Look at all the apologies so far in February, and it’s still a week to Valentine’s Day:
Bill Clinton apologizing for remarks a week or so ago about Barack Obama: "I think the mistake that I made is to think that I was a spouse like any other spouse who could defend his candidate. I think I can promote Hillary but not defend her because I was president. I have to let her defend herself or have someone else defend her."
Keith Olbermann of MSNBC has been asked to apologize using the word guacamole in a context that might offend many Hispanic-Americans are sure to find racially offensive: “New York Senator Clinton and adopted Giants fan watched the game in Minnesota and told The Associated Press, ‘Super Bowl, Super Tuesday — we have one down, let’s get the other. This as her husband watched the game in New Mexico with the former [sic] Governor Bill Richardson, possibly asking Richardson for an endorsement and then would you please pass the guacamole.”
David Shuster of MSNBC has been suspended and forced to apologize for saying "But doesn't it seem like Chelsea's sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?"
Berkeley, California is being asked to apologize for voting to run Marine Corps recruiters out of town: "If recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests."
Rapper 50 Cent is in the hot seat for his remark, "I'm not sure America is ready to have a black President. I think they might kill him."
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008
RE: Fat Tuesday didn't sing
Q: Is Ohio is in a position to make a difference with our vote on March 4? The polls I have seen project Hillary and McCain as big winners here.
A: Ohio on March 4 may well be a deciding factor.
Today’s news that Romney has dropped out pretty much leaves McCain the winner. Huckabee says he will stay in, but CNN now shows 714 delegates for McCain and only 181 for Huckabee, so that is largely a formality. McCain needs just 477 more delegates to make it official, which he can do easily if he wins just half of the 1,184 delegates up for grabs between now and March 4. With some booing McCain today at CPAC (conservative political action committee meeting), McCain probably needs to beat Huckabee a few more times without really looking like he is trying so the conservatives can feel they fought the good fight.
Barack has the momentum but Hillary technically has the lead, so there is no reason for either of them to quit just yet. As of today per CNN, Hillary has 1033 delegates versus 937 for Barack, with 2025 needed to clinch. There are 1040 delegates up for grabs between now and March 4 (596 in February and 444 on March 4). That’s not enough to clinch absent a sweep by one side or the other. But Hillary may be running out of money – she loaned her campaign $5 million and Barack says he already raised that and more online.
Q: I noticed Bill Richardson was on the ballot in MA, even though he's withdrawn from the race. Did you vote for him?
A: I noticed that too. What should you do when the candidate that you think is best qualified has suspended his campaign, but his name still appears on the ballot?
A: Ohio on March 4 may well be a deciding factor.
Today’s news that Romney has dropped out pretty much leaves McCain the winner. Huckabee says he will stay in, but CNN now shows 714 delegates for McCain and only 181 for Huckabee, so that is largely a formality. McCain needs just 477 more delegates to make it official, which he can do easily if he wins just half of the 1,184 delegates up for grabs between now and March 4. With some booing McCain today at CPAC (conservative political action committee meeting), McCain probably needs to beat Huckabee a few more times without really looking like he is trying so the conservatives can feel they fought the good fight.
Barack has the momentum but Hillary technically has the lead, so there is no reason for either of them to quit just yet. As of today per CNN, Hillary has 1033 delegates versus 937 for Barack, with 2025 needed to clinch. There are 1040 delegates up for grabs between now and March 4 (596 in February and 444 on March 4). That’s not enough to clinch absent a sweep by one side or the other. But Hillary may be running out of money – she loaned her campaign $5 million and Barack says he already raised that and more online.
Q: I noticed Bill Richardson was on the ballot in MA, even though he's withdrawn from the race. Did you vote for him?
A: I noticed that too. What should you do when the candidate that you think is best qualified has suspended his campaign, but his name still appears on the ballot?
A Tale of Two Peninsulas
Q: I don’t really understand what happened in FL regarding the primary, delegates, etc. Can you give me a brief explanation? Why did FL move their primary?
A: Traditionally, Iowa is the first caucus and New Hampshire is the first primary. But other states are jealous of that, as they think that gives those states extra influence. So this year a number of states wanted to move up their primaries. The states can make their own rules about that. However, the national political parties get to decide how many delegates a state can send to their convention, and whether to admit the people who might show up claiming to be the duly selected delegates.
The two parties made some rules which said states couldn’t hold their primary before February 5, unless they were one of the traditional early states. Michigan and Florida (and South Carolina for the Republicans) decided to flout those rules (you make your rules, we make our rules). The punishment from the Republican Party was for the state to lose half their delegates (tough, but fair?). The punishment for the Democratic Party was for the state to lose all their delegates (real tough).
Why did Florida and Michigan do this, knowing they would be punished? Maybe they thought the extra influence of going early was worth it, or maybe they thought the rule wouldn’t stick, or maybe they had some inside game going. For example, McCain won Florida for the Republicans, and the momentum helped him win on February 5. Will he show his gratitude to Florida if he gets elected President?
On the other side, can the National Democratic Party make their rule stick? Obviously, if you are a delegate from Florida or Michigan, you might well show up at the convention, stand outside, and shout until they let you vote. And maybe some of your friends will show up and shout with you. And maybe your allies inside the convention will also stand up and shout. And since Florida and Michigan both voted for Clinton, they might have a lot of friends inside. And, of course, maybe the threat of that will exert enough pressure that the rules get changed before the convention.
I saw Michael Moore on Larry King last night. He is from Michigan, and is not happy the Michigan delegates are not getting counted. On the other hand, he seems to be an undeclared Obama supporter. So maybe he won't organize a demonstration.
A: Traditionally, Iowa is the first caucus and New Hampshire is the first primary. But other states are jealous of that, as they think that gives those states extra influence. So this year a number of states wanted to move up their primaries. The states can make their own rules about that. However, the national political parties get to decide how many delegates a state can send to their convention, and whether to admit the people who might show up claiming to be the duly selected delegates.
The two parties made some rules which said states couldn’t hold their primary before February 5, unless they were one of the traditional early states. Michigan and Florida (and South Carolina for the Republicans) decided to flout those rules (you make your rules, we make our rules). The punishment from the Republican Party was for the state to lose half their delegates (tough, but fair?). The punishment for the Democratic Party was for the state to lose all their delegates (real tough).
Why did Florida and Michigan do this, knowing they would be punished? Maybe they thought the extra influence of going early was worth it, or maybe they thought the rule wouldn’t stick, or maybe they had some inside game going. For example, McCain won Florida for the Republicans, and the momentum helped him win on February 5. Will he show his gratitude to Florida if he gets elected President?
On the other side, can the National Democratic Party make their rule stick? Obviously, if you are a delegate from Florida or Michigan, you might well show up at the convention, stand outside, and shout until they let you vote. And maybe some of your friends will show up and shout with you. And maybe your allies inside the convention will also stand up and shout. And since Florida and Michigan both voted for Clinton, they might have a lot of friends inside. And, of course, maybe the threat of that will exert enough pressure that the rules get changed before the convention.
I saw Michael Moore on Larry King last night. He is from Michigan, and is not happy the Michigan delegates are not getting counted. On the other hand, he seems to be an undeclared Obama supporter. So maybe he won't organize a demonstration.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Fat Tuesday didn't sing
Fat Tuesday didn't sing and now we have to wait and watch as the rest of the states vote. How unfair.
McCain has won 680 delegates versus 462 for all his opponents combined, so he’s on the downhill slope with only 511 more to win. Romney now has the toughest decision on when to quit, as he is spending his own money. Huckabee has set himself up as a power broker by winning the Southern states McCain will need in the fall. In Montana, Ron Paul finished second with 25%, apparently picking up the Unabomber vote.
Clinton leads Obama 823 delegates to 741, but without the party big-wig super-delegates she trails 630 to 635. With 2025 delegates needed to win, they are both still climbing the hill. On the other hand, Hillary has the Michigan and Florida delegates who aren’t supposed to count in her back pocket. Not counting Florida? That’s an indefensible position for Democrats.
The big opportunity for the Democrats is what the turnout shows is likely to happen in the fall. In 4 of the 5 Southern red states that voted February 5, more people showed up to vote for Democrats than Republicans. The Republicans can’t win in November without these states.
One way for the Democrats to lose is if Clinton versus Obama gets nasty. They need to fight the good fight, make nice, and join forces. Will it be Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton? On the other hand, if the Iraq situation turns nasty again this summer, that could scuttle McCain.
How long can it last? The Democratic caucus in Puerto Rico is set for June 7. Could Puerto Rico pick the next President of the United States?
McCain has won 680 delegates versus 462 for all his opponents combined, so he’s on the downhill slope with only 511 more to win. Romney now has the toughest decision on when to quit, as he is spending his own money. Huckabee has set himself up as a power broker by winning the Southern states McCain will need in the fall. In Montana, Ron Paul finished second with 25%, apparently picking up the Unabomber vote.
Clinton leads Obama 823 delegates to 741, but without the party big-wig super-delegates she trails 630 to 635. With 2025 delegates needed to win, they are both still climbing the hill. On the other hand, Hillary has the Michigan and Florida delegates who aren’t supposed to count in her back pocket. Not counting Florida? That’s an indefensible position for Democrats.
The big opportunity for the Democrats is what the turnout shows is likely to happen in the fall. In 4 of the 5 Southern red states that voted February 5, more people showed up to vote for Democrats than Republicans. The Republicans can’t win in November without these states.
| State | Republican voters | Democratic voters |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 982,440 | 1,046,485 |
| Alabama | 563,822 | 539,743 |
| Tennessee | 547,614 | 614,096 |
| Arkansas | 210,152 | 288,484 |
| Missouri | 584,618 | 820,453 |
One way for the Democrats to lose is if Clinton versus Obama gets nasty. They need to fight the good fight, make nice, and join forces. Will it be Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton? On the other hand, if the Iraq situation turns nasty again this summer, that could scuttle McCain.
How long can it last? The Democratic caucus in Puerto Rico is set for June 7. Could Puerto Rico pick the next President of the United States?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Fat Tuesday media guide
CNN:
Lou Dobbs – CNN’s resident curmudgeon.
Anderson Cooper – Gloria Vanderbilt’s son, the dumbest newsperson on CNN.
Wolf Blitzer – Blitzer translates to "Barak" in Hebrew.
Larry King – old than McCain, his sixth wife is a Mormon.
James Carville – the ragin’ Cajun has become the ancient Cajun.
Jeffrey Toobin – still covering the OJ trial.
Mark Shields – still campaigning for Robert Kennedy.
David Gergen – hard to take seriously after the October 2007 banana affair.
Fox:
Brit Hume – no, he’s not British.
Chris Wallace – son of 60 Minutes’ Mike Wallace.
Bill O’Reilly – who’s looking out for you has never been seen in the same room with Lou Dobbs.
Sean Hannity – just pray you never have to hear him sing.
Alan Colmes – token liberal on the “fair and balanced” network.
Greta Van Susteren – the dumbest newsperson on Fox, reported to be a practicing Scientologist.
Dick Morris – Clinton’s former pollster has become the leading Hillary hater.
Ann Coulter – “I'd rather deal with President Hillary than with President McCain.” (Hillary would be better for her book royalties, no doubt)
Susan Estrich – former Dukakis campaign manager is token Wellesley girl on Fox.
MSNBC:
Keith Olbermann – MSNBC’s resident curmudgeon.
Chris Matthews – MSNBC’s resident cudgel.
Comedy Central:
Jon Stewart – don’t laugh, lots of folks get their political news from The Daily Show.
Stephen Colbert – doesn’t let his own kids watch his show saying, “I don't want them to perceive me as insincere.” He made Huckabee.
Radio:
Rush Limbaugh – Can’t stand John McCain surrounding himself with liberals like Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
No one watches anymore:
Brian Williams – NBC
Katie Kouric - CBS
Charles Gibson – ABC
Lou Dobbs – CNN’s resident curmudgeon.
Anderson Cooper – Gloria Vanderbilt’s son, the dumbest newsperson on CNN.
Wolf Blitzer – Blitzer translates to "Barak" in Hebrew.
Larry King – old than McCain, his sixth wife is a Mormon.
James Carville – the ragin’ Cajun has become the ancient Cajun.
Jeffrey Toobin – still covering the OJ trial.
Mark Shields – still campaigning for Robert Kennedy.
David Gergen – hard to take seriously after the October 2007 banana affair.
Fox:
Brit Hume – no, he’s not British.
Chris Wallace – son of 60 Minutes’ Mike Wallace.
Bill O’Reilly – who’s looking out for you has never been seen in the same room with Lou Dobbs.
Sean Hannity – just pray you never have to hear him sing.
Alan Colmes – token liberal on the “fair and balanced” network.
Greta Van Susteren – the dumbest newsperson on Fox, reported to be a practicing Scientologist.
Dick Morris – Clinton’s former pollster has become the leading Hillary hater.
Ann Coulter – “I'd rather deal with President Hillary than with President McCain.” (Hillary would be better for her book royalties, no doubt)
Susan Estrich – former Dukakis campaign manager is token Wellesley girl on Fox.
MSNBC:
Keith Olbermann – MSNBC’s resident curmudgeon.
Chris Matthews – MSNBC’s resident cudgel.
Comedy Central:
Jon Stewart – don’t laugh, lots of folks get their political news from The Daily Show.
Stephen Colbert – doesn’t let his own kids watch his show saying, “I don't want them to perceive me as insincere.” He made Huckabee.
Radio:
Rush Limbaugh – Can’t stand John McCain surrounding himself with liberals like Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
No one watches anymore:
Brian Williams – NBC
Katie Kouric - CBS
Charles Gibson – ABC
A footnote in Beatles history
From our friend DJBC:
Literally. I am mentioned at the end of a footnote in a book about "The evolving artistry" of Beatles music. But, I am in there! Pretty awesome to even be a footnote round those parts. Needless to say, I have ordered my copy.
Literally. I am mentioned at the end of a footnote in a book about "The evolving artistry" of Beatles music. But, I am in there! Pretty awesome to even be a footnote round those parts. Needless to say, I have ordered my copy.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day
It’s Groundhog Day and 3 days until Fat Tuesday, when 24 states representing around half the delegates will vote. All the candidates are out shriving for votes, but what about their shadows?
Bill Clinton – seems to be learning when to keep his mouth closed.
Michelle Obama – Jeri Thomspson and Elizabeth Kusinich had nothing on Michelle.
Cindy McCain – saw her campaign for John in a leather jacket, no respectable cloth Republican coat for her.
Ann Romney – the blonde former Episcopalian is Mitt’s first and perhaps only convert to Mormonism.
Janet Huckabee - Who is she? "If it wasn't for the grace of God, I'd have shot a few people already."
Bill Clinton – seems to be learning when to keep his mouth closed.
Michelle Obama – Jeri Thomspson and Elizabeth Kusinich had nothing on Michelle.
Cindy McCain – saw her campaign for John in a leather jacket, no respectable cloth Republican coat for her.
Ann Romney – the blonde former Episcopalian is Mitt’s first and perhaps only convert to Mormonism.
Janet Huckabee - Who is she? "If it wasn't for the grace of God, I'd have shot a few people already."
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