Due to some technical problems last night (still being worked on) our post on the debate could not be posted. But here's a bit of catch-up on what many pundits consider Hillary Clinton's debate rebound. Of course, a "rebound" means that what viewers saw did not fit an existing narrative as described by the mainstream media, all-knowing talking heads on TV, and bloggers (some … [Read more...] about Hillary Clinton’s Debate Rebound (UPDATED)
“War-on-Terror”: Growing Desertion in the US Army
While the US diplomats have successfully resisted compulsory posting to Iraq, the Army personnel do not enjoy such luxury. The result: growing desertion. Soldiers strained by six years at war are deserting their posts at the highest rate since 1980, with the number of Army deserters this year showing an 80 percent increase since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, … [Read more...] about “War-on-Terror”: Growing Desertion in the US Army
Barry Bonds
Aislin, The Montreal Gazette … [Read more...] about Barry Bonds
The Color of College
A completely non-scientific survey of the racial composition of "elite" versus "non-elite" private colleges and universities. "Elite" colleges measured were Amherst, Brown, Carleton, Chicago, Duke, Harvard, Pomona, Stanford, Swarthmore, Williams, and Yale. The "Non-elites" were Allegheny, Beloit, Bennington, Boston University, Drexel, Goucher, Seton Hall, St. Olaf, Tulsa, … [Read more...] about The Color of College
Stealing Third
Vladimir Putin, writes David Dryer, is doing some crazy handstands in order to secure himself another term (this time as Russia's power-behind-the-throne prime minister). … [Read more...] about Stealing Third
Friends, Foes and Who Knows?
The Musharraf Mess should remind Presidential candidates and voters that we are not living in Bush World any more, where other countries are either allies or enemies, good or bad guys to whom we either send tons of money or bunker-busting bombs. Belatedly, the Administration is leaking word that they have doubts that Musharraf "can survive in office and have begun discussing … [Read more...] about Friends, Foes and Who Knows?
CBS’ Katie Couric Makes Fun Of Dan Rather
You Tube has the gem below of CBS anchor Katie Couric making fun of a video on You Tube that showed Dan Rather fussing with his overcoat. Couric & Co seem to be having fun and in great spirits (and she's as likeable on the video as on camera): And here's the (in)famous Rather video: When you watch this, you now realize what it meant that Rather was the (micro) … [Read more...] about CBS’ Katie Couric Makes Fun Of Dan Rather
The USA: Heading For Recession?
Recession in America looks increasingly likely. Can booming emerging markets save the world economy? asks The Economist. "IN 1929, days after the stockmarket crash, the Harvard Economic Society reassured its subscribers: 'A severe depression is outside the range of probability'. In a survey in March 2001, 95% of American economists said there would not be a recession, even … [Read more...] about The USA: Heading For Recession?
Technical Issues Limit Our Posts
A NOTE TO READERS: We've had some technical problems and as a result some posts that should be on TMV are not getting on. For instance, I couldn't get on last night to do my post and roundup on the debate. And a post I did this morning was lost. Some posts are getting on but some are going to be delayed or not get on. TMV may be down for a little bit during the day while … [Read more...] about Technical Issues Limit Our Posts
Terrorist Plot In India: Was Rahul Gandhi The Target?
Indian police said Friday they had foiled a plot by Islamic militants to kidnap a top politician reported to be Rahul Gandhi, scion of the country's famed Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, says AFP. "NDTV, one of India's leading news outlets, said the three militants planned to abduct the telegenic 37-year-old federal parliamentarian to bargain for the release of scores of … [Read more...] about Terrorist Plot In India: Was Rahul Gandhi The Target?
Benazir Bhutto: “New Pakistan Government Has Committed Treason”
Pakistani liberal opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, after being released from house arrest on Friday, rejected the caretaker government appointed by President Pervez Musharraf to hold general elections in January, says NDTV. '' 'We do not accept this government. It has committed treason by taking oath under Provincial Constitutional Order (PCO),' she told reporters hours … [Read more...] about Benazir Bhutto: “New Pakistan Government Has Committed Treason”
Arrogance, Apathy & Intransigence
Yes, Virginia, There Still Is a War When it comes to Iraq these days, an arrogant President Bush seems more out of touch than ever, the war seems to be fading from the consciousness of an increasingly apathetic American public faster than ever, and the whole reason for the surge – that improved security would create the breathing room for Iraqi factions to kiss and make up – … [Read more...] about Arrogance, Apathy & Intransigence
Airport Security
Bob Englehart, The Hartford Courant … [Read more...] about Airport Security
Gender Card Definitely Being Played: CNN Democratic Debate
Look, she's on CNN tonight in the debates. What do you call it when a person talks about how strongly they've made things work legislatively, despite obstacles that men have put in their way? Wouldn't that be the Gender card? What do you call it, when a person complains when media comments on their age, face, hairdo, manner of dress? Gender card, no? What do you call … [Read more...] about Gender Card Definitely Being Played: CNN Democratic Debate
John McCain, Hillary Clinton: Media Trust and -itchiness
The story as it came down on air and on TV was this: Old woman said, How do we beat the bit--? McCain laughed. The actual story is different. And you can see the clip (several more are on YouTube) and other persons' ideas about what should and should not have happened here at Outside the Beltway Also here at Wonkette And, a transcript of the verbatim 'after' … [Read more...] about John McCain, Hillary Clinton: Media Trust and -itchiness
Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” is Now a PC No No No In Australia
Didn't we know it would come to THIS? Brace yourself -- because this is not a satire news story: Santas in Australia's largest city have been told not to use Father Christmas's traditional "ho ho ho" greeting because it may be offensive to women, it was reported Thursday. Sydney's Santa Clauses have instead been instructed to say "ha ha ha" instead, the Daily Telegraph … [Read more...] about Santa’s “Ho Ho Ho” is Now a PC No No No In Australia
A Ray of Hope for GOP
** Gasp ** Could it be true? Could the Republican Party save itself by divorcing the extremists and moving back to the center? Almost every time I've suggested such a ludicruous possibility, TMV readers have voiced doubts. And while the following small slice of politics doesn't prove me right and them wrong -- not by a long shot -- it is encouraging, fleeting or not. … [Read more...] about A Ray of Hope for GOP
Finding & Blogging Tonight’s Debate
Tonight's Debate is at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and is hosted by CNN and the Nevada Democratic Party. The moderator is CNN's Wolf Blitzer. The debate will be broadcast to the paying folks on CNN at 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET) while non-paying folks like me might get to see it on C-SPAN in a day or two. Watch it online HERE. PRE-DEBATE ARTICLES: CNN AP … [Read more...] about Finding & Blogging Tonight’s Debate
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: ANOTHER PART OF THE BUSH LEGACY IN QUESTION?
Rhodes Cook on Party-building success through the lens of history: During his first term, George W. Bush was arguably the most successful party-building president since Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like FDR, who fashioned a Democratic coalition that dominated American politics for a generation, Bush during his first four years in office helped the Republicans post gains in … [Read more...] about Sabato’s Crystal Ball: ANOTHER PART OF THE BUSH LEGACY IN QUESTION?
Canaries or Wolf-Criers?
There are days when I think we political bloggers are canaries in coal mines, providing early warning to our readers that the oxygen is running low and poisonous gases are on the rise. Then there are days when I suspect we're more like the boys and girls who cried wolf, afraid of the shadows of threats that aren't there, or unconsciously making a topic sound worse than it is … [Read more...] about Canaries or Wolf-Criers?