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By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 12:00:13 PM EST
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The Gators are about to tip off so I leave this open thread so you folks can report the Al Gore endorsement . . .

Or any other news or issue you folks deem worthy of discussion.

Go Gators!

< Ted Kennedy To Endorse Obama | Liberal Fascism >

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    Open Thread | 53 comments (53 topical)

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    Jeralyn, lese note women are (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 12:15:12 PM EST
    better at multi-tasking than men.  

    "lese" note? (none / 0) (#38)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:10:51 AM EST
    Were you talking on the phone while you typed? ;-)

    Parent
    Guess It's True (none / 0) (#39)
    by squeaky on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:23:11 AM EST
    SUO only seems to be able to focus on the spelling.

    Parent
    In my experience with oculus (none / 0) (#40)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:35:59 AM EST
    she has a healthy and rather good sense of humor. I don't expect this to be any different, please don't attempt to make it something that it's not.

    Parent
    And YOur Humor? (none / 0) (#41)
    by squeaky on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:38:19 AM EST
    Must be too busy focusing on something else.

    Parent
    Fair enough. My first experience with your humor. (none / 0) (#42)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:42:26 AM EST
    I hope to see more of it.

    Parent
    Hahahahahaha (none / 0) (#43)
    by squeaky on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:49:25 AM EST
    Good one

    Parent
    Check this out in CJR on (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:39:15 PM EST
    Blitzer and King discussing last night Jackson's wins in S.C. primaries.

    COLUMBIA JOURNALISM REVIEW

    Hope he gives a good speech! (none / 0) (#1)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 12:05:27 PM EST
    Obama will really make him look heavy, though, so I'm not sure they'll appear together.

    Dang BTD, you're beating up on a (none / 0) (#3)
    by Teresa on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 01:13:50 PM EST
    pretty good team in Vandy.

    Language and campaigns (none / 0) (#4)
    by Stellaaa on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 01:33:45 PM EST
    I am fascinated with how language is manipulated in these campaigns.  What happened to the soccer mom,  who did she morph into?  the gender based voter?   Or did all the soccer mom's who were obsessed with "security" fall of the face of the earth?  Or does she only emerge in GE?  

    Earlier I was asking BTD about triangulation, bipartisanship and working across the aisle?  There is a loaded set of words.  

    Finally change, change from what to what?  Is change good for it's sake?  What is the change replacing.  Yes we don't like what we have, we want to change it.  We will change the people, but what have we done?  

    Transformative, inspiring and transcendent?  HUH, how does that work?   Where did "fatih based" go?  

    according to Huckabee (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by Judith on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:06:06 PM EST
    soccer moms are stuck in traffic in Florida.

    Parent
    Soccer moms turned into videogame moms (none / 0) (#11)
    by Ben Masel on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:08:16 PM EST
    and their kids are now old enough to vote.

    Parent
    My Observation if Hilary is nominated or Obama is (none / 0) (#5)
    by Saul on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 02:03:03 PM EST
    If Hilary is nominated and the VP is not offered to Obama that will alienate the African Americans who were so strong for Obama.    They will be very angry and just out of spite stay home on election night or vote for the republicans nominee in protest and this could cost the election for the democrats.  Even if Obama had reservations about accepting the VP for personal reasons with the Clintons  he would need to look at as for the sake of the whole party and unity.  Plus the VP is one of the best start off points for the office of the Presidency on the second go round.   On the other hand if Obama is nominated he does not have to offer Hilary the VP (not that she would take it)he  just needs to  nominate another woman period so as not to alienate the voters that for a woman president.   Who that woman would be I do not know.

    What say you?

    Maybe they'll offer it to JJ (none / 0) (#6)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 02:04:53 PM EST
    Oops, did I say that out loud?

    Parent
    Do you think (none / 0) (#8)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 02:31:38 PM EST
    that two such egos could stand to be in the same room on a regular basis??

    Parent
    Egos are like magnets (none / 0) (#9)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 02:47:32 PM EST
    They attract and repel, depending on their polarity.

    Parent
    well... (none / 0) (#12)
    by Kathy on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:08:21 PM EST
    My first thought was that Obama would be too arrogant to take the VP slot.  Then, I put the shoe on the other hand and figured that I would be really disappointed if Clinton took the VP slot.

    So, this is all to say, I might be a little bit biased.

    The fact of his age and inexperience makes it more palatable, I could argue.  With her-why would she give up a very strong position in the Senate where she is well-respected and has a lot of power?  For him...what would he be giving up?  

    So, that last bit is to say: I'm a master triangulator!

    Parent

    I don't think Hillary should offer it to Obama (none / 0) (#16)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:14:54 PM EST
    Her best choice is definitely Wes Clark.  What better way to make her look like a credible Commander in Chief than to be ordering a general around on the campaign trail.  Gives her needed credibility on Iraq and takes away some of McCain's military appeal.

    Parent
    she already is credible (none / 0) (#20)
    by Judith on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:33:59 PM EST
    on that score.  Nice subtle undermining there, dude.

    Parent
    To you and me perhaps ... (none / 0) (#21)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:36:43 PM EST
    ... but she'll need more in the GE, especially against McCain ... and Powell ;)

    Parent
    Powell? (none / 0) (#22)
    by Kathy on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:47:03 PM EST
    I think he's so sick of politicians right now there's no way. (We're BFFs, so I know.  Haha!)  

    What about this rumor that Obama's folks are telling Edwards he can be the AG in an Obama administration?  If I were Edwards, I'd be laughing in their faces.  "Thank you for the offer.  Oh, by the way, did you want my delegates, too?"  No telling what Clinton talked to him about behind the scenes debate night, either.  Could be the same thing.

    Oh, the intrigue!

    Parent

    What are BFFs? (none / 0) (#23)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:56:58 PM EST
    Private joke about Powell from another thread

    Parent
    if she has to go there (none / 0) (#25)
    by Judith on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 04:00:56 PM EST
    I want Webb.

    Parent
    No. Not Webb... (4.00 / 0) (#28)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:24:12 PM EST
    unlike Wes Clark, he is barely respectful to Clinton and could not really be trusted as a veep.

    Parent
    I havent seen (none / 0) (#32)
    by Judith on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:32:28 PM EST
    what you refer to - can you expand your comment or refer me eleswhere pls.?

    In any case, I dont want either of them.  This media play makes me sick with its fixation on military types.

    Parent

    Just googled and I can't find it (none / 0) (#37)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 10:18:54 PM EST
    but as I recall Webb was reported to be upset with Hillary for Kyle-Lieberman (said it was tantamount to a declaration of war) and insinuated (so they say) that she was looking for cover by then co-sponsoring his anti-war resolution.  I could be wrong...it might have just been someone's interpretation of Webb's reaction when he heard of her offer to co-sponsor it.

    At any rate...as a first-term senator from Virginia, it makes more sense to keep him there where we'll need him.  

    IMHO, Wes Clark makes a lot of sense as a running mate, though.

    Parent

    okay - gotcha (none / 0) (#47)
    by Judith on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:42:58 PM EST
    thanks for the follow up.

    Yes, if she has to pick a military guy, Wes is a good choice.  I guess I just like a crabby guy like Webb.  :-)

    Parent

    I'd be happy with either (none / 0) (#26)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 04:03:45 PM EST


    Parent
    While that makes sense (none / 0) (#14)
    by magster on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:11:29 PM EST
    both Clinton and Obama would probably be good Supreme Court justices too.  If Obama gives up smoking, he could be on the Court for forty years.  

    A Supreme Court appointment would take the eventual nominee's competition out of the running in four years too.

    Parent

    Yes. Out of politics altogether. (none / 0) (#29)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:26:04 PM EST
    And that's the rumor.  Toobin mentioned it in Seattle months ago...if elected, Hil would offer the first court opening to Obama.  Wonder if he would do the same?

    Parent
    Based on what? (5.00 / 0) (#33)
    by Stellaaa on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:58:12 PM EST
    Never litigated a case, just wrote memos and his teaching was not a faculty position, he was a lecturer.  

    Parent
    I'm looking for more than "present" (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:37:02 PM EST
    on Roe.  

    Parent
    Not my area of expertise (none / 0) (#36)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:46:58 PM EST
    and although I'm just quoting Toobin it makes a lot of political sense, hmmm?

    Parent
    Have Hope..the sun is shining in Florida (none / 0) (#7)
    by cdo on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 02:11:50 PM EST
    I know there are some heavy hearts out there after watching last night's Clinton-Bash-athon.
    But the narrative is about to change, and whether the MSM likes it or not, they are going to have to cover it.
    Florida voters go to the polls on Tuesday, actually many of them all ready have. From what I have seen reported in Florida papers, 300,000 votes have all ready been cast.
    And it looks like it will be yet another state with record turn out.
    "The (Florida primary) results are going to be interesting because there are potentially going to be more Democrats voting in Florida than in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan and South Carolina combined," said David Beattie, president of Hamilton Campaigns, a Democratic research and polling firm in Fernandina Beach."
    http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080127/NEWS/801270308/1082

    Media pundits love to look like they can see into the future so Florida will get a good amount of coverage by the talking heads is my guess.
    And Hillary will be the name they will be talking about. So remember its a rough and tumble game and it is far from over.

    cdo (none / 0) (#13)
    by Kathy on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:10:57 PM EST
    thank you.  I was really feeling very down, mostly because they won't even let her lose graciously.  You are right, though.  Florida is another day. (Sorry, I'm from Georgia, so I tend to go a little Scarlet O'Hara when I get depressed)

    Parent
    kathy (none / 0) (#15)
    by athyrio on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:13:50 PM EST
    Hillary still has the odds very much in her favor so don't despair....as we say in Montana, need to "cowgirl up" and things will be ok....:-)

    Parent
    My girlfriend (none / 0) (#17)
    by Bob In Pacifica on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:27:03 PM EST
    My girlfriend wants an Obama/Edwards ticket.

    Who would be a good running mate for Obama? (none / 0) (#18)
    by robrecht on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:30:46 PM EST
    One of the networks said that Edwards approached Obama last night but he wasn't interested.  It wasn't confirmed, not sure if it's believeable, but who knows.  I can't figure out who Obama's running mate should be, maybe that's because I can't see him getting the nomination.

    Parent
    A mirror? (5.00 / 0) (#24)
    by Stellaaa on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:58:26 PM EST
    Well watch the Reno Gazette interview and he talks, actually rambles about that:  someone with military experience, someone with foreign policy, someone with economics...the list goes on and on . I thought in the old days we called those cabinet positions, oops, no one told him.  

    Parent
    chucke - Stone soup (5.00 / 0) (#27)
    by Judith on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 04:03:45 PM EST
    um - all these thing he doesnt have?

    reminds me of the old stone soup story.  Guy is hungry and has nothing but a stone and convinces people he has the magic to make an awesome soup to feed them if only they will provde the pot, the meat, the water, the carrots and the fire to cook it over.

    Obama - do I have the stone for you!!

    Parent

    Ummm...because he was (none / 0) (#30)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:28:49 PM EST
    such a great addition to the Kerry ticket?

    I think not.  Not twice.

    Parent

    Your Gators are headed for the top 20 (none / 0) (#19)
    by Dadler on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 03:32:06 PM EST
    22 point thrashing of a very good Vandy team, 18-3 overall 5-1 in the tough SEC.  What are they doing OUT of the rankings?  

    This is the year of the Bruin, though.  But you knew that.

    Ahem.

    O.T. It's all Tiger all the time... (none / 0) (#31)
    by oldpro on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:30:30 PM EST
    ...whoa.  Amazing.

    Super Bowl meets the Drug War.... (none / 0) (#44)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 11:53:43 AM EST
    an interesting read in todays Daily News about NY Giants hero kicker Lawrence Tynes and his older Mark, doing 27 years for a marijuana conviction.

    No one is immune from the damage done....LINK

    Crazy (none / 0) (#45)
    by squeaky on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:05:55 PM EST
    What a waste of money, keeping anyone behind bars for so long, especially for non violent crime. Sick when you think about legal drug pushers. Makes no sense.

    Parent
    This calls for a Citizen Cope quote..... (none / 0) (#46)
    by kdog on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:11:07 PM EST
    Well I'm waiting on the day
    When the people walk free to see
    When the penitentiary is on fire


    Parent
    wow - I second the "crazy" (none / 0) (#48)
    by Judith on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:44:41 PM EST
    comment.

    Parent
    He's actually doing 2 concurrent sentences (none / 0) (#50)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 01:08:15 PM EST
    of 324 and 120 months, which brings up a weird point of law.

    The 324 months sentence is for conspiracy to move more than 100 lbs but less than 1000 lbs, but, I guess from what I've read, since he was found guilty of moving more than 100 lbs he was also therefor guilty of conspiracy to move less than 100 lbs, which is a whole different category offense and for which he got the 120 months.

    Seems like a weird and unfair variation of double jeopardy.

    Parent

    Sorry, kilos, not lbs.... (none / 0) (#51)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 01:12:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Never mind, I think they were separate charges... (none / 0) (#53)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 03:49:33 PM EST


    Parent
    Meanwhile (none / 0) (#49)
    by squeaky on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:49:44 PM EST
    THe distraction of the BushCo/McCain war, aka quagmire, is an ongoing problem:
    It's possible that this reconstituted Taliban are just a bunch of losers sitting in the mountains with big dreams. But if they actually did assassinated Bhutto (with the help of the Pakistan security services, which is likely) this is no joke. Pakistan is the most unstable nuclear armed country we've ever seen and the potential for catastrophe is actually quite real. The fact that we have the entire US military bogged down in a useless occupation, while the Republican candidates are running around muttering incoherently about staying there for a thousand years or waving the white flag of surrender to al Qaeda in Iraq is further testament to how delusional the GOP remains on this subject.

    digby

    And there are no grownups home to pay attention:

    The problem is exacerbated by a dramatic drop-off in U.S. expertise on Pakistan. Retired American officials say that, for the first time in U.S. history, nobody with serious Pakistan experience is working in the South Asia bureau of the State Department, on State's policy planning staff, on the National Security Council staff or even in Vice President Cheney's office. Anne W. Patterson, the new U.S. ambassador to Islamabad, is an expert on Latin American "drugs and thugs"; Richard A. Boucher, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, is a former department spokesman who served three tours in Hong Kong and China but never was posted in South Asia. "They know nothing of Pakistan," a former senior U.S. diplomat said.

    Current and past U.S. officials tell me that Pakistan policy is essentially being run from Cheney's office.

    WaPo via digby

    Halberstram book, Best and Brightest (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by Cream City on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 02:12:08 PM EST
    told us what went wrong in our Vietnam War, when McCarthyism had gutted our South Asia desk of the State Dept.  Here we go again. . . .

    Parent
    Open Thread | 53 comments (53 topical)

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