Mukasey Nomination In Jeopardy?

Democrats seem to be lining up in opposition to the nomination of Michael Mukasey as Attorney General. Just a few weeks ago, Mukasey was thought to be breezing through the nomination process. Now? Not so much.

Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), Carl Levin (D-Michigan) and Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) have all announced their opposition to Mukasey because the nominee refuses to acknowledge the waterboarding is torture (which it is.)

I still think Mukasey will be confirmed, but the overwhelmingly confirmation the President wanted is not going to happen now.

Democratic Debate Part Deux

The Second Democratic Debate on CNN in New Hampshire didn't surprise me at all. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts on what I saw;

-Hillary Clinton drives me crazy. I'm scared of her blowing the election for the Democrats. I think she's too polarizing to be the Democratic standard bearer. Yet, everytime she gets up there, she sounds so presidential. She doesn't hurt herself at all. Occasionally, she even helps. She makes me think; "You know, if you weren't Hillary Clinton, you'd be running away with this."

Still, there is something that tickles me wrong about her, but I like her more as a candidate than I did when she announced.

-Obama did well tonight. Again, if he was the second term Governor of Illinois, he'd be running away with this, no matter what his race.

-Edward's Iraq rant annoyed me a bit. He voted aye on the war resolution and did not read the report, yeld scolded Clinton for doing the same thing and not apologzing. I'm glad he apologized, but it doesn't make it ok to scold those who didn't.

-Biden showed his expertise, especially on foreign policy. To be honest, I think he'd make a good VP now

-Richardson got off to a slow start and never recovered. I don't think he hurt himself, but he sure didn't help. I love Bill, but I'm tired of hearing "As Governor of New Mexico..." We know you're Governor of New Mexico, thanks.

Democratic Candidates React to Virginia Tech Massacre

The top Presidential Candidates all responded today in the wake of the tragedy at Virginia Tech this morning.

Here is what they've said, thanks according to CNN. I am especially struck by Senator Edwards' statement;

Sen. Joe Biden, (D-Delaware): "Today's horrific events at Virginia Tech have shocked us all. There are few comforting words in such senseless times as these. Our humble thoughts and prayers go out to the victims' families and loved ones. We will grieve as a nation together with all those affected by this terrible tragedy." (Issued statement)

Sen. Hillary Clinton, (D-New York): "I am shocked and saddened by the horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech. My prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the students, faculty, and community devastated by these gruesome killings. As a parent, I am filled with sorrow for the mothers and fathers and loved ones struggling with the sudden, unbearable news of a lost son or daughter, friend or family member. This tragedy is still unfolding and I hope as a nation we can come together and keep in our thoughts all those affected as we learn more about the events which took place this morning." (Issued statement)

Sen. Chris Dodd, (D-Connecticut):"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech earlier today. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the families of those who lost love ones." (From campaign Web site)

Former Sen. John Edwards, (D-North Carolina); "We are simply heartbroken by the deaths and injuries suffered at Virginia Tech. We know what an unspeakable, life-changing moment this is for these families and how, in this moment, it is hard to feel anything but overwhelming grief, much less the love and support around you. But the love and support is there. We pray that these families, these students, and the entire Virginia Tech community know that they are being embraced by a nation. There is a Methodist hymn that gave us solace in such a moment as this, and we repeat its final verse here, in hopes it will help these families, as it helped us:'

In our end is our beginning;
in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing,
in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection;
at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see

.

'Our dearest wish is that this day could start again, with the promise of these young people alive. Knowing that cannot be, our prayer is for God's grace and whatever measure of peace can be reached on this terrible day." (Issued statement)

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois)- "There are going to major tragedies that we hear about as we heard about today at Virginia Tech and I can only imagine what its like for parents who still can't get in touch with their kids from all over the country. We pray for them." (During a campaign event in Chicago)

Gov. Bill Richardson, (D-New Mexico) "On behalf of all New Mexicans, Barbara and I extend our condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were cut short by this horrific tragedy. This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the Virginia Tech community as it grieves this loss." (Issued statement)