"Milk"

I saw this movie on Christmas day and found it to be a very emotional experience.

Now I never actually saw Harvey Milk speak but I found Sean Penn's portrayal to be very reminiscent of Paul Wellstone- who I personally saw and heard several times.

I appreciated being reminded of such passion for politics but also was reminded of such a painful loss. Even six years later- that loss is still a significant one for me- all the more raw at this time because of the on-going battle to fill that seat in the senate.

As for the movie, I expected an interesting study of a particularly colorful time in our history. I was not disappointed.

There were a few anachronistic moments- most notably when Cleve Jones (as played by Emile Hirsch) says to Harvey -about helping with a future campaign- "I don't do losing!" If anyone- gay or straight- said such a thing with such a tone prior to the 1990's, even in California - I would be very surprised.

That moment, as seen in a preview made me want to hate the character and Hirsch's portrayal of him. But, once I let go of this 'bad writing' moment I found the character to be a rather enjoyable addition to the whole experience.

I also found it troubling that the writing and direction chose to suggest a possible "closeted gay" aspect of Dan White. It was unnecessary to the story and played into a kind of "everybody is gay" attitude of some gay activists. Indeed, this might have been part of Milk's persona but with nothing else in the movie to indicate that was the case the whole tangent became an unnecessary distraction.

Penn is fantastic in the role. And I rarely feel that way about Penn. As I said before, Hirsch is enjoyable. Franco Is also very good in this movie. He is understated and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing more of him in the future.

I do wish they would have spent more time in this movie focussing on the on events of the time- even the ones that connect to the storyline. I recall vividly, as a highschool student at the time, feeling very amused by the rantings of Anita Bryant. These could have been covered more, including the 'pie in the face incident' or at least one "squeeze a fruit for Anita Bryant" t-shirt.

Do not wait to see this on DVD. The connections to the current fight in California regarding the recent proposition 8 and the battle of that time cannot be ignored.

Coleman has links to political scumbag (other than himself)

I can't wait for Senator Franken.

"Coleman is an Amazing Human Being"

That is the kind of headline one might expect from the local media in MN. Every move Franken makes in the recount process (like withdrawing challenges to lighten the load of the canvassing board) goes without comment from the media. But in every instance where Coleman responds by withdrawing some of his (usually a lesser amount) the move headlines the local papers and news channels.

Franken uses his own resources to take up the battle to count wrongfully rejected absentees ballots (without knowlege of who the votes were cast for) and he is criticized for 'prolonging the process.' Coleman files suit in Mn Supreme court at the first hint of a decision not going his way (an indication of things to come)and no one in the media says a word.

In the meantime, Coleman- along with his Republican counterparts in the Senate helped to block the Auto Industry Finance package in the senate. One could ask why he had the sudden change of heart after supporting a package for financial institutions and insurance companies that was more than 53 times the size (5357.14%), but what would be the point. I think we know.

Republicans, like Norm Coleman, just bitch-slapped the labor force and unions in particular.

So much for his rhetoric about wanting to save Main Street, not Wall Street. His actions- both approving the bank bailout and rejecting help for the auto industry demonstrates clearly who his constituents really are.

In the midst of an election recount- that should have demonstrated how weak his support really is- Norm Coleman seems to be trying to match the unpopularity and incompetance of our soon-to-be-former president.

So here is a proposal: Let's do a special election. Give us until the first Tuesday in January. We can have one debate with the single issue at stake being the bailout of Banking big-wigs and the failure to act for the auto industry.

It won't happen. More likely Coleman will take this thing to court and accuse Franken of 'dirty politics.' But. like I said, Coleman is an amazing human being.

Check Recount Updates Here

Nate Silver is following this closely and offers continuing analysis here.

Why Coleman should lose-

In the midst of a political campaign, the fluffy senator from MN voted in favor of an unpopular 'bailout' package under the auspices of 'saving us from economic disaster. He then defended that vote during a debate claiming that they had to do something rather than nothing and that people who criticize from the sidelines (Franken, in particular) don't know what it is like to make tough decisions.

We now know that the tougher decision would have been to vote against this packame that did nothing to boost wall street and nothing to change the attitudes of the money grubbing executives who benefitted from that package.

Now, given the opportunity to actually save jobs, prop up the economy and formulate a future that will retool our whole economic structure toward a greener and more independent future, Senator Norm Coleman chooses to vote against a loan for the auto industry.

His rationale is looney when contrasted with the very things he said about the bailout for banks and financial institutions (companies that do not actually make anything).

What really seems to be going on in the Republican 'let them seek remedy in bankrupcy' solution supported by Coleman - and by the way Bush/Cheney- is the continuing effort to devalue labor n this country. In Bankrupcy a company need only go before a judge to get labor contracts with unions eliminated or renegotiated (lpike was done in the airline industry). Mitt Romney is touting this 'cost saving tactic' on MSNBC as I type this.

I guess Coleman did not receive enough money for his election and recount effort from auto workers for him to care about them as much as he does big corporations.

Now, let me be clear. I for one am stunned at notion that the big three are looking for any handout, given their complete lack of response to concerns of our economy, our security and the wants and needs of their customers regarding development of more efficient and alternative fuel vehicles.

So take some of that banker's bailout and shift it to a loan for the big three. Next, as President Obama begins his work this January, either give up the talk about another stimulous package or create a package that puts the money behind sustaining jobs, rebuilding infrastructure and retooling our future.

This modestly optimistic view is offered by Nate Silver

Yet there continue to be morons out there screaming that there is no point to a recount.

Tom Hauser of KSTP gets a "Truth Test" right.

there were never 32 votes in the trunk of a car. Of the 32 votes that Coleman tried to get disallowed 18 went to Franken (not 32 as has been reported), Coleman got 7 and the remainder either went to another candidate or had no senate vote cast.

But Coleman, Pawlenty and the Republican minions continue to tell this particular lie.

Mn Secretary of State's Office

Check here daily for updates as the gap continues to close.
As of Friday November 7, 2008 at 7 PM- Franken trails by 221 votes.
As of Monday November 10,2008 at 10 AM Franken trails by 204 votes.
As of 12;26 PM November 10 Franken trails by 206 votes.
(let it not be said that Coleman isn't seeing any vote additions in this process)
This Story
Tells us exactly how close this election is. There is a potential for about 1653 new votes within the margin of error. Depending on where they com from, this certainly could tilt the scales toward one candidate or another.

At 8 PM it's only 236 votes---

At 8 PM it's only 236 votes---

Pine county accounting error

The gap between Coleman and Franken has closed to just 336 votes (less than 1/100 of 1%) and the recount hasn't even happened yet. No wonder Coleman wanted Franken to "do the Minnesota thing."

Based on the accuracy of the scanning machines and the number of votes cast, there are potentially 2 ballots per 1000 that need to be accounted for. That means that nearly 6000 additional votes could come into play. That would certainly leave the outcome uncertain.

Don't think I missed this

Who in this world did not get choked up last night when it was announced that Barack Obama would be the next President of the United States. Images of people, gathered throughout our nation, but particularly in Grant Park in Chicago where the crowds cheers at the announcement were deafening.

It would be easy- reading this space for the past 24 hours- to think that I missed this moment in history. Quite the contrary. My sense of glee is perhaps dimmed. But my appreciation of the history and the hope are indeed palpable.

Coleman encourages Franken to "Do the Minnesota Thing"

and call off the recount. Apparently the law would allow Franken to concede. Coleman assures us that if the situation were reversed that is what he would do.

But there is nothing in Coleman's history to indicate that he is telling the truth. In 1998 he never conceded to Ventura but instead gave a drunken speech about Minnesota voters 'letting him down' and not knowing what they were doing.

He has filed one lawsuit in this campaign already and deflected the attention of another lawsuit against him toward Franken.

There is no dirty political trick that is beneath Coleman. In fact, his empassioned plea now is not for the good of Minnesotabut for the good of Norm Coleman.

In a race this tight a recount would certanly clarify that we got it right. Either candidate would be able to go to office with their head held high - at least on this issue.

This from KARE 11 seems to get it right

But AP gets the numbers a bit different with a difference between the candidates of only 314 votes.

AP- US Senate Minnesota

Precincts Reporting: 4130 of 4130 (100%)

Winner Candidate Votes %
Norm Coleman 1,211,403 42%
Al Franken 1,211,089 42%
James Niemackl 8,893 0%
Charles Aldrich 13,909 0%
Dean Barkley 437,376 15%

It could be December before we know the outcome-

Okay, I'll admit it.

I have been awake all night, so it is entirely possible that I heard Al Franken wrong. after all, why would KSTP say that he was 'demanding' a recount if it weren't true?

I know what I will do. I will find a print copy of his speech and read it again for myself:

Yeah, that's what I thought I heard. Guess Tom Hauser should do a 'truth test' for KSTP TV. They also report Franken at 41% of the vote when, in fact, both the major candidates have a count in excess of 42% and are separated by hundreths of a percentage point. According to the current tally, 570 votes exist between the two candidates ( Coleman with 1,210,940 and Franken with 1,210,370.

I give KSTP TV an F on the truth test and hold them responsible for the fact that FOX News and MSNBC are repeating this false information.

It looks like it will be days before a final tally is calculated. In the mean time, I will take Al's advice and be thankful that Minnesota has a superior voting system and a long history of laws and practices that protect the individual voter.

7:00 AM November 5, 2008

Just a fraction of one percent of the vote remains uncounted in St Louis County, in Northern Minnesota. Coleman has 1,210,790 and Franken has 1,210,082.

In the state of Minnesota, when the difference in vote count between the candidates is less than .5% (one half of one percent, or in this case 14,300 votes) there is an automatic recount of the votes. This process can take days.

Yet Coleman, Classy gentleman that he is, declared himself the winner and told us that he is humbled to have won a second term to serve the great State of Minnesota as a US Senator.

The arrogance is amazing, but not altogether surprising.

3:51 AM Franken down by 690 votes

if CNN is right there are still about 10,500 votes out in St Louis County. If the trends frm that area continue Franken will pick up about 2000 votes to regain the lead.

2:48 AM- Why can't I just go to bed?

Franken is now up by 2200 votes with 98% of the vote in. I can only guess that the remainder votes are coming from St Louis County and Hennepin County (MSNBC stopped updating ther site). Anyway, there is no doubt that this will go on with an automatic recount. That will give Norm more of a chance to whine for the cameras.

2:00 AM

Franken is showing a lead of 1000 votes thanks to St Louis County in the north- still more to come from that Democrat friendly county and 9 % still out in Democrat friendly Hennepin County. Those are the major holdouts.

1:34 AM

78 votes to go- There are still 10% out in Hennepin County, which looks good for Franken, also some returns in the From the north are due, which should further help Franken.

1:15 AM

The Senate candidates in Minnesota are separated by less than 3000 votes. If my calculations are correct there are still enough votes for Franken in Hennepin County to put him well over the top. However, given his penchant for lawsuits we can guess that Coleman will insist on a recount.

But let someone tell me they didn't vote and I am likely to punch them in the face (or at least thing about it).

And This from Barack Obama at 10:29 PM CST

Jonathan --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

It's being called "Donorgate"

Just click the link here for an update on the earlier story. Still no evidence offered from the Coleman camp.

And you won't get this in the media-

I had to go to the Franken website to find a fact check for a disturbing ad that yet again takes Franken's words out of context. The ad claims that Franken supported subprime lending. Watching it you could see that there was a likely 'but' at the end of his statement. Yet KSTP's Tom Hauser, who claims to be the "truth tester' for such ads ignores the blatant falsehoods.

Here is a small segment of the full text Franken spoke in 2002:

QUOTE FROM THE AD

Many sub-prime lenders are doing a real service. They’re doing exactly what we want.

HERE’S WHAT AL ACTUALLY SAID

Here’s the entire portion of Al’s 2002 National Press Club speech that deals with subprime lending. The line taken out of context in the AJS ad is underlined.

“Here’s what I can tell you about predatory lending. (predatory lenders will seek out people in poor neighborhoods):

How about we refinance your mortgage, and I can give you some cash to fix your roof.’ The woman refinances her mortgage. Now, the problem is, this is a predatory loan. There’ll be all kinds of hidden fees, prepayment penalties, which will prevent her from ever refinancing again, balloon payments, and very often — this is very often — built-in rate increases, so the mortgage goes up — the payments go up in a year.

“Now, all of this will be buried in the fine print, and often borrowers end up not being able to make their payments and end up losing their homes or their businesses. It’s theft. Now, don’t get me wrong. Many sub-prime lenders are doing a real service. They’re doing exactly what we want; lending to people who couldn’t borrow money to buy a home or start a business. It’s the predators that we want to get rid of it.”

The full article can be found here, at Al Franken's website.

On the eve of an election I believe our country would benefit from stronger regulation on our campaign advertising. The blatant falsehoods would not be tolerated in any other advertising. There needs to be accountability.

This- from Minnesota Independent.

I found this through a link on the KARE 11 website, yet why are they not reporting it. You will fnd clear answers to what Coleman knew and when he knew it regarding the lawsuit filed against him. His accusations toward Franken are consistent with his sleazy style of politics (first employed in his mayoral bid in St Paul, then for Governor in 1998, then in two races for senate, including this most recent race.

What does it take fr Minnesota to realise that this guy will say and do anything to get elected?

Bush/Cheney/Rove orchestrated Minneasota politics to get him into his current position. He walked lockstep with Bush- except on issues that would clearly win without his support.

We know that Stevens of Alaska had been a significant mentor to Coleman in his early days in the Senate. It looks like he learned well.

Let's get rid of Coleman before he becomes a national embarassment.

Is the combination of crying and lying "clying"?

Quit Clying Norm!!!

Seriously, is anyone else tired of his whining? The way his voice breaks as he bemoans how unfairly he is being treated?

Well, his most recent ad mixes a fair amount of false indignation with outright false acusations against Al Franken. KSTP had better do a fact check on this one. But I am not optomistic about that.

There are no facts in the ad- just an acusation against Franken without a shred of evidence to support it.

The attached article repeats the story of how a Republican from Texas filed the lawsuit against Coleman- for doing something along the lines of money laundering.

Note especially, the person offering a clinging hug to the senator. It is a woman in MN politics who is noted for clinging hugs, Michelle Bachmann.

Adn while writing this I see another ad from Coleman- another where his eyes are all pouty and his voice breaks when he talks about what he believes: " A senator must we willing to roll up his sleeves and work together, EVEN ACROSS THE AISLE"

If he were the unifier he claims to be, wouldn't working across the aisle be more than an afterthought?

I love the visual, though, of Bachmann embracing Coleman like her political life depends on it.

What we all need to remember about about Coleman is that he was handpicked by the Bush administration in his bid to oust Wellstone, he is currently involved in a campaign to head up the National Republican Senatorial Committee - the group that runs partisan attacks across the nation to protect Republican seats, and his willingness to outright lie in order to hang on to power.

At lunch today I said this would happen (link)

my companion for that meal said that I am a cynical SOB but probably right.

I actually said it wouldnt' happen until Monday, but still...

Bailey says: "Happy Halloween"

He dressed up as a gargoyle, which makes him fit in well in my yard.

If I don't get to say so between now and Tuesday- Go Vote!!!

Are you tempted to go for that independent guy?

If you believe Coleman should lose, this article demonstrates that a vote for Barkley will not do. I fully support Al Franken for US Senate. But for anyone with doubts about Franken, consider the known alternative.

Okay, I have been thinking about this all day

and I finally figured it out.

Norm Coleman is talking out of both sides of his mouth and unless you see the two arguments together, or unless you simply know Coleman well enough, it is not easy to decipher his hypocracy. So let me demonstrate it for you.

Argument One:
A good senator can work across the aisle in a bipartisan way.

This is supported by several supporting theories (acuracy not withstanding)
I (Norm Coleman) work in a bipartisan way.
Al Franken is the most partisan figure in the world, and by the way a liberal extremist.

Conclusion: Norm Coleman is willing to work with others and wants to be that hand that reaches across the aisle ( the Minneapolis Star Tribune endorsed him with the hope that he will live up to this pledge in spite of his past).

He fooled the media- so score one for Coleman.

But argument two reveals his true face.

I (Norm Coleman) am the best defense from Barack Obama as president and re-electing me (Norm Coleman) will be the best way from giving the (evil, extreme, liberal) Democrats from getting a controlling majority.

Subtext: If I keep my seat I can be in an obstructionist minority that will be able to filibuster against any issue we do not support- this is the only defense against the liberal agenda.

So, which is it? Is Norm Coleman the bipartisan, kumbaya singing peacenick who will unify the senate and work together, or is he the guy who will stand up to the liberal agenda? Is he the guy from his commercials who talks about the need to work together or the guy who is running to lead the RNSC ( the committee that runs anti democrat commercials across the country)?

Anyone who has watched this political animal over the past 15 years will easily know the answer. In spite of his protestations in the last debate -that he would not allow the RNSC to continue to run negative ads if he were in charge - he continues to allow the same RNSC to run slimy ads against Franken without comment.

Coleman has revealed himself for who he is- time and time again. The extreme right will vote for him, and he deserves their vote. But let's not be duped.

Local Papers lose their collective minds

St Paul Pioneer Press and Minneapolis Star Tribune both demonstrated their collective move to the right by endorsing Norm Coleman for Senate. This is what happens when media conglomerates buy out both major news papers in one metro area.

Not All !!!

Six years ago today, at almost exactly this time I received a phone call from my mom about my friend Paul. The news gave live continuous coverage of the burning plane in a marshy field.

Paul was a friend of mine. He was also a friend of the poor, a friend to the farmer, a friend to the veteran. Paul was a friend to anyone who did not have a voice.

Paul died, doing what Paul always did. Against advice from campaign insiders, Paul was on his way to the funeral of the father of a friend, because caring for and about people was personal for Paul.

Paul's voice has been silent for six years and perhaps we will never have another like him. But, today, six years later- on the eve of another election day, my sad recollections of that cold October morning are enlightened a bit with a new hope.

Paul would have been enthusiastic about the notion of Barack Obama. I also can't help but beleive that Paul is somewhere watching the events of the past months, and hearing all the things being said about Al Franken- his quirkiness, his temperament, his liberal leanings, etc.

If that is the case, I would hope he is laughing in that full-lunged way that I can vividly remember still, and thinking that he had heard it all before.

Paul Wellstone deserves to be remembered today.

Hear him in the above link as he opposed military action in Iraq, just days before the tragic accident that ended his life. There is also another tribute within the link that is worth a read.

And, just to raise your blood pressure there is this .

Time heals all wounds?

I admit I was never enthusiastic about Arne Carlson. However, the past 10 years have certainly made him look pretty respectable in Minnesota history (Ventura and Pawlenty being his successors). So the linked story to Carlson endorsing Barack Obama is good news, indeed.

The news is so good I am getting giddy

Al Franken is polling 6 % better than Coleman at 40.2% to 34.2% as reported by local KSTP. Further, Michelle Bachman is trailing for the first time by 3% and Ashwin Madia is leading in the 3rd district by the same 3 %. Obama is leading by double digits.

All we need to do is get out that vote. Good things are coming.

Minneapolis Gas Prices $2.28/gallon

and there is no apparent increase in driving patterns resulting from this decrease. It is early yet to say this but perhaps people are learning.

Who would expect the Republican National Committee to be the rational ones?

Well, let's back up. In the face of shear lunacy, ala Michelle Bachmann, the Republicans are pulling all of their support for her in her congressional race.

This is good news for Tinklenberg who was facing (as recently as last Thursday) an uphill and underfunded battle. But since Bachmann's appearance on Friday, the Democrat/independance party endorsed candidate has received over a million dollars for his race for the same seat. Additionally, the Dems have committed another million dollars.

The end of her maniacal reign is within our sights.

I Know what I said, but I didn't say it- and if I did Chris Matthews made me say it.

Keep talking Michelle. It only gets better from here. (see link)

Gas at $2.44- Tom Hauser of KSTP is a windbag

The good news is that I filled my tank today at $2.44/gallon in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

The bad news- not really news so much as a sad reminder of the blatant KSTP bias- came on KSTP's "At Issue" today when Tom Hauser (who can't really be a stupid man and therefore I guess must truly be a political right-wing hack trying to pass as a legitimate news man) reported a recent presidetial poll in Minnesota that places Obama at 51% and McCain at 45%. He goes on to say that the poll has a margin of error of 3.9% so that the difference is clearly within the margin of error.

Huh?

How stupid is the audience of this show?

What can tis president really do in order to stop the downward spiral on Wall Street?

It is simple. He needs to stop talking.

Every time he speaks about the fnancial crisis, or for that matter anything else, the market responds by dropping its value. The same effect can be measured in John McCain's poll numbers- which is good but can we take the cost (John McCain can take over for himself and drop his own poll numbers from this point).

Get To Work

this Al Franken ad is among the best I have seen.

Gas price in Minneapolis drops to $2.64 per gallon

no comments today except to point out that I said it would happen.

I hope Franken gets a chance to take it to Norm tonight

The attached link outlines the McCain Health plan. Franken has asked Norm whether or not he would support such an ill conceived proposal. As voters, I think we have a right to know that.

The article here is noteworthy in that it quotes McCain about his own plan- saying, last September, in essence, that we can do to the health insurance industry what we have done for banking. Good Plan.

If his mouth is moving -he must be lying.

John McCain said at a rally today that 'we (republicans) must do all we can to insure that everyone who has a right to vote- can vote' in response to a question about the investigation into ACORN voter registrations. He made it sound like the Republicans are on the side of the angels on this issue. But click the above link to get the real scoop on how Republicans are seeking to disenfranchise low income voters in Ohio.

More than anything, we can see here that the real goal is to create an opportunity to challenge election results in Ohio when it doesn't go their way.

Gas $2.99 in Circle Pines MN.

That is a bit higher than the $3.18 posted in South Minneapolis, but still. It would seem that the oil companies cannot get that price down fast enough. The big Question: Will gas sufficiently under $3 per gallon by October 15 be enough to get people to forget their woes and vote republican by November 4?

I doubt it but I am also glad for the cynicism of the oil industry that they would suppose we are indeed that dumb- It has worked so many times before.

"KSTP's AT ISSUE"

Hosted by Tom Hauser is either dramatically influenced by the Conservative bias of Hubbard Broadcasting and ABC or they are just stupid.

Among the headlines of their expanded hour-long broadcast today:

Obama and Mcain are neck and neck with McCain leading by 1%
Coleman leads Franken by 12%
Gas prices are going up (based on increase in MN gas tax to fund infrastructure support).
Palin 'won' debate last Thursday (because she didn't impale herself).

Obama now cammands solid lead over McCain in Minnesota.

(see the link). But that doesn't mean we don't want to see him again before the election.

I hope that these poll numbers hold. Minnesota has a great opportunity to deliver for Obama and to send Franken to Washington to reclaim the Paul Wellstone seat and tradition in the Senate. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken will provide an excellent team to bring progressive, united, intelligent and pragmatic leadership to the Nation's capital.

Governor Palin and Senator McCain are right: "Change is Coming"

But now is the time for Obama and especially Franken to go all positive- all the time in their political ads.

Lowest Gas Price in Twin Cities Metro Area today---

$3.019

Gas will surely be under $3.00 ( my guess is 2.70 or lower) by election day. Seems Big Oil will be going all out for their conservative friends ( McCain and Coleman).

If the polls out today are real I would strongly suggest that Al Franken avoid flying in small planes for the next five weeks or so. I'm just sayin',

Franken takes lead over Coleman 43 to 34- YEAH!!!

This is the first poll to show this result, but with Survey USA, a rather conservative group, showing Coleman with a lead of only 1% for October 2, things are still looking hopeful.

Lies 79 and 80

from count the lies (link at left)

FactCheck.org: McCain's "False" Clean Coal Claims are "Not True." "The McCain-Palin campaign is airing radio ads in four states claiming that the Obama-Biden ticket 'oppose[s] clean coal.' That's false: Obama's energy plan, which he began promoting well over a year ago, calls for investing in 'low emissions coal plants' and creating '5 'first-of-a-kind' commercial scale coal-fired plants with carbon capture and sequestration.' His position in support of clean coal has been clear. The ad's claim rests solely on a remark Biden made when questioned while shaking hands on a rope line in Ohio. Biden said, 'We're not supporting clean coal.' The campaign says he meant something else entirely. Regardless, it's Obama's energy plan that the ticket is running on." [FactCheck.org, 9/30/08: http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/not_coming_clean_on_coal.html]

CNN: McCain Spending Claim "Misleading." "This hour we are taking on the issue of spending. Like taxes when you start talking about billions and trillions of dollars, its easy to get confused. So let's take a listen to the charge from John McCain yesterday in Columbus, Ohio. 'It shouldn't be surprising that Senator Obama isn't interested in protecting your tax dollars. Senator Obama has proposed more than $860 billion in new spending.' Nearly $1 trillion in new spending? That's a lot of money. Is it true? Well, you really have to break down the statement. Let's take a look at a key word in McCain's statement. He said Obama proposed more than $860 billion in new spending. The key word being 'new.' Not 'spending with cuts in other areas,' but new spending. The McCain campaign simply added up the costs of programs Obama has talked about. But the Obama campaign told us some of the programs will be paid for in cuts in other areas. They called the McCain figure 'totally ludicrous.' Now, we also checked with the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, and that nonpartisan group, agreed, saying McCain's statement was misleading and taken out of context. And listen to this. The group actually found that in the end the candidates would have about the same impact on the federal budget. The projection by the year 2013, Obama would be adding $286 billion to the deficit. McCain, $211 billion. So back to the original charge and the question: Is McCain right in saying that Obama would propose $860 billion in new spending? Well, the truth squad says -- no. The statement is misleading." [CNN American Morning, 9/30/08: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6hfmQz8J5g]

Gas at $3.39 today in Minneapolis

Coleman and Franken are neck and neck in the polls. But those of us who have high hopes are still waiting for Franken to pull ahead.

Palin is no longer looking like a great choice, is she?

McCain Campaign is lying too frequently to keep up

Check out the "Count the Lies" link to the left for continued updates:

Washington Post Fact Checker blog: McCain "Seriously Misstated" Lebanon Vote. "McCain seriously misstated his vote concerning the marines in Lebanon. He said that when he went into Congress in 1983, he voted against deploying them in Beirut. The Marines went in Lebanon in 1982, before McCain came to Congress. The vote came up a year into their deployment, when the Marines had already suffered 54 casualties. What McCain voted against was a measure to invoke the War Powers Act and to authorize the deployment of U.S. Marines in Lebanon for an additional 18 months. The measure passed 270-161, with 26 other Republicans (including McCain) and 134 Democrats voting against it." [Washington Post Fact Checker blog, 9/26/08: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/]

FactCheck.org: McCain Voted for $3 million to study the DNA of bears. "We’ve heard that one before. McCain's been playing it for laughs since 2003. The study in question was done by the U.S. Geological Survey, and it relied in part on federal appropriations. Readers (and politicians) may disagree on whether a noninvasive study of grizzly bear population and habitat is a waste of money. McCain clearly thinks it is -- but on the other hand, he never moved to get rid of the earmark. In fact, he voted for the bill that made appropriations for the study. He did propose some changes to the bill, but none that nixed the bear funding." [Fact Check.Org, 9/26/08]
Washington Post: McCain Repeats Lie That Obama Voted To Raise Taxes on Anyone Making More Than $42,000. "John McCain claimed that Obama voted in the Senate to raise taxes on anyone making more than $42,000 a year. This is misleading on several levels. The vote that McCain is talking about was a non-binding resolution on the budget that envisioned letting the Bush tax cuts to expire, as scheduled, in 2011. But these budget resolutions come up every year, and do not represent a vote for higher taxes in future years. In fact, Obama has said that he will continue the Bush tax cuts for middle and low-income taxpayers. He says that he will cut taxes for all but the wealthiest tax-payers." [Washington Post Fact Checker blog, 9/26/08: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/]

AP: McCain Repeats Troop Funding Lie. MCCAIN: McCain said Obama voted to cut off money for the troops in Iraq. THE FACTS: Despite opposing the war, Obama has, with one exception, voted for Iraq troop financing. In 2007, he voted against a troop funding bill because it did not contain language calling for a troop withdrawal. The Illinois senator backed another bill that had such language - and money for the troops." [AP, 9/26/08: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PRESIDENTIAL_DEBATE_FACTCHECK?SITE=ILEDW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT]

ABC: McCain Falsely Invokes Eisenhower Letters. "Calling on President Eisenhower to deliver a lesson about accountability, Sen. John McCain invoked two letters authored by the 34th president the night before the Normandy invasion during Friday's presidential debate. One letter, McCain said, was authored in the event that the D-Day invasion was a success and the other, a resignation, in the event it was a failure. According to the National Archives, late on the afternoon of June 5, 1944, Eisenhower scribbled a note intended for release accepting responsibility for the decision to launch the invasion and taking full blame in the event the effort to create a beachhead on the Normandy coast failed. In the letter, Eisenhower takes responsibility but makes no mention of resignation." [ABC News, 9/26/08: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/fact-check-mcca.html]

First Presidental Debate Won't Change Any Minds-

Both delivered as was expected of them- but hey, McCain showed up.

And did McCain really just admit that the US has tortured prisoners? He did declare that we would 'never again torture prisoners.' "AGAIN" Cheney will love it.

Tom Harkin, Russ Feingold, Barack Obama, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Walter Mondale, John Kerry, Al Gore, where are you?

Al Franken has been a progressive voice for the better part of the past decade. As such, he has benefited Democrats around the country with their various campaigns.

Al is in the fight for his own political life. If would seem fitting if the well-known and highly- regarded would take an afternoon to collectively work against the red machine in an all out blitz to rock Norm Coleman right out of his (elected) seat.

Harken, Feingold and Klobuchar, along with Mondale, have the least far to travel. Perhaps they can be thrown into the mix with a joint appearance by Obama and Biden. Al Gore is coming out on his own on October 4th to appear with and give his continued support to Franken.

Hillary Clinton could make a similar appearance as an Obama surrogate- she could promote Franken-and he in turn talk about the importance of an Obama win in November.
No one really cares about Kerry- but if he offers, don’t say no.

Take back your money- and that goes for your wife,too!!

and it goes for you, too.

Al Franken (falsely) accused of lying about Coleman's lack of oversight in Iraq

The article linked here sites Senator Laugtenberg with specific information that indepentently verifies Franken's assessment of Coleman's performance.

But wait, It worked with Gustav

If you are John McCain you need to be careful.

Your campaign keeps accusing your opponent of acting too much like the president- while not actually being the president. And when confronted with a natural disaster coinciding with your political party's convention you talked your party leadership into delaying and rearranging much of the festivities so that you would not be seen celebrating while the south drowns.

Never mind that there is little you or anyone else at Xcel Energy center could actually do about the hurricane anyway. They demonstrated that convincingly during Katrina three years ago and reminded us of that fact when ke struck outside the range of political cameras.

Now, after demonstrating a complete lack of knowlege on these matters, John McCain is going to mount a white horse and ride into Washington and save us from ourselves.

If he really cared about a non-political answer where was such a move last week? If this wasn't solely about political theatre why does he make such a proposal on national television rather than call the Barack Obama Camp himself?

It is now being widely reported that such a move is exactly what Barack Obama did in calling the McCain Camp this morning (8:30 AM Eastern) with a proposal for a joint statement from the candidates.

When did the Maverick turn nto such a show horse?

The scary pattern developing on the McCain side of things is an inability to multi-task and to set priorities. With regard to Hanna, and now this financial mess- that they have known about for a long time- it is not as if the Bush proposal hasn't been in the works for a long time (it is just that congress is getting very little time process it)- McCain keeps wanting to stop the game clock and take a time-out so that he can get it right.

His campaign surrogates are now spinning this as if he is the one who is reaching out to Obama.
Clever move. But the public needs to keep its eye on the ball. McCain made his name as an advocate for the same kind of deregulation that caused this mess. He consistantly votes in favor of business over the worker (Wall Street over Main Street).

The Gustav gambit worked (modestly). The Sarah Palin show added a well needed shiny object to keep people distracted frm real issues - so much so that Hurricane Ike and a lack-luster response from Government officials went almost unnoticed and the markets made their slide allowing the Bush administration to put forth their 'bail-out' plan for a rushed response from congress.

If the gamble works and McCain creates a new drama to distract people from the issues -including McCain's record on financial issues- it would be unfortunate.

McCain Claims to buy American, But...

You would think the house thing would have helped him learn his lesson. Think again. McCain tells auto workers that he has proudly purchased american made cars throughout his life. At least 4 of his current personal fleet do not fit the bill.

Shell Oil opens new office in Iraq

For the first time since 1972 a western oil company has established a field office in Iraq.

"Mission Accomplished" If there was any doubt before, it is certainly clear now that this always was and is a war for oil. As American sons and daughters continue to die on foreign soil- let's be clear about the reason why.

McCain Camp admits that Sarah Palin is "disadvantaged"

They should make the same case now for McCain's lack of Stamina- otherwise this is just plain sexist-right?

This Clip is more relevant each day.

I think this sums up the whole of what is said in a 45 minute testimony. Galloway is speaking directly to Senator Norm Coleman and his condemnation is directed both at our Nation's policies leading up to the Iraqi war and the policies involved in building up and sustaining our involvement- even against the the opinions and wishes of our allies and Norm personally (because of his vocal and continuous support of those errant policies).

Why is this imortant now?

Even as our country suffers the worst economic meltdown since the Great Depression we continue to send money to our policitcal enemies for their oil- thus funding their actions against us. Further, we continue to be the sole financial contributor to the military efforts in Iraq at a rate that is almost exactly equivalent to the amounts the Iraqi's are putting into their bank accounts.

Obama has a great opportunity to rightly link our failed policy on Iraq to the overall falure of our economy. Closer to Home Al Franken can and should do the same thing.

Alaska among the smallest states in the union.

John McCain called Alaska 'one of the largest states in the Union' when he introduced Sarah Palin. But according to population Alaska ranks 47th out of 50 with North Dakota, Wyoming and Vermont falling behind. The populaton of Alaska is 683,478 and, while Sarah Palin claims to be a rejector of earmarks, the state ranks the highest in dollars per capita for earmarks from the Federal Government.

Try this: Would you want the Mayor of Baltimore Maryland to be the Vice President? The population there is 635,815. A bit smaller than the state of Alaska- but executive experience is what matters -according to the Republicans.

No, how about Austin Texas? At 690,252 Austin is actually bigger than Alaska.

In fact, in ascending order there are 15 more cities that have larger populations than all of Alaska. Columbus Ohio, San Francisco, Jacksonville Fl., Indianapolis, Indiana, Detriot, MI., San Jose, CA., Dallas TX, San Diego, San Antonio, Pheonix, AZ., Philidelphia PA, Houston TX, Chicago Ill. (at 2.85 million, more than 4 times the size of Alaska), Los Angeles and New York.

Just added to my Favorite Places

Count the Lies (link above) so far they are at 51.

On The lighter Side

You Go Miss Piggy!

What does Obama need to do to win this?

If Obama wants to win this election he needs to reclaim the “audacity of hope.”He needs immediately to stop worrying about what the opponent is doing and focus on his message.

At the same time his surrogates need to start taking apart every false claim that is levied against Obama.

As the standard bearer for the party Obama needs to bring his optimism and hope and message to every battleground state and stand side-by-side with every candidate in every race however tightly contested.

For my money, I would have him start in Minnesota with Al Franken and Tim Walz- throw in an appearance by Amy Klobuchar for good measure. Neighboring Tom Harkin from Iowa could come along- he is highly regarded in these parts.

Then swing through Colorado with Mark Udall and New Mexico with Bill Richardson and Tom Udall. While there is little if any chance of him winning Alaska I believe too he could serve Mark Begich well by going up there and standing with him for a rally.

Wisconsin would be a profitable stop, at least once.
Michigan deserves to see the top of the ticket again as well- probably twice.
Then Ohio and Pennsylvania.
He should swing through Indiana again for good measure, perhaps with Hillary.

He should make a visit to the pacific Northwest with a planned televised event in Washington.

Florida would benefit from a visit from both Clintons and Obama together and a permanent campout of Bill with frequent visits throughout the region.

VA is not gone yet - even though the Republicans think so. Standing alongside the popular Mark Warner would be a great move.

I could go on. But the main point is that Obama needs to give the media a story changer here so that they stop talking about lipstick and other nonsense.The Dems have every reason to believe that this is theirs to win at all levels. They need to start behaving like it is okay to be unified for the change we so desperately need.

This article from the Washington Post

gives us a great deal to be nervous about. The familiar tones of Arrogance, cronyism, close ties to oil money, surrounding herself with only people who agree with and defend her sound a lot like 'more of the same' and less like the promised 'reform.'

If is troubling to me that her only record of employment and involvement in the world outside her family are political positions where her record of 12 years is more spotty than we had been lead to believe.

I almost believe that she sees herself as a reformer and she reflects a tone that sounds too much like a mission. There seems to be an almost admirable optimism that allows her to jump forth with a 'yes I can' and 'yes I am' attitude about any challenge including: would would you be willing to seerve as Vice President and are you prepared in that role.

The problem is one we have seen before- A president gets elected based on drive and enthusiasm that is inflated compared to his actual experience- he surrounds himself with like-minded people who shelter him from anyone who disagrees (even to the extent of attacking voices of dissent) and moves forward with an intended mission without consideration of facts to the contrary.

This matches (too closely) the legacy of GW Bush and it matches the profile we have come to know of John McCain. Combine that with the well-honed political cynicism of the right-wing machine and it doesn't look at all like reform.

It would be overstated to say that this person scares me. It would not be overstated to say that this ticket scares me a great deal. McCain Palin would be wrong for America in ways we have not yet calculated.

It is clear that GW Bush pandered to the religious right in order to get elected- a move McCain was making that was not working among most fundamentalists (fool me once...). But what is not clear is whether Sarah Palin is also pandering or if (more likely) she is a true fundamentalist who believes she is part of "God's Plan" to Christianize the world.

If she is such a person- that would put her in an elite group of people who either does not care that GW Bush lied to get their support or believes the lies he told. Either way, such a person should make us nervous.

Our nation, and in fact our world are probably strong enough to survive a McCain presidency and we could probably survive too if Sarah Palin tragically had to step in to the role. After all, we (to date) have survived Bush/Cheney even as it spiralled into something far worse than anyone imagined.

But do we not deserve better? Do we not have an obligaton to do better for ourselves and for the world?

Greenspan has this to say about McCain's plans for the Economy

Yes, but will they give her a new speech?

I guess the American public really is stupid and we really do get the leaders we deserve.

Is it fair to talk about this?

I think so.

Gov. Sarah Palin billed the state of Alaska for 312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months as governor according to a story in the Washington Post. This allowance is intended to cover the governor's expenses when she is away from her office on state business. She also billed to take her children on official state trips and her husband also billed when he went along on these trips (presumably from Juneau, the state capital, to Wasilla, where the Palins live). The legality of this billing aside, a candidate who is strongly against government waste may have some explaining to do. If Palin went alone and spent the night in, say, Fairbanks to confer with the mayor, no questions would have been raised, but billing the taxpayers to stay in your own home probably qualifies as waste, even if it is legal (which is far from clear). Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) also spends a lot of time in his Los Angeles home, but he doesn't bill the state for it. Palin's position on "the bridge to nowhere" (initially for it but later against it) is also in the news. As the press begins digging deeper into Palin's past, more of this stuff may come out. This is the downside of putting a former unknown governor in the national spotlight. In contrast, Joe Biden has been around so long that all the dirt on him is already well known and not newsworthy.

Barrack Obama on Mortgage Bailout

this is a good read

This from Slate

another piece of the community organizer story

Keith Olbermann on "McCain on Iraq"

This is from August 18th. If not for the conventions blocking out all of our media sensory organs this would be old news. But it deserves a reading.

Whacko Rightwing Church

Check out Sarah Palin in her own words- this link from Huffington Post says it all.

This YouTube video is pretty funny.

Skip the first minute and a half or so. I don't like to make connections to YouTube but I couldn't resist this one. And this is sexist.

A few thoughts about last night.

There was so much going on between the diatribe offered by Guilianni and the first national speech offered by their VP candidate. These are both worthy of their own posts.

The point that I want to make today has to do with the attitude of the Republicans. Call it the entitlement of the rich. They can have anything they want- damn the cost to the country of the environment. We heard nothing about how we plan to pay for the war in Iraq or the growing wealth in that country. We heard a crowd chanting "Drill baby Drill" as if such an action will solve all of our problems. No thoughtful response to envronmental concerns or the cost to our future.

Haven't we learned after 7 and a half year that "take it now, pay for it later" is no way to run a government?

The next administration will need to find a way to pay for the past 7.5 years. Do we really want to choose a ticket that wil compund that cost for a future generation?

I believe there are radical elements out there who will just love the sarcasm and cynicism that was offered last night- even outside of the convention hall. But I have to believe also that the voters will reject for what they are -scathing unfair laugh lines from a convention.

When wll the media move away from the discussion about whether or not they are being sexist and ask real questions about her background- including the fact (she is apparently proud of) that her husband is an oil man who works for British Petroleum?

"This candidate is a showhorse and not a workhorse."

That has been the rap that Republicans have been placing on Obama- in various manifestations sinc ehe announced his candidacy.

However, Cindy Fiorina, a Republican, has appeared throughout the day on the different channels covering the convention with the claim that such a remark- when said about Sarah Palin is 'SEXIST.'

First, I haven't heard anyone say that about Sarah Palin.

Second, so what if they did.

Third, sexism does exist. and Sarah Palin has probably been a victim of it at some point in her life and even in this election so far. But let's not call everything sexism. And let's not jump on the rightwing bandwagon as they - newcomers to recognizing that such a thing exists- try to shelter their candidate's shortcomings by deflecting every valid criticism by accusations of sexism.

There are real questions to be answered about this candidate for Vice President as she prepares to prepares to hold the office under the oldest person ever to seek a first term for the highest office in the land.

Is she -following the standard McCain set for his own vetting process- ready top assume the duties of Commander-in -Chief on day one?

How does experience as a mayor- and then as a Governor of one of the least populated states (for less than one term -less than 2 years) qualify a person to be vice president?

At what point is she planning on learning what the Vice President does?

How can a person who was a rabid supporter of Pat Buchanan when he ran for president claim any hold on the center of the American voters?

I am sure there are more questions that need to be asked, but these should be enough to get people started.

Claim: "It is 'SEXIST' to talk about Sarah Palin's Daughter"

This is being asserted by Andrea Mitchell and Mika Brazynski of MSNBC. I will offer the caveat that I really do not care about Mika's opinion. She is a relative newcomer to political commentary. However, Andrea Mitchell is an old hand at this and has even served as White House Correspondent. As such her opinion carries weight and she should be much mor ecareful about checking her opinion against facts.

There are countless examples where the behavior of children has ben closely scrutinized during political campaign's. I would expect that if Sarah Palin had run for high elected office more than once she would know that.

If she had run for Mayor of a large city- some larger than her state- Governor in a more populous state or for the senate she might have been exposed to such scrutiny before.

If you doubt me- google it. But looking strictly at running for the highest office in the land (or a heart-beat away) one need look no further than Al Gore in 2000. His son Al was in an incident involving driving while intoxicated. For about 2 weeks or more we heard a constant barrage- from the hypocritical right about the elder Gore's fitness as a father, his ability to juggle job and family, his judgment and ability to control his own son- his 'family values.'

The issues- if you really care about the values the Repugnicans claim to care about- of fitness and abilities as a parent, ability to handle the rigors of the job, judgment and ability to manage her family are indeed issues to be explored.

Try it this way: What if Barrack Obama had a son who impregnated a teenage girl? Would it be enough to say- He has had "to grow up faster than we would have liked" and that the two intend to get married? I hardly think so.

Separate gender of the child from the equation and this issue is one that Repugnicans would not ignore. Frankly, given their track record on women's issues, They would attack an opponet if the situation were exactly reversed.

And their attack would be unapologetically sexist. They would would wonder out loud how this girl came to be pregnant. They would want to know more about this father. They would use surrogates to ask the most embarrassing and personal questions you can imagine all for the purpose of making the point- If she can't handle her family, how can we expect her to handle the government.

But since we are liberals. We tear our garments and beat ourselves up with self examination over issues of mercy and compassion.

Maybe, in reality, this all is and should be out of bounds. But let's say that without calling anyone sexist. If she cannot take the heat, she should get out of the boiler room.

Why is it okay to talk about Sarah Palin's Daughter?

From my point of view- it is noble that Sarah Palin's Daughter (after finding herself a pregnant teenager) has chosen to keep the child instead of abort.

However, if this were a Democratic candidate we would be having a discussion about values, about responsibility for the behavior of children (remember Al Gore's son and the drunk driving incident) and about promiscuity (which is apparently just a problem when people on the left are the culprits). If she were a candidate from the left there would undoubtedly be questions about the age of the fatehr and the potential for illegal activity.

So without politicizing this: Is it fair to ask about the wisdom of a 17 year old getting married because she is pregnant (SHOT GUN WEDDING)? Afterall, these are the 'pro-family', 'pro-marriage' people.

Are we expecting that this daughter and the father of her child will move into the white house so that she can continue to be among the support structure of her family?

I do believe the daughter deserves her privacy. That being said, I think it is absolutely fair to call out this candidate on the inconsisencies between her own family life and the policies she supports as a conservative Republican.

Now, a far more interesting story, as far as I am concerned, involves her husband. Do we really need another oilman anywhere close to the next administration?

A bit of news about the Beauty Queen who would be a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

She calls her husband ( who works for British Petroleum) "Alaska's First Dude." She has served as Governor for 18 Months and prior to that she was a mayor of a town of 8500 people.

She is pro-life. She is anti corruption (but involved in ways that are not yet clear in an abuse of power allegation involving a family member and involved in the bribery scandal surrounding one of their senators).

She plays with guns, rides a motor cycle and eats mooseburgers. She is a mother of 5 and her eldest will soon be going to serve his country in Iraq. She is a creationist. She supported Pat Buchanan in 1992.

She is pandering to Hillary Clinton Supporters:

" Hillary Clinton is not who I would want to see in the White House but given the choices Obama had, and the fantastic Campaign she ran, Hillary Clinton was clearly the better choice." ( As an aside- shifting the focus from qualifications to what kind of campaign a candidate ran is a great move for someone who has been Governor of one of the least populated states in the union for fewer than two years.) So the question: Do she and McCain and all Repugnicans truly think so little of women that they think women will vote against their own interest simply to get a woman into a position? Aren't these the guys who oppose affirmative action and quotas? This smacks of pure tokenism.

This pick for a VP candidate embodies the height of political cynicism. Attract women by choosing a woman. Attract blue collar people by choosing a candidate who apparently acts the way Repugs think blue collar people act.

While participating in the Miss Alaska competition she wasvoted Miss Cogeniality. Yeah- she is nice. And the one thing I have heard from every person who is speaking on behalf of Repugnicans She is a woman and she is 'an attractive fit' for John McCain.

The two women who are currently the most important women in John McCain's life - his second wife (who he was involved with before he dumped his first- the one who stuck with him during his whole POW experience) and his VP pick were both contestants to represent their states in beauty pageants.

Yeah, These guys value women. Bring on the swimsuit competition!!

Here We Go!!!

This article from slate ends with an outstanding paragraph about the Republican nominee.

Talk about "Out of Touch"

You have got to see this link (above). A hurricane couldn't interupt a vacation but if it is going to diminish their political convention they consider changing a nations schedule. My question is: to what end? It is not as if any of the white men in the stadium can do anything about a hurricane anyway. That is what they proved with Katrina. I hope above all that everyone in the south stays safe and that Gustav blows right over them. But I hope also that this tactic by the Repugnicans is seen by the population as a whole for what it is- a media grab.

In case you Missed Obama's Speech

Here it is for your personal reading pleasure.

NO YOU CAN'T

gotta love it! Check out the people at barely political.com

Dems start convention- Gas hits $3.49 and continues to fall.

Locally gas prices were on a roller coaster this weekend. We saw 3.59 on Thursday afternoon- then up to 3.79 by Friday AM, only to fall to $3.63 by Friday PM and up to $3.82 by Saturday afetrnoon. Then, filling up this morning, I paid $3.49.

The word is that gas prices will continue now to drop throughout the fall. The flip side is that we are being told that heating oil and natural gas will increase in cost this year and most in this reigon ca expect to pay 25- 30 % more for heating their homes this winter.

Coverage in well underway for the Democratic National Convention. Fox News is delighting in covering a group of people who claim to be former Clinton supporters who are now backing McCain. Olbermann did an interview with the woman who founded this group and she voted for Bush twice and claims to be an independent. PUMA (Party Unity My Ass) is a wolf in wolf's clothing. These people are not to be trusted.

Gas today locally at $3.53- faster than I thought.

Daddy must be proud!

I always expected this headline, but it does not mean what I would have expected it to mean.
The main reason to look closer at this story is because it hints at a kind of nepotism- or at least a fraternal favoritism behind the scenes of American Idol. It also is a bit creepy to think about the logistics of this- in a Michael Jackson kind of way.

I suppose, however, congratulations are in order, just the same.

One year since bridge falls

iamerqI live in Minnesota so that story line filled the news this past weekend. As a result of that, there were several talking heads- mostly conservative- who criticized the 5 cents per gallon gas tax imposed by the state to pay for infrastructure repair. Tim Pawlenty- our governor who is tripping over himself to be McCain's VP pick- also used the opportunity to slap a round the Dems for that choice saying that the democrats in the state house and senate chose to burden families who are already overpaying at the pump.

The facts are these-

While the national average price per gallon remains at about $3.88 local pumps are flowing at $3.53 (including the higher state gas tax). So apparently, the higher gas tax doesn't really matter and is serving to provide some of the much needed infrastructure repair that is long overdue (without passing the burden on to our children).

$3.53 is still high. High enough to get us to continue to look for ways to reduce our usage- tune-up your car, properly inflate your tires, reduce use of the vehicles where possible, car pool, and thew like.

Then there is all this moise about off-shore drilling. Until these people who are spouting this as a great idea- the same ones who were saying as recently as a year ago (explaining why the cost was so high) that drilling isn't the problem, its the capacity of our refineries- can explain how exactly it will help (without development of those same refineries)- I think we all should just tell them to shut up.

But that is just me.

Local Gas Prices Today- $3.69

I missed posting over the weekend at $3.66, but it went up a few cents since then.

If you like Polls...

This site has them all including a summary of the most recent presidential polls. It also tracks generic congressional polls and an interactive map for looking at the electoral college (the people who really elect the president). I am posting a link on the side as well so that anyone who wants to can check out the numbers between now and November.

Gas Price update

I still hold to my original theory on this and expect prices as low as $3.50 or lower by labor day and no significant increases before the election.

Today I gassed up my car for $3.77 a gallon. I personally have yet to pay over $4.00/gallon.

Al Franken Response Ad

give this a look. I really appreciate the immediate responses taking place in this campaign.

Neil Diamond Night II

The second show included Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show. Neil seemed more relaxed. From where I was sitting, the crowd didn't seem as in to it, but they were still pretty lively. Neil did a better job hitting the note for "Hell Yeah!"

The staging still has some quirks - some of which cannot be overcome without modifying the stage itself. The thing appears to be about 40 to 50 feet from front to back and slopes from back to front from about 9 ft. to about 5 feet in height. The effect of this on the performance makes Neil appear to awkwardly lurch forward when he walks downhill (which fortunately does not happen too often). This slope, along with the high heels, on the back-up singer makes them look, when they are moving, like the dance routine in the floor show of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." The stage compensates with several moving platforms designed to minimize such individual (self-propelled) movement.

These few distractions are minimal and one is not likely to even notice them unless he or she takes in severeal shows.

It was reported on a local news show that - with the kick off of this tour- Neil is the oldest headliner for an arena tour - ever, in the United States. From what I saw on stage, he still has the energy of a guy half his age.

Overall, I was grateful for the opportunities to see Neil in my home town. Given the economy, It is doubtful I will travel much this year at all, let alone to see Neil again. Still, this is a great show. See it if you get a chance.

Neil Diamond Rocks the Xcel

see the above attached review for a professionals take.

The show is stripped back from previous outings and the effect is a stronger connection to the music and lyrics. Anyone who has seen me at a Neil Diamond concert- I am usually the one being told to sit down at one point or another ( once or twice, memorably, by Neil Himself).

There would be none of that here. This crowd was one their feet for most of the show. My ears were literally sore from the decibel level- not from Neil and the band -but from the singing and cheering crowd in the first ten rows on the floor. They still hurt a bit this morning.

That experience makes me wonder- as I frequently do when I read This guy's reviews- "What was he thinking and what show did he see. To his credit- Jon Bream got it right in that this was a emotionally charged show and there was a hint of finality- but mostly he is mostly a putz who tries too hard to find the negative. For one, it makes no sense at all to criticize a scaled back stage and costume selection hwne he and others have been begging for that for years and the desired emphasis on the music is achieved.

There were some misses on the night- the sound cut out completely at: " Hello ...(St Paul)" with complete silence for about ten seconds. But he recovered completely and professionally.

I loved the new take on "Man of God" from "12 Songs" which may have been a main highlight of my night. But, I was undertwhelmed by "Hell Yeah!" which I was really looking forward to. The problem was that he over-reached for his higher register on the last verse "I've been living in a bowl..." and never quite recovered so that the punch-you- in- in the -face energy of the final "Hell yeah he did..." just kind of fell away.

The sound mixing was a bit off as well- most notably from where I was sitting (fifth row stage left on the main floor) Alan's keyboards sounded too strong and actually distorted the speaker bank over my head. Contrasting, and perhaps because of that, Hadley's solo during the band intros almost disappeared.

I had been asked, by someone in the know, on Friday evening How I felt about "Song Sung Blue." I told him then that I could take or leave it but that the less loyal fans might appreciate one of his better known songs. Also, I pointed out that it has been 15 years or more since he has done it live in the US. This morning I have a slightly different take.

This is such an emotionally charged and guitar driven set. People much older and frankly less motivated than I were on their feet and dancing for most of this (just shy of) two-hour show.

Song Sung Blue is a perfect opportunity to slow down some heart rates -while at the same time creating a nostalgic Kum-bu-ya moment where we all looked back to younger days.

Brother Love was a notable and surprising deletion. In fact, I cannot recall ever being to a Neil show where he has not done it (although it has happened on the rare occassion). America did work as a fitting and powerful end. Perhaps it is time to give Bro Love a rest, or perhaps a stripped down reworking and reintorduce it earlier in the show - Maybe as an opening.

The emotional impact of this show was remarkable. It is not like I am a total girl but I actually teared up on more than one occassion. This performance- including the crowd reaction, in spite of what the moron at the startribune might say, will go down as one of my top ten.

newest from jibjab

Bush allowing McCain to lead from the sidelines (see link)

This action does nothing. It is purely political. At the same time Bush joins himself at the hip to McCain. I hope McCain appreciates it. I know I do- but for a different reason.

Norm Coleman is incapable of telling the truth, and apparently, so are the groups that support him.

follow the link for a local news story that clarifies Al Franken's position on a bill that makes it easier for workers to unionize.

Article in Slate on Al Franken

New Al Franken Ad

Senator Ted Kennedy on Health Care

Can you pass the Citizenship test?

Give it a try. I got 95%.

The Thing about Gas Prices

Okay, its like this. Today, whenever anyone mentions higher gas prices, a shill for the administration or the McCain campaign (that means any Republican talking head) goes into this lengthy rant about how oil prices are the result of market speculation and increased usage in India and China. In the process they give no weight to the effects of a prolonged middle east war that has not yeilded the increases in production and availability of oil to the world market that was promised at the outset of the Iraqi invasion ( does anyone remember the claims that il revenues would pay for the war and reconstruction?). The war has a direct influence on market speculation.

The right also ignores the obvious and continuing opportunity that our congress has to close the market speculators loophole (Enron Loophole) that allows energy companies to make money off speculation.

In the 2000 election, GW Bush and Dick Cheney criticized the Clinton Administration for its refusal to open the strategic reserves to the US market in order to provide summer relief from - what they called 'ridiculously high'- gas prices of about $1.70/gallon. Yet today, their administration refuses to even consider suspending new deposits into reserve each week.
If $1.70 a gallon was ridiculously high- what is $4/gal? Why do they refuse to do what they challenged Bill Clinton to do in 2000?

But hypocracy is not a trait held exclusively on the right. The lefties in congress could do better too.

Suppose Congress got together today with a bill to return the national speed limit to 55 mph. They could use the same rationale offered when this was done by Nixon in the 70's (environmental concerns- increased mpg/vehicle by changing behavior). I would also add a stiff penalty for violators and use that money for federal road improvement.

Next Congress should work aggressively to pass a bill to close the Enron Loophole- granted it would be vetoed by the Oilman, but it would cause both sides to show their hands.

Tax incentives should be extended for alternative fuel vehicle and hybrid purchase. Similar incentives should be offered for the development of same- including development of any passenger vehicle that can demonstrate mpg on the + side of 50 mpg in real world conditions.

And- as long as we are dreaming- suppose Congress pretended that they actually exist to govern and not simply to get reelected. Might they then actually work together to find solutions to our problems- particularly in matters like reduction of oil dependency.

If the likes of Joe Scarborrough can say that Jimmy Carter was right on this issue- wouldn't you think our elected officials could pretend they share a common purpose?

Tom Brokaw -Temporary Moderator for Meet the Press

Earlier this week NBC announced that retired News Anchor- Tom Brokaw would fill in as Temporary Moderator for Meet the Press through the elections later this year.

I had predicted this move. Brokaw is the only person in the whole NBC organization that has the instant gravitas to pull this off- if indeed it can be done at all. He also has the unique ability to Honor Russert without getting overly maudlin.

I have a hard time imagining this show will ever be the same- and perhaps in should evolve. However, Tom Brokaw will be an excellent steward of the program Russert himself called ' a sacred trust.'

Media takes on McCain's take on Obama's policies

This tells us that- at least on the McCain side- we are going to continue to see politics as usual.

Tim Russert- suddenly dead at 58 years old-

Political Junkies are feeling exactly what I am now. Coverage of Washington will never be the same. See the link for the story that is unfolding as I post this message.

There is still a sniff of something in the air...

which requires everything offered here to carry a huge caveat. But as long as the conversation is turning toward Vice presidential candidates I am going to offer, as I did yesterday, the opinion that Obama serves his needs -approaching the general election by staying on point regarding his message of change. This lends itself to choosing a Washington outsider.

The first level of outsiders to be considered would be Democratic Governors- each bringing exectutive experience and basic electoral benefits based on his or her state and qualifications.

There are 26 Democratic Governors currently serving. I do not know any of the personalities involved, so this analysis is based solely on advantages each brings to the electoral map.

I have narrowed it down to five potential VP nominees. They are listed here in no particular order.

Janet Napolotano is the sitting governor of Arizona- a red state. She was ranked by time Magazine in 2005 as one of the 'top 8 in '08', a group of women who could run and win- based on qualifications- for president in 2008. She is serving her second term in a traditionally red state. This pick would be bold as it would bring the electoral fight right to McCain's doorstep. 10 electors in her home state.

Kathleen Sabelius- Governor of Kansas- a red state- gave Democratic response to 2008 State of the Union Address. Sabelius is also regarded as a well qualified future presidential candidate- the VP spot could gain her name recognition. While Kansas itself has only 6 electors there could be carryover in the midwest as well as in other red states.

Bill Richardson of New Mexico, second term Governor of New Mexico- a red state. While this state only carries 5 electors there are carryover advantages for appeal to the hispanic community and for other westewern states. He has national experience as an ambassador under Bill Clinton. There would be some appeal to Catholic voters.

Edward Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania- a swing state. He was considered a potential candidate in his own right. He has been a vocal advocate for Hillary and has campaigned on her behalf. He has broad appeal in his own state and that could carry over into other blue collar states. 21 electors cannot be ignored.

Ted Strickland of Ohio- a swing state. Very popular in his own state he also would have some appeal to Clinton supporters. He is on 'everyone's' shortlist for many of the same reasons as Rendell. It is believed that Rendell has a stronger 'machine' behind him. Ohio carries 20 electors.

If these were the only five candidates he could consider- we would be in a good place.

Jennfier Granholm of Michigan is also very popular and was attractive to me until I discovered that she is Canadian born and as such ineligible. She is widely considered to be a potential Attorney General for any Democratic administration.

I want to let these digest but will commetn more later. Also for consideration are other non-washington types- there are a few of those which I will add to the list.

Finally?

It seems today that the final contests of the primary season will be decisive about the Democratic nominee. See the attached story by MSNBC for details about delegate counts for Barack Obama.

The question that remains is "What to do about Hillary?" She express 'willingness' to be a VP candidate, but does she really want it? She might bring a connectness to her supporters but there is no solid evidence of that. It is also not clear that she adds anything ideologically to the ticket that would not also have some possible negative backlash.

I believe that Obama ticket would benefit from an 'outsider' with executive experience (a governor). I also think that the governors on the Democratic side offer some interesting choices.

I am working on a blog about that at a future date.

Does anyone recall another White house with so many disgruntled former employees?

Scott McClellan, former press secretary to BW Bush has written a new book. In it he describes those difficult times he endured during the lie-fest leading up to the war in Iraq and his own disgust that he was lied to.

Now the Bushies are painting him as a character whose loyalty was always suspect and who cannot be trusted. - But we have heard that before.

She's no longer going to apologize

not that she ever did. In her warped and twisted viewpoint there is no real issue here. Obama's people are making an issue out of something that in a week she or her husband will claim she never said.

Keith Olbermann Does it again.

This special commentary (click above) sums up my disgust for Senator Clinton. It sums up why I and so many others are wanting her to get out of this race for the good of our country and for the good of her gender. She has revealed herself as a hollow,ambitious and heartless woman who is motivated only by her presumed right to be the next president of the United States.

I used to believe that there could be nothing worse than having GW Bush as our president. I am feeling now that such a feeling might be ill-informed.

Conservative court in California does its level best to distract the electorate from the failed policies of conservativism

Every four years or so some person or court does a stupid thing that is sure to demonize gays and spur the ignoramuses of the extreme right to action.

Once again, thanks to this decision we can count on the religious right and politicos of their ilk (Michelle Bachmann of MN) to avoid the real issues of the day -remember the wars and gas prices and the economy- by railing aganst 'activist judges.'

I am convinced, as evidenced by this decision, that we are now one step closer to our government getting out of the marriage business altogether. With another summer of commentary on the 'sanctity of marriage' vs the 'rights of individuals' , it will eventually need to be asked- What is the governmental interest in all of this?

The answer to that question needs to be more than about protecting individual rights. What is the societal good? If the answer is anything other than to strengthen community in the rearing and education of children or some other purpose for the greater good it would be incomplete.

The government, whether we like it or not, is not here to provide for our happiness. In our nation we are simply allowed the right to endeavor in that pursuit.

Our government has no business in our bedrooms. And if we start defining marriage as some means toward indivdual rights it is only a matter of time before some court somewhere agrees.
At that point, the argument will be that marriage is a matter for churches and not the state.
At that point some local jurisdiction will stop issuing marriage licenses altogether and tell people that if they want to marry they will need to go to a church to do that.

In order to ensure that all people are treated equal under the law the government will eliminate all rights and privileges associated with the institution.

Jesse Ventura for Senate?

the Minnesota Independence party is floating Jesse Ventura and former Senator Dean Barkley(I) as their possible candidates for the senate seat currently held by Norm Coleman.

The egomaniacal blowhard will probably run- but he is absolutely lazy and would not do our state any favors in this position. Further, an independent senator has little to no clout in the two party system.

One more reason to pay attention to the Minnesota race.

May Gas Prices for the past 8 years--

May 15, 2000-- $1.67/gal

Then we elected a Republican Oil Man to the White House in November of that year.
November 13th, 2000--- $1.70 /gal
May 14, 2001--- $1.88 /gal
September 10, 2001--- $1.69 /gal
October 15, 2001--- (people have blamed price on Sept. 11) $1.50 /gal
December 31, 2001--- (last lowest price) $1.28/ gal
May 13, 2002--- $1.58/gal
May 12, 2003--- $1.68/ gal
May 10, 2004--- $2.11/gal
January 10, 2005 (last time average was under $2.00) $1.99/ gal
May 9, 2005 $2.39/ gal
August 29, 2005 $2.80/ gal
September 5, 2005 (first time average is more than $3.00) $3.29/gal
May 15, 2006--- $3.15/ gal
September 11, 2006 (five years since september 11 attack) $2.85/ gal
May 14, 2007 $3.28/ gal
October 15, 2007 (last time average was under three dollars) $2.99/ gal
May 12, 2008 $3.94/ gal

$1.67 to 3.94 is a 236% increase. And people wonder why our economy is so bad off.

Either every calculation that this administration has made was completely off the mark, or they are not so incompetent as we might think. As a congressman Dick Cheney spoke vehemently about letting the market set the price for oil even to the extent of saying that if the market could bear $4.00 a gallon, than that is what the cost should be.

After 7.5 years in charge- they got their wish. And the oil companies are pocketing all of that money.

How is this possible?

MSNBC reports:

"The campaign is clearly running low on cash, although advisers would not say how much money — or how little — Mrs. Clinton currently has. The campaign had started April with over $10 million in unpaid debts, and Mrs. Clinton was vastly outspent by Senator Barack Obama in North Carolina and Indiana."

What makes it possible for one opponent to outspend the other without incurring debt while the other is lending to theiir individual campaign? It must be the case that one of the campaigns is raising significantly more money than the other. Fund raising, particularly among small donors is one of the benchmarks for a successful campaign.

The other, and a measurable standard by which we can assess a candidate's abilities as an administrator, would be their abilities to spend within their means (not incur debt).

What can our government do immediately to help us all with Gas Prices...

SAVE LIVES and reduce our dependency on foreign oil? Finally, an idea that makes sense.

Set aside election year politics and get on with undoing this mistake the Bush administration made to increase Oil Company revenues.

If You Change the Rules, I Win !!

This morning in the biggest butt-kissing session I have ever witnessed on television Joe Scarborrough interviewed Hillary Clinton. In that interview, when asked what argument she willmake going forward that she should get the Democratic Nomination.

She said, in essence that she will make the case that she can win the electoral votes. That argument will need to be dissected more carefully but suffice to say that she is claiming that she and not Barrack will win the states she won (California and New York for example). I think the claim is weak.

Her larger claim was that she has won more popular votes (this changes the rules as to how Michigan and Florida are counted) and that 'if the rules were the same as the rules followed by the Republican Party I would have already won the nomination".

That statement is only true if Florida and Michigan are counted. But forget the veracity- that standard doesn't apply when a Clinton is speaking.

Why would we want to follow the Republican rules?

These are not the rules the candidates agreed to at the beginning. It stretches my imagination and sense of right and my liberal sensibilities to continue to see everything I stand for be twisted beyond recognition in order to secured a nomination for one person who has claimed all along that she is somehow entitled to it.

First she was the inevitable candidate. Then she was the smarter candidate or the more experienced candidate- now she is the only candidate who can win (as long as we follow her rules- but will her rules change again?).

She seems to be the one who thinks she must win- and she will do anything to win. I find that dangerous. I find that divisive. I find it annoying.

MN Republicans are trying a new trick-

They are blaming high gas prices on state Democrats who worked with some Republicans to raise the state gasoline tax. Unfortunately, this too might resonate with voters.

But there is a problem. The tax that Democrats- along with some Republicans- passed has not yet taken effect. Therefore, there is no way it could be in any way esponsible for hte current Gas pricesat the pump. Nor does it explain the increases at the pump by 300% since GW Bush took office.

Maybe our esteemed Mn Republican legistlators should follow the lead of McCain/Clinton and suggest a 'gas tax holiday.' Surely, the road construction projects and infrastructure improvements that ahve already begun can be put on hold for a while until we get though this nasty election business.

Will Hillary Clinton Say Anything to get Elected?

She knows full well that democrats in the House and in the Senate would never go along with an ill-advised plan to create a 'gas tax holiday' for the summer. She also has seen the same information as Barack Obama that such a plan is folly which would do nothing for the consumer- It might even increase prices at the pump- but would most certainly increas profits for the oil companies that continue to break profit records.

Now she is trying to paint Obama as being against the little guy and pro Oil Company.The tax holiday plan, she says, could be paid for with a 'windfall tax' on the oil companies.

Is she really naive enough to believe that cost would not be passed on to the consumer?

I do not think so. More likely, she thinks we are naive enough to think that floating this idea will get people in North Carolina and Indiana to vote for her.

Pat Buchanan, Joe Scarborrough, Bill Krystal and George Will are all lining up behind this idea as if it is a good one. Why would we start thinking that they suddenly care about us.

Obama says we should continue to investigate the possibility of price gouging and continue to discuss the possiblility of a windfall tax for big oil. He also says we need to continue to wean ourselves off of foreign oil (Hillary doesn't even mention this).

If gaining the White House means sacrificing basic liberal principals- I would submit that it is not worth it.

Apparently Hillary does not agree. And, if you believe like I do, that Hillary understands full well that this election year gimmick will never fly and see her continuing to promote it -while denouncing Obama as being 'out of touch' because he doesn't- then you have no choice to conclude that she is being ccompletely disingenuous. Or, in her own words, she is saying something that contradicts what she knows to be the truth.

If you want to talk about electibility issues come this fall- "who do you trust?" is a question she cannot win.

In a recent NBC poll there were six catergories where the negatives of each candidate were measured. McCain suffered biggest with his links to Bush, then Hillary as untrustworthy, then Barrack Obama with Reverend Wright. Next was Obama again with 'bitter comments'. rounding out the top six were Hillary again and McCain for issues of likability.

What was not reported anywhere is that While Obama's issues ranked at 34 and 32 percent which were much higher than anyone expected (net negative of 66) both Hillary and McCain had higher net negatives (McCain at 74 and Hillary at 68). The length of this process is not the problem. The problem is a candidate who will sell out hers and her party's principals in ordder to get a nomination.

How does Obama respond to that? If he returns the brutal and unscrupulous attacks he weakens the party's chances int he fall and is cast as being the big guy kicking the defenseless woman.

But how many times does a guy have to be slapped around by a woman before he is allowed to swing back. Perhaps there is no answer. But that ends up making Obama look weak.

I want my money, Gimme,gimme, gimme!!!

What a great idea it is to have a 'gas tax holiday' from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Each driver will save about $30 over the course of the summer- less for me, I drive a hybrid.But it is always politically savy to put money in the pockets of voters just prior to an election and this $.18/gallon savings is huge for Joe and Jane public.

It has the support of the president- he has even suggested it before-, the support of Hillary Clinton and the support of John McCain (who suggested it first in this current cycle).

But... wait a minute... If this is such a great idea why haven't they done it before?

Why Did Bill Clinton not do it when challenged by then candidate Bush back in 2000?

Maybe there is more to this.

You see, Shell Oil reported record profits again in the quarter just past. They are in good company with all the oil companies. There is also that nagging fact that our oil money tends to go into the hands of countries who do not agree with many of our policies on the global stage.

So while Gas may drop by 18c a gallon (I have my doubts about that since the oil industry has shown an amazing capacity for greed) big oil will continue to make there profits (potentially made greater by pocketing money that would otherwise go to the government if they raise prices, as I expect they will).

The road projects that are supposed to be funded by gas tax (you know those bridges that have had a recent problem of collapsing) will be put on hold. As a direct result (in areas where congestion is already a huge problem) there will be more time and fuel wasted sitting idle in traffic.

This idea is silly. It does not merit the attention it is getting. But some of our leaders will sell you anything if you are willing to eat it.

Ask any candidate what we can do about high oil prices and he or she does best to tell you that the first, best and only action we can take is to work with every fiber of our beings to get the oil man out of the white house.

if you say it long enough and loud enough it becomes true...

Really, it does.

For instance, we now believe that Hillary staged a stunning comeback in New Hampshire- even though she consistently polled in the lead in that state at all points prior to the election and won by a slim margin. We now believe that Clinton pulled off a coup in Ohio- but again, she was projected to win there as well.

In Pennsylvania, the media (who we have been trained into thinking hate Clinton) have been telling us that Clinton achieved the unachievable. Again, anyone who watched the tracking polls would know that she was expected to win by 6-12 points.

We are also told, consistently, that Clinton 'won big' in Texas. Look again. Clinton won a norrow victory in the parts of the state that held a primary but Obama won in the areas that conduct caucuses. The net gain in Texas delegate count went to Obama- not Clinton.

War is Peace! etc.

Clinton says she is doing this for the good of the party. But now, her most ardent supporters are saying that if she does not get the nomination- they will stay home or vote for John McCain.

Somehow Hillary Clinton has created a paradigm where she can stand during a debate and say, "What I said at that time is inconsistent with what I had written and with what I knew to be the truth." and have noone call her out on the fact that she is admitting to lying (saying something that you know to be inconsistent with the truth).

There was this stunning thing that happened in Pennsylvania advertising that would be missed by anyone who is not a political junkie. Even some of the political junkies would likely miss it. The media certainly did.

Hillary Clinton ran a completely negative ad about Barrack Obama based on flase information about his voting record. Obama's campaign responded immediately with an add which refutes the disinformation ad with the facts- the kind of split screen "Hillary Clinton says.../ but..." ad we hav all seen- the very kind that most of us felt Kerry should have done against Bush four years ago.

The Clintons responded by saying that Obama's ad was 'the most negative ad any candidate has ever run.' That spin was then carried by the Clinton followers who love to argue that 'both sides are being negative.'

More and more, I have come to believe that the Clintons want to win at all costs. They say things like Hillary and McCain are ready from day 1 but that Obama is not and then say that saying such a thing is not negative. They say make comparisons to Jesse Jackson and say they are not being racist. They complain about the unfair obstacles that exist for women in campaigning (including a memorable recent comment from Hillary about how it takes longer for her to put her face on- which btw, if Obama wanted to go negative he could have had a lot of fun with on a variety of levels) and criticize the media and the debate process when things don't go her way. In the next breath they tell Obama that if he can't stand the heat he should get out of the kitchen when he raised concerns about the last debate.

The bottom line is that Hillary Clinton can do whatever she wants and complain about mistreatment for any variety of reasons. She can punch below the belt and she can create negativity about her oponent even to the extent of destroying his chances in the general election but as soon as Obama or a surrogate tries to point out what she is doing they are being negative and unfair.

So here is the problem. Hillary Clinton has a strong base of support among women. As such they are predisposed to dislike for anyone who would dare to run against her. The media is calling for a knock-out punch. But how can Obama possibly do that? He can't.

To do so would potentially alienate the women he needs for the general election.

People ask me what I like about Obama. Honestly, part of what attracted me to him first is that his last name is not Clinton (My first pick would have been Richardson). But what impresses me today is that he is not Hillary Clinton. He does not allow himself to be defined by how strong he is against his enemies. In fact the language of us verses them is almost completely missing from his lexicon.

In the end, I believe him to be the 'uniter' that Bush claimed to be.

Hillary does not even claim to be a uniter. In fact, she revels in the idea that she is not a uniter- she will fight and fight and fight and fight. That's fine. But what if you are engaged in a conversation with someone who is supposed to be on the same side. At that point, being a fighter who doesn't give up ends up creating distinctions that do not exist and creating divisions that likely cannot be repaired.

So what does the end game look like?

The numbers still work in Obama's favor. But the Clintonistas are working overtime to change the rules- its about popular vote- its about Florida and Michigan- its about picking a name out of a hat- as long as you pick me. Any argument given by the other side will not be perceived as valid.

In the end there are rules. And rules matter. The rules will work in the parties favor if we stick to them. It may, in fact, be the rules that will, in the end, hold the party together.