I believe the proper spelling of the name of the AG is Mucusey, Or if it ain't, it oughta be.

Lots of things are making me smile today:

A. It’s a balmy 1 degree ABOVE zero with no wind and the sun peaking out! (For those who didn’t get a chance to experience the -40 below windchill of the last few days, you might not understand our impulse to break out the shorts and tank tops.)

B. Special comment on FISA tonight. Not that I’m happy about FISA, but I am that Countdown is going to talk about it.

C. On the previous thread, Scottie smallcaps claims to be in the top 5% income bracket. And blogging here!

D. Protestors ganging up on Billo. It appears that Countdown may have a good view of this afternoon’s event – here’s hoping that it doesn’t distract too much from Special Comment preparations:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/31/homeless-vets-prepare-to-_n_84207.html

Other things are not so joy-inspiring, such as Nader's potential run -- but I'm not going to focus on the negative today.

#1. Rudy's 'Back-Up Plan' is to be McCain's Cheney. #2. What...Sex, Drugs, and Mozart? #3. Simple answer? Sorry. Gonzo channeled Cheney. Mukasey is channeling Dubya. #4. Super Tuesday? Could be 'Stay Home Tuesday'. #5. At this moment, Edwards is throwing the 'Vice-President I-Ching'.

Steve Yulle, SF CA (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:18 PM) -- What matters most to me about your service, sir, is the deep gratitude we all owe you for it, and my heartfelt hope that you came back well and are doing fine now, whatever you’re doing.  That’s always the greatest concern.  Too many soldiers have not.  (Actually, any would be “too many.”)  Here’s an article that makes me very sad, especially in light of recent discussions on the last thread.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080131/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/army_suicides&printer=1;_ylt=AjqltL0x3Oe4NHAtMXbBSCyWwvIE
What matters secondarily about your service is the valuable insight, based on personal experience, that you can offer as to what should be done.  I don’t pretend to have that same level of insight.  I really hope you’ll share your views in exchange for mine.  

But never mistake me, sir.  We made this mess and it’s up to us to clean it up.  I wouldn’t favor any policy for withdrawal that puts troops in excessive danger (they’re in plenty of danger right now), or that would leave jihadists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (not to mention Iran) thinking we believe they would never do us any harm.  Much to the contrary, as my post above about Pakistan tries to illustrate.  But, by aiming at the wrong target, we have actually facilitated the spread of jihadism.  Iran is a long-term threat, but probably could be handled diplomatically, if we had any real diplomats.  Iraq is still an immediate problem.  Even if the surge has worked (and I’ve read enough things to question that), sooner or later the trouble will erupt again. We still have the problem of the infrastructure that we destroyed.  To the extent the surge may be pushing jihadists east, we don’t seem very interested in chasing them.  The way things are going in Pakistan, sooner or later they will have access to nuclear weapons.  I take that VERY seriously, even if the Bush administration and Congress do not.  I want a president who can view the entire Middle East situation in global terms, not just through the filtered lens of personal grudge, greed, religious fanaticism, or even bloodlust, and formulate a plan that incorporates real diplomacy, along with whatever military effort may actually be required.  Sacrificing lives should always be the last resort, not the first.  

Thank you, sir.  I always appreciate an opportunity for discussion like this.  Based on your experiences, what do you think we should do?  And again, thank you for your service.

Still, your GOP line caught my eye and is a good one.
Keep at it.
Full Moon (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 10:21 AM)

I in NO way think you are a bobblehead; I do believe many at Fox News are "talking bobbleheads" --I am glad you liked the line --but rest assured Full Moon, you are NO bobblehead --I told you last week, I am very, very pleased you stayed around!!

I REALLY enjoy your posts friend --may I call you that?

PEACE!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:55 AM) That might clear up some of that pressure on his brain, too, as both organs are probably in close proximity.
Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:09 AM)

LOL Krista; that is EXACTLY what I was implying --glad you caught it!!

PEACE!!

Pam, I just read on Boston.com that Barack Obama will be here campaigning in Massachusetts on election eve - Monday nite. None of the details have been worked out as yet so I don't know if I'll be able to go see him. I'll try.

I find it interesting that he's coming here instead of campaigning in CA the day before the election. Do you suppose he wrote CA off?

We're all pretty excited. If the Patriots win the Super Bowl, Boston is supposed to have their parade on Tuesday. I hope Obama's message is to tell the young people that they need to vote on Tuesday, regardless of the parade. The mayor of Boston and all the state and city workers are Clinton supporters and they'll have to vote for sure. It's highly unlikely Obama's supporter will choose voting over a parade. I could be wrong.

Hopefully that will be Obama's message. VOTE.

Redd R (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 8:39 AM)

Ooh, you naughty boy!  I'm trying to break through my writer's block.  Seems it's gonna take more than a crowbar, though.

Maybe listening to Ol' Hank will help, you think?

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:47 AM)

To expand on the "Dick" Morris, for someone caught with a prostitute, on camera to boot, at the Democratic National Convention and has hated the Clinton's ever since because, God forbid, he was fired for it, has ZERO room to speak about anyone's transgressions or anyone period!!

That, my friend, is why he despises the Clinton's --no fears --"ColonCure" on the way!!

PEACE!!

C. On the previous thread, Scottie smallcaps claims to be in the top 5% income bracket. And blogging here!
ek mpls mn (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:24 AM)

A million thanks ek --I needed a good laugh; this one should work for quite some time!!

PEACE!!

Krista Swisher, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:12 AM)

Good AM to you too, professor, and I have taken all factors into consideration and decided I'll just wait till after the debate and see what Keith and company have to say about it.  After hearing all the sound bites the past couple of weeks, and knowing that sometimes Wolfman loses control of situations despite his best intentions, I think I can pretty well figure which fans the s**t will hit.

BTW, Huckleberry is PEEVED this AM.  I'm surprised he hasn't forgotten his Christian principles and cast some really nasty aspersions on his opponents' characters--he's already accused Anderson Cooper of all sorts of unfairness.  I think it was another of those situations where the moderator got to watching the bouncing ball and the tennis match devolved into John McEnroe vs. Ilie Nastase--remember that nasty piece of work?

Hi Keith, I think Anderson Cooper should be nominated for "Worst Person" for the lame job he did last night as moderator at the Mitt and John show. He ignored Ron Paul and left Huckabee and Paul out of the debate by pandering to Romney and McCain hoping to see blood in the water. Anderson and CNN got their wish.

McCain Is Scary:

Although respecting McCain's military service, his time in Nam as well as knowing what he went through as a prisoner, his constant references to the military this and military that as well as his constant implications that he will protect America by way of intimidating the rest of the world with our power is a scary thing. No one here I believe disagrees with the idea that we should have and maintain a strong military, but McCain's constant reminders that he is the one who knows how to fight wars raises the hair on the back of one's neck. And unfortunately if we were required to use our military I'm not so sure someone who thinks sending in thousands of additional troops to suppress a small handful of terrorists and a country torn apart by religious differences does in fact know how to fight a modern war against terrorists. Sounds more like McCain expects our enemies to fight the old conventional style wars where we line up our troops and they line up their troops and the biggest and badest wins. That's not how wars are being fought today. At least not by the terrorists.

So much for McCain’s “straight talk” –or honesty; the man’s a liar and is no better than the “typical” politicians he’s currently condemning!! Over the course of the last two republican debates, he has been proved to be a liar!!

First, he told Tim Russert he never stated the economy wasn’t his strong suit, although it’s on record in an interview with no other than Tim Russert himself!! He’s also on record stating the exact same thing in both print and TV interviews!! However, now that “It’s the Economy Stupid” (I love James Carville) that has emerged as the number one issue among voters (I’m disgusted; it should still be Iraq until each and every one of our military returns home), McCain’s lying about a statement he made at least three times -- and is a matter of public record. He’s a liar!!

Second, while I have utter contempt for Mitt Romney, McCain’s accusation that Romney called for time tables in Iraq is a bold faced lie, which was proven the last time he made the charge!! It was debunked then by CNN, MSNBC and Fox News and McCain was blasted by all three networks then!! Yet again; he made the same false claim in last night’s debate!!

For the many that have stated they will vote for McCain because he’s a man of “truth and honor” –reconsider –he’s a liar!! While I believed there was nothing more McCain could do to disgust me since his 180 about face –he continues to blow me away!!

Who did you sell your soul to Senator McCain; I would love to know!!

PEACE!!

Ah, the Republicans (Grave' on the Pub part), especially the Holy ones. Huck, ever the Happy Deacon, questioned Mitt's Puberty. Now Puberty, according to the Boy Scout Handbook, is when a male becomes ready for pro-creative activities with a deepening of the voice, growth of hair over the body, and an increase in size of the sexual organ. Hallelujah! I just knew Huck would eventually throw something like that into the mix. The Candidates, Sinful Conservatives all, reacted with a collective look that the Ancient Romans would call, "Pudendum Magnus". By the end of the debate, all were fidgeting like Jackrabbits on a Date, and split the stage quicker than you could shake a Baculum at. I don't think this is the last of "Pubis" Huckabee, either.

Thanx for the come back, I appreciate any comment that's real (not hate filled without substance).  While I agree that Hillary Clinton is not perfect, the biggest difference between her and Obama, (besides the fact she is a woman and he's a black man) is the fact of getting things done.  Yes, Hillary did fail with the attempt to work on health care, but she has learned by that mistake, whereas Obama doesn't really know what he doing, not only with health care but on a whole host of issues.  His foreign policy consists of talking to our enemies, threatening our allies (Pakistan)and basically other naive positions, without considering the history of the U.S. His proposal is interesting but the ship of state does not turn on a dime, no matter what he may hope.  The problem with Obama is that he really does not know how this government operates.  This is a major problem, and has been for most of the far left in this country.  Its great to just want to get along with the world, but what happens when some of that world doesn't just want to get along with us.  There has to be a middle ground, one that recognizes our consistent position throughout the 20th century and repairs the considerable damage done by the Bush Administration to that position.  We cannot lurch from one position to another so casually. The world leaders would take advantage of someone like Barack who has no real sense of history and who seems to be persuaded by the likes of Ted Kennedy. The stability required to handle world affairs is very important.  Neither the war forever McCain nor the can't we all just get along Obama can steer this ship down a middle course that we must traverse in the next few years.  There are people on the left and right that have these extreme views, but the vast majority of Americans are in the middle ground, more interested in peace but not at any cost, nor war as the answer.The biggest reason I support Hillary is because she has her feet planted firmly on the ground, not head in the clouds, or in the sand. She knows how to actually work with congress, having done so these years and even though the Obama campaign says she too divisive, that is not really the truth, the press has chanted that mantra but the real truth can be seen in the N.Y. elections.  She won with republican votes, more the second time.  The real truth is they want Obama to win the nomination because they will actually use race baiting just like they did against Harold Ford here in Tennessee.  If the democrats select him, they will loose in the fall.  Sure the election will be close with Hillary but at least she has a chance to win whereas not enough people will, in the end, actually vote for Obama. That may not be fair or just but it is the truth.

At my winter home I miss Mr. Obermann. I think the best person available is Mayor Bloomberg but 2nd choice is Sen Obama. I believe he is the best qualified person after Bloomberg. Where is Sen. Goldwater when we needed him. Most are missing the real problem, the economy. Lok at the debt, the dollar and the price of oil. Judge John R. Stewart

So, now that Hillary basically admitted on "Nightline" that there really was a co-presidency and that it didn't work out so well and now we see that Bill is running his own game brokering deals with leaders of countries his own wife opposes, is a new co-presidency in the USA's best interests? Read the New York Times article on his dealings with the leader of Kazakhstan and you can hear "it depends on what the meaning of 'is'" is buzzing in your head again. Are that many people so enamored of the Clintons that they don't see that the Clintons serve only their self interests? Bill Clinton is the real Captain Jack Sparrow. Those who preached when he was president that character doesn't matter certainly cannot be surprised at his craven, narcissistic behavior now in private life. Enough with the Clintons. If Hillary is elected president this country deserves the 4 years of rancor,investigations, and media circus that will follow.

Hopefully that will be Obama's message. VOTE.
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:59 AM)

I truly hope and pray you get to go Pat --I believe Obama’s going there because I heard the polls are tightening in your home state friend --that's good news!! Have you heard this? And if so, what's the margin between Clinton and Obama?

Regarding California, I don't think Obama's writing it off --while CNN/Politico/LA Times poll -which has been the very, very reliable in California for years, has Clinton leading by 17%, some say he's gaining; while I don't think there is enough time to make up that big of a difference if the polls are correct. In addition, Edwards' people are coming to Hillary Clinton in pretty big numbers here, I don't think it will be the blow out many predicted --we'll have to wait and see!! Also, Senator Kennedy’s endorsement here has turned off a lot of people as Laura pointed out.  Again Pat, YOU have my vote; I so look forward to the day we can meet in person and go to the JFK library!!

I had just barely turned two years old when JFK was taken from us; however, for my ninth birthday, I wanted an album of his speeches --my father, rest is wonderful soul, found it for me on Market Street in San Francisco after searching for quite a while!! My fourth grade teacher had one; she played a speech a day for a couple of weeks; from that moment on, I was in love with this wonderful and courageous man!!

PEACE & GOD BLESS!!

Pam Bignardi (Jan. 31, 11:56 AM)

Pam - you can call me "friend" anytime, even when we mostly agree to disagree ... but beware, as I'm in the political minority on this blog, you'll also be in the minority signing off as my "friend."

Hope you're up to it, friend.

Take care.

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:58 AM) I'm always ready, willing, and able to contribute to a good DICK Morris insult.

gb (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:10 PM) Hi. I was never "into" tennis, so I don't remember the particular nastiness you site, but I absolutely remember Mr. McEnroe's...um...disposition. And, please, no need to call me "professor"; my students don't even do it. Krista is fine!

PS: Pat --

Recent polls also show an Obama surge in Connecticut, a state that was predicted Clinton would win handily!! That may also be the reason for his visit to your state Monday night!! I heard last night Connecticut’s a virtual tie now --although I'm not familiar with the polls there so I don't know if the one I was looking at is reliable --unlike CNN/Politico/LA Times, which usually nails it!!

PEACE!!

OK everyone knows that if we cut back our greenhouse gas emissions, it WILL slow our economy down.  While this may be true, I have to question his candor/wisdom in saying that he basically would be willing to slow OUR economy to stop global warming.  I don't think that is going to sit well with the general populace.  Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:15 AM)

Kevin – a couple of questions.  First, do you think the “green jobs” program, which was proposed by both Clinton and Edwards (or anything else proposed by either Clinton or Obama), would have any effect on whether the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions would slow the economy down?  And second, if saving the planet for our grandchildren doesn’t cut it, is there ANY set of circumstances you can imagine where slowing the economy down, at least temporarily, would be an appropriate trade-off to reduce air pollution or slow down global warming?  Or is economy paramount, come Hades or high water.  (And maybe both, come to think of it.)

Oh, one more thing, if you know.  Did Mrs. Clinton make that statement about controlling her husband spontaneously or did someone ask her a question about it?  If the latter, do you know what the question was?  (In other words, what was the context?)

Warning, if you are a Hillary Clinton supporter, don't go to this link, unless you have a well developed sense of humor.

http://cagle.com/news/ClintonsAttack/

Political cartoons, with a theme.

To ek mpls mn: Thank you for the story on Huffington Post regarding Bill O'Reilly.

O'Reilly has gotten away with too much for too long. I'm happy to see veterans fighting back. I guess the definition of supporting the troops has a much different meaning to O'Reilly. He has no concept of the reality of what's going on.

People must remember on thing: the O'Reilly we observe on tv represents one thing and one thing only - entertainment. Very bad and destructive entertainment. But he brings in the money for Fox so what do they care.

Thanks again.

"OK everyone knows that if we cut back our greenhouse gas emissions, it WILL slow our economy down. ...

"...wind and solar power.  If we end up going down that road, the infrastructure that supports our energy delivery is going to suffer tremendously.  The reliability of these savior system is extremely suspect, and we cannot support our economy relying on that type of technology.
Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 11:15 AM)

Why would green solutions necessarily slow down the economy -- seems like it offers some potential job growth in new technologies. Some mature technologies would have to reorganize, but they've done it before and they can do it again, or rust away. (Remember the Y2K bug and how it was going to bankrupt our businesses replacing all the old stuff?  As it turned out, it spawned some long-overdue reinvestment.)

Ditto the "infrastructure" argument -- we're not building a new power grid from scratch, we're sticking in feeder lines where they may not exist. Smaller decentralized power sources do not require the high-voltage transmission lines that the big power plants do.

Solar, wind, etc are indeed not a panacea, but power volumes can be substantially reduced if the incentives are there; green-house gas sequestration at coal-burning plants is approaching large-scale reality, cars can go electric and high efficiency, etc.  The incentives are the hard part -- utilities are mostly privately held and they don't make money by people not using their products.

Anna Molly (11:32 AM Post):

I concur with what you have said in your post. Part of my anger with GWB comes from the very complicated and almost no-win situation he has placed the US in regarding Iraq and this part of the world. No one is against fighting and eliminating terrorists. But there is a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. All GWB has done is place the American people in a very bad, complicated and almost no-win positon. Naturally we want our troops home, but at the same time because we have already destroyed much of Iraq and have created such a mess over there the Amercian people are also torn about leaving the Iraqi's on their own where a potential blood bath could occur or where terrorists could take over, control, and use the same as a training area for future terrorist activities. Is there a new strategy we could use to get the majority of our troops out of harms way and still attempt to help the Iraqi people? Yes there is. But I am afraid that this will mean we will have a presence in the area for a long period of time. I think all Presidential candidates know this but some are unwilling to admit that they may be forced to commit support in the area on a long term basis. This is a very very complicated issue and GWB should be held accountable in some way, shape or form for the predicament he has placed the American people in.

I really think in the future, we should not have primaries or have to worry about politics until after the Super Bowl.  Where are our priorities?
Disgusted, TX (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 9:34 PM)

Thank you; Thank you and Thank you!! You have just stated what should have been stated long ago -- when the Super Bowl becomes more important than electing a president, something is wrong with America --starting with the media --KUDOS!!

PEACE FRIEND!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:07 PM)

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:02 PM)

You're very welcome -- and you both have added to my list of things to smile about today.

Hope you're up to it, friend.
Take care.
Full Moon (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:54 PM)

I could care less about being in the "mimority" friend --I make decisions with my heart!! If people think less of me for it --so be it!!

PEACE!!

Fairweather Lewis (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:02 PM)


If it's good to ya, it's good for ya....

Steven Rennie, Fillmore, NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:41 PM)

According to Carl Bernstein, who spent years researching Senator Clinton for the book he wrote about her, insists not only did Hillary Clinton oppose NAFTA, she accused her husband, Bill Clinton, of "Republican economics"!!

I believe Carl Bernstein sir; also, while my vote goes to Pat - Boston, I will defend Senator Clinton against factually incorrect claims.  In-depth researching of candidates does a world of good!!

PEACE!!

Anna Molly (: (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:00 PM)

I think you missed my point.  I was not saying that I was against reducing greenhouse gas emissions, I was questioning the timing of the statement, and its impact on the view from the american public.  Bill is saying that maybe we need to slow the economy down.  I can tell you that is not what America wants to here right now, especially considering the economy is the No. 1 issue.

As for Hillary control, I don't care.  Bill wants to be in the spotlight so she is NOT going to be able to keep him under wraps.

Pam, you're right. I just read some polls and Obama is gaining everywhere - and he raised $32 million in January. California, CT., MA - he is gaining. He's closed the gap nationally to 6%.

If he wins in MA (which we don't expect), it will bode well for him across the country. This is Clinton country and has been for years and years.

It will be an interesting debate for sure.

Minda, TN (12:30 PM Post):

Are you sure Hillary has learned by her mistake with the previous national health care debackle? She says she has learned her lesson on the campaign trail but do you think that the "driver" in Hillary or the my- way-or-the-highjway attitude has really changed that much? I'm not so sure.  

Regarding Obama. Sure he would be new to this role and sure he would have much to learn. Is he a dreamer that fails to recognize some of the headaches that come with the job along with a lack of sudden cooperation he would want and desire from all sides? Perhaps. But does that mean we should deny a person who has dreams of unification because we think that nothing will change and that we will go on bickering and will never find the kind of cooperation we all want. Can't we start somewhere? Can't we give someone a chance who appears might be the spark and ignitor of a more united country? They may not be able toea   exact all the changes they speak of but don't we need a starting place? And what better place to start then to tell our government we want what he says. We want change. We want cooperation. It all has to begin somewhere. Why not with Obama. For it is not about him. It is about all those young people and many middle age and old alike who have become incited and excited. Why not ride the wave to start some changes. Not the Obama wave but our wave. And once in office and our voices have been heard if Obama (the spark and the ignitor) does not hold true to his promises of change we get rid of his butt and find someone else who will pursue what the American people want.

Perhaps what many who support Obama are saying is that they are not there to let him drive, but rather they are inviting him to give the vehicle a jump start so the can drive in the direction that is best for the Amercian people. If as the vehicle he contninues to run well we'll conntinue to ride him to get where we want to go. If he starts breaking down, hesitating or failing because the warranty is about to run out we'll trade him in for a new vehicle. But at least he may be able to get us started down the right road. Can Hillary do this?

Mo (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:05 PM)

I would agree that there should be incentives to reduce load requirements, through shift reductions at plants, other energy savings measures.  My point about Wind and Solar is that the current technology is not very reliable, at least not reliable enough to prop up an economy.  

We should be using clean coal technology, continue to utilize nuclear plants, as major sources of energy.  I will admit that we need to find a solution to how to dispose of the nuclear waste.  

Transmission lines are continuing to be a problem, because we don't have enough regional supply of electricity in critical areas.  As a result, power must be transmitted inter state, often causing bottle necks.  

It is OK to use wind and solar, but improve the technology so that it is more reliable.  Otherwise, it will adversely affect the economy

Someone call 911 for Rush!!
Talvenada, Phila., Penna. (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 2:10 AM)

LOL and then some!! Thanks!!

PEACE!!

No One has said this here yet so I might as well.
With John Edwards out of the race, I intend to vote for Barack Obama on Tsunami Tuesday.
What I fear most is that Sen. Obama, if he is nominated, and, or, wins the general election. Will inherit another part of the Kennedy legacy....a bullet in the head.
I fear for Sen. Obama's safety as election day gets closer and closer. Are there any others who have opinions on this?

Thank you; Thank you and Thank you!! You have just stated what should have been stated long ago -- when the Super Bowl becomes more important than electing a president, something is wrong with America --starting with the media --KUDOS!!

PEACE FRIEND!!
Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:08 PM)

Hi Pam, Hi Disgusted!  It may be worse than we think.  I've  heard a statistic that more people voted in an "American Idol" contest than in the last presidential election.

I have high hopes for the debate tonight.  While I know there's no returning to McKinley/Bryan I would hope that the candidates can manage to direct their considerable talents and energy to the issues rather than behave as petulant schoolyard bullies.  

I see where a poster has expressed fond remembrances of Sen. Barry Goldwater ("In your heart you know he's right. . .far, far right").  He was a little before my time, but in seeing footage of some of his speeches, I must admire his clarity, if not his positions.  

*Sigh*.  Am I the only one who misses Sen. Proxmire?
 

while I have utter contempt for Mitt Romney, McCain’s accusation that Romney called for time tables in Iraq is a bold faced lie, which was proven the last time he made the charge!! It was debunked then by CNN, MSNBC and Fox News and McCain was blasted by all three networks then!! Yet again; he made the same false claim in last night’s debate!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:28 PM)

Sounds like an endorsement of Romney by Ms. Bignardi to me. :) :)

Mo (1:05 PM Post):

I am not as up on greenhouse gas emmisions as well or as much as you and many bloggers here but I read not to long ago that deforestation was actually the major contributor to this problem. If I recall the article stated that deforestation was responsible for 20% of global carbon emissions, more then from all cars, boats and planes in the world. And that if we (the world) did not deal with the massive elimnation of forests (especially in Indonesia and South America) that all other steps to reduce greenhouse gases would have little if any impact on the problem. If this is true then it is apparent that we can try and do what we can here in the States, but that those countries who control the forest in Indonesia and South America will have to play a big part in solving this problem. What are your thoughts?  

Full Moon:

I,m with you, Morning Joe can't beat Imus.  I really miss his crusty old comments and kept us informed in his own way.  I didn,t alway agree with him, but he had a good show.

I was extremely disappointed to hear that John Edwards had dropped out of the race.  He was the one candidate that was not afraid to state clearly what he would do regarding issues surrounding the Iraq War, health care, and the economy. I would now like to acknowledge some of the factors leading up to his dropping out of the race.  First, a big round of thanks to the caucus/primary system that lets a few states (Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada) decide who will continue in a presidential race before the rest of the country gets to voice their opinion.  Secondly, another round of thanks for the media in general who has been so busy dealing with the first black and female potential presidential candidates that they have forgotten to really deal with the issues we all face instead of who is running.  And lastly, I am disappointed that John Edwards himself did not stay in the race until after Super Tuesday.  Some indicators were showing that his message was finally being looked at on a larger scale and he was gaining ground.  I trully believed that he gave the democratic party the best chance to win an election they should easily win.  Now, with two candidates that can be polarizing to some, John Edwards departure may turn a highly probable Democratic victory in November into a horse race with the republicans.  This is an election the democrats and the people cannot afford to lose.    

I fear for Sen. Obama's safety as election day gets closer and closer. Are there any others who have opinions on this? Bill, Rochester NY (1:50 PM Post):

My gosh Bill one would hope we would be above and beyond that by now. Can't say I have not thought of this. Perhaps somewhat naively or perhaps because of hope that we have changed for the better I have put it out of my mind. But it lingers back there. One prays that nothing like this would and will happen to any of the candidates reagrdless of who they are.

As you I have been watching Obama. I know the time for voting is close, but I am still undecided. I keep waiting for him to make a major major blunder that would justify not voting for him. He has made errors there is no doubt as have all candidates, but no major blunders to my mind as of yet. I am going to watch this next debate very very closely. If all comes out pretty even and if Edwards were to throw his support to Obama and perhaps be mentioned as a possible running mate, I might then be convinced to give my vote to Obama.

It will be an interesting debate for sure.
Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:36 PM)

I thought what I read was probably accurate; however, I wanted to check in with you in case the polls I was looking at concerning back east were wrong.  California is a "unique" state --I love it; don't misunderstand me.  

PEACE!!

Regarding tonight's debate, I posted the following on another site; I have been deeply and increasingly more disturbed by what I deem as grossly unfair treatment of both Senators Clinton and Obama compared to how the media has reported on the republican’s bickering!!

What really angers me is that I believe the focus on the democratic squabbles has been not only blown out of proportion because Clinton is a woman and Obama is an African American, the media has not shut up about them!!

Mitt Romney has by far been the filthiest campaigner --both Party's included --yet we hear about "race vs. gender" and Bill Clinton and blah, blah, blah!! The GOP's antics have been far worse, in my opinion, than the democrats –they just don’t get 24/7 coverage to the point of nausea!! I’m actually quite pleased McCain and Romney went at it last night –not that I believe for a split second the media will do to the GOP what they have done to the dems with last night's debate, i.e. replay it ever five seconds, I believe it did serve some purpose; it also proved McCain’s a liar!!

Tonight's debate will be held at the Kodak Theatre and "Hollywood Reporters" will be covering it --this, in my opinion, is not only absurd; it's unfair to both Clinton and Obama!! We are electing a president; we are NOT watching the Academy Awards --I am just disgusted by how the media has treated the Democratic Party in comparison to the Republican Party during this election process!!

When will America finally be free of both gender and racial bias? When??!! And when will the media stop fueling it??!!

PEACE!!

Bill Rochester NY (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:50 PM)

The Presidential death 'curse' only occurred to Presidents elected in years divisible by 20 (1820, 1840, 1860, 1880, 1900, 1920, 1940, 1960) and was broken by Ronald Reagan in 1980 (although, there were attempts).  None happened in 2000, and the next time would be 2020, still 12 years away.

As good as the Secret Service has gotten, I don't believe that should be an issue.  Let's all pray that I'm right.  

Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:51 PM)

Aw, come on Kevin, you should know better than that!

Both Pam and I are sticklers for the truth.  We don't like "lies and and lying liars who tell them".  (thank you Al Franken).  

Sounds like an endorsement of Romney by Ms. Bignardi to me. :) :)
Kevin of NJ (Sent Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:51 PM)

Kevin - I have not insulted you; I have extended prayers to your wife and still pray for both of you daily; I don't think this is funny at all --I have utter contempt not only for Romney and McCain—but for the entire GOP for allowing George W. Bush to commit the horrific human rights violations he has; to destroy our Constitution and civil liberties and to "smirk" in doing so!!

Please Kevin; I know you intended this to be a joke; for me, it was not --just for future reference!!

PEACE!!

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