We'll return to domestic policy analysis later today, but let's take a look at the immediate response from the two campaigns regarding Iran's test firing of long range missiles last night. First up, the McCain response. “Iran’s most recent missile tests demonstrate again the dangers it poses to its neighbors and to the wider region, especially Israel. Ballistic missile … [Read more...] about Responding to Iran: Compare and contrast
Gallup: Obama Leads McCain By A Hair In Potentially Ominous July Polling
The tepid good news from Gallup for Democratic Presidential presumptive nominee Senator Barack Obama is that he still leads Republican Presidential presumptive nominee Senator John McCain but by a hair -- 46 to 44 percent, indicating a race that is now getting closer. The bad news from Gallup is that the candidate who leads in July has in many cases -- particularly in most … [Read more...] about Gallup: Obama Leads McCain By A Hair In Potentially Ominous July Polling
Civil Rights Round Up Delayed
I'm going to the Hill today, so the Civil Rights Roundup won't go up until the afternoon. In the meantime, enjoy this piece on how Turkey's military and supreme court are taking on each other's roles. … [Read more...] about Civil Rights Round Up Delayed
Old People Versus Race
Mike Lester, The Rome News-Tribune … [Read more...] about Old People Versus Race
The Story Of The Great 2008 American Prairie Fire & A Brokedown Presidential Palace
I'm just back from a whirlwind three-day tour of four Middle Atlantic states that was part-business but mostly pleasure, with some political snoopery thrown in for good measure. (I just can't help myself.) Some observations based on an admittedly unscientific sampling: * There were Barack Obama lawn signs, posters, t-shirts and buttons pretty much wherever I went from a … [Read more...] about The Story Of The Great 2008 American Prairie Fire & A Brokedown Presidential Palace
Book Review: Party of One: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rise of the Independent Voter
Independents, centrists and moderates take note: Party of One: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rise of the Independent Voter by Sacramento Bee columnist Daniel Weintraub is a must read that needs to be added to your personal libraries. Even with the rises and falls of Arnold's political fortunes (now on the descent again) it's required reading for anyone interested in the … [Read more...] about Book Review: Party of One: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rise of the Independent Voter
Barack As Hancock
RJ Matson, The New York Observer … [Read more...] about Barack As Hancock
Election 2008: Iowa
Iowa was one of the key swing states in both 2000 and 2004 and this seems likely to continue in 2008. President: Bush lost Iowa narrowly in 2000 and won it narrowly in 2004. I was somewhat surprised given the strong anti war tradition in the state but the GOP got a strong turnout with Christian conservatives. This year however I think the anti war and anti Republican … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Iowa
Election 2008: Indiana
This state could become a battleground *IF* Senator Evan Bayh joins the Obama ticket but that does not seem likely at this point, at least based on comments from Bayh. President: With Bayh on the ticket it would be a tossup but otherwise this is solid for McCain. Democrats only win the state in landslide years. Safe Republican Governor: At one point incumbent Mitch … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Indiana
Election 2008: Illinois
Even if local Barack Obama were not on the ballot this would be a secure state for the Democrats. Between the massive vote out of Chicago and the slumping GOP tide downstate it is impossible for the GOP to win. President: Safe Democrat Senate: The only issue is if incumbent Richard Durbin (D) can outpoll Obama's 2004 landslide. Safe Democrat House: Most of the … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Illinois
Election 2008: Idaho
Idaho is for the Republicans what Hawaii is for the Democrats, a safe set of Electoral votes. The state has been both entertained and disgusted by Larry Craig but that will have little impact in November. President: Obama's odds here are only slightly better than mine, and I'm not running. Safe Republican Senate: Incumbent Larry Craig is retiring and his successor will … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Idaho
Election 2008: Hawaii
One of the quietest states this fall will be the Aloha State. Long one of the most Democratic states in the Union (though interestingly one of the most Republican prior to statehood) it should remain so this fall. President: Senator Obama will win the state with ease. Only 2 Republicans have won since statehood and both times in landslide years. Safe Democrat House: … [Read more...] about Election 2008: Hawaii
The “Risk” of Gays in the Military
As a retired military, I naturally keep up with military matters and issues. One way is by reading the on-line Defense News’ “Early Bird Brief.“ In this morning’s “Brief,” under the heading “Military,” there were only two entries: “After The Battle, Fighting The Bottle At Home,” summarizing a New York Times story, and “Gays In Military Pose No Risk, Study Finds,” … [Read more...] about The “Risk” of Gays in the Military
On terrorism, exiting Iraq, Obama and McCain
It is wishful thinking for Americans of any political hue to expect that Barack Obama or John McCain will be able to fight terrorism quite differently from George Bush, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or elsewhere. His shoot-from-the-hip policies have created long term cages that make it almost impossible for the US to change course regardless of hope-filled audacity. The fact … [Read more...] about On terrorism, exiting Iraq, Obama and McCain
How The Dems Lose
Mike Lane, Cagle Cartoons … [Read more...] about How The Dems Lose
Pickens puts money on the (renewable) energy table
Now this is truly interesting. From CNN: Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens is putting his clout behind renewable energy sources like wind power. The legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist on Tuesday unveiled a new energy plan he says will decrease the United States' dependency on foreign oil by more than one-third and help shift American energy production toward … [Read more...] about Pickens puts money on the (renewable) energy table
New McCain Ad: A Swing and a Miss
I was just taking a look at the new John McCain campaign ad and a review of it by Ed Morrissey over at Hot Air. The ad is called, simply enough, "Love." Before I prejudice your opinion, click on the play button below and see what you think. This ad is drawing a clear contrast between two different types of "love" in the sixties. Ed chooses to describe it as a contrast … [Read more...] about New McCain Ad: A Swing and a Miss
The “Take That” Vote
When I read certain arguments from so-called conservatives -- like this one (exposed at The Daily Dish) or this one (skewered at Think Progress) -- I'm tempted to vote for Obama just to distance myself from the idiocy of these voices. I have similar (though not identical) thoughts whenever a so-called liberal misrepresents McCain's "100 years" comment ... or accuses him of … [Read more...] about The “Take That” Vote
Are Moderates And The Political Center Myths?
Some say "yes." … [Read more...] about Are Moderates And The Political Center Myths?
The Continuing Chronicle of Katrina’s Tragic Aftermath
Sometimes you don't know whether to cry or scream. There are many forms of corruption and waste in the government's fulfillment of its functions, and most just make me furious. But the story of Katrina's aftermath is one long chronicle of incompetence piled upon a degree of bureaucratic cluelessness that just boggles the mind. The waste here is of money and goods designed … [Read more...] about The Continuing Chronicle of Katrina’s Tragic Aftermath