Common Sense has harped on the fact that Georgia may actually be in play this November as a result of Bob Barr's entrance into the presidential contest and John McCain's poorly run campaign thus far. To further illustrate the fact, Barack Obama will hold a fundraiser in Atlanta on 7 July at $2300.00 per person, the most an individual can contribute to a campaign as a result of the new finance laws that McCain negotiated through the Senate, the President signed into law, and the courts upheld.
Speaking of Bob Barr, he appeared on Fox this Sunday with Chris Wallace. Theoretically, Barr has a lot to offer conservatives and libertarians, but unfortunately, Barr comes off as stiff and very impersonal. He also has some baggage he'll need to deal with that contradict his libertarian position, i.e., voting for the Patriot Act, voting for the war in Iraq, etc. Just like any other politician, Barr will have to answer for these inconsistencies. If he can reconcile his positions he will be a force to reckon with; if he cannot reconcile these positions, he won't be any more effective than independent candidate, Ralph Nader.
It's been 2684 days since there's been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
The "Godfather" test
Today in PARADE magazine, former Clinton adviser and host of THIS WEEK, George Stephanopoulos has an article on how you should decide to vote which he calls "The Godfather" test. In essence what he is saying is which of the presidential candidates would you entrust the life of your child with? You can read more about the "test" at http://news.yahoo.com/page/parade/stephanopoulos
It's been 2681 days since there's been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2681 days since there's been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
High court gets one right
After a couple of disappointing decisions involving child rapists and enemy combatants, the US Supreme Court finally got one right concerning the Second Amendment and gun rights. The AP reports that
"The Supreme Court ruled today that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, the justices’ first major pronouncement on gun rights in U.S. history. The court’s 5-4 ruling struck down the District of Columbia’s 32-year-old ban on handguns as incompatible with gun rights under the Second Amendment. The decision went further than even the Bush administration wanted, but probably leaves most firearms laws intact. The court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791. The amendment reads: ‘‘A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’’
The basic issue for the justices was whether the amendment protects an individual’s right to own guns no matter what, or whether that right is somehow tied to service in a state militia.
Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia said that an individual right to bear arms is supported by ‘‘the historical narrative’’ both before and after the Second Amendment was adopted.
The Constitution does not permit ‘‘the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home,’’ Scalia said. The court also struck down Washington’s requirement that firearms be equipped with trigger locks or kept disassembled, but left intact the licensing of guns."
Justice Anthony Kennedy was once again the swing vote. You may remember that Kennedy was appointed by Reagan back in 1987. He was not Reagan's first choice. Robert Bork was but his nomination was defeated. What might have been if Bork had ultimately been confirmed instead of Kennedy.
It's been 2,680 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
"The Supreme Court ruled today that Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, the justices’ first major pronouncement on gun rights in U.S. history. The court’s 5-4 ruling struck down the District of Columbia’s 32-year-old ban on handguns as incompatible with gun rights under the Second Amendment. The decision went further than even the Bush administration wanted, but probably leaves most firearms laws intact. The court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791. The amendment reads: ‘‘A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.’’
The basic issue for the justices was whether the amendment protects an individual’s right to own guns no matter what, or whether that right is somehow tied to service in a state militia.
Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia said that an individual right to bear arms is supported by ‘‘the historical narrative’’ both before and after the Second Amendment was adopted.
The Constitution does not permit ‘‘the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home,’’ Scalia said. The court also struck down Washington’s requirement that firearms be equipped with trigger locks or kept disassembled, but left intact the licensing of guns."
Justice Anthony Kennedy was once again the swing vote. You may remember that Kennedy was appointed by Reagan back in 1987. He was not Reagan's first choice. Robert Bork was but his nomination was defeated. What might have been if Bork had ultimately been confirmed instead of Kennedy.
It's been 2,680 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Obama's energy plan
Barack Obama has an energy plan. In fact, he has a whole website devoted to it contrasting his position on energy to John McCain's. You can check out Obama's new website at http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy
Also, a new Los Angeles Times poll has Barack Obama opening up a double digit lead over 52%-39% over John McCain. McCain was busy today in Las Vegas reassuring voters not to abandon his campaign so early in the cycle. This comes on the heels of news out of the Obama camp that he plans to campaign heavily in 10 states George W. Bush won in 2004 including Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana. Obviously winning any of these states will make Obama tough to beat. McCain can take some solace in a poll that shows more Americans trust him on the war in Iraq and the war on terror over Obama. Unfortunately for McCain, at this point, this election appears to be about the economy and energy rather than security.
It's been 2,679 days since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Also, a new Los Angeles Times poll has Barack Obama opening up a double digit lead over 52%-39% over John McCain. McCain was busy today in Las Vegas reassuring voters not to abandon his campaign so early in the cycle. This comes on the heels of news out of the Obama camp that he plans to campaign heavily in 10 states George W. Bush won in 2004 including Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and Indiana. Obviously winning any of these states will make Obama tough to beat. McCain can take some solace in a poll that shows more Americans trust him on the war in Iraq and the war on terror over Obama. Unfortunately for McCain, at this point, this election appears to be about the economy and energy rather than security.
It's been 2,679 days since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Does anything stick to this guy
Barack Obama has had a rough two weeks being hammered by Republicans for his associations with the Weatherman, Reverend Wright, and Father Flager, the fact that he cannot articulate a coherent energy policy, that he cannot tell us where he is going to get the money for the extra trillion dollars he wants to spend as part of the federal budget, how he plans to end the war in Iraq or carry on the war on terror. Yet, he remains ahead or tied with John McCain depending on what poll you read. John McCain can make serious inroads, as he has with his "new" energy plan he revelaed last week by taking the three or four top issues that concern most Americans and just pound home to the American public the stark contrasts between his vision for America and Obama's. Eventually, when the American electorate tunes in to the presidential election after Labor Day, McCain could have Obama on the defensive if he articulates tried and true conservative principles. Only time will tell if Obama can "skate" by on charisma and jujitsu tactics or if McCain can paint him as an out of touch liberal who has no real policy proposals to move this country forward.
On a local note, WMAC AM early morning radio talk show host Shayne McBride was busted today for possession of the "chronic", otherwise known as marijuana. While McBride was only charged with a misdemeanor and is out on bond, WMAC should dump the rather sarcastic host in favor of the fresh and talented Jeff Scott, who by all accounts, has no problems with the hippie lettuce or anything illicit that would embarras himself, his employers, or his former professors. Go get 'em Jeff!
It's been 2,678 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
On a local note, WMAC AM early morning radio talk show host Shayne McBride was busted today for possession of the "chronic", otherwise known as marijuana. While McBride was only charged with a misdemeanor and is out on bond, WMAC should dump the rather sarcastic host in favor of the fresh and talented Jeff Scott, who by all accounts, has no problems with the hippie lettuce or anything illicit that would embarras himself, his employers, or his former professors. Go get 'em Jeff!
It's been 2,678 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Georgia in play?
The Douglas Country <http://www.douglascountysentinel.com/> Sentinel has apresidential poll on its home page. Bob Barr is currently at 12% against John McCain and Barack Obama. McCain needs to win Georgia if he has any hope of winning the White House. This latest poll is not good news for McCain since he's in a virtual dead heat with Obama in this state. The more Obama can force McCain to spend money, resources, and time in traditional "red states" (Georgia has not voted for a Democrat for the White House since 1980) the better his chances of winning in November. It's complicated enough that McCain has to sink resources in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida, let alone Georgia. Speaking of Ohio, no Republican has ever won the White House without Ohio.
It's been 2,677 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2,677 days since there has been an attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
McCain makes impression
The article below was published on FOXNews.com on June 18, 2008 by Dick Morris. Sign up to receive his free newsletter at dickmorris.com.
John McCain has drawn first blood in the political debate following Barack Obama's victory in the primaries. His call yesterday for offshore oil drilling — and Bush's decision to press the issue in Congress - puts the Democrats in the position of advocating the wear-your-sweater policies that made Jimmy Carter unpopular.
With gas prices nearing $5, all of the previous shibboleths need to be discarded. Where once voters in swing states like Florida opposed offshore drilling, the high gas prices are prompting them to reconsider. McCain's argument that even hurricane Katrina did not cause any oil spills from the offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico certainly will go far to allay the fears of the average voter.
For decades, Americans have dragged their feet when it comes to switching their cars, leaving their SUVs at home, and backing alternative energy development and new oil drilling. But the recent shock of a massive surge in oil and gasoline prices has awakened the nation from its complaisance. The soaring prices are the equivalent of Pearl Harbor in jolting us out of our trance when it comes to energy.
Suddenly, everything is on the table. Offshore drilling, Alaska drilling, nuclear power, wind, solar, flex-fuel cars, plug-in cars are all increasingly attractive options and John McCain seems alive to the need to go there while Obama is strangely passive. During the Democratic primary, he opposed a gas tax holiday and continues to be against offshore and Alaska drilling and squishy on nuclear power. That leaves turning down your thermostat and walking to work as the Democratic policies.
McCain has also been ratcheting up his attacks on oil speculators. With the total value of trades in oil futures soaring from $13 billion in 2003 to $260 billion today, it is increasingly clear that it is not the supply and demand for oil which is, alone, driving up the price, but it is the supply and demand for oil futures which is stoking the upward movement.
The Saudis have made a fatal mistake in not forcing down the price of oil. We could have gone for decades as their hostage, letting their control over our oil supplies choke us while enriching them. But they got greedy and let the price skyrocket. The sudden shock which has sent America reeling is just the stimulus we need for a massive movement away from imported oil and toward new types of cars.
The political will for major change in our energy policy is now here and those, like Obama, who don't get it need to rethink their positions. To quote FDR, “this great nation calls for action and action now” on the energy issue. What has been a back-burner problem now has moved onto center stage and McCain has put himself in the forefront.
The Democratic ambivalence stems from liberal concerns about climate change. The Party basically doesn't believe in carbon based energy and, therefore, opposes oil exploration. That's why Obama pushes the windfall profits tax on oil companies - a step that tells them “you drill, you find oil, and we'll take away your profits.” But Americans have their priorities in order: more oil, more drilling AND alternative energy sources, flex-fuel cars, plug in vehicles and nuclear power.
With his willingness to respond to the gas price crisis with bold measures, McCain shows himself to be a pragmatist while Obama comes off as an ideologue to puts climate change ahead of making it possible for the average American to get to work.
Of course, the high price of gas makes it inevitable that the US will lead the world in fighting climate change. With $5 gas, Americans will switch en masse to cars that burn less gasoline. Already we have cut our oil consumption by 500,000 barrels a day in the past year (about a 3% cut). The move away from oil will be exponential from here on out, dooming radical Islam and reversing climate change at the same time. But while we are getting new cars, we need more oil and McCain has flanked Obama on this issue. Big time.
It's been 2,676 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
John McCain has drawn first blood in the political debate following Barack Obama's victory in the primaries. His call yesterday for offshore oil drilling — and Bush's decision to press the issue in Congress - puts the Democrats in the position of advocating the wear-your-sweater policies that made Jimmy Carter unpopular.
With gas prices nearing $5, all of the previous shibboleths need to be discarded. Where once voters in swing states like Florida opposed offshore drilling, the high gas prices are prompting them to reconsider. McCain's argument that even hurricane Katrina did not cause any oil spills from the offshore rigs in the Gulf of Mexico certainly will go far to allay the fears of the average voter.
For decades, Americans have dragged their feet when it comes to switching their cars, leaving their SUVs at home, and backing alternative energy development and new oil drilling. But the recent shock of a massive surge in oil and gasoline prices has awakened the nation from its complaisance. The soaring prices are the equivalent of Pearl Harbor in jolting us out of our trance when it comes to energy.
Suddenly, everything is on the table. Offshore drilling, Alaska drilling, nuclear power, wind, solar, flex-fuel cars, plug-in cars are all increasingly attractive options and John McCain seems alive to the need to go there while Obama is strangely passive. During the Democratic primary, he opposed a gas tax holiday and continues to be against offshore and Alaska drilling and squishy on nuclear power. That leaves turning down your thermostat and walking to work as the Democratic policies.
McCain has also been ratcheting up his attacks on oil speculators. With the total value of trades in oil futures soaring from $13 billion in 2003 to $260 billion today, it is increasingly clear that it is not the supply and demand for oil which is, alone, driving up the price, but it is the supply and demand for oil futures which is stoking the upward movement.
The Saudis have made a fatal mistake in not forcing down the price of oil. We could have gone for decades as their hostage, letting their control over our oil supplies choke us while enriching them. But they got greedy and let the price skyrocket. The sudden shock which has sent America reeling is just the stimulus we need for a massive movement away from imported oil and toward new types of cars.
The political will for major change in our energy policy is now here and those, like Obama, who don't get it need to rethink their positions. To quote FDR, “this great nation calls for action and action now” on the energy issue. What has been a back-burner problem now has moved onto center stage and McCain has put himself in the forefront.
The Democratic ambivalence stems from liberal concerns about climate change. The Party basically doesn't believe in carbon based energy and, therefore, opposes oil exploration. That's why Obama pushes the windfall profits tax on oil companies - a step that tells them “you drill, you find oil, and we'll take away your profits.” But Americans have their priorities in order: more oil, more drilling AND alternative energy sources, flex-fuel cars, plug in vehicles and nuclear power.
With his willingness to respond to the gas price crisis with bold measures, McCain shows himself to be a pragmatist while Obama comes off as an ideologue to puts climate change ahead of making it possible for the average American to get to work.
Of course, the high price of gas makes it inevitable that the US will lead the world in fighting climate change. With $5 gas, Americans will switch en masse to cars that burn less gasoline. Already we have cut our oil consumption by 500,000 barrels a day in the past year (about a 3% cut). The move away from oil will be exponential from here on out, dooming radical Islam and reversing climate change at the same time. But while we are getting new cars, we need more oil and McCain has flanked Obama on this issue. Big time.
It's been 2,676 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Russert laid to rest
Yesterday, the Russert family laid Tim to rest. We'll miss him!
It's been 2,673 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2,673 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
McCain calls for nuclear reactors
John McCain may be finally getting it, at least in terms of understanding the energy crunch most Americans are experiencing as a result of soaring gas prices. On the stump today McCain called for the US to build 45 nuclear reactors by 2030. Currently, the US gets 20% of its energy from nuclear power but the problem is we have not built a new reactor since the late 1970s. Compare this with the French, who generate over 80% of their energy from nuclear power, and you can see the rub. For more info on this story go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080618/ap_on_el_pr/mccain
It's been 2,672 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2,672 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Oil, oil, oil
President Bush today called on Congress to allow offshore drilling in the US for the first time in over thirty years. Of course, Democrats in Congress rejected the idea as the average gallon of gas remains over $4.00 . Dick Morris has an interesting column out today on "The Hill" published through dickmorris.com. It's chock full of insight. And, as usual, he's correct.
"Gas prices are the first important issue in the 2008 elections. But both parties have been pathetic in their solutions and, one suspects, in their understanding of what is going on.
Democrats call for windfall profits taxes. Bad idea. How can you get oil companies to explore and drill if you tax away their profits? Republicans focus on a gas tax “holiday,” an 18-cent palliative to gas prices that now top $4.50.
Fadel Gheit, managing director of oil and gas research for Oppenheimer and Co., and Jim Norman, author of the book The Oil Card, coming out next month, say that speculation is responsible for a huge part of the run-up in prices. The growing demand for oil by India and China and the instability of oil supplies certainly account for much of the increase. But the recent spike, they say, is equally due to the weakness of the dollar and massive speculation.
They argue that oil prices are, indeed, determined by supply and demand — not only the supply and demand for oil, but also the supply and demand for oil futures. (Oil futures are a commitment to buy 1,000 barrels of oil at a certain date at a certain price.)
Formerly, most of the investments in oil futures came from energy companies. The federal Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sharply limited investments by those outside the business, to prevent precisely the kind of speculation now gripping the market. But when the stock market slowed down in 2000–2002, outside investors decided to speculate in oil futures.
The new players were institutional investors like corporate and government pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, university endowments and other investors, guided by brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. To avoid the CFTC caps, these investors moved their operations to London, setting up the International Commodities Exchange. Now they can buy all the oil futures they want.
Michael W. Masters, of Masters Capital Management, told Congress that the volume of investment in commodities futures soared from $13 billion at the end of 2003 to $260 billion by March of 2008. After a while, the CFTC rescinded its limits on how much speculators could buy as long as they went through special “swap” desks at the major brokerage houses. You can buy oil futures for only 5 percent down on margin, a bargain considering the 50 percent margin requirement for stock market equity investments. Because the margin requirement on oil futures rises as the due date approaches, few investors actually end up buying the oil; they just roll over their investments.
So the willingness of sellers to unload their oil futures, and of buyers to acquire them, sets up its own market of supply and demand that has more to do with determining the actual price of oil than even the global demand and supply for the product itself.
On May 20 of this year, Masters told Congress: “Commodities futures prices are the benchmark for the prices of actual physical commodities, so when index speculators drive futures prices higher, the effects are felt immediately in spot prices and the real economy. So there is a direct link between commodities futures prices and the prices your constituents are paying for essential goods.”
Gheit and Norman suggest that the CFTC regulate the domestic oil futures market (NYMEX) and the participation of U.S. companies in the ICE, restoring the caps on the amount of oil futures speculators can buy. Gheit also urges raising margin requirements for them.
Both worry that the oil futures bubble is going to burst and cost a lot of investors — particularly pension funds who channel their investments through the swap desks of the brokerage houses. We don’t need another sub-prime or savings-and-loan crisis on our hands right now. The Senate recently tried to force CFTC regulation of all commodities speculators, but the bill was loaded down with a windfall profits tax, so the Republicans killed it.
John McCain needs to get with this program. In his town hall meeting in New York City last Thursday night, he attacked speculators for driving up oil prices but didn’t propose remedies or really explain the problem. Americans will pay close attention if he does. For McCain, this is the issue and now is the time to use it."
"Gas prices are the first important issue in the 2008 elections. But both parties have been pathetic in their solutions and, one suspects, in their understanding of what is going on.
Democrats call for windfall profits taxes. Bad idea. How can you get oil companies to explore and drill if you tax away their profits? Republicans focus on a gas tax “holiday,” an 18-cent palliative to gas prices that now top $4.50.
Fadel Gheit, managing director of oil and gas research for Oppenheimer and Co., and Jim Norman, author of the book The Oil Card, coming out next month, say that speculation is responsible for a huge part of the run-up in prices. The growing demand for oil by India and China and the instability of oil supplies certainly account for much of the increase. But the recent spike, they say, is equally due to the weakness of the dollar and massive speculation.
They argue that oil prices are, indeed, determined by supply and demand — not only the supply and demand for oil, but also the supply and demand for oil futures. (Oil futures are a commitment to buy 1,000 barrels of oil at a certain date at a certain price.)
Formerly, most of the investments in oil futures came from energy companies. The federal Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sharply limited investments by those outside the business, to prevent precisely the kind of speculation now gripping the market. But when the stock market slowed down in 2000–2002, outside investors decided to speculate in oil futures.
The new players were institutional investors like corporate and government pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, university endowments and other investors, guided by brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. To avoid the CFTC caps, these investors moved their operations to London, setting up the International Commodities Exchange. Now they can buy all the oil futures they want.
Michael W. Masters, of Masters Capital Management, told Congress that the volume of investment in commodities futures soared from $13 billion at the end of 2003 to $260 billion by March of 2008. After a while, the CFTC rescinded its limits on how much speculators could buy as long as they went through special “swap” desks at the major brokerage houses. You can buy oil futures for only 5 percent down on margin, a bargain considering the 50 percent margin requirement for stock market equity investments. Because the margin requirement on oil futures rises as the due date approaches, few investors actually end up buying the oil; they just roll over their investments.
So the willingness of sellers to unload their oil futures, and of buyers to acquire them, sets up its own market of supply and demand that has more to do with determining the actual price of oil than even the global demand and supply for the product itself.
On May 20 of this year, Masters told Congress: “Commodities futures prices are the benchmark for the prices of actual physical commodities, so when index speculators drive futures prices higher, the effects are felt immediately in spot prices and the real economy. So there is a direct link between commodities futures prices and the prices your constituents are paying for essential goods.”
Gheit and Norman suggest that the CFTC regulate the domestic oil futures market (NYMEX) and the participation of U.S. companies in the ICE, restoring the caps on the amount of oil futures speculators can buy. Gheit also urges raising margin requirements for them.
Both worry that the oil futures bubble is going to burst and cost a lot of investors — particularly pension funds who channel their investments through the swap desks of the brokerage houses. We don’t need another sub-prime or savings-and-loan crisis on our hands right now. The Senate recently tried to force CFTC regulation of all commodities speculators, but the bill was loaded down with a windfall profits tax, so the Republicans killed it.
John McCain needs to get with this program. In his town hall meeting in New York City last Thursday night, he attacked speculators for driving up oil prices but didn’t propose remedies or really explain the problem. Americans will pay close attention if he does. For McCain, this is the issue and now is the time to use it."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
September 10th mentality
AP published an excellent article today about just how out of touch Senator Obama is concerning national security by blaming the GOP for the fact that bin Laden is still on the loose. Senator McCain nailed when he said that Obama has a "September 10th" mentality. You can read more at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080617/ap_on_el_pr/mccain_obama
Remember, it's been 2,671 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Remember, it's been 2,671 since there's been a terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
The issue of the upcoming campaign
The following article was posted on redstate.com by Congressman Wally Herger. It is entitled "It's time to end our nation's embargo on domestic energy". Republicans would be doing themselves a huge favor if they made this THE issue in the upcoming general election. If you're interested in this issue, go to Newt Gingrich's "America's Solutions" website where he has posted a petition, "Drill Here, Drill Now, and Save Money". Gingrich's goal is to have 3 million signatures by inaugaration day to demonstrate to the new President and Congress just how serious the American public is about becoming more energy self-sufficient by exploring our own natural energy resources.
"Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats promised a commonsense solution to rising gas prices. A mere 18 months into Democratic control, gas has reached a painful $4 plus national average. But I certainly don’t want to give you the impression that the Congressional Democrats have stood idly by. Instead, they have been working on a plan that would make energy costs even higher.
We recently got a glimpse - albeit a brief one - of the Democrats' much heralded cap-and-trade global warming bill in the Senate. If there is any consensus in this debate it's that this bill is going to cost taxpayers trillions (you read that right) in higher energy costs.
What's frightening to me is that the Senate bill is the modest approach. A version recently introduced by Speaker Pelosi's hand-picked point person on energy and global warming, Rep. Ed Markey, is much more ambitious. House Republicans are demanding an open and thorough debate on this bill. If the Democrats' signature energy policy is estimated to raise gas prices and grow government by trillions, the American people deserve to hear about it.
Faced with growing outrage among the American people over today’s record prices, it was not surprising that the majority decided to shelve their costly climate change proposal indefinitely. What Democratic members haven’t shelved is their longstanding opposition to increasing American energy production. But a recent Rasmussen survey shows that 67% of the American people support the removal of our nation’s self-imposed embargo on domestic energy. I couldn’t agree more.
I stand with other House Republicans in supporting policies that would both lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. While there is clearly no magic solution that will solve our problems overnight, we can ease the gas crunch on Americans with safe, environmentally-responsible exploration of energy reserves in Alaska and deepwater areas. By increasing our own supply, we can make life easier for millions of hardworking American families. And only by taking this action immediately, will Congress begin to lay the foundation for lasting relief at the pumps."
"Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats promised a commonsense solution to rising gas prices. A mere 18 months into Democratic control, gas has reached a painful $4 plus national average. But I certainly don’t want to give you the impression that the Congressional Democrats have stood idly by. Instead, they have been working on a plan that would make energy costs even higher.
We recently got a glimpse - albeit a brief one - of the Democrats' much heralded cap-and-trade global warming bill in the Senate. If there is any consensus in this debate it's that this bill is going to cost taxpayers trillions (you read that right) in higher energy costs.
What's frightening to me is that the Senate bill is the modest approach. A version recently introduced by Speaker Pelosi's hand-picked point person on energy and global warming, Rep. Ed Markey, is much more ambitious. House Republicans are demanding an open and thorough debate on this bill. If the Democrats' signature energy policy is estimated to raise gas prices and grow government by trillions, the American people deserve to hear about it.
Faced with growing outrage among the American people over today’s record prices, it was not surprising that the majority decided to shelve their costly climate change proposal indefinitely. What Democratic members haven’t shelved is their longstanding opposition to increasing American energy production. But a recent Rasmussen survey shows that 67% of the American people support the removal of our nation’s self-imposed embargo on domestic energy. I couldn’t agree more.
I stand with other House Republicans in supporting policies that would both lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. While there is clearly no magic solution that will solve our problems overnight, we can ease the gas crunch on Americans with safe, environmentally-responsible exploration of energy reserves in Alaska and deepwater areas. By increasing our own supply, we can make life easier for millions of hardworking American families. And only by taking this action immediately, will Congress begin to lay the foundation for lasting relief at the pumps."
McCain reverses position, Gore endorses Obama
Senator John McCain reversed himself this week by saying he now supports offshore drilling for oil. He also supports the idea we need to conserve more if we are going to get through the current energy crunch. However, he still does not support drilling in ANWR though the technology is there to offset any environmental "footprint" that may be left behind. Of course, Democrats oppose the measure. Read more about McCain's reversal at http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080617/ts_nm/usa_politics_mccain_energy_dc;_ylt=AmT.aqMYY0Jpl1DSnmU4285h24cA
Speaking of the environment, former VP Al Gore endorsed Barack Obama last night in of all places, Michigan. Native Michiganders who have been mired in a one-state recession since 2000 must have been thrilled to have their tax-hiking, state-regulating Governor introduce the former VP who preaches saving the environment at the expense of jobs as he jets around the world in his own fuel-guzzling 747, while offering no prospects of how Michigan gets itself out of its economic downturn. It boggles the imagination that folks in Michigan continue to vote for Democrats election after election, who only raise taxes and still have a budget shortfall. Even though McCain blew it in January by saying the jobs lost in Michigan are not coming back, he has a real opportunity to take the Wolverine state from blue to red. Adding Mitt Romney to the ticket would help.
Speaking of the environment, former VP Al Gore endorsed Barack Obama last night in of all places, Michigan. Native Michiganders who have been mired in a one-state recession since 2000 must have been thrilled to have their tax-hiking, state-regulating Governor introduce the former VP who preaches saving the environment at the expense of jobs as he jets around the world in his own fuel-guzzling 747, while offering no prospects of how Michigan gets itself out of its economic downturn. It boggles the imagination that folks in Michigan continue to vote for Democrats election after election, who only raise taxes and still have a budget shortfall. Even though McCain blew it in January by saying the jobs lost in Michigan are not coming back, he has a real opportunity to take the Wolverine state from blue to red. Adding Mitt Romney to the ticket would help.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Historians say McCain cannot win
There's an interesting AP article out today comparing John McCain's chances of winning the White House to those of Hoover, Humphrey, and Carter. I guess we'll see soon enough in November. For the entire story go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080615/pl_politico/11090;_ylt=AsPeOXenh8Wpi0OCmocbiKLCw5R4
Today I grieve
I did not know Tim Russert personally but I always admired his journalism. He asked tough questions of conservative and liberal alike and I grew to like his show, "Meet the Press", and his appearances on MSNBC's myriad political shows. He was a political junkie who had great political insight, often right on the mark when most of his peers wandered far off the reservation.
However, what made me a big Tim Russert fan were his books, particularly, "Big Russ and Me". I always knew Russert did not grow up a child of privilege, but like me, he was someone from a blue collar background, from a tough blue collar city, who admired, respected, and loved his father enormously. I often wondered if we shared the same father since the descriptions he gave of his dad were mirror-images of my own. His books on life and fatherhood made my laugh, cry, and think all at the same time. He was an overweight father, like myself, who loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. On this Father's Day, as well celebrate fathers around the country, I tip my drink and my hat to Tim Russert who was taken from us far too soon.
So before you go to bed tonight make sure you tell your father, grandfather, step-father, father-in-law, or your kids, just how much you love them. Tim Russert's sudden passing proves just how precious life really is.
It's been 2,469 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God Bless.
However, what made me a big Tim Russert fan were his books, particularly, "Big Russ and Me". I always knew Russert did not grow up a child of privilege, but like me, he was someone from a blue collar background, from a tough blue collar city, who admired, respected, and loved his father enormously. I often wondered if we shared the same father since the descriptions he gave of his dad were mirror-images of my own. His books on life and fatherhood made my laugh, cry, and think all at the same time. He was an overweight father, like myself, who loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. On this Father's Day, as well celebrate fathers around the country, I tip my drink and my hat to Tim Russert who was taken from us far too soon.
So before you go to bed tonight make sure you tell your father, grandfather, step-father, father-in-law, or your kids, just how much you love them. Tim Russert's sudden passing proves just how precious life really is.
It's been 2,469 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God Bless.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Obama leads McCain
Democrat hopeful Barack Obama leads Republican John McCain 47%-41% in the latest NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll. What's semi-interesting as a carryover from his nomination battle with Hillary Clinton is that white men and suburban women (mostly white) favor McCain over Obama by substantial margins. There's also a movement afoot that many of Clinton's supporters will vote for McCain in November. Of course, what is not factored into the aforementioned poll is the impact of either the Nader or Barr campaigns on the race. Furthermore, Obama has obviously received a "post-nomination" bump in the polls as a result of becoming the Democrat's nominee. What will be interesting to see is how many Democrats will support Obama in November.
In the electoral college matchup Obama leads McCain 241-231 with some 66 electoral votes up for grabs. When we say "leads" we're counting states that are solidly or lean for either candidate. This year's election will come down again to a handful of key states, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, etc. as they did in 2000 and 2004. The interesting thing here is that John McCain is already on the townhall circuit this evening at 7:00 p.m. on Fox News. Town halls, more so than straight debates, are McCain's strong suit. That's probably why Obama rejected McCain's invitation to hold 10 joint town hall meetings across the US.
It's been 2,466 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God Bless.
In the electoral college matchup Obama leads McCain 241-231 with some 66 electoral votes up for grabs. When we say "leads" we're counting states that are solidly or lean for either candidate. This year's election will come down again to a handful of key states, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, etc. as they did in 2000 and 2004. The interesting thing here is that John McCain is already on the townhall circuit this evening at 7:00 p.m. on Fox News. Town halls, more so than straight debates, are McCain's strong suit. That's probably why Obama rejected McCain's invitation to hold 10 joint town hall meetings across the US.
It's been 2,466 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God Bless.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Legacy
I'm one of the 25% of the American population who still supports the President in Iraq. I realize it is an unpopular opinion to hold, but so be it. The thought of cutting and running from Iraq at this point offends my senses and sensibility. The surge is working whether the limousine media reports it or not. I agree with John McCain that we cannot withdraw until we have achieved victory whether it be 5 years, 25 years, or 100 years.
Unfortunately, President Bush has gone from a warrior during his first term in office to second-guessing his tough rhetoric on radical Islam as he looks for legacy, something all two term presidents have done from FDR to Reagan to Clinton. Bush now wonders if he could have done things differently to be viewed as a man of peace! As Bush nears the end of his second term he's now wondering if he should have chosen his language more carefully after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Perhaps he should have used the language of appeasement ? Perhaps he should have offered a summit to meet with bin Laden and other terrorists to discuss our differences? Perhaps he'd like to sit down with the President of Iran? Cuba? Venezuela?
This is the straw that has finally broken my back. It's become impossible to support President Bush. But there is a legacy here even though it's not well-reported or discussed on the campaign trail: it's been 2,465 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Sounds like a pretty good legacy to me. Good day and God Bless you President Bush!
Unfortunately, President Bush has gone from a warrior during his first term in office to second-guessing his tough rhetoric on radical Islam as he looks for legacy, something all two term presidents have done from FDR to Reagan to Clinton. Bush now wonders if he could have done things differently to be viewed as a man of peace! As Bush nears the end of his second term he's now wondering if he should have chosen his language more carefully after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Perhaps he should have used the language of appeasement ? Perhaps he should have offered a summit to meet with bin Laden and other terrorists to discuss our differences? Perhaps he'd like to sit down with the President of Iran? Cuba? Venezuela?
This is the straw that has finally broken my back. It's become impossible to support President Bush. But there is a legacy here even though it's not well-reported or discussed on the campaign trail: it's been 2,465 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Sounds like a pretty good legacy to me. Good day and God Bless you President Bush!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Obama's 50 state strategy
John McCain raised $21 million in May which was his best fundraising month of the campaign. The problem is that Barck Obama raised close to $100 million and will likely do so again in June. Being able to outspend McCain 5 to 1 Obama is embarking on a 50 state strategy similar to what George Bush did in 2000. While it is a risky strategy, just as it was for Bush back in 2000, Obama's enormous war-chest will actually make him competitive in all 50 states. McCain on the other hand has to figure out how he holds onto Bush's 31 states in 2004. So, while McCain may have dreams of winning states like California, he is better served spending his money in the battleground states as well as a couple of key blue states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
It's been 2,464 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2,464 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Gas prices hit all-time high
The avergae cost for a gallon of gasoline reached $4.00 today, the highest in US history. The fact of the matter is that Democrats continue to stonewall an unorganized Republican Party that is trying to force the debate that we need to drill here in the US and off our immediate shorelines. A poll conducted by Newt Gingrich's "American Solutions" website reports that 81% of Americans support new drilling here in the US. Unfortunately, the Democrats don't get the message. Forget the fact that the US government receives 15% for every gallon of gas that is pumped. Forget the fact that oil companies make a modest 4% for every gallon sold. Forget the fact that Democrats are supposed to be on the side of the poor and middle class in this country yet they now pay $4.00 a gallon on average. What we should remember is that we should open new oil wells here in the US for one reason alone: national security. The fact that we get oil from the Saudis, Venezuela, Russia, etc. puts the US in a precarious position. Science has proven that we have enough coal here in the US for over 300 years. We have enough natural gas for over 100 years. And, we have enough oil, if we're willing to drill for it, for at least a 100 years as well. Senator John McCain, and the Republicans for that matter, can capitalize on this issue if they would only present the American people a short and long term energy plan, one that includes developing alternative energy sources as we drill for oil.
It's been 2,463 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
It's been 2,463 days since there was terrorist attack on US soil. Good day and God bless.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
McCain eyeing Wisconsin race
In an AP story today, John McCain's campaign is eyeing a judge's race in Wisconsin as a blueprint for how Republicans can win the state for the first time since 1984. The AP reports "Republican operatives are closely studying how circuit judge Michael Gableman, a conservative candidate from Webster in far northwest Wisconsin who never ran a statewide race before, was able to oust a more liberal sitting Supreme Court justice in April. They believe his win provides a guide for McCain to become the first Republican to carry the state since Ronald Reagan in 1984 and capture its 10 electoral votes. Democrats John Kerry and Al Gore each won Wisconsin by a few thousand votes. Republicans have tried to figure out how to get over the hump ever since. " Don't you have to be a conservative to have an interest in this race?
Also, has any one grown sick of Keith Olbermann and his show "Countdown"? Night after night Mr. Olbermann's brand of journalism smacks of far left liberal bias while reporting quite negatively on anything "Bush". To be fair, some of Mr. Olbermann's critique of Bush is well-deserved. However, Mr. Olbermann's segment at the end of the show about how many days it's been since Bush declared "Mission Accomplished" is tiresome. Mr. Olbermann, instead of reporting on how many days it's been since Bush's mission accomplished faus paux, how about ending your show on another number: 2,462, as in it's been 2,462 days the US has had terrorist attack on its own soil. Mr. Olbermann, perhaps you should give Mr. Bush some credit for securing the homeland against further terrorist attack? Just a thought! Mr. Olbermann, I think I liked you better as a sports anchor on ESPN. "Good day and God Bless".
Also, has any one grown sick of Keith Olbermann and his show "Countdown"? Night after night Mr. Olbermann's brand of journalism smacks of far left liberal bias while reporting quite negatively on anything "Bush". To be fair, some of Mr. Olbermann's critique of Bush is well-deserved. However, Mr. Olbermann's segment at the end of the show about how many days it's been since Bush declared "Mission Accomplished" is tiresome. Mr. Olbermann, instead of reporting on how many days it's been since Bush's mission accomplished faus paux, how about ending your show on another number: 2,462, as in it's been 2,462 days the US has had terrorist attack on its own soil. Mr. Olbermann, perhaps you should give Mr. Bush some credit for securing the homeland against further terrorist attack? Just a thought! Mr. Olbermann, I think I liked you better as a sports anchor on ESPN. "Good day and God Bless".
Friday, June 6, 2008
McCain on the economy
John McCain apparently has given up his "straight talk" for a more populist message about the economy. You'll remember back in January before the Michigan primary, McCain told Michigan voters that the jobs they are used to, namely in the automobile industry, were lost and were not coming back. Fast forward six months, now that he's the nominee and is facing off against Obama and his charisma and message of hope, McCain is playing the "populist card" by saying that new jobs are on the way. What a difference six months makes. You can read more about this story at
http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080605/pl_bloomberg/aohhwjnpsela;_ylt=AvJFC3rAQmoX3gvi9HcsY5dh24cA
http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080605/pl_bloomberg/aohhwjnpsela;_ylt=AvJFC3rAQmoX3gvi9HcsY5dh24cA
Why Clinton lost
Pundits have begun spinning why Hillary Clinton lost to Barack Obama. Linda Friedman in "The Christian Science Monitor" writes,
"The New York senator based her initial message on inevitability, toughness, and experience when the public was clamoring for change. She underestimated the importance of small caucus states, barely competing in some, and allowed Barack Obama to rack up a lead in pledged delegates that proved impossible to overcome. She assumed she would have the nomination wrapped up on Feb. 5, Super Tuesday, and when she didn't, had to scramble to organize and raise more money. She got beaten by Senator Obama in Internet fundraising and organizing. And her husband, the former president, proved at crucial times to be a liability".
One reason why Clinton did not lose was gender. Women, particular middle-aged and older white women, supported Clinton in droves. The question becomes whether Clinton and her female supporters will support Obama.
"The New York senator based her initial message on inevitability, toughness, and experience when the public was clamoring for change. She underestimated the importance of small caucus states, barely competing in some, and allowed Barack Obama to rack up a lead in pledged delegates that proved impossible to overcome. She assumed she would have the nomination wrapped up on Feb. 5, Super Tuesday, and when she didn't, had to scramble to organize and raise more money. She got beaten by Senator Obama in Internet fundraising and organizing. And her husband, the former president, proved at crucial times to be a liability".
One reason why Clinton did not lose was gender. Women, particular middle-aged and older white women, supported Clinton in droves. The question becomes whether Clinton and her female supporters will support Obama.
Senate blocks bill
The Senate blocked a global warming bill today that would have drastically restructured the American economy. Democrats fell 12 votes short of a filibuster-proof majority. Both Barck Obama and John McCain were absent for the vote. Unfortunately, John McCain would have supported the bill again demonstrating just how out-of-step he is with conservatives. You can read more about this story at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080606/ap_on_go_co/climate_congress;_ylt=AjNNfDvJpnIuhz.VMEf.MQqOe8UF
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Where have all the Republicans gone?
There's a fascinating article out today by Rasmussen entitled "Where have all the Republicans gone?" Because of the excitement generated by the Obama and Clinton campaigns coupled by the President's low approval ratings, registered Democrats outpace registered Republicans by over 10%. If McCain wants to win in November not only will he need the Republican base to come out in force, but he'll also need a majority of Independents as well as disenfranchised Democrats. It's quite amazing how much has changed over the past eight years. You can read more about this story at http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/party_affiliation/partisan_trends
What does Clinton want?
Hillary Clinton will endorse Barack Obama on Friday but she will not waive the right to have her name placed into nomination at the Democrat's convention in August. So much for conceding defeat! So, what does she want? First off, there are reports coming out today speculating that Clinton wants more respect from Obama. Clinton has felt during the campaign that the Obama campaign has not respected the junior Senator from NY as much as she thinks she deserves. Second, Clinton may want to negotiate that the Obama campaign retire most or all of Clinton's debt. While Clinton won a number of primaries down the stretch she did not raise as much money as Obama and finds her campaign in the red. Retiring Clinton's debt would be a gesture of goodwill. Third, Clinton may want a position in the administration if she is not the VP candidate. Such a position would require Senate confirmation, where she is not popular, but would allow her to continue to work on her own legacy. Fourth, Clinton may want a seat on the US Supreme Court. Such an appointment, while contentious, would allow her to affect policy from the bench. Finally, Clinton would accept the VP spot if it would "help the Democrats" in November. This is unlikely but politics does make strange bedfellows and would certainly unite the Democrats against John McCain in November.
The "Barr" factor
Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr will be a force in November and could syphon votes away from John McCain. For example, Barr is polling at 6% in North Carolina, a potential battleground state in November. Furthermore, Barr not only appeals to Libertarian voters, but independents as well. If John McCain loses the independent vote in enough key states, he won't win in November. You can read more about Bob Barr at http://www.bobbarr2008.com/.
Why Clinton lost the nomination
There's a great AP story out today about how Hillary Clinton lost the Democrat nomination. The article explains that Democrats preferred change (Obama) over experience (Clinton). You can read the full article at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080604/ap_on_el_pr/how_clinton_lost
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Possible Democrat VP Candidates
According to Reuters, Barack Obama has begun the VP search hiring long-time Democrat and former head of Fannie Mae, Jim Johnson, to lead the search. Based on that same report from Reuters, here's a list of potential VP candidates including Hillary Clinton:
* Joseph Biden, 65 - The senator from Delaware, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is a respected foreign policy expert who would give Obama authority on the issue. But Obama might not want to add a second senator to the ticket, and could be looking for a fresher face to reinforce his message that this election is about change and the future.
* Wesley Clark, 63 - A retired Army general and former NATO commander who ran unsuccessfully for the presidential nomination in 2004, Clark is a supporter of Hillary Clinton who could help rally the party and provide a boost on national security issues. But he did not run a strong campaign in 2004 and he would be unlikely to generate much enthusiasm among party activists.
* Hillary Clinton, 60 - Polls have shown strong Democratic support for a "dream team" ticket of Obama and Clinton, his top rival for the nomination. Obama has not ruled out the option, which would help unify the party after a grueling nominating battle. But Clinton also would bring complications, including the return of former President Bill Clinton to the White House. A joint ticket could help attract some of Clinton's supporters -- including women and white working-class Democrats -- who have been reluctant to support Obama.
* Chris Dodd, 64 - The Connecticut senator, a fluent Spanish speaker and expert in Latin American issues, is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and a former foe for the presidential nomination who quickly endorsed Obama after dropping out. He would help bolster Obama's foreign policy and economic credentials, but presents many of the same drawbacks as Biden.
* Chuck Hagel, 61 - The Republican senator from Nebraska, a conservative Vietnam veteran but outspoken critic of the Iraq war, would help Obama reach out to independents and Republicans and reinforce his promise to bridge partisan divides.
* Tim Kaine, 50 - The Virginia governor was one of Obama's earliest and strongest supporters and could help him in a state that traditionally has been Republican in presidential elections but has been turning Democratic in recent years.
* Sam Nunn, 69 - The former Armed Services Committee chairman from Georgia is a respected foreign and military policy voice, but his age and conservative view on some social issues might make him an awkward fit with Obama.
* Ed Rendell, 64 - The Pennsylvania governor has been one of Clinton's strongest campaigners and he could help woo her supporters and help deliver a key state. A former district attorney and the mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell has executive experience that could help Obama.
* Bill Richardson, 60 - New Mexico governor, a Hispanic, could help with Latino vote -- the fastest-growing segment of the electorate and a potentially vital voting bloc. A seasoned negotiator, the former energy secretary and U.N. ambassador would also bring foreign policy experience to the ticket as well as inside knowledge of how Washington works.
* Kathleen Sebelius, 60 - Two-term governor of Kansas could bring some vital elements to the ticket: she's a woman and as the leader of a mostly Republican state has shown she can work across party lines. But she is largely untested on the national stage.
* Ted Strickland, 66 - The governor of Ohio is another strong Clinton supporter who comes from a battleground state. A former U.S. congressman, the first-term governor is not well-known nationally.
* Jim Webb, 62 - The first-term Virginia senator, Vietnam veteran and former secretary of the Navy has written seven novels, including "Fields of Fire," considered one of the best novels about the Vietnam War. Webb could help Obama in a state that has turned more Democratic in recent years.
* Joseph Biden, 65 - The senator from Delaware, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is a respected foreign policy expert who would give Obama authority on the issue. But Obama might not want to add a second senator to the ticket, and could be looking for a fresher face to reinforce his message that this election is about change and the future.
* Wesley Clark, 63 - A retired Army general and former NATO commander who ran unsuccessfully for the presidential nomination in 2004, Clark is a supporter of Hillary Clinton who could help rally the party and provide a boost on national security issues. But he did not run a strong campaign in 2004 and he would be unlikely to generate much enthusiasm among party activists.
* Hillary Clinton, 60 - Polls have shown strong Democratic support for a "dream team" ticket of Obama and Clinton, his top rival for the nomination. Obama has not ruled out the option, which would help unify the party after a grueling nominating battle. But Clinton also would bring complications, including the return of former President Bill Clinton to the White House. A joint ticket could help attract some of Clinton's supporters -- including women and white working-class Democrats -- who have been reluctant to support Obama.
* Chris Dodd, 64 - The Connecticut senator, a fluent Spanish speaker and expert in Latin American issues, is the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and a former foe for the presidential nomination who quickly endorsed Obama after dropping out. He would help bolster Obama's foreign policy and economic credentials, but presents many of the same drawbacks as Biden.
* Chuck Hagel, 61 - The Republican senator from Nebraska, a conservative Vietnam veteran but outspoken critic of the Iraq war, would help Obama reach out to independents and Republicans and reinforce his promise to bridge partisan divides.
* Tim Kaine, 50 - The Virginia governor was one of Obama's earliest and strongest supporters and could help him in a state that traditionally has been Republican in presidential elections but has been turning Democratic in recent years.
* Sam Nunn, 69 - The former Armed Services Committee chairman from Georgia is a respected foreign and military policy voice, but his age and conservative view on some social issues might make him an awkward fit with Obama.
* Ed Rendell, 64 - The Pennsylvania governor has been one of Clinton's strongest campaigners and he could help woo her supporters and help deliver a key state. A former district attorney and the mayor of Philadelphia, Rendell has executive experience that could help Obama.
* Bill Richardson, 60 - New Mexico governor, a Hispanic, could help with Latino vote -- the fastest-growing segment of the electorate and a potentially vital voting bloc. A seasoned negotiator, the former energy secretary and U.N. ambassador would also bring foreign policy experience to the ticket as well as inside knowledge of how Washington works.
* Kathleen Sebelius, 60 - Two-term governor of Kansas could bring some vital elements to the ticket: she's a woman and as the leader of a mostly Republican state has shown she can work across party lines. But she is largely untested on the national stage.
* Ted Strickland, 66 - The governor of Ohio is another strong Clinton supporter who comes from a battleground state. A former U.S. congressman, the first-term governor is not well-known nationally.
* Jim Webb, 62 - The first-term Virginia senator, Vietnam veteran and former secretary of the Navy has written seven novels, including "Fields of Fire," considered one of the best novels about the Vietnam War. Webb could help Obama in a state that has turned more Democratic in recent years.
Obama is the nominee
Senator Barack Obama went over the top Tuesday night before the results were in from either Montana or South Dakota. AP reports that based on exit polls in both states and pledged superdelegates who are now coming out of the woodwork, Obama has 2,128 delegates, 10 more than the minimum. All eyes now turn to Hillary Clinton and what she will say tonight from New York. AP reports that Clinton may be interested in the VP slop saying "I am open to it if it would help the party's prospects in November". While Obama is having a problem attracting Hispanics and working class whites, he should reject Clinton as his VP simply because the Clintons will view this as a co-presidency and perhaps work to undermine Obama and his inexperience. A safer bet for Obama would be popular Virginia Governor Tim Kaine who could help deliver Virginia in November or possibly Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana who could deliver the Hoosier state. Clinton brings a lot of baggage to the ticket especially in the form of Bill Clinton. The thought of Bill Clinton back in the White House with nothing to do is a scary thought.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Democrats only partly to blame
If you listen to conservative talk radio, some of the latest talking points revolve around the "do-nothing Democrat Congress". If we are going to be "intellectually honest" we need to extend the analysis a bit further. Conservative talkers suggest that the problems our country faces, namely high gas prices, large deficits, the situation in Iraq, the housing crisis, inflation, etc., are a direct result of the 2006 elections whereby the Democrats took control of Congress. The assumption conservative Kool-aid drinkers want us to believe is that the"new" Democrat Congress passed certain bills, which President Bush signed into law, which created all of the aforementioned problems. The fact of the matter is that President Bush, his administration, and the Republican Congress leading up to 2006 abandoned the basic conservative principle of fiscal responsibility. The government's excessive spending, mostly under Republican leadership, at home and abroad in Iraq, coupled with poor monetary policy which has greatly reduced the value of the dollar, have placed us in this economic predicament. For example, borrowing money from China to give most Americans some form of rebate, which we can then turn around to purchase Chinese goods, is a failed strategy and will not stimulate the economy. Until the government gets its economic house in order with sound fiscal and monetary policy that balances the budget, the US economy will continue to suffer no matter which party is in charge. You can take that to the bank!
Clinton all but out
Despite Hillary Clinton's impressive win in Puerto Rico on Sunday, Barack Obama will be the Democrat's presidential nominee. Clinton would have to win just about 90% of the remaining pledged and superdelegates to wrestle the nomination away from Obama. Between now and the end of the primary process Tuesday evening, Obama should reach the 2,118 delegates needed to nominate. Hopefully, Clinton's speech tomorrow from New York will be a concession speech and not an attempt to drag this thing to Denver in August. No one, not even most Democrats, is buying her tired argument that she has a path to the nomination because she's won more of the popular vote and that she's more electable than Obama. It is a tough pill to swallow but the Clintons have to realize that they have lost this fight and need to move on to preserve whatever dignity and legacy remains.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Obama won't go to Iraq
Senator Barack Obama has rejected a joint visit to Iraq with Senator John McCain as a political stunt. While John McCain cintinues to mis-speak about matters of national security, i.e., troop levels are currently below pre-surge levels, McCain is correct when he says the surge is working and things are continuing to improve in Iraq. In fact, US casualties are at their lowest point since 2003. Perhaps Obama does not want to go to Iraq because he will witness improving conditions since the war started thus weakening his argument that the he will withdraw US troops soon after he's elected. Obviously, such a strategy would be catastrophic and only demonstrates the Senator's naivete in matters of national security.
Clinton wins Puerto Rico, loses nomination
Hillary Clinton has won Puerto Rico's primary, but has lost the nomination. However, she hasn't realized it and will continue the fight, perhaps all the way to the convention in August. Claiming that she will have garnered more of the popular vote than Obama, and that she is the only won who can defeat John McCain, Clinton failes to realize that by the end of Tuesday's South Dakota primary, Obama will have reached the magic number of 2,118 delegates and superdelegates. Continuing the fight all the way to the convention will continue to fragment the Democrat Party and possibly cost them the White House in an election where they will pick up seats in both the House and Senate.
League of Democracies
John McCain has endorsed the concept of a new global compact of more than 100 democratic countries to advance shared views and has discussed the idea with French and British leaders. Such a compact called the "League of Democracies" appears to be picking up momentum as a blunt to the Bush administration's neoconservative policies of preemption and unilateralism. As the world has grown weary of Bush's "cowboy diplomacy", McCain's "League" will act where the UN cannot or refuses. As such, this new compact would remain outside of the influence of Moscow and Beijing which both have veto power on the UN Security Council. As such, the League of Democracies could act in places such as Darfur or on important global issues like global warming. Such an idea sounds good on paper but does the world have the stomach for more US-led intiatives?
Vote "no" to Lieberman-Warner
The Heritage Foundation has just produced a report on the impact of the Lieberman-Warner bill which will is scheduled for a Senate floor vote this week. This bill is being advertised as a tool to help prevent global warning. However, such a bill will only cost consumers more money at the pump while having little effect on containing the effects of global warming. Click on the link below to find out how much it will cost Georgians if it becomes law at
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/wm1930-Georgia.cfm
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/wm1930-Georgia.cfm
Obama's the nominee?
At the end of the South Dakota primary on Tuesday, Barack Obama will be the Democrat nominee for President of the United States. As expected, the Democrat Rules Committee agreed to seat both the Florida and Michigan delegations at their convention in August but only half of each state's delegates will count. The net result overall: Hillary Clinton picks up only 24 delegates which all but gives Obama the nomination. In a gesture of party unity, once Obama reaches the necessary number of delegates to nominate, 2,118, Mrs. Clinton should concede the nomination and step aside gracefully. She has bright future in the Demcrat Party as Governor of New York or future Senate Majority leader and could run again for the presidency in 2012 if Obama loses in November. However, Mrs. Clinton's may take the nomination fight all the way to the convention if she ends up with more of the popular vote than Obama. Such a selfish act will only benefit one candidate, John McCain.
Politicians out of touch
The price for a barrel of oil is at an all time. People are paying record prices at the pump. The US is becoming more dependent on foreign oil every day. So, what is Congress' response? Nothing. Our politicians are held hostage by a small, but vocal minority who will not allow companies to build new nuclear power plants, oil refineries, or to drill for oil any where in the continental United States or off our shores. What is truly maddening is countries like China are drilling for oil closer to our shores than we can! Meanwhile, we remain dependent on oil from unreliable sources like OPEC, which includes Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela, countries that can bring the United States to its knees if any one of them cuts its supply. Our leaders need to find the courage to abandon the failed policies that have been in place for the past 30 years to allow energy companies to drill for oil here in the United States.
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