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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: '08 Overload

Posted: Monday, December 17, 2007 8:54 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

***Alison Stewart in for Keith tonight***

Endorsement '08: In a fast food nation where burger eaters like to have it their way and caffeine addicts get to make about five different decisions every time they step up to the counter for a grande skim macciato (but make that a half caff... and hold the foam...), the ritual of settling on just one individual, the choice of a presidential candidate might seem to be a bit out of place. It's endorsement time in the race for president! Any American who likes to be told how to vote, now has a wealth of opinions from which to draw. Politicians, the wives of politicians, newspaper editorial boards, anybody who has decided on a candidate, is now sharing that choice with anyone who will listen.

Countdown to Iowa: President Bush, defended by a G-O-P candidate. While man's best friend is not getting any love from certain red staters running for President.

ODDBALL: Scuffles in the South Korean legislature and a loose bird near our own.

Eavesdroppings:  An historic fight began in the Senate today over whether you have the right to sue phone companies for eavesdropping on you. President Bush is pushing to give blanket immunity to any phone company that agreed to let the government listen in on phone and track email traffic passing through its lines without going through the special, top-secret courts known as FISA courts.  Tonight, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unable to move a bill that gave telecom companies immunity forward, pulled it from consideration for now. The fight will start up again next month, just one month before the current FISA law expires.

Keeping Tabs:  Michael Jackson seems to have his holidays mixed up.  Halloween is in October silly!

Diva Drama: "Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the biggest diva trainwreck of them all?" It does seem that as the year ends, there's competition for the title, between Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. On this particular day, call it a toss-up. But since her disastrous performance and questionable costume choice at the Video Music Awards, Ms. Spears has found a way to look good on stage.The magic of video!

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Comments

Many thanks to Alison Stewart for filling in for Keith tonight; I hope he had a good day off and maybe got some Christmas shopping done. You think Keith does his own Christmas shopping? Oops...I digress...

But, Keith, you had to miss tonight of all nights after what Senator Dodd did today?! You MUST interview Senator Dodd on COUNTDOWN again soonest!! After what Senator Dodd did today, anyone in Iowa who blogs here or reads this blog needs to caucus for him – especially if the other current sitting Democratic senators who are running to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" were too concerned for their political rats' behinds to go to DC to support his efforts!! A big big big big big round of applause for Senator Dodd!! Blowing kisses to Senator Dodd!! And, anyone who blogs or reads this blog from CT need to call, email, write, whatever, Senator Dodd to thank him, thank him, THANK HIM!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:07 PM)

Would it have REALLY made a difference if a Democratic candidate HAD asked for Sen. Leibermann’s support? Would the "good" Senator have given it? President Clinton actually said that a vote for Obama would be “rolling the dice for America”? That sounds a lot like “Vote for me, or people will die.” Am I crazy, or did anyone else think that? Sen. Clinton didn’t answer the great question posed by David Gregory. What a freakin' shock! Just when I think I can’t dislike Sen. Clinton any less… “Warm and fuzzy” and Sen. Clinton is an oxymoron.

And, on the Republican side, I would think that Gov. Huckabee “dissing” GWB would not necessarily be a bad thing. How popular is GWB these days? Does Gov. Mitt want to hitch his wagon to THAT falling star?!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:15 PM)

And, I have just a couple of "quickie" comments on the "lighter fair." Poor Freddo is no longer “Lawyer of the Year”? Oh, what a freakin’ shame. Someone’s going to find a Halliburton grenade in their shorts over the decision to take that “prize” away! And, is Michael Jackson’s face finally falling off for real? It did in an episode of SOUTH PARK.

Sweet dreams, everyone.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:20 PM)

I dislike the new MSNBC format intensely.

Phil

Phil Ratliff, Norman, OK, (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:25 PM)

Krista, I haven't been able to see this edition, but you're correct. Keith picked the WRONG time to take a day off.

Joel (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:48 PM)

#1. "Trainwreck"? Funny, Britter wanted to call her new perfume "Trainwreck"...or was that "Gutcheck"? #2.Jacko has his permanent "Noseferatu" costume, so everyday is Halloween. #3. Senators, wanting to call their Lawyers to inquire about Lawsuits, found their telephones going dead on them. #4. Dubya spent last night praying to his statue of Athena Parthenos and dad-gummit, if it didn't work. #5. Well, if nobody is endorsing Charles Manson for President, I will. He's the only American Idol who continually, 'Walks the Line'.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:01 PM)

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:07 PM)

Yeh, I heard Chris Dodd-----  It was lovely to behold, especially after Mikulski (sp) spieled on and on about giving the phone companies immunity.  Pshaw and Pshaw!

Texashogfan (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:16 PM)

A big big big big big round of applause for Senator Dodd!! Blowing kisses to Senator Dodd!! And, anyone who blogs or reads this blog from CT need to call, email, write, whatever, Senator Dodd to thank him, thank him, THANK HIM! Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:07 PM)

I agree with Krista. Why is Dodd getting so little traction?  He certainly ran with the big dogs in the debate last week.

Ahem. Having endured in silence many gushing comments about Keith's appearance and mysterious eyes, may I please state without fear of retribution that Allison is way hot and that there is no question of her eye color. And why she and Rachael Maddow (together or separately) don't have a show/s is a mystery that MSNBC should soon remedy.

Mo Hammond Cairo, Il (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:24 PM)

Hey check the David Gregory interview with Hillary. The women is simply unable to answer a question with a straight answer. So Bill you think it would be a roll of the dice if Obama is elected? No the biggest gamble would be is if your wife is elected.

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:33 PM)

Alison Stewart looked so different tonight..but so pretty as always.

Kudos to Senator Dodd and kudos also to Senator Ted Kennedy for stepping up to the plate with Dodd..two senators with cojones enough to speak against this FISA fiasco.

I'm waiting to see when chaos like that as took place with those South Korean legislatures, takes place on our senate floor!

Michael Jackson looks terrible. Band aids aside, his nose looks crusty. Ewwwww.

and..I gave Pamela Anderson with new hubby 4 months of wedded lust! I'll give it another two weeks.



Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:35 PM)

Hey Krista you better start laying off poor Hillary. Might get on the bad side of Countdown..

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:36 PM)

I think it's interesting how they mention that a big selling point for Hillary (Hilary? always forget how many "l"'s there are) is that if she wins, she'll be the first woman president.
But the thing is, if she does win, and she screws it up, then she screws it up for women for a LONG time.
I'd be hesitant to vote for her, just because of that.

I also found the whole FISA thing interesting as well. Actually it was kind of conflicting for me - my original thought was, if you look back during McCarthyism - if you say anything that can be even misconstrued as anti-government, then you were screwed over. but now, not so much - I mean, if nowadays you say something anti-government (I guess this also depends on geographic location as well), I mean I never really hear of any specific cases (I mean name-wise) of people getting in trouble for it ... especially in the northeast, because pretty much everyone is liberal here. Criticizing the government is the thing to do. So in that sense, we're kind of lucky that nowadays you're not completely screwed over.
Though I'm not saying that the government allowing phone companies to eavesdrop is okay, though. I don't agree with it by any means actually.
and it's interesting how everyone will say "oh, the government's learned their lesson from mccarthyism so that they're not completely paranoid again .."
but then there's this FISA crap.
the irony of the situation bemuses me.

on a side note, I'm really really thankful that the videos from the show are put online. Strangely enough, my college's cable is randomly partisan - and gives students Fox News Channel but no MSNBC (when a neighboring college gets both) - so I've been kind of on MSNBC withdrawal.
and what better week to find these videos than finals week? - such an awesome way to not do my work.
so thanks very much just for putting them online.

Theresa Polixa, South Hadley, MA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:03 AM)

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 9:15 PM)

LOL regarding a Lieberman endorsing a democrat!! No democratic candidate would want Judas Lieberman's endorsement; unless of course, they want to lose and lose big, i.e. forced out of the race in, owe, five minutes!!

I believe any democratic candidate endorsed by Judas Lieberman would censure the endorsement within a half second!! Their next act would be to fun so fast they would leave Carl Lewis in the dust!!

PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:03 AM)

Hillary Clinton was certainly the artless dodger in that interview with David Gregory. Instead of "rolling the dice," it was as though someone dropped in a quarter and hit B11 for a track from her talking points collection.

None of the Democrats asked Joe Lieberman for an endorsement? Is he really so arrogant and/or delusional as to think that anyone really wants it? And is McCain so desperate that he has to call around asking for endorsements?

Kudos to Senator Dodd. Too bad the other candidates didn't bother with this one. Actually, I think Dodd may have demonstrated why we need to keep him in the Senate. He has some grasp of the notion that there are supposed to be three branches of government, and he is willing to stand up when needed. As for the delay in considering the FISA legislation, I'm afraid January's primary/caucus blitz may allow it to slip through anyway.

HM, sprung from the ivory tower for the holidays (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:40 AM)

The problem with surrounding oneself with like minded people, is you can easily fall for "Group Think". That's where you become convinced that because you, and the people like you all think alike, then everyone else does as well.

It's a trap that people in advertising, politics, management, and others become victim of as there are no voices inside to challenge what they are thinking. Then something happens, and the Group finds out (Often too late) that they were wrong despite the fact that the information is right in front of them warning them of what's going on around them. (9/11/01 for example)

I bring this up, as Countdown always has the same people, who are largely like-minded, mostly agreeing on everything with each other.

Group Think can blind the Group to what one should pay attention to, and to properly address what needs to be done. If left unchecked, it can destroy the Group as the old way of thinking gets swept aside for a new paradigm, with a newer group taking over.

Do I believe that Keith Olbermann is a bad person? No I do not. I just think that he's being short-sighted, and maybe a little bit foolish by only having people on his show of a single political point of view.

David Molinero (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:15 AM)

HELLO, can you hear me Neo-Cons?

Defend wiretapping!!  Let me hear you say it's legal, it's protection from a non-important Osama Been Forgotten!!

Molinero, Lil Scott, Larry, Pud or any other Patriots of Rule Of Law?

Talvenada, Phila., Penna. (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:22 AM)

So nice to see Alison back; she should be your co-host Keith....sure makes a great replacement, and nice too!

Peter Bidlake, Vancouver, Canada (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 1:52 AM)

This is not actually a comment on tonight's show, but is just too good not to mention:

The Frabricated News Channel is whining about the lack of "outgrage Over Student Beating at Princeton University" (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,317201,00.html).

But of course the thing is, the student in question (one Francisco Nava) *faked* the whole thing (http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Fabricated-Attack.html)

It would be sad if it weren't so pathetic.

James Tanis, Pleasantville, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 3:38 AM)

Alison Stewart made a error on the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have NEVER denied membership in its church on the basis of race.

Ken Yucaipa, Ca. (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 7:06 AM)

Sorry if someone's already made this observation re: J LIEbermann, but might he be fishing for a vice-presidential seat.... Again.             (shaking a bit from Newshole withdrawal...)  wrightwing@out-and-about.com (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 7:32 PM)

You’ve certainly got that right, wright.  Lieberman is definitely auditioning for a job.  He wants to be on the right side of the stolen election for a change.  You might think it’s all part of a deeper democrat plot to get elected by hiding two democrats in republican clothing, but democrats just aren’t that smart, and in any event they probably picked the wrong two democrats.

Glad to see you back, wrightwing.  Hope you're well.

Anomaly (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 7:48 AM)

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

The Pennysaver (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:13 AM)

"A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains."

The Pennysaver (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:14 AM)

"Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel.  True, and they have many other fine qualities as well."

The Pennysaver (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:15 AM)

"GREAT PYRENEES/Golden Retriever mix puppies. Old enough to go for Christmas. $50 each. Also, Pygmy goats. Call after 8 p.m. 6*4-1**6."

Apparently for those seeking something big and stupid, or small and voracious, but don't want the burden of caring for a republican.

The Pennysaver (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:24 AM)

"LHASA APSO puppies for sale along with mother and father. Ready to leave Dec. 18. 7*6-2*7-2**9."

Have mother and father been consulted about this arrangement?

The Pennysaver (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:27 AM)

For at least the second time in recent memory, George W. Bush announces he is a closet liberal and declares victory for the downtrodden --

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071217-2.html

“You know, I tell the people of our country, every time I can, that the great strength of America is not our military -- although I intend to keep it strong -- or the size of our wallets; but the great strength of America are the hearts and souls of our fellow citizens who take time out of their everyday lives to love a neighbor like they would like to be loved themselves…. Societies change one heart and one soul at a time. And I hope you have found what others have found, that if you're part of that helping somebody's live improve, it improves your own.”

NOW he tells us it wasn’t all about wars or tax cuts.  Come to find out, all we had to do is ask him -- for SCHIP (vetoed twice), for progress on global warming (refused to ratify Kyoto), for civil rights protections, for meaningful health care reform, for social security reform ….  But wait.  Silly me.  He had a secret plan all along for liberal good-deed-doing.  I should have known ....

“My attitude was, particularly in the face of recession and after a terrorist attack, that the best way to help this economy recover was to let people keep more of their own money….  And the plan worked….  [C]utting taxes helped stimulate economic growth….  And so we've had a pretty good economic run here in the country: six years of growth; we've had 51 straight months of increased job employment …; people are working; productivity is high…. And that means people are more likely to get paid more.”            
                 
Just tell that to all of those families cutting back on other things because of $3.00/gallon gas, strugging with the sub-prime mortgage crisis, and who don’t have adequate health insurance….  The plan worked.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:31 AM)

What a day for US foreign policy -- a “twofer” --

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/world/middleeast/18diplo.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

“The United States lost a long battle when Russia, as it announced on Monday, delivered nuclear fuel to an Iranian power plant that is at the center of an international dispute over its nuclear program. Iran, for its part, confirmed on Monday plans to build a second such plant….  [F]rom the American standpoint, the timing could not have been worse, coming just two weeks after the release of a United States intelligence estimate that concluded that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons program in 2003. The National Intelligence Estimate also concluded that Iran had not restarted its nuclear weapons program as of mid-2007, undercutting a central tenet of the Bush administration’s basis for maintaining international pressure against Iran.”

Embarrassed by Iran and Russia in the same transaction.  Well, I suppose you could probably say it was economical, anyway.  Neo-cons like economical.

Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:36 AM)

Thank god for Senator Dodd.  Apparently, the other democratic candidates in the senate while supporting Dodds filibuster were disinterested in or frightened of actually LEADING.  This could be my reason for switching my support from Obama.  He gives plenty of fabulous speeches and I think one day he will be a great president but if he's not willing to attempt to lead in the Senate.  Given many opportunities. He is not ready to be President.  I have other problems with Dodd though.  So I guess I'm an Edwards girl.

jen,il (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 8:36 AM)

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:33 PM)

"The women is simply unable to answer a question with a straight answer."

And this is unusual in what way?  I've NEVER seen a politician from either political club who is able to answer a question with a straight answer.  Did you hear Rudy's interview with Russert?  How about Romney's with Russert?  They had tons of trouble with straight answers, too.  I think you just don't like Hillary Clinton . . . fine with me, I'm not fond of her, either, but be honest, Scully.  It wasn't her lack of straight answers that bothered you, it was just HER.

junebug (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:04 AM)

Joel (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 10:48 PM) Yep, being able to actually BRAG about a politician is a very few-and-far-between event. But, I'm sure Keith will make up for it, at least I hope he does!

Texashogfan (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:16 PM) Last night after COUNTDOWN, I sent emails on Senator Dodd's, Clinton's, Obama's, and Biden's candidate website. I know I won't get any kind of response; hell, they probably won't even get read. Of course, I was effusive in my praise for Senator Dodd and gave proper smackdowns to the other 3.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:04 AM)

Mo Hammond Cairo, Il (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:24 PM) Thanks for your kind words, and I loved her blouse! You don't have to worry about any "retribution" from me. ;)

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, December 17, 2007 11:36 PM) Hi, John. I'm not too worried about getting on anyone or anything's "bad side." Last I checked, this was still a semi-free country where there are a few places where the free flow of ideas is still OK. Besides, I've made my misgivings about Senator Clinton very clear both in this forum and in talking to other people around me who actually give a crap about our country's future.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:09 AM)

I was very disappointed that Ms. Stewart allowed Pat Robertson to treat the story of Huckabee's son torturing and killing a dog as something to laugh about.  He missed the entire point.  Huckabee senior did not commit the act, but he used his power as governor to put pressure on the state police director to sweep the incident under the rug.  He is guilty of at least obstruction of justice.  I expected to see this story given more consideration.  This one incident shows why Huckabee is not fit to be president. Come on people, do you really want people like this in the White House?

Beth Coger (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 9:47 AM)

If you want the rainbow, you must put up with the rain …

Chinese Fortune Cookie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:10 AM)

Thanks to Senator Dodd. In my lifetime, Nixon used the IRS to punish political opponents, J Edgar Hoover aka the Dancing Queen kept voluminous files on people not under FBI investigation, VP Cheney has shredded documents by the truckload and the Bush administration has used Republican email addresses to circumvent statutory record keeping requirements. If people in power have no accountability, there is no limitation to how they will utilize whatever information they acquire. Bush has already shown a proclivity to punish people who do not let him have his way. Granting this retroactive immunity will give this administation carte blanche to snoop on anyone without oversight. Look at the mess we have with the no fly lists maintained with the TSA. Thousands of people are on there just because they have the same or a similar name to someone who may or may not have ties to an alleged terrorists. The constitution is already shredded. Lets not let King George and The Sheriff of Nottingham Cheney rip it up with all the other documents they have already destroyed.

gator,stuart,fl (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:14 AM)

Chris Dodd and Kennedy stood up for our freedom. Applaud them and spend more time giving these lickspittles like Reid our opinion and less time bickering here. By the by, Turkey has invaded Iraq to get its share of the Kurd's oil since Bubba is busy scooping it up for trillions in oil contracts. The New York Times doesn't have it on its front page and Gannett is killing the story like it killed the Ray Hunt Oil story from SMU. Bang their heads against immoveable objects until they see the light, figuratively of course. It's now time to hang Jane Harman's Domestic Homegrown Moron Bill. Happy Hunting and keep your powder dry.

doomed (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:15 AM)

GWB has circumvented the Constitution with signing statements over 1100 TIMES!  That's almost TWICE as many times as all of the other presidents COMBINED.  
-- junebug

Drum roll please -- we've reached a milestone ...

There are 399 days until the end of this regime on 1/20/2009
There are 384 days until the end of this Congress on 1/5/2009
There are 322 days until election day -- 11/4/2008

The first Caucus/Primary hasn't happened yet!  Evaluate ALL the candidates and think wisely before you vote.
And we are counting down.

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:27 AM)

Thank goodness that Chris Dodd and Ted Kennedy were willing to step up to the plate.  

Hello Iowa and New Hampshire and South Carolina!!!  Did you see some signs of leadership here!?!  

IMHO, maybe the voters in those states should give some more consideration to Senator Dodd before the primaries.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:31 AM)

John Scully, Denver (11:33 PM Post):

I am amazed. Although not a supporter of Hillary I am just amazed at how she is blowing her chances with her behavior. I know she is bright but I have been surprised at how poorly she is handling herself. I was thinking that perhaps due to a certain political style and strategy embedded deeply within her she just can't break old habits when running for politcal office. Plus the fact she is no Bill Clinton and therefore unable to master the same political savvy that would allow her to appear she is answering a question when actually not answering a question. That takes a pro like Bill and she is not at that level. For her it comes off as you have stated - she is not answering the questions and people do not trust her. Bill on the other hand may not have answered questions himself when running but he could get by with it. People still trusted him. Regarding Bill's current input or comments during Hillary's campaign, this is not the Slick Willy I know. Either the man is tired or it's almost like he wants her to lose.

In any case she is trying to separate herself from Obama by asking voters if they want a hopeful dreamer or someone with experience. She is making a grave error in judgement reagrding this question. For although  experience is important, at this moment in history the people are looking for a hopeful dreamer to take them away from the Bush nightmares. If she continues with this approach while Obama continues to give hopeful dreamer speeches he (or perhaps Edwards) will end up beating her in this primary.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:43 AM)

A friend asks no questions and gives endless support ...

Chinese Fortune Cookie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 10:46 AM)

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars ...

Chinese Fortune Cookie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:45 AM)

Why would Bill Clinton bring up youthful indiscretions as "rolling the dice".  I am more comfortable with youthful indiscretions than current indiscretions.  As long as Obama keeps them in the past instead of the White House, The US will be better off.

James, Washington, DC (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:48 AM)

Presidential.
...That's the only word to describe Senator Chris Dodd's actions yesterday. One man saved our Constitution. For now, for today.
Those who know me well know that one of the biggest reasons I am a Chris Dodd supporter is that he is a fellow veteran, he's worn the boots. To some that might mean I think he'll somehow deliver to our troops and veterans everything a grateful nation promised and more...and as a vet I benefit so of course I'm supporting the only viable veteran running.
Well, while that'd sure be nice, it's not the reason that in this time of war I support a veteran to be the next President and Commander in Chief. Here's the deal...we vets, and those who've gone before and those who serve now, we all took an oath to support and defend our Constitution, that very foundation of our country. We all signed on the line, in front of God and everybody, and pledged we'd kill or die to defend all of us. There is no patriot greater than he or she who is willing to pay the ultimate price for the benefit of all of us...We, the People. I can't think of any group which better understands the importance of our Constitution and the law thereunder.
FISA, retroactive immunity, constitutionality, the Rule of Law...these things are important issues, far more so than a job interview. While others flitted about Iowa, New Hampshire, and who knows where else to tell us they'd like to make a difference someday, one man made a difference today. Chris defended our Constitution today, just as he did when he wore the the boots. Of course, I expected nothing less from one who would be my President. After all, an oath is an oath, a promise a promise, and it matters.

DesertStormVet, Cedar Rapids, IA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 11:56 AM)

Just a funny for the day:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071215/ap_on_fe_st/odd_long_lost_

Me, I'll never complain about slow internet again!

Allspice (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:11 PM)

Chris gets no traction because of No-Show Obama, Where-The-HillIsShe, and the rest of the pack who are too busy campaigning to defend our Constitution. Yesterday, the media-anointed 'first tier' ignored their duty and campaigned in my state. What makes news? The Hill-o-copter tour, Softer Imaging, and middle-name-conspiracies. Oh, and Wacky Mike said "Jesus" and "Christmas" in a commercial. This is what constitutes "News" in this country. A man saves the Constitution, nothing. Not in my local paper, not on MSNBC this morning (Tom Vilsack gets on my nerves anyway, but he and Hillary are the topic du jure, so maybe it's just me...nah.), nowhere apart from the blogosphere.
I distinctly remember fighting for, in part, that essential "free press"...they're not so free anymore. One might say, bought and paid for. Whatever happened to "Journalism"?

DesertStormVet, Cedar Rapids, IA (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:12 PM)

The truth is rarely pure and never simple ...

Chinese Fortune Cookie (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:23 PM)

The following is one of the latest polls in Iowa. Senator Clinton has pulled 3% points ahead of Senator Obama.  Former Senator John Edwards has fallen 7% points behind Clinton, compared to 3% points earlier. Here’s the latest poll numbers.

“The latest Rasmussen Reports poll of the Iowa Democratic Caucus finds that Hillary Clinton is supported by 29% of Likely Caucus Participants. That’s up two points from two weeks ago and identical to her level of support a month ago.

Barack Obama enjoys 26% support in the most recent poll. He was at 25% two weeks ago and 24% a month ago. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone poll finds John Edwards at 22%, down a bit from 24% two weeks ago and from 25% a month ago. Edwards now trails Clinton by seven percentage points. He trailed by three to four points in the earlier Rasmussen Reports surveys. Governor Richardson is at 7%; Senator Biden is at 5%; and “other” is a cumulative 3%.”

In my opinion, the Iowa caucuses are critical to John Edwards’ campaign, significantly more important for Edwards than either Clinton or Obama.  Remember, former President Bill Clinton abandoned Iowa all together in 1991, conceding the race in Iowa to its states Senator, Tom Harkin

Therefore, considering Senator Clinton still maintains a substantial lead in national polls, an 11% lead over Edwards in New Hampshire and a 13% point lead over Edwards in South Carolina, Iowa is not as important to her campaign as it is to Edwards’.  If Edwards’ comes in third place in Iowa, I believe it’s time for him to call it quits and hope for a second chance as the VP on either a Clinton or Obama ticket!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:25 PM)

So, was Dodd's action courageous and principled or a naked stunt to try to resurrect a moribund presidential campaign? The actions of these candidates do not occur in a vacuum. Dodd knew the other candidates would not be in town to vote and he also knew there was no risk to his own campaign since it's going down the tubes anyway. And what's with Harry Reid? Would somebody please remind me why the Democrats took control of Congress? Pelosi's a joke and Reid can't lead. I know, let's blame it on Bush. He's so stupid, according to the posters here, that he can't chew gum and ride a bike at the same time. Except, he keeps kicking the Dems in the arse and they keep jumping out of his way every time. Oh, I know, it's them dadgum obstructionist Republicans in the House and Senate subverting the will of the American people. Or, maybe it's just because the Democrats are a bunch of incompetent, whining, disorganized, spineless, opportunistic pansies. Bring it on, jen, Pam, Krista, etal.

Steven Rennie, Fillmore, NY (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:39 PM)

As I stated yesterday, Senator Clinton will be the democratic nominee; NO, I do not support her in the primaries.  However, if she gets the nomination, which I believe 99.9% she will, she has my vote in the general election.  I think the democrats could run Mickey Mouse and win the White House in 2008 -- George W. Bush has caused so much damage to his Party it will take years, if not decades, to reverse it!!

The GOP is toast in 2008, in the presidential election, the Senate and the House!! The majority of Americans holds the entire Republican Party in contempt, as “we the people” should; for the republicans have allowed this administration to rape our constitution, bomb our civil liberties and shatter both our moral standing and credibility globally!!

CIAO AND GOOD RIDDENCE TO THE CONSTITUTION SHREDDING GOP!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:44 PM)

Good morning News Hole; an update would be greatly appreaciated.

thank you (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:50 PM)

#5 – Damning with faint praise, for sure.  And not that much praise, either.  I can’t believe this won’t backfire big time on both Senator Clinton and President Clinton.  Whatever I may have thought about Mrs. Clinton, I always saw Mr. Clinton as the consummate politician, who understood his base and played to it.  This was, at best, an incredible political miscalculation.  And why target Senator Obama when Senator Edwards, for example, has no more experience than he does?  One might argue even less experience, because Senator Edwards was gone from the Senate before most of the big battles about Iraq and Iran were fought.  

Wait?  Did I say battles were fought in the Senate?  Never mind.  

Mrs. Clinton doesn't have that much experience, either, come to think of it.

Anna Molly (Sent Tuesday, December 18, 2007 12:54 PM)



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