The Carpetbagger Report

Just last week I noted that Elizabeth Edwards, John Edwards’ wife, had become surprisingly aggressive in going after other Democratic candidates in ways the candidate probably wouldn’t. With that in mind, it’s certainly possible that Michelle Obama would be willing to criticize other Democratic candidates, but after reading a bit about this, I think the […]

From time to time, some of us (including me) wonder why there’s a stark difference in tone when Dems go negative in an attack ad and when the GOP goes negative in an attack ad. The latter tends to be more … what’s the word … vicious. For everyone who ever complained that Dems are […]

Way back in December 2005, we learned about a secret Pentagon database that included “intelligence” obtained by spying on anti-war protestors, who were monitored at meetings and/or events no where near military installations, posts or recruitment centers. In all, Pentagon officials kept information about four dozen protests in their “Talon” database. What’s more, even after […]

Here we go again. The past few weeks, most of the political press has noted instances in which Democratic lawmakers travel to Iraq and reflect on military successes. War supporters, inside DC and out, immediately pounce, proclaiming, “See? Even the Democrats agree the president’s ‘surge’ is working.” News reports immediately follow, with reports such as, […]

Someone asked me recently if I had a favorite subject to write blog posts about. I told him the truth: Bush’s Bubble is the one I enjoy most. It’s hardly the most important subject, and the president has other policies that are far more dangerous, but there’s just something about a White House that goes […]

The right frequently seems genuinely mystified as to why so many Americans tell pollsters how unsatisfied they are with the economy. Bush and his allies frequently say, “Look at GDP and unemployment rates! You guys should be thrilled! What kind of idiots are you people?” Maybe news like this will help conservatives better understand the […]

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: * CNN: “A liberal blogger has filed a federal complaint against former Sen. Fred Thompson, the actor and unannounced Republican candidate for president, accusing him of violating election laws as he ponders his […]

You’ve no doubt heard quite a bit about toys manufactured in China reaching U.S. stores, despite the use of lead-based paints. McClatchy’s Kevin Hall reports today on the Bush administration’s role in the story. The Bush administration and China have both undermined efforts to tighten rules designed to ensure that lead paint isn’t used in […]

After the Michael O’Hanlon/Ken Pollack op-ed appeared in the NYT a few weeks ago, the political response was overwhelming. It was read, repeatedly, on the floor of Congress; it was cited frequently by administration officials and its ideological allies; and O’Hanlon and Pollack became fixtures on the talking-head shows. The piece, and the story behind, […]

Apparently, former Sen. Sam Nunn, a conservative Democrat from Georgia who voluntarily left politics more than a decade ago, is eyeing a return to the national stage. Maybe he’s hoping to join a Democratic president’s cabinet? Perhaps he thinks he can position himself as a credible running mate? No, Nunn is apparently chatting with Unity08. […]