Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich, who apparently has a blog, ran into John McCain on Sunday in ABC’s green room. As Reich explained it, they had an interesting chat. (via Atrios) I asked him why he continued to call for more troops for Iraq when he must know it’s a political non-starter. He said he […]
We’ve been hearing for months about outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’ (R) religion “problem,” as it relates to his likely presidential campaign, but a new Rasmussen poll shows that the hurdle he’ll have to clear is awfully high. Mitt Romney (R) begins the 2008 campaign season in fourth place among those seeking the GOP Presidential […]
Of all the things to get excited about, I’ve never quite understood why conservatives seem a little fixated on animated cartoons. The #1 movie in the country, the animated film “Happy Feet,” is “an entertaining story about a young bird’s journey toward self-acceptance.” But to Fox News’ Neil Cavuto it’s insidious “far left” political propaganda. […]
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: * The extremely narrow race in Florida’s 13th congressional district is now heading to court. Local election officials declared Vern Buchanan (R) the winner by a 369-vote margin yesterday, prompting Christine Jennings (D) […]
Slate’s William Saletan believes that Dems, after 12 years in the wilderness, bring a diverse caucus with competing ideas to the table, and could use “an idea” that can hold the party together. Oddly enough, Saletan recommends abortion — specifically, reducing the number of abortions — as the Dems’ signature social issue. If ever there […]
This came up a couple of weeks ago, but the news was initially reported on the Saturday before the election, so it was largely lost in the shuffle. The WaPo had an editorial on the subject today, which is as good a reason as any to revisit the issue. Buried within a recent government brief […]
As recently as January, public opinion research showed that most Iraqis wanted U.S. troops to remain in the country until security conditions improved. Now, they just want us out. Eight out of ten Shias in Baghdad (80%) say they want foreign forces to leave within a year (72% of Shias in the rest of the […]
I’ve always kind of assumed that former House Speaker [tag]Newt Gingrich[/tag] was dipping his toes in the presidential waters as an ego-driven vanity exercise. He didn’t seem to believe he could win a national campaign, but he enjoyed a) hearing the sound of his own voice; b) ample attention; c) selling books; and d) a […]
Today’s edition of quick hits. * That ridiculous O.J. Simpson project we’ve all been hearing about? It’s been scrapped. As the AP reported, News Corp. says it has canceled publication of the book and television special “If I Did It.” Rupert Murdoch reportedly decided that the project was “ill-considered.” * The Bush gang intervened to […]
Rick Warren is one of those evangelical leaders with more power and influence than they know what to do with. He wrote “The Purpose Driven Life,” which, at last count, had sold 18 gazillion copies. Warren has also created a widely-used congregation-building plan, heads up a 20,000-member megachurch, and unlike some of his brethren, he […]