A Rovian strategy gone awry

Yesterday, after the latest Osama bin Laden video was released, David Kurtz noted that both sides of the political divide “may be tempted to use bin Laden’s words to some perverse advantage,” but suggested everyone show some restraint. David explained, “Bin Laden is a crazy, evil man. No one should take any pleasure in trying […]

‘Gutting our military’

Of all of Bush’s misstatements from the 2000 presidential election, one of the most obviously-false attacks was on military readiness. Indeed, then-Gov. Bush blamed Clinton and Gore directly for “hollowing out” the military. “If called on by the commander-in-chief today, two entire divisions of the Army would have to report, ‘Not ready for duty, sir.’” […]

When football and politics collide

Oddly enough, this was one of the more talked-about news items of the day yesterday among conservative bloggers. Are you still fans of Matt Hasselbeck and Mack Strong after they visited President Bush last week in Bellevue? Or have their political leanings turned you against them? The Seahawks quarterback and fullback gave the 43rd president […]

Hagel to call it quits

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 […]

An ‘ass-kicking’ talking point

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 […]

‘It’s not a crime’

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. […]

This Week in God

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 […]

The gods must be crazy

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 […]

Stop them before their kids play soccer!

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 […]

Thompson explains the Anbar Awakening

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 […]