Bush ‘astounded’ by the salaries given to his base

This seems entirely out of character for the president. President Bush said yesterday he’s “astounded” by some of the astronomical salaries that corporate CEOs collect and thinks companies should rethink the practice. “I don’t think government should control salaries, but I would hope shareholders would take a close look at some of these compensation packages […]

Tuesday’s political round-up

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers: * In Tennessee’s closely-watched Senate race a new Mason-Dixon poll shows Bob Corker (R) with a very narrow lead over Rep. Harold Ford (D), 45% to 43%. It’s a subtle shift in Corker’s […]

‘We are not doing something different than what the United States is doing’

When critics of the Bush White House talk about the president having undermined our national prestige and moral authority, this is exactly what we’re talking about. Several governments around the world have tried to rebut criticism of how they handle detainees by claiming they are only following the U.S. example in fighting terrorism, the U.N. […]

Who’s airing an enemy propaganda film — CNN or the RNC?

One of the biggest topics among conservative bloggers the past several days is a video, broadcast last week by CNN, that shows insurgent snipers in Iraq shooting at U.S. troops. The right is nearly apoplectic about this, and this week, they’re getting support from Republican members of Congress. The anger seems misplaced, and in an […]

‘If you weren’t sitting in that chair, I’d slap you across the face’

Perhaps conservatives are confused, so let me remind them — people generally feel sympathy for those with physical disabilities. Mocking and threatening them is rarely a good idea. The president recently approached a Florida voter in a wheelchair by saying, “You look comfortable.” He followed this up by mocking a reporter with a visual impairment. […]

Independents swinging strongly in Dems’ direction

Both parties generally want to expand their base of support by appealing to independent voters, but this year, with just two weeks to go before Election Day, it’s not even close — independents are backing Dems in huge numbers. Two weeks before the midterm elections, Republicans are losing the battle for independent voters, who now […]

Monday’s Mini-Report

Today’s edition of quick hits. * What, exactly, does a candidate do with $387,000 in “petty cash” just a few days before a major primary election? * Bob Novak has a clever way of downplaying the significance of his friends losing in Congress. He told an audience yesterday, “I would make the argument that this […]

Limbaugh pushes back against Michael J. Fox ad

A few days ago, Claire McCaskill unveiled a powerful, emotional ad in her Senate race in Missouri against Sen. Jim Talent (R). It’s a straightforward piece featuring Michael J. Fox, clearly feeling the effects of Parkinson’s disease, highlighting Talent’s opposition to stem-cell research. It’s a little painful to watch, but it’s a stark reminder of […]

Clinton v. McCain — closer than you’d think

First, all the usual stipulations — 2008 is very far away; the public is having a hard enough time being engaged in the elections that are two weeks away, better yet two years; we have no idea who’s going to run and/or how well they’d do; and I don’t have a personal favorite yet. With […]

‘Somehow, nobody is accountable for this’

Someone new for the GOP to swiftboat? The brother of an NFL player who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan after quitting his team to join the Army Rangers has spoken out. Kevin Tillman, a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with his older brother, Pat, has been silent since his […]