Saturday, September 13, 2008
Obama Won't Appear on SNL
Barack Obama has cancelled a scheduled appearance on Saturday Night Live tonight because of Hurricane Ike.
Sphere: Related ContentObama Camp: McCain Running Sleaziest Campaign in History
From Ben Smith:
Sphere: Related ContentObama spokesman Bill Burton puts out a scorching statement:
“We will take no lectures from John McCain who is cynically running the sleaziest and least honorable campaign in modern Presidential campaign history. His discredited ads with disgusting lies are running all over the country today. He runs a campaign not worthy of the office he is seeking,” said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton.
Friday, September 12, 2008
If You Need a Good Cry...
John Stewart's amazing comments on the first Daily Show after the 9/11 attacks. It may be a day late, but worth watching.
Not So Rosy View
John McCain didn't get a very warm reception from Joy Behar (with an assist from Barbara Walters)on the View today. Watch for Hasselback's uncomfortable seat shifting. From Huffington Post:
The ladies of "The View" confronted John McCain today for lying in recent attack ads. In arguably his toughest interview yet, View co-host Joy Behar asked McCain:
"There are ads running from your campaign... Now we know that those two ads are untrue, they are lies. And yet, you at the end of it say you approve these messages. Do you really approve these? Barbara then threw in her condemnation, by telling McCain: "You, yourself said the same thing about putting lipstick on a pig..."
Watch McCain try and explain the lies:
For that exchange as well as other heated ones, go HERE. Sphere: Related ContentMcCain was also pushed on his stance on abortion, saying he thought Roe v. Wade was a bad decision. Saying he'd nominate justices who interpret the constitution, Whoopi asked if that meant she'd be returned to slavery.
Olbermann's Favorite AP Writer Calls Out McCain
You may remember Olbermann calling out an AP reporter for his less than enthusiastic response to Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Olbermann said:
"It is analysis that strikes me as having borne no resemblance to the speech you and I just watched. None whatsoever. And for it to be distributed by the lone national news organization in terms of wire copy to newspapers around the country and web sites is a remarkable failure of that news organization.
"Charles Babington, find new work."
Well, we can now report that Mr. Babington did not find new work, and has in fact blistered the McCain campaign today with a tough critique:
I don't think Olbermann will object to those comments. Sphere: Related ContentThe "Straight Talk Express" has detoured into doublespeak.
Republican presidential nominee John McCain, a self-proclaimed tell-it-like-it-is maverick, keeps saying his running mate, Sarah Palin, killed the federally funded Bridge to Nowhere when, in fact, she pulled her support only after the project became a political embarrassment. He accuses Democrat Barack Obama of calling Palin a pig, which did not happen. He says Obama would raise nearly everyone's taxes, when independent groups say 80 percent of families would get tax cuts instead.
Even in a political culture accustomed to truth-stretching, McCain's skirting of facts has stood out this week. It has infuriated and flustered Obama's campaign, and campaign pros are watching to see how much voters disregard news reports noting factual holes in the claims.
All Pretense of Polite Campaigning Gone with New Ads
First, Obama mocks McCain's computer illiteracy.
Then, McCain takes away Obama's "celebrity" title and bestows it on Palin.
McCain is not so subtly going with pretty big racial undertones by calling Obama "disrespectful" to a white woman, Sarah Palin.
Quote of the Day
"The only difference between George Bush and Sarah Palin is......Lipstick! Obama is more of a Republican than these two jokers."
posted by "Mad Republican" on politico.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Other "Gotcha" Questions Gibson Could've Asked
Reportedly, Rudy Giuliani, reacting to Palin's inability to articulate what the heck the Bush Doctrine is, said that the question by Gibson was a "gotcha" question. Gibson literally asked her, "Do you agree with the Bush Doctrine?" She had no idea what that was, and couldn't answer it. You can see video of it HERE. I've decided to pose some other "gotcha" questions that she could've been asked.
1.What country is Russian President Putin in charge of?
2. Is South America south of America?
3. Is Australia a continent or a country?
4. In what city was the Berlin wall?
5. What country does the Al Saud royal family control?
Indecision 2008 has this great line about Palin's inability to articulate the most important foreign policy doctrine of the last decade:
Sphere: Related ContentI can totally sympathize with a small town mayor/hockey mom/pitbull with lipstick not knowing what The Bush Doctrine is.
But when the possible 45th President of the United States doesn't know what it is, I start looking up instructions for building personal bomb shelters.
Barack Obama to Appear on SNL
Barack Obama will make an appearance on Saturday Night Live this Saturday, September 13. Michael Phelps will be the host.
Sphere: Related ContentBill O'Reilly Defends Obama's "Lipstick" Comment
Bill O'Reilly led off tonight's episode of The Factor with a pointed critique of the latest small-minded content of the news cycle, criticizing the McCain campaign both in terms of character and tactics, slagging the media for pressing the story senselessly, and largely absolving Obama - though perhaps with faint praise: his "Obama doesn't like confrontation" statement seems out of joint with last week's insistence that the Illinois Senator was "tough" and "not a wimp."
Nevertheless, O'Reilly very clearly stipulated that there was no evidence that Obama intended to make any sort of sexist remark.
This being Bill O'Reilly, the content naturally managed to slag Daily Kos and NBC News.
Video HERE. Sphere: Related Content
Holy Crap! Palin Doesn't Know What the Bush Doctrine Is!
You're average American may not know what the Bush Doctrine is, but a candidate for Vice President of the United States sure as hell better know what it is. Unfortunately, Sarah Palin did not. Get ready for some uncomfortable TV.
That's like the essay question you get on the final exam and you have no idea so you try and bullshit your way through it only to realize when you get home and look at your notes that your answer was nowhere near what the teacher wanted. To put it another way, you realize you were flat out wrong.
According to the Huffington Post, Palin had this other insightful statement to make:
Later in the interview, Palin was asked why exactly being the governor of Alaska made her an expert on Russia -- a claim that the McCain campaign has used to justify her national security bonafides. Her response was to cite geographic proximity, claiming that from some points in her home state, one could actually see the increasingly confrontational nation.
PALIN: We have to keep our eyes on Russia. Under the leadership there.
GIBSON: What insight into Russian actions does the proximity of the state give you?
PALIN: They're our next door neighbors. And you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska.
Good Lord. You can see Russia from Alaska so you're qualified to handle World War III? I can see my next door neighbor's house from where I live, but I sure as hell don't know what goes on inside or how best to handle any problems they're having getting along with other neighbors.
Get ready for the Republican spin machine to go into overdrive. You'll start hearing about how Gibson's question about the Bush Doctrine was a "gotcha" question and that it was unfair of Gibson to ask it. I think the look on his face when she clearly didn't know the answer is proof enough that he did not intend in any way shape or form for this to be a "gotcha" question. It's not like he asked her to name the successor to Kim Jung-il and what she thinks of him. (Although, she should probably know that, too). If she can't answer this, she's not ready to lead on day one. I guarantee Hillary would've been able to answer that question. I guess they didn't cover the Bush Doctrine at Hockey night in Wasilla.
Former GOP Senator: Palin a "Cocky Wacko"
Lincoln Chafee creates the next Republican firestorm by pulling no punches when it comes to Palin. From MSNBC:
I think that about sums up everything I have to say about her as well. Thanks, Lincoln. Sphere: Related ContentHe told an audience Tuesday at the New America Foundation in Washington that the Alaska governor has revived a "lackluster McCain candidacy.""They've just thrown this firestorm, this tornado, into the whole presidential election," Chafee said in response to an audience member's question about whether the Obama campaign should worry about Palin's presence in the race.
He said her speech at the Republican National Convention had the unintended effect of energizing Democrats and Obama supporters.
"People were coming into my office, phone calls were flooding in, e-mails were coming in, 'I just sent money to Obama, I couldn't sleep last night' — from the left. To see this cocky wacko up there," Chafee said to laughter.
McCain, Palin Did Nothing to Keep Rape Victims from being Charged for Tests
Talk about a disparity in fighting for the rights of women. While McCain and Palin are out there touting their maverick credentials on the campaign trail, their past failures when it comes to protecting the rights of women from an abusive system are coming to light.
A pretty inflammatory story picked up in the media, and verified, details how Wasilla, while Palin was mayor, charged rape victims or their insurance companies for their rape kits. Alaskan officials stepped in, and passed a law that forbid anyone from charging a victim for her rape kit. Given that Alaska leads the nation in rape and incest, this was particularly insensitive. The reacion of Palin appointed Police Chief Charlie Fannon to the new law?
"I just don't want to see any more burden put on the taxpayer."
A pretty inflammatory story picked up in the media, and verified, details how Wasilla, while Palin was mayor, charged rape victims or their insurance companies for their rape kits. Alaskan officials stepped in, and passed a law that forbid anyone from charging a victim for her rape kit. Given that Alaska leads the nation in rape and incest, this was particularly insensitive. The reacion of Palin appointed Police Chief Charlie Fannon to the new law?
"I just don't want to see any more burden put on the taxpayer."
You'll remember the Democrats touted Joe Biden's ground breaking work as the author of the Violence Against Women Act that was passed in 1994. When it was renewed in 2005 Biden added a requirement that no woman be forced to pay for her own rape kit. He had 58 Senators join as co-sponsors of the bill. Barack Obama was one of them, John McCain was not. The Act passed by unanimous consent so McCain was not required to identify if he was for or against the act.
Another relevant point is that in1993 when Biden introduced the VAWA he had 70 co-sponsors. John McCain was not one of them. Even Bob Packwood was a co-sponsor. McCain did vote for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 into which the VAWA was incorporated. However, it seems pretty clear that neither he nor Palin are willing to stick their necks out in support of women in crisis.
Sphere: Related Content
Another relevant point is that in1993 when Biden introduced the VAWA he had 70 co-sponsors. John McCain was not one of them. Even Bob Packwood was a co-sponsor. McCain did vote for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 into which the VAWA was incorporated. However, it seems pretty clear that neither he nor Palin are willing to stick their necks out in support of women in crisis.
Best Line of the Day
With a woman on the ticket, apparently all references to cosmetics -- or pork of the non-bridge variety, for that matter -- are forbidden.
Washington Post Editorial in reference to the Lipstick controversy. Sphere: Related Content
Candidates 9/11 Statements
Obama:
Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.
On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.”
McCain:
source: politico.com Sphere: Related ContentNo American living then should ever forget the heroism that occurred in the skies above this field on September 11, 2001. It is believed that the terrorists on United Flight 93 may have intended to crash the airplane into the United States Capitol. Hundreds if not thousands of people would have been at work in that building when that fateful moment occurred, and been destroyed along with a beautiful symbol of our freedom. They and, very possibly I, owe our lives to the passengers who summoned the courage and love necessary to deny our depraved and hateful enemies their terrible triumph.
I have witnessed great courage and sacrifice for America's sake, but none greater than the sacrifice of those good people who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.
I spoke at the memorial service for one of them, Mark Bingham. I acknowledged that few of us could say we loved our country as well as he and all the heroes of September 11 had. The only means we possess to thank them is to try to be as good an American as they were. We might fall well short of their standard, but there is honor in the effort.
In the Gospel of John it is written, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Such was their love; a love so sublime that only God's love surpasses it. I am in awe of it as much as I am in debt to it. May God bless their souls.
We Remember
Family and friends of victims gather this morning to honor the memory of their loved ones.
Photo courtesy: New York Times
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The MMS Chicks
What really goes on in government offices charged with keeping the oil companies in line:
Sphere: Related ContentThe reports describe a fraternity house atmosphere inside the Denver Minerals Management Service office responsible for marketing oil and natural gas that energy companies barter to the government in lieu of cash royalty payments for drilling on federal lands. The government received $4.3 billion in such royalty-in-kind payments last year. The oil and gas is then resold to energy companies or put in the nation's emergency stockpile.
"During the course of our investigation, we learned that some RIK employees frequently consumed alcohol at industry functions, had used cocaine and marijuana, and had sexual relationships with oil and gas company representatives," the report said. Two government employees who had to spend the night after a daytime industry function because they were too intoxicated to drive home were commonly referred to by energy traders as the "MMS Chicks."
McCain Asks Donors to Support His Lies
In an e-mail to supporters John McCain asks for money to help fight what it says is a shameful assault on Governor Palin:
The only problem? FactCheck.org says McCain's e-mail and ad are misleading and offensive:Even before our national convention, the Obama campaign dispatched what The Wall Street Journal called a "mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers" to Alaska to dig up dirt for their personal attacks on Governor Palin and her family. FactCheck.org has called the attacks on Governor Palin, "completely false" and "misleading." However, the Obama Democrats continue to launch these attacks, hoping you'll never find out the truth.
These misleading, offensive attacks must be stopped. That's why we're asking you to follow this link immediately to give any amount you can afford- whether it's $25 or $250 - to McCain-Palin Victory 2008, a joint committee we have formed to ensure we can respond to these shameful attacks and elect our reform ticket from top to bottom on Election Day.
Why tell the truth when lies work so well? Sphere: Related ContentWith its latest ad, released Sept. 10, the McCain-Palin campaign has altered our message in a fashion we consider less than honest. The ad strives to convey the message that FactCheck.org said "completely false" attacks on Gov. Sarah Palin had come from Sen. Barack Obama. We said no such thing. We have yet to dispute any claim from the Obama campaign about Palin.
They call the ad "Fact Check." It says "the attacks on Gov. Palin have been called 'completely false' ... 'misleading.' " On screen is a still photo of a grim-faced Obama. Our words are accurately quoted, but they had nothing to do with Obama.
The ad also quotes the Wall Street Journal as saying that the Obama campaign "air-dropped a mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators and opposition researchers to dig dirt on Governor Palin." That's also a distortion. The Wall Street Journal opinion article did not say that the Obama team was there to "dig dirt." It said they were there do "dig into her record and background." Maybe the McCain-Palin campaign knows something we don't about what's in Palin's record and background.
Olbermann: Republicans Hijacked 9/11
Olbermann promised a special comment on the Republicans use of a 9/11 propagandatribute film at the convention. Immediately after the despicable video aired, unfiltered, live, to all the nation, Olbermann had this to say:
Calling Out McCain on his Hypocrisy
via Politico:
"I have to wonder why John McCain would want to raise something like this. And maybe [former Massachusetts Gov.] Jane Swift [who appeared earlier on MSNBC] doesn't know his record but I wonder where her outrage was when John McCain said he was going to beat Hillary Clinton like a drum. Or participated in an event where one of his participants called Hillary Clinton a bitch. Those are direct comments targeted at somebody's gender. And I didn't hear any outrage then,"
Obama Addresses Lipstick Controversy on Letterman
Update: Video from the appearance
Watch CBS Videos Online
Obama appears on David Letterman tonight and is asked about the ridiculous controversy surrounding the lipstick comments.
From Ben Smith:
Sphere: Related Content"Keep in mind, that technically had I meant it this way she would be the lipstick," Obama said. "The policies of John McCain would be the pig."
A partial transcript:
LETTERMAN: Let me ask you a question here, have you ever actually put lipstick on pig?
OBAMA: The answer would be no. But I think it might be fun to try .... This is sorta silly season in politics. Not that there's a non silly season but it gets sillier . It's a common expression in at least illinois. I don't know about in New York City. I don't know what you put lipstick on here. (Silly cringe from Letterman. Laughter from audience) In Illinois, The expression connotes the idea that if you have a bad idea -- in this case I was talking about McCain's economic plans -- calling them 'change,' calling them something different doesn't make them better. Hence lipstick on a pig is still a pig.
He then added that Palin represented the lipstick in the picture, with McCain's policies as the pig.
Say It Ain't So Joe
Biden gets a bit off course with his message...
From Politico:
Somewhere Bill Clinton is laughing his ass off. Sphere: Related ContentBiden, today in Nashua, NH, in response to an inaudible question from an audience member:
“Make no mistake about it Hillary Clinton is as qualified as or more qualified than I am” to be vice president, Biden said. “And quite frankly, she may have been a better pick than me.”
Jason Bourne Exposes Lie that is Sarah Palin
It apparently takes Jason Bourne to expose the lies and propaganda surrounding the Palin nomination.
Money quotes:
On Palin's nomination: "“It’s like a really bad Disney movie — the hockey mom…from Alaska, and she’s the president, and it’s like she’s facing down Vladimir Putin and using the folksy stuff she learned at the hockey rink. And it’s absurd, it’s totally absurd, and I don't understand why people aren’t talking about how absurd it is,"
On Palin's creationism: "I really need to know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4,000 years ago. I want to know that. I really do because she's going to have the nuclear codes. I want to know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4,000 years ago or if she banned books or tried to ban books. We can't have that."
Sphere: Related Content
On Palin's creationism: "I really need to know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4,000 years ago. I want to know that. I really do because she's going to have the nuclear codes. I want to know if she thinks dinosaurs were here 4,000 years ago or if she banned books or tried to ban books. We can't have that."