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The Big Debate/Court Date/Head, etc

Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 12:41 PM by Countdown

Big debate tonight from Dartmouth College on MSNBC hosted by the one and only Tim Russert.  We'll have complete debate preps, with Chris Matthews joining Keith right before the thing kicks off at 9pm ET.  If you have a question for one of the Democratic candidates...you can submit them here, and maybe Tim will use it on the air.

Also...we'll have the latest on the most recent case of 9/11 tourettes by the Bush Administration. 

We'll bring you all the details from Larry Craig's day in court today (will the judge toss out his guilty plea? Will he buy the 'wide stance' argument?).

Keith will give you all the latest on Bill O'Reilly's non-attempt to redeem himself after his dubious comments about dinner at Sylvia's in Harlem.  He went on another defensive diatribe last night.

Plus an update on that Bonds home run ball...big show, hope you'll join us!

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Comments

CA - Any candidate who answered my questiion the way you did would get my vote.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:05 PM)

Yuck.  Pentagon just asked for 190 BILLION more dollars for this Iraq nighmare.  Even more sickening is the stock market boom for defense contractors which is happening as I type this.  Buying stock from companies about to get more tax money for this war should be illegal.  It's certainly unpatriotic to have a war, spill American blood, and get a great big fat payday on your portfolio.

And Gates was just on trying to reassure us that the Pentagon will conduct an investigation of Blackwater.  Yeah, right.  Can't wait for that whitewash - or should I call it a cover up?

Sue, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:08 PM)

"Plus an update on that Bonds home run ball...big show, hope you'll join us!"

Dear Keith:

Please don't contribute to the lunatic, Mr. Ecko’s arrogance, pomposity and never-ending quest for a TV camera.  The very wealthy Mr. Ecko purchased #756 for nearly 780,000.00; sadly, he has violated the Constitution in the process.  “Innocent until proven guilty", correct Keith? The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown communicated to Mr. Ecko they would like “in tact”, no asterisk!! What a slap in the face to baseball’s Hall of Fame Mr. Ecko!!

It's too bad Mr. Ecko didn't use his personal wealth to help the children starving en masse in Darfur, oh; there are no TV cameras there!!

Keith, your continued blatant bias in your reporting of Barry Bonds is in direct conflict to what you preach and chastise others for.  I have been a loyal viewer for years, your support of our Constitution made me a fan, I’m disappointed!!

Please don't violate your standards, reconsider covering Mr. Ecko’s lust for his mug to appear on as many TV’s as possible.  Continue to support our Constitution Keith, we need you!!  Your blatant bias is contrary to everything you speak of, this saddens me!!  It should sadden you also!! For those you deservingly chastise and “keep in check” are watching too!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:08 PM)

I do not live in NYC. I did not know anyone who died on 9/11, but I have never heard of anything so crass as Rudy Guiliani charging $9.11 for entrance to a fundraiser

JSeagraves (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:14 PM)

But what I believe Sue to have meant is that 1 million Iraqis may not have lost their lives if we had not invaded in the first place.
C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:03 PM)

Exactly, George W. Bush is responsible and I knew what Sue meant, as did you and I'm sure "Ghost"!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:17 PM)

Larry, SC: No, Hillary certainly knows what she will do if elected (once out of a race and elected she can be very decisive). But while running she will play the fence. She will say she wants the troops home as soon as possible but also will come up with various reasons to perhaps justify changing her position if it was required for some reason to keep troops in Iraq for awhile. She is a professional politican Larry. That should tell you enough. Hey larry, where did I ever say I supported Hillary?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:24 PM)

Mike, Baltimore, Md

The point that you missed is that Rep. Blackburn knew everything about MoveOn.org and the NYT, and she claimed that she cared about the troops.  Shuster may have gotten the name wrong -- but she couldn't name the last one from her district who had died either.  She couldn't name one who had died.  

It's time to leave.  No more American blood to feed the Military Industrial Complex.  If you truly cared about the troops, you'd bring them home.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:28 PM)

UPDATE

Thank You (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:30 PM)

Can the President be recalled like what republicans did to Gov. Gray Davis of CA?  If so, I'm sure we could easily get enough signatures on a petition demanding a recall election.

Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:30 PM)

Sue, West Allis:  I'm glad you went after our troll, Ghost, for being such a neocon tool.  But, don't criticize those of us who don't use our real names in this blog.  Some of us have a good reason for remaining annonymous.

mad in Madtown (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:37 PM)

Kathy, Chicago, Chicago My kind of Town (4:59 PM Post): Well, I kind of sort of thought we had that right Kathy but obviously do not. Again, not the people's fault as much as allowing our representatives to muddy up the rights and powers of the US citizens. Both parties will protect their own and both parties would do what they could to squash any demand from the American people to fire (impeach) their party's leader (the President). Perhaps we could design a robot that is programed with expert constitutional knowledge and with absolute power so when an elected offical abuses the Constitution that robot grabs them around the neck with that cane and jerks them off the political scene. Not making light of your suggestion Kathy, but unfortunately it is money that rules this country and those in power are the money brokers. They would never go along seriously with soild term limits, eliminating special interest that line theri pockets, eliminating the electoral college if their party currently holds the strength in those states with the largest numbers of eletoral votes, place their Presdient before a tough and rowdy question and answer  session each week or month or pass real campaign finance reform so poor John Doe from Chicago could kick their ass in an election for President. But we can dream can't we?  

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:44 PM)

Sue- we need to start calling war profiteers what Truman called them - TRAITORS.

jen,il (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:44 PM)

Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:30 PM)

I love you Mike; however the recall was a mockery and wrong.  Don't misunderstand me, I was no fan of Gray Davis; however, he was recalled on everything he did during his first term and AFTER his re-election.

The pseudo democrat Davis ran on a solid democratic platform during his first bid for governor.  Once in office, he abandoned everything he ran on. I did not vote to re-elect him after his “republican” first term, I skipped that chad altogether when I voted. I also voted against the recall. The recall was funded by a millionaire republican who had his eyes on Davis' job.  After Arnold announced he was running, the millionaire and wannabe governor held a press conference stating he would not run and cried throughout the speech. It was pathetic; however, “what goes around comes around.”

Gray Davis is the perfect example of voter ignorance, there should have been no recall, and it was a mockery of the voting system. Had the voters been paying attention during his four-year first term, Davis would have lost his bid for a second term.  Shame on those who voted to re-elect him!!

George W. Bush should be impeached and forcibly removed from office along with Dick Cheney, that's the answer!! HELLO CONGRESS!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:56 PM)

Sue- we need to start calling war profiteers what Truman called them - TRAITORS.
jen,il (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:44 PM)

Right on Jen!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:57 PM)

At this point..I don't know who I'm for..but I definitely know I am again this Administration..that I know for certain.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:00 PM)

Totally off topic: a link to info about this past Sunday's "Family Guy" season premiere:

http://www.mahalo.com/Family_Guy:_Season_Premiere

Enjoy. For more fun, look up the Star Wars Robot Chicken episode too.

Supersonic, Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:02 PM)

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:56 PM)

I agree Pam.  That's the way he should be removed but there's nobody in the Senate or Congress with any backbone to take on that action.    

Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:05 PM)

Hit the F.I. Button Girls and Guys,
It's gorgeous outside:)~ CA,Pam,Steve,Carol,Krista,Larry,Wayne,scott,Laura,George,et
et tu Brutus,and Elvis too.
We obviously are out of T.C.B.
With warm regards,yours truly,
Bad Ass Budduskey  also known as small ass Bobby C

B.A. Buddusky (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:07 PM)

Pam..5:56 PM..I also voted again Gray's impeachment.
I was disgusted at Arnie soon after he became Governor as he proved himself to be just as flip flop as Davis..but Davis was better to my ears..can't stand Arnie's voice.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:08 PM)

Copied from another blog -- but useful.

“Voter fraud” is when people ineligible to vote for whatever reason attempt to vote anyway, in an effort to illegally sway the results.

“Voter fraud” is almost nonexistent in this country, the Republicans’ hysterical accusations notwithstanding.

“Election fraud”, on the other hand, is an attempt made by people who have some sort of control over the voting and tabulating process to illegally sway the results.

“Election fraud” is epidemic in this country, the Republicans’ hysterical denials notwithstanding.

It’s important to keep the two firmly separated. One of the neocons’ strategies is conflating the two, thus confusing debate.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:15 PM)

there's nobody in the Senate or Congress with any backbone to take on that action.    
Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:05 PM)

There are a "few", Dennis Kucinich for example; however, he's not "pretty enough" for the American public. Senator Kennedy is another; however, people didn't listen to him either.  It's a sad time in this country!!

You nailed it friend!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:17 PM)

Hi Supersonic (6:02 pm post)! I already have the season premiere of FAMILY GUY saved for posterity on a disc. I literally ached at the end because I was laughing so hard. I perpetually had tears running down my face and thought, at one point, that I was going to loose control of certain bodily functions. What an ABSOLUTE LAUGH RIOT!!! The Star Wars Robot Chicken rocked, as well! Thanks for the chuckle recall; I needed that!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:21 PM)

If this were a true democracy, where we elected a Prime Minister, Then partys could elect for a no confidence vote and have him replaced. However party coalitions don't exist here.

K. Collins, USN (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:27 PM)

Mike, Baltimore, Md (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 4:50 PM) Hey there Mike.. You do realize American soldiers and lot's of civilians are dying as we speak, in a little something called the Iraq Conflict?" (Not a war, since Mission Accomplished declared)..

Perhaps thats why us "lubruls" are talking about Iraq and getting out of that mess, rather than say, Larry Craig and toilet stall etiquette. How about giving the petty Faux Noise spin a rest. Who are you trying to convince and What are you trying to convince us of? Please get a clue.

Peace to Us All

LT in MD (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:32 PM)

B.A..6:07 PM..GREAT idea B.A...I'm outta here..

Buenas Noches to everyone..

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:32 PM)

B.A. Buddusky (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:07 PM)

I love you B A, God Bless you!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:51 PM)

defunding means we fight with the army we have!

Stu Monger (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 7:05 PM)

Kathy, Chicago, Il Wed. 4:59 PM - "I would add to also seek a law that the American people would have the right/power to seek the firing of any elected officials who have abused the laws of OUR CONSTITUTION."

The American people do have this power; at the voting booth, once every two years for representatives and once every four years for senators.

Outside of that there is something in the Constitution (which I know you've read because you mentioned it). Article II, Section 4: The President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the United States shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

No new laws necessary. Seek the application of existing law if you feel it is warranted.    

kingsXrulz, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 7:55 PM)

CAROL, LONG VALLEY!

Ah, Carol:

SHUSTER APOLOGIZES (amazingly!)

SHUSTER APOLOGIZES: At 6:44 PM EDT, MSNBC broke into the Tucker Carlson show to air a terse apology from Shuster

"On Monday evening while guest-hosting the 6 p.m. evening hour, I conducted an interview with Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn. The congresswoman spoke at length about a newspaper ad that criticized General Petraeus. In what I believed was an effort to examine Representative Blackburn's priorities, I then asked her to name the last soldier from her congressional district killed in Iraq.

She responded "the name of the last soldier killed in Iraq from my district, I do not know." After that response, I identified who I believed to be that fallen soldier, a Tennessean killed in Iraq last month. But according to Pentagon documents, that young man came from a town inside a neighboring congressional district, not from Representative Blackburn's, and for that, I apologize for that mistake."

Mike, MD (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 8:32 PM)

thanks for censoring me

doomed (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 9:21 PM)

Sue, West Allis:  I'm glad you went after our troll, Ghost, for being such a neocon tool.  But, don't criticize those of us who don't use our real names in this blog.  Some of us have a good reason for remaining annonymous.  mad in Madtown (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 5:37 PM)

Ditto.  In spades.

Anomaly (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 9:52 PM)

Just finished the watching the debate. Another torture-the-terrorist hypothetical. I am totally disgusted with the news media. As John Stewart said "please stop hurting America." Are they incapable of talking about the real problems in America instead of Republican scare tactics.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 11:11 PM)

Mike, MD

Good for him.  He did the right thing, and showed character and courage.  But the important point was and still is -- moveon.org hasn't killed anyone with their ad.  Continuing to send our troops to referee a civil war has killed almost 4,000 brave American soldiers and disabled thousands.  

Why are the Republicans so obsessed with a newspaper ad, and yet still won't cooperate with the Democrats on anything -- but especially on finding a way to end this occupation.  

Tennessee Republican Marsha Blackburn has her priorities skewed.  She couldn't name one soldier from her district who had died, but she knew all the minutiae about the moveon/NYT ad.  

What would be even more impressive would be if the Republicans apologized for the Swift Boat lies, for the insults to Max Cleeland, and to every mother who lost a child because of the hubris of this administration.  That would take courage, fortitude and humility to admit mistakes of that nature.  Instead they waste taxpayers time over an ad.  

How long do you think it will take for the Republican obstructionists in the Senate to apologize?  I, for one, will not hold my breath.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 12:30 AM)

C A Al Wednesday 3:25 PM..sounds like a winner. Wouldn't it be great if it came to pass..don't think it will, but we can dream can't we?

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 1:37 AM)

I must also state it was YOU who began attacking me and others, using very nasty words.  I forgive you!! Please continue on your new path displaying "manners" in your posts!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Wednesday, September

I don't dispute that I used harsh language, because that is because of my passion on the subjects.  I would also suggest that you and your pals on this blog have used harsh language against us.  But if you are willing to go this new path of civility, I forgive you also.  But I will continue on this new path.

Kevin (Ghost) of NJ (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:16 AM)

Laura (Wednesday, September 26, 2:20PM) I believe the word is African-Americans, not Blacks. Wake up!

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:16 AM)

Laura (Wednesday, September 26, 2:20PM) I believe the word is African-Americans, not Blacks. Wake up!

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:17 AM)

At no time did Sue say our military has killed anyone, she said "BushCo and the Repubikants".  

Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 4:48 PM)

I didn't twist anything.  If you read here statement, it is as follows:

"and we have killed more than a million Iraqis)."

If she choses to modify her statements fine, then all that is left is the amount, which is subject to speculation.  So, I am not twisting anything, I read some of the vitriol on this blog, and I respond.

Kevin (Ghost) of NJ (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:21 AM)

In regards to name-calling:  sometimes that's the only way to get right wingers attention.  So I'll end by saying this.  You are my moron.  Go haunt another blog.
Mike, AL (Sent Wednesday, September 26, 2007 4:48 PM)

You just showed your intelligence level.  Between you and Timmy, the left has quite an intellectual base.  You just aren't willing to listen to another side of the debate without name calling.  But I will refrain....

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:23 AM)

kingsXrulz (7:55 PM Post): I may be wrong but I believe that Kathy - Chicago was looking for a more immediate authority and ability to terminate. The voting booth is fine but often not timely enough. If one has to wait 3 1/2 years to vote out a Senator who abused the constituion during the first year of his/her term how much more damage can that Senator do to the country and those they represent before they can be voted out. There are actions Congress can take with Representatives and Senators but as we see there is most often a great deal of game playing and defending that goes on for months before any action if any is taken. I think Kathy wants something that would be more swift and decisive. You abuse the Constiution on Thursday you take unpaid leave the rest of Thursday and all of Friday and have your desk cleaned out by 5:00 PM Friday. I'm sure it happens that way in your place of business if an employee violates a major rule. Why does it also not apply to our employees, the Representatives, Senators and Presidents.

In the same light I did like John Edward's comment about national health care in the debate last night. Telling the Representatives and Senators if they do not implement a plan to provide health care to Americans who cannot afford the same within 6 months, they lose their health care benefits. Now that's called acccountability. Something that our government officals seriously lack. Amen!        

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:28 AM)

That dude on the far right side of the picture ain't wearin' no tie.

kingsXrulz, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 11:04 AM)

C A (10:28 Post)

Absolutely my point!  I was being facitious (spelling?) in my response of "firing" elected officials.  But impeachment must be voted by Congress - this Congress unfortunately has not listened to us "voters".  We are now stuck.  I have signed every petition of impeachment out there & contacted my state reps - NOTHING HAS CHANGED! SO FRUSTRATING!!! But will not give up!

Kathy, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 1:43 PM)

Tim Russert is a disgrace. He needs to read the constitutions which says "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."  He was clearly giving the candidates a religious test pop quiz in the so-called debate when he asked them to come up with a bible quote. This has nothing to do with qualifications to run the country or their stand on issues and it violates the constitution. It would have made much more sense to ask the candidates for a quote from the US constitution since they will be sworn to uphold it.

Backed into the same religious test corner and forced to spout god-talk or lose the election I would have chosen Jesus' advice to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” which was a clear call to separation of church and state which he further amplified when he said “My kingdom is not of this world"

nuanced (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:17 PM)

Mad - apparantly my yesterday post is among those posts that never get posted.  I was not referring to you when I made the reference to people not using their own names.  I was referring to the attack dogs who wage personal attacks and name calling and then hide behind a pseudonym.  

We ARE responsible for the deaths of over a million Iraqis.  They would be alive today if we hadn't invaded and occupied their country.  We don't have to kill them with our own guns and bombs to be responsible for those deaths.  I stand by my original statement to that effect.

Sue, hoping this repeat post makes it to the blog, West Allis, Wisconsin (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:59 PM)

Say it aint so!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The big three dems are BACKING AWAY FROM THE "PULL OUT THE TROOPS DEMAND"! That's right moonbats, tree huggers, pot heads, and just all around HIPPY wannabes, Hill, Barack and the $400 Haircut have ALL backed away from the pull out mantra!

Guess the only ones left to vote for is Kucinich and the Hollywood nut cases!  

Tom, DC (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:05 PM)

Full Moon Thursday 8:16 AM..oh Full Moon I know you must still be a bit angry about the comment I made to you the other day, but no need to be picky.  Either description is accepted.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:21 PM)

Distict of Columbia Superior Court Judge Michael McCarthy issued the order to Sheehan around noon, a court spokeswoman said. The warrant means she is to be taken into custody and brought before the court. She also faces one count of unlawful assembly.

My day just keeps getting better!

Tom, DC (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:50 PM)

Laura - You make a lot of comments. Which one would that be? And if Billo can't say Blacks then how is it you can? What say you?

Full Moon (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 3:55 PM)

Simple fact of the matter is there will be a gradual draw down as next year progesses. The military doesn't have the man power and if a Democrat is elected, because you know Karl Rove is scurrying about the country rigging the election machines, they will draw down to 3, maybe 4 brigades, because as a wise man once said, "you break it, you own it" We broke it, didn't we, George?
 Tom,DC
   Here's a hypothetical for the Republicans debate, stem cell research proves beyond a doubt that it can cure all forms of cancer. Mr. Guliani, Romney, et.al. do you accept the scientific fact and allow the research to proceed? Love to see how that would play with the Christian/Right.

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 4:04 PM)

Full Moon 3:55 PM..my post of Wednesday 6:44 PM in response to yours same day.  Anyway, who says O'Reilly can't use the word Blacks. I'm not aware he was prevented from using it. I did not see his show with Sharpton. Do you read all blogs. Many people use the word. Just like people use the word Latinos or Mexican/American, which is a description I don't like.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 4:19 PM)



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