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Evening Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat

Now you have a place where you can post your unrelated thoughts. Frankly, I am fed up with all the off topic commenting in my posts at least. J may not mind. I know I do. Stop it.

This is an Open thread.

Update (TL): I'll be posting new items later this evening. Big Tent says he'll be back tomorrow.

Update: Thread now closed.

< How To Look At Polls - Part II | Senate Passes Bill Extending Immigration Laws to Mariana Islands >
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    Mark Penn (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Key on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:18:42 PM EST
    Anyone else kind of upset at Hillary's apparent inability to get rid of him once and for all?

    I hope Hillary wins even though it isn't looking too good right now.  But I also hope that if she does win, the big buffoon is nowhere to be seen in a Clinton administration.

    The longer she keeps him around, the harder it seems to be for her to get rid of him.

    Ugh.

    It was funny (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:27:26 PM EST
    After he made his comment about Richardson's endorsement there was actually about 3 Obama supporters on Dailykos who had the temerity to point out, "you know he's right, the endorsement would have done more good before Texas."

    I must have slept in the day he started eating live kittens on national TV.

    Parent

    Having seen what the last campaign upheaval (none / 0) (#110)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:45:59 PM EST
    did, coming right before my state's primary -- Wisconsin -- I actually am one who is fine with not too much more upheaval in the Clinton campaign now.  Ease Penn out after Penn, as it were.  But not now.  The campaign never got it together for Wisconsin, and you may recall what happened. . . .

    Btw, I'll say again, as I noted last week, that anyone who thinks that primary was a predictor of how Obama would do in the general election in Wisconsin ought to look at the loss by our AA state high court justice and the racist campaign against him.  And it worked here in the red red red county, Waukesha, that had the votes to put his woefully unprepared opponent onto our state high court.

    Waukesha went big for Obama.  Uh huh.  Best evidence of the crossover games here, but it will go 99% for McCain in the general election -- and that could turn this state, the closest of all states in 2004, red.  I think the only hope of not losing Wisconsin is Clinton.

    Parent

    Perhaps (none / 0) (#128)
    by MKS on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:04:32 PM EST
    What about this poll?

    Parent
    St. Norb's polls of Wisconsin can be good (5.00 / 0) (#170)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:43:04 PM EST
    or not.  Unfortunately, not transparent.  So without knowing more about methdology, it's an iffy one.

    See if we see a poll done by Holbrook at UWM.

    Parent

    within the margin of error- (none / 0) (#158)
    by kenosharick on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:32:48 PM EST
    and that is before the "swiftboaters" send $10-20m just in Wis. on rev. wright commercials painting Barck as anti-American. He will not win Wis.

    Parent
    This argument is so lame (none / 0) (#186)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:05:21 PM EST
    Barack can't win because he's bi-racial.  That's what it boils down to.  Despite the fact that polls this far out historically are insignificant and totally inadequate in predicting elections.

    Furthermore, macro-trends tend to determine elections and regardless of the mud (which gets slung every year, mind you, and will be slung at Hillary as well), the Republicans have the worst set of circumstances possible from a historical perspective.

    And if you think Barack's amazing victory in Wisconsin was the result of cross-over meddling, you're nuts.  That margin was too wide for any Republican mischief to have pulled off.  

    Parent
    Not so (none / 0) (#204)
    by Virginian on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:19:16 PM EST
    the Republicans have the worst set of circumstances possible from a historical perspective.

    They have a very real shot at winning

    Parent

    Doubtful (none / 0) (#207)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:22:10 PM EST
    But Hillary doesn't do any better in head-to-heads at this point.  As  "electability" is the argument of the week from camp Hillary, I'm sure we'll hear plenty about it in the coming weeks.  

    Parent
    Let's see (5.00 / 3) (#2)
    by andgarden on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:20:14 PM EST
    perfect weather here in DC.

    Oh, I negotiated my cable bill way down today--and I got more services. So, go me.

    Yikes.... (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:27:19 PM EST
    were you talking about your cable bill on the other posts?  

    Parent
    no (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by andgarden on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:37:46 PM EST
    just what was on my mind.

    Parent
    The thread opening (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:06:37 PM EST
    sounded like me when my kids would bug me when I got home from work and had to make them do homework etc and cook  I would throw them in the tv room with  junk food and say, here, go at it.  Enough with all of you.  

    Confessions of mommie dearest.  Maybe that is why both my kids still like me and on their own chose Hillary and they don;t hate women of a certain age.  

    Parent

    We have similar philosophies (none / 0) (#130)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:05:10 PM EST
    and guess what? My kids, ages 22 and 18, are also Clinton supporters.

    I was a weird hybrid of permissive and strict.  When they would ask me irritating questions, I would always say, "How the h** should I know?"  My son, at the age of 10, did an excellent Forrest Gump impression saying, "My mom always said to me, 'How the h** should I know?'"

    Somebody should get a research grant and do a study.

    Maybe I'm a bad mom, but I have two good kids.  :)

    Parent

    Bad mom club (none / 0) (#140)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:15:17 PM EST
    We had a bad mom club.  It was great.  Man, the level of micromanagement that was expected and is expected in raising kids--I don't have the stomach for it.  

    Parent
    No wonder many of them are so infantile (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by MarkL on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:18:05 PM EST
    at 18.

    Parent
    it's ridiculous (5.00 / 2) (#160)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:33:42 PM EST
    and it's probably gotten worse in the 15 years or so since my kids were little.  I raised my kids in the super-liberal, diverse neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn, where parents would say "Maggie doesn't feel like sharing right now" when their kid was being a brat.  My favorite anecdote from back then was when I took my son to a kids' shoe store.  A 2-year-old was pitching a fit and his mom was trying to "reason" with him, saying, "What is the issue here, Elliott?" Needless to say, more screams ensued.  

    Like I said, I was not a strict parent. Never hit my kids, I'm not an authoritarian, but I believe that parents should guide the children and not the other way around.

    Which one reason why I have contempt for those silly politicians who say they are supporting Obama b/c their kids told them too.  B**, please!  I went to peace marches in the 60's.  I lived thru the Dem Convention in '68, though I was very young.  The most important lesson I've learned in life is to think for yourself and distrust authority.  I hope I've passed that on to my kids.

    Parent

    My moment of losing it (none / 0) (#169)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:41:34 PM EST
    I was PTA president in a public school that was what shall I say, in transition.   One of the new moms thought that recess was a real mess and her son was not getting picked to play in any of the teams by the other kids.  She thought we should have structured recess.  I lost it.  I went off:  your son has and will have every advantage in life and you now want to stack it for him in recess?  The whole idea of recess is that kids get to have 10 minutes of free from adult structure time.  

    I always thought it was fine for a kid to fail a class, they learn that it's not the end of the world and that it happens to all of us.  

    Parent

    A schoolteacher friend of mine (none / 0) (#178)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:58:15 PM EST
    had to deal with a parent who wanted the school resources officer to interview other kids she thought were stealing her kid's fried okra at lunch.  When my friend balked, the woman said she would pay for a private detective.

    I kid you not.

    Hey, them thar flashing ads for books.  Do you guys ever click through on them?  I'm just curious.  I really enjoyed that Linda Fairstein that was advertised a week or so ago.

    Parent

    Another Park Sloper (none / 0) (#172)
    by honora on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:51:02 PM EST
    I was ready to say something mean to MarkL for dissing Stillife and Stellaaa, then Stillife said that she raise her family in Park Slope.  I lived on Carroll Street from birth until 13--it is still my 'spiritual home'. The Brooklyn Dodgers left the month that I was born, I still take it personally.

     This thread makes me sooo homesick, first TJ moving to Brooklyn, now this.  I have to go compose myself.

    Parent

    That's so funny! (none / 0) (#190)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:08:16 PM EST
    Saw a similar scene in an ice cream place once, where the mom was reading off the list of 20-plus ice cream flavors and asking the toddler which one he wanted.  All the toddler could do in the face of too much information was start to scream and wail.  Poor guy.  He just wanted some ice cream!

    Man, you remember how our generation was supposed to have been raised by such "permissive" parents.  LOL!

    Parent

    Every time we try and drop Sprint (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:33:54 PM EST
    as our cell phone provider they connect us with a "retention specialist" who makes us an offer we can't refuse.

    Parent
    does that come with (5.00 / 4) (#25)
    by scribe on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:52:51 PM EST
    or without the horse's head in your bed?

    Parent
    Cleaned out two garden beds (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by suisser on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:35:38 PM EST
    planted lettuce. Showed my 10 year-old daughter the "How Dare Hilary" video.  Tried, really, really hard to believe that I still belong in the Democratic Party, didn't work out so well. Sigh...

    Parent
    Since you're talking tv (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:42:16 PM EST
    Why is it every show I absolutely love gets cancelled or is in danger of being cancelled?

    I loved Firefly, cancelled.
    I loved the very very short lived Mr. Sterling, cancelled.
    I loved Arrested Development, cancelled.

    Now I love The Reaper and I'm the only person watching it. Such an interesting cast and storylines. Bad enough I could not watch it for almost three weeks (I had to DVR it)
    because it was on at the same time as my greatest addiction LOST.

    Now LOST is off till the 24th and I have no idea if Reaper is on, or when it's on. (did I mention it started out on Tuesday nights, went to Wednesday then to Thursday, now I got no clue.)

    This sucks.

    Parent

    Tuesday Night (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by katiebird on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:48:44 PM EST
    So it's still here? (none / 0) (#32)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:54:23 PM EST
    And it's not on with LOST?

    I am so euphoric right now that it should depress me. I should get a life.

    I love the guy who plays the devil. He's good. And he acts exactly as I always imagined the devil would.

    THANK YOU.

    Parent

    Here is a (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:53:29 PM EST
    synopsis.

    Now you have more free time.

    Parent

    that was brilliant (none / 0) (#59)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:14:32 PM EST
    Just about sums up LOST.

    Parent
    Even more so for the occasional viewer like me n/t (none / 0) (#101)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:39:51 PM EST
    What? (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:54:05 PM EST
    No Lost tonight?  cr@p...sigh..........

    Parent
    How come Trader Joe (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:59:56 PM EST
    discontinues every product I fall in love with and incorporate as a staple in my diet?

    Parent
    Trader Joe (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:13:02 PM EST
    is coming to my Brooklyn neighborhood at some unspecified date this year.  I can't wait!

    I haven't shopped there enough to be aware of the discontinued products, but I've had this problem at regular supermarkets.  My daughter and I always joke that whenever "they" find out we like a product - bam! It's discontinued.

    I have heard that TJ's products fluctuate a lot due to availability b/c they always try to get the cheapest price.

    Parent

    Don't get me started on TJ (none / 0) (#91)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:35:05 PM EST
     
    Coulombe sold the renamed Trader Joe's in 1979 to the family trust established by Theo Albrecht, and he retired in 1988.
    Business Week

    Albrecht, who is he?  German billionaire, owns largest Euro/sort of Wall martish chain that has put out of business loads of small shops.  I avoid TJ's.  Sorry, they are predatory.  

    Parent

    Oh, noes! (none / 0) (#100)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:38:28 PM EST
    In my naivete, I thought it was a "nice" company.  Next thing you're gonna tell me is that he's a big contributor to Hope 527.  That would be the final straw!

    Parent
    It's a great parallel (none / 0) (#107)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:42:32 PM EST
    Just as creepy as big corporate others, but they put out a facade of "change", "hope" etc.  they are privately held, so many think it's owned by a hippie guy in LA.  Albrecht is in the top 20 of Forbes richest people.  They have great PR.  

    Parent
    Reminds me of Urban Outfitters (none / 0) (#124)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:57:05 PM EST
    where my daughter shops.  Ex-hippie, turned Repug. Split with his former business partner under rather dubious circumstances, I believe.  She stayed true to the cause and he sold out.

    My daughter's a Kucinich-supporting, left-wing feminista, but she likes their clothes.  :(

    Parent

    Yes and no (none / 0) (#153)
    by facta non verba on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:24:11 PM EST
    The Albrecht brothers are indeed very wealthy billionaires, top 10. They own Aldi which operates in Europe and in the United States. German retailing is very price sensitive and the EDLP format that Aldi and Trader Joe's subscribe to in effect keeps prices low. Labour is minimal at both Aldi and TJs. Aldi stores are very small under 5,000 sq feet and generally carry only one brand (usually a private label) or distressed goods (products that for some reason did not meet manufacturers' quality control). Trader Joe's is a little different. It is also EDLP but the stores are much bigger, 25,000 to 50,000 square feet. TJs works with companies to make products that meet a very rigourous quality control.

    TJs and Aldi treat their employees well. They receive a raise after one month's service and benefits after 90 days including health and a 401(k). I wouldn't put the Albrechts in the company of Wal-Mart. They are much more progressive.

    Parent

    In the sense (none / 0) (#154)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:26:22 PM EST
    that they put the smaller shops out of business.  Yes, it's the Euro model, but still, large corporate and monolithic.  

    Parent
    TJ's employees (none / 0) (#201)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:16:31 PM EST
    are unusually well paid, have first-rate benefits and are treated very well by management. It may be a big chain, but they do pretty much everything right by their customers, their employees and their suppliers, as far as I can see.

    I used to live within walking distance of where a TJ's moved in, and ended up buying about 80 percent of my groceries from them.

    Now I live a 6-hour round trip away from the nearest one, and I make the trip a couple times a year to stock up.

    Parent

    When TJ hit town here (none / 0) (#97)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:38:09 PM EST
    I was anticipating it, as a sister-in-law would bring all sorts of goodies from her town's TJ when she came to visit.  But I wanted more tips -- she is not always as adventurous as am I -- so I googled and came up with sites where TJers in other towns talked about the best buys.

    Try it and look especially for the discussion site for the original TJ's in San Francisco.  It's hilarious.  That must be a town full of frustrated novelists, as some of the posts went on for eons and veered off into philosophies of life and the like.

    Parent

    Original TJs is in Southern California (none / 0) (#102)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:39:55 PM EST
    Be adventurous! (none / 0) (#205)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:20:10 PM EST
    The incredibly cool thing about TJ's is they happily refund your money for anything you try and don't happen to like.  Doesn't have to be damaged or spoiled or anything, just if it doesn't meet your taste.

    They also have somebody who cooks up stuff from their ingredients to give away generous free samples pretty much every day around lunchtime, and I've ended up buying lots of stuff I would never even have considered because it turned out to be so good.

    Best of all, I've found, all their products use good ingredients, so none of them are overloaded with spices and artificial flavorings to conceal a poor basic ingredient.

    TJ FOR PRESIDENT!!! (oops, sorry)

    Parent

    Ahh yes, TJ anticipation (none / 0) (#214)
    by Virginian on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:28:58 PM EST
    I know it well

    We moved from DC suburbs to Charlottesville, VA (grad school/med school) and have had to dedicate weekends to driving 2 hours north to stock up...but soon one will be opening an hour away......small victory

    Parent

    Have you been to the one on 14th street? (none / 0) (#116)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:49:38 PM EST
    I keep meaning to go for the wine specials  ;)

    Where in Brooklyn?

    Parent

    Yes I have (none / 0) (#132)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:08:35 PM EST
    I live in Boerum Hill, near Atlantic Center.  My neighborhood is subway mecca - I'm near most of the subway lines.  It's not a big deal to go from my house to Union Square on the 4 train, but still it's a schlep carrying shopping bags.

    There will be no wine at the store in Brooklyn.  :(  Stupid New York blue laws.

    Parent

    P.S. (none / 0) (#133)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:09:45 PM EST
    Probably in answer to your question, the new TJ's will be at Atlantic and Court which is an excellent location for me - I work on Court Street, so it's on the way home.  

    Parent
    Thanks, good to know. (none / 0) (#149)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:21:04 PM EST
    I'm over in Williamsburg, so 14th is a hop skip. Lucky you that it will be on your way home! I pop over that way on occasion. Prob more often this summer, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

    Parent
    10-4!!!! (none / 0) (#51)
    by andgarden on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:09:37 PM EST
    They had this amazing lemongrass chicken rice bowl that hasn't appeared in my TJ for more than a year. I still look for it. ::sniffle::

    Parent
    I looooove that soup (none / 0) (#92)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:35:20 PM EST
    and now you worry me.  I could get it at my TJ's until recently, but it wasn't there this week.

    Ditto my TJ's chicken shumai, mmmmm.

    I think I'm gonna have to hit my local Asian stores again.  Btw, if you have a Noodles nearby, I rec the Thai curry soup, too.  Spicier, though -- good for clearing sinuses in this hay fever season, achoooo.

    Parent

    Was it TJ brand? (none / 0) (#112)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:47:36 PM EST
    They said last summer/fall they would no longer use imported ingredients from China in their products. It was supposed to be phased out by the first of the year iirc.

    They were one of the few responsible companies during the pet food recall and stayed on top of things throught out the recalls etc.

    Parent

    Yeah, the Chinese (none / 0) (#195)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:11:59 PM EST
    ingredient thing is probably what's going on.  Knowing TJ, though, they're likely to eventually come through with non-Chinese makers for the same or similar products if they were popular.  I'm sure that fabulous frozen vegetable tempura is from China, so that's probably gone too. (sob)

    Parent
    They were reacting to the customers (none / 0) (#209)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:23:24 PM EST
    which I like. There was a lot of concern about the imports. Some of us made the mistake of following the refusal lists on the FDA site. OY! We should really be supplying more of our base ingredients. And adopt regs closer to the EU.

    They may end up doing some local sourcing. I know that is encouraged here. And while it's more expensive, people are waking up and willing to adjust a bit when it comes to food. Especially if crap food is getting expensive.

    Parent

    But, TJs has the BEST (none / 0) (#217)
    by suisser on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:39:11 PM EST
    reusable grocery bags. They have turned me into a careless, non- pontificating user of myown bags.  Sort of becomes a non-issue when the bags work.
    They make it easy to "just do it".

    Parent
    discontinues every product I fall in love with (none / 0) (#234)
    by BarnBabe on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 11:04:31 PM EST
    OK, not food related. But I am a blond. But I need to enhance it and every time I find the right shade of Light Ash Blond, they discontinue it and offer a new product. That ones drives me nuts. No Trader Joe's near here in PA, but I use to go there all the time in San Diego. Loved that store.

    Parent
    I was never into Buffy (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:29:45 PM EST
    it was always Firefly for me.  I loved how sassy Kaylee was.

    Parent
    I think Buffy started really well, cause I loved (none / 0) (#120)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:53:59 PM EST
    it but by the end it was so much, allcrammed into an episode. I watched dutifully. I agree that Firefly would have been better though. Great premise, loved River, Kaylee was so naive and honest, such a contrast to a prostitute and mercenaries. Great Cast.

    Parent
    Everything got all messed up (none / 0) (#27)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:53:32 PM EST
    due to the writers' strike.  I'm pretty sure I heard that "Reaper" is coming back.  I'm impatiently waiting for "Supernatural" to come back (two more weeks!)  One of my favorite new shows, "Life", has been cancelled but I'm happy that "Friday Night Lights", which was on the chopping block, will be coming back next year.

    My problem is not so much with cancelled shows but the writers always kill off my favorite characters.  I still miss Boone on "LOST" and Lem on "The Shield".

    Parent

    Life got picked up for next year! (none / 0) (#187)
    by eleanora on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:05:23 PM EST
    I love that show too. Charlie, Dani and Ted are three of my favorite characters ever, so smart and non-cliche.

    They opted not to do more shows this season post-strike, but it'll be back in the fall. Unfortunately, they are moving it to the Friday night death slot, though :\

    Parent

    Oh, no you are not! (none / 0) (#29)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:54:01 PM EST
    I love Reaper!  It's back on April 22nd.  I love the Devil!  And the demons next door are a welcome addition to the show.  I have to know what page was torn out of the contract.  I think it's something to do with Andi and true love and how to release his soul.

    Also enjoying Canterbury's Law, which just got interesting so I'm sure they'll cut it soon (the law stuff is so crap, but I love Julianna Marguelese even though I can't spell her name)

    And of course Battlestar rocks (but I miss Firefly, too--only the crazy sister is a terminator on Sarah Connor Chronicles, so I'm not so sad anymore)

    I think that Lost is in reruns just to kill me.

    I am Kathy, and I am addicted to TV and I am not ashamed.

    Parent

    It's so nice I'm not the only one (none / 0) (#53)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:10:37 PM EST
    Now just maybe it'll be on for a while. And I totally agree about the Devil and the demons next door. Not to mention Gladys at the DMV. I have a theory about the page, the devil is Sam's father.

    That's what I love about the show, it's original and fun. The total opposite of the wild mind numbing ride LOST takes me on (Though I think Lost has brought my intelligence up a few notches). Like Still up above, I hate that they kill off characters to bring more drama. Can't they find another way?

    I watch few other things diligently I must admit. Dirty Jobs and Mythbusters (usually the weekend shows). Torchwood too, just got into it a few weeks ago.

    And there's this new show on Wealth TV called Let's Shop, with Cheryll Gillespie, it is really fun.

    I'm a TV junkie too.


    Parent

    I loved Julianna Margulies on ER (none / 0) (#168)
    by Anne on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:41:13 PM EST
    and have been really liking Canterbury's Law because she's on it.

    Happened to see one of the old ER episodes recently - when Clooney was part of the cast.  Made me realize that the current (and maybe the last 3 or 4 seasons) season is just nothing like those earlier seasons.

    Hey - is anyone else shocked that Michael Johns got booted off American Idol tonight?  I thought for sure he would be one of the last three standing.  Really, I was taken aback by it.  Big mistake.

    Parent

    I bought the series on dvd (none / 0) (#106)
    by countme on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:41:44 PM EST
    me too and the movie "Serenity". (none / 0) (#127)
    by MMW on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:01:23 PM EST
    Ditto. I love the language the writers used. (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by countme on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:04:35 PM EST
    Florida gets weirder (5.00 / 2) (#3)
    by MichaelGale on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:22:39 PM EST
    by the day.

    Republican legislature passed a bill today that legislates you can now carry your guns to work. You have to keep them locked in your car but if you need it you can go get it.  

    Well this is Florida and we might (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by Florida Resident on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:27:56 PM EST
    want to do some hunting after work.

    Parent
    gators? (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:28:54 PM EST
    Depends, Is it Football season? (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by Florida Resident on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:56:48 PM EST
    Florida too (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by MichaelGale on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:45:40 PM EST
    but I detest that now I have to buy another gun so I will be protected as the Legislature states.

    One for home, now one for work. Oh...and one for the second car to go to the grocery store.

    Parent

    Wow (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Lora on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:02:08 PM EST
    You have to keep them locked in your car but if you need it you can go get it.
     

    That's gonna help....how?

    Parent

    Seems like another opportunity (none / 0) (#21)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:49:04 PM EST
    to get your gun stolen. Cars are frequently broken into around me. It seems to be the thing to do around here and has been going on for years. Hate to think those cars had guns in them . . .

    Parent
    Three things thieves look for (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Fabian on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:05:05 PM EST
    Cash
    Drugs
    Guns

    I'd expect guns to be a specialty item because they ought to be harder to fence than a laptop or electronics - but entire private arsenals or historical collections have been targeted.

    Parent

    I don't know what they are going for (none / 0) (#108)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:43:02 PM EST
    around here. Nobody in NYC leaves cash in their cars, or anything else for that matter. Not even for 10 minutes. And I live in a pretty safe/nice area. It's just habit. If you leave it the car, prepare to lose it, lol!~ Funny thing is though, my friend and others leave supplies in the back of their trucks, no problem. I wonder if some of the glass I see is just window breaking for the sake of being a punk a$$?

    Parent
    What about those who use Public transit (none / 0) (#90)
    by ding7777 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:34:43 PM EST
    to commute?  

    Or if you were a car pooler, would you want someone leaving his gun in your car?

    Parent

    the swamps late at night, and sometimes I had to go to some very dangerous places out in the middle of nowhere.  And yes I was armed so I had a gun lock system in the trunk for when I was in the clinic.

    Parent
    Just got a call from HRC (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:37:15 PM EST
    and I upped my monthly contribution.  The guy who called said we have to get a Democrat in office in November, no "matter who he or she is".  I wish I still felt that way, but maybe by then, if my candidate doesn't get the nom I'll learn to stop worrying and love Obama.  

    However, I can't wait for the Democratic Party to come begging for money so I can reject them.  ;)

    How to (5.00 / 2) (#64)
    by Molly Pitcher on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:16:55 PM EST
    stop worrying and learn to love the atomic bomb?

    Parent
    Heh (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:20:41 PM EST
    Exactly.

    Parent
    Any comments on Carter's ME trip? (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by Manuel on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:50:27 PM EST
    I appreciate Obama's willingness to meet with any foreign leaders.  However, here again, Obama is  trying to split the difference.  Is there any issue where he will take a stand without caveats?


    Links for articles on Carter in Middle East (none / 0) (#232)
    by jawbone on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:55:21 PM EST
    Googled for news reports on Carter in ME--seems Rice has warned him against meeting with Hamas. I wasn't aware Carter was in the ME, so thanks for the heads up.

    I notice MSNBC wonders if it will be problem for Obama--bcz Carter has hinted he will support Obama?

    Parent

    Joan Walsh is so cool (5.00 / 2) (#37)
    by bjorn on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:59:26 PM EST
    She was on David Gregory today.  I think she is the best "guest commentator" on the news these days.  She is so informed, objective, and positive.  She never trys to spin anything or anyone!  Salon must be really happy to have her over there.

    Have you read those letters? (none / 0) (#42)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:02:57 PM EST
    Many it's like hyenas attacking her.  

    Parent
    I did...... (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by michitucky on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:29:24 PM EST
    Some of the most vile, slimy pieces of crapola I've read in some time.  Salon, like so many other sites, USED to be a place you could count on for civil discourse......No longer civil!!!

    The personal attacks were so over the top......

    Parent

    Another great newswoman, of the (none / 0) (#119)
    by hairspray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:53:22 PM EST
    Nation Magazine is also fantastic.  Unfortunately the cable pundits don't question her often enough.  I can't remember her name because it is Dutch I believe and loooong.

    Parent
    Katrina Vandenheuvel (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:16:20 PM EST
    Yeah, she's ver good. But why have her on when you can do another segment with *ucker Carlson and Pat Buchanan?

    Parent
    Uh oh (5.00 / 6) (#49)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:08:41 PM EST
    Cheney says Rev Wright's rantings left him "stunned."  Said he was "appalled."  LINK

    (wonder if he'll tell him to go f himself?)

    Does anyone else find it a tad alarming when a walking abattoir for the constitution calls someone else appalling?  I mean, how low does that bar have to be?  The man shot his best friend in the face for less.

    You are on a roll today. (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:10:20 PM EST
    I am just waiting for 30 Rock (5.00 / 2) (#84)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:31:23 PM EST
    and I've been so bored all day and I'm terrified Jeralyn will put up a big notice, "KATHY, YOU PATHETIC GOOBER, YOU HAVE POSTED NINE THOUSAND TIMES TODAY, YOU ARE SUSPENDED!"

    Parent
    Thanks for reminding me re Tina Fey (none / 0) (#104)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:40:59 PM EST
    tonight, finally, the first new episodes since the writer's strike, so I read.  I love 30 Rock (as I did Studio, but there's another good show gone).

    Parent
    Actually (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:16:03 PM EST
    I heard it was Cheney's girlfriend who was the shooter.  Not that it makes much difference!

    Parent
    Reason #6 to Vote for Hillary (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:17:34 PM EST
    on a recent Letterman Top Ten List: "My vice-president will never shoot someone in the face."

    Parent
    Buckshot (none / 0) (#189)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:07:56 PM EST
    That was my fave.  It never gets old

    Parent
    That was one of our more 'interesting' (none / 0) (#223)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:50:32 PM EST
    news reports, lol!~ Yeah, I shouldn't laugh, but lets get real here . .

    Wasn't he on a canned hunt? I know he was here recently hunting upstate. That was amusing as far as the pre-arrival news reports . . .

    Parent

    Oh! (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:35:54 PM EST
    And to the people in the Obama copying Hillary over the Olympics thread who claims Europeans don't know or care about Chicago - are you f-ing kidding me?

    I cannot tell you how many people I've met or work with who've come from all over Europe, Japan, Korea, the UK, Australia, etc. to live in my fine city.

    Take that BS back and yes, I've traveled in Europe.

    And I apologize for my typos (none / 0) (#98)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:38:18 PM EST
    and crap. I mean "claim" and surely other mistakes abound. I type too quickly and not goodz enuff.

    Parent
    Actually...I agree with you on Chicago (none / 0) (#99)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:38:20 PM EST
    Euros love it and know it.  

    Parent
    hey, that was me! (none / 0) (#105)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:41:29 PM EST
    and I lived there off and on.  Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands (Friesland), etc.  I was in Australia and Singapore when Devil in the White City was big and most of them had never heard of Chicago.  They were fascinated by this exotic, small American town.

    Americans abroad tend to work for international companies or hang out with furriners who are more American-friendly, but I stand by my statement that most of the great unwashed could not find Chicago on a map.  

    Parent

    Can most Americans find it on a map? (none / 0) (#118)
    by leis on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:53:02 PM EST
    That's snark. I'm new at posting but not lurking.

    Parent
    Kathy... (none / 0) (#156)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:26:51 PM EST
    you are so off my potential best friend forever list unless you take that back.

    (shakes fist in air)

    And I agree with whoever it was who claimed most Americans couldn't find it on a map. Sometimes I sadden myself when watching the news and a map pops up of a place I thought was completely located somewhere else.

    Damn me.

    Parent

    aw, put your fist down! (none / 0) (#176)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:56:09 PM EST
    I've been known to skip a bath or two. And I'm proud of it!

    I'm talking Hindeloopen, not Milan.  The idea of the ultra-sophisticated European is about as widespread as the idea of the backward American.  Not all of them sip bordeaux and talk culture.  No one whines about the Black Stockings burning books when they speak of beautiful, diverse Amsterdam.

    Hey, I wonder how many people here know where Puerto Rico is on the map!

    Parent

    Can I get there (none / 0) (#184)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:04:21 PM EST
    with Mapquest?

    Parent
    Ha. In several countries I've visited (none / 0) (#125)
    by Cream City on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:58:02 PM EST
    and in talking/emailing with Europeans, when they ask where I'm from, I only get blank looks at the answer.  Then I say my city is near Chicago -- and they all know right away what and where I mean.  And almost every one of them knows someone from their city and country who went to school in Chicago, lived in Chicago, moved to Chicago. . . .

    Parent
    Everyone has a different experience (none / 0) (#150)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:21:41 PM EST
    I guess.  I was living far from the major cities where my bad foreign language skills mixed with "fixin' to" and "y'all" made for comical evenings.  Most of the folks I met reminded me a lot of your average middle-American who doesn't travel much and likes it fine the way it is at home.

    Parent
    I am embarrassed that (none / 0) (#166)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:39:08 PM EST
    when I travel, people have heard of where I'm from..... Humboldt County, California.

    Parent
    Did they ever comment on you 'accent'? (none / 0) (#188)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:07:26 PM EST
    When I was in Ireland, they (hotel staff) asked me where I was from (CA) and when I told them they said that explained my cute accent. I just nodded and smiled. As a Native Californian, I never knew we had accents, lol!~

    Humbolt's lovely. I'll be moving close to that area, but prob can't go as far north as I would like. I need to be a reasonable distance to my parents.

    Parent

    No discussion on my accent (none / 0) (#206)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:21:57 PM EST
    No never a reference to my accent.  No one really wanted to know exactly where it was either.  Nope...... Usually people just wanted to know if I had brought any "Humboldt County Homegrown" with me.  :)

    Parent
    lol!~ yeah, there is that 'history' there! :) (none / 0) (#216)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:38:47 PM EST
    Absolutely true (none / 0) (#177)
    by ruffian on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:57:30 PM EST
    Chicago probably has immigrants and their descendants from more European countries than NYC.  Whoever said that was really ignorant.

    Parent
    I've gone from fist shakin' (none / 0) (#185)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:05:21 PM EST
    to ignorant!

    Hey, lookit, I LIVED in a lot of foreign countries with individuals who had no idea where Chicago was on the map.  They knew New York, LA and San Francisco, but that was about it.  And EVERY state in America has folks of European descent.  I mean--come on.  That's hardly propping up your argument.  There are more people living in Boston who claim Irish heritage than there are actual Irish people in Ireland.  Fins go to Minnesota and don't understand the language the old folks are speaking because it's so antiquated.  Over 160 different languages are spoken in NYC.  

    I'm talking about my own personal experience living in very small towns, which are much like very small towns in America in that they are cut off from the central cities.  My neighbors had never travelled more than 100 miles from their house (farmers).  There are many, many people who are still cut off in Europe, just as many are in America.

    (though, I will admit that a lot of them knew Atlanta from Gone With the Wind!)

    Parent

    Whassup with Brian Williams? (5.00 / 3) (#147)
    by jawbone on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:20:37 PM EST
    Yesterday he spoke of Firgos Square and the pulling down of the Saddam Hussein statue as if it were a genuinely Iraqi inspired action. Richard Engler did not correct him or indicate in any way the Potemkin Village aspect of the scene, altho' he did note that, sadly, the square is now blocked off.

    Tonight, Williams again talked about pulling down the statue, with video of the event (the close up version, not the longshots which showed how few people were there), asking of Gen. Petraeus how it felt that on that historic day the only decisions were whether to put a US flag on the head of the statue and whether or not to assist the Iraqis in achieving the pull down of the statue. He noted with sadness that the square was now off limits to Iraqis. (His inclusion of the information from Engler does indicate he is capable of absorbing new facts.)

    Huh, Williams!???! You don't know it was a psy-ops creation? You don't know about the BBC wideangle video showing how few people were there? How the US broadcasters showed only the tight shots instead to try make it look like huge "ebullient" crowds celebrating freedom, the better to propagandize the public???

    This is disgusting.

    War's Iconic Image a PSYOPS Creation
    By Janine Jackson

    The July 3 [2004] L.A. Times finally put to some sort of definitive rest the notion that it was ebullient Iraqis who pulled down the Saddam Hussein statue in Baghdad's Firdos Square in April of last year. The statue pulldown is described in an internal Army study, the Times reported, as one of many psychological operations maneuvers employed by the military. It was a Marine colonel who decided to topple the statue, and "it was a quick thinking Army psychological operations team that made it appear to be a spontaneous Iraqi undertaking."

    Link to FAIR article.

    What is going on that a major news anchor can lie on air about something which should be well known to any well-informed news person? What is he doing? Getting the drums of war tuned up? He did go to the Iran done it line, and got Gen. Pet to spout his anti-Iran talking points.

    The MCM does not appear to have learned much since they botched their reporting in the runup to the Iraq Invasion. Damn. What's a news consumer to do about this crap?

    Brian Williams (none / 0) (#163)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:35:55 PM EST
    is a tool. He likes to listen to Rush Limbaugh.  Need I say more?

    Parent
    But, has he no shame? (none / 0) (#167)
    by jawbone on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:40:37 PM EST
    Has he no concern for his credibility?

    Altho' probably only usn's fixated on learning as much as we can about politics and the war know just how wrong Brian Williams was these two nights.

    It does seem, tho', he might be ginning up some Get Your War On feeling...? Which is scary.

    Parent

    Didn't someone just say (none / 0) (#179)
    by bjorn on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:59:11 PM EST
    that Brian Williams is Bush's favorite anchor?  I thought that said it all.

    Parent
    keith o.- yes I saw a bit tonite (5.00 / 2) (#157)
    by kenosharick on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:27:52 PM EST
    actually named Elton John as one of the "worst persons in the world" today for daring to tell the truth that Hillary has been under misogynistic attacks- must have hit too close to home for him, he seemed VEERRRYYY personally offended.

    Are you kidding me? (none / 0) (#164)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:36:03 PM EST
    Keith named Elton "Worst Person???????"

    God I simply have to see that tonight. Hilarious.

    On a non-hilarious note - check out how MSNBC is reporting the following story.

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24051361/

    The headline reads McCain Erases Obama's 10 point lead.

    Inside you find the two tied. Who is beating McCain by three although it's still within the margin of error?

    Hillary, of course. That's about halfway down the page.

    The Obama channel is shameless.

    Parent

    Ha! (none / 0) (#165)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:37:59 PM EST
    KO, Tweety and Timmeh's ears must have been burning when Sir Elton said that.  No wonder KO made Sir Elton a Worst Person -- he took what Sir Elton personally!

    Parent
    Matthews pointed out... (none / 0) (#191)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:09:30 PM EST
    that shouting FOUL is no way to earn a victory.  It's not a smart political move, and you "misogynist" harpers, however right you may be, would do well to turn that dial down.  It's not effective.

    Parent
    Well if Chris says so. (none / 0) (#197)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:13:11 PM EST
    Don't bring up blatant misogyny, even if it you're right about it?

    Yeah, that makes sense.

    "You're correct, but shut the hell up little lady."

    Parent

    I think he's right. (none / 0) (#202)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:17:00 PM EST
    That doesn't make me a misogynist, but that's clearly the response I'm getting.

    Parent
    are you sure your credibility argument (none / 0) (#198)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:13:35 PM EST
    should be that you agree with Chris Matthews?

    --Typical Misogynist Harper (or did you mean Harpy?)

    Parent

    Are you disputing the truth of the statement? (none / 0) (#200)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:16:27 PM EST
    Or just that it came from Matthews.  I think it's a fair and true point--complaining of victimization is not effective.

    Parent
    your statement (none / 0) (#211)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:25:26 PM EST
    "complaining of victimization" posits an incorrect framing of the discussion.

    Parent
    It might. (none / 0) (#220)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:45:25 PM EST
    But it can easily be rephrased without sacrificing the idea meant to be conveyed.  You've yet to weigh in on the truth of the idea conveyed, regardless of the framing.

    Parent
    yeah but turning the Clinton's (none / 0) (#218)
    by TheRefugee on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:42:32 PM EST
    into racists after a lifetime of working with and for minorities was a-ok?  

    If you want a separate set of rules for candidates fine, your choice, but don't argue that everyone should think that way.  

    I don't mind reasonable arguments--you have yet to make one.  That you think it is fine for Obama to cry racism every time someone has the temerity to point out the fact that a black candidate is actually black--then why do you find it so appalling for Hillary's side to point out gender bias?

    I'm a harper?  I'll refrain from giving voice to what I actually think about you.

    Parent

    So (none / 0) (#228)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:30:21 PM EST
    Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann practice mysogynistic bulls**t, but if Hillary supporters call them on it, they're being whiners and that's bad?

    LOL!

    Me, I call it fighting back!  Go Hillary!  And I think those who see this for what it is agree.  Matthews and Olbermann have been absolutely despicable.

    And it will be interesting if Obama wins the election.  What will Doh!!-berman be outraged about? If there is no outrage, there is no show. Tweety, I'm sure will become an Obama hater.

    Parent

    I'm not going to defend Tweety (none / 0) (#233)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:57:07 PM EST
    He's definitely said some very misogynistic statements.  But, I don't remember Keith Olbermann doing the same.  Furthermore, this statement does not address the truth of my claim--I never said you "couldn't" bring up misogyny; I said it wasn't an effective strategy.

    This site used to be a bastion of intelligent discussion, but it's hard to get it here anymore.

    Parent
    My elderly neighbor is so upset with the nasty (none / 0) (#231)
    by jawbone on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:47:17 PM EST
    coverage of Hillary Clinton that she said she's stopped watching the news--she was mainly a noonhour and evening news broadcast watcher, but she's just upset with them saying Hillary can't win, focussing on the polls (not issues), and being "nasty to" Hillary.

    So, I'm not sure Hillary doesn't get somewhere with some voters for pointing out what's going on. For women who could never point this out in their work situations, this must be refreshing--just to have a woman say, Whoa there, MCM, be fair, ask that question of him as well as me.

    Then again she is an old white woman.

    Parent

    I do not have either (none / 0) (#203)
    by caseyOR on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:17:51 PM EST
    cable or satellite. So, I have never seen Countdown, or anything else on MSNBC. That said, I can't stand KO on Sunday Night Football. Can only imagine the horror of listening to him on his own show.

    Parent
    Damn, they're stupid (none / 0) (#173)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:51:39 PM EST
    nice way to get the story out though, lol!~ let's keep the chatter going  ;)

    Did this hit the national/cable news? I saw it on my local news last night, but haven't paid much attention to the news today and not touching cable.

    Parent

    LOL, LOL, this diary on KOS.... (5.00 / 1) (#227)
    by Maria Garcia on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:12:28 PM EST
    ...it has to be a joke, right? I know that many of you won't go there under any circumstances, but this just might be worth it.

    Obama: That than which nothing greater can be conceived



    I want (5.00 / 1) (#229)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:31:16 PM EST
    what he's drinking!

    Parent
    I don't think it is a joke. They are serious (none / 0) (#235)
    by BarnBabe on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 11:07:59 PM EST
    A very sad state of affair. Hero worship to the extreme. I don't hero worship Hillary. I just think she will make the better President and can win against McCain. And I think BHO will not.

    Parent
    My favorite part (none / 0) (#236)
    by eleanora on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 11:14:51 PM EST
    is that the diarist doesn't seem to understand how to reply to a comment, which just increases the surreal effect.

    Parent
    heh (1.00 / 0) (#85)
    by jimakaPPJ on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:31:44 PM EST
    Now you have a place where you can post your unrelated thoughts. Frankly, I am fed up with all the off topic commenting in my posts at least. J may not mind. I know I do. Stop it.

    Heck, I did. Months and months ago.

    PS - You should be honored that anyone pays you any attention.

    This sounds very similar to the entry (none / 0) (#11)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:36:41 PM EST
    over at the Obama blogs.

    {sigh}

    How low can you go (none / 0) (#13)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:37:20 PM EST
    Did not have the smarts to save it, but the other day on Huffington, they actually had a :  "picture of baby with two faces".  Uh, I thought that World tabloid went out of business.  

    I saw that baby elsewhere (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:47:34 PM EST
    but I check MonkeyNews.com every morning first thing, so maybe I shouldn't be anyone's go-to person for outrage.

    If BTD is mad at me for defending Polish people and clowns (and by extension, balloon animals) then I apologize.

    Did anyone read the creepy, "is that a cell phone in your pocket..." post at No Quarter?  That's what I want in a potential presidential nominee...someone who makes inappropriate sexual comments to women he's just met.

    Does anyone know when the next debate is?  

    Does this post make my butt look big?

    Parent

    LOL!!! (none / 0) (#28)
    by bjorn on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:53:58 PM EST
    Isn't the next debate on the the 19th in PA?

    Parent
    I dunno! I can't find it anywhere. (none / 0) (#35)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:56:21 PM EST
    Yes (none / 0) (#34)
    by digdugboy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:55:27 PM EST
    this says the sixteenth... (none / 0) (#40)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:02:22 PM EST
    I think the schedule is (none / 0) (#54)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:11:18 PM EST
    Phili on the 16th
    Indiana on the 19th and
    North Carolina on the 27th.

    That's what I have, but eh....

    Parent

    Not sure about the 19th (none / 0) (#109)
    by angie on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:43:44 PM EST
    The 19th is the first day of Passover.  The original NC debate was scheduled for the 19th, but Hillary protested because of the holiday, so it was rescheduled to the 27.  It doesn't make sure they would then schedule IN for that same day.
    Also, I think I remember reading that thus far Obama hasn't agreed to the rescheduled NC debate, because he was only willing to do it if it could affect PA.  

    Parent
    Vibrating phone, calling woman (none / 0) (#138)
    by jawbone on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:13:27 PM EST
    "Sweetie," and the "If I give you a kiss, will you give me your vote line."

    Now, either this works really well for him, so he keeps it up--or he's kinda a the mildly creepy side.

    Kinda weird at least.

    Parent

    Obama Campaign Statement on Clinton's Latest (none / 0) (#16)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:43:34 PM EST
    Obama Campaign Statement on Clinton's Latest Misleading Attack Regarding Iraq
    Chicago, IL | April 09, 2008

    Chicago, IL - Hari Sevugan, spokesman for Obama for America, released the following statement in response to Senator Clinton's latest misleading attack regarding Iraq:

    "Hillary Clinton's tired and discredited attack is just the same old politics that won't end this war that she voted to authorize, and won't change the fact that she has repeatedly misled the American people about her Iraq record. We're happy to have a debate with Hillary Clinton over who the American people trust to end this war, since Barack Obama is the only candidate who had the judgment to oppose the war from the very beginning, not just from the beginning of a campaign for President."

    http://tinyurl.com/47cx54

    Anyone know what prompted them to put out this 'nice' statement?

    Maybe she brought up how (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by madamab on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:49:40 PM EST
    Samantha Power told the press that Obama's campaign promises to end the war within 16 months were "only a best-case scenario"?

    Parent
    This is all I could find so far (none / 0) (#70)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:24:18 PM EST
    from the same day. And if my tired eyes read correctly, one line addressing that:

    http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=6983

    otherwise, I didn't hear a thing aside from the fact they all questioned the General. I was trying to figure out what would prompt the ugly statement. She's said that more than once, and it is a contrast issue.

    Parent

    If you Want a Bureaucracy (none / 0) (#193)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:11:52 PM EST
    that is run by life-long politicians and squeezes out highly informed, intelligent, and impressive scholars, then be my guest.  Samatha's statements were spot-on right.  Unfortunately politics has been overrun by sound-byte reductions which doesn't bode well for scholars who see the complexities of the world and speak with nuance.  Any administration would be helped by having Ms.  Power advising it.  

    Parent
    I still have to wonder (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:54:13 PM EST
    What John Kerry thinks every time he sees that talking point come from the campaign he's endorsed.

    I don't remember Sen. Clinton ever saying John Kerry lacked the judgment to be president.


    Parent

    Maybe Hillary should follow Kerry's (none / 0) (#146)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:19:20 PM EST
    example and say, "I voted against the war before I voted for it."

    Parent
    Recently HRC was claiming that she (none / 0) (#68)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:22:51 PM EST
    opposed the war first.  She came up with a ridiculous frame in which she was first to oppose the war  But, it turned out that even within her invented frame BO was still first--because of his comments in a Senate meeting that the HRC team didn't know about.

    The BO campaign must have been responding to this recent HRC claim.

    Parent

    That wouldn't make sense in timing (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:32:48 PM EST
    or the statement. There's not enough specifics, and I think they already commented on it. Plus it's old news, not "the latest". he also says she constantly misleads about her record, which I don't get. She's been consistent. The date thing was only off by a few days. he gave his in a mtg, she released a public paper. I don't see that as a huge deal. And it certainly doesn't constitute all the other crap the release says. basically, it looks like the same daily dribble from the O Camp dishing out negatives on Hillary. he lost my vote with that crap, among other things. He offered to debate her about it, so if it's over the date, that's just freakin' stupid on their part.

    And really, if it was really a freakin' attack, how come nobody can tell me what it was?

    Parent

    It wasn't in response to the (5.00 / 2) (#139)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:14:42 PM EST
    8 day difference in who spoke out.  

    It was because on the stump, Clinton said she would bring out troops home.. in other words end the war. She referenced McCain's and Obama's positions.  Compared the three and that she had the best plan to bring the troops home.  It upsets the Obama campaign whenever she uses facts.

    Parent

    So True (none / 0) (#175)
    by suisser on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:54:40 PM EST
    It upsets the Obama campaign whenever she uses facts.

    ;-)

    Parent

    And, she has the audacity to repeat them . . . (none / 0) (#194)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:11:57 PM EST
    Well she has exagerated on (none / 0) (#117)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:50:49 PM EST
    N Ireland, FMLA, SCHIP, NAFTA opposition, and  Bosnia.  These issues go to her "experience" argument, it seems fair to point out her exaggerations.

    When HRC says that she and McCain have experience while BO has a speech, I'd say that the door is open to question her "experience."

    I'm not one of those who complains about HRC's tough comments against BO, so I don't have sympathy for HRC supporters complaining about those of us who question HRC's "experience."

    Parent

    So can you tell me what "attack" they (none / 0) (#134)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:11:07 PM EST
    are on about? That's what I want to know. We can go back and forth rehashing old crap on both of them, but I'm just trying to figure out what prompted the statement.

    Parent
    Why make me go to (none / 0) (#152)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:22:45 PM EST
    the google:

    Clinton said, "I started criticizing the war in Iraq before he did. So, I'm well aware that his entire campaign is premised on a speech he gave in 2002 and I give him credit for making that speech. But that was not a decision."

    There's your attack from April 5.

    Parent

    So it took them 5 days to reply? (none / 0) (#196)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:12:54 PM EST
    did you read the statement?

    Parent
    She said it well (none / 0) (#226)
    by nellre on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 10:06:42 PM EST
    This is not an attack, it's the truth.


    Parent
    Oh, and the 'record' mentioned was Iraq War (none / 0) (#137)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:13:13 PM EST
    record. It sounds like something specific, but what?

    Parent
    Maybe b/c she did better than him (none / 0) (#79)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:27:27 PM EST
    questioning Petraeus and Crocker?  Although I don't know how many people were really paying attention.

    Parent
    lol!~ I do find it interesting that we (none / 0) (#95)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:36:31 PM EST
    are a bit out of the loop here  ;)

    lordy, he coming off as a bigger a$$ as the days go on, imo anyway.

    Parent

    Really? (none / 0) (#199)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:13:40 PM EST
    "I started criticizing the war in Iraq before he did. So, I'm well aware that his entire campaign is premised on a speech he gave in 2002 and I give him credit for making that speech. But that was not a decision."--Senator Clinton

    Apart from being a blatant lie, it's quite a rude thing to say that "his ENTIRE campaign . . ."  Which is really quite disgusting a thing to say.

    Parent
    But this was already fact checked, etc (none / 0) (#215)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:34:40 PM EST
    I want to know what they were on about YESTERDAY.

    But it seems it's the same thing she's been saying about pulling out troops, unless you know of something in the last day or 2? They don't usually wait a week to respond, and I know I saw the info last week or whenever it was.

    Parent

    Ugh (none / 0) (#18)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:46:06 PM EST
    This reminds me of my office lunch yesterday.  I was having a quiet conversation with a colleague who is a fellow Hillary supporter.  She told me that Local 1199 (her husband is a hospital worker and a member) had switched their endorsement from Clinton to Obama and his union rep (an AA woman and Hillary supporter) was furious about it.  One of our other co-workers (also an AA woman, with whom I used to discuss politics frequently but not so much these days) overheard our conversation and went into a rant about how the Clintons felt they were "entitled" to the nomination.  I didn't say anything b/c it was a work lunch, but I was fuming.

    BTW, I don't know if it's been discussed on any other threads today, but I heard the Postal Workers Union endorsed Obama.

    Ahh-- (none / 0) (#58)
    by Molly Pitcher on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:13:49 PM EST
    you reckon they may 'go postal' on him?

    Parent
    Here is an ad the Clinton put out today (none / 0) (#24)
    by Dave B on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:52:46 PM EST
    In case you're curious, I'll post Hillary's PAC contributions at Opensecrets in a post below.  I wanted to auto format this one and do HTML on the next...

    Start radio ad)
    Across Pennsylvania, we're living the problems.

    An economy in shambles. Families struggling. Gas prices close to four dollars a gallon.

    What's Hillary Clinton's answer?

    Misleading negative ads.

    Here's the truth.

    While she's played political games, it's Barack Obama who's taken on the oil companies, demanding higher gas mileage standards and a larger investment in alternative energy.

    It's Obama who's worked to strip tax breaks from the oil giants as they roll up record profits.

    And he's the only candidate who doesn't take a dime from oil company PACs or lobbyists. The only one.

    The Federal Election Commission reports that Clinton's taken more from Big Oil and other PACs and lobbyists than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican.

    The same old Washington politics isn't going to lift our economy or bring down gas prices.

    So if you've had your fill of that...

    Vote for change we can believe in, Barack Obama for President.
    (End Radio Ad)

    Liar (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:08:16 PM EST
    Wow...such a liar.  But, no we will hear about Tuzla from now till the ice caps melt.  

    Parent
    And to top it off (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by Dave B on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:18:01 PM EST

    If you go to opensecrets, you'll find that Obama received $1000 from oil/gas PACS. Hillary got $2300 and he got $1000. So, in fact, he has received fund from them...

    opensecrets

    This stuff is so easy. Too bad the media can't do it... I guess they are google challenged... Those expensive Lexis accounts I guess!



    Parent
    Every time he attacks her judgement (none / 0) (#171)
    by kenosharick on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:43:39 PM EST
    they need to ask about his "judgement" in exposing his children to an anti-American hatemonger every Sunday. Sorry- but Hillary has played nice for too long.

    Parent
    Sunday school (none / 0) (#208)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:22:25 PM EST
    The kids were in Sunday school while Wright was frothing at the mouth.  So I don't think we can pin that one on him.

    Parent
    But where there teens in the church? (none / 0) (#221)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:47:39 PM EST
    That's what bothered me. Continuing the pattern.

    I know we went to special sessions, but we also attended the Sunday service. My sister and I were a bit older than his kids. And we may have attended the special sessions because we were new to the church and religion. I was prob 10-12? Heh, it was back when they were filming Five Easy Pieces (used parts of our town and the bowling alley). So whatever year that was. We were with the church for a couple years. I just remember doing both. Isn't his oldest daughter 9?

    Parent

    The lobbyist talking point (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:12:26 PM EST
    Is right out of Nader's '00 playbook.

    I happen to think Gore would have made a fantastic president.

    Even if Obama thinks otherwise.


    Parent

    Wow, that's not the commercial I heard (5.00 / 7) (#69)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:23:03 PM EST
    This is what my radio played:

    While she's played political games, it's Barack Obama who's taken on the oil companies, grabbing them firmly by the buttocks, puckering up and kissing their gas guzzling hineys.  He calls it alternative investments, baby.  And you ladies know what I'm talkin' 'bout.

    It's Obama who's worked to strip the pockets of average Americans so that oil giants can bask in the sweet, sweet love of windfall profits courtesy of the energy bill they helped Dick Cheney write.

    And he's the only candidate who doesn't take a dime from oil company PACs or lobbyists. Not directly and not so you'd know it, but thank God all those independent-minded homemakers have joint checking accounts with well-paid lobbyists, PACs and oil executives.  They each deserve a kiss for every O, from the very O who loves them sO.

    The Federal Election Commission reports that Clinton's taken more from Big Oil and other PACs and lobbyists than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican.  Or Communist.  Or Nazi.  And they also posit that she was seen around or about the time a house full of orphans was burned to the ground.  Witnesses say she cackled as she repeatedly stabbed a nun.

    The same old Washington politics isn't going to lift our economy or bring down gas prices.  Obama proved during his tenure as a state senator that your heating supply will not be affected in any way by the fluctuation in the price of oil.  You can't miss what you don't have, brother.

    So if you've had your fill of that...maybe you'd like to feel the cell phone in my pocket...lemme set it on vibrate for ya, sweetie.  I think I'm about to get a call...

    Parent

    Wow! (none / 0) (#77)
    by Dave B on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:27:10 PM EST
    Wish I were that creative.

    Very nice!

    Parent

    I seriously wished (none / 0) (#111)
    by leis on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:46:04 PM EST
    you lived in Ohio. You are my kind o'womyn. "puckering up and kissing their gas guzzling hineys"
    Priceless!

    Parent
    And here are her contributions (none / 0) (#33)
    by Dave B on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:55:10 PM EST

    opensecrets

    Somehow, it seems that he's really being dishonest here. Implying that she has huge oil/gas PAC contributions, but in fact they only gave her $2300. She should give it back...



    Parent
    She's so evil. (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:12:10 PM EST
    her largest contribution catagory:

    Ideology/Single-Issue  $211,284

    breakdown:

    Democratic/Liberal  $21,200

    Leadership PACs  $51,300

    Pro-Israel $10,000

    Women's Issues $21,347

    Human Rights  $7,300

    Misc Issues  $200

    Abortion Policy/Pro-Choice $1,837

    Candidate Committees  $98,100

    I like that she didn't have much in the way of Ag contributions.

    sorry to go off track! just hadn't seen that breakdown before :)

    Parent

    PAC contributions appear to be a red herring (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by Democratic Cat on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:16:19 PM EST
    If I read her numbers correctly, 0.7% of her Presidential campaign contributions came from PACs of any kind (including issue-oriented organizations, not just business-oriented organizations), and 96% came from individual contributions, with the balance from her loan. (The percentages on the webstie weren't right, so I recalculated them.) For Obama, 100% of his contributions came from individual contributions.

    For all the handwringing about PACs and Obama making such a big deal about how he doesn't accept PAC money, it seems mostly a non-issue to me.  I can't get upset about the difference between 0.7% and 0%. I seriously doubt whether Clinton is going to sell her soul for the million bucks she got in in PAC money. She could just ask Bill to go make a few more speeches. :-)

    What am I missing?

    Parent

    Well... (none / 0) (#115)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:49:26 PM EST
    I find it interesting that while reading about Bob Schaffer's trouble with the Mariana Islands (a big topic of discussion around here), that HRC has apparently received significant donations (26K) from one of the key players (and Abramoff buddy) in the whole dirty little affair, one Jerry Tan and his family/corporation.  

    That would not be a good thing to get out, now would it?  

    Parent

    PLEASE don't tell anybody! (none / 0) (#145)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:18:19 PM EST
    That would not be a good thing to get out, now would it?  

    We are counting on you to keep quiet!

    Parent

    I don't see that on Open Secrets (none / 0) (#155)
    by Democratic Cat on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:26:46 PM EST
    But I know it has a lag.  What's your source for that?

    And, as I'm sure hope you know (because there are no low information voters on TalkLeft), corporations can't contribute to presidential campaigns.

    Parent

    Heh, she only has $8,500 from Lobbyists! (none / 0) (#60)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:14:41 PM EST
    Dang Dang Dang! (none / 0) (#36)
    by Dave B on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 06:58:19 PM EST
    OBAMA put that ad out.

    I wish we could edit our posts after we/I screw them up.

    I'll go sit in the corner now...

    Sheesh!

    Parent

    He's saying she's putting out (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:05:14 PM EST
    misleading negative ads?! Show me one, Mr Obama. ARRGH.

    Parent
    Bundling (none / 0) (#41)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:02:39 PM EST
    Money from lobbyists' wives.

    Parent
    Rezko was a super duper good (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:03:59 PM EST
    bundler.  Lousy landlord, but Obama did not care.  So, what he was only housing poor people.  

    Parent
    Community organizing (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by stillife on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:06:22 PM EST
    at its finest.

    Parent
    he was the one they were (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:09:23 PM EST
    waiting for...

    Parent
    How is "It's Obama who's worked (none / 0) (#71)
    by Joan in VA on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:24:38 PM EST
    to strip tax breaks etc." true?

    Parent
    Didn't he VOTE for them? Cheney Energy Bill? (none / 0) (#121)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:54:13 PM EST
    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by facta non verba on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:11:44 PM EST
    Obama did vote for the Cheney bill. Clinton did not. Obama has close ties to both the coal and nulear power industry.

    Parent
    heh, now I dont think this will be (none / 0) (#61)
    by TruthMatters on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:15:46 PM EST
    an issue I just think its funny.

    Bill misspeaks when he is trying to clarify about his wife misspeaking!
    http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/04/bill-clinton-re.html

    tell me I am not the only one who finds the irony funny!

    Urchin (none / 0) (#72)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:24:55 PM EST
    What's an urchin anyway?

    Is that what Obama was?

    Parent

    Sea or street (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:28:18 PM EST
    Obama claimed he was a street urchin,  bands of poor kids running in the streets of large cities.  They have a social system of their own outside the society.  

    Sea urchins are lovely to eat.  

    Parent

    Maybe he was of two minds (none / 0) (#88)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:33:22 PM EST
    About being poor.

    Oh well.   I did like the rest of that link.

    The part about Obama bragging about being a politician who hasn't robbed a bank.


    Parent

    what are you talking about? (none / 0) (#75)
    by TruthMatters on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:25:56 PM EST
    no really? where did urchins come up?

    Parent
    Just now (none / 0) (#76)
    by Edgar08 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:26:57 PM EST
    I brought up urchins.


    Parent
    ironic=Y funny=N Manipulative=Y n/t (none / 0) (#93)
    by 1jpb on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:35:24 PM EST
    Nit picking (none / 0) (#67)
    by Radix on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:20:59 PM EST
    When using the term "hoi polloi " it isn't necessary to put a "the" in front, example: the hoi polloi. Hoi polloi means "the masses".  The "the" is already there.

    I know, I know, but I did say nit picking. :)

    Yes...but (none / 0) (#74)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:25:53 PM EST
    it's pronounced in that anglocized ancient Greek.  In modern Greek we would say, phonetically, i poli .   The way it's pronounced I always feel it's Hawaiin then I remember, it's my mother tongue.  

    Parent
    can we talk about (none / 0) (#78)
    by Kathy on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:27:23 PM EST
    mano a mano next?

    Or could you possibly care less?

    Parent

    While we're nitpicking (none / 0) (#213)
    by gyrfalcon on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:28:00 PM EST
    In the U.S., one puts the period or comma before the close quotes, not after.  And your commas, missing commas and colons are a sign of massive punctuation identity confusion.

    So there.

    Parent

    OMG (none / 0) (#80)
    by Josey on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:27:56 PM EST
    Sinclair on teevee in Puerto Rico.
    http://www.wapa.tv/superxclusivo/

    I suggest (none / 0) (#86)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:32:31 PM EST
    Anyone looking for laughs go to Huffpo and read the comments under Randi Rhodes and her split from AA and Jon Stewart giving Barack "Dick Move of the Week" on the daily show.

    Hilarious stuff from some of his drone supporters.

    Who read the entire page of CDS (none / 0) (#89)
    by Joan in VA on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:33:30 PM EST
    by Markos in Newsweek? The excellent writers here should fire off short but biting letters to them. That whole mag has become an Obama 527.

    Could you sum it up? (none / 0) (#96)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:36:54 PM EST
    I don't want to read it and risk laughing myself to death.

    Parent
    Here is a take on Hillary (none / 0) (#113)
    by MKS on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:48:57 PM EST
    that I found interesting:

    Maybe a simpler deconstruction is that she is endlessly combative - that trait certainly appeals to large segments of groups that have historically been marginalized. Homosexuals, professional women, and ethnic minorities. I'm sure that if Obama weren't in the race, African-Americans would be more vocal advocates of and for her.

    This combativeness also explains why Hillary does better in the Northeast than in the Midwest, where being nice is preferable to being combative.

    This is the comment by billysumday to the main article at 11:21 a.m.

    One person's fighter is another's combativeness.

    They aren't fighters in the mid-west?! (none / 0) (#180)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:59:45 PM EST
    Dude hasn't met my parents.

    And what does that say about Obama?

    Parent

    Wow, hasn't met anyone (none / 0) (#210)
    by caseyOR on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:23:38 PM EST
    in my central Illinois familt either. And, by the way, they all love Hillary and think Barack has been a very negligent senator.

    Parent
    Hasn't met my aunt Marilyn either... (none / 0) (#224)
    by lookoverthere on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:52:54 PM EST
    ex-private detective. Ex-professional gambler. Chain smokes. Drinks naked vodka martinis. Drove to Vegas in a white Caddy convertible way back when and Dean Martin hit on her in the bar at the Sands. Says Hillary Clinton is a tough old broad and wants to vote for her twice.

    And she lives in St. Paul.

    Parent

    Hillary 84; Obama 16* (none / 0) (#114)
    by ding7777 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:49:14 PM EST
    * On the strreet where I live poll

    Hillary = 5 lawn signs

    Obama   = 1 lawn sign

    Cracks in the bottom Up Obama campaign (none / 0) (#122)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 07:54:46 PM EST
    Interesting reading at MYDD.  California Delegate Purge
     It looks like the bottom people who were the core of the grass rootiness of the campaign are being purged for politicos.  

    Today, I learned that I have been pruned out of my delegate race. I will say that I didn't really expect to win. There were people in my district that were better organized and better known (Chris Daly). And they both made the cut. However, I didn't figure the campaign to whom I donated money, and to whom I traveled to two different states for, would decide that I wasn't loyal enough. Heck, I spent March 4 working for Buffy Wicks (the CA field director) in Texas at the Election Hotline.


    You beat me to it (5.00 / 2) (#131)
    by facta non verba on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:08:25 PM EST
    The San Francisco Daily today is reporting that both the Obama and the Clinton have purged a few potential delegates. Of over 2,400 potential delegates, the Obama campaign purged about 900 and the Clinton campaign about 30. Geez, talk about trust.

    Here's more:
    http://susiemadrak.com/2008/04/10/16/57/wtf-17/

    It's funny once in article on cults of personality that I wrote for another blog, I talked about Stalin's cult of personality and I mentioned the purges. Obama is sure living up to my predictions.

    Parent

    Apologists (none / 0) (#136)
    by Stellaaa on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:12:28 PM EST
    The Apologists are the best:  Obama is doing it cause Hillary threatened to steal delegates and they have to find the most loyal.  Yet they got rid of the most "progressive".   Heh...heh...heh.. bottom up agent of change.  

    Parent
    Obama's supporters do suffer... (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by Marco21 on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:22:38 PM EST
    from that ailment once thought only to have infected Republicans - "Clinton Did It" syndrome.

    They're attacking both Clintons like Republicans anyway.

    Parent

    Yeah, I had to laugh (5.00 / 1) (#182)
    by ruffian on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:00:16 PM EST
    a bitter laugh, but a laugh all the same.  Seems like being a progressive activist gets you about as far as the bus stop.  Lay down next to grandma, folks!

    Parent
    Additional info on who got the boot... (none / 0) (#225)
    by lookoverthere on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:58:38 PM EST
    Suburban Guerilla references Marcy Winograd and HuffPo, including:

    Who was left standing, still in the running for the Sunday delegate caucuses?

    The bundlers, the men and women who skirt campaign finance laws by bundling cash, a bundle of $2,000 here and a bundle of $2,000 there -- and some, though certainly not all, of the elbow-grease: grassroots Obama volunteers, loyalists from day one.

    Who was kicked to the curb? Brian Leubitz, a Calitics blogger with a mighty pen, Tad Daley, former policy advisor to Cranston and Kucinich and a career fellow with the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Alan Toy, a disabled rights activist and Chair of the American Civil Liberties Union chapter in Santa Monica, and a nameless, yet tireless grassroots volunteer who toiled nights making precinct maps... and me.



    Parent
    Anyone watch Idol (none / 0) (#141)
    by ajain on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:15:33 PM EST
    It was hilarious.
    Well actually I dont know if it was funny or simply stunning, but John McCain took a jab at the Democrats for not counting the Florida and Michigan votes.

    I am just shocked and amused at the same time.

    I missed Idol. Do you know who got voted off? (none / 0) (#148)
    by countme on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:20:56 PM EST
    Michael Johns. (none / 0) (#159)
    by ajain on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:33:07 PM EST
    I was pretty shocked.

    Parent
    John Michael Australia (none / 0) (#161)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:33:55 PM EST
    His real name is Michael Johns, but my girls call him John Michael Australia, because he was too handsome to just have two names.

    For a while I thought he was pretty mediocre, but the last few weeks he'd really taken it up a notch and had sung very well. Naturally, that meant it was time to boot him, while while Kristy Lee Cook, the country singer who avoided certain demise by singing "I'm Glad To Be An American" a few weeks ago, didn't even land in the Bottom Three.  (The other two in the Bottom Three were Carly and Syesha.)

    P.S., I saw the McCain crack about Florida and Michigan.  He'll be making that joke a lot between now and November.

    Parent

    Nice of him to bring it up though (none / 0) (#174)
    by nycstray on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:53:59 PM EST
    wonder if O will get a clue? lol!~

    Parent
    I totally agree with everything you said (none / 0) (#181)
    by ajain on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:59:54 PM EST
    Kristy Lee Cook shocks me every week.

    Also, I think the Dems will have to count the votes of Florida and Michigan soon or else this will be a huge problem for them.

    Parent

    West Coast!!! (none / 0) (#219)
    by waldenpond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:44:33 PM EST
    There are West Coast people here.  :(
    I liked that guy.  Oh well, no Lost, no Idol...
    It's a good thing I just bought some new books.

    Parent
    McCain said (none / 0) (#162)
    by litigatormom on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 08:35:04 PM EST
    "American Idol is just like the primaries. Except that Florida and Michigan get to vote."

    Parent
    Talkleft -- Cover the Torture Memo (none / 0) (#183)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:01:24 PM EST
    It's been a BIG News day and Talkleft has been restricting it's post to trivial horse-race issues....in the lull between primaries, you'd think BTD could tear himself away from poking fun at the candidate beating his candidate in the race for delegates to point out that the Bush administration was caught red-handed.  The highest level of administration officials discussed torture in the Oval Office.

    Quite big news, and you'd think BTD might cover it.  With all the criticism this site lobs at DailyKos and TPM, at least they still keep an eye on the real enemies--the neoconservatives who have hijacked our democracy.

    Just my two cents.

    Fair criticism (none / 0) (#212)
    by Munibond on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:27:01 PM EST
    But it is the candidates who should be covering it, above all.

    Parent
    I know... (none / 0) (#222)
    by Deadalus on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:50:07 PM EST
    I hate the "play it safe" mentality permeating politics.  

    Parent
    Still not over (none / 0) (#192)
    by lilburro on Thu Apr 10, 2008 at 09:10:44 PM EST
    Petraeus.  If I ever need a pick-me-up during the GE I can surely watch clips of his testimony.  I'm peeved.  And then you have the newspapers writing about it as an "audition for the candidates" and that being "the story."  Yes.  THAT is the story.

    I'd love to talk about this.  I thought it was an interesting look into how the stories we hear get processed.  Apparently it's all hinging on one person.  Greaaaat.  If I thought the press corps was trustworthy, that might actually sound heroic.

    Jumping Into the Pool