Bob Schieffer had Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on CBS's Face the Nation -- and both indicated that the Republican party must change if it wants to rebound. Jindal shows why he is a rising Republican star (excellent on television and issue-oriented) and stresses that the Republican party must be more than "the part of 'no.'" Gingrich is … [Read more...] about GOPers Jindal And Gingrich: Republican Party Must Change
There Will Be Some O’s Missing In The White House When The Bushies Leave
In my hometown newspaper this morning, a letter writer debunked the myth that President Clinton's staff "vandalized" the executive offices and the White House, before Bush staffers moved in, including the allegation that many computer keyboards were missing the W key---as in President Bush's middle initial. It turned out that the "vandalism" reports were false or grossly … [Read more...] about There Will Be Some O’s Missing In The White House When The Bushies Leave
Celebrity, Fires and the Media
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com … [Read more...] about Celebrity, Fires and the Media
A Hiatus for Honest Abe
News flash for the punditocracy: Barack Obama is not a YouTube reincarnation of Lincoln. Despite their common Illinois roots and the reverberations over race, pace Doris Kearns Goodwin, it's time to put aside Obama-Lincoln comparisons and be realistic about what the new president is facing in a 21st century world. Evan Thomas at Newsweek obviously did not get the memo and in … [Read more...] about A Hiatus for Honest Abe
What People Are Forgetting About Bailouts
Jerry Remmers recently had a guest post on TMV that summarized what is at stake in the Big Three Bailout. I think he did an excellent job of summarizing the situation, and would just say that the comments add in the important piece that bankruptcy might work in an unexpected way. Still, I am quite conflicted about whether I personally support the bailout. I wish to take this … [Read more...] about What People Are Forgetting About Bailouts
Really Big Earthquake Hits Eastern Indonesia; Tsunami Warning Issued
UPDATE: Tsunami alerts have been canceled. AP via MSNBC: JAKARTA, Indonesia - A local geological agency official says a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck eastern Indonesia. A tsunami warning was immediately issued. The official, Fauzi, said the underwater quake hit off Sulawesi island. He did not have any immediate reports about damage or injuries. The … [Read more...] about Really Big Earthquake Hits Eastern Indonesia; Tsunami Warning Issued
The Blackberry Presidency?
Today, James Joyner takes a look at how Barack Obama may soon have to give up his Blackberry, a difficult task for an avowed technophile. The chief problem here is the Presidential Records Act. In addition to concerns about e-mail security, he faces the Presidential Records Act, which puts his correspondence in the official record and ultimately up for public review, and … [Read more...] about The Blackberry Presidency?
Nepal’s Maoist Government Moves To Phase Out Private Schools
These are troubled times in Nepal these days -- as the recently elected Maoist government moves to in-effect phase out private schools within two years, reports Christian Science Monitor correspondent Bikash Sangraula: The massive election win last April by Nepal's former rebel Maoists put them in the position to set the government agenda, and bring about drastic changes … [Read more...] about Nepal’s Maoist Government Moves To Phase Out Private Schools
Comparing Struggles: Gay vs Black
The comparison is getting much attention in light of the passage of California's Prop 8, which banned gay marriage. Is the comparison a valid one? A roundup HERE. … [Read more...] about Comparing Struggles: Gay vs Black
The 10 Most Facinating “Last Pictures” Ever Taken
Everyone has read the phrase "in the last picture taken" before his/her death. Here are 10 of the most fascinating last pictures... … [Read more...] about The 10 Most Facinating “Last Pictures” Ever Taken
Are Gays and Muslims the Final Frontier in Civil Rights?
When we examine the election of 2008 and the makeup of government across the nation today, it seems that a few previously-uncomfortable questions have finally been answered. We have elected a black man as president. His chief rival in the primary was a woman who many analysts and poll results estimate would have beaten John McCain by an even wider margin. A gentleman of … [Read more...] about Are Gays and Muslims the Final Frontier in Civil Rights?
Lip Syncs Are Fun To Do
And to watch: … [Read more...] about Lip Syncs Are Fun To Do
A Belated Veterans (Day) Post
A few days ago I received an e-mail from one of our TMV editors asking me if I would respond to a request from "Survivor Corps" to share news about their organization and about a specific program of that organization, "Operation Survivor." As one who has done his best to publicize the plight of our veterans, and especially the sorry treatment they have received from an … [Read more...] about A Belated Veterans (Day) Post
Obama and Medvedev: A Tale of Two Emerging Leaders – Gazeta of Russia
The independent Russian media is certainly not dead. That is the only conclusion one can draw of this editorial comparison of the leadership styles of President-elect Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, from the Russian newspaper, Gazeta. The Gazeta editorial not only praises the stake that average Americans have in the political life of the U.S., it … [Read more...] about Obama and Medvedev: A Tale of Two Emerging Leaders – Gazeta of Russia
The Automaker Bailout Battle (Guest Voice)
The proposed automaker bailout will be a huge topic this week. Here's veteran journalist Jerry Remmer's take on the issue. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. The Automaker Bailout Battle by Jerry Remmers The Case For Bailout: Led by General Motors Corp., U.S. automakers this weekend are lobbying Congress and the Obama … [Read more...] about The Automaker Bailout Battle (Guest Voice)
Who is to Blame for the Mortgage and Foreclosure Mess?
Every once in a while, somebody will ask me "Who is to blame for the current housing and foreclosure mess?" Usually they want a short, snappy answer. The truth is that there is a giant pie of blame, and there's plenty to go around. In no particular order, here are some of the culprits. This is my opinion alone, and you are welcome to disagree with me. Fannie Mae. The … [Read more...] about Who is to Blame for the Mortgage and Foreclosure Mess?
McCain, Secretary of Defense?
If the new president is serious about Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State as he follows Lincoln's "team of rivals" approach, Barack Obama should consider John McCain as Secretary of Defense. When the two meet on Monday, at Obama's suggestion it turns out, "sitting down in a serious way" to "find common ground," the discussion might include a role for McCain in the new … [Read more...] about McCain, Secretary of Defense?
Good Intent, Bad Faith
Obsidian Wings is one of the best liberal blogs on the internet. It not only has writers that try to focus on facts and nuance, but (especially Hilzoy) tries to give the benefit of the doubt to political adversaries and assume they have the best intent. I’d have to say that I actually find myself in agreement with them more than just about any other blog. Except on the … [Read more...] about Good Intent, Bad Faith
Quadrennial Presidential Wannabe, Alan Keyes, Sues Obama
Hopefully this is a hoax. But, knowing the sour-grapes, rabid nature of presidential wannabe Alan Keyes, I am afraid it is for real. What will they sue for next, Obama's writings when he was 8 years old? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media contact Tom Hoefling Chairman, America's Independent Party National Committee Chairman, Alan Keyes for President … [Read more...] about Quadrennial Presidential Wannabe, Alan Keyes, Sues Obama
The Change The Americans Did (Guest Voice)
So how does the election of Barack Obama look to people outside the United States -- particularly, how does it look to a young Iranian living in Iran? In this Guest Voice post, Iranian freelance writer and blogger Kourosh Ziabari looks at how the U.S was perceived in some parts of the world under President George Bush and what Obama's election could mean. TMV runs Guest Voice … [Read more...] about The Change The Americans Did (Guest Voice)