In Republican circles, immigration is just too big an issue for a presidential candidate to ignore completely, but Rudy Giuliani’s record on the issue makes it almost impossible for him to have any credibility with the GOP’s far-right base. In this latest TV ad, Giuliani insists he’ll provide “leadership” to “end” illegal immigration.” “People are […]
Mike Huckabee has a theology degree — or does he?
About a month ago, Republican presidential candidates were trying to position themselves as the best suited to combat global terrorism. Giuliani pointed to 9/11, McCain pointed to his military service several decades ago, and Mike Huckabee pointed to his ministerial training. “I think I’m stronger than most people because I truly understand the nature of […]
Friday’s political round-up
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: * A new CNN/Opinion Research poll in South Carolina shows Mike Huckabee surging ahead, after trailing for months. According to the numbers, released this morning, Huckabee leads the GOP field with 24%, up […]
The debacle of the ‘Seas of David’ terrorist plot
There have been a series of alleged terrorist plots that the White House has claimed to have disrupted. Sometimes Bush and his team tout these thwarted plots to defend torture, and sometimes it’s to defend illegally tapping Americans’ phones, but the bottom line is always the same — there are dangerous bad guys out there, […]
Two fields of candidates, two different leagues
Offering his take on the “winners and losers” from yesterday’s Democratic debate in Iowa, the WaPo’s Chris Cillizza highlighted one clear and obvious loser: The Republican Field: For those spartan few of us who watched both debates, one thing was crystal clear: the Democratic field was far deeper and more impressive. That’s not to say […]
Democratic candidates score big with clergy, religious organizations
When it comes to campaign contributions, the 2008 presidential campaign keeps turning the conventional wisdom on its ear. The political establishment assumes that two reliable allies of conservative Republican candidates are U.S. troops and American clergy. On the prior, we learned earlier in the fall that military donations are going heavily towards Barack Obama and […]
I watch the debates, so you don’t have to
The Democratic presidential candidates met in Iowa for the (mercifully) last debate before Iowans caucus in just three weeks, and like the Republicans’ event the day before, it was a genteel event — everyone was on their very best behavior. It’s easy to understand why. Just as general-election campaigns go positive in the closing weeks […]
Thursday’s Mini-Report
Today’s edition of quick hits. * After yesterday’s uproar following Bill Shaheen’s discussion of Barack Obama’s teenaged drug use, Shaheen resigned today as co-chair of Hillary Clinton’s campaign in New Hampshire. “I would like to reiterate that I deeply regret my comments yesterday and say again that they were in no way authorized by Senator […]
Republicans block energy bill, GOP fights for Big Oil tax breaks
The House passed an energy bill last week, which is a solid piece of legislation. It included the first increase in federal fuel efficiency standards in three decades, encourages the use of renewable energy sources, and rolls back $13.5 billion in tax breaks for the five largest U.S. oil companies, redirecting the money into conservation […]
House takes generals’ advice, outlaws detainee torture
Yesterday, 30 retired generals and admirals signed a joint letter to Democratic leaders in Congress, urging them to pass legislation requiring U.S intelligence agents to follow strict standards for detainee treatment. The letter, which was endorsed by Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba, who investigated the Abu Ghraib scandal, noted the president’s veto threat, but urged lawmakers […]