Although the Iranian President was welcomed with great fanfare by Iraqi leaders a few days ago, Iranian intelligence officials are singing another tune. According to this news account from Iraq's Azzaman newspaper, Iraq's Intelligence chief Muhamad Abdullah Al-Shahwani has criticized the Iranian intelligence services for seeking to, 'abort the experiment with the Awakening … [Read more...] about Iraqi Intelligence Charges Iran with Helping al-Qaeda
International Commentary on Yesterday’s Results
A few pieces of international commentary on Tuesday's (Mar 4) results... Elsevier, The Netherlands McCain Uncrowned King; Obama in Distress The Age, Australia McCain Sounds Fanfare While the Democrats Fiddle Telegraph, U.K. Five Things Obama Must Do The Times, U.K. They Must Go for Hillary The Times, U.K. Hillary Hints at Dream Ticket with Obama Guardian … [Read more...] about International Commentary on Yesterday’s Results
Will McCain Gamble to Forge a New Majority? Or Will He Buy Into Rovian Minimalism?
I wrote here last night about my perception that John McCain's campaign as the presidential nominee of the Republican party was starting off on the wrong foot. Emblematic of that to me was McCain's decision to tear to Washington to receive a personal endorsement from George W. Bush today. Mind you, I would expect nothing other than the sitting Republican president to … [Read more...] about Will McCain Gamble to Forge a New Majority? Or Will He Buy Into Rovian Minimalism?
Campaign Finance: If it’s broke, then fix it.
In Campaign-Finance Breakdown Mr. Bradley Smith, a former Federal Election Commission commissioner, and now chairman of the Center for Competitive Politics argues for the termination of public financing of campaigns. The essence of the argument is that since the influence of money can't be controlled, we shouldn't even try. But while he sees the futility of trying to manage … [Read more...] about Campaign Finance: If it’s broke, then fix it.
Obama-Hillary Nails in the Coffin
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com … [Read more...] about Obama-Hillary Nails in the Coffin
The Half Trillion Dollar War
According to the National Priorities Project, the War in Iraq has now cost American taxpayers $500 billion. That stands in stark contrast to the $100 billion to $200 billion pricetag estimated by President Bush's chief economic advisor in September 2002 or the $50 billion to 60$ billion estimate offered by the White House Office of Management and Budget Director in December … [Read more...] about The Half Trillion Dollar War
Poetic Political Commentary: George Bush Endorses John McCain
George Bush Endorses John McCain Politics, 'tis often said, Doth make some strange bedfellows; Old angers and hostilities For winning sake get mellowed. And so George Bush and John McCain To no one's great surprise, Now hug and join in hopes John wins The next election prize. The problem here for John McCain 'Bout this unseemly flirt, Ain't that at many times … [Read more...] about Poetic Political Commentary: George Bush Endorses John McCain
Math and Mythology
I received a mass-email from the Obama campaign about three hours ago, but did not have a chance to post on it until now; subject line was simply "The math." From the intro, leading up to the inevitable money ask: Our projections show the most likely outcome of yesterday's elections will be that Hillary Clinton gained 187 delegates, and we gained 183. That's a net gain … [Read more...] about Math and Mythology
On the Brink of War
As the crisis escalates, Matt Dupuis provides a good analysis of the ongoing standoff between Venezuela and Colombia. … [Read more...] about On the Brink of War
Fundraiser: Help The Moderate Voice
If you like The Moderate Voice's blend of co-bloggers, guest voice posts, varying ideas, features and role in consciously trying to strengthen the Internet's center while respecting the left and right, this is the time to help us help by donating whatever you can. We're still in the middle of some changes so every donation helps. You can also make a loan, that'll be paid … [Read more...] about Fundraiser: Help The Moderate Voice
Bush’s Embrace: Can McCain Bear It?
He goes to the White House today to be anointed by the man he detested four years ago to the point of considering John Kerry's offer to be his running mate and, in the following year, leaving his party to become an independent. As the newly minted nominee, John McCain last night offered his arguments against Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, but at the core were reruns of … [Read more...] about Bush’s Embrace: Can McCain Bear It?
The Silver Lining
My inbox this morning was full to the brim with notes from people sharing election results. The typical email started off with, "I'm so sorry, but it looks like Hillary won Texas..." I'm sorry, too. But sadness about the Texas primary results isn't the overriding emotion this morning. What I feel, rather, is a tremendous and uplifting sense of community. I talked to … [Read more...] about The Silver Lining
On The Road To The White House
Olle Johansson, Sweden … [Read more...] about On The Road To The White House
None of the Above: Part I
"As I grow older, I regret to say that a detestable habit of thinking seems to be getting a hold of me." - H. Rider Haggard "A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." - William James ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So which is it? Am I an aging … [Read more...] about None of the Above: Part I
The Ancient Mariner Hugs the Albatross
The Bottomline on Yesterday
Earlier this morning, TMV's Shaun Mullen summarized his bottomline view on yesterday's Democratic contests -- offering a conclusion very similar to the one reached by Slate's chief political correspondent, John Dickerson: The larger point the Clinton aides will make to superdelegates and voters in the next big primary state of Pennsylvania is that the Texas and Ohio results … [Read more...] about The Bottomline on Yesterday
Here’s looking at you…
During the Hillary Clinton rally in Austin on Monday night, the photographers were on the stage right before she entered the arena. One was getting a crowd shot, and he was captured in the act: … [Read more...] about Here’s looking at you…
Sorry Hillary, But It’s Over Bar the Shouting
Despite her primary wins yesterday, Hillary Clinton faces insurmountable odds against having enough convention delegates to win the nomination unless she resorts to destructive backroom arm twisting and dirty dealing to try to get over the top. While Clinton is right to declare that it's not over until it's over, she did recapture some of her base in yesterday's contests and … [Read more...] about Sorry Hillary, But It’s Over Bar the Shouting
The Iraq War & What Could Have Been
As the enormous costs in blood and money of the Iraq war come into ever sharper focus, it is worth pondering what the electoral landscape would have been like this winter were there not still 150,000 U.S. troops slogging away on a fool's mission that has no end in sight. One thing is certain: Even a modest infusion of the money diverted for the war into jobs and … [Read more...] about The Iraq War & What Could Have Been
Hillary Clinton Wins Texas Democratic Primary And “Comeback” Narrative (UPDATED)
New York Senator Hillary Clinton clinched the Texas Democratic 2008 Presidential primary -- giving her the two big prizes for the night, Ohio and the Lone Star state, plus Rhode Island. The results: a second-lease on life in her battle to win the Democratic Presidential nomination and a new test for rival Senator Barack Obama. Clinton's win in Texas means she and her … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton Wins Texas Democratic Primary And “Comeback” Narrative (UPDATED)