worth a read.
McCain Email Response
I got this from the McCain people today in response to the NYT article. Just thought I'd copy and paste. In bold is what tickled my fancy.
Dear McCain Supporter,
Well, here we go. We could expect attacks were coming; as soon as John McCain appeared to be locking up the Republican nomination, the liberal establishment and their allies at the New York Times have gone on the attack. Today's front-page New York Times story is particularly disgusting - an un-sourced hit-and-run smear campaign designed to distract from the issues at stake in this election. With John McCain leading a number of general-election polls against Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the New York Times knew the time to attack was now, and they did. We will not allow their scurrilous attack against a great American hero to stand.
The New York Times -- the newspaper that gave MoveOn.org a sweetheart deal to run advertisements attacking General Petraeus -- has shown once again that it cannot exercise good journalistic judgment when it comes to dealing with a conservative Republican. We better get ready for more of the Democrats' attacks over the coming months as the Democrats pick their nominee, MoveOn.org starts spending their unlimited soft money, and the liberal media tosses standards aside in an attempt to stop our momentum. We need your help to counteract the liberal establishment and fight back against the New York Times by making an immediate contribution today.
John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has led the charge to limit the money and influence of the special interests in politics and stomp out corruption. His life and his record prove just how preposterous the smear by the New York Times really is.
Objective observers are viewing this article exactly as they should - as a sleazy smear attack from a liberal newspaper against the conservative Republican frontrunner. Sean Hannity said, after reading the article three times, "It was so full of innuendo and so lacking of fact, and so involved in smear, I came to the conclusion that the goal here was to bring up a 20-year-old scandal." Washington attorney Bob Bennett, who was the Democrat counsel during the Keating investigation, said, "This is a real hit job." Joe Scarborough called the allegations "outrageous." Even pundit Alan Colmes -- not known for his conservative leanings -- concludes "this is a non-story."
Yet, it is there, right on the front page of the New York Times. It is now dominating the cable news coverage. We can only expect these sorts of baseless attacks to continue as we move into the general election cycle. We are going to need your help today, and your continued help in the future to have the resources to respond. We'll never match the reach of a front-page New York Times article, but with your immediate help today, we'll be able to respond and defend our nominee from the liberal attack machine.
Sincerely,
Rick Davis, Campaign Manager
Nice response. Too bad it only goes out to McCain supporters.
Dear McCain Supporter,
Well, here we go. We could expect attacks were coming; as soon as John McCain appeared to be locking up the Republican nomination, the liberal establishment and their allies at the New York Times have gone on the attack. Today's front-page New York Times story is particularly disgusting - an un-sourced hit-and-run smear campaign designed to distract from the issues at stake in this election. With John McCain leading a number of general-election polls against Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the New York Times knew the time to attack was now, and they did. We will not allow their scurrilous attack against a great American hero to stand.
The New York Times -- the newspaper that gave MoveOn.org a sweetheart deal to run advertisements attacking General Petraeus -- has shown once again that it cannot exercise good journalistic judgment when it comes to dealing with a conservative Republican. We better get ready for more of the Democrats' attacks over the coming months as the Democrats pick their nominee, MoveOn.org starts spending their unlimited soft money, and the liberal media tosses standards aside in an attempt to stop our momentum. We need your help to counteract the liberal establishment and fight back against the New York Times by making an immediate contribution today.
John McCain has a 24-year record of serving our country with honor and integrity. He has led the charge to limit the money and influence of the special interests in politics and stomp out corruption. His life and his record prove just how preposterous the smear by the New York Times really is.
Objective observers are viewing this article exactly as they should - as a sleazy smear attack from a liberal newspaper against the conservative Republican frontrunner. Sean Hannity said, after reading the article three times, "It was so full of innuendo and so lacking of fact, and so involved in smear, I came to the conclusion that the goal here was to bring up a 20-year-old scandal." Washington attorney Bob Bennett, who was the Democrat counsel during the Keating investigation, said, "This is a real hit job." Joe Scarborough called the allegations "outrageous." Even pundit Alan Colmes -- not known for his conservative leanings -- concludes "this is a non-story."
Yet, it is there, right on the front page of the New York Times. It is now dominating the cable news coverage. We can only expect these sorts of baseless attacks to continue as we move into the general election cycle. We are going to need your help today, and your continued help in the future to have the resources to respond. We'll never match the reach of a front-page New York Times article, but with your immediate help today, we'll be able to respond and defend our nominee from the liberal attack machine.
Sincerely,
Rick Davis, Campaign Manager
Nice response. Too bad it only goes out to McCain supporters.
Mislanding
"Helicopters carrying three senior U.S. senators made emergency landings Thursday in the mountains of Afghanistan because of a snowstorm.
Sens. John Kerry, Joseph Biden and Chuck Hagel were aboard the aircraft. No one was injured, according a statement from Kerry's office."
Oh, uh... umm, well, we didn't actually.. mean to land here... ummm... so yeah... you guys have coffee? No?... ok. Hey, who's that skinny guy in the back?...
Oh, hi Osama.
Read the whole thing.
Sens. John Kerry, Joseph Biden and Chuck Hagel were aboard the aircraft. No one was injured, according a statement from Kerry's office."
Oh, uh... umm, well, we didn't actually.. mean to land here... ummm... so yeah... you guys have coffee? No?... ok. Hey, who's that skinny guy in the back?...
Oh, hi Osama.
Read the whole thing.
McCain a 'playa?
The New York Times' long-rumoured investigative piece on John McCain finally makes it into print today - and suggests the senator and Republican presidential candidate had an inappropriate relationship with a female lobbyist named Vicki Iseman.
Not good press.
Not good press.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
And the Interview... (drum roll please)
Thanks so much for your time, Mr. Shays.
I was up last night until I don't know... 1:00 AMish, preparing my questions and comebacks for the interview. I went in with the expectation of talking about/debating his support and sponsorship of the Campaign Finance Law.
I walked into his office, Federalist Paper #10 and the First Amendment in hand.
I walked out supporting campaign finance reform.
Damn, politicians...
Chris Shays Interview
I have been given the incredible opportunity to interview Chris Shays. I plan on asking him primarily about his involvement in the 2002 Campaign Finance Reform that McCain has been getting so much heat over. For those who don't know, Shays sponsored the bill in the House.
Anyway, that's happening at 1:30 today, and I have a full hour with him. I have been allowed to film it, so look for that soon.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Oh, That's Justice
Breitbart: "The Supreme Court dealt a setback Tuesday to civil rights and privacy advocates who oppose the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program. The justices, without comment, turned down an appeal from the American Civil Liberties Union to let it pursue a lawsuit against the program that began shortly after the Sept. 11 terror attacks."
I don't think companies who did what the federal government asked them to do should be sued. On the other hand, I do recall someone saying something like...
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
I don't think companies who did what the federal government asked them to do should be sued. On the other hand, I do recall someone saying something like...
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
...but maybe I just had a memory lapse.
Who knows?
Althouse on Wisconsin
Ann Althouse went to the polls in Wisconsin today:
So, from my little vantage point, I'd say there's a good but not insane turnout.
A commenter makes an interesting note:
Does [Obama] carry Madison and Milwaukee by enough to overwhelm Hillary's edge in other parts of the state? I don't know.
Nothing too special, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
So, from my little vantage point, I'd say there's a good but not insane turnout.
A commenter makes an interesting note:
Does [Obama] carry Madison and Milwaukee by enough to overwhelm Hillary's edge in other parts of the state? I don't know.
Nothing too special, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
Ron Paul Losing in Congress?
While pursuing his thus far quixotic quest for the presidency, Congressman Paul has fallen behind by over ten points in the polls (43-32) in the fight for the Republican nomination in the Texas 14th to challenger Chris Peden, according to internal polls from both campaigns, which Pajamas Media was told were quite similar.
Read it.
Read it.
Castro Finally Resigns
Fidel Castro announced his resignation as president of Cuba and commander in chief of Cuba's military Tuesday, according to a letter published in the state-run newspaper, Granma.
Read here.
CNN makes Bush sound pretty confident that this will lead to Cuban democracy. I am not so sure.
Read here.
CNN makes Bush sound pretty confident that this will lead to Cuban democracy. I am not so sure.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Plagiarism Accusation
"Howard Wolfson, the Clinton campaign's communications director, today accused Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) of committing 'plagiarism' in a speech in Milwaukee on Saturday night."
She claimed he "plagiarized" Deval Patrick, Massachusetts governor.
Patrick in response to Clinton: “Sen. Obama and I are longtime friends and allies. We often share ideas about politics, policy and language. The argument in question, on the value of words in the public square, is one about which he and I have spoken frequently before. Given the recent attacks from Sen. Clinton, I applaud him [for] responding in just the way he did.”
Hillary, you lost. Cry about i... oh wait.
She claimed he "plagiarized" Deval Patrick, Massachusetts governor.
Patrick in response to Clinton: “Sen. Obama and I are longtime friends and allies. We often share ideas about politics, policy and language. The argument in question, on the value of words in the public square, is one about which he and I have spoken frequently before. Given the recent attacks from Sen. Clinton, I applaud him [for] responding in just the way he did.”
Hillary, you lost. Cry about i... oh wait.
Thoughts on Quinnipiac
For all ten of you who visited RL today with the expectation of reading something new, I sincerely apologize. I was visiting Quinnipiac University. I have narrowed down schools to those with strong Communications departments, because, honestly, if blogging paid, I would blog for a living. It doesn't, but I'll live.
Most communication majors (media studies, media production, journalism, etc.) take place in the Ed McMahon Center, named after it's donor, the one Ed McMahon. The walls are lined with photos of famous visitors such as Tim Russert, and the facilities are excellent. We were able to set up a meeting with Michael Calia, the director of the center, who who very kindly saw us through the entire building. He went from room to room, showing off endless state-of-the-art media technology. He actually got jittery with excitement upon showing us a room with the sexiest audio equipment probably in existence.
That was that. On top of the forest of evergreens and rickety bridge running over a trickling brook, there was this impeccable technology center.
I'm applying.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Presidential Budget Increases
A few numbers on presidential budget increases:
- While Obama is generally thought to be more moderate than Hillary, he will actually cost more. Hillary's programs will increase the federal budget by $212 billion, and Obama's agenda will be an obscene $287 billion.
- The Huck, who is considered in many GOP circles to be the only remaining conservative in the race, has a plan that results in a $54.2 billion net increase.
- The “liberal” John McCain, is the best of a poor lot. He will only pump up the budget by $6.9 billion.
And I didn't know:
A couple years ago Republicans were openly saying that deficits don't matter anymore. But there are lots of reasons they do. Just consider this: If Congress could just get back to the level of spending in the 1995 budget, it would be possible to totally eliminate the income tax.
Kosovo Freedom
Regarding Riots,
Gangs of rioters set fire to cars and garbage trucks in northern Copenhagen on Friday, the sixth night of rioting and vandalism that has spread from the capital to other Danish cities, police said on Saturday.
Scott Johnson and Reuters comically blame it on global warming. Somehow, I'm leaning toward Muhammad.
Also: But their reaction when offended is to torch an embassy, shoot a nun , or knife a filmmaker. I write a column deploring such behavior. You see the difference?
Scott Johnson and Reuters comically blame it on global warming. Somehow, I'm leaning toward Muhammad.
Also: But their reaction when offended is to torch an embassy, shoot a nun , or knife a filmmaker. I write a column deploring such behavior. You see the difference?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Denmark Stays in Denmark
Danish politicians have canceled a trip to Iran after the mullahs demanded they apologize for the 'dreaded cartoons of blasphemy.'
Good for Denmark.
But it's not like they can condemn the cartoonist - he's a Danish citizen doing his job. Denmark is a democracy, and 'condemning' a single person for doing something within their civil rights would be outrageous. Not to mention, Denmark would become Iran's political bitch.
Good for Denmark.
But it's not like they can condemn the cartoonist - he's a Danish citizen doing his job. Denmark is a democracy, and 'condemning' a single person for doing something within their civil rights would be outrageous. Not to mention, Denmark would become Iran's political bitch.
NIU and Gun Laws
The mysterious woman over at Neo-Neocon wrote an interesting piece regarding liberty v. safety in response to a slew of recent murders. She says:
Did I write “gun?” My error. Because the Faughey murder illustrates that where there’s a will, there’s a way; guns are quite unnecessary.
The murder she is referring to, of course, is that of a psychologist in New York City killed by one of her patients. (Sixth Sense, anyone?) To understand that guns aren't necessary in murder seems like a relatively simple concept. As demonstrated in the recent Northern Illinois shootings, guns very often are a safety valve. You see, the guns Kazmierczak possessed in his murder rampage were actually purchased legally. Had a student in the room or the professor in his desk had a gun, the stories coming out of Illinois in past days would be that of courage and valor to save the lives of fellow humans.
But no.
We must see the tears because guns are so restricted. Clearly, these intense restrictions don't rule out the bad guys, simply deter the normal.
What a shame.
Did I write “gun?” My error. Because the Faughey murder illustrates that where there’s a will, there’s a way; guns are quite unnecessary.
The murder she is referring to, of course, is that of a psychologist in New York City killed by one of her patients. (Sixth Sense, anyone?) To understand that guns aren't necessary in murder seems like a relatively simple concept. As demonstrated in the recent Northern Illinois shootings, guns very often are a safety valve. You see, the guns Kazmierczak possessed in his murder rampage were actually purchased legally. Had a student in the room or the professor in his desk had a gun, the stories coming out of Illinois in past days would be that of courage and valor to save the lives of fellow humans.
But no.
We must see the tears because guns are so restricted. Clearly, these intense restrictions don't rule out the bad guys, simply deter the normal.
What a shame.
Attack on Bhutto Opposition
An election office of Bhuttos opposition party in the city of Parachinar (about 300 km west of Islamabad) was bombed today with scores killed and wounded.
Good points from Holger Awakens:
One thought on this as it represents a constant chain reaction of attacks stemming from the assassination of Bhutto is that President Bush has been correct on much of his talk about the jihadists trying to disrupt and overthrow any semblence of democracy.
Good points from Holger Awakens:
One thought on this as it represents a constant chain reaction of attacks stemming from the assassination of Bhutto is that President Bush has been correct on much of his talk about the jihadists trying to disrupt and overthrow any semblence of democracy.
Smoking Permit
Smokers could be forced to pay £10 for a permit to buy tobacco if a government health advisory body gets its way.
No one would be able to buy cigarettes without the permit, under the idea proposed by Health England.
Here.
No one would be able to buy cigarettes without the permit, under the idea proposed by Health England.
Here.
Friday, February 15, 2008
More NIU
The NIU gunman has been identified.
The gunman who killed six people in a Northern Illinois University lecture hall before committing suicide was identified Friday as 27-year-old former student Steven Kazmierczak, according to Florida authorities and a university official familiar with the investigation.
Body count went up, too.
The gunman who killed six people in a Northern Illinois University lecture hall before committing suicide was identified Friday as 27-year-old former student Steven Kazmierczak, according to Florida authorities and a university official familiar with the investigation.
Body count went up, too.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Carmarine
Frank Rinderknecht: "For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly underwater. Now we have made this dream come true."
No, Paul, money can't buy me love. But it can buy me this... thing.
On another note, they should have named it the "Autofish." "sQuba" sounds like a toddler's favorite rubber ducky.
Illinois Shooting Details
Here are the details on the Northern Illinois University shooting from earlier today.
The details I have so far:
The details I have so far:
- The shooter walked into a lecture hall and opened fire during class.
- He shot between 14-20 people, killing six.
- He shot and killed himself.
Not quite Virginia Tech, but just as terrible. My condolences to all NIU families.
Clinton Wins New Mexico
In a ludicrously long and drawn-out news conference, the Democratic Party of New Mexico just announced that she won that state's caucus by a hair.
Just broke an 8-game losing streak, she did. When the Knicks do that, they water-cooler the coach.
*yes, water-cooler is now a verb
Just broke an 8-game losing streak, she did. When the Knicks do that, they water-cooler the coach.
*yes, water-cooler is now a verb
Romney Gets In Line
Former Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney announced Thursday that he is backing Sen. John McCain in his bid for the Oval Office.
He basically already did, but I guess he wants to make it official.
He basically already did, but I guess he wants to make it official.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Oh, Snap
The man who served as national manager of former President Clinton's 1992 campaign endorsed Sen. Barack Obama on Wednesday.
The whole country is jumping ship. A link to the story is here.
Wilhelm said the Democrats could never win a contest about experience over Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, but could win — with Obama — an election that was framed around change.
The whole country is jumping ship. A link to the story is here.
Wilhelm said the Democrats could never win a contest about experience over Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, but could win — with Obama — an election that was framed around change.
Moving Up
I only report these things when they seem to be solid, but I have been a Multicellular Microorganism for several days now. Sweet.
TTLB has been having trouble recently, so the scores just updated a few days ago. This means I'm only semi-unimportant, no longer a complete joke. My confidence is through the roof.
McCain Speaks to the Blogosphere
McCain on bloggers: "Listen, I'll never forget you. You were the only guys who would listen to me for a couple of months. Do you think I'd ever forget you?"
Maybe... I hear the internet service in the White House is mighty slow.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Writers' Strike Officially Ends
Hollywood’s writers made it official on Tuesday night, ending their bitterly fought strike at the 100-day mark by an overwhelming margin. Of 3,775 writers who cast ballots, 92.5 percent voted in favor of ending the strike.
The strike officially ended.
I'm surprised that after writing hundreds of articles about the writers' strike, journalists never realized they are actually... writers. Sure, maybe a different kind of writer, but a writer nonetheless.
If anyone should strike for wages, it's the classic journalist. Snobby L.A. screenwriters, at least the ones striking, are making upwards of $200,000 a year. These journalists are reeling in the big bucks... earning around $30,000 a year.
I'm just glad Scrubs is back.
The strike officially ended.
I'm surprised that after writing hundreds of articles about the writers' strike, journalists never realized they are actually... writers. Sure, maybe a different kind of writer, but a writer nonetheless.
If anyone should strike for wages, it's the classic journalist. Snobby L.A. screenwriters, at least the ones striking, are making upwards of $200,000 a year. These journalists are reeling in the big bucks... earning around $30,000 a year.
I'm just glad Scrubs is back.
Oliver North Pipes Up
Oliver North:
"But I cannot sit silently while my fellow conservatives do to John McCain what GOP "moderates" did to me. Today the stakes for our country are far higher, and the implications for the future are far greater than who sits in one of 100 U.S. Senate seats."
A great column on newly needed conservative unity. I strongly recommend you read it.
"But I cannot sit silently while my fellow conservatives do to John McCain what GOP "moderates" did to me. Today the stakes for our country are far higher, and the implications for the future are far greater than who sits in one of 100 U.S. Senate seats."
A great column on newly needed conservative unity. I strongly recommend you read it.
Mac and Blac Have a Big Night in the East
McCain won Virginia and Maryland. Obama also won Maryland. This is all from Instapundit.
Global Snowiness
Currently in the top left corner of Drudge:
A mild contradiction? This isn't the first time I've seen this; bitterly cold weather reports next to some Al Gore wannabe (very often Al Gore himself) preaching global warming. I always chuckle. I hope you did, too.
UPDATE: More recent cold weather articles, courtesy of Drudge.
A mild contradiction? This isn't the first time I've seen this; bitterly cold weather reports next to some Al Gore wannabe (very often Al Gore himself) preaching global warming. I always chuckle. I hope you did, too.
UPDATE: More recent cold weather articles, courtesy of Drudge.
Own a Name
Lennon Murphy:
"Yesterday I received notice that Yoko Ono had filed a lawsuit against me, asking for a cancellation of the trademark that I own for the name 'Lennon.' This could very well mean the career that I have worked so hard at, the one you all have believed in, may come to an end. I wanted to address the situation to all my fans because without you I am nothing and it's not fair to everyone who has believed in my music not to be properly informed of this pure bullshit."
I should just sign my name up for a patent as an author and never let anyone named Will Conway ever do anything publicly. That would be cruel. (Although completely hilarious. hmm...)
"Yesterday I received notice that Yoko Ono had filed a lawsuit against me, asking for a cancellation of the trademark that I own for the name 'Lennon.' This could very well mean the career that I have worked so hard at, the one you all have believed in, may come to an end. I wanted to address the situation to all my fans because without you I am nothing and it's not fair to everyone who has believed in my music not to be properly informed of this pure bullshit."
I should just sign my name up for a patent as an author and never let anyone named Will Conway ever do anything publicly. That would be cruel. (Although completely hilarious. hmm...)
Monday, February 11, 2008
Europe in Space
Astronauts just attached the first European laboratory to the International Space Station. Ironically, the new piece of the station is called Columbus. They obviously thought they were naming it after a famous pioneer, attempting a namesake-parallel to modern space exploration.
Unfortunately, the ego on us Americans will pretty much brag the Europeans out of space. I apologize.
Unfortunately, the ego on us Americans will pretty much brag the Europeans out of space. I apologize.
Sex Offender Wins the Lotto
"A man listed as one of the state's most dangerous sex offenders has won $10 million in the Massachusetts lottery..."
That's irritating, to say the least.
That's irritating, to say the least.
"The Merida Initiative"
The Merida Initiative: A plan devised by the master himself, George Walker Bush, giving $1.4 billion to MEXICO so they can secure THEIR borders.
Is this a joke? Nope.
Michelle Malkin is pissed, and rightfully so:
We can’t finish our own border fence, properly supply our immigration agents and border patrol with all the equipment and resources they need, or get our house in order. Yet, the Bush administration wants to fork over $1.4 billion to Mexico and Central America–with much of it going into the hands of corrupt law enforcement officials and government bureaucrats who have worked tirelessly to undermine our immigration laws.
Some adjectives to describe this? I could think of a few, but you'd have to make sure the kids are in another room.
Is this a joke? Nope.
Michelle Malkin is pissed, and rightfully so:
We can’t finish our own border fence, properly supply our immigration agents and border patrol with all the equipment and resources they need, or get our house in order. Yet, the Bush administration wants to fork over $1.4 billion to Mexico and Central America–with much of it going into the hands of corrupt law enforcement officials and government bureaucrats who have worked tirelessly to undermine our immigration laws.
Some adjectives to describe this? I could think of a few, but you'd have to make sure the kids are in another room.
Good News For the Writers' Strike
Hollywood writers may end a three- month strike this week after their union approved a tentative labor contract with film and television studios.
Read more.
Read more.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Afghan Opium
It's a little old, but I just stumbled on a CNN article from last week:
Opium growth in Afghanistan's unstable south and southwest continues at an alarming rate, and is a windfall for anti-government forces who tax farmers, a U.N. report said Wednesday.
It's like déjà vu, except.... not.
Opium growth in Afghanistan's unstable south and southwest continues at an alarming rate, and is a windfall for anti-government forces who tax farmers, a U.N. report said Wednesday.
It's like déjà vu, except.... not.
Safety Bubble
Britney Law: WHEN is a Hollywood celebrity big enough to require special legal protection not available to little people?
That is the question facing the city of Los Angeles, whose officials are debating the implementation of a 20-yard “personal safety bubble”, to be created around celebrities deemed “paparazzi targets” when moving around the city.
Are... they... serious? They are literally calling for a restraining order against... the world... on behalf of celebrities.
Becky C has more.
That is the question facing the city of Los Angeles, whose officials are debating the implementation of a 20-yard “personal safety bubble”, to be created around celebrities deemed “paparazzi targets” when moving around the city.
Are... they... serious? They are literally calling for a restraining order against... the world... on behalf of celebrities.
Becky C has more.
Holy Toledo
I wasn't around yesterday, so I only just heard about Finkbeiner's stupid move.
On that topic:
The Top 10 Reasons Why the Mayor Doesn't Want Marines in Toledo:
On that topic:
The Top 10 Reasons Why the Mayor Doesn't Want Marines in Toledo:
1. Code Pink conference call already postponed twice -- doesn't want to "dis" them again
2. ACLU might sue for failure to allow Communist Party Parade the same weekend
3. His dog doesn't like noises louder than 10 decibels unless it's the sound of his limo picking him up for a Sunday drive to City Hall
4. Joined at the hip to Berkeley, CA and afraid operation to be surgically removed will be too risky
5. Doesn't want to see Hillary Clinton crying in public again
6. Afraid he'll be taken off of the Air America "Le Prime Guest Speaker" list
7. Doesn't want to offend local sleeper cells
8. Doesn't want the word "urban" mentioned...it rhymes with "turban" which might possibly have the potential to offend Al Qaeda
9. Al Jazeera unable to get camera crew to Toledo in time to grab footage then use it in a misleading way to bash America
10. Doesn't want the hassle of having to walk half a block for a cup of coffee when a Humvee is parked in the handicapped spot in front of Starbucks
Doyle Steps Down
Patti Solis Doyle: This week Maggie will begin to assume the duties of campaign manager. I will serve as a senior adviser to Hillary and the campaign and travel with Hillary from time to time on the road. Maggie is a remarkable person and I am confident that she will do a fabulous job.
Patti Solis Doyle gave up her spot as Clinton's campaign manager for behind-the-scenes reasons. The politics in politics is remarkable.
Also, I doubt this had anything to do with it.
Patti Solis Doyle gave up her spot as Clinton's campaign manager for behind-the-scenes reasons. The politics in politics is remarkable.
Also, I doubt this had anything to do with it.
My Apologies,
Ski team practice, homework and my girlfriend dominated my blogging time today. I'm sorry, I'll try to get my priorities in line.
I know nothing about the primaries and caucuses that happened today, don't ask. I do know about the writers' strike agreement. Sounds like progress.
I know nothing about the primaries and caucuses that happened today, don't ask. I do know about the writers' strike agreement. Sounds like progress.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Fred Behind McCain
Bush's Approval No Longer Doubles My Age
Bush hit 30:
It's almost as if people can barely stand the thought of President Bush and Congress anymore. Bush reached his lowest approval rating in The Associated Press-Ipsos poll on Friday as only 30 percent said they like the job he is doing, including an all-time low in his support by Republicans. Congress' approval fell to just 22 percent, equaling its poorest grade in the survey. Both marks dropped by 4 percentage points since early January.
It's almost as if people can barely stand the thought of President Bush and Congress anymore. Bush reached his lowest approval rating in The Associated Press-Ipsos poll on Friday as only 30 percent said they like the job he is doing, including an all-time low in his support by Republicans. Congress' approval fell to just 22 percent, equaling its poorest grade in the survey. Both marks dropped by 4 percentage points since early January.
Huckabee Does What?
Prior to Romney's dropout, Huckabee was clearly the third contender. But with Romney throwing his support behind McCain and conservatives seeking unity behind one candidate, Huckabee has to face a very daunting reality: in just a few hours, his campaign went from waining contender to a Kucinich-in-his-later-days candidate. What should he do?
Drop out.
Drop out.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
'I Have Made It'... Again
Dan DeLoma wanted me to correct my previous post. The Lulu buying option is apparently overpriced, and his publication will come out for much less on Amazon at a later date. The date itself escapes me at the moment, but I'll let you know after Dan refreshes my memory.
Yael Naim... The Blogosphere has a Problem
Yael Naim's song is now #1 on iTunes. We have a problem...
Does the (political) blogosphere choose to love or hate her?
You see, she is genetically a bizarre, ironically mixed-up match of heritages, of which I am sure no one in the online journal world will be able to understand. She is, get this... half Israeli, half French.
On one hand, we have the blood of the post World War II kick-ass Israeli spirit and on the other, we see a white flag waving fervently above a curly moustache and an obnoxiously elegant accent.
Good luck to bloggers everywhere with this. According to her bio, she was raised in Israel, so I'll jump on her bandwagon.
As a side note, her lyrics are incredibly confusing...
Coming from the ultimate "take" nation of Israel and the ultimate "give" nation of France, what in hell inspired her to come to America? In Israel, she just witnessed President Bush stop by to forge a relationship and leave, never to return again. In France, she has witnessed us boycott all her goods, most notably her wine (I'm trying to be objective... I am fully in favor of the now nonexistent boycott), and our riots after their sale of weapons to Iraq. In all reality, America would be my first choice for most things, but not so much if I were in search of a place to learn to "give and take."
Does the (political) blogosphere choose to love or hate her?
You see, she is genetically a bizarre, ironically mixed-up match of heritages, of which I am sure no one in the online journal world will be able to understand. She is, get this... half Israeli, half French.
On one hand, we have the blood of the post World War II kick-ass Israeli spirit and on the other, we see a white flag waving fervently above a curly moustache and an obnoxiously elegant accent.
Good luck to bloggers everywhere with this. According to her bio, she was raised in Israel, so I'll jump on her bandwagon.
As a side note, her lyrics are incredibly confusing...
"I'm a new soul; I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit about how to give and take but since I came here fellt the joy and the fear finding myself making every possible mistake."
Coming from the ultimate "take" nation of Israel and the ultimate "give" nation of France, what in hell inspired her to come to America? In Israel, she just witnessed President Bush stop by to forge a relationship and leave, never to return again. In France, she has witnessed us boycott all her goods, most notably her wine (I'm trying to be objective... I am fully in favor of the now nonexistent boycott), and our riots after their sale of weapons to Iraq. In all reality, America would be my first choice for most things, but not so much if I were in search of a place to learn to "give and take."
Minuteman Article
My most recent article for the Fairfield Minuteman is here. It made the front page.
Romney's Withdrawal
I just got home after a ski race and school, and I have a few words on Romney's withdrawal.
If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters... many of you right here in this room... have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
I found his speech selfless and respectful. He knows he still had a shot (an increasingly shrinking, slim shot, but a shot nonetheless), but he made a good decision. His logic is flawless, and he is definitely taking the "this is bigger than myself approach," which I always like.
If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters... many of you right here in this room... have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
I found his speech selfless and respectful. He knows he still had a shot (an increasingly shrinking, slim shot, but a shot nonetheless), but he made a good decision. His logic is flawless, and he is definitely taking the "this is bigger than myself approach," which I always like.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
ST Results
I realized I never actually posted the final Super Tuesday results. Richard has it covered.
A Story For Ash Wednesday
I went to mass today, against my own free will. But I do have a story to tell from my wasted hour...
I sat in the pew, listening to the reading. A lay person recited a passage from Matthew:
I then stood, in line with the rest of the congregation, walked to the priest, and allowed him to plaster the symbol of the Catholic faith on my forehead.
Hypocritical?
I sat in the pew, listening to the reading. A lay person recited a passage from Matthew:
1 Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
I then stood, in line with the rest of the congregation, walked to the priest, and allowed him to plaster the symbol of the Catholic faith on my forehead.
Hypocritical?
$5 Million Pays Off, Not to Politico
Senator Hillary Clinton confirmed at a press conference in Virginia this afternoon that she'd loaned her campaign $5 million, and said, "The results last night proved the wisdom of my investment."
The post on Politico that is making this story known has drawn over 430 comments so far and was posted less than two hours ago. I still don't see what the big deal is. I would have done it.
The post on Politico that is making this story known has drawn over 430 comments so far and was posted less than two hours ago. I still don't see what the big deal is. I would have done it.
My Blog is... Worth Something?
I went to this site out of curiosity, and I like the result. Pretty good, for a blog that's been up for less than three months:
My blog is worth $6,209.94.
How much is your blog worth?
I Can Dream
Glenn Reynolds just linked to this insane home theater. All I can really say is.... I want one. The theater itself is as big as my house. Not to mention the incredible view! These pictures are so cool. I can dream... 
...can't I?
Dear Mrs. Althouse,
Althouse fights for Wisconsin's importance. No matter how she looks at it, though, no matter what ridiculous angle she thinks appropriate, Brett Farve will always be more important to the cheeseheads than anyone in Washington.
It's just the truth.
It's just the truth.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
'I Have Made It'
Dan DeLoma goes to my school, and he just published a book of poems, now for sale on Lulu.com. Please check it out and support him!
"I Have Made It" is the title of an awe-inspiring book by America's newest up-and-coming poet, Daniel DeLoma. The loss of love and the formation of new friendships all shape the twenty-five heartwarming poems collected within these pages.
Update: Correction from Dan himself!
Update: Correction from Dan himself!
Funny Huckabee and Romney
From CNN:
"Unfortunately, this is what Sen. McCain's inside Washington ways look like: He cut a backroom deal with the tax-and-spend candidate he thought could best stop Gov. Romney's campaign of conservative change," read a statement from Romney campaign manager Beth Myers.
Huckabee chuckled at the remark.
"I thought he was saying yesterday, 'No whining.' So is it no whining or whining? He can't even keep a straight answer on the 'whining or no whining' question," Huckabee said.
Oh, and yes Barack, your biceps are HUGE:
"Unfortunately, this is what Sen. McCain's inside Washington ways look like: He cut a backroom deal with the tax-and-spend candidate he thought could best stop Gov. Romney's campaign of conservative change," read a statement from Romney campaign manager Beth Myers.
Huckabee chuckled at the remark.
"I thought he was saying yesterday, 'No whining.' So is it no whining or whining? He can't even keep a straight answer on the 'whining or no whining' question," Huckabee said.
Oh, and yes Barack, your biceps are HUGE:
Some Exit Polls
Democratic exit polls, according to Drudge:
Obama
Obama
- Alabama: Obama 60, Clinton 37
- Arizona: Obama 51, Clinton 45
- Connecticut: Obama 53, Clinton 45
- Delaware: Obama 56, Clinton 42
- Illinois: Obama 70, Clinton 30
- Massachusetts: Obama 50, Clinton 48
- Missouri: Obama 50, Clinton 46
- New Jersey: Obama 53, Clinton 47
- Arkansas: Clinton 72, Obama 26
- California: Clinton 50, Obama 47
- New York: Clinton 56, Obama 43
- Oklahoma: Clinton 61, Obama 31
- Tennessee: Clinton 52, Obama 41
That's the early stuff. Obama is kicking ass in states that don't matter. Clinton got NY, obviously expected, and California, which are huge.
Wikipedia, Volokh and Peaceful Muslims
Over at Volokh:
WIKIPEDIA REFUSES TO REMOVE PICTURES OF MOHAMMED FROM ENTRY, despite 90,000+ signatures on an online petition (though a quick skim of a few signatures suggests that not all of them endorse the petition's views).
Good for Wikipedia. An encyclopedia may certainly choose not to include such pictures, and still remain true to its mission. (I don't think it would be right for the encyclopedia to remove important historical details that some people are offended by, though the encyclopedia authors would surely have the First Amendment right to do this; but drawings representing the subject are not a necessary part of an accurate discussion of the issue.) But I think an encyclopedia may also properly refuse to succumb to such pressure, and I approve of the Wikipedia editors' refusal here.
Here is a link to the signatures.
Some funny quotes from the 'comments' section of the petition...
WIKIPEDIA REFUSES TO REMOVE PICTURES OF MOHAMMED FROM ENTRY, despite 90,000+ signatures on an online petition (though a quick skim of a few signatures suggests that not all of them endorse the petition's views).
Good for Wikipedia. An encyclopedia may certainly choose not to include such pictures, and still remain true to its mission. (I don't think it would be right for the encyclopedia to remove important historical details that some people are offended by, though the encyclopedia authors would surely have the First Amendment right to do this; but drawings representing the subject are not a necessary part of an accurate discussion of the issue.) But I think an encyclopedia may also properly refuse to succumb to such pressure, and I approve of the Wikipedia editors' refusal here.
Here is a link to the signatures.
Some funny quotes from the 'comments' section of the petition...
- "Like all the other lunatics here who don't respect the notion of pluralism, I demand you take the pictures down. Forget that these other lunatics are writing from countries that do not allow the barest minimum of freedom of religion. Now we must extend that lack of freedom to the entire world."
- "Please make the pictures larger."
- "Like all the other Muslim extremists here I want to dictate what the rest of the world can read and view on their computers. I don't care at all that other people are not bound by the laws of my phony religion. So take the pictures down."
- "Jihad on Wikipedia!"
- "Please remove these illustrations and respect the peaceful request by vote. Thanks."
The last one is especially funny. Oh shit, they were peaceful this time! Ok guys, let's take it down.
Huckabee Wins West Virginia
Mike Huckabee won the first of 21 states being contested by the Republican presidential candidates on Super Tuesday, pulling out a victory in the West Virginia Republican convention.
Ahh...
Ahh...
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Romney Ad
Powerline: The ad also cites "blocking conservative judges." Yet, McCain did not agree with Clinton on this issue. McCain was part of The Gang of 14; Clinton was not. McCain voted to confirm John Roberts and Sam Alito; Clinton did not.
McCain did, I believe, help block Jim Haynes from becoming a conservative judge. But overall, he is not close to Clinton when it comes to either the circumstances under which judges should be blocked (i.e., filibustered) or propensity to support conservative judicial nominees.
British Entilijants
A quarter of the population think that Winston Churchill never actually existed, a survey suggests.
While a poll recently named him the greatest Briton of all time, the wartime prime minister is seen by many as a mythical figure along with the likes of Florence Nightingale and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Read here.
While a poll recently named him the greatest Briton of all time, the wartime prime minister is seen by many as a mythical figure along with the likes of Florence Nightingale and Sir Walter Raleigh.
Read here.
Some Words on Down Syndrome Terrorism
Friday’s terrorist attacks were effective reminders of the utter depravity of jihadists. According to U.S. and Iraqi officials, pictures of the two female bombers showed they had Down syndrome. Their remote detonated bombs went off in locations thronged with families and children.
Oh my Allah. And they call us immoral, blood drinking bastards.
This is sickening.
Oh my Allah. And they call us immoral, blood drinking bastards.
This is sickening.
Tears in My Town
Sen. Hillary Clinton teared up this morning at an event at the Yale Child Study Center, where she worked while in law school in the early 1970s.
Read it. In my home state! I wish I was there.
Glenn Reynolds: I may be wrong, but I think the crying bit works, at most, once per election.
Read it. In my home state! I wish I was there.
Glenn Reynolds: I may be wrong, but I think the crying bit works, at most, once per election.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Skiing and Giants
Sorry for the lack of posts recently... I had a ski race this morning, and I crashed miserably. Ow.
Anyway... prediction on the Superbowl: Giants upset New England 28-24.
Anyway... prediction on the Superbowl: Giants upset New England 28-24.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Bad Laundry Day
It was a rough day... I did a load of laundry, and sent both my wallet and my cell phone through via jean pockets. Needless to say, I have a cell phone that vibrates when I press buttons and an obnoxiously pink wallet.
Thinking on the positive side, I'm hoping the water inadvertently scrambled my Borders gift card and added like $3000.
Hey, you never know.
Thinking on the positive side, I'm hoping the water inadvertently scrambled my Borders gift card and added like $3000.
Hey, you never know.
SD Gun Laws
A bill passed this week by a House committee would guarantee people the right to carry or possess firearms on the campuses of South Dakota's public universities.
HB1261 would also prevent schools from expelling students or firing employees for having a gun on campus.
Read here.
HB1261 would also prevent schools from expelling students or firing employees for having a gun on campus.
Read here.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Natalee Halloway Breakthrough
On the Natalee Holloway case:
KELLY: It was a couple of things. One, [Natalee's mother] was satisfied that what she had seen and heard was authentic. And secondly, she just felt that some of her questions had been answered, and some of the information she had been looking for, she felt she had now.
KELLY: It was a couple of things. One, [Natalee's mother] was satisfied that what she had seen and heard was authentic. And secondly, she just felt that some of her questions had been answered, and some of the information she had been looking for, she felt she had now.
Love? No. Passion? Yes.
RCP has a link up to this article:
So it was fitting that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had clearly decided that last night was a good night to cozy up, bury their recent rivalries and express a simple truth. They loved each other. They really loved each other.
Last night, maybe. But their true love was much more obvious on January 21st:
Yup, the passion is obvious. They act like they've been married for 30 years, and hated every minute of it.
So it was fitting that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had clearly decided that last night was a good night to cozy up, bury their recent rivalries and express a simple truth. They loved each other. They really loved each other.
Last night, maybe. But their true love was much more obvious on January 21st:
Yup, the passion is obvious. They act like they've been married for 30 years, and hated every minute of it.
Minuteman
I got an internship with the Fairfield Minuteman. Thanks to the whole team, I'm glad to be on board!
Coulter Supports... Hillary?
I heard about this, and I thought Ann was kidding.
She wasn't.
Colmes: Would you go into a voting booth and vote for Hillary?
Coulter: Yes!
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