As explained in the preceding post Team Obama has revised the view of Iraq espoused on their website - the "civil war" which raged as of June 22, is now over. I credit Glenn Reynolds' link to my earlier snark, although I grudgingly acknowledge the possibility of other explanations. I also note that the Daily News found news in other Obama revisions about the surge but skipped by the end of the civil war.
Good "the surge can't succeed" clips from Obama via PowerLine. More here.
Here is the text of Obama's latest speech on Iraq and Afghanistan, with CNN and NY Times coverage.
AllahPundit on the latest NY Times poll - Obama is telling us what we want to hear, not what we need to know. Surprise! The Times coverage headlined race.
I'm betting NYTimes guest columnist Timothy Egan didn't intend for these words to sound the way they do....
LUN
Posted by: bad | July 16, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Posted by: cathyf | July 16, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Or--it's that racial and ethnic gerrymandering necessarily results in the worst sorts of all types being elected to office precisely by constantly stirring up grievances and Balkanizing everyone.
Wexler is as crazy as McKenney and neither would be elected in a more mixed district.
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Obama Bear Market Report
Markets surged today on the basis of polling showing a collapse in support for Obama among the 18-29 age group which had heretofore been a mainstay to his popularity. Although the results of a single poll are relatively meaningless this far in advance of the election, a rally based on the concept that "what's bad for Obama is good for America" shows the depth and breadth of the fear which has swept the productive segment of the population since Obama shoved Senator Clinton off the stage some 41 days ago.
A well known Wall Street insider (who insisted upon anonymity due to the rumor of the existence of "Obama lists") noted: "It looks like the brainless punks are falling out of love with that gasbag. It's about time."
In other market news, NYT A flirted with $12 today, hitting an intraday low of $12.08 before settling at $12.59. There are rumors floating concerning a $1 million 'Dead Pool' based upon the exit of the papers publisher as soon as his gross incompetence forces a slash in the dividend.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | July 16, 2008 at 04:11 PM
The "big 3" are going with Obama to make sure their message (obama/them) is clear and no mistakes are made.
One benefit to McCain of the MSM being in Obama's pocket is that he doesn't get the useful feedback. The speech yesterday was an embarrassment to any but his most devoted followers, but all his admirers in the media won't tell him that, so he will continue to make the same mistakes. I'm wondering if this was the case for Kerry and Gore also.
Posted by: jimmyk | July 16, 2008 at 04:35 PM
I think it was, Jimmy.
Another lie exposed--along with more folderol by academics:There was no substantial post-invasion looting of Iraq's archeological sites. WAC (World Archeological Society) lied.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121607917797452675.html
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Barack HUSSEIN Obama (PBUH)(SAW)(SWT), the new Messiah!
Posted by: DaleinAtlanta | July 16, 2008 at 04:47 PM
With Obamas war of hatred against America in full swing, and escalating, there isn't a whole lot of humor going around about his presidential dreams these days. Being Americas greatest enemy from the inside isn't anything anyone can find a happy future in. And America is only beginning to pay the price for his life in Washington DC that is still only speculation at best.
Posted by: Freedom_Road | July 16, 2008 at 05:08 PM
and the Spitzer campaign says the spending’s legit.
No!!!!
Posted by: MayBee | July 16, 2008 at 05:29 PM
My gawd, what on earth are democrats trying to cover up by pulling Valerie Plame out of mothballs? At what point will taxpayers say get over it and fix the GD oil crisis? $10 a gallon? $15 a gallon?
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 05:42 PM
A new slogan for Obama,
"America Vote For Me, I Think You're Carp".
Posted by: PeterUK | July 16, 2008 at 05:42 PM
If Obama's poll support from young people has dropped so precipitously, why has there been no significant movement in the overall numbers?
I continue to think we're in the polling dead zone until Labor Day...
Posted by: Danube of Thought | July 16, 2008 at 05:48 PM
DoT
The poll that I think you are getting that from was the CBS/NYT poll and it was talking about the likelyhood to vote question. The enthusiasm has dropped off dramatically but recently. Since some pollsters are still doing Registered voter polling, they are not even asking the question nor are they trying to screen down to likely voters.
Other pollsters in my opinion, have listened to the pundits and believe the nonsense about the gap between Ds and Rs being about 10%. I think that is wrong, and the states that disclose voter registration by party bears me out.
It may be a giant polling smoke screen.
Just know that Gallup by themselves is the oldest polling firm and usually does a good job. If they say it +3 with RVs, its a lot tighter with a LV screen.
Then there is the potential for some Bradley effect on top of that.
Plus polls in general almost always bias against Rs, that is they find less Rs than make it to the polls.
Relax, Obama seems to be doing a fine job of slitting his own throat at the moment.
Posted by: GMax | July 16, 2008 at 06:07 PM
DoT,
The 18-29 cohort has an electoral weight (VAP) of 20% and an average turnout weight of about 16%. It takes about a 6% shift within the cohort to move the overall vote 1%. The poll in question didn't indicate a shift to McCain, it indicated a shift in certainty of voting for Obama - buyer's remorse rather than a return in trade. If it had been an actual shift to McCain it would move the needle 4.6% versus the roughly 2% shift that RAS and Gallup show over the past couple weeks.
That cohort just stays home when the shininess fades - they won't be signing up for McCain.
I disagree about polling limbo being in place until Labor Day. I don't expect any huge moves - just a continued softening wrt America's Emptiest Suit.
Posted by: Rick Ballard | July 16, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Jane:
It's gonna be a great day!
You know who it's a really, really great day for?
HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY BAD!!!
And to Mr. Bad, a more fortunate man would be hard to find.
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Oh, Hit! Now that's exciting! Pop the champagne and pass the caviar.
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Happy Anniversay, Bad!
Posted by: MayBee | July 16, 2008 at 06:32 PM
By "polling limbo," I mean that the polls taken in midsummer tell us next to nothing about the likely outcome. We have to weather the serious bumps that occur after each party convention; then we can begin to make some judgments.
About this time in 1988 Dukakis had a big lead over Bush I; Bush II led Gore by 18 after the GOP convention in 2000.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | July 16, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Happy Anniversary, Bad. And Lesley, I didn't forget you either. I thought of you while watching the fireworks.
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Happy Anniversary, Bad! Mr. Bad is indeed a lucky fellow.
Posted by: Porchlight | July 16, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Happy Anniversary bad and Lesley
Perhaps we can find you a troll to beat up.
Posted by: PeterUK | July 16, 2008 at 07:31 PM
OT,
A very nice, very young and bright-eyed TexPIRG fellow just came to my door asking for money to support light rail. I politely told him I didn't support light rail, and why, and he was very nice about it, but I could tell he was annoyed. So now I feel like a jerk.
Ah, life on the prog plantation.
Posted by: Porchlight | July 16, 2008 at 07:46 PM
I might have told him that if light rail can't support itself without going door-to-door, it is doomed already.
Posted by: Danube of Thought | July 16, 2008 at 07:54 PM
DoT, great point. Wish I'd thought of it.
Posted by: Porchlight | July 16, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Happy Anniversary bad and Lesley!
Hit,
The least you can do is email me a list of important celebrations before I wake up in the morning.
Sheesh!
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Did you guys see what Sarah Palin said today?
n my opinion, the debate about energy policy is no longer theoretical or abstract. Our failure to enact an energy policy is having real consequences for every American in their daily lives and has begun to affect America’s place in the world. Alaska is ready, willing, and able to assist the nation in addressing our acute and expanding energy needs. Like many other states, we would like the opportunity to help.
Congressional approval of responsible petroleum development in the coastal plain of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) - the most promising unexplored petroleum province in North America - would be of incalculable benefit to my state and our nation.
In the last few weeks, proposals have been tabled to permit oil exploration and development in the 80 percent of the federal Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)which is off-limits to such activity. I strongly support OCS development in Alaska and elsewhere as a necessary component of a sound energy strategy. However, it makes no sense to consider the OCS and to ignore the possibility of exploration and development in highly perspective upland areas,including ANWR.
SHe's my choice for VP.
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Via Instapundit, Obamatons' airbrushing of the present goes beyond his own website. Now Obama supporters are shutting down anti-Obama blogs run by other Democrats.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,382452,00.html>the story
Posted by: Ranger | July 16, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Jane:
The least you can do is email me a list of important celebrations before I wake up in the morning.
Because it's you, I'll let you in on the email subscription list for half price.
Heh...kidding. I just found out about Bad this afternoon.
And I am very much hoping that Lesley informed us of her special day while I was on vacation, because I don't remember. If it wasn't during my vacation, then I'm claiming I was drunk.
I blame the fire water.
Happy Anniversary Lesley!
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Jane, I like her, too. Maybe she'd do an interview with you for the show.
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Happy Anniversary, Lesley and bad!
Posted by: Elliott | July 16, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Oh, Lord. I don't know the protocol here. http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2008/06/the-chicago-way.html#comment-118873346>Lesley.
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 09:20 PM
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SUE!!!
(June 14th? let me check...yup I was drinking for sure)
Mr. Sue (Bobby Sue?) is my hero.
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 09:25 PM
You know, I was struck from the beginning by Obama's instructions that his supporters not talk about policy. And I've never met one who will. So this orchestration - shutting down websites, aided by google when the Obamabots reported all negative sites as "span" is just part of this orchestration.
It seems a bit anti-American - like everything Obama does.
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Sue too? What's it about June 16th that draws brides like a magnet?
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Jane:
Obama gives a speech, on any subject, replete with veiled soaring rhetoric. Immediately he is lauded by his supporters, while his detractors are silent because it takes a bunch of time to plow thru the rhetoric and get to what he actually said.
Oh, gee, thanks. And for that I went and read his speech today.
Have you seen the headlines?
Obama warns against 'fighting the last war'
OK, my first thought was...oh, sure, he wants to moveon.org from the surge as the "last war" (hell he even called Iraq a distraction) to try and elide his stupid refusal to admit he was stupid to try and refuse Bush the room to implement the surge.
But oh no, he ain't movin' on at all:
Dude.
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Great Job, Mr.&Mrs.bad!! many more...
Posted by: glenda waggoner | July 16, 2008 at 09:29 PM
My 32nd anniversary was July 2nd. Which is why Lesley and I were talking about fireworks. Her husband is deceased for 12 years now. They would have been married 24 years this past July 4th. http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2008/06/the-chicago-way.html#comment-118878364>Lesley. I'm sorry I wasn't clearer in my first post.
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Jane, today is Bad's anniversary.
On June 14th, according to her link, Sue told us her anniversary was July 2nd, even though she had wanted it to be on the 4th, and then Lesley told us her anniversary is on the 4th.
It's complicated.
In fact, that's why I drink. So I'll have an excuse for not remembering.
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Mr. Sue (Bobby Sue?) is my hero.
Bobbby Sue? Uh...no. ::grin::
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Well shoot. It posted before I finished.
Ricky Bobby...
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 09:33 PM
And even after I went back and read your link I missed that about Lesley. Now I see it. Dang.
I hope the fireworks were spectacular out on the lake, Lesely.
On our cross country trip, we almost made the side trip to SD to see Mt Rushmore. But it was just too long of a journey to make any side trips...
Posted by: hit and run | July 16, 2008 at 09:39 PM
What's it about June 16th that draws brides like a magnet?
It must have something to do with the 2008 British Open champion.
Posted by: Elliott | July 16, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Not a chance Elliott. he'll choke as always. He may not even make the cut.
(fighting words)
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Golf doesnt count if Tiger's not in the equation
Posted by: BobS | July 16, 2008 at 09:54 PM
If I hear one more time Obama was right on the war in Iraq, I'm going to toss something at the television. McCain needs to start getting his message out that Obama has been wrong on everything he has ever done.
Posted by: Sue | July 16, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Happy Anniversary to our JOM-ers - Bad and Lesley!
Dinner bell is ringing, but I didn't want to miss out on all of the good wishes!
Posted by: centralcal | July 16, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Jane,
Sarah Palin is so far ahead of any other choices for VP that it isn't even funny. Romney would be okay but Palin would be killer. I guarantee you that McCain will win if he picks her. And she wants the job.
I can't believe all these *#@$!!%+ who keep on mentioning losers like Tom Ridge. I'm sure he'd bring at least 3 or 4 extra votes to McCain.
Posted by: PaulL | July 16, 2008 at 10:17 PM
"Golf doesnt count if Tiger's not in the equation"
Jane and I agree with you BobS!
---
Happy Anniversary Bad and Lesley!!!
Posted by: Ann | July 16, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Way OT
Has anybody been watching "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox. It beats the NEWS and it is really good. Believe it or not, my macho husband got me watching it. (The girls are beautiful so you JOM guys would like it too.)
Posted by: Ann | July 16, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Thank you very much for your kind felicitations everyone. The Flinstones ROCK!! Dinner was excellent, creme brulee for dessert. We are tucked away in a romantic hide-away with our two youngest bads and two of their friends. The moon is beautiful on the ocean tonight. Makes me want to stay awake all night just to enjoy it. We are blessed.
Posted by: bad | July 16, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Awww bad, sounds heavenly. Enjoy!
Posted by: Jane | July 16, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Well, bad, it is a bit hard to understand why you didn't invite us all...............
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Woah, bad! I am so jealous - creme brulee - ocean - moonlight!
Honey, you deserve every moment. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! We will all just sit back and envy, envy, envy!
Posted by: centralcal | July 16, 2008 at 10:51 PM
The moon on the ocean...one of my favorite things.
Thinking of you bad. Good to hear you are having fun.
Posted by: Ann | July 16, 2008 at 10:56 PM
What does Romney bring to the table? States like Michigan, Colorado, Utah? A proven track record in the business world and lots of money? A true conservative thoroughly vetted with an impeccable background? Victory?
If McCain doesn't pick Romney, it's further proof to me that he doesn't give a rat's a** about the GOP.
bad...may the next 25 be filled with love.
Posted by: Rocco | July 16, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I know, I bore all of your with my media watch - but they are gasping their last breaths and they are still in denial as to the cause of their disease.
People don't trust them. Don't want to read them anymore. Advertisers are moving on. Yet, they just don't get it. So, they just keep getting worse - more biased - more propagandistic (is that a word?) - more out of touch.
The king is dead. Long live the (new) king!
JOM! JOM! JOM!
Posted by: centralcal | July 16, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Romney is also a great choice..
Posted by: clarice | July 16, 2008 at 11:29 PM
(Although DH and I still remember with fondness our 10th anniversary spent in the indoor playland at the Hardees...)
Um, bad? Perhaps we ought to review the definition of "romantic"? Typically it doesn't include bringing the kids along... ;-)Posted by: cathyf | July 16, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Typically it doesn't include bringing the kids along...
Or JOMing. You'd think by 25 years you'd have figured that out.
Happy anniversary anyway.
As for vice president...
You all know my mind on this: pick someone who takes away a key group (or weakens a hold on a key group).
Romney is fine for establishing conservative cred. I don't believe that's necessary this time around. The prospect of an Obama presidency is too grave.
Palin would be good, as would Fiorina, as either would not only guarantee Republican credibility with women, but would add a necessary skill set to the ticket. Additionally, they force a certain kind of play out of the Obama camp.
I, of course, would like to see a black conservative on the ticket. That would eliminate Obama's racism defense, and return the whole thing back to issues. Take away Obama's uniqueness, and he literally has nothing to bring.
But what do I know about politics or anniversaries?
Posted by: Soylent Red | July 17, 2008 at 12:01 AM
SHe's my choice for VP.
Is it too late to run her for Prez?
Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) | July 17, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I'm with Soylent, Bad. Enjoy the moon! JOM can wait.
I, of course, would like to see a black conservative on the ticket.
Me too. I wish for a Justice Thomas on the ticket.
Posted by: Topsecretk9 | July 17, 2008 at 01:38 AM
It always amazing to see a twit of a politician use such convoluted logic to make himself look superior. What an exercise in banality.
Why doesn't Obama just tell us that without the courage of al Qaeda in Iraq to needlessly slaughter innocent Iraqis, this victory could not be possible.
Posted by: Neo | July 17, 2008 at 03:35 AM
"I, of course, would like to see a black conservative on the ticket."
I don't think that's the right move in this situation. McCain needs a wedge pick.
Definitely a woman like Palin. That would consolidate the Hillary women. They could care less about Obama's race card. She also glamorous enough to dull Obama's "uniqueness" edge, as you say, but not in an obvious, me-too way that a black male would.
Posted by: JB | July 17, 2008 at 05:16 AM
Good Morning everyone!
When is Obama leaving on his world tour? Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson and the other guy are going. I guess they expect something newsworthy to happen. I predict he will unite the world! we just don't know behind whom yet.
Posted by: Jane | July 17, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Good Morning Jane and everyone!
I think America knows who he plans to unite with, many just don't to admit it.
Posted by: pagar | July 17, 2008 at 06:48 AM
Good morning! The Rainbow Coalition is calling for Jesse to leave the organization for using the N word. (Kidding! But I expect the feigned outrage over the use of words like "niggardly" and "black hole" has now lost its footing and Imus is safe with "nappy haired".)
I think there's going to be absolutely no news today so enjoy yourselves!
Posted by: clarice | July 17, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Hail, JOM dawn patrol.
Posted by: Elliott | July 17, 2008 at 08:19 AM
It's only a flesh wound, Jane.
Posted by: Elliott | July 17, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Oh dear Elliott, last I checked he was 9 over. Bummer.
Posted by: Jane | July 17, 2008 at 04:29 PM
you know, i'm pretty much ruined, i didn't know i could sit and watch johnny winter on the interweb all night, holy smokes, too much seconol for certain, i think i gootta' go to rehab,
sl
Posted by: scottl720 | July 18, 2008 at 01:30 AM