Iran test fired nine new missiles, including the Shahab-3, whose 1250-mile range places Israel and US military bases at risk.
** THE IRANIAN SITUATION. BLUFF? OR WAR? I am guessing … bluff. On all sides. I’ll explain tomorrow.
** MAVIGLIO MAKES A MOVE. Veteran Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio, a top strategist and spokesman for former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and deputy chief of staff for new Speaker Karen Bass, is now campaign manager for Kevin Johnson’s bid for Sacramento mayor. Maviglio, former press secretary for Governor Gray Davis and a top operative for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, will remain half-time with Speaker Bass through the conclusion of the state’s budget process. Then he will go full-time with Johnson, the former NBA All-Star and entrepreneur who barely missed the necessary majority win in the June primary, besting Mayor Heather Fargo then, 47% to 40%. The run-off election is in November.
** FROM THE ARNOLD FILE: “EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at his Sacramento railyards event this morning had some interesting things to say. First, he enthusiastically backed the high-speed rail bonds initiative on the November ballot, saying: “It is ridiculous that we have the same speed trains today as we had 100 years ago.” Schwarzenegger has delayed the high-speed rail measure until now as he dealt with making the state’s 2003 deficit bonds constitutional and promoted immediate pressing needs in the form of massive education and infrastructure bonds packages. The state’s debt load, he felt, had to be managed. Now he is pushing the high-speed rail project which in the end may be highly necessary for California as fossil fuel costs decimate the airline industry.
Next, he addressed legislative Democrats’ call for tax increases and restoration of old rates as part of the solution to the state’s chronic and now massive budget deficit by saying: “Everything is on the table.” He noted that he is against tax increases, but in order to achieve the necessary compromise, he has “an open mind.”
The Legislature’s budget conference committee, dominated by Democrats but including Republicans — at least some of whose votes will be needed under California’s unusual two-thirds vote requirement on such fiscal matters — last night and this morning recommended some $9.7 billion in new revenue to close the $15.2 billion deficit. (Which is $17.2 billion when including the normal budgetary reserve.) Included in this proposal is a reinstatement of the highest tax brackets for high-income Californians, closing of the net operating loss provision used by large corporations to carry forward deductions into future years, suspension of indexing for upper-income Californians, and restoration of the franchise tax, and thus the corporate tax rate that existed until 1997.
** THE MORNING COLUMN: FLIPS AND SLIDES. Is Barack Obama a flip-flopper? Is John McCain a flip-flopper? I can make a case that either one is a flip-flopper. (I can make more than a few cases.) The case is easier with McCain. I’d describe Obama as more of a slider.
But you know what? I think that’s mainly a waste of time, though they love it on cable.
Rather than obsess over how much somebody’s ideas have changed, or not, focus on what those ideas are.
Iran has just staged a big missile test launch. (See video above.) Is this a reaction to Israel’s purported dress rehearsal last month of a strike against Iran’s nuclear development facilities? Is it a dramatic ramping up of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities? Is this something Iran does every year around this time, albeit with a supposedly more powerful missile?
Iraq’s government says — despite an earlier claim from the White House that the Iraqi prime minister suffered from “a transcription error” — that it wants a timetable for US troop withdrawal before agreeing to a new status of forces agreement. The current UN authorization runs out at the end of the year. Is this posturing in advance of elections in a country in which the US troop presence is extremely controversial? Is this a blow to the evident US policy to maintain permanent bases in Iraq? Is this a game changer in the presidential debate, in that the Iraqi government has essentially adopted the Obama position and McCain previously said that if it wants the US to withdraw, we must?
Afghanistan is seeing heightened activity by the Taliban. The Indian embassy was just bombed in Kabul. Do we have the troops necessary to quell this renewed threat? If not, why not? And how do we get them?
Pakistan is highly problematic. Al Qaeda Prime has reconstituted itself there, in safe havens right under the noses of the regime propped up by the Bush Administration. Osama bin Laden is still free. How do we eradicate Al Qaeda cadre without destabilizing the only Islamic nation with nuclear weapons? Is Al Qaeda still a real threat? Or has it always been something of a paper tiger, albeit one that pulled off a few spectacular attacks?
We have an energy crisis. We have an economic crisis. We have a climate crisis.
You see where this is going. I don’t want to dwell on what somebody’s idea used to be. I want to dwell on what somebody’s idea is, and why.
** WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.
Barack Obama is in Washington, DC, where he will vote for the compromise FISA bill and New York City, where he will attend private fundraisers with Hillary Clinton.
John McCain is in Portsmouth, Ohio and Romulus, Michigan, continuing his economic tour.
** SCHWARZENEGGER LIVE WEBCAST THIS MORNING ON INFRASTRUCTURE. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a press conference this morning at the Sacramento railyards to discuss the impact of affordable housing and infrastructure funding authorized by the Big Bang Bonds infrastructure package he championed in 2006. The event will be at 10:30 AM and will be webcast live on www.gov.ca.gov.
** SILVER STATE TURNING BLUE. Nevada, which President Bush very narrowly won in 2004 over John Kerry, whose campaign did not particularly emphasize the Silver State, is turning blue. New voter registration numbers out of Las Vegas indicate that Democrats have executed a 6-point voter registration turnaround since the Bush re-election. Nevada is one of several Mountain West states the Democrats are going after aggressively, along with Colorado, New Mexico, and Montana.
** MAC AND MURPH. A not inconsiderable amount of drama around Team McCain, with much of it around consultant Mike Murphy, familiar to Californians from his successful and then very unsuccessful tenure with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bill Kristol says he’s coming back to save the day. Not so much. From my other blog.
** 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, which I know as a former DemRussia advisor, the channel is very interesting nonetheless. With U.S. cable news chattering away as it does, this sort of respite can be informative. 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 $137 to $138 per barrel range.
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66 Comments
Jonas Blane:Those are big missiles.
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:23 am Jonas Blane:Great voter reg numbers out of Las Vegas.
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:26 am Sacramento Solon:Mr. B,
Great write! And so very true. Want to know what they will do tomorrow, not what they might have done yesterday!
And that’s twice in one week that I’ve found myself in complete agreement with you. Not sure if the world is ready for that!!!
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:28 am four waters:** FLIPS. OR NOT. Is Barack Obama a flip-flopper? Is John McCain a flip-flopper? I can make a case that either one is a flip-flopper. (I can make more than a few cases.) The case is easier with McCain. I’d describe Obama as more of a slider.
But you know what? I think that’s mainly a waste of time, though they love it on cable.
Rather than obsess over how much somebody’s ideas have changed, or not, focus on what those ideas are.
THANK YOU!!
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:31 am Capitol Boy:I think most of what is supposed to be “the debate” is designed to stop debate.
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:44 am Ann:lol
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:51 am four waters:Politico is reporting that Murphy will not be officially joining the McCain team.
also that McCain has some issues with the “300 economists who ‘enthusiastically support’ ” his economic plan… or more accurately they have issues with the plan.
Jul 9, 2008 - 8:56 am Bill Bradley:Right. Murphy’s push in the media to be McCain’s chief strategist didn’t work.
That economic plan. Hmm, big new tax cuts, balanced budget in four year, some industrial policies …
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:03 am four waters:Bill,
do you have any info. on a PC being held today by Perata and Bass re: the budget?
(from CA Progress Report: Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) will hold a press conference this morning in the Capitol and many of the details will emerge with briefings by staff.)
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:03 am Bill Bradley:Thanks.
>Ann:
lol
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:03 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:51 am
I don’t know that it’s designed to do that, but it certainly has that effect.
>Capitol Boy:
I think most of what is supposed to be “the debate” is designed to stop debate.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:04 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:44 am
I think they’re unveiling the tax increase plan.
>four waters:
Bill,
do you have any info. on a PC being held today by Perata and Bass re: the budget?
(from CA Progress Report: Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) will hold a press conference this morning in the Capitol and many of the details will emerge with briefings by staff.)
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:05 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:03 am
You’re welcome.
>four waters:
** FLIPS. OR NOT. Is Barack Obama a flip-flopper? Is John McCain a flip-flopper? I can make a case that either one is a flip-flopper. (I can make more than a few cases.) The case is easier with McCain. I’d describe Obama as more of a slider.
But you know what? I think that’s mainly a waste of time, though they love it on cable.
Rather than obsess over how much somebody’s ideas have changed, or not, focus on what those ideas are.
THANK YOU!!
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:05 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:31 am
Scary.
>Sacramento Solon:
Mr. B,
Great write! And so very true. Want to know what they will do tomorrow, not what they might have done yesterday!
And that’s twice in one week that I’ve found myself in complete agreement with you. Not sure if the world is ready for that!!!
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:06 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:28 am
I think Nevada will go O.
>Jonas Blane:
Great voter reg numbers out of Las Vegas.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:06 am Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:26 am
Indeed.
>Jonas Blane:
Those are big missiles.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:07 am four waters:Jul 9, 2008 - 8:23 am
do you know when the PC is scheduled?
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:15 am Bill Bradley:Sorry, I don’t. I’m not going and will wait for the statement, which I think I basically already know about.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:16 am four waters:k. thanks.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:23 am Pat Skipper:Nevada for Obama. The picture is changing.
I’m sure you saw this, Bill, but NBC has moved Missouri out of the lean-McCain category into the toss-ups. There’s no polling that I’ve seen to suggest why. But Obama’s campaign has apparently launched a plan to put 150 paid workers on the ground there in 30 different offices. He has fifty paid workers there now. McCain has four paid workers at this moment and plans to have 12 to 14 in 10 offices. McCain’s campaign is calling Obama’s move “desperate.” Ummm…I’m thinking not so much. The Obama people must have internal polling that suggests they’ve got a shot there. Plus, as we’ve discussed, it’s another chance for Obama to spread the field and make McCain spend his meager resources in a “safe” state. Again, Obama appears to be winning the strategy wars.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:43 am Pat Skipper:Agree with you, Bill. This flip-flop nonsense is very tired.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:44 am Len:I don’t think the cable shows have political analysts who know anything about these things that are important.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:46 am Hilltopper:The Iraq story is amazing. Bush and McCain attack the Democrats for wanting a timetable for bring home the troops. Now it is clear that the Iraqi government wants one, but McCain insists we will stay as long as “we” feel we are needed. Is he equating Iraq as a colony? Is it an occupation?
John McCain OK With Staying in Iraq for 100 Years
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:52 am Hilltopper:The Nevada numbers are very encouraging for the Democrats, but I wonder why this shift has not been reflected in the polls. The two June polls had McCain slightly ahead and doing as well as Bush did against Kerry. http://www.pollster.com/08-NV-Pres-GE-MvO.php
Any thoughts? Could the pollsters just be weighting wrong?
John McCain Opposed Expanded GI Bill
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:55 am Bill Bradley:Incidentally, NWN passed 66,000 comments sometime in the past week.
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:00 am Chris M:150 paid workers in Missouri??!! I find that amazing.
Bill, about how many would Gore or Kerry have had four months out? Even 10? Or am I that out of touch with modern campaigns?
> Pat Skipper: But Obama’s campaign has apparently launched a plan to put 150 paid workers on the ground there
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:11 am Hap Hazard:Bush and McCain attack the Democrats for wanting a timetable for bring home the troops. — Hilltopper, to the contrary, the democrats attacked Bush and McCain for wanting to stay until the enemy was defeated. They wanted to get the troops outta there in 2005 or 2006, REGARDLESS of what the consequences would have been to the Iraqis. Leaving victoriously is great. The issue may be off the table in the election, which is great, but that is true IN SPITE OF, not because of, the hue and cry coming from the democrats and the anti-war crowd that we need to get out of Iraq back when doing so would have been unmitigated disaster.
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:14 am Ann:Where’s Schwarzeneger?
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:35 am Capitol Boy:Obama NEVER SAID THAT.
ap Hazard:
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:36 am Ann:Bush and McCain attack the Democrats for wanting a timetable for bring home the troops. — Hilltopper, to the contrary, the democrats attacked Bush and McCain for wanting to stay until the enemy was defeated. They wanted to get the troops outta there in 2005 or 2006, REGARDLESS of what the consequences would have been to the Iraqis.
There’s Schwarzeneger.
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:43 am Chris M:Way too much is being made of Obama’s supposed flip flops.
I’ll grant that the switch on FISA is meaningful, but that can be explained in part by his vulnerability that results from his being simultaneously a sitting Senator and a presidential candidate.
Otherwise, the death penalty for child rapists is acceptable posturing and I see no meaningful change on Iraq.
As far as the core issues– Iraq and foreign policy, energy, taxes and the economy, regulation of the financial industry– I just don’t see this flip-flopping people are talking about. Heck, I wish he WOULD flip-flop on corn-based ethanol :-).
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:57 am Hilltopper:Hap Hazard states that Bush and McCain just want to keep our troops in Iraq “until the enemy was defeated.” What does that mean?
“Mission accomplished” was in May 2003. Since 2003, we have been a foreign occupier in the middle of a sectarian civil way. Is the “enemy” the Sunnis who fought us, but whom we are now arming? Is it the Shias who fought us? Is it some sub-set? Either way, it was not the people who attacked us. And what will constitute a victory? Between millions having fled the country and ethnic cleansing, the violence is down. Is that “victory?”
Or is victory having an independent functioning government? There were elections. Bush bragged about them Now that elected government says it wants a timetable for foreign troops to leave. Don’t they have that right?
John McCain Opposed Health Insurance For Children
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:30 am marcus waldron:This is a huge development.
Jul 9, 2008 - 12:00 pm carole w:McCain opposes health insurance for children? I doubt that… everyone wants health insurance, the question is who will pay and how much. Voters aren’t going to listen to this *** anymore. This election has gone on too long.
Jul 9, 2008 - 12:04 pm marcus waldron:I’m talking about what Hilltopper is talking about.
Iraq.
Jul 9, 2008 - 12:14 pm AC:Great article by Andrew Sullivan explaining the practical benefits of Obama’s new positions. But I think he is risking his “outsider” image. His shifts make him look like your average politician. Maybe it’s worth the risk?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/andrew_sullivan/article4275040.ece
Jul 9, 2008 - 12:19 pm marcus:Counter to what a Demo red hot said here yesterday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel DOES NOT WANT Obama to speak at Brandenberg Gate.
Bill, can’t you stop this disinformation?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/09/obama-speech-plan-draws-g_n_111638.html
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:04 pm Bill Bradley:It’s going to become apparent at some point that I’m not omniscient …
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:46 pm Bill Bradley:Does “outsider” equal “left?”
That’s a common misperception of the netroots.
>AC:
Great article by Andrew Sullivan explaining the practical benefits of Obama’s new positions. But I think he is risking his “outsider” image. His shifts make him look like your average politician. Maybe it’s worth the risk?
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/andrew_sullivan/article4275040.ece
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:47 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 12:19 pm
Where do you get that?
>carole w:
McCain opposes health insurance for children? I doubt that… everyone wants health insurance, the question is who will pay and how much. Voters aren’t going to listen to this *** anymore. This election has gone on too long.
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:48 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 12:04 pm
I think so.
>marcus waldron:
This is a huge development.
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:49 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 12:00 pm
What is “victory” in Iraq?
A less bad situation?
>Hilltopper:
Hap Hazard states that Bush and McCain just want to keep our troops in Iraq “until the enemy was defeated.” What does that mean?
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:50 pm Bill Bradley:He’s more of a slider than a flipper, in a range he’s already in.
The only real flip-flop was on campaign finance.
>Chris M:
Way too much is being made of Obama’s supposed flip flops.
I’ll grant that the switch on FISA is meaningful, but that can be explained in part by his vulnerability that results from his being simultaneously a sitting Senator and a presidential candidate.
Otherwise, the death penalty for child rapists is acceptable posturing and I see no meaningful change on Iraq.
As far as the core issues– Iraq and foreign policy, energy, taxes and the economy, regulation of the financial industry– I just don’t see this flip-flopping people are talking about. Heck, I wish he WOULD flip-flop on corn-based ethanol :-).
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:52 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 10:57 am
Obama has consistently said he’s against a precipitous withdrawal.
That was the Dennis Kucinich position.
>Capitol Boy:
Obama NEVER SAID THAT.
ap Hazard:
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:54 pm Bill Bradley:Bush and McCain attack the Democrats for wanting a timetable for bring home the troops. — Hilltopper, to the contrary, the democrats attacked Bush and McCain for wanting to stay until the enemy was defeated. They wanted to get the troops outta there in 2005 or 2006, REGARDLESS of what the consequences would have been to the Iraqis.
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:36 am
Oh, I don’t remember. Surely a small fraction, if that.
>Chris M:
150 paid workers in Missouri??!! I find that amazing.
Bill, about how many would Gore or Kerry have had four months out? Even 10? Or am I that out of touch with modern campaigns?
> Pat Skipper: But Obama’s campaign has apparently launched a plan to put 150 paid workers on the ground there
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:55 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 10:11 am
The Nevada polls bounce around. The polls you cite were taken prior to the new voter registration numbers.
>Hilltopper:
The Nevada numbers are very encouraging for the Democrats, but I wonder why this shift has not been reflected in the polls. The two June polls had McCain slightly ahead and doing as well as Bush did against Kerry. http://www.pollster.com/08-NV-Pres-GE-MvO.php
Any thoughts? Could the pollsters just be weighting wrong?
John McCain Opposed Expanded GI Bill
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:56 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:55 am
The true US policy is to maintain permanent bases in Iraq.
This is not a policy that has been discussed with the American people.
Now, I happen to like that policy — having studied a map, the real reason to invade Iraq, putting all the other crapola aside — but it only works if the Iraqis themselves go along with it.
>Hilltopper:
The Iraq story is amazing. Bush and McCain attack the Democrats for wanting a timetable for bring home the troops. Now it is clear that the Iraqi government wants one, but McCain insists we will stay as long as “we” feel we are needed. Is he equating Iraq as a colony? Is it an occupation?
John McCain OK With Staying in Iraq for 100 Years
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:58 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:52 am
Yep.
>Pat Skipper:
Agree with you, Bill. This flip-flop nonsense is very tired.
Jul 9, 2008 - 1:59 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:44 am
I think Obama is slightly behind in Missouri, but does have a real shot there.
>Pat Skipper:
Nevada for Obama. The picture is changing.
I’m sure you saw this, Bill, but NBC has moved Missouri out of the lean-McCain category into the toss-ups. There’s no polling that I’ve seen to suggest why. But Obama’s campaign has apparently launched a plan to put 150 paid workers on the ground there in 30 different offices. He has fifty paid workers there now. McCain has four paid workers at this moment and plans to have 12 to 14 in 10 offices. McCain’s campaign is calling Obama’s move “desperate.” Ummm…I’m thinking not so much. The Obama people must have internal polling that suggests they’ve got a shot there. Plus, as we’ve discussed, it’s another chance for Obama to spread the field and make McCain spend his meager resources in a “safe” state. Again, Obama appears to be winning the strategy wars.
Jul 9, 2008 - 2:01 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:43 am
Sorry, it’s just too much. I’m trying to finish a longer piece, deal with other stuff, and take it easier. These press conferences will come and go before there is finally one that makes a big difference.
>four waters:
do you know when the PC is scheduled?
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:15 am Bill Bradley:
Sorry, I don’t. I’m not going and will wait for the statement, which I think I basically already know about.
Jul 9, 2008 - 9:16 am four waters:
k. thanks.
Jul 9, 2008 - 2:02 pm richard locicero:Jul 9, 2008 - 9:23 am
Marcus, I’m the “Red Hot” who reported on the German Chancellor. That came from DER SPIEGEL by the way, not me. I assume they have good sources. If Merkel is “Upset” maybe its because she doesn’t want to be seen as “Meddling” in our election. But I’ll go with the original story which said it was her people who made contact with the Obama campaign about speaking at the Brandenburg Gate.
Jul 9, 2008 - 3:42 pm carole w:Bill,
I paid $99.00 for 20.29 gallons of gas today. I get about 18 miles to the gallon. I don’t feel very generous right now. I don’t care what the polls indicate, if you raise my taxes…I won’t vote for you. I have health insurance. I pay through the rear end for my insurance. My doctors are starting to not take a PPO discount and charge me full price before insurance is billed. I want everyone to have medical care but, I am opting not to go to the doctor because of the cost.
When either one of the candidates puts in writing a functional low cost alternative for health care…I will vote for it. As of today I am only hearing political hyperpartisan rhetoric and nothing factual.
I am not defending McCain. I just think both sides are typical politicians and have no answers for our budget problems.
Jul 9, 2008 - 4:55 pm Sacramento Solon:Carole W scribes:
I am not defending McCain. I just think both sides are typical politicians and have no answers for our budget problems.
—–
If neither McCain or Obama don’t have the answers…who do you think does?
Jul 9, 2008 - 5:18 pm carole w:Sacto,
Jul 9, 2008 - 5:25 pm Sacramento Solon:No one:(
Well, if no one can solve the problems, why worry???
Or, perhaps, since no one has all the answers we just find that person we have the most trust and faith in. That person who we believe will make the effort to shape the world as we would like it to be. That seems to be what this is about.
I know who that person is for me. I hope that you will find out that person is for you.
Too hot to either write or think any more…
Jul 9, 2008 - 5:44 pm Dana:WOW! Bill, thanks for the head’s up in re the Governor’s comments on the bullet train bonds. If anyone can get them passed in the midst of economic turmoil, he can!
Jul 9, 2008 - 6:16 pm Sacramento Solon:Bill,
Good pick on the Maviglio item. Never ceases to amaze me how you come up with this stuff!
Jul 9, 2008 - 6:50 pm marcus:I think you got Chancellor Merkel confused with the Mayor of Berlin.
richard locicero:
Marcus, I’m the “Red Hot” who reported on the German Chancellor. That came from DER SPIEGEL by the way, not me. I assume they have good sources. If Merkel is “Upset” maybe its because she doesn’t want to be seen as “Meddling” in our election. But I’ll go with the original story which said it was her people who made contact with the Obama campaign about speaking at the Brandenburg Gate.
Jul 9, 2008 - 3:42 pm
Jul 9, 2008 - 10:57 pm marcus:“Merkel warns Obama not to use landmark for “Electioneering”"
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080709141314.t3ju24gp&show_article=1
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:00 pm Bill Bradley:Yes, Maviglio’s press release was amazing …
>Sacramento Solon:
Bill,
Good pick on the Maviglio item. Never ceases to amaze me how you come up with this stuff!
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:30 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 6:50 pm
Yeah, I think that’s pretty major.
>Dana:
WOW! Bill, thanks for the head’s up in re the Governor’s comments on the bullet train bonds. If anyone can get them passed in the midst of economic turmoil, he can!
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:31 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 6:16 pm
It’s way too hot around California.
>Sacramento Solon:
Well, if no one can solve the problems, why worry???
Or, perhaps, since no one has all the answers we just find that person we have the most trust and faith in. That person who we believe will make the effort to shape the world as we would like it to be. That seems to be what this is about.
I know who that person is for me. I hope that you will find out that person is for you.
Too hot to either write or think any more…
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:32 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 5:44 pm
It’s a bad situation.
>carole w:
Bill,
I paid $99.00 for 20.29 gallons of gas today. I get about 18 miles to the gallon. I don’t feel very generous right now. I don’t care what the polls indicate, if you raise my taxes…I won’t vote for you. I have health insurance. I pay through the rear end for my insurance. My doctors are starting to not take a PPO discount and charge me full price before insurance is billed. I want everyone to have medical care but, I am opting not to go to the doctor because of the cost.
When either one of the candidates puts in writing a functional low cost alternative for health care…I will vote for it. As of today I am only hearing political hyperpartisan rhetoric and nothing factual.
I am not defending McCain. I just think both sides are typical politicians and have no answers for our budget problems.
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:33 pm Bill Bradley:Jul 9, 2008 - 4:55 pm
Maybe she changed her mind under pressure. Or just on second thought.
>richard locicero:
Marcus, I’m the “Red Hot” who reported on the German Chancellor. That came from DER SPIEGEL by the way, not me. I assume they have good sources. If Merkel is “Upset” maybe its because she doesn’t want to be seen as “Meddling” in our election. But I’ll go with the original story which said it was her people who made contact with the Obama campaign about speaking at the Brandenburg Gate.
Jul 9, 2008 - 11:34 pm Jonas Blane:Jul 9, 2008 - 3:42 pm
What new video today, Jesse Jackson?
Jul 10, 2008 - 6:40 am