Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama today in Portland, Oregon.
** SCUFFLING ENDS FOR THE DAY. This stuff gets very old. Let’s see, Clinton chief strategist Mark Penn, he of the endless Hillary-is-inevitable memos, said today on one of those increasingly goofy conference calls that Bill Richardson’s endorsement isn’t important, that his time has passed. Which would be why Bill and Hillary Clinton kept pushing to get it, and why the candidate herself did not take the news from Richardson in last night’s phone call terribly well.
Bill Clinton said in, ah, somewhere in North Carolina, that a race between John McCain and his wife would be a race between two patriotic people, absent all the “distractions” that often intrude in politics. Which some bloggers and press interpreted as a knock on Obama. I don’t think so. I think it’s his opinion, perhaps fanciful in imagining that the far right would not knock themselves out with their longstanding Hillary hatred, but I didn’t hear an imputation that Obama is not patriotic.
And there is another new poll, a CBS poll, that much like this morning’s Rasmussen poll indicates that Obama did quite well with his speech on race and Wright on Tuesday. I’ll get into that poll, and the overall issue, in the Monday Morning Quarterback column. Which I will front, incidentally, with the opening scene from a famous movie. Any guesses?
** BROWN PUSHES ON GREENHOUSE EFFECT. With all the continued focus here on presidential politics — much of it occasioned by the Clintons’ continuing rearguard actions against Democratic presidential frontrunner Barack Obama — former Governor-turned-Attorney General Jerry Brown has been up to some interesting things in his work against climate change. He has, of course, joined forces with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in suing the Bush Administration for it foot-dragging and ultimate refusal to issue the customary clearance for the state to pursue its landmark law cutting greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles. Many other states have followed California’s lead in the absence of federal action.
Meanwhile, Brown is working with local elected officials around the state to make the greenhouse effect a part of the planning process. This week, he convened the first in a series of workshops to develop this program, meeting with some 200 local officials in Oakland. “In the absence of national leadership,” Brown said, “local government must take the lead in bringing about a low-carbon future.”
This was the first of five Brown workshops with local officials around California. Four more such workshops will take place, in Sacramento, Visalia, Monterey, and Los Angeles.
Brown stressed the need to combat climate by setting greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Governor Schwarzenegger’s appointee Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board, joined Brown — her one-time boss — and discussed local government’s role in California’s plan to fight global climate change.
** THE DEMOCRATIC FUNDRAISING GAP. According to the AP, the fundraising gap between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton only increased last month.
Hillary Rodham Clinton upped the tempo of her fundraising and her spending last month, only to be eclipsed by rival Barack Obama. At month’s end, with debts of nearly $9 million, her money was nearly spent and he was sitting atop $30 million in available cash. …
Both Democrats ended up with more than $30 million in the bank, but Clinton can’t use two-thirds of her cash on hand because it’s only for the general election. That and her debt left her with less than $3 million in the black. The debt doesn’t include the $5 million she lent her campaign in January.
** HILLARY’S ANTI-NAFTA ROLE AGAIN DISPUTED. According to the ABC News blog, Hillary Clinton’s claims of having opposed NAFTA during her time as first lady — which coincides with President Bill Clinton pushing through the controversial North American trade pact — have again been disputed. This time by multiple, on-the-record sources with contemporaneous knowledge of her activities. In this case, three former Clinton Administration officials.
“The Clinton campaign,” writes ABC correspondent Jake Tapper, “continues to propagate this myth” that the former first lady opposed NAFTA.
UPDATE: The item I linked to below, on the well-regarded (and frequently pro-Hillary) Political Wire site, with regard to Clinton fundraising claims, has been removed. Apparently the author misread the numbers. I say apparently because the item was simply removed, rather than explained.
** CLINTON DIDN’T RAISE $35 MILLION IN FEBRUARY. Remember those claims from the Hillary Clinton campaign that they raised $35 million in February? Supposedly on the strength of “one million dollars a day on the Internet,” a much ballyhooed claim during the month.
I said at the time that that did not sound right to me. And got some flak from some flacks for it. Not that that sort of thing is effective.
Turns out that my view, based on a sense of political reality, as well as some sources around the Clinton campaign, was correct.
** VOTER GRADES FOR THE OBAMA SPEECH. The Rasmussen robopoll nightly track of US voters has grades for Barack Obama’s big speech on race. They are generally good. Especially with regard to his short-term prospects for the Democratic presidential nomination.
84% of likely US voters say they have seen or heard at least part of the Obama speech. 51% say the senator’s speech is excellent or good, 26% say it’s fair, and 21% say it’s poor. There is, naturally, a big partisan gap here. 67% of Democrats call it excellent or good, along with 53% of independents, but only 31% of Republicans.
45% of white voters call the speech excellent or good, while 86% of black voters feel that way.
So as I said immediatly after Obama delivered the speech, it’s a strong effort that helps tremendously with the Democratic nomination, perhaps guaranteeing it to him. However, there is much more to be done for a general election. Unanswered questions that must be answered. And I’ll be writing about that in the Monday Morning Quarterback column.
Republican presidential runner-up Mike Huckabee discusses
his campaign just past and defends Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
** WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.
Barack Obama campaigns today in Oregon, with events in Portland, where he will be endorsed by New Mexico Governor and former UN Ambassador Bill Richardson, Salem, and Eugene.
Hillary Clinton is down for the day at home in Chappaqua, New York.
Bill Clinton campaigns in Charlotte and Cary, North Carolina.
After meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, John McCain continues his foreign tour in France, where he meets with President Nicolas Sarkozy.
** BILL RICHARDSON FOR OBAMA. Saying he feels a kinship with the freshman Illinois senator as someone who grew up “between worlds,” declaring it’s time for “a new generation of leadership,” New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson informed his presidential campaign supporters last night that he will endorse Barack Obama this morning in Portland.
Richardson, a native Californian, is the nation’s only Latino governor and the first major Latino presidential candidate. He finished fourth in the Democratic nomination race.
Famed for his international trouble-shooting, first as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, then as a member of the Bill Clinton Cabinet, and as New Mexico’s governor, Richardson held two Cabinet posts under President Bill Clinton. He served as US ambassador to the United Nations and as US secretary of energy. He also watched the Super Bowl together with Clinton this year.
At times, Richardson appeared to be Hillary Clinton’s wing man in the presidential campaign debates, with many thinking he was positioning to become her vice president. But as time went on, say his associates, his admiration for Obama grew substantially.
Richardson has been a very successful and popular governor of New Mexico, a key swing state in the November election, and is well known for his ability to reach across the aisle. For example, he and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger forged a Western states pact to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Obama will continue to roll out major endorsements for the rest of his campaign for the nomination. Aside from Congressman Jack Murtha, I don’t recall the last big name endorsement for Hillary Clinton. Of their U.S. Senate colleagues, Obama has been endorsed by 15 senators, Clinton by 12.
Here are excerpts from Richardson’s message late last night to his supporters:
We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990’s were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.
Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech, that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.
As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants–specifically Hispanics– by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences–and place blame on others not like them. …
Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.
His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.
To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America’s international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.
During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between worlds, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation’s special responsibilities in the world.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE. After spending most of the week launching his drive for California budget reform, and musing about shifting tax policies, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is in Los Angeles today for private meetings and conversations.
Incidentally, the new TV series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which Schwarzenegger has no formal connection with, has not yet been renewed for a second season. But Fox TV sources indicate that it will be.
In part because of cross-promotional opportunities with the renewed Terminator film series. Schwarzenegger is not formally involved with that, either, but I predict that he will be down the line.
** 24/7 LIVE TV NEWS FEED FROM RUSSIA TODAY. Russia has re-emerged as one of the world’s great powers. Click here for a live TV news feed on your computer, bringing you English-language, jargon-free, fast-paced coverage of global and Russian news from the new Russia Today channel.
You probably already know about CNN International, BBC World, and Al Jazeera. Russia Today, which also features culture, entertainment, and sports, is based in Moscow and is owned and operated by the TV Novosti division of Russia’s state news agency, RIA Novosti.
While it’s quite foolish to expect to see, say, criticism of Vladimir Putin on Russia Today, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. The NWN live link to RT does not constitute an endorsement of the channel’s views. It’s presented as an otherwise unavailable new media window.
** TRACK GLOBAL AND U.S. ENERGY PRICES IN NEAR REAL TIME VIA BLOOMBERG ENERGY MARKET WATCH. Crude oil is trading in the $101 to $103 per barrel range. The oil price has dropped dramatically in the past few days on expectations of a global economic slowdown and possible recession.
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Jonas Blane:Huckabee should have his own cable show.
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:58 am Jonas Blane:Huckabee should have his own cable show.
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:58 am Jonas Blane:With Chuck Norris.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:00 am Jonas Blane:With Chuck Norris.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:00 am Capitol Boy:Bill Richardson is a great guy. This is great news!
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:10 am Capitol Boy:Bill Richardson is a great guy. This is great news!
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:10 am Ann:Does Richardson still have the new beard?
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:19 am Ann:Does Richardson still have the new beard?
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:19 am Capitol Boy:Those are good grades for the speech. Democrats are happy with it. Let Hillary try to make something of it with her and her husband inviting Wright to the White House to defend against Monica!
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:39 am Jack Aubrey:The speech numbers are very interesting. I think the white numbers should be higher.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:45 am Jack Aubrey:The speech numbers are very interesting. I think the white numbers should be higher.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:45 am Bill Bradley:If all it took was one speech, those numbers would be higher.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:02 am Bill Bradley:It’s good enough for the Democratic primaries.
>Capitol Boy :
Those are good grades for the speech. Democrats are happy with it. Let Hillary try to make something of it with her and her husband inviting Wright to the White House to defend against Monica!
Mar 21, 2008 08:39 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:03 am Bill Bradley:It’s good enough for the Democratic primaries.
>Capitol Boy :
Those are good grades for the speech. Democrats are happy with it. Let Hillary try to make something of it with her and her husband inviting Wright to the White House to defend against Monica!
Mar 21, 2008 08:39 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:03 am Bill Bradley:Haven’t asked. Could be a late decision on Richardson’s part …
>Ann :
Does Richardson still have the new beard?
Mar 21, 2008 08:19 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:04 am Bill Bradley:Maybe better news before Texas, so Obama wins the primary as well as the caucus. But it comes at a good time, re Wright.
>Capitol Boy :
Bill Richardson is a great guy. This is great news!
Mar 21, 2008 08:10 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:07 am Hap Hazard:Let Hillary try to make something of it — Hillary not so much, but I bet the republicans have an idea or two.
My 83 year-old mother, who is also from Kansas just as Obama’s grandmother of roughly the same age, continues to support Obama and was impressed with the speech, but I think GOP types will try to make hay in the Fall out of his equating Wright vitriol with the occasional intemperate racial remarks of his grandmother.
Then there is the hundreds of videos that may be spoon fed to voters. I think Obama has a difficult time ,after the nomination, explaining why he stayed around as an active member of this guy’s church for 20 years, yet at the same time he doesn’t identify with any of his remarks and sermons. Tough sell in the heartland.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:07 am Hap Hazard:Let Hillary try to make something of it — Hillary not so much, but I bet the republicans have an idea or two.
My 83 year-old mother, who is also from Kansas just as Obama’s grandmother of roughly the same age, continues to support Obama and was impressed with the speech, but I think GOP types will try to make hay in the Fall out of his equating Wright vitriol with the occasional intemperate racial remarks of his grandmother.
Then there is the hundreds of videos that may be spoon fed to voters. I think Obama has a difficult time ,after the nomination, explaining why he stayed around as an active member of this guy’s church for 20 years, yet at the same time he doesn’t identify with any of his remarks and sermons. Tough sell in the heartland.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:07 am Bill Bradley:Indeed.
>Jonas Blane :
Huckabee should have his own cable show.
Mar 21, 2008 07:58 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:08 am Bill Bradley:But of course.
>Jonas Blane :
With Chuck Norris.
Mar 21, 2008 08:00 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:10 am Bill Bradley:But of course.
>Jonas Blane :
With Chuck Norris.
Mar 21, 2008 08:00 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:10 am Bill Bradley:Of course. But it can be dealt with.
>Hap Hazard :
Let Hillary try to make something of it — Hillary not so much, but I bet the republicans have an idea or two.
My 83 year-old mother, who is also from Kansas just as Obama’s grandmother of roughly the same age, continues to support Obama and was impressed with the speech, but I think GOP types will try to make hay in the Fall out of his equating Wright vitriol with the occasional intemperate racial remarks of his grandmother.
Then there is the hundreds of videos that may be spoon fed to voters. I think Obama has a difficult time ,after the nomination, explaining why he stayed around as an active member of this guy’s church for 20 years, yet at the same time he doesn’t identify with any of his remarks and sermons. Tough sell in the heartland.
Mar 21, 2008 09:07 AM
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:12 am Hap Hazard:Of course. But it can be dealt with. — I think so as well. I believe that folks are ready for a generational sea change in the White House, and will be accepting of the person who represents that change, warts and all, in the tradition of the heartland…
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:17 am Brasky:“I just heard that Hillary’s passport files were breached last year.”
What? This is an outrage! Isn’t Mike Gravel good enough to have his privacy violated too?
Actually, I hope Dr Ron Paul’s files got a peek too. For the next 20 years, every call-in show in the country with a republican interviewee will have at least one conspiracy theorist on the line. Haha!
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:28 am Brasky:“I just heard that Hillary’s passport files were breached last year.”
What? This is an outrage! Isn’t Mike Gravel good enough to have his privacy violated too?
Actually, I hope Dr Ron Paul’s files got a peek too. For the next 20 years, every call-in show in the country with a republican interviewee will have at least one conspiracy theorist on the line. Haha!
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:28 am Ann:Richardson’s still got the beard.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:52 am Bill Bradley:Yes, he does.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:53 am Bill Bradley:Yes, he does.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:53 am Bill Bradley:Actually, the Hillary breach was a trainee error last year.
>Brasky :
“I just heard that Hillary’s passport files were breached last year.”
What? This is an outrage! Isn’t Mike Gravel good enough to have his privacy violated too?
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:55 am Jack Aubrey:Richarson’s giving a better speech for Obama than he did for himself.
Mar 21, 2008 - 9:57 am Hap Hazard:Maybe the Clinton choke chain around Richardson’s throat impeded his ability to speak convincingly on behalf of his own candidacy.
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:08 am Hap Hazard:Maybe the Clinton choke chain around Richardson’s throat impeded his ability to speak convincingly on behalf of his own candidacy.
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:08 am Sullihan:If the Huckster writes his book I hope a box of crayons to be included in the purchase price.
And his defense of Rev. Wright (not that there is anything wrong about it) has Hucked up his chances to be VP.
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:09 am Brasky:“Richardson’s still got the beard.”
He’s sharing it with Al Gore.
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:17 am Ann:A new generation of leadership. Heard that before? lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:39 am Ann:A new generation of leadership. Heard that before? lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:39 am Brasky:“Remember those claims from the Hillary Clinton campaign that they raised $35 million in February? Supposedly on the strength of ‘one million dollars a day on the Internet’”
I know February is the shortest month, but raising $20 million over a period of 29 days doesn’t get you a million a day. Sounds like Bush math to me.
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:02 am Brasky:20 million dollars ÷ 29 days = $689,655,172 a day, not $1 million
If Clinton becomes president, we’d better hope she doesn’t get any 3am math questions:
“Madam President, if a train leaves Uzbekistan traveling at 45 miles an hour…”
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:10 am Brasky:20 million dollars ÷ 29 days = $689,655,172 a day, not $1 million
If Clinton becomes president, we’d better hope she doesn’t get any 3am math questions:
“Madam President, if a train leaves Uzbekistan traveling at 45 miles an hour…”
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:10 am Bill Bradley:Of course, Bill Clinton raised some of that money with actual events. So the Internet fundraising figures were even more erroneous.
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:39 am Bill Bradley:We need a new direction for America, with new ideas and a new generation of leadership.
I remember making signs saying “new generation of leadership.” In 1983.
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:41 am Bill Bradley:Huck’s not going for veep. He knows that’s not going to happen.
>Sullihan :
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:43 am Bill Bradley:If the Huckster writes his book I hope a box of crayons to be included in the purchase price.
And his defense of Rev. Wright (not that there is anything wrong about it) has Hucked up his chances to be VP.
Mar 21, 2008 10:09 AM
Huck’s not going for veep. He knows that’s not going to happen.
>Sullihan :
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:43 am Bill Bradley:If the Huckster writes his book I hope a box of crayons to be included in the purchase price.
And his defense of Rev. Wright (not that there is anything wrong about it) has Hucked up his chances to be VP.
Mar 21, 2008 10:09 AM
Probably.
>Hap Hazard :
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:44 am Bill Bradley:Maybe the Clinton choke chain around Richardson’s throat impeded his ability to speak convincingly on behalf of his own candidacy.
Mar 21, 2008 10:08 AM
I think Richardson was somewhat out of his comfort zone running for president.
>Jack Aubrey :
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:45 am Bill Bradley:Richarson’s giving a better speech for Obama than he did for himself.
Mar 21, 2008 09:57 AM
I think Richardson was somewhat out of his comfort zone running for president.
>Jack Aubrey :
Mar 21, 2008 - 11:45 am Brasky:Richarson’s giving a better speech for Obama than he did for himself.
Mar 21, 2008 09:57 AM
“I think Richardson was somewhat out of his comfort zone running for president”
I was struggling for a way to say that - but that’s 100% correct.
Mar 21, 2008 - 12:02 pm Brasky:“Of course, Bill Clinton raised some of that money with actual events. So the Internet fundraising figures were even more erroneous.”
There’s an old Monty Python sketch with a young couple struggling with 3 eccentric salespeople while trying to buy a bed – one person inflates all prices by a factor of 1,000, another reduces prices by 90% and the other cannot hear the word “bed” or he puts a paper bag over his head. Predictably, chaos ensues.
Trying to get a straight answer from the Clinton camp is just a rehash of that sketch. Except, it ain’t as funny.
Mar 21, 2008 - 12:09 pm Scott:I’m feeling a bit stupid but I can’t find any information about Clinton’s fundraising on that link… Is it just me?
Mar 21, 2008 - 1:00 pm Scott:I’m feeling a bit stupid but I can’t find any information about Clinton’s fundraising on that link… Is it just me?
Mar 21, 2008 - 1:00 pm Brasky:Can’t find it either, although I found another accounting of Hillary’s numbers showing she ended February $2 million in the hole (accounting for campaign debt).
Mar 21, 2008 - 1:36 pm Chris M:Two excellent videos today!
The Richardson speech, otherwise good enough and most welcome, came across a little too much as a “guy thing.” He stated that Obama was a “good guy” and, after complimenting former Prez Clinton, didn’t mention the Senator. That was an unfortunate omission, as patching this party back together for the fall run is not going to be easy.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:05 pm Chris M:—
Huckabee was very gracious towards Wright.
Two excellent videos today!
The Richardson speech, otherwise good enough and most welcome, came across a little too much as a “guy thing.” He stated that Obama was a “good guy” and, after complimenting former Prez Clinton, didn’t mention the Senator. That was an unfortunate omission, as patching this party back together for the fall run is not going to be easy.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:05 pm Bill Bradley:—
Huckabee was very gracious towards Wright.
Apparently, Richardson doesn’t have much to say about Hillary’s record. He’s not required to invent praise for her, especially when he’s endorsing her opponent.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:11 pm Bill Bradley:The item on Political Wire, which in my view has been mostly pro-Hillary, linked to this:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-money21mar21,1,952276.story
“Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) was second in fundraising. She collected $34.6 million in February, pushing her total to $173.8 million. That includes $10 million from her Senate campaign account and a $5-million personal loan. Clinton owes consultants and other vendors an additional $3.7 million.”
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:12 pm Bill Bradley:See above for an additional link and possible explanation for the missing item.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:15 pm Bill Bradley:See above for an additional link and possible explanation for the missing item.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:15 pm Bill Bradley:It’s not easy to say to yourself, I should be the world’s most powerful person.
>Brasky :
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:21 pm Ann:“I think Richardson was somewhat out of his comfort zone running for president”
I was struggling for a way to say that - but that’s 100% correct.
Mar 21, 2008 12:02 PM
That should teach you to trust bloggers. lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:29 pm Ann:That should teach you to trust bloggers. lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:29 pm Brasky:“That should teach you to trust bloggers. lol”
I hate those guys!
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:47 pm carole w:Richardson looks great with the beard. I hope he keeps it.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:56 pm Brasky:“HILLARY’S ANTI-NAFTA ROLE AGAIN DISPUTED”
read it and the comments too — everyone who was in the room that day says Hillary is lying.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:57 pm Brasky:“HILLARY’S ANTI-NAFTA ROLE AGAIN DISPUTED”
read it and the comments too — everyone who was in the room that day says Hillary is lying.
Mar 21, 2008 - 2:57 pm Dana:We’ve mentioned before the controversy over the fundraising for the Clinton Library. Turns out when some Congressmembers introduced a bill that would mandate disclosure and other reforms, Senator Stevens (famous for the earmark for the bridge to nowhere) blocked it until Bush 43 is exempted. Has Bush already started raising such funds and are they hiding some skeletons by trying to avoid disclosure?
http://historycoalition.org/2008/03/07/senator-stevens-blocks-consideration-of-presidential-library-disclosure-bill/
Mar 21, 2008 - 3:15 pm Brasky:Dana - the bigger question is what the Hell a Bush Library would feature? Shredded documents and hard drives of erased of incriminating emails?
Mar 21, 2008 - 3:38 pm Brasky:Dana - the bigger question is what the Hell a Bush Library would feature? Shredded documents and hard drives of erased of incriminating emails?
Mar 21, 2008 - 3:38 pm Hap Hazard:Brasky I believe that history will regard W’s presidency much more favorably than most might imagine.
Mar 21, 2008 - 3:53 pm Ann:Brasky, Will Farrell videos.
Mar 21, 2008 - 3:55 pm Brasky:Ann - why not Colbert press club video?
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:04 pm Brasky:Ann - why not Colbert press club video?
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:04 pm Brasky:“Brasky I believe that history will regard W’s presidency much more favorably than most might imagine. ”
Replace “W” with “Nixon” and I’ll agree with you.
Bush II is the worst President since Hoover and I can’t think of a SINGLE redeeming thing he will be remembered for in 20 years. Is there some metric that I’m missing?
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:11 pm Brasky:“BROWN PUSHES ON GREENHOUSE EFFECT.”
There you go Hap - the California AG has done more to combat global warming than two full Bush terms.
At best, Bush will be a “punchline president” (like Ford, Carter and Bush I). I think that history will actually be less kind.
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:16 pm Brasky:“BROWN PUSHES ON GREENHOUSE EFFECT.”
There you go Hap - the California AG has done more to combat global warming than two full Bush terms.
At best, Bush will be a “punchline president” (like Ford, Carter and Bush I). I think that history will actually be less kind.
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:16 pm Jack Aubrey:Governor Jerry Brown, back in the saddle.
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:30 pm Dana:Hap–too late. The verdict is in the war was a bad idea and Bush is soley to blame (remember–the buck stops here). If he has said no it wouldn’t have happened.
Even if McCain, Obama or Clinton is able to do a fabulous job in re Iraq, that will be despite Bush not because of him.
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:57 pm Sacramento Solon:Old and Feeble has a question and it has nothing to do about politics or drinking…
Bill, please forget such a question…but you are like my family. They don’t like me either!
Just purchased an MP3 Player…where does one go to get music and is any of it free?
And whoever is kind enough to answer gets a free bottle of wine from the Kid collection. Thanks KK!
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:58 pm Sacramento Solon:Old and Feeble has a question and it has nothing to do about politics or drinking…
Bill, please forget such a question…but you are like my family. They don’t like me either!
Just purchased an MP3 Player…where does one go to get music and is any of it free?
And whoever is kind enough to answer gets a free bottle of wine from the Kid collection. Thanks KK!
Mar 21, 2008 - 4:58 pm Brasky:solon - you do have CDs, yes?
You have to convert those songs into files - iTunes works great (and it’s free).
Make sure the format works with your player.
Use iTunes or just drag the files to your player after it’s hooked-up to your computer.
iTunes, Amazon and even Wal-Mart have $1 (or less) downloads too.
Good luck man…
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:04 pm Brasky:solon:
A better solution would be to find someone born after the Carter administration. We seem to be short of those here — maybe the next Obama houseparty/meet-up?
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:10 pm Brasky:solon:
A better solution would be to find someone born after the Carter administration. We seem to be short of those here — maybe the next Obama houseparty/meet-up?
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:10 pm Sacramento Solon:Brasky,
Thanks…yes, I have some wonderful CDs…classical, jazz, blues and some rock. I’ll check out iTunes and Amazon.
I’ll sure KK will let you know how and where you can pick-up the wine!
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:14 pm Chris M:Bush 41 looks better all the time.
The comparison with the son is all too easy, but isn’t it reasonable to assert that he would have handled Russia with more dexterity than Bill “shock therapy” Clinton? Maybe I exaggerate Clinton’s errors with Russia, but Bush 41 handled the transition to the post-Cold War era rather deftly. OTOH, Clinton inherited a relatively benign world and failed to formulate and execute a strategy beyond trade. With a do-over, I might pull the lever for Bush in ‘92.
Bill, any thoughts as to how American-Russian relations (or Russian internal institutions) might have proceeded differently had Bush 41 received a second term?
>Bush I
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:21 pm Chris M:Bill, we’re gonna need some help with this movie…
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:28 pm Chris M:Bill, we’re gonna need some help with this movie…
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:28 pm Brasky:Solon - try here:
http://tinyurl.com/y3kyt2
If you have to choose a format, MP3 is fine. It’s old, but still popular. I wouldn’t rip anything below 128k.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:29 pm Hap Hazard:Brasky - I don’t know if you are missing any metrics on Bush and history, but perspectives change over time, and what may seem like folly to many now might end up looking like a good thing down the line.
That goes for global warming, as well. Jerry Brown is a bandwagon politician to be sure, and I applaud his efforts, but history also has a way of changing scientific perspectives as well, and we might find out that global warming can be alleviated via some technological breakthrough, or we might find out in later years that it wasn’t really as bad as Al Gore thinks it is, and then the best efforts now might be looked upon historically as well meaning, but not effective.
I am not at all trying to get an argument going on this Good Friday, but just want to make the point that we often don’t know how someone’s legacy will play out over time.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:34 pm Hap Hazard:Brasky - I don’t know if you are missing any metrics on Bush and history, but perspectives change over time, and what may seem like folly to many now might end up looking like a good thing down the line.
That goes for global warming, as well. Jerry Brown is a bandwagon politician to be sure, and I applaud his efforts, but history also has a way of changing scientific perspectives as well, and we might find out that global warming can be alleviated via some technological breakthrough, or we might find out in later years that it wasn’t really as bad as Al Gore thinks it is, and then the best efforts now might be looked upon historically as well meaning, but not effective.
I am not at all trying to get an argument going on this Good Friday, but just want to make the point that we often don’t know how someone’s legacy will play out over time.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:34 pm Brasky:The Candidate?
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:35 pm Bill Bradley:Jerry is a bandwagon politician who is on a bandwagon he helped start.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:36 pm Bill Bradley:Jerry is a bandwagon politician who is on a bandwagon he helped start.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:36 pm Bill Bradley:The movie I’m referring to in today’s final item — a clip from which will front the Monday Morning Quarterback column — is from the 1990s and stars an Academy Award winner.
The lead character is advised to be strikingly upright. An outstanding example so that those in the darkness can see the power of the light.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:38 pm Len:“I charge the white man!”
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:44 pm Hap Hazard:Solon - here’s another thing you might be interested in re your new MP3 player. Given your advanced age, you no doubt have a turntable and plenty of records. If you are so inclined, a trip to Turntables Unlimited in Sacramento, or a simple search online, can yield you a small, $25 battery powered “amplifier” that you plug your turntable into, and the other end of it goes to your computer sound card. OK then you buy a small cheap program called “RipVinyl” and when you play your records through a sound card, you turn on this software program and, voila, you end up with a .wav file of the song on the record. Which you can easily convert to MP3…
Once you have the rip vinyl software, you can also go to sites like imeem.com and pandora.com and listen (free) to songs while running the rip vinyl program and it serves as a recorder, after which you have a great .wav file of virtually anything you want, instantly, and free.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:44 pm Hap Hazard:Solon - here’s another thing you might be interested in re your new MP3 player. Given your advanced age, you no doubt have a turntable and plenty of records. If you are so inclined, a trip to Turntables Unlimited in Sacramento, or a simple search online, can yield you a small, $25 battery powered “amplifier” that you plug your turntable into, and the other end of it goes to your computer sound card. OK then you buy a small cheap program called “RipVinyl” and when you play your records through a sound card, you turn on this software program and, voila, you end up with a .wav file of the song on the record. Which you can easily convert to MP3…
Once you have the rip vinyl software, you can also go to sites like imeem.com and pandora.com and listen (free) to songs while running the rip vinyl program and it serves as a recorder, after which you have a great .wav file of virtually anything you want, instantly, and free.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:44 pm Brasky:Hap - I agree that legacy isn’t easy to predict.
However, I can’t think of anything substantial that could possible turn into a positive legacy for Bush. NOTHING.
And I think you’re still in Global Warming denial. Get to a 12 step program — fast. I’ll pray for you this weekend…
Oh, and Salon says you owe me wine. Anything with a screw top will be fine.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:45 pm Bill Bradley:Way too complicated for now.
BTW, Bush is pushing for a confrontation with Russia right now. Over Georgia, by pushing it for NATO membership. Russia may well counter by moving troops into breakaway portions of Georgia.
>Chris M :
Bush 41 looks better all the time.
The comparison with the son is all too easy, but isn’t it reasonable to assert that he would have handled Russia with more dexterity than Bill “shock therapy” Clinton? Maybe I exaggerate Clinton’s errors with Russia, but Bush 41 handled the transition to the post-Cold War era rather deftly. OTOH, Clinton inherited a relatively benign world and failed to formulate and execute a strategy beyond trade. With a do-over, I might pull the lever for Bush in ‘92.
Bill, any thoughts as to how American-Russian relations (or Russian internal institutions) might have proceeded differently had Bush 41 received a second term?
>Bush I
Mar 21, 2008 05:21 PM
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:47 pm Bill Bradley:Way too complicated for now.
BTW, Bush is pushing for a confrontation with Russia right now. Over Georgia, by pushing it for NATO membership. Russia may well counter by moving troops into breakaway portions of Georgia.
>Chris M :
Bush 41 looks better all the time.
The comparison with the son is all too easy, but isn’t it reasonable to assert that he would have handled Russia with more dexterity than Bill “shock therapy” Clinton? Maybe I exaggerate Clinton’s errors with Russia, but Bush 41 handled the transition to the post-Cold War era rather deftly. OTOH, Clinton inherited a relatively benign world and failed to formulate and execute a strategy beyond trade. With a do-over, I might pull the lever for Bush in ‘92.
Bill, any thoughts as to how American-Russian relations (or Russian internal institutions) might have proceeded differently had Bush 41 received a second term?
>Bush I
Mar 21, 2008 05:21 PM
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:47 pm Hap Hazard:Jerry is a bandwagon politician who is on a bandwagon he helped start.
- A true statement of fact.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:48 pm Brasky:Primary Colors?
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:54 pm Hap Hazard:Thanks Brasky, I need all the prayers that can be collected. How did Solon rope me into being your wine purveyor? But if that can be sorted out, I would suggest you improve your palate, and try this Lynmar he and KK alsways talk about. I am getting some for our house guests/wine snobs for Easter…
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:55 pm Hap Hazard:Thanks Brasky, I need all the prayers that can be collected. How did Solon rope me into being your wine purveyor? But if that can be sorted out, I would suggest you improve your palate, and try this Lynmar he and KK alsways talk about. I am getting some for our house guests/wine snobs for Easter…
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:55 pm Hap Hazard:Primary Colors? - maybe the best political movie ever.
Mar 21, 2008 - 5:56 pm Sacramento Solon:Hap,
It was easier than you think! However it might just be the rascal known as Brasky with the lasso.
I got rid of my records years ago. Gave them to one of my neighbors. He’s now in his middle 80’s and loves them…
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:01 pm Hap Hazard:Solon - ok, got it. I will deal with that Brasky when I get a chance to
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:06 pm Hap Hazard:OK, so no records. I still have plenty… But you should go to RIpvinyl to check out that program. It is VERY simple to run, and costs about $12.oo or something. Once installed, you can record all kinds of music FREE from various sites like those I listed, simply by starting the program right as you start to play the music. This also works well on XM radio online, and I have ripped many a tune from them…
Solon - ok, got it. I will deal with that Brasky when I get a chance to
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:06 pm Sacramento Solon:OK, so no records. I still have plenty… But you should go to RIpvinyl to check out that program. It is VERY simple to run, and costs about $12.oo or something. Once installed, you can record all kinds of music FREE from various sites like those I listed, simply by starting the program right as you start to play the music. This also works well on XM radio online, and I have ripped many a tune from them…
Hap,
I’ll check out the site. Thanks!
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:17 pm Brasky:Hap, Solon:
What are these “records” of which you speak?
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:17 pm Brasky:Hap, Solon:
What are these “records” of which you speak?
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:17 pm Sacramento Solon:Oh, they are the thinks Barry Bonds broke last year. Yep, that’s it…
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:20 pm Brasky:You guys have wax cylinders too?
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:45 pm Brasky:You guys have wax cylinders too?
Mar 21, 2008 - 6:45 pm Ann:lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:05 pm Ann:lol
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:05 pm Sacramento Solon:Brasky :
You guys have wax cylinders too?
—-
Only in my ears…
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:09 pm Sacramento Solon:Okay, folks, just started putting together tomorrow feed and trying to find out who’s coming. Menu:
Braised Country style ribs (ribs have been seasoned and will reside in the fridge until cooking time)
Pinto Beans cooked in chicken broth with onion, red/green/orange bell pepper and seasoned with chili powder and cumin (beans are soaking in garlic water and will remain there for at least 15 hours)
Comibnation of black & mahogany rice
Newcastle Brown Ale (that’s unless Mr. KK can come up with the appropriate wine).
So, who’s coming?
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:38 pm Sacramento Solon:Okay, folks, just started putting together tomorrow feed and trying to find out who’s coming. Menu:
Braised Country style ribs (ribs have been seasoned and will reside in the fridge until cooking time)
Pinto Beans cooked in chicken broth with onion, red/green/orange bell pepper and seasoned with chili powder and cumin (beans are soaking in garlic water and will remain there for at least 15 hours)
Comibnation of black & mahogany rice
Newcastle Brown Ale (that’s unless Mr. KK can come up with the appropriate wine).
So, who’s coming?
Mar 21, 2008 - 7:38 pm Brasky:can I get an order of that to go?
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:44 pm Sacramento Solon:Of course.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:49 pm Sacramento Solon:Of course.
Mar 21, 2008 - 8:49 pm Dr. Sam Loomis:This move by Attorney General Jerry Brown to go after local zoning laws is disappointing.
The inconvenient truth is a ton of California co2 emitted into the atmosphere contributes the same to GW as a ton of co2 from any other region or continent. Californians do not emit golden gas. Not even Ann. Any effect, other than political gains for the AG himself of course, will not be measurable.
One must wonder whether Dem governor candidate land developer Phil Angelides and his financial guy huge land developer dem Tsakopoulos will get favorable treatment.
Mar 21, 2008 - 10:21 pm Jonas Blane:What?
Mar 22, 2008 - 7:00 am Jonas Blane:What?
Mar 22, 2008 - 7:00 am Bill Bradley:I’m afraid I’m not following this.
>Dr. Sam Loomis :
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:55 am Bill Bradley:This move by Attorney General Jerry Brown to go after local zoning laws is disappointing.
The inconvenient truth is a ton of California co2 emitted into the atmosphere contributes the same to GW as a ton of co2 from any other region or continent. Californians do not emit golden gas. Not even Ann. Any effect, other than political gains for the AG himself of course, will not be measurable.
One must wonder whether Dem governor candidate land developer Phil Angelides and his financial guy huge land developer dem Tsakopoulos will get favorable treatment.
Mar 21, 2008 10:21 PM
I’m afraid I’m not following this.
>Dr. Sam Loomis :
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:55 am Bill Bradley:This move by Attorney General Jerry Brown to go after local zoning laws is disappointing.
The inconvenient truth is a ton of California co2 emitted into the atmosphere contributes the same to GW as a ton of co2 from any other region or continent. Californians do not emit golden gas. Not even Ann. Any effect, other than political gains for the AG himself of course, will not be measurable.
One must wonder whether Dem governor candidate land developer Phil Angelides and his financial guy huge land developer dem Tsakopoulos will get favorable treatment.
Mar 21, 2008 10:21 PM
What, no spam?
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:57 am Bill Bradley:>Sacramento Solon :
Okay, folks, just started putting together tomorrow feed and trying to find out who’s coming. Menu:
Don’t forget the Victrola.
>Brasky :
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:58 am Bill Bradley:You guys have wax cylinders too?
Mar 21, 2008 06:45 PM
Don’t forget the Victrola.
>Brasky :
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:58 am Bill Bradley:You guys have wax cylinders too?
Mar 21, 2008 06:45 PM
I have all my LPs. I figure they’ll be collectors items. Or maybe I just haven’t looked at the boxes in years.
>Sacramento Solon :
Mar 22, 2008 - 9:59 am Bill Bradley:Hap,
It was easier than you think! However it might just be the rascal known as Brasky with the lasso.
I got rid of my records years ago. Gave them to one of my neighbors. He’s now in his middle 80’s and loves them…
Mar 21, 2008 06:01 PM
Ah, no. And no.
>Hap Hazard :
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:01 am Bill Bradley:Primary Colors? - maybe the best political movie ever.
Mar 21, 2008 05:56 PM
Ah, no. And no.
>Hap Hazard :
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:01 am Bill Bradley:Primary Colors? - maybe the best political movie ever.
Mar 21, 2008 05:56 PM
You’re kidding?
>Brasky :
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:02 am Bill Bradley:Primary Colors?
Mar 21, 2008 05:54 PM
Indeed.
>Hap Hazard :
- A true statement of fact.
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:03 am Bill Bradley:Jerry is a bandwagon politician who is on a bandwagon he helped start.
Mar 21, 2008 05:48 PM
Indeed.
>Hap Hazard :
- A true statement of fact.
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:03 am Bill Bradley:Jerry is a bandwagon politician who is on a bandwagon he helped start.
Mar 21, 2008 05:48 PM
Obama has a lot of work to do on this.
>Hap Hazard :
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:05 am Bill Bradley:Of course. But it can be dealt with. — I think so as well. I believe that folks are ready for a generational sea change in the White House, and will be accepting of the person who represents that change, warts and all, in the tradition of the heartland…
Mar 21, 2008 09:17 AM
Obama has a lot of work to do on this.
>Hap Hazard :
Mar 22, 2008 - 10:05 am Brasky:Of course. But it can be dealt with. — I think so as well. I believe that folks are ready for a generational sea change in the White House, and will be accepting of the person who represents that change, warts and all, in the tradition of the heartland…
Mar 21, 2008 09:17 AM
“You’re kidding?”
yes
Mar 22, 2008 - 8:17 pm Brasky:“You’re kidding?”
yes
Mar 22, 2008 - 8:17 pm