Jake Tapper of ABC News has fun with his Lexis; the topic is Howard Dean's current blast against John Sidney McCain:
That's all noise. What's more interesting are the Dean quotes from 2004 that may come back to haunt him this year.
"The real issue is this," Dean said in March 2004, when endorsing formal rival Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., "Who would you rather have in charge of the defense of the United States of America, a group of people who never served a day overseas in their life, or a guy who served his country honorably and has three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star on the battlefields of Vietnam?"
McCain, by the way, has been awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Presumably that is not the real issue anymore.
Morning everyone. Not surprising to see Howard Dean making a fool of himself - again.
Posted by: Jane | March 29, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Good morning, Jane. I was surprised to see Tapper going after Dean. He has really surprised me a lot lately. Tapper, that is.
Posted by: Sue | March 29, 2008 at 07:33 AM
I had no doubt even at the time, that military service would be deemed irrelevant by the Dems this time around, though I am surprised that anyone in the media noticed that shift.
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Tapper is in the tank for Hillary.
Posted by: Davod | March 29, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Why did Dean forget the Bay Hap Bronze Star, perhaps the most despicable of all of Kerry's medals?
Did you know John Kerry swerved in Vietnam?
=====================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Davod, I thought that too, but then I saw something he did that was pretty critical of Hillary. Let me try to find it.
============================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Wasn't Tapper the one who got the "She'll have to pull a Tonya Harding" quote.
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 09:32 AM
The McCain ad that has Howie's panties in a bunch, quite deftly alludes to Obama's unpatriotic and unAmerican leanings, without ever mentioning him.
Speaking of O, I think John Hinderaker has the best line of the year:
"It strikes me that Barack Obama is uniquely unfit to be President, or, for that matter, to serve in the Senate."
Posted by: centralcal | March 29, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I did posts based on this over at Power and Control and Classical Values.
We have a resident troll at Classical Values we keep around for amusement purposes. Can't wait to get his comments.
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 09:52 AM
centrical,
I think he is going to be another Carol Mosely Brown.
Illinois teeters on the brink between R and D. We tend to vote out each party as the corruption shows up.
Simon
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 09:54 AM
The clarice disease seems to be catching.
Carol Mosely Braun. Although the English translation is correct.
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I told it was catching--
At least you didn't type her middle name as Mostly or something..
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Well, at least we won't be hearing the "chicken hawk" smear from the left anymore. They can't use it against McCain; and they won't use it against their own.
Obama could propose that we nuke Monaco and they'd support him. I'm less sure about Hillary; but they'd come around eventually.
Posted by: SteveMG | March 29, 2008 at 10:16 AM
That would make a great ad.....Dean's statement and then at the end - McCain for President....cheap too, only about 10 seconds
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Maguire;
Come out of hiding and listen to the Piper.
Endless posts about the election won't make Iraq or the economy go away.
Since Iraq is so far away, try the economy which is closer to your heart.
"Well, on Monday, the Administration's Department of Treasury will "propose a far-reaching overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory structure that would reshape the relationship between Wall Street and Washington and redefine the responsibilities of some of the federal government's most powerful agencies." In particular, and most strikingly, the powers of the Federal Reserve would be dramatically expanded: the Fed "would gain the power to investigate any aspect of financial institutions that threatens the stability of the entire system, gathering information and taking action to combat risks to the financial system as a whole." In the words of one Treasury official, the Fed "would act as a 'free safety,' . . . with broad but somewhat undefined powers to roam the entire playing field of Wall Street's activities.""
http://balkin.blogspot.com/2008/03/fair-weather-unitarians.html
Enforcement powers?
Dang, Bush is good.
Posted by: Semanticleo | March 29, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Ben: great idea about the ad!
Posted by: centralcal | March 29, 2008 at 10:37 AM
"Come out of hiding and listen to the Piper.
Endless posts about the election won't make Iraq or the economy go away.
Since Iraq is so far away, try the economy which is closer to your heart."
This is really deep stuff......endless posts about the election and Iraq is far away...who would have thought?
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 10:47 AM
You're right, Leo, Bush should be proposing we completely end regulation over the economy.
Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) | March 29, 2008 at 10:49 AM
leo,
If we leave Iraq and a brawl follows Iraq will not be so far away. I assume you have heard of the internet thingy.
Which is why the Ds are hedging their bets.
BTW the USA has been at war, off and on, with the jihadis (a term from Jefferson's time) since 1775. We are just in a new phase. "Shores of Tripoli..." ring a bell?
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I just love people who visit blogs and lecture the host on what to post and write about.
Eugene Volokh answered one of these types once (paraphrasing): "There are many blogs out there; perhaps you'll find one that says everything you agree with and everything you want to hear about. Good luck finding it."
I think we all agree with those sentiments.
Posted by: SteveMG | March 29, 2008 at 11:05 AM
An amusing aspect of Dean's quote is that he disqualifies himself with the Kerry endorsement. If I recall correctly, he was a candidate in 2004 (beloved by the progs) until the Iowans pricked his bubble. Who can ever forget his famous "I Have a Scream" speech?
I doubt that he is upset by Tapper's piece. No prog has ever been troubled by foolish consistency of utterance.
Mario Cuomo issues a splendidly stupid plea for a unity ticket in the supposition that America is longing to vote for a Stalinist and a Trotskyite on the same ticket. I'm not sure that the mix of Nurse Ratched and Chauncey Gardiner is as strong as Mario dreams. I do hope that the Dems hold a full and frank discussion of the matter.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Cuomo is just afraid that if Hill isn't locked into DC for 4 to 8 years, she'll run against him for the Dem nomination for Gov. of NY and clean his clock. I love it when Pols try to protect their own careers by sounding noble.
Posted by: Ranger | March 29, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Did you notice that Obama and Madonna have that same long face thing? Same luciferian like ears?
The McCain commercial; the serial number one, who is it asking for his serial number and do those dems still control him? It's like Hillary and them are contolling him, like their all friends, like he got a chip intalled when he was captured by them............The war isn't enough, we need to make sure he's not taken over by dems.
As far as the medals, his dad and grandad all worked for the government, like dems, you know, control the federal jobs and you control the government. The government is jobs and money for you, your business, foreign policy and being liked by everybody and your kids and their kids. So, he was tortured, well that's cause he worked for the federal government like his dad and grandad.
McCain needs to be helped to understand dems are bad and evil. A few days with the right psychiatrist, and needles, maybe some water boarding and nurses and history lessons................
Posted by: FKT | March 29, 2008 at 11:36 AM
And Rick, remember, Dean had back problems and was medically disqualified from service. Can't hold that against a guy. Nice when your family is rich enough to produce 3 inches of medical records for the Army docs at the processing center. Funny that his back problems didn't keep him from working as a ski instructor in college.
Posted by: Ranger | March 29, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Rick,darling , is this as good for you as it is for me?
AUSTIN — The Texas Democratic Party on Friday urged delegates to today's senatorial district and county conventions to ignore e-mails and robotic phone calls telling them that the conventions have either been canceled or had their times changed. (Snip) While Obama appeared to come out of the caucuses with a 37-30 lead, the number can change based on how many supporters for each candidate show up for today's local conventions.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5657703.html>Deviltry in Texas
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Yes and the Democrat prescription for mending the economy are so impressive.
Lets see- massive tax hike, "universal health care" that will wipe out millions of jobs, increased regulation of private industry, 100s of billions in new entitlement spending, "tax cuts" for the "middle class" (despite massive spending hikes- huh?)
That'll work out well.
Carter days are here again!!!
Posted by: TMF | March 29, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Dean the hipocrit dirbag repeats the "100 years of war" lie- of course McCain meant nothing of the sort
That never kept a lying democrat from lying.
For the good of the country- of course!!!
Posted by: TMF | March 29, 2008 at 11:42 AM
McCain needs to be helped to understand dems are bad and evil. A few days with the right psychiatrist, and needles, maybe some water boarding and nurses and history lessons................
Thank you for that contribution.
I still say it's the crowd at Balloon Juice.
If we don't respond, they'll go back and claim that we agreed with their inane posts. If we do respond, we just get diverted by their efforts.
Posted by: SteveMG | March 29, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Ranger,
I do remember "can't shoot but hell on a slalom" Dean's dodging. I think it more likely that Mario is just keeping the Cuomo name alive for his son's sake - you remember him - the notorious thief?
Clarice,
I am enjoying watching this. My only regret is that it's not July rather than March. I sure hope RW and BHO have the stamina to continue. ION - Carville doubles down on Hispanic Judas, Henry Cisneros and Alejandro Pena were unavailable for comment. Also, Mark Steyn aphoristically remembers Elena Ceausescu.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 12:06 PM
cleo:
How is your son doing?
Dean will get no traction against McCain-He can"t even get his own party to get their act together. He should have eliminated the clintons long before this...
Posted by: maryrose | March 29, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Rick,
You are certainly right about Cuomo. I was confusing the father and the son there. It pretty much an open secret (from what I understand) that Cuomo the younger wants to be Governor. With the rest of the Dems in NY imploding, it looks like the only thing that will get in his way for the nomination is if Hill decides she wants it instead.
Posted by: Ranger | March 29, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I thought Steyn's column was hilarious.
How long before the party realizes that shoving Dean off to the side as head of the DNC was a disastrous move? He hasn't the clout to keep this from exploding.
I think Hill and her friends figured they'd stick him there and set up parallel organizations under their control and get their contributors' money into 527s and away from the DNC--And this is what that maneuver got them.
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Our media watchers have shown pretty conclusively that the better things go in Iraq, the further away it gets.
Posted by: Paul Zrimsek | March 29, 2008 at 12:41 PM
ABC's Halperin calls the Obama/Hillary contest: "Jesus versus Jezebel."
Good one.
Posted by: SteveMG | March 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
He hasn't the clout to keep this from exploding.
The real problem with Dean vis a vis the Dems is twofold I think.
First, while he doesn't have enough power to keep things tracking right, he has almost enough. That keeps him actively trying to insert himself into the process, and worse, it keeps him thinking he's relevant.
Second, shuffling the guy off to the side might have been a useful maneuver if he was shuffled out of political earshot. Unfortunately, the Nutroots can still hear his siren call, which makes him somewhat of a king maker in that party.
Still all boils down to where Dean falls on the Democrat political continuum. He definitely isn't a proponent of status quo (which is where Hillarity tends to fall) so he by default must oppose her using the means at his disposal.
Posted by: Soylent Red | March 29, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Goodness, the first Semanticleo of Spring.
Posted by: PeterUK | March 29, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Am I the only one who thinks that CFR has so weakened the parties that it is contributing their eventual breakup? It is impossible to exercise the necessary clout to hold things together.(Rather as the diminution of the power of seniority in Congress substantially limited the power of the Congressional leadership.)
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 01:21 PM
A more sober look at the contest--Baehr thinks Rob Portman will be McCain's running mate , that Obama will be harder to beat than Hillary and that there's a possiblity of a tie in electoral votes with the decision then to be made in the House.
http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/03/the_shape_of_the_race_is_chang.html>A little cold water
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Clarice:
What I see is that it essentially decentralizes power (both organizational power and monetary clout) and forces the party chairmen to cater to a wider variety of small special interest groups, rather than a smaller number of large ones.
That has led to the emergence of nutty fringe groups as serious party factions (in both parties) that have to be dealt with as if they are legitimate voices.
This may be the Hamiltonian side of me speaking, but bottom line is that the decentralization has pushed us one step closer to mob rule inside each party. The inmates are taking over the asylum. That's how a Huckabee or Obama becomes a serious contender.
The only thing that gives me some satisfaction is that at least the Dems have more, and nuttier, fringe groups to deal with than we do. It may mess things up in our party, but it nearly paralyzes theirs.
Posted by: Soylent Red | March 29, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I think that's right Soylent. I'm thinking of doing a piece on this --among other things it would be ironic if McCain benefits from this idiotic limitation on free speech.
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Rick:
Carville doubles down on Hispanic Judas
I completely agree with Carville.
::hmmmrrgggppphhh::
Sorry, threw up a little in my mouth saying that.
But I do.
Was this mentioned yesterday -- Obama: It's all a distraction
Brian Faughnan nails it. Obama talks about "national dialogue", but when anything sticky comes up, it is immediately a distraction.
Wright was the latest. A national dialogue about race? Uh, as long as you understand that showing video of Wright any further is a distraction, discussions of him are a distraction -- and if you do dare discuss him, realize that any racial language can be characterized as equivalent to Wright's (hi grandma!).
Carville is calling Obama a p*ssy.
And he is.
Not that Obama is incapable of the more traditional campaigning -- it's that he has developed an effective strategy by which he can hold a monologue.
One where opponents tread more lightly lest they run afoul of the Obama campaign that will drop the race card, distraction card, cynicism card, Karl-Rove tactics card, etc.
Which is possible because Obama has created a relationship with the media whereby the media only has access to the candidate through his speeches and scripted appearances -- which has left them kneeling before his throne. That sit down with reporters where he got flummoxed by eight questions about Rezko? Well, how many of those did he have before -- and how many do you suppose he will have hence?
Wright has exposed Obama -- and the question is -- will it force him into an unwanted dialogue?
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 01:48 PM
One other thing Clarice...
While I think it changes things short term, decentralization of process typically improves the process over time. Free speech issues aside, it will force both parties to confront and mainstream their fringes IOT preserve electability with the muddle.
Again, good for us and bad for them.
Lotsa armchair organizational management theory going on here.
Posted by: Soylent Red | March 29, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Clarice,
I do believe that CFR has damaged the parties a bit but I think that Trippi's appropriation and very good use of the Republican tactic of internet solicitation of small donations hurt just as much. That's where MoveOn (to oblivion) came up with "we bought it". Reading the comments to the Tapper piece is indicative of what occurs when the true mob rule of democracy is given free rein. I also hope that those commenters maintain their strength for a very long fight.
Baehr is way early for this type of analysis, IMO. July analysis in March is unlikely to provide much insight.
A careful reading of the Time's piece on the Paulson plan indicates that we're going to see a bipartisan effort to grab credit for "fixing" an unbroken economy. Schumer and Franks' announcement that they're on board indicate that they realize that the electorate just might hold a do nothing Congress responsible for doing nothing.
Perhaps the idiots who conceived the program of talking down the economy for five years have finally noted that the tactic works agains an incumbent President (Carter - Bush I) - and there doesn't appear to be one running? That is, except for the do nothing Congressmen and Senators of the majority party.
I see that I am simply reinforcing SR's position but I spent a long time typing this so it gets posted anyway.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Just got a call from Jay Sekulow. Something about the pledge of allegiance in New Hampshire?
I swear, I tried. But I hung up after about 3 minutes.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Which one of you gave him my number?
I REALLY want a call from a pollster. Come on, I have lots to say to a pollster......
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Thank you both for your contributions. I'm going to mull this over a bit--roll it around my almost empty braincase and see what comes out.
I have unfortunately lived long enough to see that many things I thought worthwhile (doing away with Congressional seniority or at least limiting its effect) turned out to be carpy ideas. I know I was influenced by the fact that the Dixiecrats held all the power and we couldn't move forward on race with them there, but the flip side has also proven carpy.
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 02:12 PM
I REALLY want a call from a pollster. Come on, I have lots to say to a pollster......
Hit and run, I too was hoping to get a call from one of those guys before the TX primary, but no joy. Well the fact that I never pick up the phone unless I recognize the number on the caller ID kinda didn't help.
Posted by: Porchlight | March 29, 2008 at 02:27 PM
How come Bill Clinton never proposed giving the Fed such authority, especially when his party had control of congress? If he had, we'd never have had this credit crisis.
And then there's eight years of a free-roaming Al Qaeda, training murderers by the tens of thousands, unmolested in Afghanistan.
BULLETIN***NAME CHANGE ALERT***BULLETIN
Too long have I gone on with this "Other Tom" silliness. It arose out of thin air when I launched my first post on this site, thinking it would be my last, and wanted to avoid any confusion with Maguire. Alas, I became addicted, and have been trapped inside my ill-chosen nom de blog. After this final post, henceforth I will appear only as "Danube of Thought."
I realize there will be those who'll go with "DOT," but I'd rather be confused with the Department of Transportation than with Off Topic. Au revoir.
Posted by: Other Tom | March 29, 2008 at 02:32 PM
By God, I mean what I say.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | March 29, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Yeah, I don't pick up unknown numbers either, Porchlight. I picked this one up because it was a 202 area code.
I thought, "Clarice is calling!"
I thought it was my "3 am" moment.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I thought it was my "3 am" moment.
Obama no doubt hopes his 3 am call will be that easy.
Posted by: Porchlight | March 29, 2008 at 02:39 PM
C, Adams and Jefferson have already been there, done that. However, it's a recurrent question. Look at 'The Republic'. Really, nothing fascinates as how we govern ourselves. Gnothi seauton writ large.
=====================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Aren't you reddish rather than beautifully blue?
Perhaps we can ask the first Semanticleo of Spring if it's too early to plant reddishes.
=================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Oh Dan you be, the blogs, the blogs are calling.
==============================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Heh, Hit--Danube of Thought is it? DOT it shall be.
I think the COP has come out with a very good ad:
http://www.bercasio.com/movies/dems-wmd-before-iraq.wmv> weasels
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 02:48 PM
kim! I was going to say that.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Great ad, and about time. I'd love to see it getting air time over and over again, all around the country.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | March 29, 2008 at 03:00 PM
I'm sure they will if they have the money--HINT
Posted by: clarice | March 29, 2008 at 03:01 PM
cleo:
How is your son doing?
Dean will get no traction against McCain-He can"t even get his own party to get their act together. He should have eliminated the clintons long before this...
Maryrose;
He's at Fort Belvoir, VA. Starts class
April 6 with a contingent of 20 fellow Marines. Homesick as Hell.
Thanks for asking...
Leo
Posted by: Semanticleo | March 29, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Mickey Kaus on Obama channels hit and run:
You don't Sister Souljah when everyone loves you. You don't take bold stands when gaseous platitudes is scratching everyone's bellies. You don't have to. You smile and they faint.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Re: A Little Cold Water
The 269 to 269 scenario involves Obama carrying Nevada...I don't see that despite the polls being close now....
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Ben,
My argument is that we're still too close to launch to determine the impact point for BHO's unguided missile. BHO Fever (Metamixer set to Warp 9) has broken so we've seen the apogee (we hope - second stage?) but we don't really have a fix on the direction of the initial trajectory.
I'm wondering how he will do in CA, OR and WA. All three have Blue Flue and in CA it's slipping towards pneumonia. All the trash talk on CA real estate may come back and bite the Dems very hard.
That would really be heartbreaking...
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Kaus also point to this Rauch article. Kaus calls Rauch the anti-Sullivan, meaning an Obama supporter or would-be supporter, who grounded in reality and not carried along by fantasy. Rauch concludes his "I want to fall in love with Obama, but I'm not quite there" article with this:
I say that this is Obama's real hope. Become a candidate immune from opposition -- having the ability to frame any criticism as a distraction -- and thus roll any opponents.
And making people think he's naive, and soft, and well, uncynical, keeps them from seeing that strategy for all its cunning audacity.
It has worked masterfully with the media -- though Wright has threatened it.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Re: A Little Cold Water
After reading Jim Geraghty's piece on why Obama isn't connecting better in PA, I don't see how "Hillary is collapsing under the weight of her Bosnia lie" will hold true for long.
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Whatever happened to Other Tom ? Gee I really miss that guy.
Posted by: boris | March 29, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Thanks for those Kaus links, Hit. Rauch's theory is interesting. But the more people get to know Obama, the less they seem to like him. So a huge partisan coalition like the one Rauch describes would be difficult to hold together until November.
OTOH Obama has so far been pretty successful at remaining a cipher, and also has the race card to play when it suits him.
Posted by: Porchlight | March 29, 2008 at 04:03 PM
"I'm wondering how he will do in CA, OR and WA. All three have Blue Flue and in CA it's slipping towards pneumonia."
I hope its that pandering resistant strain...
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Obama, I knew Ron Reagan, and you're no Ron Reagan. You are a carnival barker; this way to the egress. You are trying to fool all of the people, and all those typical ones already shown the door, won't pay admission price again.
======================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Maybe I'm a worrywart, but the dems are raising lots more money and getting lots more voters to the polls. Doesn't bode well for the reps.
Posted by: Larry | March 29, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Absolute Moral Authority?
Instapundit...
Michael Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia:
Or should we rather take the word of Garth on the matter?
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Everybody is attracted to the train wreck, Larry. McCain is in orbit, and won't need money until the Anti-missile missle rises from the launching pad. If.
Don't worry, MSM busily engaged in reporting this dogfight, will unify behind the Dem candidate, and then we'll have a problem, Houston.
========================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Larry, the presidentialarian contenduhs are raising all that money -- the DNC is falling behind the RNC.
And the loser, whether it is Hillary or Obama, who has raised all that money, you think they's gonna give it up to the party?
Yeah, it's silver linings more than sunny skies...but it isn't all bleak.
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 04:51 PM
RE: Heating Up
...........................................
The Rev. Ellis Washington, president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, told The National Journal "there is some frustration" with Nutter's endorsement.
"I do speak to some who look at Nutter's name and kind of shake their head," he said.
lol
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Kimberly Strassel, and Peggy Noonan, both have excellent opinion pieces in the WSJ today about Hillary. The ending of Peggy's, with input from GI Joe, should not be missed. He was a witness at Tuzla and corrects the record with Chelsea's blood; sweet tears ran down my face.
==============================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Just read a piece in the April 7 National Review by a guy named Yuval Levin that examines the whole unknown Obama thing, and suggests the wheels may come off over the next seven months. (By the way, will someone who has read one or the other of Barry's books tell me how he earned a living during his "community organizer" period, and what it was that he organized? The press has seemed decidely uncurious.)
Two things about Dem enthusiasm and money: (1) 121 million votes were cast in the presidential contest of 2004, including 59 million for Kerry. Thus far about 25 million have voted in the Dem primaries. Their primary voters are famously enthusiastic, but there are still more than 30 million who voted for Kerry in the general and haven't bothered in these primaries. Also, keep in mind that at this point it looks like a significant slice of the loser's voters can't be counted on in November. (2) Someone here not long ago posted some figures, I think from Byron York, about huge primary-money disparities favoring Dems in such years as 1980 and 1988, if I recall correctly. And one hell of a lot of the money that they're raising now is getting spent as fast as it comes in the door, with a lot more spending coming up.
I thought Other Tom was a well-meaning fellow, but perhaps a bit too young. I myself am a few hours older.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | March 29, 2008 at 05:14 PM
"Don't worry, MSM busily engaged in reporting this dogfight, will unify behind the Dem candidate, and then we'll have a problem, Houston."
This is a given, even if Hillary pulls it out...both will be hailed as "battle tested" for their primary experience against each other...Obama will have "weathered the crisis", and Hillary "will have overcome all odds, the most difficult hurdle vanquished" and such nonsense....If I was McCain I would be working hard on how to win an election against an MSM that has already decided a Democrat just "has to win, the country just can't afford another Republican", repeated ad nauseum.
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 05:16 PM
DebinNC:
The Rev. Ellis Washington, president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, told The National Journal "there is some frustration" with Nutter's endorsement.
OK, remember. A black politician needs votes of persons outside of the black community.
Black clergy (meaning those for whom black defines 90+% of their congregations) need the attendence of persons that are, well, black.
And race hustlers need the ongoing victimization of the black community, wherein perception is just as effective as reality.
I'll say it again -- if Barack Obama loses -- it would be in the interests of the race hustlers to make sure the loss is pinned on white elites taking it from him and/or racist whites voting against him because he's black.
It's part of the business plan.
OK, more importantly, Deb...you a Tar Heels fan? Or?
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I know Ben, even though the Dems have two terrible losers for candidates, it will be a long hard slog for McCain. I have a fair amount of faith in the fundamental sense of the electorate, though. Fifty percent unfavorable for both the Dem candidates is going to be tough for MSM to change, nor is McCain's bedrock likability likely to change.
What? Did I just say something nice about McCain. Gad, I despised him last year. Hey, I despised Bush once upon a time, too, and now think he'll be ranked with Reagan someday.
===============================
Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 05:28 PM
"OK, more importantly, Deb...you a Tar Heels fan? Or?"
We usually pull for the underdog, and this year that's Davidson.
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Had some minutes so I thought I'd look in.
Caller ID says "Gallup" when that particular pollster calls. This was back when they were starting up their daily tracking earlier this year. They called for three or four nights and then gave up.
Posted by: Patrick Tyson | March 29, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Kim
I know how you feel, was never a McCain fan myself, now I am emailing the link to his new ad to people. But frankly, with the specter of Hill or Him as President, I think there are a lot of recent converts out there.
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Sub Prime pinned on 1977. Now why does that date ring a bell?
Posted by: PeterUK | March 29, 2008 at 05:53 PM
"Obama leads in superdelegate donations"
WASHINGTON, March 29 (UPI) -- Barack Obama has donated more money to superdelegates in the last three years than his Democratic U.S. presidential campaign rival, Hillary Clinton...The Illinois senator'spolitical action committee has donated $710,900 to superdelegates since 2005, compared to his New York colleague's PAC donations of $236,100 ....
The Center for Responsive Politics study found that 82 percent of those superdelegates who have backed a candidate since Feb. 25 supported the candidate who donated to them in the past.
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 05:53 PM
DebinNC:
We usually pull for the underdog, and this year that's Davidson.
Kewl. I don't even watch basketball...and the looks you get when you tell people that around here are priceless.
Though it becomes a little tedious when someone goes on for ten minutes, repeatedly questioning you. "No, really, of course you watch basketball, who do you follow?"
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 05:57 PM
DOT,
Love the new look.
Clarice,
Great ad! Now I must go read all that you have linked to.
Posted by: Jane | March 29, 2008 at 05:58 PM
"nor is McCain's bedrock likability likely to change"
I dunno - think you mean "appeal to the Muddle". The fall in Partisan Identification in February joined with the spike in BHO Fever in January is a bit troublesome. The fall in Rep ID is more worrisome than BHO Fever and attributable entirely to the fact that about 10% of Republicans won't admit to belonging to a party with McCain at the top. They may get over it but their recovery won't come from the discovery of heretofore undiscovered reservoirs of talent, intelligence or principle in the candidate.
It's going to be a lesser of two weevils contest at the top. Nixon did just fine in '68 under similiar circumstances and with a more difficult hill to climb because of the number of "FDR Was God" Dems in the electorate. McCain certainly can win the election - unless he does something remarkably stupid. Unfortunately, that possibility does not have a particularly low probability.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Rasmussen:
"Looking ahead to the General Election in November, John McCain now enjoys a bigger lead when matched against Hillary Clinton rather than Barack Obama. McCain leads Barack Obama 48% to 43% and leads Hillary Clinton 51% to 40% (see recent daily results). McCain is now viewed favorably by 53% of voters nationwide and unfavorably by 44%. Obama’s reviews are 50% favorable and 48% unfavorable. For Clinton, those numbers are 42% favorable, 56% unfavorable (see recent daily results). Today is the first time Obama’s favorables have returned to the 50% level since his former Pastor became news."
Gallup's tracker now has Messiah over RW by eight, his biggest margin ever.
She's melting! She's melting!
Posted by: Danube of Thought | March 29, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Whenever I listen to Rev. Wright, I'm reminded of that great line by Kennan in his famous "Mr. X" long telegram.
"It is an undeniable privilege of every man to prove himself right in the thesis that the world is his enemy; for if he reiterates it frequently enough and makes it the background of his conduct he is bound eventually to be right."
If you reject American values as being "middleclassness" - it's a betrayal of racial authenticity - and you behave as if the country is your enemy, you'll eventually act in ways to fulfill that view.
So, Wright has to make outrageous statements such as the government created AIDs or white greed is the source of the world's ills. He gets to prove his authenticity by rejecting America and he receives the extra benefit of having America hate him back.
A twofer.
Posted by: SteveMG | March 29, 2008 at 06:19 PM
'Appeal to the muddle' works for me, Rick. As far as doing something remarkably stupid, I'm very sure we can count on Obama to do that. He seems to believe that since he walks on water, he can do remarkably stupid things, like not jettisoning Wright last year when they both realized how problematic their relationship would become. And the Munchausen Meme is now firmly attached to Hillary's heinie. As for McCain, people expect him to screw up. The electorate realizes his advisers will keep him out of trouble while President.
If you haven't already, please go read the GI Joe comment at the end of P. Noonan's WSJ today. It's almost worth learning how to link.
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Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 06:23 PM
Peter,
That link involves some very creative lying. Foreign participation in the last Treasury sales declined because of the huge drop in interest rates offered on the bonds. In the March auction (the one in question), there were $18 billion in bids for $10 billion in bonds and the winning bids averaged out at at less than the 3.5% coupon, which means that buyers were willing to pay more than the face value of the bonds. EU paper is trading at 4.5% so it's little wonder that EU buyers would be circumspect at purchasing an income stream paying about 30% less than they can get at home.
The writer of the piece also doesn't know sic'em about housing prices. The only real one time leap in prices occured after WWII with the institution of the Veteran's Home Loan program. Aside from that, housing prices have tracked cost of construction increases very tightly for over fifty years with the exception of two real bubbles, one in '78-'80, which was due to inflationary fear and the other the sub-prime debacle of '04-'06 which was not inflation driven at all except for the local fee increases forced upon developers in a few "hot" markets.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Forgot a link. The ten year coupon was 4 3/4% in September. That's a 36% drop in cost over six months to US taxpayers. Not exactly indicative of inflation - more like deflation.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | March 29, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Karl Rove in Newsweek
"How to Win in a Knife Fight": The Democratic race could well come down to the first contested convention in years. Lessons on how to prevail
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 06:38 PM
kim: "If you haven't already, please go read the GI Joe comment at the end of P. Noonan's WSJ today. It's almost worth learning how to link."
-------------------------------------------
From Noonan's piece:
What struck me as the best commentary on the Bosnia story came from a poster called GI Joe who wrote in to a news blog: "Actually Mrs. Clinton was too modest. I was there and saw it all. When Mrs. Clinton got off the plane the tarmac came under mortar and machine gun fire. I was blown off my tank and exposed to enemy fire. Mrs. Clinton without regard to her own safety dragged me to safety, jumped on the tank and opened fire, killing 50 of the enemy." Soon a suicide bomber appeared, but Mrs. Clinton stopped the guards from opening fire. "She talked to the man in his own language and got him [to] surrender. She found that he had suffered terribly as a result of policies of George Bush. She defused the bomb vest herself." Then she turned to his wounds. "She stopped my bleeding and saved my life. Chelsea donated the blood."
Made me laugh. It was like the voice of the people answering back. This guy knows that what Mrs. Clinton said is sort of crazy. He seems to know her reputation for untruths. He seemed to be saying, "I get it."
--------------------------------------------
It made me laugh too.
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 06:47 PM
corrects the record with Chelsea's blood;
sweetsweat and tears ran down my face.For the old farts.
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 06:51 PM
From Hotair
"Franktuary, a gourmet hot dog shop in Downtown Pittsburgh, has begun offering two new creations: the Barackwurst and the Hillbasa. Adorning both are red, white and blue condiments.
With the Hillbasa, customers get "a mandated side of Bill pickle spears." With the Barackwurst comes "a side of whatever one hopes," according to the Web site www.sausagepoll.com. "
No GD dog or Bosnia Corkscrew dog yet.
And BHO has requested the red, white and blue condiments be removed from the Barackwurst lest they be offensive to someone.
Posted by: ben | March 29, 2008 at 06:54 PM
For your disturbing image of the day, this headline from the AP:
Bill Clinton to fellow Dems: 'Relax' ...
Direct Bill quotes:
"We just need to relax and let this happen."
"The people should just relax and let this process go on,"
"It's good, it's exciting..."
If rape is inevitable........
Posted by: hit and run | March 29, 2008 at 06:57 PM
LOL
Posted by: DebinNC | March 29, 2008 at 07:00 PM
I'm thinking about 2004. I think of all the anti-Dem posts between now and Sept 1 as storing up ammunition for the main campaign.
I'm not too worried that it has forced not permanent shift.
Posted by: M. Simon | March 29, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Thanks, Deb. You got it, Simon.
Bill sounds just like he is sitting in the catbird seat. They must have a load more stuff on Obama. Why does that not surprise me.
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Posted by: kim | March 29, 2008 at 07:17 PM
More info from the People's Republic of MA. I met with my accountant today. I misplaced her phone number last week so I looked it up on the internet last week and discovered she had given $2500 to John Kerry in 2004.
At any rate she asked me if I'd seen Karl Rove's speech last nite. (I didn't). She said he was absolutely phenomenal, and "he should run for president".
It's hard to report just how angry MA voters are at Deval Patrick. When the biggest vote of the year took place last week on his touted casino project he was in NYC pushing his autobiography and doing a hit piece on the senate president Sal DiMasi. Sal DiMasi will absolutely make sure he is a one term governor and nothing will get done in the next 3 years - except of course a reduction of services and an increase in taxes to cover the 1.3 BILLION short fall in the budget.
Posted by: Jane | March 29, 2008 at 07:18 PM