Eric Berger: Odds increasing that New Orleans will be spared the worst Red Cross Volunteers Needed NOW to Go to the Gulf Coast ===================================================== An Update on Hurricane Gustav and its proximity to the Louisiana coast. This post, unlike its title, will be alliteration-free. NOAA Public Advisory: 100 PM CDT SUN AUG 31 … [Read more...] about Giant Gustav Gobbling Gumbo
See? On Gustav, Obama Really IS Just More of George W. Bush
Pardon the snarky headline, but today I witnessed something which may well have me heading for the fainting couch. Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama actually came out with a decision which was completely in step with the choice made by President George W. Bush and I was nodding my head in agreement with both of them. President Bush announced today that not only would … [Read more...] about See? On Gustav, Obama Really IS Just More of George W. Bush
Exploitation? Michael Moore’s letter to God
Michael Moore's Open Letter to God: Dear God, The other night, James Dobson's ministry asked all believers to pray for a storm on Thursday night so that the Obama acceptance speech outdoors in Denver would have to be canceled. I see that You have answered Dr. Dobson's prayers -- except the storm You have sent to earth is not over Denver, but on its way to New Orleans! In … [Read more...] about Exploitation? Michael Moore’s letter to God
I’m An EXPERT In Foreign Policy, Mexico And Latin America
I know more about it than John McCain or Barack Obama or anyone working in the State Department in Washington or anyone who teaches at Harvard or Yale. I'm an expert. I must be because I live here in San Diego. … [Read more...] about I’m An EXPERT In Foreign Policy, Mexico And Latin America
The “Real” Sarah Palin
As here at TMV, we've been all over the Palin pick at The Reaction, and our reaction was essentially this: what a pathetic pick. As our associate editor, Creature, put it, McCain "laid a big fat egg." Surely that's clear. Right? Well, not necessarily. I was listening to Buffalo sports radio -- call me pathetic, if you must (I much prefer Toronto sports radio) -- on my way … [Read more...] about The “Real” Sarah Palin
The Hurricane and the GOP Convention
As Gustav scrambles the convention, James Joyner raise some good questions: Realistically, the convention can’t be rescheduled. Or, at least, they’re not going to be able to hold anything like the massive, organized convention they otherwise would have between now and the election. It’s just not logistically possible: Even if they could get a space for it, getting enough hotel … [Read more...] about The Hurricane and the GOP Convention
Dutch Spies Quit Iran Due to ‘Imminent U.S. Attack’: From De Telegraaf of The Netherlands
According to Friday Morning's Edition Of The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Dutch intelligence service has halted a very successful operation to 'sabotage' Iran's weapons program due to an imminent American attack that would have put its activities and personnel at risk. Joost de Haas and Bart Mos of De Telegraaf report in part: "The Dutch Intelligence Service AIVD … [Read more...] about Dutch Spies Quit Iran Due to ‘Imminent U.S. Attack’: From De Telegraaf of The Netherlands
Missing the Point on Troopergate… Entirely
It is somewhat disappointing to observe the varied responses to what is now being known as “Troopergate” regarding presumptive Republican Vice Presidential nominee and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Questions abound in the media seeking to address Palin’s involvement. Did she lie about it? Was there a cover-up? An investigation at the state level is underway and I’m confident … [Read more...] about Missing the Point on Troopergate… Entirely
Networks And Conventions: No News Is Bad News (Guest Voice)
Once upon a time, America's TV broadcast networks covered conventions gavel-to-gavel. Not anymore. In this Guest Voice post, Rosemary and Walter Brasch, a journalism professor and author who is also an award-winning syndicated newspaper columnist and radio commentator, and president of the Pennsylvania Press Club, look at what happened to change coverage and what it … [Read more...] about Networks And Conventions: No News Is Bad News (Guest Voice)
What Republicans Really Think About Women
Often-times, when Democrats run a candidate for office who is not a White male, Republicans unleash with a familiar refrain. "He's an affirmative action candidate", to Barack Obama. "She only got there because of her husband", to Hillary Clinton. And when these candidates do well, it's not evidence of any merit on their part, or that voters critically evaluated them and decided … [Read more...] about What Republicans Really Think About Women
Why John McCain Picked Sarah Palin For Vice President
The questions swirling around the political and punditry classes since Republican certain Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have been: why...and exactly when? The New York Times provides some answers which should give McCain's fans and foes plenty of ammunition. The bottom line: McCain realized he could face a virtual party revolt if he … [Read more...] about Why John McCain Picked Sarah Palin For Vice President
Sarah Palin: Settling for the face of feminism while trading in its soul
American Princess writes on BlogHer and on her own blog. I'm not that familiar with it, but I spent a few moments there this morning. I like what I found - even though I disagree with it. If I were a conservative woman, particular in her generation (let's just say I could be her mom - I'm finding I could be the mom of a lot of women who let me befriend them lately though!), I … [Read more...] about Sarah Palin: Settling for the face of feminism while trading in its soul
Gallup Poll: Obama Speech Went Over Well With Public
A new Gallup Poll indicates Democratic Presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama's acceptance speech went over well with the public and was better received than the speeches of recent past Democratic Presidential nominees and Senator Hillary Clinton: Fifty-eight percent of Americans give Barack Obama's speech a positive review, including 35% who describe it as "excellent." … [Read more...] about Gallup Poll: Obama Speech Went Over Well With Public
The Life-Story Election
With the emergence of Sarah Palin, this is officially the year of personal narrative in national politics--no more Bush or Clinton dynasties, but a quartet of compelling biographies to let voters choose from a menu of American success stories. Last week it was all about Obama's mixed racial heritage with heartland grandparents and an idealistic single mom, paired with Joe … [Read more...] about The Life-Story Election
Who Are The Ten Most Athletic Democrats?
Can you guess? Check out the list from RealClearSports. We'll provide a link to the list of the 10 most athletic Republicans when it comes out.. … [Read more...] about Who Are The Ten Most Athletic Democrats?
A Microcosm of Local Political Shifts?
Much discussion has taken place over the theory that large, generational shifts in American politics do not happen overnight with a shooting star grabbing the biggest brass ring in national government, but down at the state and local levels. From one of the small town papers out near my neck of the woods, there is a brief story which might provide a look at this type of … [Read more...] about A Microcosm of Local Political Shifts?
As Gustav Churns, Russia Simmers
Even as all eyes turn to the impending storms in the south with their possible impact on the upcoming Republican convention, and lips are flapping over Sarah Palin’s nomination, it is worth remembering the unfolding story on the Russo-Georgian border. No matter who next occupies the West Wing, they will need to step into the office with an effective, comprehensive plan for … [Read more...] about As Gustav Churns, Russia Simmers
Barack Obama: Electoral Life Imitating Hollywood?
Nalaka Gunawardene, Sri Lanka's leading journalist, asks an interesting question: "From Chris Rock to Barack Obama: Will electoral life imitate Hollywood art?" Gunawardene recalls that "while the Democratic Party convention was underway on the other side of the planet, I re-watched the 2003 Chris Rock movie Head of State - and realized how prescient it has been in some … [Read more...] about Barack Obama: Electoral Life Imitating Hollywood?
McCain-Palin: The Maverick Team?
Like everyone else, John McCain's pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate was a complete surprise. Personally, I was hoping for long-shot, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge as his running mate, but his pro-choice stance on abortion might have been a nonstarter for the base. Of course, Palin presents some risks: she's only been Governor for less than two … [Read more...] about McCain-Palin: The Maverick Team?
Conflicting Polls On Obama Convention Bounce And McCain Palin Pick
Get ready...set...and once again choose the poll that fits your particular political bias and scream it to the world (but be sure not to draw attention to contradictory ones)... But in reality, polls now surfacing are painting seemingly-conflicting pictures of where the race between Democratic Senator Barack Obama and his running mate Senator Joe Biden and Republican Senator … [Read more...] about Conflicting Polls On Obama Convention Bounce And McCain Palin Pick