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It's the new award-winning blog* from the cast and crew of the award-winning television news hour** "Countdown with Keith Olbermann."

We heard about this whole "blogosphere" business from Tom DeLay, and came to the immediate realization that we too, "needed to become involved" in it.

So here it is. Covering the big news, the small news, medium-sized and irregular, The News Hole strives to bring everything you love or hate about Countdown to the internets.

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**The News Hole's "Best of the TV Awards" 2006



Countdown Monday: Cashualties of War

Posted: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

Cashualties of War:  "Already long ago," wrote the Roman satirist Juvenal, "from when we sold our vote to no man... "The people have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time... "Handed out military command, high civil office, legions, everything..."Now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things "Bread and Circuses." Our fifth story on the Countdown: we're not even getting the Bread and Circuses from the Bush Administration -- just the bills. Our fifth story on the Countdown: President Bush today all but demanding a 31-percent hike to the annual war budget -- another 46-Billion dollars...Vice President Cheney... all but declaring a third war over the weekend, against Irahn. We begin with the Commander in Chief...

GOP Divide: Picking a candidate. In this country: who can sound the most like a Televangelist, and the least like Senator Clinton? In Australia: who can do the most disgusting thing with ear-wax?

ODDBALL: Ear wax (ew) and levitation, holmes.

Wildfires In California: One weary fire captain did the stark arithmetic. "We have," he said, "more houses burning than we have people and engine companies to fight them." Our third story: wildfires in southern california where they are not unusual. But those burning tonight are the worst in years -- hitting **both** major metropolitan areas -- and forcing mass evacuation.

Tabby Time: Our nightly roundup of celebrity and entertainment news...And Iggy may have just been the tip of the Ellen DeGeneres dog-giveaway iceberg.

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: Glenn Beck, Tom Gross, and Bill-O vie for tonight's top honors.

Rowling Revelations:  The cheering of two thousand kids and adults for Harry Potter author J.K. Rolling was so riotous that it could literally be heard just outside the stage door of New York's Carnegie Hall. I know this because, like the time I walked out on a no-hit game at Yankee Stadium because I had to go do a sportscast, after having introduced her to the screaming faithful Friday night, I had to get back on the subway and come here to do the newscast. And in our number one story on the Countdown: after I left she revealed that one of the principal figures in the book was gay -- that she even had his romantic reminiscing about a woman excised from one of the films. But there was something even more startling which she had told me -- and then hinted at with the audience -- the political subtext to the entire Harry Potter Series. 

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Comments

#5 – Dick Cheney as Dark Lord?

Hey Countdown – you’re giving my boss a REALLY bad name.  

Knock it off or I’ll have to send the nazgul after you, right after they get back from moving Dana Perino to the Emerald City.

The Witch King of Angmar (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:01 PM)

WPitW – I’ve read the new paperback edition of Billo’s book, and believe me it doesn’t inspire the reaction he thinks it does.  They should be passing out caffeine, not birth control.

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:02 PM)

BPitW -- Levitating outside the White House?

Why not?  Maybe some of it will rub off.  Sitting on air would certainly raise the level of consciousness of the heinies who occupy it.

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:02 PM)

Did anyone else get the off the air tone, and the color bars for the last 2 minutes or so?

Chris J, Detroit, Mi (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:07 PM)

Good evening fellow NewsHolers. I'll address the serious news first then go to the lighter stuff in a separate post. I can't wait to see the Valerie Plame Wilson interview tomorrow!

I would LOVE for Richard Wolffe to be correct about no one taking GWB or the Dictator-Wanna-Be seriously about potential "action" in Iran.

I thought Disneyland was supposed to be "the happiest place on Earth". Why have the Repubs so close by and "moderated" by FAUX News no less?

Nothing is going to happen to Fredo - nothing. And, don't think saying this is filling me with thoughts of sunshine and roses - more like cloudy days and that flower that smells like a rotting corpse. Fredo knows too much, and GWB WILL DO ANYTHING to keep those secrets from getting out.

And, finally (at least in this post), I want to send ever more thoughts of compassion to everyone affected by the horrible fires in southern California, including those putting themselves in harm's way to fight it.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:12 PM)

#1 – Dumbledore as retroactively gay?  

This reminds me of how George Lucas figured out that Princess Leia was Luke Skywalker’s sister a movie or two after he kissed her.  That probably related to the unexpected popularity of Harrison Ford.  But at least Lucas never excised it out.

Why couldn't Dumbledore just have been conflicted?  Then at least it might have passed for allegorical.

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:13 PM)

Kevin of NJ (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 4:01 PM)

Several blog forums, mainly conservative ones, but also a few liberal websites, charge to both blog and read comments. An individual is prevented from exercising freedom of speech on these websites unless one pays to do so. Therefore, you are fortunate, as am I, that Keith Olbermann supports our right to freedom of speech without extorting money to do so. Your comments are posted here sir.

It is the right of every individual to exercise freedom of speech. Contemptibly, Bush does not abide by this principle, nor does he embrace this belief.  Freedom of speech; however, does not mean we all will or must agree, which can be healthy as history has demonstrated many times. Vigorous debate is incredibly beneficial, Bush does not believe in this practice either. His contempt for this practice has been never-ending.

Personally, what is most difficult and disturbing is reading comments here and elsewhere from those who continue to support Bush and his devastating and ruinous policies.

When you do that sir, approximately 98% of the responses directed to you will be negative; you must be prepared for that.  I do believe you are entitled to respond in turn to these comments.  But do keep in mind that when nearly 80% of the country disagrees with Bush, do not expect too many to agree with you, here or in other forums.

I will always read your comments though and support your right to post them here. Thank you.

Rana, Purchase, NY (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:19 PM)

#5 I was wondering why I was not feeling so well on Sunday. Like thousands of dementors were circling about. Dick Cheney was in the neighborhood! Thanks Keith for mentioning this. I read it on The Loudoun Times Mirror website and thought, "I wonder if Keith will have this on tonight." In the recent issue of Vanity Fair there is an article on the whistleblowers of Halliburton. I wonder who will get a big fat check from Halliburton when they leave office?

#4 I kinda would like to have a President Huckabee. Just don't tell anyone. Now I know why they like vegimite! (Is that how it is spelled?)

#3 Last night on 60 mins. there was a piece on forest fires. It always takes the men/women who are in the frontlines of this sort of tragedy to let the air out of the Global Warming naysayers. I hope everyone stays safe.

#2 Britney's kids! That comment got a laugh from my neocon mother! Good job Keith!

#1 I knew the political basis of her novels. She worked for Amnesty International for many years.

KarenS., VA (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:20 PM)

The graphics are MUCH better than I expected, but I think you forgot to change the  background for Richard Wolffe.  Now it REALLY looks cheesy.

Anomaly (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:23 PM)

Twisted Krista is back! I like the intro and set! The last image still reminds me of Cloud City, but I'll get used to it. I also enjoyed seeing Keith come out from behind the desk, but you looked a little nervous. Relax! And, Keith looks a little more "lonely" in the new digs so far. Where is everyone else?

Thanks for the CADDYSHACK recall - the only good thing that's happened with golf as far as I'm concerned, with all apologies to any here who enjoy it. Except, Spaulding was digging in his nose - not his ear. But, it's the thought that counts.

Finally, I WANT A SIOUX CITY AIRPORT SHIRT!!!

Off to see if the Colts can humiliate themselves on national TV. You all have a good good evening!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:24 PM)

I guess it's the first time Rowling's come right out and said it, but it's not exactly news that the HP novels encourage kids to question authority. That's usually what's really at the heart of any attempt to ban a children's book. That's how we taught the first HP novel several years ago when I was teaching with a children's lit prof.

But, of course, if the likes of Lynne Cheney, Bill Bennett, and the pinheads at the American Council of Trustees and Alumni had their way, we wouldn't be teaching children's lit in college:

http://www.goacta.org/publications/Reports/VanishingShakespeare.pdf

Perish the thought that we should give any meaningful consideration to what our kids are reading.

BN, Bloomington, IN (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:42 PM)

Seriously folks what are we going to do if Hillary becomes the presidential candidate for the Democratic party and the Republican party doesn't come up with a candidate worthy of a vote? Choose the lesser of two evils?  What a sham our government has become!

Gerald Von Riesen Parker CO (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 9:57 PM)

I almost forgot! I like the new look! However, did anyone miss the last minute of the show? Keith turned into colored bars! I did not hear the national anthem and it is not midnight! What happened?

KarenS., VA (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 10:01 PM)

Why was Keith censored tonite?

Joyce Norman ,Hoffman Estates ,Illinois (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 10:10 PM)

Keith would look great in any venue..now having said that here's my critique on the new digs.

1. Opening graphics are ok. I could get used to them. Especiall like the one that looks like the CA desert.

2. Love the backdrop. The view of Manhattan, flags of the world, traffic, people, real cool. Keith can say hi to the fans..hope those windows are..you know..shatter proof..don't want some nutcase getting any thoughts in their head.

3. More intimate area for Keith. Plenty of room to throw those papers in the air we love so much. However, be careful Keith with suit colors. Blue is definitely your color, brown..not so much. Oh hell, on second thought you looked GUAPO again tonight.

4. WPitW needs some pizzazz. Not enough color. Liked the old graphics better. If I think of anything else, I'll post later.

Keep up the good work Newshole..

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 10:32 PM)

If I was a conspiracy theorist, I'd wonder about what happened at the end of tonight's show: Mid-sentence the show disappeared and went to a color bar.

The conspiracy? Well, they're talking about Dumbledor being gay, and suddenly the tv screen turns into a rainbow. Was this the work of the gay mafia? A homage to the Soprano finale? Did you forget to tip the Teamsters before you left Jersey?

Hmmm...

Not sure. But, hopefully tomorrow night, everything will go on and on and on and on as usual.

GothamTomatoNYC (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 10:34 PM)

To those affected by the fires in CA..hope you are all ok. As for me, I am far enough away, can smell smoke at times, but otherwise we are safe. We have hills nearby. No arsonist, I better be careful here, has thought of setting them on fire. They would be too close for comfort. I hope Tuesday will being some good news from the firefighters.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 11:17 PM)

Keith, great show tonight, but what happened to the end of it? I wanted to hear all of that talk with Chris Cilizza about Dumbledore and, as I'm sure you know by now, we lost transmission (or so it appears) about a minute before it ended. Huh? Will it be on the rerun?

Actually I was curious as to whether or not you (or any other Potter fans who are also Countdown viewers) saw an interesting parallel between "Potterwatch," the underground radio show that plays a role in boosting the morale of Harry and his friends in the "Deathly Hallows" book, and Countdown itself. Think about it: It was a show that the Harry-sympathetic wizarding world tuned into to get the "real" news, rather than the propaganda being disseminated by "the powers that be." Although it was deadly serious and sometimes downright somber, it included jokes and humor. And it was hosted by Lee Jordan, a Hogwarts student whose best-known role up to that point was as a sportscaster...doing the play-by-play on the Hogwarts Quidditch matches, complete with his own snarky, funny asides, for which he frequently caught trouble from the authorities...Do I have to draw a picture here? I think not.

Come on, Keith, didn't you ask Jo Rowling whether she ever caught Countdown on satellite and got a smidge of inspiration? Something tells me it wasn't just Radio Free Europe or the WWII-era BBC she was referencing there. Just a hunch.

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 11:25 PM)

#5..no mo' money. El Presidente must stop his fear mongering. He should have gotten everything the troops needed years ago. Same old song..show your support for the troops by giving me more money.

Cheney is actually beginning to sound like Darth Vader.

Looking forward to Valerie Plame interview.

Oddball: I hope that earwax tasted good! Yuck! Blah!

#1..words I've always lived by..and have gotten me in plenty of trouble.."always question authority".
You should not assume the establishment tells you the truth. J.K. Rowlings.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 11:43 PM)

Newshole..thank you for some of the Saturday updates. I hope updates are better on Tuesday then they were Monday. I'll chalk it up to settling in after the move and such. I have to believe you must be trying to do better..

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, October 22, 2007 11:45 PM)

Pam. Now I can get some sleep. (Was it the Chicken Soup?)

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:07 AM)

# 5
Oh, the web of deceit they weave so casually, blatantly, in-our-faces, even...
Which is worse?  The 'secretive meetings' to dodge and weave, and manipulate WE the PEOPLE? Or, those which fly directly in the face of all we hold dearly - OUR RIGHTS! OUR COUNTRY! OUR very DIGNITY, as a People.

I refer now to a cartoon-ish newspaper picture in the 80's of Ollie North flipping the "bird' at the Nation! - all surrounding the issue of "Arms for Hostages" - deal with Iran.  It was a piece regarding the Senate hearings, the aftermath, and seemingly his response to it all.

The pic it seems would be appropo now, with the Administration, et al - standing in a kind of picturesque position, (moreover with a smile on their collective faces, maybe on the front steps of the Capitol, each with their middle finger raised as a way to show the congress how they regard their [Congress] NON role in the Governance of the U.S.A.

I can't help but think about those whom Keith has derrided, during such as a burglary, caught on tape, in his sketch of bumbling idiots, doing stupid things - either unaware they are caught on video tape, OR - perhaps they just don't give a damn!

Methinks it is the latter - they just don't give a damn!

Ro Meistre, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:11 AM)

Dick Cheney said Monday that the ultimate goal of the Iranian leadership is to establish itself as the hegemonic force in the Middle East.  

IRAN is the hegemonic force in the Middle East????  Seriously, has there ever been a better blending of irony AND tautology in the same sentence?

And how about this?

“The spirit of freedom is stirring in Iran,” he said, adding, “America looks forward to the day when Iranians reclaim their destiny, the day that our two countries, as free and democratic nations, can be the closest of friends.”  

Putting aside the “déjà vu all over again” aspects of that remark, is Mr. Cheney saying that we are someday going to be the “closest of friends” with those same Islamic terrorists who currently want to kill us?  

How does he think that will happen?  Oh, yeah, I guess we’ll just follow the Iraq model.  Silly me.

Anomaly (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:21 AM)

No attacks here, but have a small request.  That's what us conservatives call these type of actons "Little Things", You keep attacking Bill-O, why not keep your enemies closer by joining him on the Factor, in return he will be your guest on Countdown. What a ratings boost for you Keith. We know you need higher ratings. I try and help out from time to time, but of course I get back to reality tv and switch to FOX the majority of the time.  But, (you on the Factor) If that were to ever happen, NOT!!!C'mon, you liberals don't take a challenge to well, you just spout unfounded half truths to scare your base, you even succeed in doing this to most of my family members, they are true believers in the dark side of the Bush admin, Ha Ha, so funny.  You don't fool me, who am I. I am a husband of 19 yrs, a father of six and an active duty Air Force veteran of 3 wars.  Yes, out of the mainstream of all your liberal friends.  But it is this body of people that will rally the masses to ensure you and your girl Hilary C (think I spelled her name wrong), (not as bad as your ego to cut the word president from our commander and chiefs duty tile, Ha Ha) will never again set foot in the White House.  Please shoot me an e-mail, send your liberal bloggers my way or try and destroy my name anytime, bring it!! See Ya!!

Rufino Gonzalez (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:33 AM)

WpitW (revisited) – See, Countdown, here’s the thing.  I just realized that you may not actually read these posts.  If you read them, then you would know that Glenn Beck’s comment was a typical example of the neocon variety of “humor” we see here all the time.  Beck really thinks that was funny.  Ha. Ha. Ha.  

Anomaly (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:59 AM)

Follow The Yellow Cake Road!!

“The British Government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa”; "We don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud”; “The war will cost no more than $2 billion”; “We'll be greeted as liberators”; “The people of Iraq will be throwing flowers at the feet of our soldiers”; “It could last six days, six weeks. I doubt six months."; "The removal of Saddam Hussein has made America safer”; Stay the course; They're in the last throes, “The insurgents are losing steam”; “Bring it on”; "Dead or alive.”; “bin Laden is not as strong as he was"; “He's going to be weaker; “I intend to use our resources to bring him to justice," "We will stay on the hunt”, etc. etc. etc.

George W. Bush and his administration’s endless stream of lies has destroyed our reputation in the world and is threatening to destroy a generation. Just this year, the cost has been $196.4 billion; including George W. Bush’s most recent demand for more money to fund his occupation!!  As of September 30th, the cost was $456 billion.

What President Stupid, the GOP and anyone who continues to support this occupation doesn’t calculate is what we’ve paid with our lost reputation, lost international respect and influence in world affairs!!

Concerning Iran, it’s “so” good to hear from "Five Deferments Dick!!"  I’ll end with the following quote:

“When rockets fly and battle smoke is thick
He's always sure. He knows what warfare is--
Enough to know it's not for him or his.
Insurgents somehow, though they're in the throes
Kill more GIs--but no one Cheney knows”

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:16 AM)

Keith, $46 billion for the War in Iraq?  Whew, well it's a good thing we didn't waste any money on health insurance for all of those four million plus sick kids.  How ever will we keep all of those "snow flake babies" from getting ill during flu season?  Ah ha, but wait our fearless leader George has an answer for that one too kiddies, "just don't get sick" he says!  Yikes!

Michael D. Gwizdala, Albany, N.Y. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:52 AM)

When a new guest is introduced now, there's a flash that says "Countdown" accompanied by a sound like "Doink." It's unintentionally humorous.

About the show's bleak visual makeover: why? The old graphics and effects were terrific. The new ones -- disappointing.

Not that I'm against improvement; I liked the previous redesign because it was in the direction of simplicity and elegance. And everything was unified, there was a seamlessness about it. Call it Classic Countdown. But this new one -- so choppy and disjointed. That pixilization of Keith's face at the start of the show, good grief. And the music's been tampered with, remixed, in an unpleasant way.

Sorry if this sounds negative; I guess, when it's all boiled down, it's just not the "look" I would associate with Mr. Olbermann. I'd be happy to have the sights and sounds of Classic Countdown back again.

Midwest viewer (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 4:54 AM)

OK, then...I recorded the rerun of the show at midnight and found that it had the whole interview with Chris Cillizza on it. Thanks. But was the promo for the live show wedged in there instead of Keith's paper toss? It usually isn't. We have yet to see Keith "pitch the paper ball" in the new studio! Hope nothing screws it up tonight.

Tru M., Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 6:28 AM)

The White House’s propaganda campaign laying the groundwork for military action against Iran dates back almost six years—to Bush’s 2002 State of the Union address in which he designated Iran as a founding member of the “axis of evil.” Since then, this drumbeat has waxed and waned as other concerns—primarily the disastrous invasion and occupation of Iraq—have often commanded center stage. Now, with the Bush administration approaching its final year in office, a renewed push and a shorter fuse are increasingly evident. My 3-minute YouTube video entitled “Forewarned Is Forearmed: Bush On Iran” is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLioyP69N3I . It offers a very brief but deeply troubling chronicle of the president’s public warmongering and demonization of Iran.  As has been said before, “the hour is getting late.”

Roy Eidelson, Bala Cynwyd, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 6:32 AM)

Now, where did I put that $1.2 billion...

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/22/dyncorp.spending/index.html

Can I start running my finances like our government does??!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:46 AM)

Now I see why GWB & trickyDICK say our economy and jobs are so good. We're goin' to war again. It's about the profiteers. And that's only inside the box for them, outside the box ya' got Walmart, McD's and all those other great paying jobs. You see,(as GWB puts it) they got it all covered. WPJoe.

joseph foell, jr. clifton hts., Pa. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:04 AM)

Let us see here, Keith Olbermann had time to cover a fictional character's sexual preferences from a children's book (as well as express the infantile need for self-promotion in mentioning he had introduced the author who decided to "out" the character) as well as follow up on Ellen's woes.

However, a great man, Michael Murphy, does not even get a brief mention by Keith Olbermann on the very day our nation honors his courage and sacrifice.  Do any of the posters know about Michael Murphy?  You would not if you received your "news" from COUNTDOWN and its host, who only covers the troops when they are allegedly torturing or doing something else that fits the anti-war propaganda theme.

SH, Westfield NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:25 AM)

I am convinced. There is little doubt Bush and Cheney intend to try and change the world map permanently. They intend to maintain a permanent American presence in Iraq and to attack Iran before their terms are up. And they will be allowed to do this riding the back of two questions that they will continue to ask of those from whom they need money and support. 1) Do you want to see either Iran and/or Iraq to obtained nuclear capabilities? 2) Do you or do you not support our troops in this fight against terrorism? The only way to avoid giving Bush and Cheney such authority is to answer yes to No. 1 and no to No. 2. How many politicians (left or right) with any influence are willing to give those kinds of responses? This is a cake walk for Bush and Cheney right into a potential major military blunder that will force us to defend ourselves in a war not just against terrorism, but in a war against nations. I don't think the American people really understand just what Bush and Cheney are intending here. I hope they get a grip real soon. For only the people will have the power to be able to say enough is enough.        

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:54 AM)

I like the new set and graphics, but I miss the old WPITW graphics.

I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, and quite frankly, I never once thought about Dumbledore's sexuality.  I did, however, pick up on the political subtext.  It was always more than just "good vs evil" for me.  When you look at Fudge and Scrimgeour as Ministers of Magic, you can definitely see how they are similar to politicians here in our world.

Jackie, St. Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:57 AM)

Midland Oil means 31 percent increase in dead G.I.'s and dead citizens, all for Ray Hunt Oil and Dick the lying, murdering, oil stealing prick from Casper. The University of Wyoming is donating a wall urinal in honor of Cheney's oil purge. It flushes American soldiers' dreams with forty weight and the insatiable greed of parasitic maggots and racist sycophants who chemically bomb defenseless cultures off an oil reserve. Corporate cretins from Crawford on crusade for crude. Bush would make Cortez and Pizarro proud. Pigs in 52's; what a world, what a world. I suggest the House of Saud are the only OPEC members stopping an oil embargo against Bubba and those of us held hostage by the lunatic Republicans run amuck for big money, big, tax free money honey. "I need more dead, I need more money," said Midland, said Westmoreland, said Peters R Us. Killin and drillin. Happy hunting!!

doomed (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:11 AM)

Could someone please repeat KO's dig about DeGenerese and Britney's kids? It got drowned out and I heard the tech people laughing. Thanks!

Tony E. Saugatuck, MI (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:15 AM)

Haven't been able to get posted in about a week. Glad Pam's okay, love Steve Turner's posts, and my sincere prayers for the people in Southern Cal, how about mobilzing the National Guard to help... no wait, can't do that, they're all in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Frederick Sweeney, Brooklyn (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:20 AM)

Gerald (9:57 PM PosT): Your choices are truly limited to the lesser of two evils at this point. If Hillary becomes the nominee it depends on who she will be running against. If against the current leading Republican contenders as Rudy, McCain, Thompson, etc., I don't think we have much choice but to vote for Hillary and then hope that she relies heavily on Bill to advise her.  There is not a single candidate who does not rely on and owe special interests, who does not try and play to as many groups as possible in order to get elected, or who is not involved in some form of dirty politics. Our country, although still having the potential to continue as the greatest in the world, finds itself on the decline. Do some reading on the Rise & Fall of the Roman Empire. Not unlike the Roman Empire the greatest threat to the US does not come from any outside enemy but rather from the corruption and failed leadership within. Our grandchildren's and their children's United States is going to look quite a bit different then ours unless we can somehow convince ourselves to demand, expect and hold accountable those who say they want to provide leadership for this country. We are also going to have to become just a bit less selfish and self-serving as well.    

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:32 AM)

As I waited with anticipation, story #4, would Keith actually stray from mainstream muzzling.  As I waited, would he actually name the #3 Republican finisher?  Wait.  Wait.  Oops, he jumps over him to number 5,7,8.  Oh Guiliani in 8th place, that's a big deal.  Still no mention.  Then, finally, and he nearly chokes having to say it, Ron Paul in 3rd place.

I watch you nightly.  I have been waiting for you to mention Dr. Paul's name.  With no media support, Dr. Paul has polled 3rd among evangelicals.  You've failed to mention that he has raised millions (five to be prescise) without media assistance.

Are you or is your boss afraid that Dr. Paul might actually win?  From what I read, he is the most fiscally responsible candidate out there.  He does not support the war.  He supports ending income tax for seniors on social security.  He wants to eliminate the income tax structure altogether.  It's on his website.  Anyone can go there to see where he stands on the issues.

I'm not a Ron Paul supporter - yet.  I like what I see so far.  I plan on reading what all the candidates stand for.  I only wish you would pay the same attention to Dr. Paul and Dennis Kucinich that you do to Hillary, Barack, Mitt and Rudy.  At least Dr. Paul and Dennis Kucinich have fresh ideas, vision and America's best interest at heart.

Please take the time to let your audience get to know ALL the candidates instead of just marking off the ones who quit.  I think you are better then everyone else out there and in the name of fair journalism (do I dare say the term "fair journalism" is an oxymoron), you would want to profile every candidate.

I dare you to let this one pass your moderator.  I watch Countdown every night (hey I DVR it) and wouldn't miss it.  I just would like to see some fair play here.

Gigi, Hudson, MA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:37 AM)

Can I start running my finances like our government does??!
Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:46 AM)

Government management of money is one of lore.  How would you like one of the auditing jobs for the government.  The mismanagement of the money is a disgrace, and I for one do not want the government running anything, including health care.  I know everyone on hear wants government run healthcare, but I have to ask, do you want them managing this massive undertaking.  If everyone ran their business the way the government always runs, many businesses would be extinct.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:43 AM)

i got the color bars too. censorship?? billo's revenge? what was that all about

barb the bureaucrat, albany ny (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:45 AM)

Aye, I noticed the political subtext as well.  It was subtle enough to be noticed but not get in the way of the story, which is exactly how it's supposed to be done.

Kevin, Lincoln, NE (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:50 AM)

Can I start running my finances like our government does??!
Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:46 AM)

Government management of money is one of lore.  How would you like one of the auditing jobs for the government.  The mismanagement of the money is a disgrace, and I for one do not want the government running anything, including health care.  I know everyone on hear wants government run healthcare, but I have to ask, do you want them managing this massive undertaking.  If everyone ran their business the way the government always runs, many businesses would be extinct.

Kevin of NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:56 AM)

I also missed the Dumbledore sexual preference, although there was a hint of it when describing that "friendship" from his youth.  Ah well, not important.  

I did assume the "political" implications, at least I thought that I did, and so now I feel vindicated.  

There are 455 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 440 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009 ???
There are 378 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

THE PRIMARIES HAVE NOT HAPPENED YET!! Polls are not votes, yet.  Evaluate all the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:56 AM)

The main purpose for journalism (IMHO) is to "Question Authority, ALWAYS".

If "Authority" is right, okay, if not, well as someone far smarter than I said, "Sunshine is the best disinfectant".

When I was studying abroad in 1975/76, I was in this one class where the German Students were discussing this and that American Scandal (pick one or all from 1975, it doesn't matter). They were dissing American corruption Nixon and Ford and the Americans in the classroom were slowly sliding down in our chairs because all of these scandals were in the papers, and for all we knew, true. The Professor waited for a lull in the discussion, and then inserted that the American media reported the scandals, the issues were exposed, discussed and then fixed. Could West Germany make the same claim?

I count on the American Media to continue to do that, and for the last few years, they've fallen down on the job, because to report on White House Corruption meant losing White House sources.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:01 AM)

What good has the conservative fox news channel done for this country? What wrong has it righted? What corruption has it exposed to sunlight to be addressed and fixed. I don't know of any, but I'm willing to be 'educated'.  And no, Clinton bashing doesn't count, those issues were investigated to death in the 19902 and were found to have no substance.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:02 AM)

Full Moon (Oct. 22 - 9:43 PM Post): Just so there is no misunderstanding and to be sure I correct my post that you criticized as not be factual regarding Limbaugh, let me repeat. No, I do not know it all, but Limbaugh is a bigoted, loud mouth, self-serving, self-loving, loathesome, self-admitted prescription drug addict, fraud. Does that clear it up Full Moon or did I forget some other fitting adjectives. Now take that to the bank as opinion or fact, makes no matter to me.      

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:04 AM)

Love the new set, new graphics are great, nice job! And Standing Keith! Does this mean he can't wear jeans behind the desk anymore? Shucks. PS, "from the doghouse to the Big House by way of the Waffle House" - BEST SEGUE EVER!

Charity, Princeton, NJ (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:06 AM)

Are all those countries that pledged money rather than soldiers at the out-set of the war still assisting in paying for the disaster?  I'm sure that the additional funds will be approved by congress because Bush will threaten to hold his breath or something and dems will give in.  Well maybe they'll be able to get something out of it too by adding the additional funds for Schip that bush vetoed into the new Iraq funding bill.  Would Bush veto it again as part of the war funding?
To all those in the fire's path in CA stay safe.  My wife and I vacationed in the Lake Arrowhead area several years ago and I think one of Laura's posting yesterday said that about 70% has been destroyed by fire. Such a beautiful area....so sad.

Mike, AL (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:11 AM)



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