It is something of a truism of modern American politics that the next campaign begins right after the polls close on the last one. This may be something of an exaggeration but we are already hearing whispers about who might run for the Republicans and even speculation as to whether or not Biden might choose to retire in 2013. At the risk of encouraging this kind of early … [Read more...] about Election 2012: The Really Early Line
Obama Administration: Revenge Of The Bush 41 Administration?
Much is being made of the incoming Obama administration's close ties to people associated with former President Bill Clinton's administration and with Senator Hillary Clinton -- but three's another close association coming in a bit more under the radar: the incoming administration has close ties to people who were associated with the administration of the first, more moderate … [Read more...] about Obama Administration: Revenge Of The Bush 41 Administration?
The $7.4 Trillion “Savior”
Well we just gave Citigroup $325 billion. Sure $300 billion is only to cover "potential" losses, but if you believe that the vast majority of that hasn't already been lost, I have a billion dollars of great sub-prime securities for sale -- the opportunity of a lifetime! Joe posted a link to a shouting match between Cavuto and Ben Stein, and it was claimed that the idea we've … [Read more...] about The $7.4 Trillion “Savior”
Pakistan’s Musharraf: House-Hunting in London?
Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf arrived in London on Sunday. This is his first visit abroad after he resigned from the post of president to escape imminent impeachment in August this year. India's leading TV channel NDTV reports that "Musharraf's visit comes amidst much speculation that he is planning on settling in the UK and is not intending to return … [Read more...] about Pakistan’s Musharraf: House-Hunting in London?
Gift Giving
Yaakov Kirschen, The Jerusalem Post, Dry Bones … [Read more...] about Gift Giving
Bill Kristol’s “Admit We Don’t Know.”
Bill Kristol tries to fill the shoes of 2008 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences, Paul Krugman, in the New York Times this morning, by writing "Admit We Don't Know," which obviously includes Kristol himself. If you have missed the column, don't worry. Here's an extended summary: Schumer doesn't know how big the stimulus package should be. No one else does: "It’s … [Read more...] about Bill Kristol’s “Admit We Don’t Know.”
Citigroup Bailout and the Chance to Change US for the Better
[UPDATE: Please note that I neither endorse nor condemn the Citi bailout here, only comment on the opportunities presented by the financial crisis we now face.] My grandfather, a small business entrepreneur, used to say, "Borrow a thousand dollars from the bank and the bank owns you; borrow a hundred thousand from the bank and you own the bank." The times were simpler … [Read more...] about Citigroup Bailout and the Chance to Change US for the Better
Obama Win Could Cost Colombia Dearly: Semana of Colombia
After Colombian President Uribe's embarrassingly obvious support for Republican John McCain during his campaign for the U.S. presidency, the people of that country are now grappling with the damage that such support is likely to have done to relations with President-elect Obama's Administration. Beyond the likely negative impact on the much-hoped for U.S.-Colombia Free … [Read more...] about Obama Win Could Cost Colombia Dearly: Semana of Colombia
Saxby’s Smarmy Campaign: Just Like the Last Time
Steve Benen describes the low blow: Over the last few days, both the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a far-right group called Freedom's Watch have both launched ads attacking Democrat Jim Martin for being "soft on crime." More specifically, the conservatives insist that Martin has opposed measures that would crack down on criminals who prey on children. Of all … [Read more...] about Saxby’s Smarmy Campaign: Just Like the Last Time
Can Obama Stop the Panic?
The Lame Duck has laid an egg on the economy, and nothing better can hatch until he gets out of the nest. Tomorrow the President-in-Waiting-Who-Can't-Afford-to-Wait will announce his financial dream team and game plan as panic buttons are being pushed all over the world. *On Meet the Press, Bush family Consigliere James Baker, who muscled W. into office in 2000, now … [Read more...] about Can Obama Stop the Panic?
What Awaits The New President “Over There”
David Schraub's "Leave the land so we won't rape you," quoting a female Egyptian “human rights” attorney, who made that statement "in the course of urging Arab men to, at the very least, sexually harass Israeli women as part of their “resistance” to Zionism," prompted me to go back to the Sunday Opinion section of my New York Times today. I had read similarly outrageous … [Read more...] about What Awaits The New President “Over There”
Detroit Turkey
John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune … [Read more...] about Detroit Turkey
When Conservatives Attack
...each other. … [Read more...] about When Conservatives Attack
“Leave the Land So We Won’t Rape You”
A female Egyptian "human rights" attorney made that statement in the course of urging Arab men to, at the very least, sexually harass Israeli women as part of their "resistance" to Zionism. … [Read more...] about “Leave the Land So We Won’t Rape You”
Obama’s Emerging Cabinet Centrist But Not Yet Bipartisan
It's a symbol -- but it isn't there yet. The names surfacing so far for President Elect Barack Obama's cabinet are proving reassuring to some Americans in the center and on the right (and disappointing to some on the left): a group of people known to be serious, solid and centrist. And -- in most cases -- Democrats. What's so bad about that? Nothing. Democratic partisans … [Read more...] about Obama’s Emerging Cabinet Centrist But Not Yet Bipartisan
This is Not the Party You Thought It Was…
While I knew a number of these would be coming along all through the winter, (after the GOP lost an election that wasn't exactly a squeaker) I'll confess I felt a bit of nostalgia and empathy upon reading Sophia Nelson's Lost Republican Love Song in the Washington Post this weekend. Much of it is predictable for those of us who have suffered through the same recriminations and … [Read more...] about This is Not the Party You Thought It Was…
Surprise! Hillary Gets All The Ink
While President-elect Barack Obama apparently has named his top cabinet secretaries and White House team, only one has captured the fancy and imagination of the media. Hillary Clinton, of course. As Secretary of State. Big mistake, the attention she receives. Unless the U.S. is suddenly attacked between now and Jan. 20, the most critical cabinet appointment is Treasury … [Read more...] about Surprise! Hillary Gets All The Ink
Obama Aides: Big Action Needed On Economy
Aides to President Elect Barack Obama are making it clear: standing still on the economy will not be option, some bold move will be needed -- and they'll need to hit the ground running. As Obama gets ready to announce his economic team, one aide says something big will be needed to steady the economy, and other reports suggest an Obama administration will opt for more tax … [Read more...] about Obama Aides: Big Action Needed On Economy
SNL Skewers Obama Chief Of Staff Designate Rahm Emanuel
Saturday Night Live, continuing its 21st century rebirth as the most hilarious show for political satire on the tube, has taken on President-Elect Barack Obama's Chief of Staff Designate Rep. Rahm Emanuel. The segment is a masterpiece: poking fun at the Emanuel who appears in the media (measured, thoughtful) versus the reported behind-the-scenes Emanuel (tough as nails and … [Read more...] about SNL Skewers Obama Chief Of Staff Designate Rahm Emanuel
Muslim Backlash Over Zawahiri’s Racial Obama Slur Grows
Al Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri is quickly learning that there are limits when it comes to propaganda -- that demonization and characterization can badly backfire and create a public relations. fiasco, even for terrorists. At issue: his denunciation of President Elect Barack Obama as a "house negro" who compares unfavorably to the late Malcolm X. His … [Read more...] about Muslim Backlash Over Zawahiri’s Racial Obama Slur Grows