Here's an interesting if unsettling question: Which U.S. presidential candidate would Osama bin Laden prefer - and what might he do about it? For Colombia's El Tiempo newspaper, Isaac Bigio writes in part: "Osama bin Laden has never lived in the Americas, but thanks to the slaughter he directed on September 11, 2001, he became the most important U.S. elector by triggering … [Read more...] about ‘Obama-Biden vs. Osama bin Laden’: El Tiempo of Colombia
Obama’s Speech: “Now Is the Time”
McCain's done a good job of deflecting attention from Obama's speech by his birthday VP pick. It's hard to focus on writing about Obama while giggling incredulously. And---though many are puzzled, a few are happy. Indeed, Jonah Goldberg over at The Corner is so excited he is " having some flop sweats at the idea it's actually happening." Okay: ew. But though I must … [Read more...] about Obama’s Speech: “Now Is the Time”
Russia Looks East for Support; Finds Little Encouragement
Russia turned to its fellow members in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (formed to build relations between China and former Soviet republics) for backing in its actions against Georgia and specifically in its recognition of the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.The member states of the SCO are Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. … [Read more...] about Russia Looks East for Support; Finds Little Encouragement
Watching Palin’s Speech
So far, this is not going well. She looks star-struck up there. My girlfriend says she's rambling. I think she sounds hokey (sometimes that's a good thing, but I don't think here). Her diction is not strong -- she sounds halting to me. And it's thematically disjointed. First impressions are crucial for such an unknown quantity, and right now Palin is not delivering. Also … [Read more...] about Watching Palin’s Speech
Back on the Radio! Palinpalooza!
We don't normally do this on Fridays, but given the flurry of activity surrounding Barack Obama's speech last night and John McCain's pick of Sarah Palin this morning, it's simply too much to pass up. You can join us today on Mid Stream Radio at 1 pm Eastern, 10 am Pacific, and we'll try to make sense of it all. I've invited a number of pundits to join us, so we'll see who … [Read more...] about Back on the Radio! Palinpalooza!
So it will be McCain – Palin 2008 for the GOP
Let's get right to a round-up of blogger and pundit reactions to the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's vice presidential pick. (Which now seems to be a done deal.) But first I'll offer a few "shoot from the hip" observations. While I may have been left scratching my head over Obama's selection of Joe Biden, I'm knocked to the floor by this one. First and … [Read more...] about So it will be McCain – Palin 2008 for the GOP
Palin’s the Ticket
So CNN reports. It's an intriguing choice and, I think, a dangerous one, for both the Democratic and the GOP tickets. What do I mean by that? Simple: Palin is a risky choice for McCain. It could turn out really well, or it could turn out really badly. The breakdown on Palin shows someone who has the potential to really create movement for McCain, but whose main benefits are … [Read more...] about Palin’s the Ticket
McCain’s Desperation VP Pick
CNN confirms this morning that John McCain has selected Alaska GOP Governor Sarah Palin to be his VP pick. According to many who know her she has a "dynamic personality" and came into office in 2006 with a pledge to reform Alaska's notoriously corrupt government. As a woman candidate, she will undoubtedly draw much attention as this is only the second time in history that … [Read more...] about McCain’s Desperation VP Pick
CNN: It’s Sarah
CNN is reporting that John McCain has picked Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his VP pick. More as it develops... … [Read more...] about CNN: It’s Sarah
Civil Rights Roundup: 08/29/08
Your daily dose of civil rights and related news The backers of the Arizona initiative seeking to ban affirmative action got a reprieve today, as a judge is willing to give them more time to prove they received the requisite number of valid signatures to get on the ballot. A suit against American contractor KBR alleges that 12 Nepalese workers were held in slavery in … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 08/29/08
Bait and Switch on McCain’s VP Pick?
I'll give Team McCain credit for one thing this morning - they are successfully keeping the entire media focused on a series of red herrings. When the press would normally be talking about Obama's historic acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium last night, they are busy releasing "breaking news" every ten minutes about the anticipated announcement of Big Mac's running mate, … [Read more...] about Bait and Switch on McCain’s VP Pick?
Godspeed To You, Barack Obama
Given the historic vitriol of this presidential campaign, it has been pretty easy to overlook something else historic that makes my heart nearly burst with pride: It was 53 years ago, six years before Barack Obama was born, that Rosa Parks was ordered to get out of her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, because of the color of her skin, and today a man of color -- the … [Read more...] about Godspeed To You, Barack Obama
‘A Global Wave of Politicians Named Obama’: From Le Monde of France
How much impact has Barack Obama had - even before being elected? According to this tongue-in-cheek account from Robert Solé of Le Monde, Political leaders from Brazil to France have started adopting the name Obama. Solé writes in part: The popularity of Barack Obama goes beyond borders. In Brazil, several candidates standing for municipal elections have adopted his … [Read more...] about ‘A Global Wave of Politicians Named Obama’: From Le Monde of France
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: LIVE FROM DENVER
It turns out that Sabato's Crystal Ball's Dan Keyserling has been posting nightly from Denver (although we have not been getting emails) August 25, 2008 August 26, 2008 August 27, 2008 August 28, 2008 … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: LIVE FROM DENVER
Obama Defines Change Specifics And Answers And Defines McCain In Historic Speech
The real fireworks at last night's Democratic convention weren't set off by pyrotechnic experts but by a historic speech by Democratic Party nominee Sen. Barack Obama that provided an answer to his critics, is likely to fire-up partisan Democrats except for the most die-hard Hillary Clinton backers, and served notice to the Republicans that the way the game will be played has … [Read more...] about Obama Defines Change Specifics And Answers And Defines McCain In Historic Speech
Jack Weil: ‘Patriarch Of Western Clothing’
The Economist pays a tribute to Denver's Jack A. Weil who died on August 13th, aged 107. "Until he created his shirts, there was no distinctively western look in American couture." "His shirts, sold after 1946 through his company, Rockmount Ranch Wear, became extremely famous. The Premium Blue Flannel Plaid was worn by Ronald Reagan, and the Pink Gabardine by Bob Dylan. … [Read more...] about Jack Weil: ‘Patriarch Of Western Clothing’
Time for Bare-Knuckled Eloquence
In his acceptance speech, Barack Obama put aside the poetry, took off the gloves and threw down the gauntlet for John McCain--reminding even those who have been observing him closely that, behind the charisma, is a steely politician determined to win an election. "If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next … [Read more...] about Time for Bare-Knuckled Eloquence
Obama takes politics back to the future
For anyone who doubts the genius of Obama's spectacular close to the Democratic National Convention, a few reminders: College Football season begins this weekend. The SuperBowl is the most watched event on television. SuperBowl halftime shows are an anticipated highlight. Obama, bringing the convention out into the Mile High stadium, had the audacity to turn a political … [Read more...] about Obama takes politics back to the future
Obama Acceptance Speech: Great Job But Will It Matter?
When it comes to Senator Obama and his speaking ability, there is little doubt that he is one of the best. His address tonight to the 75,000 people at Invesco Field was among the best delivered speeches in recent memory. Nobody can deny that his soaring rhetoric was delivered with near perfection. The visuals of the large crowds and the cheering delegates on the field were … [Read more...] about Obama Acceptance Speech: Great Job But Will It Matter?
Proudly Democratic
I'm biased. Ideologically, I'm a moderate liberal. But I'm a partisan Democrat to the core. And tonight, Barack Obama made me feel prouder to be a Democrat than I've felt in a long time. His speech was so much different than others he's given. It wasn't post-partisan or rhetorically effusive, though it certainly had its moments. It was a fighter's speech. It was … [Read more...] about Proudly Democratic