North Carolina AND California

Earlier I spoke about the North Carolina proposal to split their Electoral Votes by district. I didn't mention that I didn't think it was a good idea, as I don't like Maine and Nebraska doing it either, because, I think if it's implementing in one state, it should be implemented in all fifty.

Here's why...California.

A prominent California lawyer with connections to the state GOP is looking to change the winner-take all rule for the Golden State and allot the state's 55 electoral votes by who wins each Congressional district. That means the GOP could win at least 20 fo the state's 55 electoral votes, which would almost guarantee a GOP victory nationwide.

Democrats need California to win. Loosing 20 electoral votes in California, and winning all the states Kerry won, would mean Democrats would have to make that up by winning most or all of the GOP leaning swing states; Florida (25), Ohio (18), North Carolina (15), Virginia (13), Colorado (7), Iowa (7), New Mexico (5) and/or Nevada (5), which, although possible, is not very likely sans a landslide.

If the proposal makes the ballot, Democrats would have to spend millions trying to defeat it, and my guess is it will likely fail as Colorado's did two years ago.

House Passes Lobbying Reform

411-8

The bill would require members of Congress to disclose more information on their pet projects and disclose any lobbyists who raise $15k or more for them in a six month period. Senators seeking targeted spending projects or "earmarks" would have to publicize their plans 48 hours before the Senate votes on the proposals in publicly available data bases, and declare their families would not directly benefit financially.

The bill now goes to the Senate

Who voted nay on such a great bill you asked? Well, these members from BOTH parties;

Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii)
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Florida)
Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri)
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri)
Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)
Rep. John Murtha (D-Pennsylvania) I don't know what that's about
Rep. John Tanner (D-Tennessee)

He Went There

Ruben Navarette Jr. apparently never heard of the great time-honored American tradition of "Our problems are everyone else's fault, we're perfect."

MN-Sen: Coleman in Trouble?

I have to say, I'm still quite shocked at the idea that Al Franken is only down by seven in Minnesota.

Amazing to me, Coleman does really well against all three candidates among young voters. Does Minnesota buck a trend that has been seen all over the country? Is do young people just not know who Al Franken is?

Either way, Minnesota still is in the top five most vulnerable GOP seats, along with New Hampshire, Maine, Oregon and Colorado.

AK-Sen: Stevens' House Raided

The FBI raided the Alaska home of Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). The Anchorage Daily News reports agents were at the home for over 10 hours and took away "undisclosed items from inside" as well as "pictures and videos." The raid is part of a widening corruption investigation on whether or not Stevens took bribes from an oil services company CEO who admitted to bribing Alaska politicians.

Stevens is the longest serving Republican Senator ever, having represented Alaska in the US Senate since 1968. He was President pro tempore in the Republican majority, making him third in line for the Presidency between 2003 and 2007. Appointed to the Senate upon the death of Bob Bartlet (D-Alaska), he was first elected in a special election in 1970 and reelected ever since, never gaining less than 67% of the vote. He's up for reelection next year and has indicted he plans to run.

North Carolina; The Red And Blue State

Who will carry North Carolina in 2008…Hillary Clinton, Rudy Giuliani, maybe both if what the state legislature is proposing comes true.

North Carolina looks to become the third state, after Maine and Nebraska, to award their electoral votes by who carries each congressional district. Each state's number of electoral votes is equal to the state's number of members of Congress; each state has two electoral votes for the two Senators and at least one for each member of the House of Representatives.

The plan, much like the case of Maine and Nebraska, two electoral votes are given to the candidate who carries the state. These two electoral votes represent the two Senators and then the remaining electoral votes, representing the Congressmen, are allotted by who wins each Congressional District. In the cases of Maine and Nebraska, the candidate who has won the state ended up carrying each district (Maine has two, Nebraska three) so we've never actually seen that happen.

North Carolina has 13 Congressional Districts and 15 Electoral votes. Democrats are almost assured of four electoral votes, stemming from the four Democratic-leaning districts; the North Carolina 1st in the northeastern corner of the state, the North Carolina 4th around Raleigh/Durham and the Research Triangle, the North Carolina 12th, the majority black district that stretches from Charlotte to Winston-Salem and High Point, and the North Carolina 13th, which includes Raleigh, Greensboro and points north. Five other electoral votes are guaranteed to the Republicans, stemming from the five Republican-leaning districts, and the rest would be up for grabs, assuming the state becomes a swing state...if not, the EV's would be allotted 11 for the Republicans, 4 for the Democrats.

Supports argue that plan will force candidates to campaign in what has been long considered a solid Republican state. North Carolina has not been competitive since 1992, when George H.W. Bush only narrowly defeated Bill Clinton and hasn't supported a Democrat since 1976, when it gave its electoral votes to Jimmy Carter over Gerald Ford. The state was close in 1980 and in 1996, but has gone strongly Republican all other times.

Still, that's four less votes for the Republicans and that's their problem with the idea, but the idea is supported by North Carolina Democrats who control both houses of the state legislature and the Governor's office. The Charlotte News Observers reporters that the bill received tentative approval by a vote of 60-49 in the North Carolina House of Representatives, with five Democrats voting no, all from areas where Republican candidates for federal office perform well in elections.

Chief Justice Hospitalized

Chief Justice John Roberts collapsed in Rockport, Maine from a seizure.

Roberts was taken to Penobscot Bay Medical Center for evaluation. He should be fine.

Gonzales To Be Impeached?

Maybe.

MSNBC just reported that a resolution seeking the impeachment of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales will be introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Washington)

Expect the Republicans to call it political theater. Expect the Democrats to move forward with the people's blessings.

Democrats Do Something

And gloat about it.

Congress overwhelmingly passed a bill implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations; a homeland security cornacopia that shifts money to high risks cities and states, expands screening of cargo at air and sea terminals, and puts money into a new program to ensure that security officials at every level can communicate with each other.

After six months in office and a minimum wage incrase, the Democrats can finally celebrate that they've done...something.

“We will have done in six months what previous Congresses failed to do for almost six years,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Still, Republicans complain this, the second success of the Democratic Congress shows the 110th Congress is just as useless as the 109th.

See, now here's the test;

Important Bills Passed By The 110th Congress;
-Raise in the minimum wage
-Implement the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commissions

Important Bills Passed By The 109th Congress;
-?

Yeah, exactly.

For a Congress with a President from the other side of the political spectrum, not bad...if only they'd get our troops out of Iraq.

IL-18: LaHood To Retire

After serving 14 years in Congress, Ray LaHood, the popular Illinois Republican whom during the GOP majority presided over more debates than anyone else, is retiring.

LaHood is known for his civility and lack of partisan candor. He very often criticised his own party. LaHood is also a moderate.

He was elected in the Republican landslide of 1994, and took the open seat of former House Minority Leader Bob Michel who very likely would have been Speaker of the House had he held on a little longer. His district includes Peoria and most of Springfield in Central Illinois. LaHood was considered a Gubernatorial candidate against Rod Blagojevich last year, but decided against it.

Is his distict in play? Probably not. President Bush won this district comfortably in 2004 and Republican candidate for Governor Judy Baar Topinka won it last year. Still, if Melissa Bean can win the 8th district, a Democrat can win this one.

Interesting fact...LaHood's district is more Republican than the 14th district, represented by former Speaker Dennis Hastert

Whoopi Do!

If you thought Rosie got fired from The View because of her controversial remarks, think again. If it was her controversial ideas that got her canned, they wouldn't have replaced her with Whoopi Goldberg.

Oh, and by the way, Sherri Shepard will also join The View...so expect the next season to be louder than the last.

Looped In Space

Seriously? I get stopped walking home from a bar with a slight buzz, but our astronaunts can fly a space shuttle boozed up.

Does anyone else think we have a glorifying alcohol problem in this country?

OR-Sen: Smith Gets Big Name Challenger

Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley is apparently taking on incumbent Senator Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) next year.

Smith, a two term Republican in a blue state, is considered one of the many vulnerable GOP incumbents in the 2008 election.

Merkley's decision comes after Congressmen Peter DeFazio of Eugene and Earl Blumenaeur of Portland both declined to run for Smith's seat.

Smith is perhaps slightly safer than his colleagues thanks to his opposition to the continuation of the Iraq war. Still, Oregon is pretty left-leaning and a Democratic blowout can do for Oregon what it did for Rhode Island last year.

Democrats Grow Some

And are ready to take the President on.

First Democratic Senators are asking for a special prosecutor to investigate whether or not the Attorney General committed perjury when testifying before the Judiciary Committee on the firing of the eight prosecutors last fall.

Then the House Judiciary Committee issued contempt citations to Harriet Miers and Josh Bolten for refusing to show up to hearings when subpoenaed.

Now, Congress had subpoenaed Karl Rove.

The White House calls the moves pathetic and continues to use their "they're trying to kick us when we're down" excuse. Of course they are, because that's what the American people want...to kick you now that you're down you lying, chauvenstic, xenophobic, war-loving, bible-thumping, gay-bashing, fascists

Clinton, Obama Gets Big Endorsements

Hillary Clinton got a big endorsement today...from the Senior Senator of the nation's biggest state.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) officially endorsed Clinton, becoming the seventh US Senator and 56th member of Congress to endorse Clinton.

Senator Obama also got a major endorsement out of the most important primary state. Freshman Congressman Paul Hodes (D-New Hampshire) endorsed Obama. Hodes' endorsement will no doubt help Obama in the all important primary state where he has been trailing Clinton by large margins.

Obama has got the endorsement of Rep. Steve Rothman (D-New Jersey). Rothman decided to endorse Obama despite the movement of New Jersey Democrats toward Senator Clinton. So far prominent New Jersey Democrats like Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Bob Menendez and Representatives Frank Pallone, Rob Andrews and Albio Sires have all thrown their support behind the Senator from the state next door.

House Votes For No Permanent Bases

The House of Representatives overwhelminly voted to oppose funding for permanent bases in Iraq. Vote Results are here

399 members voted yea, inclcuding all Democrats and most Republicans.

24 members, all conservative Republicans, voted nay...here they are, so you can call them and complain;

Spencer Bachus (R-Alabama)
Richard Baker (R-Louisiana)
J. Gresham Barrett (R-South Carolina)
Joe Barton (R-Texas)
Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee)
Kevin Brady (R-Texas)
Michael Burgess (R-Texas)
John Campbell (R-California)
Chris Cannon (R-Utah)
Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)
Trent Franks (R-Arizona)
Phil Gingrey (R-Georgia)
Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois)
Wally Herger (R-California)
Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina)
Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)
Steve King (R-Iowa)
John Linder (R-Georgia)
Jeff Miller (R-Florida)
Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico)
Bill Sali (R-Idaho)
John Shadegg (R-Arizona)
Mac Thornberry (R-Texas)
Mike Turner (R-Ohio)

the YouTube Debate

CNN is milking it for all it's worth.

I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea, just something that needs a little more work. It's great that people from around the country get to ask these questions, so that those who ask are not just those who are present at the debate.

Who won? I can't really tell. Hillary Clinton continues to surprise me though. While I agreed with Obama on the need for a new foreign policy strategy, to meet with our enemines, Clinton explained her dissent well. "I don't want to be used as a propoganda tool." That was a great response and for a short time got me to rethink my agreement with Obama.

I think she would make a better president that we all think. I never thought I'd say this, but she may just be the next President of the United States and I may just vote for her.

Five Years Too Late

Where was this idea five years ago?

If this trigger-happy cowboy wants to blow things up, why did he have to do in Iraq. Why couldn't he do it in Pakistan, where the terrorists are.

I understand they have nukes and a fragile government that could be overrun by Islamists...really, like India is ever going to let THAT happen.

This is where they are...not Iraq.

Bush's Clean Bill of Health

I'm sure there are people in this world, and in the country, who wished it to be otherwise.

Not me, I've seen what cancer to do to a person and his or her family and friends. I wouldn't wishi it on my least favorite person in the world...and he near qualifies.

1 in 4 Approve

Near historic lows;

Bush's Approval rating is at 25% according to ARG. His disapproval at 71%.

Only 23% approval of his handling of the economy.

Sunset On McCain

He may never be President...

will he even win reelection to the Senate in 2010 if he runs?

Maybe, but if Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano decides to try for this seat, many once GOP-leaning Arizonans may have the response of one GOP-leaning Arizonan:

"Ooooh … Napolitano," his eyes widening and his confidence in McCain
narrowing. "Maybe."

Feingold Wants Censure

It's an uphill battle, but he'll probably have the support of the people behind him.

Impeachment though...he can't impeach a president for being immoral, only for doing something specifically illegal and while I think that's probably been the case with our president, until you can make a case for it, impeachment should be left off the table.

A Taste Of Hillary

Fox appears to be readying the country for a female commander-in-chief ahead of the currently very likely ascension of Hillary Clinton to the presidency next year.

Tony Award winning Broadway star Cherry Jones (The Heiress, Doubt) will play the role of President Allison Taylor in the next season of Fox hit show "24." Taylor will be the first female President of the United States in the show, as Hillary would be in real life.

"24" has already had their own Obama...President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) played the first African-American President for the first five seasons of the show.

Jones is no stranger to fictional Washington politics. The West Wing fans like myself might remember her as a guest star in the fifth season as Congresswoman Barbara Layton (R-North Carolina), a conservative member of the House of Representatives who created fiction with President Bartlet when she publically went after his daughter Ellie.

As Popular As A Colonoscopy

On the day the President made perhaps the best decision he's made in a while, to get his heath checked and get a colonoscopy, we find out that in New Jersey, he's about as popular as one.

This from Strategic Vision of all people, and they tend to overstate Republican support.

Bush at 18% in a state where he won 46% two and a half years ago. Bush's one bright side is that 47% of state voters still approve of the job he's doing on the War on Terrorism.

Congress is at 16% and only 20% approve of the President's handling of the war in Iraq. 59% want out in the next six months.

I didn't even think I'd find these polls in New York...If this is how things are in Jersey, I wonder how it is east of the Hudson?

Bush Bans Torture

Well I'll be damned.

Is there anyone else who doesn't think what interrogation techniques that are staying secret are actually torture?

The Cynthia McKinney Spirit

Deep in the heart of the only Republican left in the House of Representatives from New England.

Meanwhile, here's the guy who's going to beat him next year.

Will Vitter Resign? No Way

David Vitter made it a point to attack Bill Clinton for not resigning over the Monica Lewinsky affair.

Vitter was elected to the House of Representatives to replace former Congressman Bob Livingston (R-Louisiana) in 1999 after Livingston, elected to replace Newt Gingrich as Speaker of the House, resigned after admitting an affair. Vitter applauded Livingston's resignation and said this;

So why hasn't Vitter, who all but confirmed he had strayed from his marriage, decide to resign and why isn't anyone pushing him too?

Well, first of all, it is important to remember that there hasn't been any official confirmation that Vitter had an affair or slept with any prostitutes. All that is known is that Vitter's phone number is on the phone records of a company accused of being a prostitution ring and Vitter admitted he ha committed a "serious sin" in his past that he and his wife had worked through. Putting two and two together can spell it out pretty clearly.

Already, some Louisiana Republicans are demanding Vitter step down. Louisiana Republican State Central Committeeman Vincent Bruno called on Vitter to resign "for his own good, the good of the party and the good of his family." Bruno said that if leaders of the Republican Party are not going to enforce the family values and morality they preach on themselves, then they "should take it out of the vocabulary."

It isn't even just the fact he had an extramarital affair, which most people, including myself, can overlook. It's the fact that he may have had one with a prostitute (which is illegal,) all the while he was preaching family values. Hypocrisy is much worse than immorality in my book. If he should step down for anything, it should be because of his hypocrisy, which makes him untrustworthy and puts to question his judgment and sincerity.

So why wouldn't Vitter step down?

Louisiana would need a new Senator immediately. The new Senator would be appointed by Louisiana's Governor, Kathleen Blanco, who is in office for another six months. Blanco is a Democrat and is free to choose anyone she wishes (unlike in Wyoming where Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal was forced to appoint a Republican to fill the late Republican Craig Thomas' Senate seat.) Blanco would likely appoint a Democrat, and one who can win statewide in a special election, likely next November. That would increase the Democrats' slim majority to 52-48 and make it easier for them to defend their majority come 2008 when 22 Republican Seats are up.

Republican leaders may not be pleased with what Vitter has done, or is assumed to have done, but they can't loose one more Senate seat with Republican peeling off on issues like the Iraq war one by one.

Clinton's Golden Gift

If the Pentagon was trying to paint Hillary Clinton as treasonous to ruin her chances at the Presidency...it backfired in the worst possible way.

Clinton, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee has the right to ask the Pentagon question, the obligation even.

If anything, the dumbass who came up with the idea to attack the Senate just scored her major points among the Democratic left and even among the center. If the Junior Senator from New York ever had any trouble convincing voters of her opposition to the war, this does it.

Andrew Sullivans says it best; "Senators are not the enemy and accountability is not treason."

Well, maybe in a Fascist state.

2008: It's The Dems To loose

Clinton and Obama beat everybody, even the Lord Almighty Rudy Giuliani and especially the Second Coming Fred Thompson. Mitt Romney, who I still believe will get the GOP nod, gets killed by Clinton.

More grim news for the GOP from the latest NYT/CBS poll;

If the 2008 election for President were being held today, would you probably vote for the Republican candidate or would you probably vote for the Democratic candidate?

Democratic: 47%
Republican: 32%

In general, is your opinion of the Republican party favorable or not favorable?

Favorable: 38%
Unfavorable: 56%

In general, is your opinion of the Democratic party favorable or not favorable?

Favorable: 52%
Unfavorable: 41%

Bush's approval rating is 29%, his approval on Iraq; 25%.

Acting President Cheney

I'm always a little concern when the wannabe-dictator Dick Cheney has to act as leader of the free world for a few minutes.

If you want a reason why I don't support impeachment, President Cheney is it.

Wait Till November

At least for another month, and then he'll want us to wait till January

then April

then July

then October

then next January.

Blame Hillary

How scared are the neocons about the chances Hillary Clinton has of winning the presidency because of their Iraq screwup?

So scared that they responded to her questions about plans for post-war Iraq should we pull out by stating she was committing treason.

"Premature and public discussion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia," wrote Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman

Reinforces the enemy? Yes, her and 70% of the country

NH-Sen: Sununu Is Santorum

Sununu is being blown away in New Hampshire.

Even if Shaheen doesn't get into the race...Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand is only four points down, as is Katrina Swett and Jay Buckey is down 16, but his name recognition is nearly zero in New Hampshire.

My prediction is Shaheen will get into the race and santorum Sununu, perhaps worse.

Explosion In Manhattan- Update

So it turns out a steam pipe blew up under Lexington Avenue unnerving the whole city for a few hours, causing one woman to have a fatal heart attack and injuring at least 40 people was merely a steam pipe, laid the year my grandmother was born, bursting.

It's an unfortunate accident that will now lead to calls to check the city's aging infrustructure.

Bet ya never thought New York would get so old so fast.

Explosion In Manhattan

An explosion was reported near Grand Central Station

Doesn't look like terrorism, looks like a transformer or steam pipe.

Keep you updated.

Neocon Jokes

Q. How many neocons does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A. Neocons don't bother with light bulbs. They declare a War on Darkness and set the house on fire.

Provided to Andrew Sullivan by one of his readers. Sullivan posted it on his blog, The Daily Dish

And They Stayed All Night

Democrats held the Senate in a rare overnight session Tuesday in an attempt to publicize their opposition to the Iraq war and their attempts to change the President's policy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) said the overnight session is meant to show their attempts to force a change in the Iraq war policy was being obstructed by the Republican minority. Republicans dismissed the session as political theater meant to win political support among the war-weary public ahead of next year's elections.

"Our enemies aren't threatened by talk-a-thons, and our troops deserve better than publicity stunts," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader.

The all night debate focused mainly on an amendment to the defense bill sponsored by Armed Services Committee chair Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island.) The amendment would force the President to draw down troop numbers in Iraq beginning 120 days after the enactment of the bill. The President has already said he would veto the bill should it reach his desk with the amendment.

Resigned to the fact that they wouldn't have the 60 votes needed to bring the amendment to a floor vote, Democrats chided Republicans for preventing the Senate from holding a simple majority vote on the Levin/Reed amendment, which was supported by three Republicans; Gordon Smith (R-Oregon), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska.) Early in the night, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-California) motioned twice to bring the amendment to a vote, but her motions were objected by Republicans. Democrats stood nearly united in support of the amendment and attacked both the President and the Iraqi government while advocating a withdrawal to force the Iraqis to take charge of their own country.

"The President's strategy in Iraq is the 'Maginot Line' of the 21st Century." Lectured Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

"I believe a fundamental change in our strategy in Iraq is essential." Said Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), who stood tired and resigned on the Senate floor shortly after two o'clock in the morning, "We can no longer afford to put more Americans in harm way to secure a peace the Iraqis don't seem to want for themselves."

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), who took to the floor shortly before two o'clock in the morning expressed disappointment with the Iraqi government and admitted that she had believed they would be successful. Cantwell also expressed concern over the future of the Iraqi oil industry, criticizing an attempt by the Bush administration to force the Iraqis to privatize their oil industry, allowing for private companies to profit of Iraqi oil.

"We have to make it clear to the Iraqis that we do not intent to stay in Iraq for their oil" said Cantwell

One member of the Democratic caucus, Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-Connecticut) opposed the amendment. Lieberman, who left the Democratic Party after being defeated in the Democratic primary by an anti-war candidate last summer called the amendment a "mandated defeat."

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) attempted to find middle ground by offering another amendment, one sponsored by herself and Senator Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) that merely changes and narrows the mission in Iraq rather than draws down troops, but forces the President to change the mission immediately. Collins is considered a very vulnerable Republican. She is up for reelection next year in a state where the war remains very unpopular.

Republicans attempted to defend their positions, claiming the troop surge, which began last winter, has only been in place for a few weeks and needs to be given a chance to succeed. Shortly after 1:30 in the morning, Senators John Thune (R-South Dakota) and John McCain (R-Arizona) engaged in a colloquy, highlighting the successes in Al-Anbar province and stories of Iraqis who pleaded with US soldiers to stay.

Still, Republicans didn't leave their criticisms of the Bush Administration at the door;

"What next when we don't follow through on our moral obligation to clean up a mess we created?" Said Senator Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma)

Our policy has included "too much emphasis on military actions at the expense of diplomacy," bemoaned Senator Collins.

"Things have not gone as well as we had hoped in Iraq" admitted Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) "The aftermath has been marked by errors, marks and frustration."

Still, Republicans continued to insist that to leave Iraq would embolden the terrorists and give them a safe haven. Senator Sessions admonished Democrats for confirming General Petreaus, but refusing to give him a chance to report to Congress in September on progress. Democrats responded, stating that the public patience on Iraq is up;

"Patience is not a virtue in a manifestly failed policy." Said Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who went on to repeat that Iraq has become "Just like Vietnam."

"To wait till September is simply prolonging a war that is no longer our fight." Said Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii)

Democrats attacked Republicans for holding up the Levin/Reed amendment and forcing a 60 vote threshold to move the amendment forward. Standing in front of a giant poster board that read; LET US VOTE, Democrats criticized the filibuster as the GOP obstructing an amendment that they say is in tune to what the public wants.

"It's tyranny of the minority." Rebuked Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey)

If it took 60 votes to be in the Senate, most of us wouldn?t be talking tonight." said Freshman Senator Jim Webb (D-Virginia)

"Our soldiers are fighting for democracy in Iraq," scolded an exhausted Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at a quarter past three, "But the Republican minority will not let majority rule here in the Senate."

The marathon debate went on through the night, shifting sides from Republican to Democratic. Senator Webb held the floor around 3:45am, followed by Presidential candidates McCain and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York). Former Presidential Candidate John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) held the floor at sunrise.

As morning progressed and the 11am vote neared, Republicans brought Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) to the floor to staunchly defend the President's strategy.

"The amendment tells our enemies when they can take over in Iraq," said Chambliss

At 11am, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) presiding, the cloture vote was called. A majority voted for cloture, 52-47, but Democrats fell eight votes short of the 60 needed to move the amendment forward. Four Republicans, Collins, Snowe, Hagel and Smith voted for cloture, Lieberman was the only member of the Democratic caucus to vote nay. After the results, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid took to the floor, lamenting over the failure to reach cloture, but claiming the overnight marathon debate was a victory for the public.

"I am mixed with pride and regret." Exclaimed Majority Leader Reid

11:00 Vote

Senators are voting on cloture.

Some important votes;

Four Republicans sided with the Democrats;

Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska)
Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Gordon Smith (R-Oregon)
Susan Collins (R-Maine)- She was on the fence.

Senator Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) voted for cloture.

Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut) voted against cloture.

Going To Sleep

Jim Webb is expected to take the floor after Sessions.

I'd stay up, but I just can't...I'll get back to this in the morning.

All Night Session...Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama)

Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama)



We voted two months ago to continue to fund the surge.

We can't just blame the President, it's Congress' responsibility as well.

"Things have not gone as well as we had hoped in Iraq"
"The aftermath has been marked by errors, marks and frustration."

Sessions regurgitates the same old GOP talking points; leaving emboldens the terrorists, gives them safe have, yada yada yada.

War protestors wear pretty pink crowns do they?

All Night Session...Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan)

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan)



Debbie Stabenow was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1996 defeating one term incumbent Dick Chrysler in a district that included Lansing. She went on to narrowly defeat incumbent Senator Spencer Abraham (R-Michigan) in 2000 to become the first woman to ever defeat an incumbent Senator.



3:00AM- Stabenow has the floor

There's the lame Let Us Vote sign again.

Let majority rule, isn't that what we're fighting for in Iraq?

"There are no good wars or bad wars. There are only necessary wars and unecessary wars."


Republicans don't even support allowing soldiers to stay home for reasonable amounts of time between tours...they filibustered the Webb amendment.

All Night Session...John McCain (R-Arizona)

Senator John McCain (R-Arizona)

What is he doing? Are you Al-Qaeda? Can't we tell the difference? If we can't, isn't that a problem?

Wearing t-shirts that say Al-Qaeda...ok senator, we get it.

McCain is coming across as desperate to get across his point. He seems to want to do anything possible to save the war, to stop a pull out.

McCain's midnight hissy fit complete

All Night Session...Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)

Olympia Snowe is one of the most powerful Senators and is exceptionally popular at home. A moderate, she was elected in a landslide to the US Senate in 1994 in the seat vacated by Democrat George Mitchell. In 2006, she won the biggest landslide of any Republican Senator.

Snowe seemed either tired (it is 2:22 AM) or resigned to the fact that she has to turn against the President and her party on the Iraq war.

Snowe is cosponsoring the Levin/Reed Amendment with two other Republicans, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Gordon Smith of Oregon.

This amendment is not unprecedented

"I believe a fundamental change in our strategy in Iraq is essential."

"We can no longer afford to put more Americans in harm way to secure a peace the Iraqis don't seem to want for themselves."

Snowe: the Iraqi government is a complete disappointment. They will take a recess in August having done nothing while our soldiers die for them.

The Iraqi government has failed to meet few, if any, deadlines in the last year.

Snowe has been speaking for nearly a half hour now, she started looking tired, seemed to spring up, but once again looks exhausted and resigned.

The American people want a bipartisan end to the this war.

Snowe yields the floor...Enter John McCain

All Night Session...Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington)

Maria Cantwell served in the US House of Representatives from suburban Seattle from 1993-1995 before being defeated in the Republican Revolution. Cantwell made a comeback, narrowly defeating incumbent Senator Slade Gorton (R-Washington) in 2000 and was reelected in 2006 by a nearly 20 point margin.

This vote is about where each Senator stands

We decided to change the mission in 2006, what happened?

Bought into those benchmarks, I've been disappointed by the Iraqi government.

Distrubtion of oil wealth is a major problem that's gone unresolved.

Administration has pushed for the privitization of the Iraqi oil wealth to help oil companies.

"We have to make it clear to the Iraqis that we do not intent to stay in Iraq for their oil"

The United States have been successful in helping weak ethnic violence-plagued governments before (i.e. Bosnia)

All Night Session...John Thune (R-South Dakota)

Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota)

Thune, formerly the lone Congressman from South Dakota, narrowly lost to Senator Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) in 2002 and ousted Democratic floor leader Tom Daschle in 2004.

Thune: We should just pass the defense bill, no questions asked, no debate, just do it cause that's what it's about.

Why is Afghanistan a good war and Iraq a bad war...less casualties?

No attacks since 9/11

Surge just started, give it time

A Senior Democratic Aide on Fox News? You mean a Democrat who switched parties and just hasn't announced it?

Do you want to loose seats? No? Well then that's what the Democrats are saying. Your jobs are on the line. If you don't care, ok fine, but you're loosing your seats. Watch Stephanie, Senator Thune, she's coming after you.

Enter John McCain for a colloquy. McCain/Thune 2008.

Enter Jim Webb with a question.

Oh Senator Thune, don't you know, our military is NOT free to express their true opinions

All Night Session...Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

Harkin is a liberal lion and pro on the Senate floor. In office since his election in 1984, Harkin ran for President and won the Iowa Caucus in 1992. He has never won reelection by very wide margins, but remains popular in his home state and remains a blatant critic of the Bush Administration and the Iraq war.

Moral Obligation? "What moral obligation did we have in the 1980's when Donald Rumsfeld visited Saddam Hussein?" Sold weapons to Iran.

The doomsday scenario concerning Vietnam never panned out, so is Iraq's doomsday scenario just over dramatized.

The Let Us Vote banner comes out again

Republicans can certaintly support the President, but they don't have a right to obstruct the majority opinion.

"Just like Vietnam"

"Patience is not a virtue in a manifestly failed policy."

President will cherrypick September report from Petraeus to justify staying the course longer and longer and longer. He'll want more troops.

See, there are military families who oppose this war...and from heavily Republican Council Bluffs of all places.

All Night Session...Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma)

Senator Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma)

A former member of the House of Representatives, Coburn defeated Democratic Congressman Brad Carson in 2004 and is considered one of, if not the, most conservative members of the US Senate.

Coburn states he doesn't speak much on the floor about Iraq...as if it wasn't really an issue to him.

I find it so funny thaat these people, who are supported by those who want to essentially ethnically cleanse the Middle East are so damn concerned with their welfare.

Considering I disagree with almost anything Coburn says, I think he sounds like one of the more sincere and honest of all the Senators in his position, even if I disagree with him on it.

"What happens if the Levin/Reed Amendment becomes law?"

"What next when we don't follow through on our moral obligation to clean up a mess we created."

All Night Session...Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii)

Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii)

Senator Akaka has represented Hawaii in the US Senate since 1990. He is four days younger than Hawaii's other Senator, Daniel Inouye.

Akaka: The burden of success lies with the Iraqi government.

"To wait till September is simply prolonging a war that is no longer our fight."

All Night Session...Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia)

Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia)

A former Congressman, Isakson defeated Congresswoman Denise Majette for the Senate seat of Democrat Zell Miller in 2004.

"How many more lives?"
Isakson is assuming people care about the lives of the people in the Middle East.

Because Lucy Harris knows more about military policy than say Cindy Sheehan, right?

I'm noticing the GOP and supporters of the war like to use soldiers' support for thw war as part of their arguments

Smackdown

Quorum isn't present

Reid sends out the Seargant-at-arms to drag in the missing Senators...this is so cool.

Quroum Call

C-SPAN says Sen. Isakson (R-Georgia) is up next.

I'm going to make a salad

All Night Session...Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey)

Senator Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey)

Menendez was in the House in 2002 when the war was voted on. He opposed it. He was appointed to the Senate by his predecessor, Governor Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) 18 months ago and won a larger than expected election victory for a full term last November against State Senator Tom Kean Jr (R-Summit), the son of former Governor and 9/11 Commission chairman Tom Kean (R-New Jersey)

There's that Let It Vote visual again.

Menendez comes out in favor of a date certain immediately.

"Those of us who opposed the war against popular opinion have been vidicated." This is definitely a major point.

Menendez reminds everyone that 51 votes doesn't necessarily constitute a majority in the Senate...this is important, most people don't realize that just being the majority party doesn't mean you get what you want in the Senate.

If there was perhaps a way to beat te Republicans on this issue, it's to remind Americans of how much money has been burned in Iraq. Menendez is backing away from this. Show the hypocrisy of the fiscal "conservatives."

The Iraqi government is a complete failure and total disappointment to the junior Senator from New Jersey.

Bringing up the Pakistan issue...why hasn't anyone made a bigger issue about how lenient Pakistan has been to terrorists living on the border with Afghanistan. I don't care if it's tribal areas...take charge of your country. If there were terrorists on a Hopi reservation, you'd better believe our military would be there rooting them out.

Menendez reminds us of how the Democrats have supported the troops even while opposing the war. Yes, it's true despite what the necons say, you can support the troops without blindly backing the war plan.

"No one has a greater right to question their government [than Iraqi war veterans]"

Menendez: Go back and fight in Afghanistan. You think Iraq is a problem, look at Afghanistan...and that's because we kinda gave up there and went after Iraq.

The World War II comparison;

"When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt didn't run off and invade China."

"Tyranny of a minority" that was rough, but excellent

All Night Session...Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)

Collins is up for reelection next year in a blue state against Congressman, Tom Allen (D-Maine).

Collins is up in the air on Iraq.

Collins' first shot is at the President...she could very well be the fourth Republican to fall tonight.

Collins/Nelson has a better chance of passing than Levin/Reed, but neither look probable to be passed.

She called it a Civil War

"too much emphasis on military actions at the expense of diplomacy."
Sure, this trigger happy administration doesn't know diplomacy, but they know blowing stuff up.

Collins attacks the Democrats and Bush...she's going the Independent way...this can be good for her in Independent Maine. Unless she votes for cloture though, Allen can hit her hard with the failure to reach cloture.

She seems to be assuming that her amendement can get 60 votes too...it won't.

Collins' idea is also a good option...a viable option. It may very well save her politically...so long as another conservative Republican doesn't decide to jump on her in a primary.

All Night Session...Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

A freshman, Brown won his seat last fall mostly due to his opposition to the war.

The visuals are so lame.

"Ending the war in Iraq is a anti-terrorism strategy." ain't that the truth.

The MAP vehicle speech shows a knowledge in military technology from a non-military politician...and a Democrat no less. It's important to present the image that the Democratic Party knows what it's talking about concerning the military.

"arrogance and stubborness...President is somewhat proud of his stubborness."

"The President has yet to tell ourself how long we will be in Iraq." This is what goes through the mind of every opponent of the war. It's not the war they hate, it's the fact they don't know or can't see how this would end.

STUBBORNLY...STUBBORNESS...STUBBORN...drive it home Sherrod.

"The President's strategy in Iraq is the 'Maginot Line' of the 21st Century."

All Night Session...Joe Lieberman (I-Connecticut)

Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Connecticut)

Lieberman will never break.

He hopes the cots will "wake up Senators and Americans?"

"Mandated Defeat"...new tag phrase

Joe, let's back up, was Al-Qaeda there before? No. The fact they even exist in Iraq is a defeat for us.

He's seatbelted down on this Iran bandwagon...it's scary. Most Republicans aren't even this hawkish with Iran.

How many Senators tonight are going to try to drive their point by quoting some soldier who is either supportive or unsupportive of the war? My guess is all of them.

Until "early next year." We don't have the stomach to wait.

Does this guy really think generals are going to call for a withdrawal?

"Are you staying?" "How can we help?" Really? I'm sure that minority of Iraqis exist and are quickly being murdered or sent to Canada or Michigan for asylum.

I'm so damn pissed this guy won reelection...he serves as a propaganda tool for the warhawks. He should be recalled.

All Night Long...All Night

Harry Reid is expected to hold the Senate in session ALL NIGHT tomorrow night to get a consensus on Iraq.

The GOP is expected to filibuster and the Democrats are expected to fail.

But they're going to go down fighting and keeping their opponents sleep deprived.

I'll be blogging it until I pass out at the keyboard.

Vitter Says No To Prositutes

I could care less who or what Senator Vitter likes to have sex with, or where he does, or how.

What I care about is a man who thinks having an affair automatically disqualifies yourself as a leader, except when it's himself.

It's not his mistakes I'm upset with, it's his hypocrisy. Either resign or apologize for asking Clinton to do so.

NH-Sen: Shaheen Would Crush Sununu

If only she would enter the race.

Shaheen (D)- 56%
Sununu (R)- 34%

Talk about buyer's remorse

Sununu leads all other challengers, Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand, activist Katrina Swett, and Jay Buckey, but he's under 50% against all three.

Sununu may very well be the Santorum of 2008 after all.

Gilmore Out

If you care.

Former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore has exited the Republican Presidential race. Could he be ready to run for Virginia's possible open Senate seat next year? If so, will he enter a contentious primary with the more moderate Rep. Tom Davis (R-Virginia.) Will this hand both Senate seats to the Democrats?

Ok, so I shouldn't jump the gun, he was polling at like .1%.

Nevermind What Al-Maliki Said

he was "misunderstood."

I'd hold him to what he says, but that's just me...and like 55% of the country.

Weekend Away

I took a much needed weekend vacation to New Jersey to visit a good friend on her birthday

I'll catch up on Jim Gilmore's departure from the Presidential Race, The Iraqi government "no wait" response to al-Maliki's comments yesterday, and Senator Sununu's possible impending electoral doom later tonight.

So Lets Go

Ok, then fine, chao!

Best For America; President Bill Richardson

The United States is in a dire position in the world right now. The presidency of George W. Bush has left us damaged on a global scale. We're stuck in a war in Iraq with no good options on how to get out, Al-Qaeda is stronger than ever, our popularity in the world has plummeted, our allies have almost all but deserted us, energy prices are soaring, global warming is becoming a major issue, and access to healthcare is a severe problem in our nation, left almost ignored by our government. We need proven leadership from somebody with the experience and resume to back it up.

If you ask me there are two general issues I feel the next President will have to address. Two issues I feel President Bush has most failed on. Those issues are Foreign Policy and Energy Policy.

When examining the excellent field of candidates the Democratic Party has, I find that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has an impressive resume when it comes to both and has proven in his five years as Governor of the state of New Mexico and term as head of the Energy Department that he is a true leader.

Richardson began his career at the State Department and later worked on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In 1982, he was elected to the House of Representatives for New Mexico's newly created third district centered in Santa Fe. In his 14 years in Congress, he focused heavily on Foreign Affairs. He visited numerous countries, and many who are not quite friendly to us, including Cuba, North Korea and the Sudan.

In 1997, Richardson became Ambassador to the UN, becoming perhaps the second most widely seen diplomat in the American cabinet (after Secretary Albright). In 1998 he became Secretary of Energy, a job he held until 2001.

In 2002, he was elected Governor of New Mexico by a 59%-39% margin in a swing state. Richardson immediately got to work for New Mexico. He successfully implemented an excellent life insurance package of his state's National Guardsmen and passed a successful income tax cut. Widely popular in his home state, he was reelected in 2006 in a landslide, carrying all but one county; sparsely populated Carton County, which he lost by a mere six votes.

Richardson's strongest point to me is where Bush has been exceptionally weak...diplomacy. He held talks with North Korean officials in 2003 and negotiated with Sudan over Darfur issues. He negotiated the release of two American hostages in Iraq in 1995.

A President Richardson would provide strong diplomatic leadership in foreign affairs...good diplomacy is something that is missing almost entirely in our foreign policy. He will bring an experienced voice to energy policy.

Also, electorally, Richardson would provide strong geographic pickups in the Electoral College. Richardson's home turf is the Inner-Mountain West, a region the Democrats appear to be gaining in, and need to gain in. In 2006, Democrats picked up three house seats, a Senate seat and a governorship here. Richardson would win his home state of New Mexico, which Kerry narrowly lost, and would make a huge dent in the Republican dominance of Texas...The Texas 23rd district, where Democrat Ciro Rodriguez defeated Henry Bonilla this year borders New Mexico. Richardson could pull Colorado and Nevada safely into the Democratic column. He would throw Arizona in play and would play well with Florida Hispanics, most of whom are Republicans.

Personally, I like all of the Democrats who have announced their candidacy so far, but I for one, at this moment, will support Governor Bill Richardson for President.

Too Hot To Handle?

"My understanding is at this juncture they're going to take August off, but, you know, they may change their minds. You know, it's 130 degrees in Baghdad in August." -Tony Snow

And when reminded that the US Troops would still be fighting in such head, he said;

"You know, that's a good point, and it's 130 degrees for the Iraqi military."

I don't care that it's 130 freakin' degrees in the desert in August. It's their country, they should be used to it. Since when is the health and welfare of the Iraqi government and soliders more important than our soliders. While these useless scumbags are on vacation, our soldiers are sweltering protecting them.

Lock them in a room, with no air conditioning, in the August heat and see how fast they come to a political solution to their problems.

Tour #5

My response to him would be suck it up and go, it'll be over in a year and then you can dedicate all your time to fighting this from ever happening again.

Nevertheless, it must be said, a person who is forced to serve FIVE tours...that's just plain ridiculous. We can't keep living this charade that we can fight these wars with the military we have.

Musical Memory Jar- July 13, 1998

The Vietnam Unknown Soldier buried in the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington, Virginia is identified as Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie of St. Louis, Missouri

France defeats Brazil in front of a cheering home crowd in Paris to win the FIFA World Cup.

Hong Kong's Chep Lap Kok International Airport finally opens, resulting in the closure of the overcrowded one runway Kai Tak Airport

A 15 year old Queens boy learns to rave from some of his new high school friends to the various remixes of Madonna's "Ray Of Light"

Is That A Pig Taxiing At LaGuardia?

Not only do I agree with Bill O'Reily on this, he's making the exact same argument I have been making for a year now.

I'm a little skeptical of his sudden conversion...is he becoming aware of his plummenting viewership numbers? Does he realize half of his OWN audience have turned against the war? Or is this really the way he feels?

Wait...for what?

I think we've waited long enough.

Spano Splits From GOP

Yonkers State Assemblyman Mike Spano has officially switched from the GOP to the Democratic Party.

Spano is the brother of former State Senator Nick Spano (R-Yonkers), a fairly liberal Republican defeated last year by former Westchester County Legislator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers). Mike Spano's district takes up more than 2/3 of the city of Yonkers and is heavily Democratic (although heavily Italian-American.)

Spano says the national GOP has moved too far to the right for a moderate like him and he feels more at home with the Democratic caucus.

Speaker Sheldon Silver however has not rewarded Spano with any leadership positions, instead recognizing him as the "newest" member of the Democratic caucus.

Spano's switch gives the Democrats a 107-41-1 majority in the State Assembly. Those numbers include that of Paul Tonko (D-Montgomery County) who resigned to become head of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. His seat is expected to stay in Democratic hands and a special election has been called for July 31st.

House Votes To Withdraw Troops

By Spring.

223-201, almost party-line

Four Republicans voted yea;

Walter Jones (R-North Carolina)
Wayne Gilchrest (R-Maryland)
John J. Duncan (R-Tennessee)
Jo Ann Emerson (R-Missouri)- new to the GOP Withdrawal group

Ten Democrats voted nay;

John Barrow (D-Georgia)
Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma)
Chris Carney (D-Pennsylvania)
Brad Ellsworth (D-Indiana)
Tim Holden (D-Pennsylvania)
Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio)
Jim Marshall (D-Georgia)
Jim Matheson (D-Utah)
Vic Snyder (D-Arkansas)
Gene Taylor (D-Mississippi)

I'd like to know what's up with Kucinich and Snyder. Do they want a withdrawal date sooner?

Some surprise ayes;

All Freshman Democrats except Carney voted aye, including Tim Mahoney (D-Florida), Heath Shuler (D-North Carolina), Nancy Boyda (D-Kansas), Nick Lampson (D-Texas), Ciro Rodriguez (D-Texas), Harry Mitchell (D-Arizona), Jerry McNerney (D-California), Zack Space (D-Ohio), Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana), Steve Kagen (D-Wisconsin), and Baron Hill (D-Indiana), all from GOP leaning districts.

Chet Edwards (D-Texas), the President's Congressman, Bud Cramer (D-Alabama), Lincoln Davis (D-Tennessee), Charlie Melacon (D-Louisiana), Melissa Bean (D-Illinois), John Spratt (D-South Carolina), Ike Skelton (D-Missouri), Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-South Dakota), Earl Pomeroy (D-North Dakota), Mike McIntyre (D-North Carolina), and Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia) all represent heavily Republican districts and voted aye.

Not Convincing

"I believe we can succeed in Iraq and I know we must."

It didn't convince us the last 35 times you've said and it sure isn't going to now. What is it we must succeed at Mr. President?

In an evident jab at critics of Bush's war policies, the report also said progress toward political reconciliation was hampered by "increasing concern among Iraqi political leaders that the United States may not have a long term-commitment to Iraq."

You damn right. They want us to babysit them and protect them from getting killed by their own people. Sorry, that's not our job. President Bush needs to realize we cannot win the war in Iraq if the American people aren't willing to keep fighting...so either give us a reason to keep fighting or get us the hell out.

If you won't, whoever we elect in 2008 will.

Suddenly So Worried About Privacy?

I love the stupidity of some Republicans.

We can spy on you without a warrant, and we can gather a database of all information on you...except, of course, if you own a gun.

We can take away your privacy, we can take away your right to choose, we can take away your freedom to move, but GOD FORBID WE TAKE AWAY YOUR GUN!

Why Is Bush A Failure?

Try and spin this to make him look like a success.

What Seperates Clinton and Vitter?

Read into what Larry Flynt says;

"I very seldom get a chance to get a big one, and sometimes I have to go bottom feeding. We have a criteria, and that is if someone is living a life contrary to the way they are advocating -- their personal life -- than they become fair game."

Clinton never went front and center, arguing that moral issues were the main issues, that traditional marriage is sacred and government should protect it. Clinton was a sinner, admitted he was a sinner (after a period of time) and didn't waste his time preaching morality.

Vitter did. He advocated protecting "traditional marriage" all the while he wasn't practicing what he preached.

Clinton was immoral and that was bad enough, but Vitter is not only immoral...he's a hypocrite.

If Clinton should've resign for his sins, then Vitter should as well. (Let the record show I don't think either one committed anything henious enough to resign, but I'm calling on Vitter to practice what he preached.)

Lady Bird Johnson (1912-2007)

A long exciting life came to an end today. There will be a lot to talk about concerning this beautiful powerful Southern woman in the next few days.

RIP Mrs. Johnson.

This Is Suppprting The Troops?

Republicans killed an amendment submitted by Senator Jim Webb (D-Virginia) which would force the Pentagon to match the length of a solider's leave with the length of his or her deployment.

Basically Republicans told the nation that troops do not deserve to be at home with their family and friends for the same amount of time they're spending politicing a civil war.

There is no excuse for this and Republicans who voted against cloture should be thrown out of the Senate.

The following members of the GOP are not included in this;

Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota)
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska)
Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon)
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine)
Sen. John Sununu (R-New Hampshire)
Sen. John Warner (R-Virginia)

Yes, it is true that all but Snowe are facing tough reelections next year. Here's the list of those who are ALSO up for reelection next year, but voted not to move the amendment to a vote;

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee)
Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyoming)
Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia)
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi)
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)
Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-North Carolina)
Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico)
Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming)
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)
Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky)
Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama)
Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska)

That's a long list of possible pickups is you ask me

Snowe Storm

The loss of yet another Republican on Iraq;

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) will join Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Oregon) in calling for troop withdrawal.

While it's not enough to get it passed, especially veto-proof, GOP support of the war is unraveling.

Already Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico), Rep. John Doolittle (R-California) have expressed reservations about the surge.

UPDATE 6:03PM: CNN's Dana Bush is reporting that Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) are also expressing frustration on Iraq.

Why Isn't Anyone Saying This?

The Iraqi government has the best military in the world fighting it's fights for them, why the hell would they want us to leave...ever? What better way to light a fire under their ass than tell them we're going home in 9 months.

Also, by saying the terrorists will "hide out" and wait for us to exit, are we saying we cannot possibly neutralize the terrorist threat in that country in the next nine months, how about a year? I'm willing to put forth a July 2008 pull out date.

All we Americans want to know is that there's an end to this...even if it's not tomorrow.

Vitter In Trouble

Why do I get the feeling he's going to wait until Bobby Jindal is Governor before he resigns.

Cause, he's on the fast track to resigning if you ask me.

Hot Day

It's over 90 degrees here in New York today, so I'll be at the beach and then probably in my pool.

So if you don't hear from me today, you'll know why

What's Plan B?

Cause this surge is going nowhere fast.

Seriously, if the Iraqi government cannot get their act together, the lives of our men and women are not worth it to protect them.

It's Oil, Not Drugs

Oil

It even causes the threat of war between the most peaceful neighbors in the world; the United States and Canada.

Senator Hired Escorts

The first names on the Washington D.C. madame's list are slowly leaking to the press.

Senator David Vitter (R-Louisiana) is among those who are tied into the DC madame's escort service. (Let's be real, she ran a prostitution ring.)

Vitter apologized, in Jim Bakker form, for his "mistakes;"

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in the statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there — with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way."

Personally, I could care less if Vitter played around with hookers outside his marriage or not. I only write about it because he's one of those "family values" Republicans who apparently acted like a hypocrite this whole time.

Anyway, I wonder if this will affect him in uber-conservative Louisiana.

Liberals Hate The Constitution

At least that's how Rasmussen is trying to spin it.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of conservatives give the Constitution good or
excellent ratings. Just 58% of liberals say the same. Given those figures, it’s
not surprising that 72% of conservatives believe the Constitution should be left
alone and that 55% of liberals agree.

And just when you thought Rasmussen isn't biased;

Living in an era when the federal government has expanded beyond anything the Founding Fathers could have imagined, just 17% of Americans now say the Constitution places too many restrictions on what the government can do. Forty-two percent (42%) take the opposite view and say that it does not place enough restrictions on what government can do. The Rasmussen Reports survey found that 32% believe the current balance is about right.

Yes, that's that overwhelming behomoth of a government they hate so much. Well, they hate is except when it's keeping gays in the closet, women from making choices regarding their bodies, and of course, when it's keeping Muslims locked away in a secluded room in an airport.

Get A Life

How boring can your life be when you're blackmailing Miss New Jersey.

I mean really, get a job or something.

Somber Words

The New York Times Editorial is going to get ripped apart as defeatist by those on the right...and it is defeatist, but it is defeatist because, well, we've been defeated;

It is time for the United States to leave Iraq, without any more delay than the
Pentagon needs to organize an orderly exit. ...
It is frighteningly clear that Mr. Bush's plan is to stay the course as long as he is president and dump the mess on his successor. Whatever his cause was, it is lost. ...
Continuing to sacrifice the lives and limbs of American soldiers is wrong. The war is sapping the strength of the nation's alliances and its military forces. It is a dangerous diversion from the life-and-death struggle against terrorists. It is an increasing burden on American taxpayers, and it is a betrayal of a world that needs the wise application of American power and principles.

It's not totally over, but it's time for us to get the hell out of Iraq, regroup, reorganize and continue the fight.

The only reason we're still in Iraq is our pride, our damn American pride...yes, even I have that pride. We don't want to ever admit we've been defeated, outsmarted, that we've lost a game...but here we have.

Iraq is merely a battle in the wider war on terror...we've never fought a war where we haven't lost a battle...Bunker Hill, Mackinac Island, The Alamo, Bull Run, Bataan, Osan, Saigon and now, very likely, Baghdad.

Alright, Really, C'Mon

I'd love to see Bush impeached as much as the next liberal Democrat, but until he's officially committed a crime, there's nothing to impeach him.

Also, challenging a sitting Speaker of the House in a primary because she didn't do something she technically can't even do is counterproductive.

I've had about enough of Cindy Sheehan...I sympathize with, but enough now.

Back

I have returned after a short break to my passion that is writing.

I feel at home here

More politics coming tonight, so stay tuned