Just 11 days ago, I offered the Romney campaign a little advice about how best to go after John McCain: “In 2001 — in discussions initiated by McCain, not Dems — the Arizona senator was in talks to leave the Republican Party altogether. Three years later, he reportedly reached out to John Kerry to join […]
Careless whispers — a mystery solved (I think)
Following up on an item from yesterday, the “mystery” surrounding Mitt Romney, Thursday’s debate, and that odd whisper seems to have been resolved. If you’re just joining us, Romney was asked whether he’d follow in Reagan’s footsteps on Social Security policy. When Romney paused to answer, the television audience could hear a distinct, audible whisper […]
Clinton pulling a fast one? Hillary backs Michigan, Florida delegates
By any reasonable standard, the presidential nominating process is a bit of a mess, and badly in need of reform. But there is a calendar in place, there are rules, and everyone agreed to accept the system, as is, at least until after the election. Which is why this statement from Hillary Clinton’s campaign raised […]
NRA continues to hold dominion over Virginia
Guest Post by Morbo After the Virginia Tech massacre, I wrote a post predicting that the horrific incident would do nothing to change our gun policy. I secretly hoped I’d be proven wrong. Sadly, it looks like I won’t. In Virginia, lawmakers have rejected modest legislation closing a loophole that allows people to buy weapons […]
Awards are for when you do something good
Guest Post by Morbo Recently a flap erupted over a plan by Radio & Records magazine to give an award to right-wing radio blowhard Bob Grant. The trade journal had second thoughts after a Grant critic named Scott Pelligrino pointed out the inconvenient fact that Grant seems to be a racist. This isn’t just Pelligrino’s […]
Friday’s Mini-Report
Today’s edition of quick hits. * Lest anyone think the deal over the stimulus package is a done deal, it’s not: “The bipartisan agreement on an economic stimulus package reached by House leaders was immediately undermined by senators intent on ensuring that their ideas get a hearing before any bill becomes law. Even before House […]
From Truman to Lincoln — Bush finds a new role model in the mirror
Towards the end of 2006, after the president realized he should at least get to know the leaders of the new Democratic majority a little, Bush welcomed the leading Democratic lawmakers to the White House for a chat. According to participants, Bush launched into an explanation of why he’s just like Harry Truman. Instead, Bush […]
Taking another line of attack off the table
At a debate 10 days ago among the Democratic presidential candidates, Tim Russert pressed Barack Obama about his management skills. The senator, who conceded that he keeps a messy desk and loses paperwork, said, “[B]eing president is not making sure that schedules are being run properly or the paperwork is being shuffled effectively. It involves […]
The Tax Whisperer — Romney debate answer sparks intrigue
I saw a couple of headlines earlier about Mitt Romney and “whispers” during last night’s debate, and paid no attention to it. Then, a reliable friend emailed me, and encouraged me to give this a serious look. I did, and I have to admit, it’s odd. Here’s the relevant portion, from the debate in Boca. […]
Edwards eyes convention role — to what end?
Joe Trippi, a top strategist for John Edwards’ presidential campaign, conceded to the Wall Street Journal that the former senator probably won’t be the Democratic nominee, but can still have a significant influence on who is. “I think 200 delegates on Feb. 6 is our over-under,” Mr. Trippi said. Although he continues to insist that […]