I feel more than justified in having been harshly-critical of mainstream media coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign from the jump because I know of what I speak: This is my ninth campaign as a reporter, editor and now blogger. But that does not explain, let alone forgive, John McCain's war on the news media -- from bristling about being called out on his serial lies to … [Read more...] about John McCain’s War On The News Media
Wall Street Gamble
John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Missouri … [Read more...] about Wall Street Gamble
24 Random Observations On The Great Financial Meltdown Of The Year Aught Eight
(1.) It's no surprise that senior citizens are among the most vocal opponents of the $700 billion financial bailout plan. Only they can recall first hand the privations of the Great Depression, the last great systemic collapse of American financial institutions. (2.) Efforts by both Republicans and Democrats to the contrary, the meltdown does not have partisan roots. Both … [Read more...] about 24 Random Observations On The Great Financial Meltdown Of The Year Aught Eight
Washington Post-ABC News Poll: Obama Takes 9 Percent Lead Over McCain Due To Economic Fears
Yet another poll has come out that suggests a substantive shift has now occurred in the 2008 Presidential race due to America's growing financial crisis: a new Washington Post-ABC News national poll now shows Democratic Sen. Barack Obama has taken a 9 point lead over GOP Sen. John McCain as the two head into Friday's crucial televised foreign policy debate: Turmoil in the … [Read more...] about Washington Post-ABC News Poll: Obama Takes 9 Percent Lead Over McCain Due To Economic Fears
Change We Can Spare (Guest Voice)
Democratic President candidate Sen. Barack Obama's theme is the importance of change. But does his record show he really advocates change? Humorist Tom Purcell, in this Guest Voice, argues that it does not. Guest Voice posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. Change We Can Spare By Tom Purcell "Boy, I can't wait for Obama to bring us the … [Read more...] about Change We Can Spare (Guest Voice)
Russia, Georgia and Lessons from Munich
A must read speech by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. … [Read more...] about Russia, Georgia and Lessons from Munich
Is US Foreign Policy Too Moral?
I am quite sure that the title to this posting caused some of you to gasp or express outrage over the idea that something as inherently evil as American (and/or Bush) Foreign Policy could be too moral but I would ask you to hear me out. I have recently been in something of a World War One mode, watching a series of programs on the Military Channel which cover the lead-up to … [Read more...] about Is US Foreign Policy Too Moral?
Poll: Americans Prefer Obama Over McCain On Economy 45 to 33 Percent
A new Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times poll finds respondents favoring Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama handling the economy over Republican Sen. John McCain by 45 to 33 percent -- and opposed to the proposed government financial bailout. And despite some articles arguing that the roots of the crisis go back to Democratic White House and Congressional control, … [Read more...] about Poll: Americans Prefer Obama Over McCain On Economy 45 to 33 Percent
In Hank We Trust
RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch … [Read more...] about In Hank We Trust
Lessig on Palin
Lessig blog: I was intrigued by Governor Palin's hint in her ABC interview that her experience was comparable to other VPs across history. I was surprised by how incorrect she was. … [Read more...] about Lessig on Palin
Bullhorn Moment
RJ Matson, The St. Louis Post Dispatch … [Read more...] about Bullhorn Moment
Obama as Eisenhower
On 60 Minutes Sunday night, he evoked another man who came to office promising to end an unpopular war and to restore confidence after the tenure of a president with abysmal approval ratings. "I am a practical person," Barack Obama said, channeling the Dwight Eisenhower of more than half a century ago. "One of the things I'm good at is getting people in a room with … [Read more...] about Obama as Eisenhower
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Stay for Troy Anthony Davis 2 Hours Before Georgia Execution (UPDATED)
LATER -- SCOTUSblog: The stay order is here. It was issued about two hours before the execution was to be carried out. The Court is to consider Davis’ petition for review (08-66) at its Conference next Monday. The stay of execution will be lifted automatically if review is denied, the order said. If review is granted, the stay will remain in effect until the case is … [Read more...] about U.S. Supreme Court Grants Stay for Troy Anthony Davis 2 Hours Before Georgia Execution (UPDATED)
Absentee Leaders: Obama, McCain and Biden
After watching much of the television coverage of the Money Market Meltdown (tm) I find it rather depressing to note that I had to go to the L.A. Times to find this story. In the midst of possibly the most critical debate of this year, where are Senators Obama, McCain and Biden? Let's see... Profiles in courage? McCain, Obama may skip bailout vote Here's a quick one this … [Read more...] about Absentee Leaders: Obama, McCain and Biden
Bill Clinton and Sarah Palin: Funny Stuff…
No matter what your politics. Former President Bill Clinton was followed by Chris Rock on David Letterman's show last night. [Here's the link to my personal blog.] … [Read more...] about Bill Clinton and Sarah Palin: Funny Stuff…
G1: The Google Dream Phone Debut
THE MORNING AFTER: Gizmodo's Matt Buchanan offers up Android and T-Mobile G1's Five Most Obnoxious Flaws and Wired's Gadget Lab judges it Neither Open nor Exciting. +++++++++++ It's promised to be in 22 markets by commercial launch on October 22nd; by mid-November 27 markets. Wired's epicenter: The long-awaited, breathlessly-rumored, Google-powered (and still unavailable … [Read more...] about G1: The Google Dream Phone Debut
Former Model Says McCain ‘Wasn’t Just Good at Kissing’ – O Globo Extra of Brazil
Gracinda Teixeira de Jesus and John McCain, as they were during their torrid affair in 1957. As we are learning, in his younger years, John McCain took a back seat to no one when it came to the ladies. Days ago, McCain's former Brazilian lover, a former model, went public with her recollection of their torrid affair, which is said to have occurred in 1957. WORLDMEETS.US … [Read more...] about Former Model Says McCain ‘Wasn’t Just Good at Kissing’ – O Globo Extra of Brazil
Obama, Listen Up!
When I wrote a couple of weeks ago that I was "back on the fence" about the presidential election, I came under some pretty heavy rhetorical fire. I didn't care about "the issues", I was told, and "I wanted to overturn Roe v. Wade". Since that post, I've been doing my best to wade through the overheated rhetoric, spin, and flagrant lies coming out of both campaigns (and their … [Read more...] about Obama, Listen Up!
McCain Campaign’s Latest Salvo In News Media War: Closes Palin Press Pool
It shuts down the Sarah Palin press pool. There could be some short term tactical gains for the McCain campaign (send a message to the press about more favorable coverage, be cheered by some in the GOP's base) but it's a huge mistake in the long run. It will confirm the growing belief that the McCain campaign is afraid to expose Palin to uncontrolled questioning and that she … [Read more...] about McCain Campaign’s Latest Salvo In News Media War: Closes Palin Press Pool
New Poll Finds Americans Blame the Republicans for Financial Crisis, Think Obama Would Do a Better Job Than McCain on the Economy
I'm generally suspicious of most public opinion polling, but, taking it for what it is, I think Americans, or at least a significant plurality of them, are right about this: A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll suggests that by a 2-to-1 margin, Americans blame Republicans over Democrats for the financial crisis that has swept across the country the past few weeks — … [Read more...] about New Poll Finds Americans Blame the Republicans for Financial Crisis, Think Obama Would Do a Better Job Than McCain on the Economy