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Saturday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 09:50:08 AM EST
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For me, Saturday means college football. And today the Florida Gators open their season hosting the Rainbow Warriors (I do not care what June Jones said) of Hawaii at 12:30. LSU moved up its game in Baton Rouge with Appalachian State to 11 this morning because of Gustav's approach.

What game, if any, will you be focused on?

This is an Open Thread.

< Ras Poll: Palin Makes Good First Impression | Hillary Clinton on John McCain >

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    Saturday Morning Open Thread | 105 comments (105 topical)

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    So I read that (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by DemForever on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 09:54:27 AM EST
    neither Palin's husband or son are registered Republicans.

    Does that help or hurt, or does anyone care?

    I thought AK was libertarian land. (none / 0) (#4)
    by Fabian on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:00:23 AM EST
    No so much D or R as L and I.

    Maybe the Republicans will care, but not much.  If Palin stands with Republicans on the issues, then her family is not going to be an issue.

    Parent

    Yup, non-issue ... (none / 0) (#20)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:23:23 AM EST
    probably a marginal help with independents if they ever hear about it, which they probably won't.

    Parent
    She knows how to reach across (none / 0) (#61)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:48:05 AM EST
    the aisle!

    Hubby's a Union guy, so I think he helps with the moderate working class. Her stance on conservative issues counters that for the more conservative. She's an interesting pick when you start really looking at her and do the compare/contrast with Obama and his messages.

    Parent

    My team is the Hurricanes! (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by indy in sc on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:03:13 AM EST
    We played Thursday night and hung 50+ points on the opposition!!! O.k., so it was Charleston Southern--just a technicality.  I'm looking forward to the Clemson/Alabama game.

    The Fighting Irish (5.00 / 2) (#8)
    by DemForever on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:05:12 AM EST
    I say with more trepidation than in the past.

    There were same great Miama-ND games in the past

    Parent

    Catholics vs Convicts (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by indy in sc on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:06:34 AM EST
    Great rivalry for a while!

    Parent
    Shhh.... (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:21:42 AM EST
    you are making me want to root for the 'Canes...I hate the 'Canes:)

    Parent
    I'll be at the opening game (5.00 / 2) (#9)
    by tootired on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:06:08 AM EST
    of my six-year-old's soccer team. I hate kiddie sports, but I promise he'll never know it.

    Next week (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by joanneleon on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:36:30 AM EST
    my son plays his first football game with the peewee football team.  Yikes.  He's small compared to most of the others.  And getting the hang of all the pads and equipment has been quite interesting.

    Parent
    My game today is not turning on PC. (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by BarnBabe on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:06:47 AM EST
    Oh wait, too late. I have been wondering today though, who in the world scheduled the DNC convention. That person needs to be fired. You have a very successful night at the stadium and a few great hours of publicity and then Governor Palin and the GOP convention starting Monday. And going into the Labor Day weekend. If the DNC convention could have been in July, then you would have some time to get all the publicity of your team which, IMHO, should have been Hillary. Instead, they crammed it in between the Olympics and the GOP convention. They have not even had a chance to reintroduce Biden to the public because Obama took a long time with his decision. The headlines are not about Obama, they are about Palin. I believe this was a wasted opportunity. Was this Pelosi or Dean?

    We've known since 2005 when the (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:53:12 AM EST
    convention would be held, and we've also known when the GOP convention would be, so whatever advantages Obama lost by waiting until the 11th hour to announce his VP pick, well, all I can say is that's his own fault.

    He also squandered a lot of valuable time after the end of the primaries.  The Obama World Tour gave more advantage to McCain and his "Celebrity" ads than it did to Obama in establishing some sort of foreign policy cred.  And since Obama just let McCain have at him, he committed one of the cardinal sins of political campaigning.

    And then there was the vacation.  Sure, it was scheduled during the Olympics, but it's not like America was unable to focus on political events at that time; you can still get out and among the people, even if some of them are watching water polo - people actually appreciate it when candidates take the time to visit their town - they feel visible.  And I can tell you from having seen Bill Clinton in 1992 when he made an appearance about an hour from me, seeing them in person matters.

    It seems to me that Obama's biggest mistake was in waiting until after the convention to go into general-election mode.  And now, with the GOP pick of Palin and their convention getting ready to start, and the looming coverage of the hurricane(s), he's lost really valuable time.

    If this had been the Clinton campaign, the talk would be "who's making these decisions?  They suck."

    Parent

    Actually (none / 0) (#15)
    by cmugirl on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:19:19 AM EST
    The GOP convention was scheduled first (the party who holds the presidency gets to pick first).

    I guess the Dems could have gone in July and let the GOP go now, but I don't know if there's ever been that huge of a gap between the conventions.  Could have had the buzz for a month to themselves (instead of Obama prancing around the world), or the buzz could have peaked and been forgotten through the Olympics.

    Parent

    Or you could pick (none / 0) (#24)
    by tootired on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:29:54 AM EST
    the week that had the anniversary of both suffrage for women and MLK's speech and hope that one or the other would help with the historic nature of the nomination.

    Parent
    And then ignore one (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:14:44 PM EST
    and downplay the other.  Say it's gonna be Women's Equality Day for the Dems, not just by Bush's proclmation -- but then make Mark Warner the keynoter, not Hillary Clinton.  (Ha.  Guess that didn't work.)

    And then when the historic first AA nominee gives his speech, don't mention MLK by name.

    I don't get it.  I just don't get the New Dems.

    Parent

    bayville (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by bayville on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:22:09 AM EST
    Phillies-Cubs.

    Speaking for me only, though.

    Roll Tide! :) (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by kempis on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:22:13 AM EST
    Glad football season is starting up. Lord knows, I can't get excited about politics these days because my "team" has let me down. So football is good.

    Go 'Bama.
    Go Steelers.

    (And the Gators are gonna be fun-to-watch again this year. :) )

    We do have a Crimson Tide person here! (none / 0) (#46)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:17:47 AM EST
    Go SEC. My games today are the Gators and yours. I'm a Vol and I always want the SEC team to win, but your coach gets on my nerves kempis :) . I guess ours gets on yours.

    I heard a sports talk guy say that if Clemson wins, they have a weak ACC schedule this year and may win them all. So I really hope you guys do it.

    Parent

    Let's not forget.... (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by rise hillary rise on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:33:35 AM EST
    that Obama was a political neophyte, virtually unknown when he stepped onstage at the convention 4 years ago.

    so I think it's incredibly disingenuous to hear all the Palin bashing for her alleged lack of experience. she has more experience "governing" than Obama does, although Obama has vastly more experience running for office.

    IMO, she is great. it was hard not to like her. she's attractive, well spoken, and obviously pretty smart. I loved that she gave a shout out to Hill and Gerry first off. she showed grace and poise and didn't seem nervous. her personal story is compelling.

    I totally disagree with her on the issues, and wouldn't vote for McCain under any circumstances. but he earned some respect from me for making such a bold pick-he upped the ante when he could've settled for another boring old white guy.

    Olbermann had the hate on already last night-I laughed because it was obvious that she was the type of woman who turned him down. LOL. the gender bashing will continue, just watch.

    Palin received much more skeptically by women (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by magster on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:44:14 AM EST
    according to Rasmussen.

    It's good to see that women are reacting with the appropriate cynicism.

    Parent

    You got extra points for (none / 0) (#30)
    by Redshoes on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:40:19 AM EST
    "the type of woman who turned him [KO] down."  Funny.

    Parent
    Palin praised Obama's energy plan (none / 0) (#45)
    by Josey on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:12:51 AM EST
    http://tinyurl.com/5jcmvl
    August 8, 2008
    "I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska's natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs," Governor Palin said. "The steps taken by the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we are ready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs."
    In a speech given in Lansing, Michigan, Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gas pipeline, stating, "Over the next five years, we should also lease more of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process."

    Governor Palin also acknowledged the Senator's proposal to offer $1,000 rebates to those struggling with the high cost of energy.

    Parent

    Four Years Ago (none / 0) (#92)
    by bison on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:04:46 PM EST
    He step onto the national stage four years ago nt yesterday!

    Parent
    The Jackass in the room (5.00 / 5) (#29)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:38:25 AM EST
    You know what's saddest about the debacle of the unleashing of another repulsive Dem swarm based on misogyny?

    Obama's latest Best Speech This Week Evah actually -- finally! -- moved away from riding the Hopey Changey Unity Pony and showed something resembling steak under the sizzle.

    Why didn't the Dems run hard with that the next day instead of attacking the New Young Bad Monster Lady? Is that all Obama and his campaign can do? It's a disturbing refrain in what I've seen (whether he was dissing HRC, and his own mom and grandmother when expedient), or taking down other past obstacles to his ambition of the moment.

    However, this time he had considerable support and a really strong, proud legacy of Dem/Liberal values and achievements* to promise to uphold.

    Congratulating McCain and Palin, saying Bring it On! and punching the high points of his own speech -- and not Palin -- would have kept the focus on stuff that actually appeals to voters.

    Good grief, Begala &-al sounded like total creeps taking cheap shots at cancer survival and parenting Downs babies instead of talking about both in the context of UHC.

    True (5.00 / 5) (#31)
    by kempis on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:46:49 AM EST
    ...and the Palin pick was so stunning that it causes most people to forget Obama's speech entirely. The sizzle and the steak evaporated as if McCain had zapped 'em with a ray-gun.

    I'm voting for Obama, but I have to say that the choice and timing of the Palin announcement made for one of the most brilliant political moves I've ever seen. This one will be talked about for a long time. The McCain camp simply took an eraser to Obama's awesome acceptance speech. Truly brilliant.

    Parent

    Obama did that (5.00 / 4) (#32)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:47:33 AM EST
    its his supporters who were stupid.

    Parent
    His campaign was stupid as (5.00 / 2) (#49)
    by zfran on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:24:28 AM EST
    well, evidenced by their first reaction and the pull back of that reaction by Obama. What does that say, did Bill Burton have Obama's okay to issue that initial statement, and if not, why? And if he had Obama's okay, why?

    Parent
    Bill Burton = "supporter"? (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:59:37 AM EST


    Parent
    He can't pretend they speak w/o his Okay anymore (5.00 / 2) (#67)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:00:53 PM EST
    These aren't stealth atack-PACs or out of control "Crazy Uncles" but prominent voices on his team and party.

    His big selling point taking experience off the table is judgment and (Trust Me) leadership.

    This wild throwing of sh!t by morons in the fringes of blogtopia is one thing but it's bad budo coming from those closest to him.

    He has to stop hanging back, needs to sound more convincing with congratulations, and tell his insiders to tone it down. Otherwise, the chronic smug imperiousness that blares off media belongs to him.

    The refrain I got while rubber-necking yesterday's PR wreckage was that people Just Didn't Trust Him.

    Parent

    Obama's staff did that. (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:08:34 PM EST
    Not just his supporters.

    He is responsible for his staff.

    At least he took responsibility for them yesterday, when he finally dissed their diss of Palin/women/small-towners/et al.

    Worrisome is that they have been warned, so they're dissing or not listening to him.

    Worrisome is that he can't control them.

    Most worrisome is that nominees who win take a lot of their staff to the White House, too.

    I don't want them in my White House.  I hope he doesn't want them in his White House, either.

    Parent

    whats amusing (5.00 / 0) (#37)
    by AlSmith on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:00:36 AM EST

    is that Obama still kept trying to go with their "the next Cheney" plan. This ticket couldnt be less Skull and Bones so the campaign genius will have to go find something that appropriate.

    The other thing about Palin is that she is an Oprah onion and the press will spend the next couple of days peeling back and broadcasting interesting tidbits that then people will talk about at gatherings. Apparently she and Todd eloped because it was a bad fishing year and they couldn't afford a wedding.  Todd is an snowmobile champion and iron dog sled racer who had to finish last year with a broken arm. Who needs 5 economical and tasty recipes for moose?

    She is more made for TV than VP in my opinion but at least she draws positive chatter.

    Now if it turns out in her convention speech that she is for both "Hope" and "Change" then Obama is F'ed.

    Parent

    A hypothetical just hit me... (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by steviez314 on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:52:43 AM EST
    If Hillary were to be made President pro tempore of the Senate (currently Byrd) next year, and if McCain won, then the next 3 in line to succeed him would be women (Palin, Pelosi, Clinton).

    And if he kept Rice as SecState, she'd be next.

    Tonight (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by Steve M on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:04:11 AM EST
    Michigan State vs. Cal!

    The brave farmers from the heartland take it to a bunch of smelly liberals from Berkeley!

    Nice early challenge for my team, which has more or less sucked for a LONG time.

    Excuuuuuuuuse me? (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Stellaaa on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:10:15 AM EST
    We have farms in Berkeley

    Parent
    Yeah (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by Steve M on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:24:26 AM EST
    We have liberals in East Lansing, too, but don't tell anyone!

    Parent
    Smelly liberal farms (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:10:15 PM EST
    but we do in the heartland, too.  Madison.  Sigh.:-)

    Parent
    watching Stephanie Tubbs Jones funeral (5.00 / 4) (#41)
    by Josey on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:04:20 AM EST
    Hillary and Obama seated side by side.
    Hillary speaking now.
    Me, too...... (5.00 / 3) (#58)
    by michitucky on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:36:58 AM EST
    Loving the fact that Jim Clyburn has to sit behind President Clinton!!!

    Parent
    I would keep Clyburn in front of me (5.00 / 4) (#72)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:10:58 PM EST
    and keep duct tape close by to close his mouth.

    Parent
    Yes, but...... (5.00 / 3) (#82)
    by michitucky on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:34:53 PM EST
    There are all those pesky Secret Service around to rough him up if he gets out of hand!!!  :-)

    Parent
    Peace and consolation (5.00 / 4) (#59)
    by joanneleon on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:42:17 AM EST
    to all those who loved Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones.

    What a horrible loss.  I adored her.

    Parent

    Bill Clinton just (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by Redshoes on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:57:13 AM EST
    spoke.  

    What a good friend Tubbs Jone was to them and the party.  

    Parent

    Thank you for mentioning that. I watched and (5.00 / 4) (#66)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:00:22 PM EST
    it is so moving. Pres. Clinton was so emotional and had them in the palm of his hand. He even has Obama charmed now, I think. I know those people in that room still love Bill (and so do I).

    She was truly a fine woman.

    Parent

    He connects on the personal (5.00 / 3) (#73)
    by Redshoes on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:11:09 PM EST
    I try to stay focus on policies but this service is a powerful reminder of why it's personal.  Stephanie Tubbs Jones personality radiates through all the speakers.

    Bill makes everyone feel included and his joke about the pin too funny.  

    And his connection with her, Meeks, Stokes and the AA community is not a sometime or new thing.  I'm sure that her friendship is a great source of joy to them.

    Parent

    I just hope (5.00 / 3) (#86)
    by BernieO on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 01:02:57 PM EST
    the younger people in the AA community realize from seeing them this week that they are NOT racist!!

    Parent
    The one thing the Democratic party (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by BernieO on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:07:19 AM EST
    is doing that I really like is they are spending money on ads that go after my pathetic, non-NC Senator, Liddy (she hates that) Dole. They really think Kay Hagan has a chance of beating her. I am going on a trip soon, but when I come back I plan to work for Hagan as much as I can. If anyone can contribute to this effort, PLEASE help out. Dole is pathetic. She spends all her time in DC fundraising for the party. People in her town of "residence", Salisbury, say they rarely see her. We need to remember that even if McCain does win, the more Dems elected the more we can protect our values.

    There are some interesting comments about Palin at Anglachel's Journal.

    Amen (none / 0) (#106)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 04:02:18 PM EST
    The DSCC does run great ads here in NC against her.  They've got a bite!  

    I think money is going to be a big issue for Hagan.  Here is an article from her site/Politico:

    GREENSBORO, N.C. -- North Carolina's Senate race is suddenly one of the hottest in the country, ...

    The InsiderAdvantage/Poll Position poll released today shows Dole and Hagan both just below 40 percent each, with nearly 14 percent undecided. ...

    Having just returned from the Tobacco Road campaign trail, this Scorecard contributor noticed that Hagan's strategy is to go right after Dole, ripping her in public forums, press releases and advertisements, trying to chip away at the sterling image Dole has cultivated as North Carolina's favorite daughter.

    Dole and Republican surrogates around the state told us that this strategy won't resonate with North Carolina voters, who still enjoy Dole's celebrity status.

    Hagan, a state senator from Greensboro, told us that her goal in being tough on Dole is "to show a contrast" in their styles. She is trying to portray Dole as genteel yet disconnected from her home state, while Hagan is playing up her lifelong roots to the state.

    I think there is a chance for an upset here if people can get fired up.


    Parent

    Even if Obama lost (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Saul on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:10:18 AM EST
    and the Dem can get like a 85 percent control of house and senate then it will not be four more years of Bush

    What makes a party's president successful is if he can get all his agenda passed and you can only do that if you have complete control of the senate and house.

    The opposition party can get all their agenda passed as long as they have a veto proof majority.  

    So to me it is more important to control both house then for your nominee to win the GE but has no control on the Congress.

    If one party controls both house with a 85 percent majority they can accomplish anything on their agenda and even control the Supreme Court nominees.

    That is why Johnson will go down in history as one of the most powerful presidents in history because he had complete control of both houses. Plus everyone owed him a favor and when he called in his marker you better deliver or you are political toast.

    even better (none / 0) (#51)
    by AlSmith on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:27:56 AM EST

    if Pelosi and Reid has laser beam eyes. Then they really could push through their agenda.

    No one is getting a 85% majority. Forget it.

    And if they did that still has nothing to do with who get nominated.

    Parent

    True (none / 0) (#85)
    by BernieO on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:54:48 PM EST
    but the Supreme Court is a problem , because of t the conventional "wisdom" that congress should not oppose a president's pick on ideological grounds. That belief needs to be put to rest. The Senate has a say as part of the balance of power, being coequal branches, theoretically. So why should the executive have most of the say so? After all these two branches are determining who controls the third. If it is coequal than I think the opposition party, if it is in the majority has the right to say no on ideological grounds. The people put them in power too, so they should have equal say.
    As for people owing Johnson favors, if I recall he had the goods on them.

    Parent
    I'll be watching the CU/CSU game... (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:29:11 AM EST
    ...just to see the naysayers here who said there's no way Invesco could be made ready in a couple days proved wrong.  

    I'll be rooting for the school that Gov. Schweitzer graduated from.  Go Rams!

    Rutgers (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by joanneleon on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:34:17 AM EST
    on Monday.  And I always like Notre Dame too.

    Eye on Appalachian State vs. LSU (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:03:53 PM EST
    but just the score. It's still baseball season, after all.

    The exciting part of the baseball season too! (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM EST
    The Dodgers are tanking, the Diamondbacks look beatable and Rockies are coming on strong, just like last year.  

    And the Cubbies have the look of a team that just might not blow it this year.  Knock on wood!

    Parent

    The Rockies did in the Pads (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:04:35 PM EST
    last night.  I was hoping for some of the fire the Pads exhibited in sweeping AZ.  But no.  

    Parent
    Sorry about that. (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:26:53 PM EST
    What's the deal with the Pads this year anyway?  

    Parent
    Inertia, I'd say. (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:29:31 PM EST


    Parent
    LOL... (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:49:22 PM EST
    ...I suffer from a touch of that myself!

    Parent
    The Pads are breakin' my heart this year! (none / 0) (#103)
    by otherlisa on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 03:05:39 PM EST
    It's so strange. They have a pretty good team. They shouldn't stink so bad.

    And yet they managed to knock off the Dbacks earlier this week.

    Oh well. Football is upon us. Hope the Chargers do well...

    Parent

    I didn't go to any of the AZ games. (none / 0) (#108)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 07:45:59 PM EST
    Big mistake.

    Parent
    Is Palin a double high? (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by Natal on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:05:55 PM EST
    I'd be careful with Palin she could be a "double high" that John Dean talks about in his book Conservatives without conscience. That is, someone very high on social conservatism and has authoritarian personality traits. Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney, Tom Delay are double highs. Surprisingly, George Bush is not classified as a double high. A double high is tough and very difficult to deal with. They will do things which ordinary folks cannot undertake because double highs have no qualms about undertaking any activity or saying anything. This puts them at an advantage but very often they end up in trouble with authorities and the law - e.g. Scooter Libby, Tom Delay and perhaps Dick Cheney someday. Evidently Palin is already under this cloud in Alaska already. Anyways this is my rant for today.
    BTW Hillary and Obama are not any way near double highs. They're liberals!

    don't know about double highs... (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by kredwyn on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 01:24:09 PM EST
    but I've wondered what I'd do if I found out that my BIL was abusing my sister and her kids (btw...I already have no love for my BIL).

    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#94)
    by Natal on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:24:06 PM EST
    However there are legal ways of handling an abusive BIL. One doesn't have to do it surreptitiously but double highs seem to prefer to do it that way (if she is one). As you say we presume innocence until all the story has been told. Evidently it won't be known what the legislature's decision is until October 31st. It could decide the election that's why I think this seemingly little family matter is important.

    Parent
    the legal way... (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by kredwyn on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:34:28 PM EST
    got him (a cop...hired to uphold the law and protect/serve) suspended for 10 days, which was knocked down to 5 after the union raised a stink. For tasering his 11 year old kid or drinking in his cruiser (can't remember which).

    The tasering, alone, should've gotten the husband thrown off the force.

    Parent

    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by Natal on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:52:52 PM EST
    tasering his son is inexcusable. As a former social worker I wouldn't want this case assigned to me.

     

    Parent

    and actually... (5.00 / 0) (#90)
    by kredwyn on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 01:40:11 PM EST
    since the investigation is still underway, there's no knowing what she did versus what the other party is claiming she did...or what the findings will come up with.

    We still live in an "innocent until proven guilty" world.

    Parent

    I spent a rockin' afternoon with my aunt... (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by kredwyn on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 01:20:08 PM EST
    we went to a farmer's market. I gotta say, this was unlike any market I've ever been to...one of the places was charging $22 for a blackberry pie.

    Their primary market is the NYcity folk who're in for the weekend and will pay $22 for a blackberry pie.

    I gotta say...there's something to the idea of spending all fall/winter/spring knitting scarves n' such and then setting up a booth at the market during the summer.

    I picked up some interestingly spun yarn.

    We went to lunch...and talked about life. She's happy for the first time in years. That's a good thing...she deserves to be happy.

    Today's Collge Games (none / 0) (#2)
    by Saul on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 09:56:43 AM EST
    Games

    Herbstreit Foodball Series (High school) (none / 0) (#3)
    by Katherine Graham Cracker on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:00:14 AM EST
    Go Canton McKinley Bulldogs  (since apparently the Badgers are a non starter this year)

    The Badgers... (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:28:55 PM EST
    ...looked pretty good today.  At least, they won.

    Parent
    The Mets of course.... (none / 0) (#5)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:03:12 AM EST
    need to keep rolling after Beltran's game wining grand slam put us up 2 on the Phils last night.  Let's Go Mets!!!

    Still too warm to get geared up for pigskin...I need leaves to turn and a nip in the air.

    I like Easterbrook's take on the cupcake-ification of the college football schedule...it's such a joke.  8 home games, 4 away, plus cupcakes?

    Ponder the big-money football schools that buy their way into eight home games and four road dates. One is defending national champion LSU. This fall, the Tigers play eight at home versus four on the road, and bravely host North Texas, which is riding a 7-28 streak...Florida State has eight home games versus four road and fearlessly opens with consecutive games against Division I-AA teams -- first Western Carolina, which was 1-10 in 2007, and then Chattanooga.

    The NCAA should get on that...

    LSU plays in the SEC (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:08:27 AM EST
    which means that its schedule is always among the toughest in the country.

    And Easterbrrok is a buffoon generally, but especially about sports. He has no idea what he is talking about.

    Parent

    If 8 home, 4 away.... (none / 0) (#16)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:20:29 AM EST
    can be considered amongst the toughest in the country, that kinda proves Easterbrook's point.

    There is a reason it is called homefield "advantage".

    Parent

    Nonsense (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:24:03 AM EST
    In CONFERENCE play, it is 4 and 4.

    Easterbrook does not know WTF he is talking about.

    Or are you saying LSU traveling to a cream puff would be better? Believe me, these games make and break these smaller schools' athletic budgets.

    If you want a playoff, as I do, that's one thing. But Easterbrook's ill informed crap pisses me off.

    Parent

    I'm saying.... (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:36:58 AM EST
    small schools taking blood money to be slaughtered by powerhouses on the road does not serve the game, the fans, or the student-athletes.  It serves powerhouse boosters, powerhouse coaches, and small-school coffers.

    For the good of competition and fair play, can't LSU schedule their 4 non-conference games 2 home 2 away against teams of comparable means and ability?  They could, but the coach risks going 0-2 to start the year and losing his job...hence we have cupcakes.

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:49:38 AM EST
    it serves them very well.

    It puts money into their programs, allow the programs to exist.

    If you want to abolish college athletics as it exists is an argument but not Easterbrooks'.

    Parent

    Reform, if not abolish.... (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:00:14 AM EST
    the NCAA as it exists probably deserves to be abolished.

    Colleges can revenue share, like the NFL does, to allow programs, large and small, to exist. That's gotta be preferable to the cupcake schedule model of revenue sharing.

    Parent

    Gators and App State (none / 0) (#7)
    by CoralGables on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:04:41 AM EST
    BTD, do you have to watch the Gators on ESPN360 today or can you pick it up locally?

    App State looks to upset the defending champs from Baton Rouge right now.

    That was interesting (none / 0) (#12)
    by Fabian on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:08:14 AM EST
    I googled
    "sexism watch" + "palin"
    "sexism watch" + "hillary and/or clinton"

    Palin showed just under 3,000 hits.
    Clinton showed just over 3,000 hits.

    Is anybody watching?  Oh, yes.  
    Does this mean anything?  Not yet.  

    Sunday talk should be interesting.

    Palin on Radio show in February (none / 0) (#14)
    by borisbor on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:09:48 AM EST
    Interesting:

    http://www.adn.com/opinion/comment/story/295464.html

    Ouch (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by DemForever on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:27:33 AM EST
    "I don't buy it. Early on in the conversation before Palin started to crack up, Lester referred to Sen. Green as a jealous woman and a cancer. Palin, who knows full well Lyda Green is a cancer survivor, didn't do what any decent person would do, say, "Bob, that's going too far."

    But as the conversation moved on, Lester intensified his attack on Green.

    Lester questioned Green's motherhood, asking Palin if the senator cares about her own kids. Palin laughs.

    Then Lester clearly sets the stage for what he is about to say by warning his large audience and Palin. He says, "Governor you can't say this but I will, Lyda Green is a cancer and a b----." Palin laughs for the second time.

    What were teenage boys thinking when they heard the governor laugh at someone being called a b----? How about the teenage girls who look up to Palin. What did they think when they heard her laugh?

    But there is more. Lester then describes Green's chair as big and cushy. A clear reference to the senator's weight. Palin laughs a third time. She's just having a grand old time.

    Palin was clearly enjoying every second of Lester's vicious attack on her political rival.

    But it gets worse.

    Lester asks Palin point blank: "Do you have any idea of what you did, to make Lyda Green dislike you, hate you?" How does Palin respond? Does she do the right thing? What you would expect from a mature leader, a governor and say, "Bob, Lyda doesn't hate me."

    No, she responds like a 13-year-old and says, "Um, you know once and a while I try to figure that out but I can't figure that out."

    Parent

    Gee, she sounds kind of like Obama (5.00 / 0) (#54)
    by Upstart Crow on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:32:48 AM EST


    Parent
    Ummm, no, not even (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by DemForever on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:50:06 AM EST


    Parent
    And Brazile and Pelosi et al. (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by Upstart Crow on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:20:14 PM EST
    You know what I'm saying.

    I don't expect anything different from a rightwinger. I did expect something different from the "progressives" I have supported for 30 years.

    You can't "shock" me by showing that Palin isn't a progressive.

    Parent

    Nope. Obama is subtle (5.00 / 1) (#77)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:19:03 PM EST
    about it.  And on video, not audio.

    Does sound like some of his surrogates, though.

    Dems do not come out well on this, either.

    When will all of them see that when you attack any one -- on race, color, creed, etc. -- you attack the rest?  And you tick off a lot of others, too.

    This is not any one political party.  This is our society.

    It's just that we get to vote for one political party.

    Or not.  That's where the impact of this will be.

    Parent

    whoops (none / 0) (#25)
    by borisbor on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:30:07 AM EST
    i mean here

    http://www.bobandmarksuck.com/blog/?p=241

    Wow, NOT good. (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by DemForever on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 10:35:06 AM EST
    It gets really ugly about 10 minutes in.

    Parent
    Saturday means (none / 0) (#38)
    by Jen M on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:01:21 AM EST
    Watching bad movies on skiffy. Tonight is Jurassic Park (not a bad movie, I don't know why they are airing it tonight)

    I finally saw O Brother Where Art Thou (none / 0) (#47)
    by Edgar08 on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:20:13 AM EST
    all the through in one sitting.

    And I will note something I had not noticed before...  that the reformer "i'm going to clean up politics" politician with the broom turned out to be a fraud.  a rather scary fraud at that.

    Lets hope that doesn't happen with the Dem party.

    My 2 cents. (none / 0) (#50)
    by Radix on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:24:40 AM EST
    In no way shape or form should Palin ever be attacked. McCain chose her so that he, the RNC, could defend her from any criticism by saying said criticism was gender biased. So no matter what she says, "Palin proclaims the sun revolves around the earth", the response, "John McCain believes the sun revolves around the earth". So Palin's every word needs to be challenged as, John McCain believes/thinks such and such.

    So (5.00 / 2) (#56)
    by Upstart Crow on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:34:21 AM EST
    It's the old game of ignoring the woman at the table?

    Parent
    Nice trap, well done. (2.00 / 0) (#64)
    by Radix on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:57:41 AM EST
    Tell me, you still beating your children? See, we can both play that game. Palin was chosen for very specific reasons, those reasons being, the ability for the RNC and McCain to defend any critique of her as sexist. My strategy simply eliminates that potential.

    Parent
    Ugly comparison (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by BarnBabe on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:24:45 PM EST
    Tell me, you still beating your children?
    If you are playing the game, take children out of it.

    Parent
    Sorry but having (none / 0) (#104)
    by Radix on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 03:23:21 PM EST
    sexism attributed to one, is hardly any less offensive.

    Parent
    If the VP dies while in office (none / 0) (#53)
    by Josey on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 11:32:24 AM EST
    does the president appoint someone, then approved/disapproved by Congress?

    I Forgot How Often This Has Happened (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by daring grace on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:20:31 PM EST
    in my lifetime...

    Wikipedia

    Section 2 of the 25th Amendment provides that "Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress." Gerald Ford was the first Vice President selected by this method, after the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1973; after succeeding to the Presidency, Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller as vice president.

    Sections 3 and 4 of the amendment provide means for the vice president to become Acting President upon the temporary disability of the president. Section 3 deals with self declared incapacity of the president, and section 4 deals with incapacity declared by the joint action of the Vice President and of a majority of the Cabinet. While section 4 has never been invoked, section 3 has been invoked three times: on July 13, 1985 when Ronald Reagan underwent surgery to remove cancerous polyps from his colon, and twice more on June 29, 2002 and July 21, 2007 when George W. Bush underwent colonoscopy procedures requiring sedation. Prior to this amendment, Vice President Richard Nixon informally replaced President Dwight Eisenhower for a period of weeks on each of three occasions when Eisenhower was ill.

    Parent

    See what happened to Agnew (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by Cream City on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:21:36 PM EST
    so when Nixon went, we got his appointee Ford instead.

    Sometimes it works for us.  'Cause we got one of the better Repubs.  And we got Betty, too.

    Parent

    *** BLOGCLOGGER ALERT*** (1.00 / 2) (#84)
    by Pol C on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:39:27 PM EST
    After being subjected to some of Cream City's abusive comments on another thread, I decided to check out her comment history. There were over 75 comments yesterday across various threads, and today there are over two dozen so far--and it's only an hour or so past noon on the East Coast. Many of them are quite insulting to other commenters.

    Administrators, please ask Cream City to dial it back and limit her comments per day. Some of us would like to comment on certain threads before they fill up, and we don't like dealing with people whose first instinct is rudeness. Perhaps if Cream City had to be more discriminate in the number of comments she makes, she'd slow down and be more civil.

    I left a similar alert on an earlier thread, but this one is more timely, so I'll leave one here as well.


    Parent

    Oh, please (5.00 / 4) (#89)
    by Brookhaven on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 01:29:40 PM EST
    You just don't like some of what she says.  And, Cream City is one of the most measured, thoughtful, witty and fair-minded posters I've read on this blog.

    Instead of being a silly hall monitor who doesn't go after his/her buds and has a grudge, post something that adds something to the dialogue.

    Parent

    Pol C....are you for real? I am sure Cream (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 02:33:26 PM EST
    doesn't say many things she would like to say.
    IMO she is much too kind.  May I direct you to www.tattletale.com to register your complaints!

    Parent
    Don't bother (3.00 / 2) (#107)
    by sher on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 04:30:13 PM EST
    There are many Hillary supporters on  this blog who have written intelligent, thoughtful, and provocative comments (I may have disagreed with the substance) such as Anne, Diane, Valhalla, and even Lukasiak.  These commenters have rarely engaged in personal attacks on other commenters on this site and I look forward to reading them.  On the other  hand, there is a group of commenters on this site who have engaged in the behavior that they complain of in Obama supporters.  They are quite sad in the immaturity that they complain of in others and they should be ignored.

    Parent
    He just appoints someone ... (none / 0) (#76)
    by Robot Porter on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:18:18 PM EST
    they don't have to be ratified.

    This is set out in the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1967.

    Parent

    I saw Melissa Etheridge last night (none / 0) (#83)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 12:34:57 PM EST
    at the Greek.

    She said she was at the convention, and fwiw, she and the majority of her fans are deliriously Obama fans.

    BTD, your Gators started slow but looked (none / 0) (#102)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 03:02:23 PM EST
    pretty stinking good.

    Moved from Palin nominee thread as o/t (none / 0) (#105)
    by Oje on Sat Aug 30, 2008 at 03:40:32 PM EST
    From the previous open thread, cal1942 really hit upon an important point:

    If Democrats refuse to assert their control of the Senate then we are truly lost. The court scare argument reinforces the notion that Congress has abandoned its Constitutionally mandated role as a check on the executive.

    It is really worse than s/he suggests, it is blackmail. Democrats speak as if Senators will abdicate their responsibilities to protect Americans should McCain become president.

    For those of us (unlike the faux progressives) who truly care about feminist and women's rights, this scare tactic is an opening to secure promises from Senators this election that they will oppose any nominee who seems likely to undo Roe v. Wade. If this election is truly about the court (in order to keep Democratic women in line), then we should wield the DNC's wedge issue as a bludgeon against our own party to secure real change and commitments from our party.  

    We have many Senators up for election this year. Talkleft should demonstrate that Sarah Palin is just as  likely as McCain to reverse Roe v. Wade and the 20th-century history of Supreme Court.   But, if talkleft just leaves it at that, and it do es not follow up with whether every Senator up for (re-)election will commit now, before the election, that they will block any pro-life court appointee, then this is just as much fear mongering as the faux progressive Blogger Boyz.

    Saturday Morning Open Thread | 105 comments (105 topical)

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