Break out a thousand violins - Barack bemoans his loss of privacy:
BUTTE, MONT. -- He hasn't had a vacation for months. He sees his family little more than once a week. And now as the presumed Democratic nominee for president, he can't go anywhere without being trailed by a full crew of journalists.
Reaching his limit, Barack Obama wriggled free of the campaign's fetters on July 4. Caught in Montana on his daughter Malia's 10th birthday, he improvised a party.
At the Holiday Inn Express in Butte, a city known for its copper mines and bordellos of old, Obama and family ordered a cake. They loaded an iPod with Malia's favorite songs and danced and sang. Obama later came close to tears, recalling that Malia told him "it was the best birthday she'd ever had."
"I know it sounds corny, but last night was actually one of those times where being in a Holiday Inn in Butte without a lot of fanfare. . . . I don't know whether she was just telling us what we wanted to hear, but I can tell you from my perspective it was one of the best times I've had in a long time," Obama told reporters aboard his campaign plane. Then he quickly turned and went back to his seat.
Run for President, win your party's nomination, lose privacy - gee, this whole cause-effect thing must be an eye-opener. But I especially love this:
"I don't know whether she was just telling us what we wanted to hear, but I can tell you from my perspective it was one of the best times I've had in a long time..."
Oh my goodness - a parent who can't read whether his ten year old is having fun at a party wants to trot off to meet with America's foreign enemies without any preconditions (but lots of preparation!). Well, maybe he can do a better job reading foreign adults. A guess - he will come away convinced that they loathed Bush, admire him, and look forward to peace in our time. Bold call, huh?
Betsy is not merciful.
I like Jonah but I do agree about the ego thing. Ever since centralcal (I think - or maybe Ann?) mentioned it a couple of months ago, I notice it all the time.
His book is valuable, though, even though he can't seem to stop talking about it. What I find really funny and eyeroll-producing is when he talks about his sales numbers and compares them to other books and authors. Sheesh. He should really give it a rest because that kind of thing makes it easy for critics to discount his work.
Posted by: Porchlight | July 11, 2008 at 12:06 AM
I knew there was a reason we weren't hearing much about military enlistment numbers lately.
Latest Recruiting Numbers Underscore Strength of All-Volunteer Force
Posted by: Pofarmer | July 11, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Ann,
Nothing owed and no need to worry. You know I never tell.
Posted by: Elliott | July 11, 2008 at 12:23 AM
I heart Elliott. :)
and
From your article Pofarmer:
"Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, praised troops’ commitment to continue serving as he re-enlisted 1,215 servicemembers during a Fourth of July ceremony in Baghdad."
That was such a July 4th, USA moment and sadly, I only remember seeing it on the internet.
These guys are re-enlisting knowing they might have to salute the Messiah. God Bless America and the men and women that are brave, serve her, and honor her with such dignity and character. As Hit says, On My Knees.
P.S. Where is Soylent?
Posted by: Ann | July 11, 2008 at 12:49 AM
pofarmer is correct,
FY08 recruitment is over 100% for all services to date. I beleive mid-level officers are particularly high, although i don't have a cite, just word around the office.
future leaders indeed, plenty of battle tested OIF vets to take the reins in the next decade, and they vote republican.
oh and Clarice, i'm just joshin' bout the lip gloss.
no more niters for me please :)
regards,
sl
Posted by: scottl720 | July 11, 2008 at 01:26 AM
I just read my last comment. Sheesh, don't go there!
Sorry, I am really worried that Soylent was called to Afghanistan because I believe he said he was on call and Hell is breaking out there just in time for the election.
Anyone have any news?
Posted by: Ann | July 11, 2008 at 01:33 AM
I don't mind Jonah enjoying his success a little more than might be tasteful. When you're as bright as he is, though, it's all too easy to get lazy. Over the past few months I've found myself thinking that Kathryn Jean Lopez seemed to be taking up more and more real estate on The Corner. Maybe it's just that everybody else is taking up less and less.
Posted by: JM Hanes | July 11, 2008 at 01:40 AM
I didn't know Soylent served in some way. Prayers for him and Jane's family.
Posted by: BobS | July 11, 2008 at 01:42 AM
After Hellboy back to back....its Burn Notice for the first time....good show
Posted by: BobS | July 11, 2008 at 01:43 AM
jonah once wrote that some guy loved the sound of his own voice so much, he got in a big gray Buick and followed it around the block. (I'm badly paraphrasing)
It was so amazingly perfect that I will love Jonah forever.
Posted by: MayBee | July 11, 2008 at 01:59 AM
I saw a big grey Buick in Oklahoma once with a bumpersticker that said 'If you don't have an oil well, get one'.
Well, sure, in that state, the Buick was sooner gray than not.
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Posted by: kim | July 11, 2008 at 02:58 AM
Speaking of global warming, we were, weren't we, Colombia is loaded with coal.
==================================
Posted by: kim | July 11, 2008 at 03:01 AM
JM Hayes,
It's summertime. Everybody is taking a bit of a breather until early August.
Maybe K Lo is not taking any summer vacation. I like her observations for the most part, although I do think sometimes they are off base.
This going to be one hell of an election. I have a feeling I'm going to be up all night like I was in 2000 & 2004. Praying like hell...
Posted by: Elroy Jetson | July 11, 2008 at 03:07 AM
"..a certain two initialed blogger" - Hot off the presses at Atlas:
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/07/forensic-expert.html
But did you see this, found link at REZKORAMA..
http://redinktexas.blogspot.com/2008/07/obama-mob-flexes-its-muscle.html
You have to read the entire post at Atlas, "techdude" gives his credentials, I'll but important parts here:
So the fun isn't done and yes, Pamela's started a BLEG this week as she's being included in bloggers covering the Repub convention and a few other events that cost some real coin.
Sorry all, I'm just not feeling well and can't keep up with all the napping I'm doing, so haven't read this thread.
Hope that you'll get my email address from Clarice, Tops, or Sara and email any requests or info that you wish me to distribute like new comments at Bob's etc.
Well, back to sleep. Will check when I wake up for updates as I haven't been to AJ's for days.
Posted by: larwyn | July 11, 2008 at 04:57 AM
Bob.
My family is doing spectacularly - and I appreciate the thoughts so much. BIL has a little air in his stomach from the surgery - apparently that is a bad thing, so the Friday release has been postponed. My niece got home last night and she will go in to see her Dad today. We are very close so it's great to have her home. My sister is holding up much better than I would have expected.
Thank you again for remembering.
Posted by: Jane | July 11, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Jane- I missed the information about your BIL. Whatever his troubles, please know that I am thinking about you. EEsh. Hospital stays and surgery are always so trying for all.
best--
Posted by: MayBee | July 11, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Oh don't worry Maybee, he's doing great. If you want, you can read about it on the LUN.
And thank you for your kind words.
Posted by: Jane | July 11, 2008 at 09:44 AM
That was a bad link. This one is better.
Posted by: Jane | July 11, 2008 at 09:55 AM
It was a good link, but it didn't tell me much about your BIL. (unless he's Barack Obama.)
;-)
Posted by: MayBee | July 11, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I didn't know you have a blog! What a treat!
Good luck to your BIL, that is a tough road. My FIL had bypass surgery several years ago. I saw him do really well when he took the after-care advice seriously- especially the regular exercise. When he started falling back on that (which is so easy to do), his health declined.
Did you know one of the current LA Lakers had open heart surgery and has recovered enough to play?
Posted by: MayBee | July 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Jane- I think you just got an instalanche.
Posted by: MayBee | July 11, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Jane, thanks for the update on your BIL. I know what you mean about hospital folks. When they are kind (and they usually are) you want to kiss their feet. Best wishes to your BIL and his family as he recovers, and I hope you'll keep us posted.
And I didn't know you had a blog either! It's bookmarked. :)
Posted by: Porchlight | July 11, 2008 at 11:02 AM
AT hails the new Obama for Messiah website (great stuff to buy)
http://www.obamaformessiah.com/
Posted by: clarice | July 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Holy cow! What a day to come out about my blog!
Posted by: Jane | July 11, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Now we've all got our eyes on you, Jane. The big question is when the Jane and C Mudwrestle Radio Show hits the airwaves..
Posted by: clarice | July 11, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Mark Steyn is filling in for Rush today.
Posted by: Sue | July 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Listening now - thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Porchlight | July 11, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I've been practicing Clarice. My writing has gotten worse for lack of practice. So I'm making an effort. Try not to look too frequently.
Posted by: Jane | July 11, 2008 at 12:32 PM
OK--Tell me when you're ready.
Posted by: clarice | July 11, 2008 at 12:36 PM
"Obama hasn't had a vacation for months." Months?
Oh, please! Break out the violins.
Posted by: Forbes | July 14, 2008 at 06:58 PM