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Countdown Friday: Wild, Wild West

Posted: Friday, January 11, 2008 8:59 PM by Countdown
Filed Under:

Race & '08:  From the Campaign for Change...To... Change the Campaign. Our fifth story on the Countdown: going into New Hampshire, it was all about change -- or as Americans used to call it -- "reform" -- going into Nevada and South Carolina:, It's the economy, stupid.  That issue, named by voters in New Hampshire as the most important facing the country... And with the fight for the Democratic nomination heading West... the always evolving Senator Clinton pouncing on the theme that won her husband the White house. Speaking of former President Clinton... the man some have called the first black president of the United States, was doing all he could to keep Mrs. Clinton's campaign from heading South in the wake of comments that both have made on race.

Re-Count?:  It looks like there's an excellent chance of a recount in the New Hampshire Democratic primary...The issue is -- as it was in 2004 -- as it was in 2000 -- as for all we know, it will be in November -- electronic voting machines. The explanation for New Hampshire may be much more prosaic...But what about November?

ODDBALL: Sand candidates, and the greatest streaker tackle of all time.

Running on Empty?:  Eight years ago, Republicans ran with straight faces as the party of national defense and fiscal prudence. Eight years later, we have al Qaeda in Iraq, al Qaeda in Pakistan, but we won't have the World Trade Center, or thousands of Americans lost there and in Iraq... ever again. We do -- however -- have a national debt exceeding nine trillion dollars, almost double what it was the day before President Bush's inauguration. In our third story tonight, the GOP's disputed front-runner, Rudolph Giuliani, unveiled his master plan for the economy Wednesday... one week, we learned today, after his master plan for his own campaign's economy created a situation where he could no longer pay a dozen of his top staffers.

Tabby Time:  Well, if you've been waiting for this for, say, 13 1/2  years, sit back and enjoy it... O.J. Simpson leads off Keeping Tabs tonight because he is behind bars.

WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD: The Florida Highway Patrol, Billo and Fred Thompson vie for tonight's top honors.

Idol Returns!: Simmering under the surface of the singing game show that is "American Idol"... is this fact: That one of its judges is -- herself -- a, um, singer. Or at least, she once managed to make money with recordings that actually featured her voice. But in our number one story on the Countdown, with "Idol" Season 7 set to begin next week... Paula Abdul is reportedly going to sing...again.... in public... for the first time in years and years and years. But wait. "Idol" producers probably want nothing to do with that... So Ms. Abdul may be welcomed to the show that doesn't know how to say no... to a train-wreck. Half-time at the Super Bowl!

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Comments

Senator Clinton with Tim Russert for an hour on Sunday?! I have set the DVR for that!

Keith, your comment about GWB's “7TH grade grasp of grammar” is an insult to 7th graders - at least the 7th graders I know.

Marion Jones’ sentence can’t be good news for Barry Bonds.

Wow, Indiana’s voter ID law is really making the rounds this week! SCOTUS? Lots of discussion on NPR? “He Who Shall Not Be Named”? Now, a mention in WPITW?! Wow…once again…I’m just welling up with “Hoosier” pride (?!).

Krista "Proud (?!) to be a 'Hoosier'" Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:17 PM)

#5 -- City of Commerce -- pretty much describes the entire election industry, including the media, by the way.  The economy works for them, for sure.  At $600,000 per delegate.  Now trickle some of that down, Governor “two silvers and a gold, and thank you, Wyoming.”  

The whole fairy tale thing just emphasizes how media coverage can distort the truth.  Obviously, Mr. Clinton was talking about the war.  When the whole world works in sound bites, that’s the increment that people think in.

#4 -- $600,000 per delegate and we can’t come up with a reliable, uniform method of counting ballots?  We use those same scanners in my district.  We vote democrat most of the time. The voting district right next to ours votes republican most of the time.  What conclusions can we draw from that?  I’m inclined to believe the geographic theory.  So does Senator Obama, I think.  That’s why he’s not very interested in it.

#3 -- The Keith number?  #1 in news.  But Countdown, I’m not sure you should associate yourself with the uncertainty factor.  You might want to rethink lending your name to the margin of error AND the undecided voters.  A no-win proposition, I think.

WPitW -- We understand why Senator Thompson is grumpy.  Governor Huckabee explained that this morning.  Metamucil, for sure.

#1 -- Not even worth MY time, Countdown.  Sheesh.  

Anna Molly (: (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:17 PM)

Yes, O'Reilly on the Supreme Court would be a new low. But why do I have the feeling that he and Clarence Thomas would bond while swapping sexual harrassment war stories & become bestest friends, (I mean, as long as Thomas doesn't scream for his motherf@#*ing ice tea).

gothamtomato, nyc (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:25 PM)

What happened to all the money Mayor Rudy’s earned off profiteering from 9/11? How about naming the undecideds + the margin of error the “Olbermann Number”? There’s lots of "Keiths" out there but only one Keith OLBERMANN!

Go Congressman Kucinich, go! Here is a man who cares about his country. He’s asking for this recount in New Hampshire with the full knowledge that it will not change anything for him whatsoever. How many other candidates are ready to put their money where their pie holes are in the respect of making sure our elections are fair? Precious few, I wager. If there’s no “paper trail” for your election results,  you’re SOL & JWF. There’s no money or glamour in making sure our elections are “verifiable.” That’s why nothing has been done legislatively to curb unease about this issue. Thank goodness Indiana doesn’t use those cursed Diebold MoFo machines! We got SOMETHING right.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:25 PM)

#1 - Good lord, save us from Paula at the Super Bowl.... Of course, on the other hand, there's always that bright possibility of something unseemly happening... She might cry, or freak out, or show up drunk... endless possibilties! Hooray!

Worsts - Is it just me, or is there a large number of old jowly white guys with massive double chins making the top two spots lately? Keith, some research might be in order...

#2 - I'm as tired of OJ as I am of Brit's meltdowns, Dr. Phil and Saint Rudy and the 9/11 thing. Yawn.

#3 - Why does he even bother to continue at this point?! Florida alone does not an election winner make. Oh wait... Sorry. Anyone else see the inherent strangeness of Rudy expending all his energies on Florida? Hmm.

#4 - Okay. While I am all for a standardized voting machine nationwide, this kinda blows my mind. A recount? In New Hampshire? As dismayed as I was by the Hillary win there, given everything that led up to it and being an Obama supporter, is this really needed? I mean, really? It's not as though it will affect the outcome of the whole thing, as in Florida 8 years ago. Makes me wonder if Keebler ... erm, Kucinich... isn't pandering to the voting conspiracy crowd a little here.

#5 - Nice to see that Keith, as usual, goes out of his way unlike some other "talking heads" to show the whole clip. As many others had, at first I only saw the fairy tale remark. Makes me feel a little better to hear the whole thing. I suppose it can be chalked up to tiredness on Clinton's part, but it sure does seem to this white girl that there are indeed some sub rosa shots being taken at Obama on the race aspect. This stuff goes a bit beyond the "You're no Jack Kennedy" line of attack.

Keith, I would just like to say thanks for making the news interesting and fun. I don't know if you read this or not, but if you do, I appreciate what you do, and unlike some of the others I watch I hardly ever disagree with your views or your take on things. I wish I could have the chance to really ask you some things - alas, I'll just continue to tune in every night at 8.

Leigh Champlin (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:26 PM)

And, to end on some much-needed lighter notes, Paula Abdul, LEAVE TOM PETTY ALONE!! I love Tom Petty’s music; I have for a long time. Heaven forbid, though, any wardrobe malfunctions with Mr. Petty.

Before tonight's COUNTDOWN, I just had to watch the SIMPSONS episode from the other night again – too freakin’ hilarious. Ralph Wiggum in ’08! And, I have the perfect running mate for him – Nelson Muntz. Now, Nelson could show our Dictator-Wanna-Be a thing or two! Ralph Wiggum’s America will be where “the only boom-booms will be in our pants.” I could live with that!

Enjoy the football this weekend! If football isn't your thing, just have some fun and laughs with people you care about. To all the bloggers here, to the moderators who work so hard, to the staff and contributors of COUNTDOWN, and, of course, to Keith Olbermann (enjoy the football without having to worry about FNIA prep!), have a faboo weekend!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:36 PM)

#5: No one's told John Edwards; that’s what happened NH—aahhaa!! He'll be on message in a second or less; #4: Thank God it's a democratic election --SCOTUS is too busy -- something about stripping homosexuals of their citizenship I believe; #3: $9.11 fundraiser's 24/7 until Super Duper Tuesday --no worries; #2: Well someone better hit that golf course in Florida before the real killers get away--again; #1: The Bud Bowl's back --Paula headed up the five-year protest to bring it back!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 9:54 PM)

A most excellent flipping.

Keith, you should see the unedited version. Oh-la-la.

Corndog, Lancaster, PA (Sent Friday, January 11, 2008 11:55 PM)

Hi guys...first timer.
Seems to me the "race" question, which is quietly underlining this race, is something we Americans need to address, and in that vein maybe it's a good thing to get out in the open.

My old Irish mother brought us 6 kids up to believe that "everybody is everybody" It'd be good if everybody brought their kids up (I'm now 64) that way.

I sincerely don't believe that either of the Clinton's comments were racist, but I'm white, so what do I know? Perhaps everyone just needs to get off their high PUNDIT horse, realize that things are just SAID, and if either comment had been made if the other candidate was white, it would have gone unnoticed, or at least, un-pundited.

Neither Clinton is a racist. Most enlightened Americans aren't either, but there IS a black man running as a really, really viable presidential candidate, and perhaps we just need to TALK about that, as we seem able to TALK about the fact that there is a woman running as a really, really viable presidential candidate.  Both for the first time in our American History.

Nobody made a big deal out of either comment until the MSM tawking heads started making a big deal out of it, and both comments were actually taken out of context, and not played in full.

Hey, Rev. Sharpton, I have TRULY garnered a grudging respect for you over the years.  Your voice highlights the black community to us "other" people, and though we don't always agree with your methods, we can't dispute that your voice works.  And helps us ignorant "others" keep note of the situations that maybe don't affect us directly.  For that I think you.

Lighten up on Bill, he's got a pure heart and sometimes things just get said with no dark or underlying meaning. He's a good advocate for ALL people's rights. As is Senator Clinton.

My thought?  Hillary/Obama, and 16 years of pure DEMOCRATIC PARTY GOOD GOVERNANCE in this country!

Nancy, New York City (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 12:13 AM)

Did I hear you right, Keith?  The only Republican candidate capable of being responsible with his money is Mike Huckabee?  What about Ron Paul?  He's got $20 million bucks, and he's not even spending any of it on a recount.

R. NorCal (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 12:45 AM)

#1. Unnamed sources claim Paula will perform a new routine that features her performing brain surgery on herself while madly dancing her infamous, "Neo Potato". #2. His Golf Game will definitely suffer. #3. Rudy's original plan was upon gaining the Presidency, he'd loan himself a Trillion Bucks, via a No-Bid contract to his Consulting Firm, "I'm Nine One One, Inc.". #4. Unnamed sources claim the Voting Machines were brought in from Ohio, and initially declared Dubya the Winner, again. #5. Eventually, in order to satisfy the Right, Bill will need to undergo a Blood Test to see if he has one drop of Yankee Blood. Hillary's test will determine if she has one drop of Rebel Blood.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 3:54 AM)

Keith, you named Fred Thompson the "Worst Person in the World" because he told the Iranians not to attack our Navy Ships?  Come on Keith.  What's up with that?      

James, San Diego, CA (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 9:22 AM)

Off topic from Friday's show but still very important, I'll begin right here admitting I can be a little "dim," especially right now because I'm not caffeinated yet, but will someone remind me PLEASE why our government is propping up this putz? Check this out:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/pakistan.us/index.html

Remember, this is the same guy who's blaming Mrs. Bhutto for her assassination and had a heck of a lot to gain by her death.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 10:00 AM)

Hillary is not speaking about finally finding her voice in NH.  This begs the question what was she doing durning all those 35 years of experiance?  Since she hadn't found herself that explains why her judgement vs experiance is os out of wake.  Tears don't work for me Hillary!

Diane Smith, Harrisburg PA (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 10:49 AM)

Off topic from Friday but great news for me, it looks like I have another Carson to represent me in Congress! Yea for me! Check this out!

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080112/LOCAL19/80112002

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 3:59 PM)

Off topic..for those of you who watched Bill Maher's show Friday, I didn't like the fact that because of the writer's strike, no monologue, no New Rules. Being a faithful water of Bill, I don't like being without New Rules. Instead he had emails from bloggers. I didn't like this because it encouraged discussion and no time for emails. He only read two, no good. Tony Snow, looking better, did get a little hot under the collar when discussing Bush and the panels critizism of him. It was a good show, but I hope this doggone writer's strike ends soon.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 4:06 PM)

Thank you for the weekend update!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 4:58 PM)

James, San Diego, CA Saturday, January 12, 2008 9:22 AM..James, if you'd listened carefully you would have known Keith was referencing Thompson's comments about those "Iranians" being introduced to those virgins that they're looking forward to seeing. This was what the terrorits and suicide bombers who are the ones wanting to meet virgins, NOT the Iranians. Not the first time Thompson has been mixed up about who is who. That's why he is WPitW, no othe reason.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:12 PM)

Hola Everyone:

Keith in great color suit, stripped shirt and pink tie! Love a man in anything pink. Shows him to be confidence who he is..and what are the names of those wonderful, talented people who keep you looking so well put together Keith?

Well, yes, in the West as have been known to be wild, but the mad grab by the candidates for CA votes and particularly the Hispanic vote, will be wild. With a full 1/2 of the CA electorate voting by absentee ballot, it should be an interesting outcome.

Hillary's visit to the City of Commerce, where my business is located. I gave one of my employees permission to go see her. He came back dazzled. I don't know if she has his vote, but he said it was awesome seeing her speak. Of course, all of So. CA politicans were in attendance, mostly Hispanic. The electrical workers union very important to her, as I said before, she needs their support and the Hispanic vote also. Just out of curiousity, I wonder what Governor Janet Napolitano (D) Arizona throwing her support behind Obama was all about. For that matter, what are any of the people we thought would support Hillary going behind Obama? Offer of a cabinet post if elected? Only a thought on my part, but all these people backing Obama, maybe they're sick of the status quo? No, politicans don't think that way, what other reason? Would like to hear your thoughts on this.

Yes, the economy is important, but so is getting us out of Iraq.

Not a good idea putting a spin on what Bill Clinton says huh. It makes the media and talking heads look stupid when the spin is shot down.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:34 PM)

Hola again..Part II

Bushed! Bush wanting his approval rating at 45% by the time he leaves office!? Now, that is a fairy tale. His speech in Kuwait, as usual with a backdrop of U.S. troops, saying we will be victorious, "when history was written, the final page will say victory was achieved by the United States of America for the good of the world, that by doing the hard work now, we can look back and say the United States of America is more secure and generations of Americans will be able to live in peace". Our country will be safe. Don't worry folks, George Bush has everything under control. He "predicts" troops will remain in the Middle East after he leaves office. Predict? How about let's count on it..and was that Navy confrontation with those Iranian speedboats for real? Or another ploy by the Bush Administratin to get us into Iran?

http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7184400.stm

World's Best Person #1..that British couple..oh my, sibling incest. What are the odds something like this happening? Par for the course when talking about that 6 degrees of separation. What mustthey have felt like finding out they were separated at birth..geez.

Poor Paula, she seems a little confused in many appearances. Kind of looney. Just emotional? Questionable. During many American Idol shows people wondered what exactly was in the glass she drinks from.

and..let's hope OJ stays in jail for a good long while. The less said about him, the less seen of him, the better.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:43 PM)

5 - So far, the Democrats haven't been terribly nasty in their campaigning. I guess that means it's time to start misrepresenting their comments so that they appear to be playing dirty. It was fun while it lasted.

4 - At least a recount is possible in NH. Frankly, I think any method of voting that does not leave a paper trail should be outlawed. Why can't we just pass legislation that says as much and be done with it?

Bushed - (Nice enunciation. Made me want to grab a beer and head for the mountains, or maybe the hills.) Thanks for mentioning Mr. Stickler, who is not a stickler when it comes to mine safety.

3 - I confess that I am counting down the days till Florida hoping that the delusions of grandeur end when the votes are tallied.

WPiTW - I'll preface this by saying that I voted against former Sen. Thompson at every opportunity; however, his remarks are in keeping with the Kyl-Lieberman designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. He is not alone in his delusions -- which makes them even scarier.

1 - Here's the more horrifying Super Bowl story. I saw a commercial for FOX's planned pre-game show during the Packers-Seahawks game today. FOX News and FOX stations will air three hours of political coverage prior to the Super Bowl with at least one of their anchors reporting on politics from the Super Bowl. Seriously. I think this officially means that nobody over there can complain anymore about KO doing sports and news. Doing both is not a problem. Mixing them is.  Rudy's latest ad would fit nicely here.

HM, in an ivory tower somewhere (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 8:40 PM)

SENATOR Hillary Clinton, is, as are most Americans a complicated and multi-dimensional person.  The pundits are having a field day trying to make us think of her as EITHER tough OR emotional.  

She's both.  She's a human being.  A very smart, very qualified, very caring & dedicated human being.  We could hardly do better.  

New York learned to love this woman, against all odds.  She fought her way to respect.  She proved herself.  She reaches across the aisle, and teaches us ALL the meaning of sharing & just getting things DONE.  She can take a punch and she can give a punch.  And above all else, she knows her topic. I'm serious.

There's hardly a person in my neighborhood (Ground Zero) who doesn't respect her, and many, many people simply LOVE her.  

Now, wanna ask any of the good citizens down here what they think of Rudy?  Rolled eyes and varying shades of revulsion.  Must be a reason for those opinions.  We LIVE here and we KNOW!

Nancy in Manhattan (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:37 AM)

As for the Iranians and their Bass Boats, I mean, our Navy Ships have Missiles bigger than those things. Most of our boats have a anti-incoming gun that would turn those things into fibreglass confetti if they tried to get right next to us. Plus, those flashy Candy Blue paint jobs make them easy to target. Don't the Iranians have an old Bulgarian Submarine? If they were really serious, they could send that thing out. Maybe it's Magenta Metalflake with Day-Glo pinstripes, and "Blood Bucket", in Ed Roth, 'Rat Fink' letters!

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 4:47 AM)

In my opinion Bush is not in the Middle East to promote peace and get the Israelis and the Palestinians together. He is there to promote his agenda to have some of the Arab states stand behind him on his message that Iran is a threat. He is there to stir up trouble, as usual. I think we all see this and it disgusts me. Why didn't he do this "peace mission" years ago instead of doing it now that he is a lame duck President. All he wants is to get us into Iran before he leaves office. I'm really angry at all I read and hear about this trip.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 3:47 PM)

Dubya didn't mention Democracy to the Emirate of Kuwait. If we can't get them to be one, how can we ever get the rest of the Islamic World to buy in on it? I'd like to think this Joke is on Dubya, but sadly, it's on We The People.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 6:00 PM)

HM, in an ivory tower somewhere (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 8:40 PM) Hello! Spring semester classes at the university where I work begin tomorrow. This week will be full of long days. I better increase my caffeine intake plus maybe add a little "good for what ails ya'" as well!

Regarding your thoughts about outlawing voting machines that don't provide a reliable "paper trail," it's probably because the manufacturers of those cursed machines donate A HELL OF A LOT OF COIN to political candidates, especially Republicans. You certainly can't bite the hand that feeds you in DC. Or, if you do, say "bye bye" to your political career. Oh well, they still have that lifetime health-care thing - better than us peons have.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:24 PM)

I have some experience with the Indiana voter ID law that is before the Court.  After misplacing my drivers liscense a week before the election I learned the following.

To vote you need a government issued picture ID.  Only an Indiana drivers license, US passport or US military ID will do. If the picture ID is from any other branch of government your out of luck.  Even if that ID required an FBI background check.

To get an Indiana drivers licences you need your birth certificate that is issued by the county of your birth not the one from the hospital.  Since I was born in IL I had to take a day off, drive to IL and get a copy of my birth certificate.

After traveling to IL I found out that you or a parent had to have a photo ID to get a bith certificate.  Luckily my Treasury Department ID was enough to get my birth certificate, so I could get a new drivers licenses.  The funniet thing was that the ladies at the BMV in my home town had known me since I was in grade school in the 60's.  They fool well knew who I was.  But somehow having that piece of paper made a difference. I got my driver license just in time to vote in the election.

This not be a hardship to anyone, unless 1) you could not drive to the county of your birth 2)could not afford to get off work 3)had no living parent or 4)had another photo ID.

Kay, Indianapolis (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:30 PM)

Not a good idea putting a spin on what Bill Clinton says huh. It makes the media and talking heads look stupid when the spin is shot down.
Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:34 PM)

Excellent post!! As a fellow Californian, you make me proud!! I am also proud that Keith showed ALL of what Bill Clinton said in FULL context - KUDOS KEITH!! Bill Clinton accomplished so much for the black community; anyone who follows politics knows that –the race card just won’t work with either Bill or Hillary Clinton – they’ve both done too much!!

Keith did shoot down those pundits who will make anything up to further spewing their bias into our living rooms --one would think they would have been silenced after NH!! But then again, their egos get in the way!!

Senator Clinton has many endorsements; they're just not televised each time she gets one --makes me think about what you said --promises for a future in DC?? You may be on to something Laura.  I am also proud Senator Clinton doesn't have a press conference each time she gets yet another endorsement—there is no need in my opinion. She also has a substantial lead with super delegate……..

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:35 PM)

Krista --I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry!!

PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:35 PM)

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 3:47 PM)

George W. Bush is trying to salvage some kind of legacy; as usual, he's delusional --his legacy is cast in stone --the worst president in US history; the president who shattered our constitution, stripped us of our civil liberties and is personally responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of innocent human beings --that's his legacy and it will forever be his legacy!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:37 PM)

Nancy in Manhattan (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:37 AM)

Nancy, thank you for sharing this; it's important!!

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:38 PM)

"Only a thought on my part, but all these people backing Obama, maybe they're sick of the status quo? No, politicans don't think that way, what other reason? Would like to hear your thoughts on this." Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:34 PM) Here's my 2 cents' worth (bearing in mind that these plus 50 cents won't buy a small coffee). I think some of these "established" politicians coming out to endorse Senator Obama comes down to good 'ol fashioned petty personal issues. I know; pick yourself up off the floor at the concept of politicians being petty. I imagine there may still be some residual "bad blood" and memories of Senator Clinton's health care efforts when she was First Lady, especially among those on Capitol Hill who've been there awhile. This First Lady who hadn't been elected for ANYTHING was going to tell people in Congress what to do with health care and how to do THEIR jobs? The memory of those efforts and the fact that the Republicans managed to regain control of the House after how many years soon after has probably stayed with them. Another "pettiness" (just made up that word) point may involve Al Gore. It's a fairly well-known "secret" that there is absolutely no love loss between Senator Clinton and Al Gore. They really REALLY don't like each other. Maybe, some of these establishment types backing Senator Obama still think that somehow the stain (pun intended) of the Clinton impeachment had a big role in Gore not winning in 2000. Look who won, look where we're at now, and look how Al Gore's doing these days. Who knows...I'm probably talking out of my fargin' ice hole, but I know my brain needs a good clean-up after thinking like a politician. Back to football...GO GIANTS!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:46 PM)

"As for the Iranians and their Bass Boats...." Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 4:47 AM)

And a very scary history of the US turning such nonsense into an excuse for war. Remember the Maine, and the Gulf of Tonkin? And the Pueblo, which could have turned into war but for those pesky Soviets on the other side of N Korea. The USS Cole undeniably played into the thinking in re: Iraq; FWIW there was at least some there there. Not so in every case.

Mo Hammond Cairo IL (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:53 PM)

Nancy in Manhattan Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:37 AM..thank you for your very compassionate post about Hillary Clinton. Though I have not decided yet who I will vote, for, I was upset at the treatment of her. She is, in my opinion, a very intelligent lady.  

Thanks for the comment about Rudy "9/11" Giulliani. He is good for a laugh though.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 9:58 PM)

On Hillary getting a little choked up...
HEY GUYS!
Did any of you happen to check out T.O. at the end of the Giants/Cowboys game?  Macho guys...gimmie a break.
Gee whiz!

Nancy in NY (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 11:49 PM)

"Krista --I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry!!
PEACE FRIEND!!" Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:35 PM) Uhh...'bout the only thing I can think of that you'd be apologizing to me for would be the game yesterday. If so, no apologies needed; I've never been a Colts fan. Even my fairly die-hard Colts fan hubby admitted they played like donkey droppings yesterday and didn't deserve to win. All the wailing around here, though,...ugh...not fun.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 11:13 AM)

Mo. I thought of the USS Cole, also. But it was stationary, much easier to get right next to. I don't think the Iranian Bass Tournament Attack Craft could snuggle that close, what with the ships wake and all, to detonate a load of Explosives equal to what hit the Cole. Plus, I doubt if they could get any speed up with that much of a cargo. For all his discounting of Vietnam Similarities, Dubya was 'floating' a Gulf of Tonkin thing for this one.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 11:21 AM)

Kay, Indianapolis (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 7:30 PM) Another "Circle City"ite! Yippee!! I really don't know what to think about the voter ID law. On the one side, whatever law is in effect is not being enforced. Remember when we voted for mayor back in November? When I went to my polling place, I was not asked for any kind of ID. They just wanted my name and address, I gave it to them, then I signed the book and voted. Guess I must've had an "honest face." The time before that when I went to go vote for whatever, I WAS asked for ID. On the other side, though, the argument that's always put forth by those who support the law and use the "logic" that a photo ID is needed for nearly everything, like traveling, having a bank account, etc. drives me BATTY! Traveling is a privilege, having a bank account is, perhaps, a privilege. I would NOT put the right to vote on the same playing field as traveling or banking. I have a feeling I know how this case will turn out, but many people are watching this case for sure. Please post here again! We can be a "lively" bunch, but there's many very thoughtful intelligent people who post here.

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 11:44 AM)

Nancy in NY Yes I did see T.O. after the Giants game. What a beautiful sight it was to behold. Mr. Cocky Showboat himself reduced to tears about comments made about "my quarterback". It makes me wonder what Donovan McNabb thinks about the whole thing.
Hey T.O enjoy the rest of the playoffs and Super Bowl from your couch just like the rest of us...A****le!  

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 11:58 AM)

Krista Sunday, Janaury 13, 2008 7:46 PM..thanks Krista..that makes sense. I'd never say you think like a politician, but I think you just did!

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 12:35 PM)

Keith, any comments on Billo stating that he should be on the Supreme Court?

Bob, Park Forest, IL (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 2:38 PM)

"Did any of you happen to check out T.O. at the end of the Giants/Cowboys game?  Macho guys...gimmie a break.
Gee whiz!" Nancy in NY (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 11:49 PM) With all apologies to any fans of EVITA or anyone who's portrayed Eva Peron, "Don't cry for me, Tony Romo!"

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 2:45 PM)

The link in my post about the US Navel confrontation with Iranian speedboats is correct, but will not link to the article US-Iranian Naval Dispute Deepens..
try this link

http://news.bbc.co.uk

under "search" put in title of article. It is an interesting one.

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 3:02 PM)

The look on Jerry Jones face was priceless.

John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 3:51 PM)

"The look on Jerry Jones face was priceless." John Scully Denver Co. (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 3:51 PM) I agree! And, how 'bout him haunting the sidelines? Does he do that all season long, or does he just reserve that "pleasure" for the playoffs?

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 4:34 PM)

Nancy in Manhattan (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 2:37 AM)

There is another website where many of us blog as well.  It's called civil discourse.  

http://www.civildiscourse.com/index.php?showtopic=166&st=80&start=80

You are cordially invited to join in.  Your opinions, especially as a New Yorker, would be most welcome.  

Carol, Long Valley NJ (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 4:52 PM)

Huffington Post Monday - Bush Seals Deal to Sell Saudis $20 Billion In Arms

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/14/bush-seals-deal-to-sell-s_n_81378.html

Seals the deal with a kiss! eeeewwww!

Laura in Los Angeles (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 4:57 PM)

Keith
Where is Karl rove? Is he trying to muddy the waters?
He has already said Hillary would be easiest to beat.

Mary Savoca Alexandria Va (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 9:03 PM)

KUDOS to MSNBC and Countdown for finally giving John Edwards some positive comments about the DEM's ugly debate.  Feinman's comment about Edwards coming out the winner was a refreshing return to issues instead of polls wrestling matches and horse races.  In case nobody has noticeed.  Edwards has been first out of the gate on most issues ie. healthcare plan, getting out of Iraq timeline, a lifelong quest to eliminate poverty (not just in the USA, but the world), and most important a new energy policy that goes to eliminate our dependancy on carbon.  It's not fair to give so much airtime to the so-called front runners.  The percentage of airtime IS a self fullfilling prophecy of who will be a front runner.  Last night you reported on the fact that Edwards was the only adult in the debate.  Keep it up!  Do your analysis on who is best on the issues.  Forget the horse race and the polls.  Serious and well thought out opinion will push the polls in the right direction.  Be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Craig Hall (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 1:50 PM)

Keith- Love your show... Here are my thoughts...

I have said all along that this is the Democrat's election to lose and if Hillary is our candidate, there is a strong possibility that will happen. Her behavior in the debate the other evening was disgusting and she is said to be, quite possibly, the most unelectable candidate the Democrats could offer up. Between her and Bill, they are pushing me more and more to Obama- In fact, he's my guy at this point. I want nothing to do with the Nasty-Clinton-Steamrolling-Machine. The nastier she gets, the more she smells like a Bush-Cheney-Republican.

If she is the candidate, I wouldn't bet on the Dems getting the White House back. I wouldn't bet against it, but I'm not 100% sure I'd vote for Hillary either. Please ask someone to put a civil tongue or a sock in her mouth, Bill in Costa Rica, and Obama in the general election. We need "change" not a split party and that's about all the Clintons bring to the table at this stage of the game... Thank you,  rcd

By the way- Attention all news media everywhere-  enough of the Heath Ledger story already. Too bad for sure but he was a 28-29 yr. old actor of little significance He was not Robert Redford, Otto Preminger, or even Bradd Pitt or George Clooney, two actors who clearly bring more to the world's table. You guys in the media just keep pushing these stories down our throats. These endless repeat stories remind me of the Eddie Murphy SNL/Nightline report of.. "Buckwheat is dead" Oootah!

Keep up the great work,  rcd

Bob (Sent Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:04 PM)



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