It's important to note that, in the flood of polls, the ones that can be most significant are those reflecting a trend or that show a huge shift -- and a new poll shows a big shift in the battleground state of Minnesota: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has opened up a commanding lead in Minnesota over Republican John McCain, according to a new Star Tribune … [Read more...] about Poll: Obama Takes Big Lead In Battleground State Minnesota
Hot Political Topics (Guest Cartoonist)
This is a Guest Cartoon by moderate cartoonist Tom Briscoe who will be joining TMV soon as a coblogger. … [Read more...] about Hot Political Topics (Guest Cartoonist)
Dear Sarah: The Bill Ayers Well Is Still Dry
And so in the first week of the last full month of the 2008 presidential campaign, a desperate John McCain has sent Sarah Paln back to the well to try to exploit the long-ago and passing relationship between Bill Ayers, the former Weather Underground fugitive foot soldier, and Barack Obama. This unholy alliance is back in the news not because of new revelations. We're still … [Read more...] about Dear Sarah: The Bill Ayers Well Is Still Dry
McCain, Ayers and the Hail William and Mary Pass
I've been loathe to tackle this subject in the past because it's a rather daunting proposition to wrap your arms around, but the genie is now out of the bottle. (Or perhaps it would be better said that the pit bull is out of the doghouse?) Since Sarah Palin dared infer the specter of Bill Ayers and his connections to Barack Obama on the campaign trail, it seems that everyone … [Read more...] about McCain, Ayers and the Hail William and Mary Pass
Concert Review: Martha Argerich, Charles Dutoit & Three Russian Classical Masters
I once had a dream in which two lions of classical music played the leading roles -- pianist Martha Argerich and conductor Charles Dutoit. The dream was set in the kitchen of a Mediterranean villa. Dutoit was backing out of the room as Argerich threw china plates from a sideboard at him. They missed their mark and only feelings seem to have been hurt. I know not whether … [Read more...] about Concert Review: Martha Argerich, Charles Dutoit & Three Russian Classical Masters
‘Consumer Reports’ Analyzes Obama and McCain Health Plans
The November issue of Consumer Reports, the publication of the independent Consumers Union, contains their analysis of the health care proposals of John McCain and Barack Obama. As the magazine points out, "both plans lack key details." But, considering what the candidates have said and filling in the blanks with plausible speculation based on the state plans on which Obama and … [Read more...] about ‘Consumer Reports’ Analyzes Obama and McCain Health Plans
Get Ready For The Spin (Guest Cartoonist)
This is a Guest Cartoon by moderate cartoonist Tom Briscoe who will be joining TMV soon as a coblogger. … [Read more...] about Get Ready For The Spin (Guest Cartoonist)
McCain Campaign Negativity Officially Now Hits New Low
As of today, not only are the gloves off, but so is any semblance that the McCain campaign is one that can end in a White House that unites the country and deals with opponents in a way other than polarizing demonization with this statement by Republican Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin. Readers can go to the link themselves since we don't like to advertise this … [Read more...] about McCain Campaign Negativity Officially Now Hits New Low
Hewitt vs. Hewitt on John McCain
In the waning days of the 2008 Presidential election, Republicans are manning the walls against waves of daunting news from the polls and a political climate where nothing seems to go in favor of the GOP. Clearly there is a need for a solid, trusted voice to shore-up support for John McCain as we prepare for the last two debates. Stepping into the breach is noted conservative … [Read more...] about Hewitt vs. Hewitt on John McCain
Left-Leaning Catholics Stir Debate
Last week was Pulpit Freedom Sunday. Someone should have told the Catholics: In Scranton, Pa., every Catholic attending Mass this weekend, will hear a special homily about next month’s election: Bishop Joseph Martino has ordered every priest in the diocese to read a letter warning that voting for a supporter of abortion rights amounts to endorsing “homicide.” The story is … [Read more...] about Left-Leaning Catholics Stir Debate
Arabs Should Not Pin Their Hopes on Obama – Or McCain: Al Wahdawi, Yemen
What do Pan-Arabists - in other words, people who regard the Arab world as a single nation - think of the U.S. presidential election? This editorial from Yemen - a country that is home to a tremendous reservoir of seething militancy, starts with an examination of the history of when the Arab people have been fooled - and warns them not to expect any favors from whoever … [Read more...] about Arabs Should Not Pin Their Hopes on Obama – Or McCain: Al Wahdawi, Yemen
Noah Feldman: Politics & Religion Are Technologies
A TED Talk from 2003: … [Read more...] about Noah Feldman: Politics & Religion Are Technologies
Banned Books: Christians Fight Fire With Brimstone
You've got to give them credit. WaPo: During a week that librarians nationwide are highlighting banned books, conservative Christian students and parents showcased their own collection outside a Fairfax County high school yesterday -- a collection they say was banned by the librarians themselves. More than 40 students, many wearing black T-shirts stamped with the words … [Read more...] about Banned Books: Christians Fight Fire With Brimstone
Biden Spoke At 8th Grade Level And Palin At 10th Grade Level During Debate
Hello, boys and girls! Are you enjoying your Saturday so far? Me, too!! Did you see the debate between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden Thursday? Both are running for the office of Vice President, which means if the person who is running with them on what is called a "ticket" for President gets elected and dies in office, one of them could become the President! The President is like … [Read more...] about Biden Spoke At 8th Grade Level And Palin At 10th Grade Level During Debate
Our Next President: A One-Term Wonder?
In the best of times, the presidency is a tough job. One can come in with all sorts of high-falutin' ideas and goals, but something always comes up to complicate things. People flying airplanes into buildings... radicals taking a bunch of diplomats hostage... It's always some dang thing or another. 2008, of course, is not the best of times. This morning, TMV co-blogger … [Read more...] about Our Next President: A One-Term Wonder?
Dating Joe Biden
Thursday night was, Sarah Palin says, like most first dates, a bit awkward at first. "There was a lot of eye contact," she recalls, "and it was pleasant. It was, hey, you know, we're both in this together. We both understand what each other would be going through at this time. Kind of wondering, what's coming next...So, that connection, it was some good chemistry. And again, … [Read more...] about Dating Joe Biden
PETA’s Latest Demand: Get Rid Of Cows’ Milk In Ice Cream
PETA, the headline-grabbing, news-savvy animal rights group that some serious animal rights advocates can't stand, has pitchforked itself into the headlines again. The target this time: Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. The demand: Get rid of cows' milk in ice cream. This piece by Pajamas Media's Michelle Catalano (a great conservative blogging powerhouse who left the political … [Read more...] about PETA’s Latest Demand: Get Rid Of Cows’ Milk In Ice Cream
It’s Fox News’ Screaming Bill O’Reilly Versus Democrat Barney Frank
Once upon a time people could go on TV shows and, if a host didn't like a politician's answer, they would nail them with facts over and over, then move onto another question and nail them with more facts in their follow ups. NBC's late, lamented Tim Russert did his homework, displayed it, and kept his interviews on a world-class political level. The flip side is Fox News' … [Read more...] about It’s Fox News’ Screaming Bill O’Reilly Versus Democrat Barney Frank
Sarah Palin Wins Debate by Darn (Guest Voice)
In this Guest Voice post Walter Brasch says this week's Vice Presidential debate between Democratic Sen. Joe Biden and Republican Gov. Sarah Palin proved one thing: Palin can be prepped. Journalism professor and author Brasch is an award-winning syndicated newspaper columnist and radio commentator, and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club. Guest Voice posts do not … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin Wins Debate by Darn (Guest Voice)
Will California Get the Next Bailout?
Since everyone else seems to be coming to the Feds with their hands out, the State of California may be jumping on the bandwagon. LOS ANGELES — California, the nation’s most populous state and the world’s sixth-biggest economy, has warned the Treasury Department that it may need a $7 billion emergency loan from the federal government because it is running out of cash and … [Read more...] about Will California Get the Next Bailout?