The Hill had an item yesterday that I had to read several times, just to make sure I understood it. I think I’ve wrapped my head around it, but I almost wish I hadn’t. House Democrats and Republicans have agreed to begin a series of debates this month between members to focus attention on national […]
Bush touts troop-benefit program — but doesn’t pay for it
In arguably the most forgettable State of the Union addresses in memory, George W. Bush did manage to propose a few worthwhile ideas about benefits for U.S. troops and their families. “Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is […]
Unexpected turn in the story of Obama’s teenaged drug use
It’s been a pleasant surprise that the presidential campaign has been largely indifferent to Barack Obama’s admitted drug use as a teenager. Voters don’t seem to care, reporters can’t find a reason to note its relevance, and even Republicans have generally decided there’s no point in pursuing the issue. Obama has been candid about it, […]
Ron Paul faces reality, refocuses his efforts
He hasn’t talked about it much publicly, but the truth is, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) realized a while ago that he wouldn’t win a majority of delegates before the Republican National Convention, but thought he might have greater success if there were a brokered convention, at which anything can happen. In a message to his […]
This Week in God
First up from the God machine this week is one of the more striking religious controversies of last year: Ted Haggard and his humiliating fall from grace. This week, Haggard’s story took yet another embarrassing turn. New Life Church said Tuesday that former pastor Ted Haggard has prematurely ended a “spiritual restoration” process begun when […]
Housekeeping problem
Digby had an item the other day discussing how out of hand her comments section has become. C&L and Atrios recently had posts talking about the same phenomenon. I’m afraid some of the same problems have emerged here, particularly over the last couple of weeks. I don’t think it’s any great mystery what’s creating this […]
Get a job, Mitt!
Guest Post by Morbo Mitt Romney really doesn’t need a job. After all, I’m sure he still has plenty of money left over from his presidential run. Nevertheless, I hate the thought of Mitt sitting around with nothing to do. Therefore, I’d like to suggest some jobs he might want to look into: TV game […]
John Grisham lays down the law in Atlanta
Guest Post by Morbo I’m not a fan of legal thrillers, so I’ve never read John Grisham’s fiction. Last year, I did read his non-fiction book, The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town, which scared me half to death. I recommend it. Because I never followed Grisham’s career, I didn’t know that […]
How we might get stuck with Huck
Guest Post by Morbo I’d like to follow-up to the Carpetbagger’s Thursday post about what John McCain will do with Mike Huckabee. I think the situation is complicated by the fact that McCain faces a conflict between what he probably wants to do and what he might have to do. Consider this: James Dobson, founder […]
Friday’s Mini-Report
Today’s edition of quick hits. * About that 15-day FISA extension: “With time running out for Congress to finish work on an overhaul of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) filed a bill on Friday that would extend the current law through the end of the month. The Senate is […]