Dean is first.

Is Howard going to cave to MI and FL?

If so, he doesn't deserve to be first.

2.

Is Howard going to cave to MI and FL?

John,

You must not have been paying much attention to this matter.

Only the Democratic Credentials Committee has the authority to approve or disapprove MI and/or Florida delegates to be seated at the convention.

Regardless, Howard always deserved to be first around here!

AMERICA, THE ?????

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts02182008.html

Americans traditionally thought of their country as a "city upon a hill," a "light unto the world." Today only the deluded think that. Polls show that the rest of the world regards the US and Israel as the two greatest threats to peace.

This is not surprising. In the words of Arthur Silber: "The Bush administration has announced to the world, and to all Americans, that this is what the United States now stands for: a vicious determination to dominate the world, criminal, genocidal wars of aggression, torture, and an increasingly brutal and brutalizing authoritarian state at home. That is what we stand for." *

Addressing his fellow Americans, Silber asks the paramount question, "why do you support " these horrors?

His question goes to the heart of the matter. Do we Americans have any honor, any humanity, any integrity, any awareness of the crimes our government is committing in our name? Do we have a moral conscience?

How can a moral conscience be reconciled with our continuing to tolerate our government which has invaded two countries on the basis of lies and deception, destroyed their civilian infrastructures and murdered hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children?

The killing and occupation continue even though we now know that the invasions were based on lies and fabricated "evidence." The entire world knows this. Yet, Americans continue to act as if the gratuitous invasions, the gratuitous killing, and the gratuitous destruction are justified. There is no end of it in sight.

6:19 PM

Chuck (on the blog "front")

The Democratic Party must ban super delegates if they want to represent the people, and not the special interests. Is this what Democracy looks like ?  Super-size Democracy, not war.

Is this what you really meant to write?

WHAT FAILED?

http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts02182008.html

The people ask over and over, "What can we do?"

Very little when the institutions put in place to protect the people from tyranny fail. In the US, the institutions have failed across the board.

The freedom and independence of the watchdog press was destroyed by the media concentration that was permitted by the Clinton administration and Congress. Americans who rely on traditional print and TV media simply have no idea what is afoot.

Political competition failed when the opposition party became a "me-too" party. The Democrats even confirmed as attorney general Michael Mukasey, an authoritarian who refuses to condemn torture and whose rulings as a federal judge undermined habeas corpus. Such a person is now the highest law enforcement officer in the United States.

The judicial system failed when federal judges ruled that "state secrets" and "national security" are more important than government accountability and the rule of law.

The separation of powers failed when Congress acquiesced to the executive branch's claims of primary power and independence from statutory law and the Constitution.

It failed again when the Democrats refused to impeach Bush and Cheney.

Without the impeachment of Bush and Cheney, America can never recover. The precedents for unaccountable government established by the Bush administration are too great, their damage too lasting. Without impeachment, America will continue to sink into dictatorship in which criticism of the government and appeals to the Constitution are criminalized. We are closer to executive rule than many people know.

6:25 PM

cC wrote "From my vantage point brevity trumps pomposity. But thanks for the chuckle."

My pleasure.  Apparently, it does not work from your vantage point.

DFA-Link Stats

# of members: 58,000
# of new members today : 29
# of groups: 828
# of Congressional Districts: 429
# of upcoming events: 599

I'm still waiting for Joan and/or Tom to trot out all the lame excuses foe why Pelosi and co can't impeach these traitorous criminals

6:28 PM

For those who don't know which message current &Co. running the show is the most afraid of, the one who they want the most to get rid of, read this:
-------------


February 18, 2008


The DC neocons think their old dream is about to come true. They think they can defeat me in the Republican congressional primary in Texas on March 4th. And you know what? They may be right.

My opponent, who describes himself as a traditional conservative, is a dedicated servitor of all the special interests who have given us the disaster of recent years, from unconstitutional wars to a looming recession, from huge deficits to massive new welfare programs.

A Republican operative allied with the worst forces in DC recently said: "Give what you can [to Ron Paul's opponent]. Ron Paul is running scared -- using his Presidential campaign's donors' money to subsidize a desperate last-minute attempt to save his Congressional seat."

That is a lie, of course. It is illegal to use presidential campaign donations in my congressional race. The congressional campaign has to stand on its own. But so far, we have raised only about a third of what a well-funded effort would need.

In my 10 terms in Congress, I have not only been able to serve my constituents, and help them, for example, negotiate federal red-tape. I have also been able to defend our principles of less spending, lower taxes, no inflation, and strict adherence to the Constitution. Some people in DC laugh at the idea that I should obey my oath of office, and ask first of any proposed legislation, is it constitutional? But I know that you share my support for the vision of the framers.

My friend Congressmen Wayne Gilchrest (R-Maryland) was just defeated in his primary election by a neocon fraud similar to the one I face. My friend Walter Jones (R-North Carolina) is under heavy pressure as well. People like our hand-picked opponents will do anything to gain and keep power. They represent everything that is wrong with DC.

If I am defeated in the upcoming congressional primary, our ideas will be held to have been defeated as well. It will be proclaimed from the rooftops in DC that such "ridiculous and outmoded notions" as the free market, sound money, personal liberty, limited government, and a pro-American foreign policy are through.

I am determined not to let this happen. All that you and I believe in is far too important to the future of our country, and to everyone and everything we love, to let the neocons dance on its grave.

Please, help me stop the lies, the distortions, the pressure groups, the special interests that benefit from DC rip-offs. There is still time to run radio and tv ads, to set up phone banks, to get out the vote. But unless you help, my reelection to Congress may be in jeopardy. Please help me return to Congress to fight for the people of my district, and for the ideas that can save our country from the path to trouble we are now on.

I hesitated to ask you, since you have already done so much. But my wife Carol said, "When you need help, you ask your best friends." So I do ask you, to hold out your hand in support.

Please give today http://www.ronpaulforcongress.com, as generously and as quickly as you can.

Sincerely,

Ron

2.

Is Howard going to cave to MI and FL?

John,

You must not have been paying much attention to this matter.

Only the Democratic Credentials Committee has the authority to approve or disapprove MI and/or Florida delegates to be seated at the convention.

I was paying attention when Howard threatened them with the loss of delegates if they didn't change their primary dates.

Why threaten if you have to depend on someone else to follow through?

lose-lose

6:32 pm

50.

Sitka
Mon, 02/18/08

Reply to this

"My quote (out of context) was strictly referring to what he posts on his campaign website, on the "issues" segment."

I meant I won't hold my breath waiting for you to quote the other Democratic candidates you smeared
======================================

I was just making an observation, with respect to how his style is a change from 30 years of Democratic cliches.

But it Looks like Sitka is back to his old ways - more interesetd in bading me into one of his senseless bitter arguments, than having an intelligent discussion.

You haven't changed, Sitka. You still suck.

Next in line is a thread about Fallon and Boswell.

http://www.iowaindependent.com/showDiary...

gee, we are our own  worst enemy. no nomination yet but we are yelling at each other.

who is the progressive? edwards is gone and obama is left.

at our jj dinner in richmond. well obama got the most applause, but that was from the young en's/

for god's sake stop the yacking and get to work.

the rules say MI and FL don't count. No one was on the ballot but Hillary, how did that happen.

No count these delegates.

http://www.blogforamerica.com/view/23851...

shortcut to last thread

10.

As usual John Huron, you don't make any sense.

Remember the great Molly Ivins? She is still with us.

Columns
Molly Ivins

I will not support Hillary Clinton for president
January 20, 2006

AUSTIN, Texas --- I'd like to make it clear to the people who run the Democratic Party that I will not support Hillary Clinton for president.

Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges.

The recent death of Gene McCarthy reminded me of a lesson I spent a long, long time unlearning, so now I have to re-learn it. It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief.

If no one in conventional-wisdom politics has the courage to speak up and say what needs to be said, then you go out and find some obscure junior senator from Minnesota with the guts to do it. In 1968, Gene McCarthy was the little boy who said out loud, "Look, the emperor isn't wearing any clothes." Bobby Kennedy -- rough, tough Bobby Kennedy -- didn't do it. Just this quiet man trained by Benedictines who liked to quote poetry.

http://freepress.org/columns/display/1/2006/1304

roof rats

Last week on an episode of the CBS program "Big Brother" cast member Adam Jasinski referred to people with autism as "retards." This dehumanizing language is unacceptable. When Don Imus used racially callous language on his program CBS executives Leslie Mooonves and Sumner Redstone issued an apology, fired Imus and cancelled his show. We call up Mr. Moonves and Mr. Redstone to issue an apology to people with autism and other developmental disabilities, fire Adam Jasinski, and cancell Big Brother.

Please click on the links below and send an email to Mr. Redstone and Mr. Moonves and please forward this message to friends and family.

http://capwiz.com/a-champ/issues/alert/?alertid=11010616&queueid=1748837466

David Axelrod created 2 politicians. He gave the theme and lines for them and they are reusing them. This is not just studying and using anothers lines, these are main themes and same words. And on top of it, David Axelrod worked for Deval Patrick-MA before moving over for an Obama Presidential campaign.

This isn't just copying words, these are main campaign themes and "words" and "speeches"

Patrick said.... Obama said....

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articl...



Sweet: Barack Obama lifts some lines from Deval Patrick speech. Video
comparison.

WASHINGTON--Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama lifts some lines
from Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick when he defended himself Saturday
night about being an inspirational speaker who may have more sizzle than
steak. In doing so, he borrowed a riff from Patrick (a native Chicago
South Sider) who shares with Obama a key strategist, David Axelrod.

"Don't tell me words don't matter," said Barack Obama at the Wisconsin
Democratic Party Founders Day dinner on Saturday in a rebuttal to Hillary
Rodham Clinton's assessment that he is about "speeches" and not
"solutions." He then goes on to quote some very famous lines. Just about
the same thing Patrick said in a speech in 2006, when he was running for
governor. Patrick is endorsing Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M6x1H08a...://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/02/sweet_barack_obama_lifts_some.html

http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/02/...

Huron John
Mon, 02/18/08
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Or Denise telling you............"America, love it or leave it"...................

Remember the great Molly Ivins? She is still with us

=====================

Do we ever.  A self-made woman of impeccable integrity and insight.  You will be missed, Molly.

22.

Michael Ellis
Mon, 02/18/08

Or Denise telling you............"America, love it or leave it"...................

=======================
who says it has to be one OR the other. One can love America and still want to "leave it" for one's own good.

February 18, 2008 11:33 AM

In a conference call just now the Clinton campaign would not guarantee that Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, has never used someone else's rhetoric without crediting them.

I asked Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson and Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass, if they could assure the public that neither Clinton nor McGovern has ever done what Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, did when he used the rhetoric of Gov. Deval Patrick without footnoting him.

They would not.

In fact, Wolfson seemed to say it wouldn't be as big a deal if it were discovered that Clinton had "lifted" such language.

"Sen. Clinton is not running on the strength of her rhetoric," Wolfson said.

Hmmmm.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/02/the-clinton-cam.html

Printable version

Wikileaks.org, as it is known, was cut off from the internet following a California court ruling, the site says

Uhuh, Linda,

Keep on posting, but it ain't so.  The quotes are common, Martin Luther King, JFK,FDR, etc.  The idea that words matter, again, pretty common.  If you listened, Obama said it differently, used different words, and those used are what we call common references, can be found in three different sources.  Not plagiarism, though I'm sure you'd like it to be.

Why the antipathy to Obama?  He's got the best liberal record, has the best liberal experience in work, living, and in philosophy.  You've never given one solid reason for your opposition to him. It would actually be a service if you could and would. That would give us something to really debate.

Just because something is in print or on the Internet, you can't assume it's true. There's vicious stuff out in the media domain, lies, distortions, slander, ridicule, libel, and calumny.  You've got to check for truth, use your own reasoning and demand evidence.  

It might also help if you could show why you now support Hillary Clinton as the best candidate.  Give us your reasoning and examples, your experiences and insight. 

Printable version

It comes from a company in California, which officials said allowed meat from cattle unable to stand at the time of slaughter to enter the food chain.

But the USDA said the health hazard was minimal. Much of the meat was purchased for federal nutrition programmes.

The meat-packing plant is also being investigated for animal cruelty.

"From my vantage point brevity trumps pomposity. ---
Oh, brevity works for me just fine. Indeedy:)

Thanks, Huron.  The I/P horror is simply not being addressed. Why?  Becuz the corps have BO and HC in their pockets, along with many if not most of our critters; and that's why the ME is blowing up.  It's not just AIPAC either...the multi-nationals are making billions in blood and arms.  This is the simple explanation.  Endless war means money, lots of it...and god forbid, we should rein in the RW of Israel,  Olmert and his gang of thugs.

And while we're speaking of Mukasey, the guy who loves to torture, I believe BO voted for him and so did HC. (?)

HÇ is of the war party and BO voted to keep it going.  That is the truth.  He is complicit and is smart enuf to know it...so he obfuscates by saying he's the anti-war candidate.  Maybe by now he actually believes it.

HC's black mark for me is her Kyl-Lie vote.

BO's black mark for me is fooling the idealists, young and old, into thinking he's the anti-war candidate.

HC needs to tell the world about his war votes after he joined the Senate.  It would, of course, open up a *stimulating discussion* about hers as well....but it would be of great service to the public to know the truth about both of them regarding Iraq.

So, Phil, we'll have to agree to disagree and we can do that w/o getting mean and vicious.  I love you and I still don't like caucuses.  :-) 

13.

Linda in NM
Mon, 02/18/08

Sweet: Barack Obama lifts some lines from Deval Patrick speech. Video

====================

Hillary is getting desparate. She (or her folks) will keep taking these trivial pot shots at Obama, with the hope the media will grow legs onto them.

That Clinton machine is remarkable.

A controversial website that allows whistle-blowers to anonymously post government and corporate documents has been taken offline in the US.

This is the scariest thing I've read since the last BO post.  

A year ago January Governor Dean sent this letter to Democrats across the country asking everyone them to join the demand honest leadership.

Dean: 'We Need to Clean House' http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/01/dean_...

---

I would like to see all the Democratic Party's political hacks in the business sign this petition. The American people may want honesty and open government but I'm not so sure the Washington hacks and all their political operatives do. We must not forget to include all those political operatives who work for the unions. They're some of the most notorious secretive lairs in the business. They get good union folks to do things against their better interests and then they're super "ready" to move on the their private sector corporate lobbyists job. Always remember that the unions are non-partisan organizations. They're not Democratic Party organizations by any account and they will be the first ones to tell their members that fact. But that is OK we can invited them to sign this petition anyway.

http://www.democrats.org/page/petition/h...

---

http://www.democrats.org/a/2006/01/hones...

Honesty In Government Event (Columbus, Ohio)
Posted by on January 18, 2006

Our demand is simple. We want truly democratic government, served by elected representatives who uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity. We demand sweeping reform to return our government to its basic responsibility: serving all the people of this great nation.

American history tells a story of expanding democracy, opportunity, and accountable governance. Throughout our history, the American people have demanded that their government reflect our nation’s highest ideals of openness and honesty, transparency and integrity and -- above all else -- a clear commitment to protecting the interest of the American people, not powerful special interests.

When the excesses of a corrupt establishment have gone too far, the American people have risen up and reformed the political process to correct our course -- because ultimately it is the people who must lead. ...

t might also help if you could show why you now support Hillary Clinton as the best candidate.  Give us your reasoning and examples, your experiences and insight. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

my best case would be something like this.;speaking hypothetically

Hillary Clinton as Senator from New York was reponsible for coordinating aid to New York City after September 11th, and visited the site many times, and as such has a deep understanding of the need to confront terrorism. She has never wavered in that resolve.

She has consistantly supported fully funding the needs of forces in the field.

She has supported the force forward concept of taking our enemies on any where in the world, and will not allow Iran to threaten us or our good friends from being blackmailed or attacked with nuclear weapons or support for terrorists.

She has been open to seeking out the best advise of people she trusts, and had developed a working knowledge of not only the problems facing America, but has framed solutions in ways that benefit the vast middle class and not just a few, from Universal Health Care, to the sub-prime crisis. Specific ideas that are well thought out. and speeches that show she understands the complexities of economic problems and the difficulty of solutions, but while looking after the welfare of the many.

As a member of Congress, and spouse of a former President she has unique experience and insight as to how that relationship between branches of Government should work.

As a woman she gets the whole battle against glass ceilings and unequal pay and the issue of respect because of personal experience. As a symbol as well she understands the historic nature of her current position and what that means to so very many women who have shared the discimination.

She is an intelligent, studious, caring, well spoken leader who espouses Democratic Party values in her campaign and her work in the Senate, and is certainly in the mainstream of what it has meant to be a Democrat.

Well done, Phil. Good reasoning.  Thanks.

 If you have some specific issues about the subject of global warming in the Obama book, could you state them? We're going to eat soon and then watch a movie, and I'll read up on the issues and get back to you.

Wisconsin has tightened a little I think 53/47.

Both McCain and Hillary are insane in their quest for power.

30.

Pat in Colorado

It is so. But if you want to excuse their speeches, almost verbatim, that's your choice and I can't help there.

Did you click on the other link too?


I've specifically mentioned why out of these two candidates running why I support Hillary. Just like the other many analysts admit, if you're about issues and protecting and building up middle class, you will be for Hillary.

ie Health Care for All, Global Warming...yes she has better policies including more increases on CAFE standards, Green Collar Jobs, closing corporate loopholes, Renewable Energy, promises to start redeploying troops within 60 days and should have them out within a year and she has experience and has had to dance with the Repubs like no other and is still standing strong.

And with that...I promised hubby stuffed mushrooms, I made him meatballs (organic) yesterday and now he gets to have them on a hero with my sauce, and asparagus...so off I go.

30.

Linda in NM
Mon, 02/18/08

Reply to this


30.

Pat in Colorado

It is so. But if you want to excuse their speeches, almost verbatim, that's your choice and I can't help there.

Did you click on the other link too?


I've specifically mentioned why out of these two candidates running why I support Hillary. Just like the other many analysts admit, if you're about issues and protecting and building up middle class, you will be for Hillary.

ie Health Care for All, Global Warming...yes she has better policies including more increases on CAFE standards, Green Collar Jobs, closing corporate loopholes, Renewable Energy, promises to start redeploying troops within 60 days and should have them out within a year and she has experience and has had to dance with the Repubs like no other and is still standing strong.

And with that...I promised hubby stuffed mushrooms, I made him meatballs (organic) yesterday and now he gets to have them on a hero with my sauce, and asparagus...so off I go.


and there are more issues within the Economy she is much better on as well and has stated she will also work to increase wages to a living wage of 9.50 per hour (thank you John Edwards)


....now gone

Pat, also a side note. Anytime someone points to specifics including Obama's own policies....you say read his book. His book is not policy it is a story. He's already cme a long way form Single Payer Health Care that he once mentioned (like Deval Patrick too) and now doesn't even offer Universal Health Care....and attacks Hillary for mandating everyone has Health Care....which I would say is a good indication he has no intention of even trying for it.

Honesty In Government

(Photo: Associated Press.) http://www.dfasv.org/mediafiles/democrat...

Today, Democratic leaders Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in Washington, DC and DNC Chair Howard Dean in Ohio outlined a comprehensive proposal to shake up ethics rules and laws. A short Ohio Public Radio on Dean's comments is available online (mp3 file). Democrats.gov will soon have the video of today's DC event up. Kicking Ass has a great blog entry about Dean's Honesty in Government event in Ohio - complete with pictures and videos. Read the chairman's letter, and sign the petition for a clean government.

Democrats.gov lays out the plan in detail, and The Stakeholder provides reasons. The proposal, in short, prohibits putting in special interest provisions into bills in the dead of night, doubles the waiting period for members and staff of Congress to go into lobbying to 2 years, bans all lobbyist gift and travel, mandates disclosure of every lobbyist activity, shutting down pay-to-play schemes like the "K Street Project" that dictates that only Republicans be hired at prominent lobbying firms (and Democrats fired), requires disclosure when a Congressperson or staffer is negotiating a private sector job, slaps tough penalties on contract cheaters and prohibits "Brownie" type cronyism in appointments. From The Roots (DSCC) has the letter from Sen. Reid. ... full post: http://www.dfasv.org/?q=node/92&PHPSESSI...

Thank you, Phil.  It's still a tough choice for me and  I wish she'd recant her vote.

Meanwhile, what liberties are being taken from us while this horserace is dominating the scene?  

If we don't impeach, the precedent will be set in stone. 

Hillary Clinton as a campaign run by a different team might have been an attractive candidate, but you have to put the blame for that on her.

Linda in NM
Mon, 02/18/08

BREAKING NEWS....I just heard Hillary Clinton say "we need to take our country back" on NPR. This is huge. Can you believe it? She stole that saying from Dean who stole it from ?????

Do you see how ridiculous this sounds? It is a non-issue. Biden stole an entire speech, not a phrase or a "theme". Themes are not copyrighted anyway. Obama used a phrase from a friend and supporter. Let's move on to real issues.

Obama’s Narrator

When Barack Obama decided in January that he would run for president in 2008 and quietly began calling up his staff members and close supporters to tell them so, the choice had many effects, but one of the most immediate and parochial was that it sent Obama’s chief political and media adviser, a Chicago consultant named David Axelrod, into his editing studio. For four years Axelrod has had camera crews tracking virtually everything Obama has done in public — chatting up World War II vets in southern Illinois, visiting his father’s ancestral village in western Kenya — and there were days when the camera crews have outnumbered the civilians.

In the second week of January, Axelrod went down to his editing studio, a raw, whitewashed loft space, and began to sort through all of this tape to put together a five-minute Internet video for the initial announcement of Obama’s campaign, which would come the following Tuesday, Jan. 16. Political observers tend to dismiss bio pieces as fluff. But for Axelrod they supply a coordinating presence, a basic story to wrap the campaign around. There is precision in the fluff. Axelrod says he believes that Obama is something different: a “trailblazing” figure who “represents the future.” And indeed, so far Obama’s campaign has been steeped in his biography. This is, after all, a 45-year-old man who has written not one but two memoirs. Most of the raw videotape Axelrod has is the banal, worn imagery of politics — Obama speaking from a podium, with the familiar, angled hand gestures, or seated and listening intently, elbows on knees — and somehow from this he had hoped to wring transcendence. There was a clip he found from the early stages of the 2004 Senate campaign of Obama, microphone in hand, introducing himself to a small group of voters at a coffeehouse on Chicago’s North Side; when the candidate told them about his work in the early 1990s as a community organizer, there was a spontaneous, sustained applause. “I remember that!” Axelrod told me a few days later as we watched the finished product in his office the morning it was released to the public. “You know, we hadn’t thought that was an important part of his bio, but people really responded to the fact that Barack gave up corporate job offers to work in the community.”

Axelrod has the political operative’s BlackBerried, wearied demeanor, at once somewhat more and somewhat less than fully awake. His conversations are staccato, 90-second affairs, affirmations and advice. The day the video was released, he had six TV news crews lined up to interview him for segments they were putting together on Obama’s announcement. The Fox cameraman started hooking up his wires. He told Axelrod he had just walked past the subway station, and a worker, seeing the TV cameras, asked whom the crew was going to interview: “And I say David Axelrod, and she just screams ...

...When the first major profile of Axelrod appeared in Chicago magazine in 1987, three years after he left a high-profile job as the lead political reporter for The Chicago Tribune to work as a political operative, the article (“Hatchet Man: The Rise of David Axelrod”) began by comparing him to an “exotic rodent.” Two decades later, there remains the matter of the comb-over and the damp mustache, but his looks seem less important now. In the last four years, Axelrod has helped steer campaigns for fully four of the Democrats now running for president — Obama, Clinton, John Edwards and Chris Dodd — and one who dropped out (Tom Vilsack); framed the messages for the new young governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick; and served as the chief political adviser for Representative Rahm Emanuel when the congressman helped orchestrate the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives last fall.

Axelrod, who is 52, is lumbering, sardonic and self-deprecating, and he still has the old Chicago street-fighter belief that you can see what matters about politics most clearly when you’re slumming in the wards. His bookshelves are filled with Abe Lincoln biographies, but what he says he admires about Lincoln isn’t just his philosophy but his political effectiveness, the Great Emancipator’s secret shiv. Professional opinions of Axelrod in this pitted, rivalrous field vary, but Axelrod, working from Chicago, has become perhaps the consultant with the tightest grip on his party’s future. “So many consultants are fighting the last war, but David is fighting the next one, and that makes him very, very dangerous,” the Republican consultant Mike Murphy told me.

After the consecutive presidential losses of Al Gore and John Kerry, patrician candidates who ran ill-fitting “people versus the powerful” campaigns designed for them by the consultant Bob Shrum, many Democrats began to suspect that part of what was wrong with the party was its formulaic consultants. The party has suffered, Axelrod says, from a “Wizard of Oz syndrome among Washington political consultants who tend to come to candidates and say: I have the stone tablets! You do what I say, and you will get elected. And they fit their candidates into their rubric.”

Axelrod’s is a less grand, postideological approach, and his campaigns are rooted less in issues than in the particulars of his candidate’s life. For him, running campaigns hitched to personality rather than ideology is a way of reclaiming fleeting authenticity. It is also, more and more, the way of the Democratic Party. Its 2006 Congressional campaign strategy — run by Axelrod’s close friend Emanuel, with the Chicago consultant acting as principal sounding board — did not depend on any great idea of where the party ought to go, like the last political cataclysm, Newt Gingrich’s 1994 House “revolution.” As they have reclaimed power, the Democrats have done so not by moving appreciably to the left or the right; rather, they have done so by allowing their candidates to move in both directions at once. “What David is basically doing — and this is somewhat new for Democrats — isn’t trying to figure out how to sell policies,” says the Democratic media consultant Saul Shorr. “It’s a matter of personality. How do we sell leadership?”

... full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/magazi...

Beware of the calumniators, for they are just full of calumnies.

waterboarding that cow in the humanesociety tape cost someone their job(as well it should)

will the AG rule on waterboarding now?

Linda in NM
Mon, 02/18/08

So Clinton's vote for the war and her refusal to say it was wrong, and defense of it as some kind of vote for more inspectors, doesn't bother you?

So Clinton's defense of lobbyists and special interests in DC as necessary and even helpful, while accepting the most funds from lobbyists and their bundlers doesn't bother you?

So Clinton's support and defense of NAFTA, but now she wants to alter it slightly, doesn't bother you?

Wow, you have glossed over some pretty big problems...don't see how someone goes from Kucinich to Edwards to Clinton. But ....it's your reputation.

Although the health care plans are different, I'll grant you. But Obama's I found out is a mandate after the fact (you have to pay premiums when you actually receive care and want the insurance to cover you). So there is less difference than once thought.

Wow, a George Bush tautology. Well done, Audrey!

Pat wrote:  He's got the best liberal record, has the best liberal experience in work, living, and in philosophy. 

Shhh....don't let Rush Limbaugh get a hold of this!

8:22 p.m. EST

16.

seashell

BO's black mark for me is fooling the idealists, young and old, into thinking he's the anti-war candidate.

What's to fool. It's plain and simple that Barack didn't vote for the war initially.

The Dumbing of America

Cryptogon
February 18th, 2008

The zombie hordes are outside my window, ho hum, maybe I’ll write a piece for the Washington Post.

Via: Washington Post:

“The mind of this country, taught to aim at low objects, eats upon itself.� Ralph Waldo Emerson offered that observation in 1837, but his words echo with painful prescience in today’s very different United States. Americans are in serious intellectual trouble — in danger of losing our hard-won cultural capital to a virulent mixture of anti-intellectualism, anti-rationalism and low expectations.

…

The classic work on this subject by Columbia University historian Richard Hofstadter, “Anti-Intellectualism in American Life,� was published in early 1963, between the anti-communist crusades of the McCarthy era and the social convulsions of the late 1960s. Hofstadter saw American anti-intellectualism as a basically cyclical phenomenon that often manifested itself as the dark side of the country’s democratic impulses in religion and education. But today’s brand of anti-intellectualism is less a cycle than a flood. If Hofstadter (who died of leukemia in 1970 at age 54) had lived long enough to write a modern-day sequel, he would have found that our era of 24/7 infotainment has outstripped his most apocalyptic predictions about the future of American culture.