In his "John McCain’s Metamorphosis From Smear Politics Victim To Smear Politics Perpetrator," Shaun Mullen commented on the McCain smear tactic du jour. This time the one in which, in order to try to “portray Barack Obama as unpatriotic, John McCain and his surrogates are accusing him in a TV commercial and elsewhere of canceling a visit to wounded troops at the Landstuhl … [Read more...] about McCain Needs Version Two-and-a-Half Smear Ad
U.S. Urged to ‘Curb Odious Conduct’ of Anti-China Lawmakers
Well - we've done it again. We've angered the Beijing leadership. According to this news account from China's Xinhua news service, the Chinese government is 'urging' the U.S. to curb the 'odious conduct' of a 'small number' of 'anti-China lawmakers' after the House passed Resolution 1370 [it passed 419-1], which criticizes China's human rights record. Furthermore - the … [Read more...] about U.S. Urged to ‘Curb Odious Conduct’ of Anti-China Lawmakers
From Harry Shearer (‘Songs of the Bushmen’): ‘935 Lies’
Shearer sings the blues (from his new album). … [Read more...] about From Harry Shearer (‘Songs of the Bushmen’): ‘935 Lies’
More on the Federal Court Ruling that Senior Bush Aides Are Subject to Congressional Subpoenas
I discussed the ruling briefly earlier today. At Balkinization, Marty Lederman weighs in, calling this 93-page opinion possibly a landmark decision, 'an extraordinarily thorough, scholarly and thoughtful opinion -- surely one of the best opinions ever written on questions relating to executive/congressional disputes.' As Lederman points out, [T]he argument itself was not … [Read more...] about More on the Federal Court Ruling that Senior Bush Aides Are Subject to Congressional Subpoenas
Here’s the root of the tire inflation story
Look, I'm not opposed to anything that saves some energy. If you can leave your lights on less often, take less trips in your car or cook more meals at home you'll probably save some money and use a bit less fuel. Good! But Obama's recent comments about keeping your tires properly inflated to save energy have been around for a while. Check out this YouTube video. Here's … [Read more...] about Here’s the root of the tire inflation story
Dangerously, McCain ‘Casts the First Stone’
Will what many are calling the first negative campaign ad against against Barack Obama backfire on John McCain? Patrik Etschmayer writes for Switzerland's Nachrichten newspaper: "John McCain is one who proudly boasts (like many other politicians) of his ignorance about the Internet and e-mail. Its likely that McCain has never seen the videos produced by his staff on a … [Read more...] about Dangerously, McCain ‘Casts the First Stone’
Guest Voice: Honestly, is this the best that the liberals can do?
Our guest author, Paleo-Pat of Political Byline, has looked across the silly season and found reason to sink into dismay. Today's topic is on... shoes. Please note that Guest Voices do not necessarily reflect those of Joe Gandelman or The Moderate Voice. Honestly, is this the best that the liberals can do? There have been times, when I, as a Blogger, have wanted to bang … [Read more...] about Guest Voice: Honestly, is this the best that the liberals can do?
Republican Opportunism
Some people are horrified by tragedy and saddened by misery. Other people see opportunities in both. 9/11 was a tragedy for this country, but Bush and company used it as an excuse to do what they had wanted to do for a long time before this tragic event—invade Iraq. The misery at the gas pump Americans have been experiencing in recent months has provided yet another … [Read more...] about Republican Opportunism
John McCain: Let Your Voice Speak
Let's face it: John McCain's "Celebrity" ad is having an effect- mostly negative. I have to agree with former McCain aide, John Weaver, that the ad appears childish. Has Obama become sort of a celebrity? Yes. Is there a lot of hype concerning his campaign? Yes. But frankly, that shouldn't concern McCain as much as trying to formulate a political narrative that trumps … [Read more...] about John McCain: Let Your Voice Speak
Pillars of Justice
Adam Zyglis, The Buffalo News … [Read more...] about Pillars of Justice
As Reagan was to Carter …
... So Obama is to McCain. Remember that single 1980 Reagan-Carter debate? Jimmy droned on, eyebrows furred, jaw clinched. In turn, Reagan repeatedly smiled and responded, melodically: "There you go again." The tension dissipated, the clouds lifted, and you could almost feel the collective, slow exhale of a frustrated nation. Whether you loved Reagan or not, I don't … [Read more...] about As Reagan was to Carter …
Federal District Judge Rules White House Aides Are Not Immune from Congressional Subpoena
At least one judge---federal District Judge John Bates (a Bush appointee)----doesn't think Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten are above the law (AP), or to frame it in DoJ speak, 'absolutely immune from Congressional subpoenas.' If the House Judiciary Committee calls, they must respond...in person. (The Gavel) [Remember when Miers didn't appear and they yelled at her empty chair? … [Read more...] about Federal District Judge Rules White House Aides Are Not Immune from Congressional Subpoena
What Biden Could Do for Obama
As the short list dwindles down and Republican attacks heat up, the arguments for Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate strengthen. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is the flavor of the week in the media frenzy, but with less than three years in the position and no international experience, his choice would only underscore voter doubts about Obama's readiness to be … [Read more...] about What Biden Could Do for Obama
The Case For Bob Kerrey For Vice President (Guest Voice)
This Guest Voice is by Lou Zickar, Editor of the Ripon Forum, a Republican journal of thought and opinion. He has a suggestion on who GOP presumptive Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain should pick for Vice President. Guest posts do not necessarily reflect the opinion of TMV or its writers. The Case for Kerrey by Lou Zickar When picking a vice president, … [Read more...] about The Case For Bob Kerrey For Vice President (Guest Voice)
Question: How Does Average Joe Deal with a Recalcitrant Media?
Several of my fellow bloggers on TMV are reputable journalists, ex-journalists, editors, ex-editors, or in one way or another involved with the (news) media. Thus, I want to, in advance, hasten to say that the following is not directed at them, but rather the result of some frustration arising out of a couple of specific incidents. (Enough disclaimers?) I would, however, … [Read more...] about Question: How Does Average Joe Deal with a Recalcitrant Media?
On the Radio: Barr Campaign and Energy Movies
Today on Mid Stream Radio, we have a bit of a treat for you, should you care to stop by. (1 pm eastern, 10 am pacific today.) In the second half, Cindy and I will be talking to Derek Barr, representative of the Bob Barr campaign. (And probably only by coincidence, Bob's son.) We'll be talking to him about the campaign and asking some questions on issues raised by readers here … [Read more...] about On the Radio: Barr Campaign and Energy Movies
The Conservative Reformation: Final Thoughts … for Now
Yesterday, we completed our review of Washington’s key roles in the process of fostering DNS or dispersed, networked solutions. Today, we’ll briefly consider: (i) examples of where aspects of DNS have been employed and where they have not; and (ii) some of the communication and management challenges of implementing this approach. --------------------- The Orphan Drug Act … [Read more...] about The Conservative Reformation: Final Thoughts … for Now
So Just Where Did Obama’s Mojo Go?
Despite Democratic party presumptive Presidential nominee Barack Obama's trip overseas, there's no real bounce. The LA Times' blogger Andrew Malcolm writes: Where did Barack Obama's mojo go? Something's going on. Or some things. And he looks at what might be going wrong... in today's required reading. UPDATE: And now there are signs that the McCain campaign's attack … [Read more...] about So Just Where Did Obama’s Mojo Go?
Quote Of The Day: On McCain’s ‘Obama Is A Celebrity Like Britney’ Ad
The political Quote of the Day comes in two of Marc Ambinder's three points about the Republican Senator John McCain's Obama-is-a-callow-celebrity-just-like-Britney ad: 1. John McCain is the Republican least associated with the Bush brand of politics. His appeal is based on his independence, and particularly on his independence from partisan bickering. Eroding his brand … [Read more...] about Quote Of The Day: On McCain’s ‘Obama Is A Celebrity Like Britney’ Ad
Civil Rights Roundup: 07/31/08
Your daily dose of civil rights and related news The Bush administration proposal to force hospitals and clinics to exempt employees who don't want to dispense birth control is gearing up to be a huge fight. A report by the anti-immigrant Center for Immigration Studies credits the drop in illegal immigration population to stepped-up enforcement. The WaPo urges that … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Roundup: 07/31/08