In March, in one of the year’s strangest political moments, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) called a “major” press conference to discuss his future political plans. The event, which most assumed would be a presidential announcement, drew much of the political press corps and live television coverage. “I’m here today to announce that my family and […]
I guess war supporters have settled on their new assessment of conditions in Iraq. Upon arriving in Australia a few days ago, the president insisted that “we’re kicking ass” in Iraq. In a speech to the American Enterprise Institute, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was apparently on the same page. “My last visit convinced me more […]
I think it’s safe to assume the right will be less than pleased with Rudy Giuliani’s interview with Glenn Beck yesterday: GLENN: [I]sn’t illegal immigration a crime in and of itself? GIULIANI: No. GLENN: Aren’t you saying — GIULIANI: Glenn — GLENN: You’re protecting criminals by saying that being treated as a criminal is unfair. […]
First up from The God Machine this week is the latest proclamation from the Bush White House, which apparently would like us to pray this weekend. During this year’s National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we honor the thousands of victims who died in the brutal and ruthless attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and […]
Guest Post by Morbo Here’s the kind of story I love: A Maryland man who practices Wicca has won nearly $50 million in a multi-state lottery game — and he credits intervention by Pagan deities. Ellwood Bartlett is an accountant who teaches classes on Wicca on the side. He told The Washington Post he asked […]
Guest Post by Morbo Loudoun County, Va., is an outer suburb of Washington, D.C., with an attitude problem. Every few years, some folks in the county get all worked up about some right-wing bugbear. Back in the 1990s, they were up in arms over gay-related materials in the libraries and temporarily fell under the sway […]
Earlier this week, former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said it’s not too late for Fred Thompson to compete for the GOP nomination, but to make up for lost time, the former senator must demonstrate “a command over policy issues.” Fleischer added, “He’s got to knock the policy questions out of the park.” So […]
Today’s edition of quick hits. * For the first time in four years, the U.S. economy lost jobs last month: “The job numbers for August were released this morning, and they show that the economy actually lost 4,000 jobs last month. It’s the first time in four years that the economy has actually lost jobs […]
The release of the latest video notwithstanding, I am a little confused about the Republicans’ attitude when it comes to Osama bin Laden. Take Fred Thompson’s reaction to today’s news, for example. (via the DNC) “Bin Laden is more symbolism than anything else,” he said. “I think it demonstrates to people once again that we’re […]
A couple of weeks ago, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) traveled to Baghdad and received a briefing from Gen. David Petraeus, in which he acknowledged his belief that in order to “win” in Iraq, U.S. forces would have to stay in the country for “nine or 10 years.” This was hardly reassuring. Indeed, for every pundit […]