I don't know if Sen. Larry Craig is a public men's room trolling pervert, yet it doesn't look good for him. At all.
When I first saw the headline and lede for this story, the initial thought was that the Senator got caught in a full Brokeback Mountain in that Minneapolis bathroom. Not so, of course. Listening to the tape with the obnoxious arresting officer does engender minor sympathy for Craig, with the near-juvenile back-and-forth between him and Craig about foot-tapping.
Still, Sen. Craig has to go. He's an abject embarrassment. Cameras will continue to follow him, he'll continue to be asked why he broke his word regarding resignation, and Sen. Chuck Schumer is going to remind voters of Republican hypocrisy on "family values" issues while he attempts to elect more Senate Democrats as chairman of the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee.
Even worse for Republicans, is their national nominating convention will be held in Minneapolis. If Craig is still serving, and even has the nerve to attend the convention, that tourist attraction bathroom for the demented is going to be a national media story - a "family values" story.
Democrats are loving this Craig drama. The old political saying applies: Don't get in the way of your opponents while they're in the middle of destroying themselves.
There is some solace for Craig. Even if the arresting officer is 100 percent accurate about the facts, what Sen. Craig did pales in comparison to the past lurid behavior of a few colleagues. The senior Senator/Aquatic Wonder from Massachusetts brought us Chappaquiddick, and Sen. Robert C. Byrd was a walking-talking hate crime in his late 20's and early 30's as a Ku Klux Klan Kleagle.
Sen. Craig has to understand this political dynamic every time he looks across the Senate chamber and sees Teddy and Bob (among others). Perhaps that's a reason why he decided to finish his term.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Hollywood Airhead of the Week On Politics
Brad Pitt Urges George Clooney To Run For President
Brad Pitt should stick to things he understands. Like tanning beds and hair gel.
Brad Pitt should stick to things he understands. Like tanning beds and hair gel.
The Catcher of the Phony
Phony of the Week: Senator Daniel Akaka.
On Monday, Senator Akaka said regarding the Rush Limbaugh "phony soldier" controversy.
"Well I feel that any citizen has a vote, a right to voice their opinion on anything they want to do and I think this Limbaugh, though I don't agree with him on many things, has the right to say what he says. And I don't think we need do legislation to get at him. I think, however, it's something that people can talk about and maybe help them render judgments. But I don't think we need to set any laws to stop that."
Yet he signed the letter with 40 other Senate Democrats to Clear Channel Communications that denounced Limbaugh.
On Monday, Senator Akaka said regarding the Rush Limbaugh "phony soldier" controversy.
"Well I feel that any citizen has a vote, a right to voice their opinion on anything they want to do and I think this Limbaugh, though I don't agree with him on many things, has the right to say what he says. And I don't think we need do legislation to get at him. I think, however, it's something that people can talk about and maybe help them render judgments. But I don't think we need to set any laws to stop that."
Yet he signed the letter with 40 other Senate Democrats to Clear Channel Communications that denounced Limbaugh.
The Daily Chichester
The Times today quotes Rudy extensively from his radio show days while New York City Mayor (A personal favorite remains: “David, your compulsion, your excessive concern for weasels is a sign of something wrong in your personality. I am giving you the benefit of 55 years of experience — having handled insanity defenses, you need help.”)
The Governor-Infant is mad, shockingly, at county clerks for denouncing his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens.
Senator Pat Leahy of Vermont, who resigned from the Intelligence Committee after he provided sensitive information to a reporter, knows who the enemy is - the United States Department of Justice.
Hillary still being criticized for her debate performance.
James Gandolfini loses his mind.
The Governor-Infant is mad, shockingly, at county clerks for denouncing his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens.
Senator Pat Leahy of Vermont, who resigned from the Intelligence Committee after he provided sensitive information to a reporter, knows who the enemy is - the United States Department of Justice.
Hillary still being criticized for her debate performance.
James Gandolfini loses his mind.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Have You Figured It Out Yet, Conservatives?
Rep. Bobby Jindal announced he will vote to override the president's veto of SCHIP:
"If the reauthorization of SCHIP continues to be pushed back, we are robbing these children of the coverage they need.”
Rep. Jindal has been hailed as a "new generation" of leaders by conservatives, as this American Conservative Union news release from last year notes:
“As many increasingly question what conservatism means today — especially in the face of an exploding and encroaching federal government — these rock-solid conservatives held fast to ACU’s core values of fiscal discipline and limited government,” said ACU Chairman David Keene. “Unmoved by shifting poll numbers and the Potomac temptations to make headlines and put power over principle, these men and women deserve our respect, our admiration, and our votes.”
"Rock-solid conservatives."
Right.
Except when you're running for the Louisiana Governor's office, which Rep. Jindal is doing now.
Despite Mr. Keene's happy-talk at the time, Rep. Jindal has now been overcome by Potomac temptations. He was moved by shifting poll numbers. He put power over principle. SCHIP is a major example of the exploding and encroaching federal government that Keene cited, and Bobby Jindal is on the side of exploding and encroaching.
As previously noted, the conservative movement and the conservative media have little influence with the House Republican conference. This Jindal announcement is merely the latest example, and there are many more to come from "conservatives" as we head to November, 2008.
"If the reauthorization of SCHIP continues to be pushed back, we are robbing these children of the coverage they need.”
Rep. Jindal has been hailed as a "new generation" of leaders by conservatives, as this American Conservative Union news release from last year notes:
“As many increasingly question what conservatism means today — especially in the face of an exploding and encroaching federal government — these rock-solid conservatives held fast to ACU’s core values of fiscal discipline and limited government,” said ACU Chairman David Keene. “Unmoved by shifting poll numbers and the Potomac temptations to make headlines and put power over principle, these men and women deserve our respect, our admiration, and our votes.”
"Rock-solid conservatives."
Right.
Except when you're running for the Louisiana Governor's office, which Rep. Jindal is doing now.
Despite Mr. Keene's happy-talk at the time, Rep. Jindal has now been overcome by Potomac temptations. He was moved by shifting poll numbers. He put power over principle. SCHIP is a major example of the exploding and encroaching federal government that Keene cited, and Bobby Jindal is on the side of exploding and encroaching.
As previously noted, the conservative movement and the conservative media have little influence with the House Republican conference. This Jindal announcement is merely the latest example, and there are many more to come from "conservatives" as we head to November, 2008.
Republican Fund-Raising Numbers, And It Isn't Pretty
The third quarter fund-raising totals are in. Rudy raised only $11 million, Romney raised only $10 million, Thompson raised only $9 million, McCain raised only $6 million and Paul raised $5 million. If the Republican front-runner can only double the haul of a certifiable straitjacket of a candidate like Ron Paul, the party's in big trouble.
Chichester Edits Statements For Accuracy
According to Reuters, The Sensitive Metrosexual, John Edwards, "attacks Clinton on Iraq Position:"
"If you're not ending combat missions and combat operations, you're not ending the war (I did not dispatch Mrs. Sensitive Metrosexual to attack Hillary here so that shows what a tough guy I am) . . . We clearly need fundamental reform of the system for providing security contractors in Iraq or any place else (I hope my hair looked good when I said that) . . . Our party, the Democratic Party, has to offer the American people real change, and that starts with ending this war for good, not just trimming it (speaking of trimming it, I think I need another Two Americas $400 hair cut by my 'celebrity stylist' Joseph Torrenueva of Beverly Hills - where they have a lot of blue-collar mill workers - before my next campaign appearance).
"If you're not ending combat missions and combat operations, you're not ending the war (I did not dispatch Mrs. Sensitive Metrosexual to attack Hillary here so that shows what a tough guy I am) . . . We clearly need fundamental reform of the system for providing security contractors in Iraq or any place else (I hope my hair looked good when I said that) . . . Our party, the Democratic Party, has to offer the American people real change, and that starts with ending this war for good, not just trimming it (speaking of trimming it, I think I need another Two Americas $400 hair cut by my 'celebrity stylist' Joseph Torrenueva of Beverly Hills - where they have a lot of blue-collar mill workers - before my next campaign appearance).
The Dot EDU Academic Delusional of the Week
John H. Mollenkopf, director of the Center for Urban Research at the City University of New York, on Governor Spitzer's scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens.
“I do think that immigrant citizens take offense at efforts to be mean to undocumented workers."
These men and women are not "undocumented workers" or "undocumented immigrants." They have documents, which are fraudulent. If they possessed legitimate documents, they would be in our United States legally. They are illegal aliens, which is the accurate description.
“I do think that immigrant citizens take offense at efforts to be mean to undocumented workers."
These men and women are not "undocumented workers" or "undocumented immigrants." They have documents, which are fraudulent. If they possessed legitimate documents, they would be in our United States legally. They are illegal aliens, which is the accurate description.
SCHIP Hysteria
A former co-worker in the House forwarded me a few statements Democrats have made about SCHIP:
Rep. Fortney Stark (D-Atheism):
“The Axis of Evil isn’t just in the Middle East, it’s just down here on Pennsylvania Avenue.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett:
“How many children will be dead or will suffer with disease and disability until enough members of this Congress are willing to stand up to the President.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer:
“A stunning lack of compassion for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-I Can't Go Ten Seconds Without Saying F---):
“Telling children to take a hike.”
Who could possibly vote for these people.
Rep. Fortney Stark (D-Atheism):
“The Axis of Evil isn’t just in the Middle East, it’s just down here on Pennsylvania Avenue.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett:
“How many children will be dead or will suffer with disease and disability until enough members of this Congress are willing to stand up to the President.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer:
“A stunning lack of compassion for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-I Can't Go Ten Seconds Without Saying F---):
“Telling children to take a hike.”
Who could possibly vote for these people.
"The Children," And SCHIP
Even though the SCHIP bill covers adults, a sampling of the headlines today:
L.A. Times: Child Health Veto Will Be Election Issue
New York Times: Bush Vetoes Children's Health Bill
Washington Post: Bush Vetoes Children's Health Insurance Plan
San Francisco Chronicle: Bush Veto of Kids' Health Bill Puts Pressure on House GOP
Did any human in the MSM read this bill? Their ability to consistently achieve stunning stupidity about the English language and simple facts never disappoints.
"Bush Vetoes Middle Class Welfare Bill To Provide Adults Health Insurance."
That's the accurate headline (Congressman Zach Wamp of Tennessee has an outstanding column on this issue, here).
The media is only outdone by Congress. Put "the children" on any bill in Congress and half of the 535 Thomas Jeffersons we elected would vote for it no matter what.
L.A. Times: Child Health Veto Will Be Election Issue
New York Times: Bush Vetoes Children's Health Bill
Washington Post: Bush Vetoes Children's Health Insurance Plan
San Francisco Chronicle: Bush Veto of Kids' Health Bill Puts Pressure on House GOP
Did any human in the MSM read this bill? Their ability to consistently achieve stunning stupidity about the English language and simple facts never disappoints.
"Bush Vetoes Middle Class Welfare Bill To Provide Adults Health Insurance."
That's the accurate headline (Congressman Zach Wamp of Tennessee has an outstanding column on this issue, here).
The media is only outdone by Congress. Put "the children" on any bill in Congress and half of the 535 Thomas Jeffersons we elected would vote for it no matter what.
Dr. Adam Nagourney
N.Y. Times: On Stump, Low-Key Thompson Stirs Few Sparks
First the Times brings us the most irrelevant story of the day regarding who would fill Hillary's Senate seat, and nowpsychiatrist reporter Adam Nagourney concludes that Fred Thompson is too tired, lazy, low-key, subdued, uninformed and aloof to be president of the United States. Just pathetic "journalism."
First the Times brings us the most irrelevant story of the day regarding who would fill Hillary's Senate seat, and now
The Daily Chichester
An Archbishop who understands Catholicism (when it comes to Rudy)
The New York Times thinks Hillary is already president (they must be stupefyingly bored at the Times to have come up with this department-of-who-cares story)
The Governor-Infant gets blasted by relatives of 9-11 victims for his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens
Charles Schumerborking profiled on Bloomberg.com
People who care more about animals than human beings People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals indoctrinate Michael Vick
The New York Times thinks Hillary is already president (they must be stupefyingly bored at the Times to have come up with this department-of-who-cares story)
The Governor-Infant gets blasted by relatives of 9-11 victims for his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens
Charles Schumerborking profiled on Bloomberg.com
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Pollsters Anonymous
Remember all those useless polls conducted for a possible Hillary-Rudy race in 1999 and 2000? The Mayor never even officially announced. Yet it was one poll after another before Rudy said he wouldn't run.
Here we haveQuackapiac Quinnipiac with another useless, Hillary-Rudy poll. It claims Hillary leads Rudy 52-41 percent in New York.
Here we have
The SCHIP Misnomer
President Bush vetoed the $35 billion expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. We're going to see how resolute, how determined House Minority Leader John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will be in advocating limited government and market alternatives for health insurance. Because if you can't stand up against a monstrous federal program with the word "children" in it, where the benefits also go to adults, you should just head for permanent Bob Michelville.
Speaker Pelosi Doesn't Disappoint
Well, I said Speaker of the House Tracy Flick's Nancy Pelosi's appearance on that Algonquin Round Table, The View, would be Stooges-level funny. It didn't disappoint, as the WaPo noted.
The highlight:
"Trying to shout over Whoopi and her other gabbing co-hosts and excited audience members, Barbara turned to Guest Pelosi and said she has heard Whoopi say before that she'd 'do Paul Newman.'
"And I think she'd like to do your husband as well," Walters deadpanned in that quintessential accent that made her the subject of late-night lampooning over the decades."
And she wanted to be taken seriouswie when co-anchoring the evening news with Howrie Wreasoner.
The highlight:
"Trying to shout over Whoopi and her other gabbing co-hosts and excited audience members, Barbara turned to Guest Pelosi and said she has heard Whoopi say before that she'd 'do Paul Newman.'
"And I think she'd like to do your husband as well," Walters deadpanned in that quintessential accent that made her the subject of late-night lampooning over the decades."
And she wanted to be taken seriouswie when co-anchoring the evening news with Howrie Wreasoner.
How To Annoy Chichester IV
By using UPPER CASE to EMPHASIZE a point. Because if you don't use UPPER CASE, no one will understand what you're ATTEMPTING TO COMMUNICATE in an e-mail.
Rudely standing in front of the half-and-half and carrying on a conversation (that means you Senate staffers in Russell's Cups).
And standing right in front of the elevator door when you know there will be people getting off (yes, you staffers in Russell, again).
Rudely standing in front of the half-and-half and carrying on a conversation (that means you Senate staffers in Russell's Cups).
And standing right in front of the elevator door when you know there will be people getting off (yes, you staffers in Russell, again).
Chichester Edits Statements For Accuracy
Mayor Giuliani's "strategy memo" from yesterday:
TO: TEAM RUDY (TEAM RUDY, WHO VOTED FOR DEMOCRAT MARIO CUOMO)
FROM: BRENT SEABORN, STRATEGY DIRECTOR
RE: 4th QUARTER KICKOFF
DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2007
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FIELD
. . . Mayor Giuliani continues to lead all major media polls (because Republican primary voters are in an apparent coma). A recent Pew Report poll reports Mayor Giuliani’s percentage of the ballot share has increased 5 points from the previous Pew survey conducted in July. The most recent Pew survey also reports Mayor Giuliani leading the important Republican candidate attribute categories of "tough", "energetic" and "smart", among a handful of others (the important Republican candidate attribute categories of "divorcing your wife via news conference," "weird" and "a track record that includes pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-rent control, pro-gay rights positions and trashing an honorable man like Mayor Giuliani's former boss Attorney General Edwin Meese" were not included).
A recent FOX News poll reports Mayor Giuliani’s ballot support has increased 5 points from the previous FOX News poll conducted in August (we love citing numbers, and not our full record, on TEAM RUDY).
In addition to national polling, Mayor Giuliani is favorably positioned in a number of early and February 5 primary states. The Mayor leads nearly all Florida primary polls with a 2007 average of 30%, followed by Thompson 17%, McCain 14% and Romney 9% (we on TEAM RUDY are trying to Lilli Von Shtupp-seduce you with our numbers; don't pay attention to the full record).
. . . Most notably, Mayor Giuliani continues to hold strong with socially conservative voters. Socially conservative voters are becoming more comfortable with Mayor Giuliani as they hear him speak clearly about his agenda (he won't be dressing in drag any more) . Two of the Mayor’s 12 Commitments that are most important are "to increase the number of adoptions, reduce the number of abortions and protect the quality of life for our children" (which Rudy rarely talked about while New York City Mayor since the Planned Parenthood crowd would have went nuts, and Ruth Messenger would have had a big issue in the 1997 race).
TO: TEAM RUDY (TEAM RUDY, WHO VOTED FOR DEMOCRAT MARIO CUOMO)
FROM: BRENT SEABORN, STRATEGY DIRECTOR
RE: 4th QUARTER KICKOFF
DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2007
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FIELD
. . . Mayor Giuliani continues to lead all major media polls (because Republican primary voters are in an apparent coma). A recent Pew Report poll reports Mayor Giuliani’s percentage of the ballot share has increased 5 points from the previous Pew survey conducted in July. The most recent Pew survey also reports Mayor Giuliani leading the important Republican candidate attribute categories of "tough", "energetic" and "smart", among a handful of others (the important Republican candidate attribute categories of "divorcing your wife via news conference," "weird" and "a track record that includes pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-rent control, pro-gay rights positions and trashing an honorable man like Mayor Giuliani's former boss Attorney General Edwin Meese" were not included).
A recent FOX News poll reports Mayor Giuliani’s ballot support has increased 5 points from the previous FOX News poll conducted in August (we love citing numbers, and not our full record, on TEAM RUDY).
In addition to national polling, Mayor Giuliani is favorably positioned in a number of early and February 5 primary states. The Mayor leads nearly all Florida primary polls with a 2007 average of 30%, followed by Thompson 17%, McCain 14% and Romney 9% (we on TEAM RUDY are trying to Lilli Von Shtupp-seduce you with our numbers; don't pay attention to the full record).
. . . Most notably, Mayor Giuliani continues to hold strong with socially conservative voters. Socially conservative voters are becoming more comfortable with Mayor Giuliani as they hear him speak clearly about his agenda (he won't be dressing in drag any more) . Two of the Mayor’s 12 Commitments that are most important are "to increase the number of adoptions, reduce the number of abortions and protect the quality of life for our children" (which Rudy rarely talked about while New York City Mayor since the Planned Parenthood crowd would have went nuts, and Ruth Messenger would have had a big issue in the 1997 race).
Let's Play Nutball
The Newsweek brief interview with Chris Matthews regarding his new book:
Newsweek: I would not have expected you, the hostus interruptus of "Hardball," to have an appreciation for listening.
Nutball: It was the way Bill Clinton got girls, and he taught it to his wife as a way to get votes. Another one of these rich ironies. My mistake in the old days was drinking with girls and saying how great I was.
Chris, please retire.
Newsweek: I would not have expected you, the hostus interruptus of "Hardball," to have an appreciation for listening.
Nutball: It was the way Bill Clinton got girls, and he taught it to his wife as a way to get votes. Another one of these rich ironies. My mistake in the old days was drinking with girls and saying how great I was.
Chris, please retire.
Governor Richard Milhouse Spitzer
The New York Sun reports the latest outburst from Governor Spitzer in a speech yesterday regarding his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens:
"No amount of hysterical rhetoric will prevent us from doing what is right. I'm not going to run from the fight just because the other side decides to demagogue it."
"Hysterical rhetoric. "
A major focus of this blog is frauds, fakes and phonies in public life. Governor Spitzer has used "hysterical rhetoric" throughout his career, and largely never paid a price for it.
Until now, as Wayne Barrett notes in today's Village Voice.
I'm surprised he made it through this speech without dropping an f-bomb or ten on his audience.
"No amount of hysterical rhetoric will prevent us from doing what is right. I'm not going to run from the fight just because the other side decides to demagogue it."
"Hysterical rhetoric. "
A major focus of this blog is frauds, fakes and phonies in public life. Governor Spitzer has used "hysterical rhetoric" throughout his career, and largely never paid a price for it.
Until now, as Wayne Barrett notes in today's Village Voice.
I'm surprised he made it through this speech without dropping an f-bomb or ten on his audience.
The Daily Chichester
Pollsters Anonymous: Hillary clobbering Sen. Obama in new WaPo poll
Sen. Fred Thompson will address the New York State "Conservative" Party October 15th
Peanutsism: Jimmy Carter, once again, achieving nothing and looking good doing it
The Washington Post, the public relations firm for Anita Hill, on the Clarence Thomas book
Senator Bob Packwood Isiah Thomas costs the Knicks $11.6 million
My Mets Keep Willie (it's Omar who should go, btw)
Sen. Fred Thompson will address the New York State "Conservative" Party October 15th
Peanutsism: Jimmy Carter, once again, achieving nothing and looking good doing it
The Washington Post, the public relations firm for Anita Hill, on the Clarence Thomas book
My Mets Keep Willie (it's Omar who should go, btw)
Chichester Responds To E-mail / RE: Iraq
Q: Do you honestly believe victory [in Iraq] is even possible at this point? And what do you so dislike about Democrats?
A: Of course I believe we can achieve victory. The United States military is the greatest institution our country has ever produced. I know first-hand.
I dislike the Democratic party's inability to accept the consequences of war. I dislike its overwrought Oprah-esque talk show host, emotion-only approach to why we are in Iraq. I dislike the language the party leaders use that damage morale. Nancy Pelosi said it was a "grotesque mistake" and Harry Reid said "the war is lost." This language is deeply disturbing to me. Our soldiers hear this bile.
A: Of course I believe we can achieve victory. The United States military is the greatest institution our country has ever produced. I know first-hand.
I dislike the Democratic party's inability to accept the consequences of war. I dislike its overwrought Oprah-esque talk show host, emotion-only approach to why we are in Iraq. I dislike the language the party leaders use that damage morale. Nancy Pelosi said it was a "grotesque mistake" and Harry Reid said "the war is lost." This language is deeply disturbing to me. Our soldiers hear this bile.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Sen. Obama: It's September 10, 2001
There are proposals by candidates that achieve a level of naivete and ignorance from which they should never recover.
Today, Senator Obama announced he will seek the elimination of the world's nuclear weapons, if elected president. This is a proposal he should never, ever recover from. And one that his opponents should use to demonstrate - again - how his inexperience and I'd-like-to-teach-the-world-to-sing-in-perfect-harmony Coca-Cola commercial philosophy of foreign policy is dangerous to our national security.
I'm sure al-Qaeda will agree we need to eliminate nuclear weapons. And Iran. And Syria. And Hamas. And Islamic Jihad. And I could go on listing the terrorists and America-haters who want to carry out another September 11, 2001 - using nuclear weapons on us.
Today, Senator Obama announced he will seek the elimination of the world's nuclear weapons, if elected president. This is a proposal he should never, ever recover from. And one that his opponents should use to demonstrate - again - how his inexperience and I'd-like-to-teach-the-world-to-sing-in-perfect-harmony Coca-Cola commercial philosophy of foreign policy is dangerous to our national security.
I'm sure al-Qaeda will agree we need to eliminate nuclear weapons. And Iran. And Syria. And Hamas. And Islamic Jihad. And I could go on listing the terrorists and America-haters who want to carry out another September 11, 2001 - using nuclear weapons on us.
Pollsters Anonymous
The latest Quackapiac Quinnipiac poll claims New Yorkers believe that Gov. Spitzer "knew what his aides were doing when they arranged for State Police records of Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's travels to be leaked to the media" by a margin of 56-25 percent and that "New York State voters say 78 - 17 percent that Gov. Eliot Spitzer should testify under oath about what he knew of the so-called Troopergate scandal."
Yet:
"Voters say 57 - 26 percent that Spitzer is 'honest and trustworthy.'"
That makes sense. It's perfectly intellectually consistent.
The Serenity Pollster: May I continue to strive to maintain thePolling Serenity to accept the crosstabs things that are not mine to sample change, courage to change the focus groups things that I should for the margin of error betterment of my fees the planet or even one likely voter life upon it , and the wisdom to know the wording of the question difference.
To be a near-daily feature given the media's obsession with polls and the horse race.
Yet:
"Voters say 57 - 26 percent that Spitzer is 'honest and trustworthy.'"
That makes sense. It's perfectly intellectually consistent.
The Serenity Pollster: May I continue to strive to maintain the
To be a near-daily feature given the media's obsession with polls and the horse race.
Drudge
Drudge, when he's not obsessing about freak weather events, missing persons, 60-year-old mothers, 17-pound babies, the train wrecks of Hollywood bimbos and mimbos, today has one of his classic screaming headlines:
"QUEEN OF THE QUARTER: HILLARY CRUSHES OBAMA IN SURPRISE FUNDRAISING SURGE"
Perhaps he should ask how President Phil Gramm and President Steve Forbes did with their fund-raising prowess. Or even President Howard Dean before he self-destructed in Iowa.
Hillary raised $27 million. Sen. Obama raised $20 million. The difference is negligible so far out from the first votes being cast.
"QUEEN OF THE QUARTER: HILLARY CRUSHES OBAMA IN SURPRISE FUNDRAISING SURGE"
Perhaps he should ask how President Phil Gramm and President Steve Forbes did with their fund-raising prowess. Or even President Howard Dean before he self-destructed in Iowa.
Hillary raised $27 million. Sen. Obama raised $20 million. The difference is negligible so far out from the first votes being cast.
Governor Richard Milhouse Spitzer
The New York Post reports the Governor is a tad upset with critics of his scheme to provide driver's licenses to illegal aliens:
"What I object to is that the attacks from the right show the extent to which this is about desperate politics and not about substance . . .
"No amount of fear mongering and extremist rhetoric will prevent us from doing what is morally and practically correct."
He is coming apart.
There is no elected official in New York more practiced in "extremist rhetoric" than Eliot Spitzer. Joe Bruno knows it. Jim Tedisco knows it. John Whitehead certainly knows it.
He is petty.
He is petulant.
He can't handle, emotionally, anyone who disagrees with him.
He is America's Governor-Infant.
"What I object to is that the attacks from the right show the extent to which this is about desperate politics and not about substance . . .
"No amount of fear mongering and extremist rhetoric will prevent us from doing what is morally and practically correct."
He is coming apart.
There is no elected official in New York more practiced in "extremist rhetoric" than Eliot Spitzer. Joe Bruno knows it. Jim Tedisco knows it. John Whitehead certainly knows it.
He is petty.
He is petulant.
He can't handle, emotionally, anyone who disagrees with him.
He is America's Governor-Infant.
The Phony Soldier, and Phony Democratic Outrage
The controversy surrounding Rush Limbaugh's "phony soldier" remark has reached the Orwellian level.
Do Democrats and liberals even understand the English language, or the sequence of a conversation?
Limbaugh did not attack or denigrate anti-war soldiers as "phony soldiers." He attacked and denigrated one phony soldier, Jesse MacBeth. MacBeth was in Army basic training for 40 days before he was judged unfit to serve and promptly discharged. Yet he was adopted as the latest mascot by the moveon.org fanatics after he claimed to have killed men and women leaving a Baghdad mosque while stationed in Iraq.
This fact didn't stop Senate Majority LeaderPat Geary Harry Reid from calling Limbaugh's comments "so beyond the pale of decency that it cannot be left alone."
Senator Tom Harkin, in one of the most unseemly and undignified rants witnessed on the Senate floor in recent memory said, "Well, I don’t know. Maybe he was just high on his drugs again. I don’t know whether he was or not. If so, he ought to let us know. But that shouldn’t be an excuse."
And John Kerry said, "In a single moment on his show, Limbaugh managed to question the patriotism of men and women in uniform who have put their lives on the line and many who died for his right to sit safely in his air-conditioned studio peddling hate."
How these three men manage to corral even one vote from the people of Nevada, Iowa and Massachusetts is near-stunning. Each has used inflammatory rhetoric that damaged troop morale, and hurt our efforts to achieve victory. They have now directed manufactured outrage at a private citizen for the sole purpose of motivating their lunatic fringe supporters on the left. It's a disgrace.
Do Democrats and liberals even understand the English language, or the sequence of a conversation?
Limbaugh did not attack or denigrate anti-war soldiers as "phony soldiers." He attacked and denigrated one phony soldier, Jesse MacBeth. MacBeth was in Army basic training for 40 days before he was judged unfit to serve and promptly discharged. Yet he was adopted as the latest mascot by the moveon.org fanatics after he claimed to have killed men and women leaving a Baghdad mosque while stationed in Iraq.
This fact didn't stop Senate Majority Leader
Senator Tom Harkin, in one of the most unseemly and undignified rants witnessed on the Senate floor in recent memory said, "Well, I don’t know. Maybe he was just high on his drugs again. I don’t know whether he was or not. If so, he ought to let us know. But that shouldn’t be an excuse."
And John Kerry said, "In a single moment on his show, Limbaugh managed to question the patriotism of men and women in uniform who have put their lives on the line and many who died for his right to sit safely in his air-conditioned studio peddling hate."
How these three men manage to corral even one vote from the people of Nevada, Iowa and Massachusetts is near-stunning. Each has used inflammatory rhetoric that damaged troop morale, and hurt our efforts to achieve victory. They have now directed manufactured outrage at a private citizen for the sole purpose of motivating their lunatic fringe supporters on the left. It's a disgrace.
Daily News: Spitzer snubs Cuomo at L.I. Democratic Party meeting
Liz Benjamin has the latest on the Governor-Infant.
He blew off Attorney General Andrew Cuomo at the Democratic party's annual fall meeting. Likely because of the non-scathing scathing report he issued on the use of State Troopers to track Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's movements.
The Governor appears oblivious to the significance of the Cuomo report. He went easy on Spitzer. He should be sending Cuomo chocolates and flowers for not putting his aides under oath.
He blew off Attorney General Andrew Cuomo at the Democratic party's annual fall meeting. Likely because of the non-scathing scathing report he issued on the use of State Troopers to track Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno's movements.
The Governor appears oblivious to the significance of the Cuomo report. He went easy on Spitzer. He should be sending Cuomo chocolates and flowers for not putting his aides under oath.
Chichester's Entourage Checks In / RE: SCHIP
Bush is bungling the message on vetoing SCHIP. Anybody home in the PR department? The reason to veto is NOT "get the needy signed up first" – implying that we’ll get the remainder later. Huh?
The message should be: This is fiscally irresponsible, making a mockery of the Democrats campaign posture last year, and exacerbates the health care problem in this country. This makes it more costly by expanding third party payments for health care by the government, drawing in still more middle class to government entitlements that are bankrupting our children’s future.
Expanding middle class subsidies with higher middle class taxes also crowds out the private insurance market, giving government more control over this world class industry, which leads to inevitable rationing. The White House and Republican party never fails to miss an opportunity to educate the American people on the health care debate. - Rick "Flash" Davis.
The message should be: This is fiscally irresponsible, making a mockery of the Democrats campaign posture last year, and exacerbates the health care problem in this country. This makes it more costly by expanding third party payments for health care by the government, drawing in still more middle class to government entitlements that are bankrupting our children’s future.
Expanding middle class subsidies with higher middle class taxes also crowds out the private insurance market, giving government more control over this world class industry, which leads to inevitable rationing. The White House and Republican party never fails to miss an opportunity to educate the American people on the health care debate. - Rick "Flash" Davis.
Nancy Pelosi
Today, Speaker of the House Tracy Flick Nancy Pelosi will appear on the most serious and substantive public affairs program on the air in America - The View.
How fitting.
The transcript of this appearance is going to be Stooges-level funny.
How fitting.
The transcript of this appearance is going to be Stooges-level funny.
How To Annoy Chichester III
Candidates, incumbents, flacks and their supporters should do every single humanly possible thing and avoid using these words and phrases since they cause Chichester's head to explode.
Lock and load (you can't lock, and next load; if you needed to fire your weapon you'd, quite simply, be dead).
It is what it is (Chichester reaches for the helium mask like Hopper in Blue Velvet).
Lock and load (you can't lock, and next load; if you needed to fire your weapon you'd, quite simply, be dead).
It is what it is (Chichester reaches for the helium mask like Hopper in Blue Velvet).
Monday, October 1, 2007
Good News From Iraq
AP: Iraqi deaths fall by 50 percent
According to the AP:
"The number of American troops and Iraqi civilians killed in the war fell in September to levels not seen in more than a year. The U.S. military said the lower count was at least partly a result of new strategies and 30,000 additional U.S. forces deployed this year."
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a statement:
"This is very encouraging news. I'm hopeful it will continue, and that our fighting men and women of the United States armed forces will eventually be victorious in the war against terrorism and Islamofascism."
I made that Pelosi quote up, of course.
According to the AP:
"The number of American troops and Iraqi civilians killed in the war fell in September to levels not seen in more than a year. The U.S. military said the lower count was at least partly a result of new strategies and 30,000 additional U.S. forces deployed this year."
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a statement:
"This is very encouraging news. I'm hopeful it will continue, and that our fighting men and women of the United States armed forces will eventually be victorious in the war against terrorism and Islamofascism."
I made that Pelosi quote up, of course.
Greta Van Susteren In Paradise
Greta is likely to have another one of her Natalee Hollaway Woodstocks For Ratings with this story.
If the deceased were:
a) Unattractive;
b) A minority; and
c) Not related to a well-known public figure . . .
We wouldn't hear hardly a word.
If the deceased were:
a) Unattractive;
b) A minority; and
c) Not related to a well-known public figure . . .
We wouldn't hear hardly a word.
Green People, Like Martians
How is it possible to be more green than Governor George E. Pataki? You'd think the former Governor was piloting the Exxon Valdez listening to these pagans environmentalists describe how they worship protect our planet.
Chichester Edits Statements For Accuracy
George Gresham, head of Local 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers on Governor Spitzer's driver's license scheme:
“Thousands of undocumented immigrants (illegal aliens who are documented, but their documents are fraudulent) live and work throughout New York State. They contribute not only to the rich diversity of our State (break our Federal laws), but play an essential role in our economy as well. Allowing immigrants (illegal aliens) the opportunity to obtain driver licenses in a responsible and secure manner (amnesty) will enable them to earn a living, while improving security and enhancing road safety (I don't believe a word of this schlock) . . . New York’s immigrants (illegal aliens) should not be made to suffer any longer due to the failure of Congress and the President to achieve consensus on this issue.”
“Thousands of undocumented immigrants (illegal aliens who are documented, but their documents are fraudulent) live and work throughout New York State. They contribute not only to the rich diversity of our State (break our Federal laws), but play an essential role in our economy as well. Allowing immigrants (illegal aliens) the opportunity to obtain driver licenses in a responsible and secure manner (amnesty) will enable them to earn a living, while improving security and enhancing road safety (I don't believe a word of this schlock) . . . New York’s immigrants (illegal aliens) should not be made to suffer any longer due to the failure of Congress and the President to achieve consensus on this issue.”
Senator McCain, Broke
It's difficult to envision any scenario where Senator McCain comes back to win the nomination, especially since he's $2 million in debt.
The "Personal Venom" Of The Surrender Now Defeatists
Retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Peter Pace has a few words for the Cindy Sheehankooks and her allies in Congress.
"And what worries me is that in some instances right now we have individuals who are more interested in making somebody else look bad than they are in finding the right solution. They are more interested in letting their personal venom come forward instead of talking about how do we get from where we are to where we need to be."
"And what worries me is that in some instances right now we have individuals who are more interested in making somebody else look bad than they are in finding the right solution. They are more interested in letting their personal venom come forward instead of talking about how do we get from where we are to where we need to be."
The Madison Avenue Congressional Republicans
Today's WaPo reports Congressional Republicans:
". . . may be having an identity crisis. Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and President Bush have met regularly on what Boehner calls his 'rebranding' initiative: winning back for the GOP the mantle of fiscal discipline and limited government."
John Boehner speaking like an advertising executive is not the appropriate way for Republicans to communicate their message (when they figure one out.) No "rebranding" is going to wash away 12 years of majority control where they morphed into a party nearly bereft of principles. I can't think of any issue, other than the tax cut issue, where the retort to a Republican idea isn't: What were you doing for 12 years?
". . . may be having an identity crisis. Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and President Bush have met regularly on what Boehner calls his 'rebranding' initiative: winning back for the GOP the mantle of fiscal discipline and limited government."
John Boehner speaking like an advertising executive is not the appropriate way for Republicans to communicate their message (when they figure one out.) No "rebranding" is going to wash away 12 years of majority control where they morphed into a party nearly bereft of principles. I can't think of any issue, other than the tax cut issue, where the retort to a Republican idea isn't: What were you doing for 12 years?
Rudy, Who Voted For Democrat Mario Cuomo
N.Y. Times: Giuliani Inspires Threat of a Third-Party Run
The Times reports:
"Alarmed at the possibility that the Republican Party might pick Rudolph W. Giuliani as its presidential nominee despite his support for abortion rights, a coalition of influential Christian conservatives is threatening to back a third-party candidate."
What took them so long.
It is well known that he's pro-abortion and pro-gun control. Less well-known, but equally troubling, were his ringing defenses of New York City's Marxist rent control laws. He even presided over a "coming out day" for homosexual city workers when he was Mayor.
If the Republican party nominates Rudy, it goes the way of the Whigs.
The Times reports:
"Alarmed at the possibility that the Republican Party might pick Rudolph W. Giuliani as its presidential nominee despite his support for abortion rights, a coalition of influential Christian conservatives is threatening to back a third-party candidate."
What took them so long.
It is well known that he's pro-abortion and pro-gun control. Less well-known, but equally troubling, were his ringing defenses of New York City's Marxist rent control laws. He even presided over a "coming out day" for homosexual city workers when he was Mayor.
If the Republican party nominates Rudy, it goes the way of the Whigs.
Point of Personal Privilege, Mr. Chairman
After the historic collapse-choke my Mets just perpetrated on baseball history, Jerry's advice to George is needed.
"You really need some help. A regular psychiatrist couldn't even help you. You need to go to, like, Vienna or something. You know what I mean? You need to get involved at the university level, like where Freud studied, and have all those people looking at you and checking up on you. That's the kind of help you need. Not the once-a-week for eighty bucks, no. You need a team. A team of psychiatrists working around the clock, thinking about you, having conferences, observing you like the way they did with the elephant man. That's what I'm talking about, because that's the only way you're going to get better."
"You really need some help. A regular psychiatrist couldn't even help you. You need to go to, like, Vienna or something. You know what I mean? You need to get involved at the university level, like where Freud studied, and have all those people looking at you and checking up on you. That's the kind of help you need. Not the once-a-week for eighty bucks, no. You need a team. A team of psychiatrists working around the clock, thinking about you, having conferences, observing you like the way they did with the elephant man. That's what I'm talking about, because that's the only way you're going to get better."
Clarence Thomas, Still Unloading
ABC News today reports extensively on the new Clarence Thomas book, "My Grandfather's Son." The quotes are searing (for those who may not know who he's talking about here, it's the Senior Senator/Aquatic Wonder From Massachusetts, Joe Biden (D-Neil Kinnock) and others too numerous to mention.
"These people who claim to be progressive & have been far more vicious to me than any southerner and it is purely ideological . . .
"People get bent out of shape about the fact that when I was a kid, you could not drink out of certain water fountains. Well, the water was the same. My grandfather always said that, 'The water's exactly the same.' But those same people are extremely comfortable saying I can't drink from this fountain of knowledge. They certainly don't see themselves as being like the bigots in the South. Well, I've lived both experiences. And I really don't see that they're any different from them."
"These people who claim to be progressive & have been far more vicious to me than any southerner and it is purely ideological . . .
"People get bent out of shape about the fact that when I was a kid, you could not drink out of certain water fountains. Well, the water was the same. My grandfather always said that, 'The water's exactly the same.' But those same people are extremely comfortable saying I can't drink from this fountain of knowledge. They certainly don't see themselves as being like the bigots in the South. Well, I've lived both experiences. And I really don't see that they're any different from them."
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Did Gov. Richard Milhouse Spitzer Read The 9-11 Commission Report?
Today's N.Y. Times reports Mayor Giuliani's criticism of Governor Spitzer's plan to provide illegal aliens with driver's licenses:
“I think it would just create an even further level of fraud and confusion in what is already a very confusing picture.”
He's dead right.
Governor Spitzer is so deluded in proposing this scheme you'd think he was elected governor of Montana. Or Idaho. Or South Dakota.
Terrorists are not coming for Montana, Idaho or South Dakota.
They're coming for Eliot Spitzer's state.
My state.
The Governor should educate himself, and browse through the September 11th Commission report:
"Fraud is no longer just a problem of theft. At many entry points to vulnerable facilities, including gates for boarding aircraft, sources of identification are the last opportunity to ensure that people are who they say they are (emphasis added)."
“I think it would just create an even further level of fraud and confusion in what is already a very confusing picture.”
He's dead right.
Governor Spitzer is so deluded in proposing this scheme you'd think he was elected governor of Montana. Or Idaho. Or South Dakota.
Terrorists are not coming for Montana, Idaho or South Dakota.
They're coming for Eliot Spitzer's state.
My state.
The Governor should educate himself, and browse through the September 11th Commission report:
"Fraud is no longer just a problem of theft. At many entry points to vulnerable facilities, including gates for boarding aircraft, sources of identification are the last opportunity to ensure that people are who they say they are (emphasis added)."
Moveon.org Needs To Be Sedated
Washington Post: Democrats' Chances to Alter Iraq Strategy Dwindling; Reid Says Next Showdown May Not Occur Until New War-Funding Request, Perhaps Early Next Year
I await the full-page ad denouncing the "betray us" of Congressional Democrats.
I await the full-page ad denouncing the "betray us" of Congressional Democrats.
"I was being pursued not by bigots in white robes but by left-wing zealots draped in flowing sanctimony."
Clarence Thomas in the WaPo today
He unloads.
On Sen. Howard Metzenbaum:
"It would be kind to describe him as unlikable."
On Sen. Howell Heflin:
" . . . made me think of a slave owner sitting on the porch of a plantation house."
He compares then-Judiciary Chairman Joe Biden (D-Neil Kinnock) "to the lying hypocrites in the old song 'Smiling Faces Sometimes' by Undisputed Truth."
He unloads.
On Sen. Howard Metzenbaum:
"It would be kind to describe him as unlikable."
On Sen. Howell Heflin:
" . . . made me think of a slave owner sitting on the porch of a plantation house."
He compares then-Judiciary Chairman Joe Biden (D-Neil Kinnock) "to the lying hypocrites in the old song 'Smiling Faces Sometimes' by Undisputed Truth."
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