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Still Waiting . . . Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:09:18 PM EST
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As Atrios says, BORED NOW.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Still Waiting . . . Open Thread | 209 comments (209 topical)
    Democratic Congress (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by cmugirl on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:12:15 PM EST
    Just posted this in another thread, but it's better suited here.

    Steny Hoyer has proposed that federal employees be allowed to have flex scheduling to work 4 10-hour days because of high gas prices (some already can do this).  LINK

    Isn't this something Obama should be talking about instead of John McCain and his many houses?

    My stepson's business did that (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:33:02 PM EST
    several weeks ago now.  He's in construction -- and it's mostly remodeling, so business is good for the stay-putters not wanting to try to sell right now.

    It's a good business run by a smart guy who did the calculations.  And the employees like it, so many of them being hunters and fishers and that sort here in bitter, gun-clinging country.

    And at my campus, mainly a commuter campus, we're seeing this as the reason for difficulty in getting students to sign up for Friday classes -- even more than before, for the set that starts its weekends on Thursday night.  But Friday classes are absolutely bombing this fall as people try to figure out how to save fuel and not have to drive miles for only a class or two on that day.

    In many ways, consumers are moving to a four-day week already.  Yes, governments ought to do so, too.  And as someone who talked an employer into this years ago, when I was raising kids, I already had the data then that shows that we're actually more productive in most jobs in four 10-hour days.  Workers take fewer breaks, for example.

    Parent

    O/T....but please let me introduce you (5.00 / 4) (#44)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:39:36 PM EST
    to Capt. Obvious...

    link

    Parent

    My workplace has a very extensive (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:26:16 PM EST
    work-remotely program, so many people with long commutes work from home a couple days a week (also allows for easier scheduling of dr appts, picking up kids from daycare etc).  We have all sorts of things set up to make phone meetings easier using the web.

    Many people also don't even live in the state, they work from 100s or 1000s of miles away and just fly in a couple times a year for trainings and such.  (actually, one colleague is moving to Denver -- this weekend!)

    I think it's an excellent idea and should definitely be the type of thing the government is encouraging.

    Parent

    Biden's clean, articulate remarks can help Obama (none / 0) (#175)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:08:51 PM EST
    What's one of Obama's biggest problems going into the GE?

    There's a wide-spread perception out there that the Obama campaign has been, shall we say, overly eager to levy charges of racism in the face of any perceived slight against Obama.

    That strategy has been reaping loads of backlash for months. Ergo, the campaign needs to do major damage control before the GE to mollify legions of non-racist whites who feel deeply offended by the implication that all whites who don't support Obama are racist.

    A lot of us have been racking our brains as to why/how Biden could possibly be good for Obama. After all Biden called Obama "the first mainstram African-American candidate...clean, articulate... a storybook [candidate]". During the primaries, Biden was resoundingly castigated, and politically damaged, for the perceived racism  of his remarks.

    But now, if Obama embraced Biden (the allegedly racist, old white guy) as VP, it would send the message that Obama is not touchy about racism and, by extension, he has the largesee to embrace the white working-class demographic even though they've been accused of being ambivalent about his race.

    If Obama chooses Biden, he will shortly be asked about the perceived racism of Biden's earlier remarks. And then Obama will absolve Biden and say that Biden was terribly misunderstood/misconstrued.

    Obama might then go to to say that the Clintons and the whole white electorate has been similarly mislabeled as racist - not by him, but (regrettably) by some of his well-meaning supporters and the MSM.

    Voila, Obama 'transcends the issue' of race going into the GE. By choosing Biden as VP, he longer has a 'problem' with non-PC white people and their occasional off-hand, 'non-racist' remarks about race.

    Of course, all of that would be the height of cynicism, which would be par for the course.

    Parent

    And as most voters seem darn cynical (none / 0) (#197)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:24:11 PM EST
    of politicians, it also just might be seen as evidence that the Clintons really are not racists but were just subjected to race-baiting when it was convenient to use race, etc.

    So I disagree with your optimism on this.  I think a Biden pick could boomerang badly on Obama.  That is, with any voters left who still may be naive about all this and not already on to it.

    Of course, I'm sure that it would be easy to spin that it's not racist to use the words "clean and articulate" about an African American but is racist to use the words "fairy tale" about, well, his fantasy that he voted against the war. :-)

    Parent

    I did it for the summer (none / 0) (#89)
    by BarnBabe on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:54:35 PM EST
    And Loved working 4 days a week. But, there is a 6 month very heavy winter season that has me back to 5 days and that is pretty soon. Like Oct 1. I took Fridays off. It was so so so nice to have a 3 day weekend. Like mini vacations.  

    Parent
    Schools (none / 0) (#183)
    by jedimom on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:13:33 PM EST
    IIRC a town in Minnesota, did this with their schools. An issue for the parents, they would now need another day of daycare, as their employers had not followed suit.

    Perhaps the model in which the municipalities do it 'in house' first before launching it into schools can be adapted there as well..

    I think telecommuting is fabulous and have been lucky enough to have a 4 day 10 hr option with several employers in the past..

    Parent

    The funny thing is... (none / 0) (#191)
    by cmugirl on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:20:07 PM EST
    I found the link on "The Corner" - know how they're playing it? That Hoyer and Pelosi don't want to have an offshore drilling bill allowed on the floor, but they want to give this great benefit to federal workers (including Congress) {read: pigs sucking at the teat of the taxpayers} but they are not talking about it for all hard-working 'Muricans who are struggling.

    Come to think of it - why ISN'T Obama talking about something like this?  Oh yeah....we're in a frenzy about John McCain's houses...

    Parent

    I have this nightmare... (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by desertswine on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:12:24 PM EST
    that Obama and McCain both pick Joe Lieberman as their running-mate. Ack..ack...gah.

    and knowing Joe, he's say yes to both (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by DandyTIger on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:33:07 PM EST
    because he's sooo loyal. :-)

    Parent
    He'd wait until 2012 for that. (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Lysis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:34:06 PM EST
    And still run for re-election as senator.

    Parent
    Not bored, (5.00 / 6) (#4)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:14:01 PM EST
    Patronized.  Manipulated.  Infantilized.  Diminished.  

    My sympathies (3.50 / 2) (#36)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:34:19 PM EST
    Get well soon.

    Parent
    Well...may take a long time (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:43:03 PM EST
    and I will need my money for therapy and meds.  

    Parent
    Pretty silly strategy (none / 0) (#88)
    by Andy08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:54 PM EST
    if one could call it that... Have no idea what do they think they are achieving ( and it is not to "gain the week's news cycle...). It better be something extraordinary noone has talked about before ..( and no, Chet Edwards TX, or Al Gore don't count as "extraordinary")...

    At this point.. Whatever; they've lost the goal of a "climatic" moment.

    Parent

    Not silly, infantile (5.00 / 2) (#125)
    by Prabhata on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:23:28 PM EST
    but not surprising from the people who believe that advertisement and money it's all that's needed to win elections.

    Parent
    This has gone beyond ridiculous (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:16:51 PM EST
    into ludicrous speed.  And this will be feelings of the voters in November:

    Colonel Sandurz: Now. You're looking at now sir. Everything that happens now, is happening now.
    Dark Helmet: What happened to then?
    Colonel Sandurz: We passed then.
    Dark Helmet: When?
    Colonel Sandurz: Just now. We're at now, now.
    Dark Helmet: Go back to then!
    Colonel Sandurz: When?
    Dark Helmet: Now.
    Colonel Sandurz: Now?
    Dark Helmet: Now!
    Colonel Sandurz: I can't.
    Dark Helmet: Why?
    Colonel Sandurz: We missed it.
    Dark Helmet: When?
    Colonel Sandurz: Just now.

    :(

    yay (none / 0) (#185)
    by jedimom on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:15:12 PM EST
    yay Spaceballs !! One of my favorite Mel phrases..

    also like to launch into the musical number 'The Inquisition', whenever religion comes up, LOL

    Parent

    If it's Edwards... (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:16:54 PM EST
    and I shudder to think...won't it be clear Pelosi is pulling the strings?

    Chet Edwards (none / 0) (#25)
    by BarnBabe on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:31:15 PM EST
    From Texas. I fear if he was the nominee, people would associate it with the other Edwards automatically.

    Parent
    GMTA (none / 0) (#75)
    by rdandrea on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:49:53 PM EST
    I was about to post that Obama-Edwards wouldn't be a very good bumper sticker right about now, but you beat me to it.

    Parent
    or GWB (none / 0) (#102)
    by AlSmith on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:58:55 PM EST

    in this picture he looks like a chubby version of Bush.

    http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/06/speaker_pelosi_touts_texas_rep.html

    What is going in bizzaro world today?

    Parent

    Obama's lost law review article (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:20:57 PM EST
    From Politico:

    As president of the Harvard Law Review and a law professor in Chicago, Senator Barack Obama refined his legal thinking, but left a scant paper trail. His name doesn't appear on any legal scholarship.

    But an unsigned -- and previously unattributed -- 1990 article unearthed by Politico offers a glimpse at Obama's views on abortion policy and the law during his student days, and provides a rare addition to his body of work.

    The six-page summary, tucked into the third volume of the year's Harvard Law Review, considers the charged, if peripheral, question of whether fetuses should be able to file lawsuits against their mothers. Obama's answer, like most courts': No. He wrote approvingly of an Illinois Supreme Court ruling that the unborn cannot sue their mothers for negligence, and he suggested that allowing fetuses to sue would violate the mother's rights and could, perversely, cause her to take more risks with her pregnancy.

    The subject matter took Obama to the treacherous political landscape of reproductive rights, and - unlike many student authors - he dived eagerly into the policy implications of the court decision. His article acknowledged a public interest in the health of the fetus, but also seemed to demonstrate his continuing commitment to abortion rights, and suggested that the government may have more important concerns than "ensuring that any particular fetus is born."

    Might be worth some discussion.

    Does anyone else wonder why he has never mentioned this?  Seems like it could support his claim of being pro-choice - does he not want to be seen as too pro-choice?

    Inquiring minds...

    If someone (none / 0) (#69)
    by Jgarza on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:48:48 PM EST
    doesn't belive Obama is pro choice, is making up reasons not to like him, and there is no hope.

    Parent
    Hmm. Why wouldn't he put his name on it (none / 0) (#211)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:28:22 PM EST
    if he believed it?  Political career planning, perhaps -- but on the other hand, it could not have helped his career that the Harvard Law Review staff voted immediately after Obama's tenure that future heads had to actually publish a (signed) law review article, precisely because he was the first never to have done so.  So I read on a law blog.

    I still prefer the pols who stand up publicly to clearly proclaim that they are pro-choice -- and don't suggest that we consult spouses or ministers.  And pols who see their pay grade as requiring that they give straight answers.

    Parent

    Freep Michigan Poll (5.00 / 2) (#14)
    by daring grace on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:24:20 PM EST
    Has this been covered already?

    Detroit Free Press

    has Obama up 7 points with McCain at 39 (!).

    But the lead is described as 'shaky' with a whopping 31% saying they could change their minds.

    People always claim that they could (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:28:33 PM EST
    change their minds--and then don't.

    What's more concerning is that Obama isn't over 50% in a blue state.

    But the lead is real, and the poll was conducted by trustworthy Ann Selzer.

    Parent

    A third undecided in Michigan? Ouch! (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:34:51 PM EST
    "Very shaky" is putting it mildly.  In Michigan, yet.  

    Parent
    Good news (1.00 / 1) (#39)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:36:28 PM EST
    Michigan is the only blue state that Obama has to defend, while McCain has to defend a dozen or so.  If McCain doesn't steal Michigan, he'll have to run the table in all other potential swing states.

    Parent
    Huh? (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:45:36 PM EST
    Michigan is the only blue state that Obama has to defend

    There must be more red states out there than I thought.

    Parent

    Are swing states officially purple? (none / 0) (#104)
    by Fabian on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:59:18 PM EST
    Then OH is purple.
    BTW - what was that website that someone promoted?  They did a nice break down of Ohio.  Wondered if they had done any more work.

    Parent
    Was It Real Clear Politics? (none / 0) (#133)
    by daring grace on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:31:32 PM EST
    Real Clear Politics

    I saw pretty exhaustive work they did on Colorado and Ohio. Probably others, I just haven't been back yet to spend the time perusing...

    Parent

    Don't take PA for granted (none / 0) (#78)
    by kempis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:51:46 PM EST
    If Obama does, McCain will be the next president.

    Parent
    JFK/ LBJ (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Moishele on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:24:55 PM EST
    Time magazine is now reporting that Chet Edwards, Pelosi's favorite, has been vetted.  I can see Edwards being the choice. It fits with Obama's delusion that he is the new JFK, and Edwards can be LBJ.

    Two newbies? (none / 0) (#17)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:26:21 PM EST
    Forget it.

    Parent
    Try the new Dukakis (none / 0) (#41)
    by Landulph on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:38:11 PM EST
    and the new Bentsen--an arrogant, aloof, vaguely foreign-seeming academic and a dishwater-dull conservative Texan who can't carry his own state in the general. Gag. And I'll bet Chet Edwards doesn't even have any good "I knew Jack Kennedy . . ." zingers.

    Parent
    well (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:45:39 PM EST
    I don't think Dukakis was arrogant but the rest is spot on. And Bentsen had a spine and a personality which is more than I can say for Edwards.

    Parent
    Good point about (none / 0) (#66)
    by Landulph on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:47:19 PM EST
    Dukakis--but he was PORTRAYED that way by the media and the GOP, and the "image" of Dukakis in that regard was very similar to what, I fear, is the reality of Obama.

    Parent
    A possible explanation (5.00 / 5) (#19)
    by miriam on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:28:26 PM EST
    for this sophomoric waiting game is that Clinton was asked...and said NO.  And they are now trying to talk her into it.  Or, the party has finally come to their senses, realize Obama is going down without Clinton, and are trying to talk him into it.  Either way, the Democratic Party is clearly in the hands of incompetents.  This whole charade is becoming harder and harder to not equate with an Alice in Wonderland scenario.  "Houses" is now the big news?  Where are the grownups?  

    I don't see her saying no. If she knows she (5.00 / 3) (#26)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:31:57 PM EST
    is needed, she'll do it. If not, she would have made some kind of announcement taking herself out of consideration to end all this speculation.

    Parent
    No, she could not have done that (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:33:14 PM EST
    It would have be interpretted as a huge negative opinion of Obama, and just sour grapes on her part.


    Parent
    I think she could have pulled it off in a way (none / 0) (#42)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:38:41 PM EST
    that could have helped more than all this speculation. This hype is making it worse.

    Parent
    She was in Florida yesterday (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:44:21 PM EST
    stumping for Obama. This, because she committed to it, and in the immediate afterward of having lost a second dear friend in the course of a week. She was grieving, and it was obvious.

    Did you read the slams in multiple publications, and broadcasts that characterized her efforts as just not enough? They actually made her defend herself during this exceptionally stressful, sad, and exhausting time.

    I don't see any possible way Hillary could have openly removed herself from Obama's ticket that would have given her positive reviews.

    Parent

    Same Page (none / 0) (#115)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:10:04 PM EST
    Rush Limbaugh today talking how Obama "royally dissed" Clinton and the "biggest slap" directed at the Clintons and their supporters if Obama did not even consider Hillary.  Nice to have Rush looking out for us.

    Parent
    It's Hillary's responsibility (none / 0) (#137)
    by Prabhata on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:32:10 PM EST
    to elect Obama.   link

    Parent
    And it could be, that at this point, (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:41:24 PM EST
    with things trending down for Obama, she might regard him asking her to be the VP the equivalent of the captain of the Titanic asking a lone boater if he'd like to come on board.

    I know she loves her country and her party, but love is not blind.

    Parent

    Not Enough (none / 0) (#116)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:11:02 PM EST
    But adoration is.  And Hillary does not adore Obama; she just endorses.  That's not enough.

    Parent
    Maybe she refused to get the (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:22:37 PM EST
    "I <Heart> Obama" tattoo, and that was the end of that...

    Parent
    I agree with you. Hillary was asked long ago (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by BronxFem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:49:21 PM EST
    and said no...can't blame her...as she carried Bill across the finish line many times during 16 years and probably more.  Her aim was to carry herself across, but the DNA betrayed her, as we all know.  She has said that she will continue to work for  New York state.  We need her here and not in Washington propping up Obama.

    Parent
    Probably both....... (none / 0) (#111)
    by BronxFem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:02:59 PM EST


    Parent
    so is McCain playing a sophmoric waiting game? (none / 0) (#46)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:40:48 PM EST
    silly argument

    Parent
    Although McCain is a lousy choice (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:45:59 PM EST
    he's not an unqualified one. His VP pick isn't nearly as important, and, if you notice, it isn't getting much press time.

    So, who's playing the attention-getting game?

    Parent

    the press has made it a spectacle and (none / 0) (#84)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:06 PM EST
    he is going along for the ride.  How about some legit criticism, like he blows at debating or he has said very little about the economy (substantive anyway).  

    Parent
    He could talk about the economy (none / 0) (#120)
    by catfish on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:18:52 PM EST
    use this spotlight to talk about important issues. People are going bankrupt and on the radio they hear will he announce his veep today? Or tomorrow? It is insulting.

    Parent
    McCain didn't promise to text his pick (5.00 / 2) (#141)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:36:53 PM EST
    over a week ago to adoring fans.  He's said the exact date when he'll announce.

    Really, you have to get over this kneejerk 'Well McCain did it too!' reaction.

    There are so many valid reasons to criticize McCain, I just don't get why Obama's supporters keep limpeting onto the silliest ones.

    Parent

    ditto on obama (5.00 / 1) (#148)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:43:37 PM EST
    obama criticizers are looking for reasons to belly ache and this is a silly one.  AFter he announces ABH (anyone but Hillary), the HRC lovers will pounce with their anger.  It seems to me that all the attention here suggests there is an interest and a buzz and he is succeeding.  If it were not holding your attention why would you blog on it?  

    Parent
    because we got tired of blogging on (none / 0) (#153)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:50:33 PM EST
    his other deficiencies.

    Parent
    lol (none / 0) (#155)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:53:08 PM EST
    so he wants to limit the amount of time he can be ripped for his ABH choice.  I would say that is good strategy.

    Parent
    No, he let people have false hope and that is (none / 0) (#163)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:59:06 PM EST
    a bad strategy. He should have put that to bed long ago so people might start to heal. I'm not healing at all this week. I'm getting mad again.

    Parent
    Actually it isn't (none / 0) (#169)
    by cawaltz on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:04:38 PM EST
    The Clinton branch of the Democratic party have memories like elephants. Obama better be prepared to fight, not only the GOP, but half the Democratic party.

    I, for one, won't be voting for him.

    Parent

    Neither will I but not because of HRC (none / 0) (#208)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:28:05 PM EST
    angst. But who cares who you vote for?  No one should really, the only person that should care is you and whether or not you can live with McCain or Obama policy.  I can live with either, one benefits me financially very well, the other i agree with socially.  But again, who cares?

    Parent
    Mine will be because I believe (none / 0) (#222)
    by cawaltz on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:36:15 PM EST
    Country first, ego second. If the Dem nominee can't get that right I'd just as soon it be MCCain.

    Parent
    not hard at all (none / 0) (#213)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:29:18 PM EST
    does your belly feel better after you ache?

    Parent
    I know (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:30:03 PM EST
    who it will be:

    Link

    (just speculating still)

    the blob has issued a denial (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:52:17 PM EST
    through their agent that they are in consideration. the blob was quite upset as it is negociating a series of horror films based on the whole campaign cycle. unfair to the blog and trying to blow a good deal that would enhance the blob's standing in hollywood.

    Parent
    while The Blob is qualified on paper... (5.00 / 2) (#206)
    by p lukasiak on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:27:18 PM EST
    public opinion shows that amorphophobia (fear of the shapeless) is still a major factor among the electorate.

    And while 91% of respondents say that they would be willing to vote for an amorphic candidate, when asked if most of their neighbors would vote for an amorph, only 63% responded positively.

    Other studies have shown that when people were asked to compare resumes, when the resumes were accompanied by photos of shaped and unshaped candidates, the subjects were 22% more likely to choose the shaped candidate than when similar resumes were compared without photographs.

    source:  silly_putty_politics.com

    Parent

    Do you think (none / 0) (#96)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:56:36 PM EST
    the blob will sue?

    Parent
    the blob probably won't. (none / 0) (#100)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:58:44 PM EST
    it just likes to scare folks and make a buck.

    Parent
    No, he will instead begin a new (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by DemForever on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:28:26 PM EST
    bloblog

    Parent
    and BlobPac (none / 0) (#134)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:31:32 PM EST


    Parent
    But won't his stand on global warming... (5.00 / 1) (#165)
    by EL seattle on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:01:03 PM EST
    ... be a deal breaker?  The Blob's all for it, if I remember correctly.

    But then again, the Blob doesn't really stand for anything.  But he can't really flip-flop worth a darn, either.  And that's good, right?

    Parent

    I know (none / 0) (#160)
    by chrisvee on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:56:40 PM EST
    the Blob. He's done a lot for my community.  I'll vote for him.

    Parent
    If Burt Bacharach will write... (none / 0) (#95)
    by EL seattle on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:56:20 PM EST
    ... their campaign song , how can they lose?

    Parent
    The blob did terrorize Pennsylvania (none / 0) (#114)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:06:43 PM EST
    which may play well in Ohio. (?)

    Parent
    Patronized is right (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by AlSmith on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:30:46 PM EST

    The only reasons to wait this long
       - wait until the hipsters are in their bars so that they can all get the text a the same time.
       - panic and "wouldnt you like to know" is trying to keep a lid on things and buy some time.

    I think the text comes tomorrow (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by lilburro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:33:16 PM EST
    immediately before Obama's appearance with the VP and will go something like this:  "MEET OBAMA'S NEW VP, JOE BIDEN! TURN ON YOUR TV NOW TO LEARN ABOUT HOW WE WILL MAKE CHANGE IN NOVEMBER!"  And just as the cell phone is vibrating, everyone else will be finding out too.


    the loud swishhhhhhhhh you (5.00 / 1) (#54)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:43:13 PM EST
    hear after the text message will be obama's poll numbers.

    Parent
    Vibrating text messages.... (5.00 / 0) (#170)
    by p lukasiak on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:05:21 PM EST
    ....an entire nation gets a tingle up their leg as Obama announces his vice-presidential pick!

    We're all Chris Matthews now!

    Parent

    How is Joe supposed to get there without his (none / 0) (#38)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:36:16 PM EST
    media following? They couldn't keep that a secret.

    Parent
    Maybe in this techno-savvy campaign, Joe (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:44:30 PM EST
    will be appearing "with" Obama by Webcam, direct from his home office...

    Parent
    According to Andrea Mitchell (none / 0) (#113)
    by mmc9431 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:03:47 PM EST
    (If she's to be trusted) Biden's sons have been flown back home for a gathering of the family by private jet.

    Parent
    honestly (none / 0) (#193)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:20:45 PM EST


    Parent
    Maybe he's having a hard time releasing (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:33:54 PM EST
    a name because he knows he doesn't truly have this nomination sewn up.
    considering the number of (none / 0) (#63)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:46:28 PM EST
    people who ran away from the veep nomination, maybe they are having a hard time convincing the potential candidate. he/she may actually want something meaningful to do and hasn't received that promise. i can't help but think with obama's advisors they won't let any newbie have much power or say.

    Parent
    They want our phone numbers (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:38:56 PM EST
    see, the more they wait, the more we will want to sign up and be "texted ones".  I will remain untexted.  

    This is a big payoff for the FISA to the telecoms, wait, he voted for them, some connection here.  

    We are the ones we've been texting for. (5.00 / 3) (#53)
    by DFLer on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:43:05 PM EST


    Parent
    When I saw the announcement (none / 0) (#72)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:49:37 PM EST
    that they were using text messaging, it reminded me that, "oh yeah, I need to go online to my cell carrier's site and turn off my text messaging".

    I keep getting extranous text messages from new fangled kids who apparently don't know how to dial a number on a cell phone.  It's only ten cents, but for "Suzy, you wanna go swimming?" when my name isn't Suzy, it gets expensive after awhile.

    I can thank Obama for that reminder at least.

    Parent

    yup i just got a cell phone call (none / 0) (#91)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:55:11 PM EST
    informing me my so called factory warranty was expiring. how did they get my number? i hate it!

    Parent
    Do you think (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by lilburro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:40:48 PM EST
    Obama will extend his line of merchandising to the VP candidate?

    As I look upon the Obama refrigerator magnet, this becomes an important consideration to me.

    I'm the (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by A little night musing on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:46:37 PM EST
    Chairman of the Bored.

    May I (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by theprosecutrix on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:51:02 PM EST
    be the chairwoman of your subcommittee on people who don't really care but want to hear a name anyway?

    Parent
    Only if you promise (none / 0) (#108)
    by A little night musing on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:01:25 PM EST
    not to hold any hearings or anything like that. Cause that's so old-politics, you know.

    Parent
    Deal (none / 0) (#117)
    by theprosecutrix on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:11:53 PM EST
    I'll just travel the world, make vague speeches, and send text messages.  

    Parent
    On WNYC this morning, discussion of Obama's (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by jawbone on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:48:51 PM EST
    announcement tactics were discussed, and two callers (or was it three?) stated they had gone to bed with their cell phones in case Obama decided to text them at 3AM or some timing like that!

    A WNYC reporter traveling across the country and doing person in the street interviews said that, while the percentage was dropping slightly as she reached Missouri, people in huge majorities answered "Hillary" when asked who they would like to see as Obama's running mate.

    Not scientific, but interesting.

    It's 3 am... (5.00 / 0) (#79)
    by theprosecutrix on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:52:10 PM EST
    do you know where your Vice-Presidential nominee is?  

    Parent
    Waiting for Godot..... (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by BronxFem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:55:49 PM EST


    Waiting for Lefty (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by jedimom on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:25:16 PM EST


    Parent
    tonight i am going to watch (5.00 / 0) (#107)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:01:02 PM EST
    some keystone cops vidoes. i like the real thing and not a bad imitation. snark!

    Maybe Floyd Sterling IV, Jr. ... (none / 0) (#149)
    by EL seattle on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:46:49 PM EST
    Will be the VP choice.

    Parent
    Tease (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:16:27 PM EST
    was the word that occured to me as well.

    They've now moved into annoying territory...not that they weren't already permanent residents.

    Big hint or (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:19:13 PM EST
    another head fake?

    Check the lineup for Meet the Press on Sunday:

    Pelosi and Caroline Kennedy head the list...

    That tells me for sure it isn't Hillary. (none / 0) (#140)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:36:11 PM EST
    Maybe Chet or Sebelius for the woman angle?

    Parent
    Yeah but in '92 (none / 0) (#150)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:47:49 PM EST
    we actually WON!

    And so did Bill Clinton.

    We all thought that was the beginning of transformation...for the party, the country, the world.

    And it was...even with the Gingrich revolution to tussle with...good work, Bill.

    Wha' hoppen?

    Thanks Kerry, Daschle, Kennedy, Pelosi.  What a pathetic excuse for a political party my Democrats have become.  Losers all.

    Parent

    Sorry Jeralyn (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by DemForever on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:26:22 PM EST
    From Political Wire

    "For what it's worth, the political futures markets are converging on Sen. Joe Biden as the most likely running mate for Sen. Barack Obama."

    The futures markets (none / 0) (#145)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:42:05 PM EST
    are nothing but a compilation of the conventional wisdom.  No one actually knows anything.

    Parent
    Kinda like the stock market..../s (none / 0) (#166)
    by aquarian on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:02:50 PM EST


    Parent
    think you are bored now (5.00 / 3) (#130)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:28:18 PM EST
    wait until the unveil whasshisname

    If Biden is the pick, (5.00 / 2) (#136)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:32:00 PM EST
    I will enjoy watching those that have been trashing him for years turn themselves into little pretzels as they search for good things to say about him.

    It should be very amusing.

    Parent

    if Biden is the pick (none / 0) (#139)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:33:46 PM EST
    it explains the stadium.  it will be required to house the egos.

    Parent
    CNN-LOL (5.00 / 1) (#152)
    by BarnBabe on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:49:28 PM EST
    One CNN.com, the top story on their list is:
    Obama calling VP losers, source says.
    Well that is not a complement for sure.

    I thought he did that yesterday? I wonder if (none / 0) (#161)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:56:48 PM EST
    Bill Richardson got a call or if he was that high on the list. He was on Larry King last night and said he hadn't heard but would be honored. I would put him in the "loser" category.

    Parent
    Whoever it is (5.00 / 3) (#168)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:04:22 PM EST
    we can all agree that:

    "He is the one we've been waiting for".

    Whu-oh (5.00 / 1) (#174)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:07:40 PM EST
    What's going to happen when he doesn't pick Sebelius.  

    From SurveyUSA

    I really don't understand why they poll Kansas.

    It's a Bird, It's a Plane It's... (5.00 / 1) (#181)
    by CST on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:12:33 PM EST
    Chet Edwards?????

    No seriously after all this it BETTER be Hillary or Superman.  Anyone else just isn't gonna cut it (That includes you Spidey :))

    I checked out Daily Kos. Chet is not going (5.00 / 1) (#189)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:19:09 PM EST
    over very well there. That would almost be funny.

    Parent
    there may be a god (5.00 / 1) (#195)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:23:26 PM EST
    I wonder if that was, as they say, a trial balloon?

    Parent
    I say its a trial balloon for..... (none / 0) (#201)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:26:04 PM EST
    ...Nancy Pelosi. And if it is, you heard it hear first.

    Parent
    He's being interviewed on FOX (none / 0) (#196)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:23:31 PM EST
    right now.

    Nothing there.

    Parent

    OBAMA/LUGAR '08 (1.00 / 0) (#3)
    by Scan on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:12:31 PM EST
    Unbeatable! Unbelievable!

    Good reason to delay (1.00 / 1) (#56)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:44:04 PM EST
    Not that it's really important when Obama announces his choice - but the delay now is due to the fact that they are milking Housegate for all it's worth.  

    Another good tactic from a brilliant campaign.

    A brilliant campaign (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:46:58 PM EST
    is now defined as one that's losing in new politics speak I guess.

    Parent
    Four Legs Good! (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by Landulph on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:49:44 PM EST
    Two Legs Bad!
    Four Legs Good!
    Two Legs Bad!
    Four Legs Good!
    Two Legs Bad!

    Parent
    Unless Dear Leader decides the opposite! (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by jawbone on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:55:55 PM EST
    Two legs good!
    Four legs bad!
    Two legs mean Change!
    Four legs bad!
    Two legs mean Hope!

    Yada, yada, yada....

    Parent

    Not true (none / 0) (#220)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:34:45 PM EST
    Obama is doing fine, and he's going to recover his lead very soon.  McGaffe had a bad week, and Obama is heading into his best potential week of the young campaign.  

    Parent
    A brilliant campaign (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:14 PM EST
    that is running neck and neck with an "old fart" remnant of the worst president ever in a Democrat's year?

    That brilliant campaign?

    I vote, this is a Friday afternoon news dump.  They want to stem the bleeding as much as possible from the fact that they're going to FURTHER alienate a WHOLE CLASS of voters by not picking Clinton.

    Brilliant, I say, but only if someone on Obama's campaign is working for McCain....hmmm, maybe Patti Solis-Doyle? (LOL).

    Parent

    The brilliant part is how (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:03:03 PM EST
    he took to the winner circle without having actually won.


    Parent
    the brilliant part is to come... (5.00 / 3) (#144)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:41:47 PM EST
    which is how he's going to hide that Hillary isn't the VP pick from the entire country until November.

    I can't wait to find out!

    Parent

    LOL (none / 0) (#214)
    by jedimom on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:30:20 PM EST
    You all have me rolling today, thank you!!

    :0>

    Parent

    Grrrr--I hated the Repubs for saying that Kerry or (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by jawbone on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:36 PM EST
    Edwards or Gore (even Hillary) couldn't relate to real Merkins because they had made money or had money. And had houses!! Kerry had many houses bcz he married a wickedly rich woman! Elitist liberals!

    It is hard pundit and Repub law that Dems are to be condemned for financial success and damned for not being wealthy.

    Anyway, I find myself feeling very uncomfortable that our Standard Bearer, not some neglible somewhat removed spokesperson or supporter, is himself using the Repub line to attack McCain. I know all's fair in love and war and politics, but it makes me cringe. No better than the ReThugs, ick.

    Parent

    Ennis - 10 comments per day (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by waldenpond on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:40:02 PM EST
    Just a reminder... new commenters (those less than 30 days) are limited to 10 comments per day.  Yesterday you were at 23.  Thanks.

    Parent
    Not true (none / 0) (#225)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:40:39 PM EST
    I held my posts to ten or so for the required period of purgatory.  I got my 30 days in on Wednesday, and thus believe I'm entitled to respond in kind to people responding to me.

    I can't help it if my comments are so popular.

    Parent

    Please tell me (none / 0) (#67)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:48:25 PM EST
    you left out the /snark tag.

    Parent
    His comments (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:52:20 PM EST
    are very funny today.

    Parent
    Do you really think (none / 0) (#76)
    by misspeach2008 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:50:37 PM EST
    that McCain's being unaware of the extent of his wife's real estate holdings is going to hurt him? I'm sure he knows how many homes they use personally. If Obama is postponing announcing his VP to extend this idiocy, he is grasping at straws. The "good tactic from a brilliant campaign" is snark, right?

    Parent
    they own some condos that house (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:56:58 PM EST
    some relatives like mccain's mom. yup that is going to be a really big issue! yeah right! brilllant campaign! sigh

    Parent
    Really? They're so brilliant that for weeks now (none / 0) (#99)
    by kempis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:58:40 PM EST
    they've known that McCain was going to make the "how many houses do I have" gaffe?

    Wow.

    I suspect that they're waiting until immediately before the convention in hopes that the convention changes the subject. If it's not Hillary (and it won't be) there may be a downward adjustment to Obama's poll numbers. He'll need the convention to bounce back.

    Clearly, whoever the VP is, it's not someone they think will give Obama much of a bounce or they'd have announced a week or so ago.

    Parent

    I would love to hear (none / 0) (#101)
    by lilburro on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:58:51 PM EST
    why you think his campaign is so brilliant.  His line has been dropping in all the charts...national polling, statewide polling.  Obama has been victimized by a line of attack as inane as "you are a celebrity!"  So brilliance, no, haven't see that lately.

    Parent
    BTD, Politico added a comment from someone (none / 0) (#7)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:17:37 PM EST
    associated with Obama to your last post.

    An Obama aide said "absolutely exhaustive research was done on her over the course of the 16 month primary. She was researched more closely than any candidate in history."
    Now that is interesting. (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:21:51 PM EST
    Interesting that the Obama campaign even chose to comment on the story at all.

    It is a true statement - although I'd say the research has been done for like sixteen years not months.

    Parent

    Clearly (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by Emma on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:22:19 PM EST
    she was researched more closely by Obama's campaign than McCain was.  /snark

    Jesus.  Keep emphasising that she's the enemy, who required 16 months of "absolutely exhaustive research" for a primary run.

    Parent

    Sounds like an excuse that would end with.... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:31:58 PM EST
    "and, she was found to be unacceptable."

    Parent
    Yes. (none / 0) (#8)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:19:30 PM EST
    Hillary's been vetted.

    Parent
    Hillary has not been vetted (1.50 / 4) (#45)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:40:10 PM EST
    There's a huge area open for inspection in regard to donors to the Clinton museum, the Clinton foundation, and sources of Bill's income for the past 8 years.

    That was one of the sticking points that moved her down the VP list.

    Parent

    the Clinton Foundation is a non- for-profit (5.00 / 2) (#132)
    by kimsaw on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:29:46 PM EST
    charitable organization. Like many other NFPs   the get anonymous donations from all over the world. Why would Clinton's foundations have to be checked any differently than other NFPs? You going to check out the Red Cross, the Cancer Society, there are loads to choose from. What difference does it make who donated to the museum? I think the Clintons and their organizations have to file  taxes like everyone else. I think the Clintons' sources of income are listed on those documents.  As I recall they were inspected by the MSM, and what did they find? Not much... no cries of wrong doing.

    As a voter, here's my sticky point with Obama- when does he tell the truth about his relationship with Rezko and the rest of his questionable associations? I know he doesn't accept money from lobbyists, but he accepts money from their spouses or their extended families. Let's check out who the big bucks come from. Do we really want to got there?

    Parent

    Non-Profit (none / 0) (#178)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:10:21 PM EST
    Not-For-Profit is a much different way of doing business. i.e., State Farm Insurance is a not-for-profit.

    Parent
    It's been reported (none / 0) (#194)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:20:56 PM EST
    that the Clintons put Hillary out of the running for VP very early by refusing additional vetting.

    Too bad.

    Parent

    Good for them. (5.00 / 1) (#205)
    by misspeach2008 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:27:10 PM EST
    Who would buy a ticket on the Titanic if they knew it was going to sink?

    Parent
    I don't know why (none / 0) (#215)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:31:22 PM EST
    they refused to be vetted and missed the opportunity to soar with the eagles in November.

    Parent
    Now you've got me thinking (5.00 / 1) (#223)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:36:24 PM EST
    about John Ashcroft and his singing abilities...

    "Let the eagle sooooar...like it's never soared before..."

    Parent

    Do you have a link? (5.00 / 0) (#219)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:34:37 PM EST
    Where has this been reported?

    Parent
    Well, not seriously if she didn't meet with his (none / 0) (#11)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:22:00 PM EST
    committee. I don't understand all this. So now they imply they checked her out but she didn't cut it?

    Parent
    They're talking about oppo research. (5.00 / 4) (#13)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:24:06 PM EST
    That answer actually confirms for me the fact that she wasn't vetted. It's a big fat excuse.

    Parent
    Opposition research is the essence of (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by scribe on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:30:28 PM EST
    "vetting" a candidate.  

    In "vetting", one wants to find out all the weaknesses the candidate might have.  Stuff the adversary might use against the candidate.

    In "opposition research", one wants to find out all the weaknesses the [adversary] candidate might have.  Stuff that might be used against the adversary candidate.

    There's no real difference, save that in vetting the candidate being vetted is cooperating with the people investigating him/her, and in opposition research, the candidate is not cooperating.

    WRT HRC, if there is anyone who has been scrutinzed more and over a longer period in American history prior to their nomination, I can't think of the name.

    I think she's been sufficiently vetted by the primary process and the years of working-over the wingnuts have given her.  

    Whether Obama will choose her - another, entirely different question.

    Parent

    We won't know how or why or what (5.00 / 0) (#15)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:24:28 PM EST
    until they actually announce the decision.

    Everything else right now is speculation based on heresay and people's opinions.

    Parent

    Of course it is but...... (5.00 / 3) (#18)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:26:28 PM EST
    ....why should I be the only one to refrain from "speculation based on heresay and people's opinions. "

    ;-)

    Parent

    Go for it. (5.00 / 0) (#21)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:29:12 PM EST
    :)

    It's no fun though, I can tell you, watching defeat being snatched from the jaws of victory.

    Parent

    you need to... (none / 0) (#182)
    by p lukasiak on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:13:09 PM EST
    you need to develop a much more profound appreciation of Schadenfreude

    Parent
    Eric Holder knows the Clintons. (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:32:22 PM EST
    The private investigator they've hired couldn't even begin to do what the media, the Republicans and others have done in terms of research on the Clintons - it would be a waste of time and money to even bother.

    And if they were seriously considering Senator Clinton, there is no one except probably the candidate herself, Bill and Chelsea they could call to ask questions that they could absolutely rely on not to tip their hand in this process.

    Hillary's vetting would be almost entirely reliant on polling data and conversations with members of the party's elite - some of whom might not even be aware of the fact that they were being asked to weigh in on the choice when it happened.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#51)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:42:44 PM EST
    I got polled the other day. And if they were considering Hillary I think they would have put a question about her in there. Like would you consider voting for Obama if he picked Hillary as his VP?

    I get the impression that the Obama campaign who I believe was doing the poll is considering pulling out of GA. It's something to think about with him losing the state by 25 pts right now.

    Parent

    I am talking about the (none / 0) (#80)
    by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:52:11 PM EST
    polling showing that Obama's camp has what I would consider a fairly gaping hole in the Democratic base without Hillary.

    In my mind, her odds are increasing because I am starting to wonder if they were nearly set to go on Tuesday, but saw those polls and had to take a step back and reassess their position.

    I also think that Obama's description of the nominee being the kind of person who can talk to working class and middle class voters doesn't fit anyone else in the field as well as it does Senator Clinton.  Of couse, that is a subjective reading and it might be that Obama thinks Joe Biden is the best politician since sliced bread with those voters - don't know.  

    We'll see.  Someday.  Hope they tell us before the election - lol

    Parent

    Okay (none / 0) (#122)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:20:06 PM EST
    I see where you are coming from. There is plenty of polling to back up what you are saying--the 27% or more that's sitting on the fence.

    I do think that Obama is clueless enough to think that Biden is a "working class hero". LOL.

    Here's my personal opinion: He'll pick Biden because he's Catholic and comes from a working class background. Obama's campaign wrongly thinks that all of a sudden he'll get that demographic. It's all about identity politics with them.  Of course, we all know this won't work. Biden couldn't get these voters in the primaries so I don't know how he would deliver them as a VP.

    Parent

    Biden also happens to be the king (5.00 / 1) (#135)
    by BronxFem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:31:40 PM EST
    of the credit card industry.

    Parent
    In all fairness, (none / 0) (#203)
    by Landulph on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:26:09 PM EST
    Biden couldn't get any other groups of voters in primaries either. And he never even lasted until the primaries, strictly speaking--he dropped out right after Iowa, if memory serves. Yep, practically screams "Born to Win."

    Parent
    Eric Holder and Caroline Kennedy (5.00 / 2) (#50)
    by BDB on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:41:45 PM EST
    already know her. Very well, in fact.  Holder was DAG under Bill Clinton.  Hillary Clinton was fairly close to Caroline's mother.

    I don't think they need to "vet" her to pick her.  The part of the story that's telling is the leak, not the substance of it.  Someone is trying to downplay her chances, either Obama or Clinton or both.

    If it is Clinton (and I doubt it), I suspect she was chosen in the last week as the poll numbers dropped and the delayed announcement was related to the change of heart by the Obama campaign.  

    If it's not Clinton, then whoever it is should slap Obama for having assured he or she could never live up to the hype at this point.

    Parent

    Serious question (5.00 / 1) (#184)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:14:16 PM EST
    Between the vetting committee and Barack Obama, who in that group really knows what the qualifications are that would make the VP choice ready to be president? Not one of them has been close enough to that position to have that expertise.

    His list of criteria is like his books...whatever sounds good and intelligent.


    Parent

    True that. (none / 0) (#94)
    by chel2551 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:56:06 PM EST
    If it's not Clinton, then whoever it is should slap Obama for having assured he or she could never live up to the hype at this point.

    There just isn't anyone else out there.

    Parent

    I'm thinking closer to 5:00 pm.... (none / 0) (#40)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:37:55 PM EST
    ...so Tweety and Wolf can both announce it at the same time.

    wow (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by AlSmith on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:43:29 PM EST

    You dont think believe news driectors are going to break into the nightly news and go live to a picture of a blackberry scrolling the name of The Two?

    They are handling this announcement like a document dump.

    Parent

    i calculating 11:59 and 30 seconds pm (none / 0) (#87)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:44 PM EST
    after all the bitters have gone to bed.

    Parent
    Naw, (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by misspeach2008 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:59:26 PM EST
    we'll still be up. One of the symptoms of menopause is insomnia.

    Parent
    and a galloping case of (none / 0) (#110)
    by hellothere on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:02:06 PM EST
    heavy duty irriation as well!

    Parent
    I miss Atrios... (none / 0) (#74)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:49:53 PM EST


    Yes, more than the others. (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:53:04 PM EST


    Parent
    I miss (5.00 / 6) (#98)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:58:06 PM EST
    the person I thought Atrios was.

    Parent
    I don't miss any of them (5.00 / 1) (#157)
    by Prabhata on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:54:13 PM EST
    I have more time away from the computer.  Besides, The Confluence, Heidi Li's Potpourri and other PUMA sites are great.  Riverdaughter used write at Kos.
      link

    Parent
    I went to Confluence a lot (5.00 / 1) (#180)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:12:10 PM EST
    and will go again when the convention is over and they stop with the silly notion that Hillary has any chance at all of getting the nomination.

    Parent
    The Posts are often terrific, and entertaining (none / 0) (#190)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:19:37 PM EST
    as long as I stay away from the comment section, I enjoy reading over there.

    Parent
    Which announcement will be more exciting? (none / 0) (#90)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 12:54:38 PM EST
    Obama's VP or DWTS on Monday morning?! {grin}
     

    Seems like boredom is rampant (none / 0) (#106)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:00:19 PM EST
    Just heard that the McCain cockroach beat the Obama cockroach but a spectator claimed it was a fixed roach race.

    Not surprising to me that (none / 0) (#129)
    by DemForever on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:27:30 PM EST
    McCain has superior cockroaches

    Parent
    My husband just texted me to ask if they've (none / 0) (#118)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:14:57 PM EST
    announced yet. His vote is riding on this (Hillary). He knows they won't choose her but he still hopes. I can't imagine he is alone. As a matter of fact, I know he isn't.

    This is sadistic of Obama (5.00 / 3) (#124)
    by catfish on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:23:21 PM EST
    given how many are hoping it's Hillary.

    Parent
    Prolonged (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:37:46 PM EST
    It's the long NO.

    Does anyone know where Hillary is?

    Parent

    Florida still I think. She could be on her way (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:11:47 PM EST
    home by now.

    Parent
    Bored Now (none / 0) (#126)
    by Birmingham Blues on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:23:50 PM EST
    Atrios?  No, that would be Wishverse Willow.  :)

    Yes! (none / 0) (#151)
    by Valhalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:49:01 PM EST
    I'm offended that Atrios would steal Evil Willow's line.  Unless he wants to steal this one:

    This is a dumb world. In my world there are people in chains, and we can ride them like Unity ponies. ...

    ok, ok, Evil Will didn't say 'Unity ponies', but I bet that was what she was thinking.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#147)
    by chrisvee on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:43:34 PM EST
    they must know it's going to be unpopular if they're waiting until Friday to announce.

    This is beyond ridiculous at this point. (5.00 / 2) (#154)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:51:57 PM EST
    No one could live up to this buildup. Maybe it is Bigfoot? How about Paris Hilton now that she has entered the political scene. Only Al Gore could warrant this much attention and we know it isn't him.

    Parent
    I like (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by chrisvee on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:59:20 PM EST
    the speculation upthread about the Blob. Personally, I come from that area of PA. I know the Blob. I think it shares my positions on key issues. I'll vote for it.

    Could they really be waiting until Saturday? I agree that this is now beyond ridiculous and there will be a backlash for just the coyness and the attempt to create a media frenzy.

    Parent

    Don't forget, (5.00 / 0) (#209)
    by Landulph on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:28:07 PM EST
    Bigfoot was supposedly found in Georgia last week! Hmm . . . maybe Obama does have a chance of taking that state after all . . .

    Parent
    What?! He better be joking... (none / 0) (#156)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:53:17 PM EST
    Other wise why bother to say you were going to text it at all?

    Gibbs Jokes about Waiting Until Convention

    It will be interesting to see (none / 0) (#158)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:55:21 PM EST
    how the not-Hillary VP will affect these number:

    Obama Lags in Democratic Support, per Gallup

    i am surprised (none / 0) (#159)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:55:50 PM EST
    a spammer has not sent out mass messages announcing the pick.  Perhaps they are too busy sending out their viagra messages.

    They Have (none / 0) (#173)
    by daring grace on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:07:35 PM EST
    According to Politico

    Hoax Text Messages

    Parent

    FWIW (none / 0) (#162)
    by NJDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 01:58:38 PM EST
    Someone on another blog said Fox said that Obama  has decided not to run ads in North Carolina.  Well, at least somewhere common sense has prevailed...

    "As Atrios says, BORED NOW." (none / 0) (#188)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:17:47 PM EST
    I would be too if all I had nothing else to do.  Thankfully, it's a beautiful day here, so I'm going to take my clipboards out and register some new voters for Obama.

    Don't forget the cell phone! We know you (none / 0) (#192)
    by Teresa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:20:32 PM EST
    want to know too.

    Parent
    Of course (4.00 / 1) (#200)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:25:27 PM EST
    but I'm not complaining in the interim.  

    What in the world difference does it make when Obama announces - except to serve his own advantage?  If he believes this tactic helps his election, I trust his instincts.  Thus far, he has proven to be a political genius.

    Parent

    Heh, Major Garrett (none / 0) (#204)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:27:01 PM EST
    spoke to the delay of announcement this afternoon. He said the reason for the ongoing delay is that:

    1. Every day they delay causes more people to register their cell phone number with them.
    2. Those cell phone people will be targets of the campaign to try to get volunteering to register more voters.
    3. The campaign refuses to tell how many cell phone numbers they have managed to acquire because they don't want the McCain camp to know how big their army is getting!! (Translation: we're still hoping to reach 37 by the time convention opens.)


    Parent
    Genius! (none / 0) (#218)
    by AlSmith on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:33:51 PM EST

    So by that logic, if they delay until November it will be a juggernaut. And maybe McCain will get a couple of more houses! Things are looking up!

    Parent
    remember (none / 0) (#198)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:24:51 PM EST
    perhaps one in ten will show up to vote.
    have fun

    Parent
    Oh yes, 'll have fun (none / 0) (#207)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:27:52 PM EST
    You do the same.  Since you prefer sitting by the computer and TV while you anxiously await the decision, I'll register ten new Obama voters just for you.  

    Parent
    Oh yes, I'll have fun (none / 0) (#212)
    by Ennis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:29:11 PM EST
    You do the same.  Since you prefer sitting by the computer and TV while you anxiously await the decision, I'll register ten new Obama voters just for you.  

    Plus it's the last chance to work on my tan before back to school on Monday.

    Parent

    actually (none / 0) (#221)
    by Capt Howdy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:35:03 PM EST
    Im working.  

    Parent
    Is this true?!?! (none / 0) (#202)
    by kredwyn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:26:07 PM EST
    from the Politico...he never considered her?

    CNN.com Veepwatch (none / 0) (#216)
    by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:31:33 PM EST
    CNN (and other networks) actually have crews staked out outside Biden's home in Delaware and Bayh's home in Washington DC.

    So does this mean Tim Kaine and K. Sebelius are out of the running, or as CNN calls them, "losers"?

    I'm thinking if they don't make an announcement by 4PM today -- latest 5PM -- he's chosen someone from really way-outfield (read: controversial, aka trashy).

    Seeing how Hillary isn't it, I'm not interested in this race anymore, and Obama's lost my PROMISED vote for him.

    (You can watch the CNN Veepwatch here, if you're interested.)

    Andgarden, what do you know (none / 0) (#224)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:38:21 PM EST
    about Pennsylvania Dem party official Phil Berg?

    He is reported to have filed a suit in Pennsylvania about the Obama birth certificate controversy.

    So precious (none / 0) (#226)
    by lentinel on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 02:41:29 PM EST
    There is something so precious about waiting for the text message.

    There is something almost occult about it - like a swami in a room with all the believers waiting for a sign from the beyond.

    Piffle.

    Still Waiting . . . Open Thread | 209 comments (209 topical)