Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Smithsonian Sends Curators to Republican National Convention -- 08/31/2004

Here's an interesting item.

The Smithsonian Institution has sent two curators to the RNC to look for artifacts.

The curators will be looking for memorabilia to add to the Smithsonian collection on American History.

Smithsonian Sends Curators to Republican National Convention -- 08/31/2004

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

You may have noticed that there were no items from the Kerry Spot yesterday. Reason: About 90% of them were about the Swift Boat stuff.

Yes, I am certain that John Kerry lied about his exploits in Vietnam. I am sure he was NOT in Cambodia. I am certain that he did not deserve one or more of his medals. I am now certain that one or more of his citations for the Silver Star are fake.

Now here's something the media or not reporting.

John Kerry did go to Vietnam. He did NOT volunteer to go to Vietnam. He joined the Naval Reserve to avoid going to Vietnam. When his unit was called up, he joined the Swift Boats because, at the time, there were NOT in combat. So, technically, John Kerry did not volunteer for Vietnam or combat.

Now for items from the Kerry Spot on National Review Online.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: MOORE 'MUGGED' AT GARDEN

Today's New York Daily News — the paper version — has the front page headline, "MOORE MUGGED AT GARDEN." (And with that, a thousand anti-Moore hearts skip a beat.) But the headline refers to metaphorical mugging, in the sense that the political heavyweight was booed.

The story inside the paper (and on the web) shows Moore giving the L-for-loser sign in reaction to McCain's shot at "disingenuous filmmaker." I presume Moore was calling the GOP delegates losers, not McCain.

But needless to say, the exchange was the big talk on MSNBC this morning, and I presume will be one of the more discussed moments of the convention. I could be completely wrong on this, but if I were a Democratic Party strategist, I would be planning to kidnap Michael Moore and keep him quiet until after the election.

If the contrast between the two parties is symbolized by John McCain — a prisoner-of-war in Hanoi for five and a half years, much of it in solitary confinement, a man with so much honor he rejected an early release that was designed to break the spirit of the other POWS — and unshaven, disheveled, morbidly obese and scorn personified Michael Moore on the other, then 2004 is going to make 1984 look like a nail-biter.

UPDATE: Adieu, Moore. From Editor & Publisher:

Following all the commotion last night, Michael Moore will not be returning to Madison Square Garden for the Republican National Convention, E&P has learned. According to editors at USA Today, which is publishing his daily column this week, Moore told them that he was choosing not to return again.
However, they said he would continue to write his daily column and they stressed that in no way did they second-guess their decision to have him write the commentary.

If Moore is not covering the convention from inside the hall, what will he be covering and what will his columns talk about. It seems that USA Today also has a double standard.

KERRY CAMP SHAKEUP COMING?

I'm hoping to hear back from some sources close to the Kerry campaign to get their take on this story suggesting the Kerry camp is on the verge of a major shakeup.

As the Bush campaign commands an exquisitely directed convention, the faltering Kerry campaign might be on the verge of a major shake-up.

Ever since the Boston convention, the Bush campaign has dominated the agenda, putting the Democratic nominee on the defensive. While polls still show a close race, everything is tilting in the GOP direction, a movement that almost surely will be enhanced by a successful New York convention.

Dispirited Democrats — prominent senators, top fundraisers, even a few Kerry confidants — have told the candidate, who is in Nantucket, that high-level changes are imperative. A few very well-connected Democrats report something will occur in the next few days. One person who might assume more control is Joe Lockhart, a former press secretary to Bill Clinton and a respected public-relations figure, but one who has almost no experience in the high-stakes world of presidential campaigns. Another possibility: veteran Democratic politico John Sasso, currently at the Democratic National Committee.

If there is a change — Sen. Kerry privately is said to be "bouncing off the walls" in frustration — it has to be imminent as the eight-week campaign is in full swing by Labor Day. "We have 48 hours," acknowledges an insider.

The Kerry campaign, like most, ultimately reflects the candidate. The cautious indecisiveness and occasional vacillations have become Kerry trademarks.

Leading Democrats describe a command structure often frozen — or at least tempered — by too many chefs, a too-heavy reliance on polls or focus groups and an aversion to risks. As a result, the message often is muddled and the reaction to hard-hitting attacks from Republicans often is slow and unconvincing.

If Kerry needs to make a big shakeup, this is the week to do it - let that news get lost in the shuffle of the convention coverage.

REMEMBER WHEN THIS RACE WAS KERRY'S TO LOSE?

ABC News' The Note — which not long ago pronounced the race Kerry's to lose — is singing a different tune these days.

As for the Kerry campaign — as one Democratic strategist surveying the the last three weeks said, they have gone from "delusion obliviousness straight to panic. Not even a pause at anywhere constructive."

Yesterday, as the in-transition rapid response team flailed about, Kerry spent time on debate prep. It is unclear if there were any fiddlers present.

We'll say it again: all this can still of course turn around for Kerry. There is still plenty of room in the data for the Democratic nominee to make the case for change. And the horserace by all accounts remains tied.

But Kerry is hyper-unlikely to turn things around during the next three days. However, the campaign IS trying to get constructive; see our Kerry section for more on that.

On the one hand, Kerry did change his game and adjust well enough to win the Democratic primary — although the myth that he's a "great closer" is just that, a myth. On the other hand, the closer we get to Election Day, the less likely it is that Kerry can suddenly break out of his shell and become exponentially more charismatic, likeable, persuasive or a better communicator. He is who he is.

WEDNESDAY, ZELL WILL WHACK KERRY'S SENATE RECORD

The New York Post gives a preview of what to expect Wednesday:

John Kerry's "miserable record" over the course of his 19-year Senate career will be a focus of Sen. Zell Miller's highly anticipated speech at the Republican National Convention, the renegade Georgia Democrat told The Post. The 72-year-old Miller, who next Wednesday will become the first member of an opposing party to deliver the keynote address at a national convention, plans to hit Kerry over his political career — one that Miller claims has been spent pushing and voting for far-left issues.
"John Kerry's record in the Senate is a miserable one — it is a disgraceful one," Miller charged. "His record is far from the mainstream on nearly every issue. He is where 15 or 20 percent of people are."

Miller said many Americans are still in the dark about Kerry's voting patterns — primarily because the candidate himself has avoided discussing it.

"Watching the Democratic convention, the bio of John Kerry seemed to be 'I was born. I served in Vietnam. I am running for president,' " Miller said.

"They overlooked 20 years in the Senate. That's where you'll see the real John Kerry."

Kerry made a major tactical error by not talking much about his Senate years at his convention. Even if there wasn't much there, he should have at least mentioned his vote for welfare reform, and tried to make himself look like one of the legislative leaders of the Clinton years. He's left a big blank slate that Zell is going to paint real ugly.

I cannot wait to hear this speech. I wonder what network will cover it?

CARVILLE MEMO: BUSH HAS MADE 'UNMISTAKABLE' GAINS IN AUGUST

AP:

President Bush has gained ground on Democrat John Kerry in the month of August because of "relatively small but unmistakable" shifts in the political environment, Democratic strategists said in a memo released Monday.
The polling memo by Democracy Corps, a group led by pollster Stan Greenberg and strategist James Carville, said the subtle gains by Bush have knotted the race again after Kerry had a slight advantage after the Democratic National Convention in late July.

"There is no doubt that the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads (attacking Kerry's Vietnam service) have had an impact on the race," according to the Democracy Corps memo. Those attacks combined with the Summer Olympics have combined to "shift the focus away from Iraq and worrisome economic trends."

The Democracy Corps analysis averaged numerous national and state polls to come up with its assessment that Bush is doing slightly better against Kerry, a judgment supported more by internal measures such as issues and candidate qualities.

In the metaphorical car of the Kerry campaign, this memo is a blinking dashboard light.

When James Carville is worried, Kerry should really worried. In Carville speak a small shift is a big problem.



July's "Electrifying" Democrats vs. Nasty Republicans of August

The major networks are showing their true liberal stripes in the analysis of the RNC.

ABC and CBS called Giuliani's speech negative and Kerry bashing. One network called Giuliani "divisive" and taking "pot shots" at Kerry.

ABC and NBC "hinted" that a second Bush term means another war.

All of the networks seemed to have forgotten about the Bush bashing by Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, and Bubbah Clinton.

It appears that the anchors and correspondents are doing more Bush bashing than any speech by McCain or Giuliani against Kerry.

Why does John Kerry need a huge campaign staff when he has the networks news division talking for him.

More from the Media Research Center.
July's "Electrifying" Democrats vs. Nasty Republicans of August --8/31/2004-- Media Research Center

Tidbits - 8/31/04

It's official. The liberal media has already begun its assault on the RNC.

Some so-called news organizations are calling John McCain and Rudy Hiuliani's speeches negative orworse.

Brokaw still insists that the RNC is a "con game." Brokaw should know about conpgmaes, he has been anchoring one for 20 plus years. Tom, could you retire NOW.

More from the Media Research Center.

Network Reporters Attack Moderate Speakers as Part of GOP Convention "Con Game" - Press Release - August 31, 2004 - Media Research Center
CNN and ABC Aghast Over Purple Heart Band-Aids Mocking Kerry --8/31/2004-- Media Research Center

+Protesters in New York are becoming more physical than peaceful.

Last night a delegate was pubched by a passing protesters and a police detective was knoecked to the ground and kicked and pubched by at least one protester.

11 arrests were made last night.

These people are really stupid. These "minor" instances will lead to an escalation in reaction from the police.

The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > Confrontations: Protesters' Encounters With Delegates on the Town Turn Ugly

More later

Monday, August 30, 2004

Show Me the Convention

Michael Copps, a democrat, who serves as one of the FCC Commissioners has an opt-ed piece in today's NY Times.

In the piece he wonders why the networks who own stations and have been given a license to serve the public are not.

He believes that it is inappropriate for the networks to pass on tonight's activities at the RNC.

Interesting.

The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Contributor: Show Me the Convention

Daschle desperate

Senator Minority Leader Tom Daschle seems to be a bit more desperate in his struggle to retain his seat.

Daschle, on of the harshest critics of President Bush, is running an ad that features Bush and Daschle hugging.

It is a little disingenuous for Daschle to even attempt to put himself in the same column as the President on any issue. Maybe Kerry will call for this ad to be taken of the air.

More -->DRUDGE REPORT 2004�

Tidbits - 8/30/04

+Well, it has already started.

Between the Sunday talk shows and Tom Brokaw, you would think that the Republicans are on vacation and all you can find are Democrats willing to talk.

All of the Sunday talk shows featured democrats bashing Bush with only a few moments for Republicans.

Tim Russert even tried to bash Rudy Giuliani on his difference with the Republican Platform. Well, at least, the Republicans have a platform there are willing to defend or disagree with. The Dems had a mere outline of a platform with no firm stand on any issue.

Hell, Tim, even I disagree with parts of the Republican platform, but I still consider myself a Republican.

Tom Brokaw, on the other hand, said the convention speakers were part of a "con game." Right, Tom, and the Dems tried to hide their liberal record. Remember Kerry glossed over his Senate record.

After all is said and done, Bush will still get a 5 to 10 point bounce and be able to keep it.

Brokaw Warns GOP Playing "Con Game" in Its Showcased Speakers --8/30/2004-- Media Research Center


+You may recall that the Powell State Department invited a team of foreign election observers for the presidential election.

Powell who this reporter no longer sees as a part of the Bush team and should be replaced as soon as possible, invited the observers.

Now, it has been reported that the head of this team is an impeached Federal Judge currently a US rep from Florida. Alcee Hastings was impeached by Congress for taking bribes among other crimes.

So, it follows that observers from the corrupt and incompetent UN would be corrupt.

This will be a disaster.

Full article from Cybercast News Service --
>Foreign Observers of US Vote Threaten 'Catastrophe,' Group Warns -- 08/30/2004


+Here's a preview of some of the rhetoric that will be heard during the RNC.

This includes a comment from John McCain (R-AZ) about Kerry's anti-war comments being fair game.

My Way News

+Now this is interesting. The Kerry daughters were cheered and jarred at the MTV Awards. And the boos won.

Seems that even the MTV crowd is not fully committed to Kerry.

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
WorldNetDaily: Kerry daughters booed at MTV Awards

+New Gallup polls are showing a tight race in three states that Gore won handily in 2000.

Three States Gore Won in 2000 Show Close Race

Rasmussen poll results.
WorldNetDaily: Bush gets pre-convention bounce

More later

Sunday, August 29, 2004

Dems bid to keep Keyes off ballot fails

What are the Illinois Democrats afraid of?

In a bizarre move the Illinois Election Board made a move to keep Republican challenger Alan Keyes off the November ballot.

Citing made up rules, the 4 democrats on the Board signed off on a ballot without Keyes on it. The Republicans signed off on a ballot with Keyes on it.

After 4 hors of stupidity, the Board voted to keep Keyes name on the ballot - - for now.

The Senate race in Illinois is just getting crazy and is an embarrassment for BOTH parties.

Barack Obama says his campaign had nothing to do with the move by the Democrats on the Election Board. Bull. Obama's campaign controls what is happening in the campaign. There should be no doubt that someone in the Obama campaign suggested or orchestrated the bizarre move.

Still, what is Obama afraid of? In some polls he is ahead by 40 points which is a little ridiculous. He has backed away from debates. Currently NONE are scheduled or planned.

Can Keyes win? As long as the Democrats treat Obama's election as a coronation and block his opponent, then yes. It is Obama's election to lose and the democrats on the Election Board are helping.

Dems' bid to keep Keyes off ballot fails

NYC Targets

Two men charged with an attempt to blow up the Herald Square subway station are being held without bond.

The two men, both Pakistani, were arrested after confidential informants gave the NYPD enough evidence and information to proceed.

The two men were arraigned Saturday and ordered held without bond. Reports indicate that these men are not part of Al-Qaeda, but were planning their own "holy war" against the US.

The full story can be found at the link blown and the New York Post Online. The New York Post is a good source of information that you will not find in the liberal New York media during the RNC.

New York Post Online Edition: news

Dan Rather's Convention Journal

CBS anchor, Dan Rather, is posting a journal of his exploits during the RNC on the CBS News website.

This is not recommended reading. Rather lost what little credibility he had after becoming a shill for Bill Clinton's book, "My Lie," earlier this summer.

Read it with the caveat that Rather is very far to the left and will spin his thoughts that way.

Read it for your self at CBS News | Dan Rather's Convention Journal | August 29, 2004�09:32:44

Saturday, August 28, 2004

Gingsberg Notes Media Double Standard

In a sometimes contentious interview on ABC's Nightline, Republican attorney, Ben Gingsberg fought back against an apparent media "double standard."

During the inteview Gingsberg noted that the media has never looked at DNC and Kerry attorneys openly working for Democrat and liberal 527s. That it was only when he was discovered to have offered some "advice" to the Swift Boat Veterans that the media descended on the story.

CBS: Kerry Offers "Impassioned" Retort, Bush Message "Undercut" --8/27/2004-- Media Research Center

Kerry citation a 'total mystery' to ex-Navy chief

The mystery or credibility of one or more of the Silver Star citations for John Kerry continues to grow.

Former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman has no idea where the citation displayed on Kerry's website came from.

According to Lehman, "I never saw it. I never signed it (His signature is on the website copy). I never approved it and the additional language . . . was not written by me."

Anyone who knows a little about documents and websites knows that documents on a website can be easily manipulated. If Lehman is correct and we have no reason to believe otherwise, this is another part of Kerry's record that calls into question his credibility.

In addition to this new wrinkle, Navy officials also are wondering about the "v" (for valor notation on one of Kerry;s citations f or the Silver Star.

The Silver Star the third highest medal awarded by the services never, according to Naval officials, has the 'V" designation. So, why does Kerry's citation have a "v" designation?

How many times can Kerry be mistaken about his record. There is no doubt that he was in Vietnam and his service to the country should be congratulated, BUT how many of his exploits, medals, and citations can be believed in light of the evidence showing different facts?

Kerry citation a 'total mystery' to ex-Navy chief

Police bust up bike protests

As mentioned here before, the NYPD is ready for the protesters who think they can roll into New York and make trouble.

So far, they have failed at virtually every turn. Last night 5000 bike riders tried to block intersections and other dubious activities. NYPD arrested 264.

Hey protesters, do you really think you can get away with being stupid all the time?

New York Daily News - Politics - Police bust up bike protests

Friday, August 27, 2004

Smith Accuser Faces Media

A woman who filed a suit against William Kennedy Smith for sexual assault spoke to the media on Thursday.

Audra Soulias claims that Smith attacked her in his North Side bedroom in 1999.

Soulias claims that her suit is not related to her money problems, but because Smith too away her "innocence."

A Smith spokesperson says that Smith is "furious."

Well, of course, he furious, he got caught again.

ABCNEWS.com : William Kennedy Smith Accused of Rape

Another Kerry whopper?

Is it possible for John Kerry to tell the whole truth?

If this report is true and there is substantial documentation, perhaps not.

John Kerry, speaking at an MKL Day rally this year, says that he remembers hearing about the Martin Luther King assasination while he was "in" Vietnam "a place of violence."

Truth is, he was serving on the USS Gridley which only approached the Gulf of Tonkin on a single occasion.

While serving in Vietnam may be noble, telling the truth about your activities is more important. Mr. Kerry you have not been straight with the American people and your fellow veterans. Probably the only time you were honest about your feelings about the war was in your Senate testimony.

Even that, however, contains questionable material.

WorldNetDaily: Another Kerry whopper?

USA Out of Gold Medal in Men's Basketball

It's official. The United States Men's Basketball team will not be heading toward a Gold Medal at the Athens Olympics.

The USA team led by NBA egos and the incompetence of Larry Brown lost to Argentina 89-81 just moments ago..

It is just a glaring example that when you have too many egos and no incentive to play well, you do not. The NBA egos proved that again.

Perhaps, it is time to return to exceptional college players.



Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

WHO DO VETERANS PREFER? IT'S NOT EVEN CLOSE

From the Washington Post:

Despite Kerry's courting, veterans say they trust President Bush more than Kerry as commander in chief, 56 percent to 38 percent, according to a report released yesterday by the University of Pennsylvania's National Annenberg Election Survey.
While the survey showed that Kerry got a boost from the Democratic National Convention, during which his Vietnam service was emphasized, 59 percent told pollsters recently that they have a favorable opinion of Bush, compared with 42 percent for Kerry. The sampling of veterans had a margin of error of 4 percent.

In interviews this week, local veterans said their opinion of John Kerry — for better or for worse — was forged long ago and has not been affected by ads accusing Kerry of lying about his wartime record. Many veterans dismissed the attack-and-volley surrounding Kerry's Vietnam service and his antiwar activism as a political sideshow not likely to change their votes...

Thirty-seven percent of veterans identified themselves as Republicans; 23 percent said they were Democrats.

One senses that Democrats hoped to get more of a pop out of the all-Vietnam, all-the-time convention.

BUSH LEADS IN OH, WI, AND MO

This Los Angeles Times headline may have produced screams of horror over at the Kerry camp, and high-fives around Team Bush: "Key Midwest Swing States Are Leaning Toward Bush"

Bush has opened small leads — within the surveys' margin of error — in Ohio and Wisconsin, states where the presidential race was closer in Times polls taken in June. The new Times survey also finds Bush ahead in Missouri, though by a narrower margin than in June.
The three states, with a combined 41 electoral votes, are among those both sides view as critical to the outcome of the race.

In Missouri, Bush leads among registered voters, 46% to 44%; in Wisconsin, he leads 48% to 44%; in Ohio, the president holds a 49%-to-44% advantage, the surveys found...

Bush draws support from virtually all voters who support his policy direction; by contrast, Kerry attracts about four-fifths or fewer of voters who want a new course...

In the national poll, 48% of voters said Kerry's combat service "demonstrated qualities America needs in a president," while 37% said his protests upon returning "demonstrated a judgment and belief that was inappropriate in a president." Thus, voters nationally tilted toward Kerry on those questions by 11 percentage points.

But in Ohio, the margin favoring Kerry was 7 percentage points, and in Missouri it was 6. In Wisconsin, by a 2-percentage-point margin, more said Kerry showed inappropriate judgment with his anti-Vietnam War protests than said he had demonstrated the right qualities for a president.

Beyond these shadows over Kerry, Bush is being buoyed by improved ratings on several fronts. For instance, since June, approval for his handling of the conflict in Iraq has edged up in all three states.

Voters in the states picked Bush over Kerry when asked which man was most likely to develop a plan to succeed in Iraq and who would be more qualified to serve as commander in chief. They also gave Bush a big lead when asked which candidate would best protect the nation from terrorism.

The big question for Bush is, can he build on this currently-tiny lead with the convention? Or will he experience the where's-the-bounce phenomenon that Kerry did?

O'NEILL IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Speaking of John O'Neill, he appears in the Wall Street Journal today, arguing that the Swifties are not "GOP shills."

Are we controlled by the Bush-Cheney campaign? Absolutely not. The Swift boat veterans who joined our group come in all political flavors: independents, Republicans, Democrats and other more subtle variations. Had another person been the presidential candidate of the Democrats, our group never would have formed. Had Mr. Kerry been the Republican candidate, each of us would still be here...
How many different ways will John Kerry devise to ask President Bush to condemn our ads and squash our book? Why, Mr. Kerry, are our charges as a 527 group unacceptable to you, while the pronouncements from 527 groups favorable to you are considered acceptable, regardless of stridency and veracity? And we do not have a George Soros, willing to drop millions into our modest group. We control our message. To date, we have received $2 million from 30,000 Americans who have donated an average of around $64.

Mr. Kerry, we ask you not to repeat the same mistake you made when you returned from war: Please stop maligning your fellow veterans. Dealing with us should be easy. Just answer our charges. Produce your Vietnam journal and notes, and execute Standard Form 180 so the American people can see your complete military record — not just the few forms you put on your website or show to campaign biographers.

It now appears clear that John Kerry will never sign and execute Standard Form 180. Never, ever, ever.

SCHACHTE INTERVIEW WITH NOVAK

Columnist Robert Novak's interview with Retired Rear Adm. William L. Schachte Jr. is here. Some will undoubtedly find it compelling. Novak reports that "Schachte until now has refused to speak out publicly on this question and agreed to give only two interviews. One was a television interview with Lisa Myers of NBC News. The second was a print interview with me."

I realize not every Swift Boat Vet can keep up with the intense media schedule of John O'Neill, but I think a case is made stronger by a willingness to answer questions from many sources. It's Schachte's life, and his decision to make, but in these cases more questions and more disclosure is better than less.

Obviously, that goes for Kerry, too.

The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Tidbits - 8/27/04

+The abortion debates rages on.

A Federal Judge in New York (not the wacky 9th Circuit) has found that the ban on partial birth abortion is unconstitutional.

Next step the Supreme Court. Session begins in October.

Federal Judge in NY Rules Partial Birth Abortion Ban Unconstitutional -- 08/26/2004

+The more we learn, the less we know.

It appears that there are three separate citations for John Kerry's Silver Star. Two are on the Kerry campaign website, one is not.

Each one differs in its description of events and language.

Navy officials note that one or more of these may be fake which is common.

The Washington Post made a Freedom of Information Act request for Kerry's record. Over 100 pages were requested, 6 were given to the Post.

What is in those additional 90 plus pages?

More -->Plot thickens after checking records

+Robert Novak interviews Retired Rear Adm. William L. Schachte Jr. who was on the boat with John Kerry and disputes Kerry's account of his first Purple Heart award.

Robert Novak: Swift boat interview

More later.

Thursday, August 26, 2004

Democrats Plan Counter-attack During RNC

Normally the opposition party does not try to disrupt the messages coming from a party convention.

During the DNC, the Bush campaign was relatively quiet with surrogates talking to the media. Most of the liberal media ignored these surrogates.

During the Republican National Convention things will different. DNC Chairman, Terry MacAufille (Clinton's hand picked boy) will attempt to disrupt and take over any media outlet he can.

He even has Hillary Rodham Clinton on "truth patrol." Truth is something new for a Clinton.

This time, however, the Dems will have little trouble getting out their lies and distortions, the liberal media will book Dems 24 hours and forget about the message from the RNC.

It won't make any difference. The newest polls show Bush edging ahead (you won't hear this on NBC, CBS, or ABC) and the convention will give Mr. Bush a 5 to 10 point bounce. That will be enough to lead into the debates which will enhance the Bush lead.

By October 15th I predict Bush will have a 10 to 12 point lead.

Dems Refuse to be Quiet During RNC

Kobe Bryant Criminal Case Will Go to Trial

The Kobe Bryant case will go to trial. Despite "criminal" mistakes by the judge and his staff, the filing of a Federal civil suit, and more blunders by the defense and prosecution, the trial will move forward as scheduled.

While I am almost certain that the result of a trial would be acquittal, there is always the chance of a plea agreement that would give Bryant some jail time and a requirement to admit he is a rapist.

Whether there is a conviction or agreement, it is almost certain that Bryant will have to register as a sex offender in EVERY state that he travels to with the Lakers.

CJ - Kobe Bryant Criminal Case Will Go to Trial

Admitted War Criminal Cries Foul by Ann Coulter

Here is this week's column by Ann Coulter.

Quite good.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Admitted War Criminal Cries Foul by Ann Coulter

Democrats Are Desperate

Democrats are becoming more and more desperate in their bid to unsettle the campaign and re-election of President Bush.

After a senior aid to the president's campaign resigned today after it was disclosed that he had given some legal advice to some Swift Boat Veterans, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) sent a letter to Attorney General John Ashcroft demanding a criminal investigation.

Dingell, not known for his smarts or ability to understand law, wants the AG to look at a "collaboration" between the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and the Bush Campaign. This is on the heels of a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission by the Kerry Campaign.

It is another example of how the democrats are desperate in this campaign and want to censor any criticism against them. In other words, if you speak out against a democrat, you no longer can claim First Amendment Rights.

I guess this is why the media is so liberal.

My Way News

NYC Wins!

The City of New York has won another battle against protesters attending the RNC next week.

The New York Supreme Court upheld a city ruling stating that protesters could not rally in Central Park. One of the many reasons given for the denial was fear of the grass on the Great Lawn being ruined. Security for the protesters and others was an additional concern.

As I said before, protesters have selected the wrong city to mess with. NYC will crush you if you try anything stupid.

My Way - News

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

William Kennedy Smith: Did he Learn His Lesson

It is possible that William Kennedy Smith did not learn a lesson after being accused of rape. In 1991, Dr. Smith, nephew of JFK, was accused of rape and later acquited. His acquittal was due in part to his family name and influence by Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Now a former personal assistant to Smith has filed a sexual assault suit against Smith.
The suit alleges that Smith sexual assaulted the women in his North Side (Chicago) residence in 1999.

No comment from Smith's lawyer, so far.

ABC7Chicago.com: Sexual assault lawsuit filed against William Kennedy Smith

Kerry's Stunt

The White House has correctly labeled John Kerry's stunt at the President's ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Although Kerry was not present, two of his "pawns" were.

While the studnt failed, it will give the liberal media something to talk about.

White House Response to Kerry Stunt

Cleland Tries to Deliver Letter to Bush

Former democratic Senator, Max Clelland, attempted to deliver a letter to President Bush at his ranch.

Clelland whose service in Vietnam is laudatory is being used by the Kerry campaign because of his multiple injuries in the service of the country.

Since Clelland did not have proper clearance, he was not admitted to the ranch and neither Secret Service nor Texas State Troopers would accept the letter from Clelland.

Nevetheless, Clelland got his photo-op for Kerry.

It is likely that you will see this on the liberal-media as an anti-Bush story. Saying, in part, that the President would not welcome a wounded veteran on to his ranch.

Senator Kerry should be ashamed of sending Clelland on this mission destined to fail.

Yahoo! News - Cleland Tries to Deliver Letter to Bush

Letter to John Kerry

Several Vietnam veterans who support President Bush wrote Sen. John Kerry a letter.

The letter, as posted on GeorgeWBush.com, does not mention Kerry's now dubious service in VBietnam. In fact, it praises his and all Vietnam veterans.

It does criticize his votes in the Senate and his apparent double standard for Vietnam veterans who speak against him.

It is unlikely that you will hear about this on the mainstram, liberal media, but it is worth reading.

GeorgeWBush.com -- Letter to John Kerry

Items From The Kerry Spot on national Review Online

GREAT STUFF IN THE NY POST

Two fascinating bits in the New York Post:

Robert "Friar Tuck" Brant — one of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth who signed a letter charging Kerry with sliming fellow Vietnam vets by accusing them of war crimes — said Kerry asked to meet with him, but he refused. Brant, a retired Navy commander, said Kerry called on Sunday, asking if he knew about the Swift Vets for Truth, and he bluntly replied, "I am one, John."
Kerry replied, "I appreciate your honesty. Well, why are you?" Brant recounted to The Associated Press, adding he replied that he was angry at Kerry's antiwar activism, which included charges of war crimes by U.S. troops.

"I said, 'You know that's not true.' That's been simmering in me about 35 years," Brant said, adding that he rebuffed Kerry's request for a meeting by saying, "I know what I know."

Sean McCabe, a spokesman for the 264-member organization, said it plans to send a cease-and-desist letter warning Kerry "to stop calling our members," because it's an independent "527" group and it's illegal for campaigns to contact them.


And this one:

Cutter also sought to explain the apparent contradiction between how Kerry got his first Purple Heart for combat, on Dec. 2, 1968, and a diary entry days later in which he wrote he had "a cocky feeling of invincibility" because "we hadn't been shot at yet."
Kerry was talking about two different boats, Cutter said, adding the Dec. 2 action involved a small Boston Whaler-type boat, but he felt cocky days later because he hadn't yet been shot at aboard his larger Swift boat.


Oh, that makes perfect sense. Wait, here's another explanation, from the Washington Times:

A Kerry campaign official, speaking on background, told The Washington Times yesterday that the "we" in the passage from Mr. Kerry's journal refers to "the crew on Kerry's first swift boat, operating as a crew" rather than Mr. Kerry himself.
"John Kerry didn't yet have his own boat or crew on December 2," according to the aide. "Other members of the crew had been in Vietnam for some time and had been shot at and Kerry knew that at the time. However, the crew had not yet been fired on while they served together on PCF 44 under Lieutenant Kerry."

What is this, the Royal We?

BUSH'S TRAVELS, PRE-CONVENTION

Bush pre-convention schedule:

On Thursday, Bush heads to New Mexico, one of the US states Democrat Al Gore won in 2000 by a narrow margin.
Bush will join fellow Republican Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York who saw the city through the September 11, 2001 attacks.

On Friday, Bush will travel to Florida, which was decisive in the 2000 elections. On Saturday he will be in Ohio and on Sunday in West Virginia.

On August 30, Bush will visit New Hampshire and Michigan. On August 31 he will go to Tennessee and on September 1, he will arrive in New York after a stopover in Ohio.


WHAT KERRY SAID AT THE SWIFT BOAT DEDICATION

The guys at CrushKerry.com found Kerry's speech at the dedication ceremony for Swift Boat One. The full text is here.

There's nothing in the speech, at least, in the vein of Kerry's reported comment to Robert "Friar Tuck" Brant that, "I said to all the swift guys that I wasn't talking about the swifties, I was talking about all the rest of the veterans."

But there are a few interesting lines:

we proudly share with the nation we willingly served, hundreds, even thousands, of examples of daring, courage, commitment and sacrifice. We do that with none of the braggadocio or even brash arrogance of our younger days...
We were bound together in the great and noble effort of giving ourselves to something bigger than each and every one of us individually, and doing so at risk of life and limb.


"Great and noble effort"? I thought they were chopping off the heads of civilians!

But, because of the nature of the war we fought we came back to a country that did not recognize our contribution. It did not understand the war we fought, what we went through, or the love that held us together then. It did not understand what young men could feel for boats like these and men like you.
Gee, I wonder why the country didn't recognize your contribution. Maybe some nut was telling secondhand tales of war crimes on national television...

This is really the first time in 30 years that we've been able to share with each other the feelings that we had then, and the feelings we have now. They are deeply and profoundly personal feelings. They are different for each of us, but the memories are the same — rich with the smells and sounds of the rivers and the power of the boats — punctuated by the faces of the men with whom we served and the thoughts we shared.
But that was 30 years ago, and now it is time to move on.


Where was this "move on" attitude when you started your presidential campaign?

BUSH WINS IOWA! WELL, THE STATE FAIR AT LEAST

Don't read too much into this, but take note: "More than 25,000 Iowa state fair goers cast their ballot at the Iowa Secretary of State booth, which sponsored the poll from August 12 - 22. President Bush and Vice President Cheney have won the 11-day straw poll at the Iowa State Fair, beating Sens. John Kerry and John Edwards by 3,111 votes, 56 percent to 43 percent.

There's a bit more from the campaign about their grassroots effort in that state: "Bush-Cheney '04 has now registered over 20,000 Bush Volunteers in Iowa, and has appointed a Bush-Cheney '04 county chair in every county statewide. The Bush-Cheney '04 Iowa grassroots effort, all 20,621 strong, is built on the premise that neighbor-to-neighbor contact is the most effective tool for energizing participation, and support is growing throughout communities and neighborhoods in the state."

Maybe all of this is hype, but so far the anecdotal evidence is that this ultra-state-of-the-art, all-the-bells-and-whistles, leave-no-Bush-voter-behind grassroots turnout system that the GOP has spent a small fortune and about a google man-hours on building could work pretty well. Maybe the GOP turnout on Nov. 2 is going to be a lot higher than the pollsters are currently calculating.

Rove, Mehlman, Dowd, Gillespie and company are going to either look like geniuses or fools on the morning of Nov. 3.

Actually, straw polls in Iowa are far more accuarte than "professional" polls by political operatives.



Tidbits - 8/25/04

Will the Swift Boat controversy ever go away? Unlikely.

Now that the Kerry campaign cannot stop talking about it and the ads and mow that the mainstream media is picking it up, it appears that the Swift Boat controversy will be a major part of the campaign.

This is bad for Kerry and, if the President continues to talk about issues, it will be good for the President.

Here are some interesting items.

+It seems that John Kerry has at least one foreign leader supporting him. Kim Jong Il, the dictator of North Korea, has apparently announced that he would support Kerry.

The North Korean tyrant railed against the Bush administration saying he was "Hitler in the shade."

I wonder if Kim Jong Il is supported by MoveOn.org.

With an eye on U.S. vote - North Korea rails at Bush

+More articles on the Kerry service flap.

WorldNetDaily - Kerry backs off on medal claim
WorldNetDaily - Call for probe of Kerry's medals
Network Morning News Shows Censoring Swift Boat Spokesman - Press Release - August 24, 2004 - Media Research Center

More later.

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

Nets set GOP confab plan

It is no surprise that the 4 major networks will stick to their plans to only provide 3 hours of coverage during the Republican National Convention.

This means that viewers who rely solely on the Big Four will miss speeches by John McCain and Rudy Giuliani.

This does not bother me at all. The Big Four are rapidly losing news viewers to the cable nets. Sooner or later, those networks with a nightly network newscast may decide it is better to withdraw from the expensive news business.

If I had to guess, it would be third-place network CBS that drops news first.

If you want to watch gavel-to-gavel coverage, pick a cable news network or for coverage without commentary or commercials, go to C-SPAN.

No comments:

Damage control from Kerry Campaign

Here is a developing story from the Drudge Report about John Kerry's first Purple Heart.

Kerry's campaign now says is possible first Purple Heart was awarded for unintentional self-inflicted wound...

Kerry received Purple Heart for wounds suffered on 12/2/68...

In Kerry's own journal written 9 days later - he writes he and his crew "hadn't been shot at yet"... Developing...

Is it possible that another "seared event is untrue or mostly untrue.

DRUDGE REPORT 2004%AE

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

MORE KERRY STRATEGY

New York Daily News:

He's bleeding," said a top Democratic strategist.
"Kerry's got to get out there and defend himself. He can end this right now by saying: 'In the midst of this slanderous debate, I want to remind the American people: They didn't serve. I did.'"

Democratic sources say Kerry is eager to counterattack but has been held back by advisers who want to take the high road and believe the public will see through the attacks.

This is pathetic - "release the records, answer the questions, and clear up our side of the story" is apparently not even being considered.


KERRY'S STRATEGY TODAY

Kerry's upcoming speech, from The Note:

"The Bush campaign and its allies have turned to the tactics of fear and smear because they can't talk about jobs, health care, energy independence, and rebuilding our alliances — the real issues that matter to the American people. They have no plans, no positive vision and no understanding of an urgent and undeniable truth — a stronger America begins at home."

More keen observations:

Now, Bill Clinton had a way of convincing audiences that his campaign was not about the past, but was about the future — it was about policy debates that were engaging and interesting and provocative — and meaningful.
John Kerry hasn't been able to sell audiences on his version of the future (Note Note: saying "it's about the future" is like saying "Message: I care.") because the central organizing metaphor of his campaign is about the past...

It's why the group is now running an ad that speaks more precisely to a central question many Americans will have to answer about Senator Kerry: is a man who led protests against the U.S. government and its war in Vietnam while troops were fighting and dying an acceptable commander-in-chief?

The means may be illegitimate to some, but the question is not, and it's not an easy question for Senator Kerry to answer especially since Kerry himself has made, in David Broder's words this morning, "his Navy combat in Vietnam the principal metaphor for his dedication to public service and the proof of his toughness in a time of terrorism." "He might have guessed," Broder continues, 'that the skeptics would not remain silent. In a 2002 conversation, Kerry told me he thought it would be doubly advantageous that 'I fought in Vietnam and I also fought against the Vietnam War,' apparently not recognizing that some would see far too much political calculation in such a bifurcated record."

KERRY CALLED BOB DOLE THIS MORNING

According to Bob Dole, appearing on Sean Hannity's program, the Democratic candidate called Dole to talk things over.

He said he was very disappointed, we'd been friends. I said John, we're still friends, but [the Swiftvets] have First Amendment rights, just as your people have First Amendment rights.
Dole told Kerry, "I'm not trying to stir anything up, but I don't believe every one of these people who have talked about what happened are Republican liars.

"And very frankly, Bush is my guy, and I'm tired of people on your side calling him everything from a coward to a traitor to everything - a deserter."

Dole said he urged Kerry, "Why don't you call George Bush today and say, 'Mr. President, let's stop all this stuff about the National Guard and Vietnam - and let's talk about the issues."

Dole said Kerry responded, "I haven't spent one dime attacking President Bush."

But the Republican war hero shot back, "You don't have to. You've got all the so-called mainstream media, plus you've got MoveOn.org and all these other groups that have spent millions and millions of dollars trying to tarnish Bush's image."

"Don't tell me you don't know what some of these people are doing," he told Kerry.

"Everybody likes quiet heroes," Dole added, saying he told Kerry, "John, everybody knows you were in Vietnam and the less you say about it, the better."

Dole said he tried to end the tense conversation cordially by telling Kerry, "I wish you good luck, up to a point."


If Kerry really said, "I haven't spent one dime attacking President Bush," to Dole, he appears to be hoping that the former Kansas senator has gone senile.

Does Kerry not remember ads like, "Misleading America" or ads accusing Bush of supporting sending jobs overseas, or saying, "George Bush is appointing far-right judges determined to take away our privacy."

All of those are Kerry campaign ads, not MoveOn.org, or the Media Fund, or Americans Coming Together, or the DNC. And the most recent Kerry ads responding to the Swifties charges, "Instead of solutions, George Bush's campaign supports a front group attacking military record. Attacks called smears and lies... Bush smeared John McCain four years ago. Now he's doing it to John Kerry."

John Kerry has spent a lot more than a dime on attacking President Bush.

Short-term memory loss seems to be another problem for Kerry.

THE WORD IN REPUBLICAN CIRCLES

Just chatted with a high-ranking Republican tuned in to the Bush campaign. A couple of highlights:

* The idea that the Swift Boat Vets ads’ could boomerang on Bush is wishful thinking. Smart Democrats understand there’s nothing good about this for John Kerry.

* The Bush campaign isn’t worried that the Swift Boat Vets’ message will step on President Bush’s message during the convention.

* Despite Josh Marshall’s charges, Bob Dole wasn’t “sent out” by the Bush campaign. The campaign offered to brief him on some issues, and he turned it down. “Bob Dole doesn’t let anybody tell Bob Dole what to do,” the high-ranking Republican said, using the exact third-person style that Dole himself would use.

* The Republican also wasn’t impressed with Kerry’s efforts to urge television stations not to run the Swift Boats’ ad, wondering how loud the cries of outrage would have been if the Bush campaign had tried to prevent “Fahrenheit 9/11” from running in theaters.

More good stuff The Kerry Spot on National Review Online




Tidbits - 8/24/04

Some of today's interesting items.

+Did John Kerry give aid and comfort to the North Vietnamese?

According to one veteran who was a "guest" at the Hanoi Hilton, the answer is probably yes.

Paul Galanti says he had a flashback to his days as a POW after hearing portions of Kerry's 1071 Senate testimony.

He remembers that the North Vietnamese played Kerry's testimony over the PA system at the Hanoi Hilton.

Later Galanti recalls that guards at the prison threatened prisoners with death sentences saying they were "war criminals."

Galanti remembers at the time that he could not believe a Naval officer would say such things.

Well, Mr. Galanti, he did.

WorldNetDaily - Kerry testimony caused POW "flashback"

More later

Monday, August 23, 2004

Hempfest for Kerry

Did the Kerry campaign need this?

Hempfest, an annual pro-marijuana festival in Seattle was celebrated ob=ver the weekend.

Among the legalize marijuana speeches and sales of paraphanalia, there was a new cry, "Vote for Kerry."

About 100 Democrat supporters encouraged pot smokers to put down the doobie and bong and vote for Kerry.

Let's see, potheads, liars, and burglars, what more does the Kerry campaign need.

More in The Seattle Times

Bush calls for a halt to ads

President Bush denounced TV ads from outside groups from BOTH sides.

Bush had been under attack by the Kerry campaign for allowing outside groups place TV ads that challenge Kerry's integrety and war record.

Now it will be interesting to see if John Kerry calls a halt to the MoveOn.org ads both on tv and the internet.

spokespeople for the Kerry campaign says there is a direct link between the White House and the anti-Kerry vets. The Kerry campaign forgets that it hired one or more advisors from MoveOn.org.

Full article -->My Way News

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

YES, THE LEFT QUESTIONED BOB DOLE'S MEDALS IN 1996

Let's not hear any more talk about how high-minded the left was about Bob Dole and his medals eight years ago.

The Nation argued that Bob Dole got his first Purple Heart for a self-inflicted wound. Robert Ellis, who, like Dole 10th Mountain Division in World War II, sought to debunk the "myth" of Dole's heroism:

The truth about Dole's war record is considerably less than awe-inspiring. Yet the myth endures, and with the candidate running on the contrast between his and Clinton's military record, his campaign isn't eager to give a more accurate account. Dole, at the behest of his handlers, is less reticent about his service than in the past, but he mainly speaks about his wound and rehabilitation. He has passed up several opportunities to correct the exaggerated versions in biographies, and in the case of his self-wounding has even approved a sanitized account in which his maladroitly hurled grenade goes unnoted. Journalists continue to portray him as a hero, winner of two Bronze Stars. Joe Klein, for example, writes in Newsweek that Dole knows "what guns do. He also knows what politicians do, which is rarely anything quite so dramatic as leading an army into battle." Such attempts to make political capital out of Dole's war service go beyond the respect due him for the role he played as a soldier with the 10th Mountain Division.

A presidential candidate's fellow veteran makes claims, charging the candidate wasn't the hero his party says he was? Unprecedented!

BUSINESSWEEK: WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT VIETNAM? JOHN KERRY, OF COURSE

BusinessWeek Online has a surprisingly tough op-ed on Kerry and his use of his Vietnam record. Some excerpts from Editor Roger Franklin's piece:

As another Presidential contest loses the track and plunges back into the same old elephant grass, it's clear that Vietnam never went away. And the blame is John Kerry's, no doubt about it...
Yet Kerry's conduct in that long-ago war remains relevant — and not just because he has made his time in uniform both centerpiece and touchstone of his campaign, nor even, as the Swift Boat Veterans assert, because he painted his personal history in the false colors of faux heroics.

If Kerry did shade the truth, he sure wouldn't be the first politician to do so. Only last week, voters were treated to the spectacle of Kerry point man and Iowa Senator Tom Harkin fulminating about the Swift Vets' ads. Yet Harkin is himself an exposed fabulist, having once claimed to have jousted in his F-4 Phantom with North Vietnamese MiGs.

The truth? He never saw combat, spent his war ferrying military planes from Japan to the Philippines for routine servicing, and apologized for his fictions when subsequently exposed by fellow Senator Barry Goldwater.

So why pick on Kerry? Only this: Harkin doesn't want to be President. While voters will never know — can never know — if Kerry deserved those medals and his early ticket home, they can be absolutely sure that he did worse than merely embroider his exploits in the years that followed.

Kerry threw his medals over the White House fence — except he didn't. He slept out on the Mall in Washington, D.C., with anti-war protesters — except he didn't, having actually bunked down in a borrowed townhouse with Newsweek reporter Robert Sam Anson, according to an investigative story in the New York Observer.

And most troubling of all, Kerry has said he spent the last days of 1968 on a secret mission in Cambodia, under fire and listening to President Nixon deny that Kerry or any other U.S. servicemen were operating on the wrong side of the border. In one version, it was the Khmer Rouge doing the shooting. In another, drunken South Vietnamese troops celebrating Christmas, which isn't even a good fable, since Buddhists generally don't get too excited about the birth of the Christians' Messiah...

Oh, and another thing: It was President Lyndon Johnson Kerry would have been listening to, not Nixon, since the Republican was still four weeks away from his inauguration.

...With the benefit of hindsight, people can be absolutely sure that, then as now, one truth really does matter in Presidential politics: Boasts and a talent for self-serving fiction are no recommendations for a lease on the Oval Office.


HILLARY TO HEAD KERRY'S 'TRUTH SQUAD'?

The New York Post is reporting that Kerry's campaign, "which slighted Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Democratic convention last month, now wants the former first lady to lead its "truth squad" at next week's GOP convention... Party insiders said that aides to Clinton were engaged in "intensive talks" over the weekend with Kerry's representatives about the role she is expected to play."

Insert joke about naming a Clinton to a group called the "truth squad" here.

Seriously, the RNC had Rudy Giuliani doing their "rapid response" during the convention in Boston. I'm not sure Hillary has quite the same appeal to swing voters and those few remaining undecided middle-of-the-road types.

OH, SURE, ROOD WAS CLOSE ENOUGH

A good observation:

Swift Boat Vets: Kerry was a egomaniacal jerk who turned three minor cuts and abrasions into three Purple Hearts, wasn't trusted by his fellow officers, and stabbed his "band of brothers" in the back by calling them war criminals when he got back.

Kerry defenders: You don't know that! You weren't on the boat with him!

Swift Boat Vets: We were on boats right next to him. And Steven Gardner was.

Kerry defenders: Gardner doesn't count! And you guys don't count! Only the people on the boat really know what Kerry was like in Vietnam!

Chicago Tribune editor William Root: I was on a boat next to him on one important day, and I say Kerry's story is true.

Kerry defenders: See, the matter is settled!

Swift Boat Vets: Wait, he was on the next boat over. Why is his testimony trustworthy, but not ours?

Kerry defenders: Only Root's testimony counts! Everybody else who wasn't in the boat with Kerry doesn't count!

Note to Kerry Spot editors, the man's name is WIlliam Rood, not Root. Try fact checking.





Tidbits - 8/23/04

Normally, I do not post items on the weekend. This weekend, however, was different.

I did post some items that seemed to be out of the ordinary or that needed an immediate reaction. Probably will not happen very often. We also added the Cybercast News Service ticker. CNS is a good source for news and information.

Here are today's interesting items.

+Sen. John Edwards says that there is a direct connection to the Bush campaign from the Swift Boats Veterans organization.

Since Mr. Edwards is so good at drawing connections, I wonder if he can see the direct connection between his work as an ambulance chasing, trial lawyer and the increases in health care costs and malpractice insurance premiums.

Full article from CNS --> Edwards Sees Direct Tie to Bush

+Former New York Mayor, Ed Koch, a Democrat, says that he is voting for Bush.

Koch has never been shy with his opinions and does say that he disagrees with Bush on domestic issues, but says that terrorism trumps all issues and that Kerry has no stomach for going after terrorists.

More --> WorldNetDaily - Ed Koch I'm voting for Bush

+The Kerry campaign has appointer Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) as it official head of the "truth squad" during the Republican National Convention next week in New York.

This, of course, diminishes Sen. Chuck Shumer's role in the campaign.

If Sen. Clinton was really looking for the truth, she would have little to say next week.

More here --> New York Post Online Edition

More later.

Sunday, August 22, 2004

Bob Dole Weighs In

Former Senate Majority Leader, Bob Dole, has suggested that Sen.. Kerry not only apologize for his anti-war remarks to Congress, but also to come clean with a full accounting of his war record. Noting that Sen. Kerry's wounds were largely superficial, the former Republican Senator said that Kerry has gone to far in touting his war record.

Saying that in one instance he accuses his fellow Vietnam veterans of war atrocities and in the next instance Kerry says that he is qualified to be President because he is a Vietnam Veteran.

This could be a larger problem for Kerry than the Swift Boat Veterans. Dole clearly draws a distinction between Kerry's anti-war activities and his assertion that his service was honorable.

More -->My Way News

Journalist Becomes Open Supporter of Kerry

An editor for the Chicago Tribune, William Rood, has decided to step into the Swift Boat fray.

In a first person article, Rood describes seem of the events surrounded Kerry's service in Vietnam. Rood supports Kerry's account of the events.

Rood's action makes him a part of the campaign organization since the article was written, in part, at the request of Kerry.

By doing so, Rood has made himself part of the story and no longer an "un-biased" journalist. His paper, The Chicago Tribune, long a support of wacky liberal ideas and candidates encouraged the story.

While the Tribune will do as it pleases, Rood should have known better. In my opinion, he has lost his credibility as a journalist and editor and should resign until the end of the election cycle.

More -->Yahoo News - Officer Recalls Boat Mission With Kerry

Friday, August 20, 2004

Can Kerry Deal With the Truth?

I am beginning to think that there is way too much information on the Swift Boat Veterans. In fact, I did not publish a list of items from the Kerry Spot because most of them were on the Swift Boat Veterans and Kerry's response.

I have no doubt that they are, generally, telling the truth and John Kerry wasn't "all he could be" in combat.

I have no doubt that these are good and honorable men and not part of the Clinton's vast right-wing conspiracy or paid by the RNC or Bush White House.

Bit enough is enough. There are other issue in the campaign. Let the book and ads speak for themselves. Let's move on to important issue like Kerry's record in the Senate.

Now that's a subject worth going after.

Full Article in WorldNetDaily

Four Eyewitnesses Dispute Kerry%27s Account of Bronze Star Incident

It just keeps getting better and better.

There are four additional eyewitness reports that refute John Kerry's account of the incident that won him the Bronze Star.

I guess these are just more liars and Republican operatives.

Full article -->HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE -Four Eyewitnesses Dispute Kerry'sAccount of Bronze Star Incident

Weekly Column From Ann Coulter

This week's column from Ann Coulter describes how a liberal media forgets to fact check "war stories" from Democrats.

Example, John Kerry claims he was listening to President Nixon on Christmas 1968. Fact: Richard Nixon was inaugurated in January 1969.

Other interesting examples include Tom Harkin's lies and Al Gores mis-statements.

A great read.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE - Ballad of the French Berets by Ann Coulter

Tidbits - 8/20/04

Well, it's over. The Oprah trial is done. The defendant guilty. Oprah speaks to the media, but all the details will be given on her show.

Was Oprah's jury duty a publicity stunt for her aging show? Did she ask to be on a jury? I wonder if the defendant will be on the show?

Now that the Oprah Trial is over, the news media in Chicago have nothing to report on except crumbling Wrigley Field and the Olympics.

Now for some interesting items.

+Tom Brokaw is upset. He's upset about not being chosen as on the moderators for the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

Apparently the group selecting the moderators thought that Brokaw was "unsuitable" and may "overshadow" the events. If you watched his performance on the primary debates you would have understood their reasoning. In all cases Brokaw wanted to overshadow the questions and answers with his own commentary.

Nevetheless, Brokaw is writing and e-mailing anybody and everybody saying he is THE choice.

C'mon Tom, you were not selected because your liberal bias is apparent to everyone since the start of the war in Iraq. You are anti-Bush and pro-Kerry and that is not what the debates are supposed to be about.

Maybe you could retire a little earlier, like today.

More -->New York Daily News - Home - Lloyd Grove Lowdown Peacock guy is ruffled

+Chris Matthews is not known to be subtle or interesting. His ambush techniques and liberal bias are legendary. Last night, however, he went a little to far in his interview with Michelle Malkin.

Originally scheduled to talk about her book, Matthews turned the interview into a shouting match (him doing most of the shouting) about the Swift Boat veterans.

In the interview, Matthews admitted that he had not read the book only excerpt. I am sure that these excerpts were filtered by his producers.

Malkin, on loan from Fox for the interview, tried to answer Matthews ridiculous questions, but in true Assball style Matthews interrupted and would not let Malkin answer. It was a poor performance by Matthews and one that should have NBC execs concerned. Maybe this is why MSNBC and CNBC are the lowest rated cable networks.

Read a full account of the experience -->Michelle Malkin - AMBUSH JOURNALISM...OR MY EVENING WITH CAVEMAN CHRIS MATTHEWS

+There is a developing story on the Drudge Report about Sen. John Kerry "demanding" that the book Unfit for Command be banned.

BANNING BOOKS? Perhaps, MoveOn.org and George Soros have compared the wrong candidate to Hitler's Germany.

More later.

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

VFW RECEPTION

Notice:

Kerry's speech in Cincinnati drew about 6,000 people, fewer than half the 15,000 attending the VFW's national convention. The audience offered polite applause.
But many veterans did not clap at some standard stump-speech lines that usually draw applause, suggesting that numerous former warriors were skeptical if not hostile. At least two men heckled Kerry.

One word explained the tough crowd: Vietnam.

Kerry's public protests against the Vietnam War as a young veteran newly home from Southeast Asia were a sore point for many veterans.

Kerry campaign officials said they were pleasantly surprised by what they saw as a relatively warm response from an audience Democratic candidates sometimes have avoided.

Indeed, quite a few clapped, and almost all of them refrained from throwing rotten fruit during Kerry's speech.

HOW DO YOU GET A PURPLE HEART WITHOUT TAKING ENEMY FIRE?

Neal Boortz' observation is reason number 7,985 that Kerry needs to do a big sit down interview about the Vietnam allegations:

In that entry he says that after several missions he has not yet taken any enemy fire. Ok .. big deal. Big whoop, right? Sorry .. but actually this is a big deal.
The problem here is that this particular entry in Kerry's diary was made concerning the mission which followed that mission where he earned his first Purple Heart. Now .. think this one through. Kerry goes on a mission and earns a Purple Heart. Then, after his next mission, Kerry writes in his diary that he has not yet experienced any enemy fire. Tell me .. if Kerry had not yet experienced enemy fire then how did he earn a Purple Heart?

Sit down with Russert, Kerry. Sit down, and get it out of the way now

KERRY VFW SPEECH RESPONSE-A-THON

More from the Bush camp...

KERRY: “At the same time, I believe we need to strengthen homeland security and we have to do everything we can to prevent another 9/11. We shouldn't be letting 95% of our container ships come into our ports without ever being physically inspected.”
Port Security. President Bush has called for $1.9 billion of funding for port security in FY 2005, a 13% increase in funding levels from FY 2004 and a whopping 628% ($1.6 billion) increase from the funding levels that existed when the President came into office (FY 2001). Richard Bonner, Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Department: "100% of the containers identified as having potential terrorist risk by our targeting efforts are screened through xray and for radiation either abroad or upon arrival in the United States." (Testimony of Richard Bonner, 3/24/02)


More military comments:

Major General Boyd Cook, USA (Ret.): John Kerry's Desire To "Continue The Status Quo" Ignores Reality. "If John Kerry wants to continue the status quo, he is ignoring the fact that America is no longer faced with the Cold War, but the War on Terror. America no longer needs to be positioned to defend Europe, but to strike at terrorists before they attack. President Bush's troop redeployment not only better positions troops, but also reduces the burden on taxpayers and military personnel."
Lieutenant General John B. Conaway, USAF (Ret.): Kerry's Criticism Represents A "Dangerous Pre-9/11 Mentality." "The Kerry campaign's criticisms of President Bush's troop redeployment are not only unwarranted, they represent a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality that is blind to the new realities of the War on Terror. America needs agile, mobile troops who can adjust to new threats. This troop redeployment is much-needed reform, and President Bush is doing what it takes to better equip America in its battle against terrorism."

General Pat Brady, USA (Ret.): "John Kerry's Attacks On President Bush's Redeployment Plan Show A Troubling Misunderstanding Of The War On Terror." "Considering the events of September 11th, John Kerry's attacks on President Bush's redeployment plan show a troubling misunderstanding of the War on Terror."

Major General Evan "Curly" Hultman, USA (Ret.): Troop Deployments Should Not Be Geared Towards "Enemies Who Vanished 15 Years Ago." "American troop deployments should be used to protect our national security, not to protect our allies from enemies who vanished 15 years ago. Instead of his baseless attacks, John Kerry needs to explain why he reflexively opposes the President's common-sense plan."

Major General James Livingston, USMC (Ret.), Medal of Honor Recipient: Kerry's Attack "Illustrates His Pre-9/11 View Of The World." "John Kerry's criticism of the President's troop redeployment plan illustrates his pre-9/11 view of the world. The War on Terror requires a flexible, agile military that can respond to the challenges of the 21st century and adjust to fighting the War on Terror. A strong defensive posture in Europe is no longer a necessity. Rather than playing politics with our national security, John Kerry should instead recognize that the President's common-sense move represents the realities of modern-day warfare."

Admiral Jeremiah Denton, USN (Ret.): Kerry Does Not Realize "We Face A Different Threat Today." "President Bush should be applauded for proactively responding to the new challenges of the War on Terror. Opponents of the President's plan are mired in the status quo — unwilling to acknowledge the reality that the Cold War is over and we face a different threat today."

Rear Admiral Grant Hollett, Jr., USN (Ret.): Kerry Is "Doing A Disservice To The Men And Women In Uniform." "In opposing the President's plan to adapt our armed forces to the realities of the 21st century, John Kerry and his surrogates are doing a disservice to the men and women in uniform, to the families sacrificing with them abroad, and to the people they are protecting here at home."

Rear Admiral Thomas Morris, USN (Ret.): President Bush Is "Enabling Our Nation To Meet The Challenges Of A Post-9/11 World." "John Kerry's baseless attacks ignore the reality that President Bush's troop redeployment positions our nation to fight the new kind of war we face. Soldiers will move less and spend more time with their families, while taxpayers will pay less. President Bush is protecting America and enabling our nation to meet the challenges of a post-9/11 world."

Lieutenant General Gordon Sumner, USA (Ret.): Kerry "Ignores The Fact That A Cold War Strategy Does Not Make Sense In A Post-9/11 World." "When John Kerry criticizes the President's plan to increase our military's flexibility and efficiency, he ignores the fact that a Cold War strategy does not make sense in a post-9/11 world. President Bush understands that America needs to bring the fight to the enemy in order to win the War on Terror."


Keep in mind the Kerry campaign's earlier excitement about "unprecedented" support froim retired military officers. And don't miss Cliff May's instant analysis.

QUICK RESPONSE FROM BUSH TEAM [

The Bush team is circulating the following statement from Gen. P.X. Kelley (Ret.), former commandant of the United States Marine Corps:

"John Kerry's opposition to troop realignment demonstrates a backward looking view that blindly embraces the status quo and ignores the realities of the post-9/11 world. The threat America faces today is fundamentally different than the threats America's military was configured to face during the Cold War. I should know, I was commandant of the Marine Corps during the Cold War.
"Modern military capabilities make force deployment and the projection of power more important than the location of standing armies. The world has changed since the Cold War, and President Bush justifiably recognizes that our Armed Forces must also change if we are to effectively fight and win the War on Terror.

"Senator Kerry's political attack is an insult to the hundreds of people who have been working on this proposal for years."


KERRY RIPS HEALTH CARE PLAN THAT VFW PRAISED [

Kerry just ripped the Veterans’ Administration’s new health care plan. Um, Senator, you may have wanted to check with the leadership of the group that invited you to speak…

“The CARES program is an unprecedented initiative that moves the VA health care system into the 21st century,” said VFW National Commander Edward S. Banas Sr., of Voluntown, Conn.
The CARES program is designed to reduce redundancies, close outdated facilities, and build new or consolidate existing medical facilities. The move addresses the health-care needs of rising veterans' population shifts to different parts of the country with new facilities proposed in Las Vegas, Colorado and Orlando, Fla. The new initiatives are expected to reduce the waiting lists of veterans seeking access to VA health care. In addition, 156 new community-based outpatient clinics are planned in rural areas, which will move health-care options closer to veterans.

According to Banas, the VFW will continue to work with the VA to see that all veterans receive timely and quality health care. In areas where facilities may be closed, the VFW will work with its members, local veterans and the VA to ensure services will not be disrupted. “The VFW fully understands that the closing or consolidation of some facilities may inconvenience some veterans,” he added, “but the VA has offered reassurances that no veteran will be denied or have their health care delayed during the transition. We also realize that more work needs to be done to study mental health and long-term care, especially with the unknown impact of the war on terrorism on our military personnel and their families.”

Doh!

SWIFT BOAT VET AD HAVING IMPACT?

From the New York Post:

Vietnam veterans opposing John Kerry have scored a hit with a tough TV ad that claims he lied about his war record — it makes swing voters think twice about backing Kerry, an independent study has found.
The ad planted doubts in the minds of 27 percent of independent voters who planned to vote for Kerry or leaned pro-Kerry. After seeing it, they were no longer sure they'd back him, the study found.

“The whole goal of a negative ad is to plant a seed of doubt — and it did,” said Professor Chris Borrick of Muhlenberg College, who did the ad study with the firm HCD Research.

“Obviously, the Swift Boat Veterans’ intent was to publicly question Kerry's war record, and it looks like they succeeded,” said HCD chief Glenn Kessler, who added that viewers found the 60-second ad more believable as it went on…

The Swift Vets study used 1,275 participants, including 371 independents, who watched ads and registered their reaction at every second using technology normally used to rate product ads. Half viewed the Swift Vets ad and the other half saw a pro-Kerry ad based on his convention speech, which was rated less persuasive.

HCD is also completing a study of a counter-ad by the liberal group MoveOn.org that questions President Bush's military record — it appears far less effective in raising doubts among pro-Bush swing voters.”


I wonder how widely the Swift Boat Vet ad will have to run in order to make an impact on the national polling numbers... and again, why the Kerry team didn't have a quick response ready when this ad appeared. I mean, the Swift Boat Vets held their first press conference in May.

More interesting items at The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Tidbits - 8/19/04

The big news in Chicago is still Oprah as juror.

It doesn't speak well of broadcasters in Chicago that fawn over and seek Oprah each day of her jury duty. It is good that Ms Winfrey is doing her civic duty, but we still wonder how many times did she find an excuse not to serve before this time.

The stories on the various newscasts range from the juror menu, to courtroom drawings of Oprah taking notes, to attempted interviews with other jurors (illegal) to attempted comments from the attorneys (no comment.

There MUST be some other news in Chicago. Luckily the jury is in deliberation so the madness will be over soon.

I am also certain that this will be the subject of several Oprah programs this fall.

Here are some interesting items.

+There is no doubt that Senator John McCain (R-AZ) is a valuable asset to his party and the nation. He is very popular among western Republicans and independents nationwide.

Now that his "faux" flirtation with John Kerry is in the distant past, he has become a strong supporter of the President.

His support will do much good with voters and with the president's chances for re-election.

McCain Could Provide Trump Card for Bush in Southwest -- 08%2F19%2F2004

+Senator Kerry's reception at the VFW Convention in Cincinnati was not as "warm" as expected. As reported yesterday, many veterans sat with folded arms and others stood in the back of the hall with their backs toward the senator.

Advance team members said that the senator was visibly upset about the reception. This caused him, according to witnesses, to give a blander than normal speech. Another contributed factor to the Senator's poor performance was news that NATO has fully supported President Bush's withdrawal plan from Europe. Something that the senator from Massachusetts is against.

More -->The American Spectator

+The TV networks were quick to jump on President Bush's National Guard Services, but are burying any information from the Swift Boat Veterans. The score 75 stories on Bush, 9 stories on the Swift Boat Vets.

TV Gives No Respect to Swift Boat Vets for Truth -- Media Research Center - Media Reality Check

More later

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Kerry vs VFW

In his anti-war activist days, Sen. John Kerry described the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as a "paramilitary, pro-war organization."

Today, the now presidential hopeful spoke to the VFW convention in Cincinnati. First reports have the senator receive polite applause while many veterans sat with their arms folded.

Yahoo%21 News - Top Stories Photos - AP

Kerry deals away his ace in the hole

Here is one of the most unbelievable items I have seen.

Anti-war, anti-Bush, left wing, over the hill, incompetent columnist Helen Thomas has written an opinion piece against John Kerry.

That's write the liberals biggest voice in Washington ha criticized her standard bearer for his continued support and defense of his vote on the war in Iraq.

full item -->Kerry deals away his ace in the hole

Tidbits - 8/18/04

The biggest news in Chicago is till Oprah on the jury.

Stories now include courtroom sketches of Oprah taking notes, what the jury ate, and attempted interviews with other jurors (illegal) and attorneys for both sides (no comment).

There must be other news in Chicago or is this a PR effort on the part of Oprah?

Now for some interesting items.

+In addition to making movies of his exploits in Vietnam, John Kerry also kept a journal of his experience. I guess this was the script to go with the film.

It appears now that a passage in his journal contradicts statements made by the senator over the years. In the journal, Kerry recounts that he "had not been shot at yet" nine days AFTER his first Purple Heart incident.

Since this had not been noticed before, it appears that Kerry's staff, biographers, and supporters are not reading his own words.

WorldNetDaily%3A Kerry contradicts self in his own war diary%3F

+John Kerry will speak before the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) convention today in Cincinnati.

VFW officials have long memories. They recall Kerry's criticism of the organization as a "paramilitary, pro-war" group. This was, of course, during Kerry's days as an anti-war activist. Although he never joined the organization, Kerry will probably want to embrace the VFW as his comrades.

More later.

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Kerry to oppose US withdrawal

Here;s a story that has no surprises. Sen. John Kerry will announce his opposition to the troop withdrawals from Europe and Asia.

This announcement comes from a Senator who has voted against every defense related bill for years plus voted not to finance troops in Iraq.

Kerry states that this withdrawal will undermine alliances and weaken America's ability to project power overseas.

Unfortunately, for Senator Kerry the Cold War is over and troops in Germany need no longer fear Russian tanks rolling into Berlin.

Whoever advised the Senator to take this stand is making a big mistake. Kerry cannot suddenly become a hawk when his voting record shows the mildest of doves.

Full article -->FT.com US Elections 2004 - Kerry to oppose US withdrawals

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

DEAN JOKE

Popular joke down here in South Carolina/Georgia low country, which thankfully was spared too much damage from Hurricane Charley: “Howard Dean announced he thinks the timing of this hurricane, and the fact that it hit the swing state of Florida, was suspicious. He thinks the timing of the National Weather Service’s hurricane warnings may be politically motivated, and wants to know why, ‘every time Bush is in trouble, some horrific natural disaster comes along at the right moment to help him out.’”

It may be considered a joke, but in Dean's strange little world, he could be thinking just that.

ABOUT THOSE CLOSED INTELLIGENCE HEARINGS...

Kerry served on the Intelligence Committee from 1993 to 2000, and according to official records, John Kerry missed 76 percent of the public Senate Intelligence Committee hearings during that time. Do you think Kerry has a lousy attendance record at the closed-door hearings of the intelligence committee?

There's an old saying that a lawyer never asks a witness a question that he doesn't already know the answer to; while the GOP has made plenty of tactical mistakes in the past, they seem to be confident that Kerry's attendance record is lousy. A collection of recent calls to Kerry to release his attendance records:

Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., current committee chair: "The easiest way out of this is for John Kerry and John Edwards to request of Senator Rockefeller and myself to release the attendance hearings; not only the public hearings, which they have rebutted, but the closed hearings." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 8/15/04)
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., current committee member: "So I would go to what is solid, uncontrovertible fact, and that is the records that each committee keeps with regard to the attendance at every hearing of all the members, whether they're there or not. Now, those records are available. John Kerry, if he questions the authenticity of this ad that's out there now, should simply get those records and put them into the public domain." (CNN's "Late Edition With Wolf Blitzer," 8/15/04)

Sen. Saxby Cambliss, R-Ga., current committee member: "The fact of the matter is, even though he claims to have gained a lot of that expertise by serving on the senate intelligence committee, during his eight years of service on the intelligence committee there were forty-nine public hearings held by the intelligence committee, and John Kerry was absent from thirty-eight of those forty-nine hearings. That does not include the classified hearings. ... And I would hope that he would agree to release to you the record of his attendance at meetings and hearings of the Senate Intelligence committee over the last year and a half, or his total service on that committee." (Republican National Committee And Bush-Cheney '04, "Transcript of Wednesday, July 28, 10 a.m. Republican Press Conference," Press Release, 7/28/04)

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., former committee member: “The other illustration of lack of leadership with regard to this issue is the question of the intelligence. And since I served on the Intelligence Committee with Senator Kerry for eight years I believe, I call for him to disclose his attendance at the briefings and hearings of the Intelligence Committee. The classified briefings and hearings of course are not on our public record, but he could make his attendance public. He missed 38 out of 49 of the public hearings, and those are the hearings most people want to be seen at, but he missed those. John Edwards was on the Committee and came on later, and he missed half of the public hearings as well. But I think that they should both disclose their record of attendance in the Intelligence Committee.” (Bush-Cheney ’04, “Remarks By U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl And U.S. Rep. Scott McInnis During Today's Bush-Cheney '04 Conference Call,” Press Release, 8/7/04)


If the records are released and Kerry's got a good attendance record, these guys will look pretty foolish. Which makes me suggest the current committee members have looked back in their notes and carefully recalled whether Kerry was there, and concluded his attendance was spotty.

The more Kerry and his team bring up Bush administration intelligence failures, the more you will hear the refrain from the GOP, "Where was Kerry?"

UPDATE: The guys at CrushKerry.com point out the Kerry campaigns limp response to the attendance charge: One, the Bush Cheney campaign is miscounting the number of meetings, and two, Kerry's attendance may not be in the record because he may not have spoke:

Ad Text: "As a member of the intelligence committee, Senator Kerry was absent for 76% of the committee’s hearings."
Selective math and sketchy methods:

The Bush-Cheney Campaign is using misleading numbers and cannot pretend to have the facts. They rely only on whether Sen. Kerry made statements in one of a small number of open hearings. For example from 1993-1998 the Select Intelligence Committee held more than 329 meetings, hearings and markups. Just 65 of these were open meetings. [Senate Report 104-1; Senate Report 105-1; Senate Report 106-3]

Ad Text: "In the year after the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Kerry was absent for every single one."

Fuzzy Math Again:

Again, the Bush-Cheney Campaign is using misleading numbers and cannot pretend to have the facts. They rely only on whether Sen. Kerry made statements in one of seven open hearings. All in all, during the 103rd Congress, the Committee held a total of 103 on-the-record meetings and hearings. There were seventy (70) oversight hearings and seven (7) business meetings. Twelve (12) hearings were held on the budget including the Conference sessions with the House. Hearings on specific legislation totaled nine (9) and nomination hearings totaled one (1). [Senate Report 104-1: Oversight Over Intelligence Activities in the 103rd Congress].

The following Republican members also failed to speak at a public hearing that year: John Chaffee; Malcom Wallop, Ted Stevens, Slade Gorton, John Danforth.


Um... Are we supposed to believe that Senator John Forbes Kerry of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who supposedly carries a lucky hat from a CIA officer in his briefcase, who is a leading member of this vitally important committee, went to these hearings and didn't say anything? Didn't have any questions for the witnesses? Offered no statements for the record? Why did this guy suddenly get so quiet and taciturn?

Second, in that long list of information, the Kerry camp never says just how many meetings, hearings, or sessions the candidate actually attended. One has to suspect that if they had a better defense on this charge, they would have used it.

AND HE INVENTED THE INTERNET, TOO

You may have seen this in the Corner, but the guys at Red State have noticed a Kerry press release stating he was Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. It appears this is not the case, and that someone — presumably, some low-level staffer on the Kerry campaign — is mixing up Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts with Sen. Bob Kerrey of Nebraska (both Democrats). Doh!

Is it just me or does the Kerry campaign seem to have some really stupid people working for it?


SHORT THOUGHT ON FLORIDA & OHIO

John McIntyre offers, in a nutshell, what ought to be the current thinking about Bush's electoral chances in Florida instead of the current yelling and excitement about Kerry being up a few points in the latest polls.

Maybe people are putting a lot of stock in the Florida polls that show Kerry ahead. I don't. In my estimation Bush will have an easier time winning Florida than Ohio. Don't forget all the big talk from Terry McAuliffe who declared that "job number one" was to send the President's brother packing in 2002. Jeb Bush went on to win by 13% and the GOP swept the state from top to bottom.
His thought on Ohio: "With Gallup's just released poll showing Bush ahead nationally by 2-3 points and his job approval above the supposed magic 50% level at 51, I'm perplexed why the Democrats are so confident the Kerry/Edwards ticket is going to carry a state that typically is two-four points more Republican than the national vote."

Another thought: Ohio has a Republican governor, Republican Lieutenant Gov., two Republican senators, and 12 out of the 18 House members are GOP. Ohio's last Democratic governor was Dick Celeste, who left office in 1991. Talk show host Jerry Springer is periodically touted to run, as a Democrat, for statewide office. Beyond that, the state's most prominent Democrats in recent memory have been indicted "Beam Me Up, Mr. Speaker" House member Jim Traficant and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, often credited with playing Smeagol in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Conclusion: The state Democratic party is in shambles.

Can Kerry count on a broken down state party to get out the votes for him?

AN ANALYSIS OF KERRY'S CIA HAT STORY

Many Kerry Spot readers have wanted more information about what is rapidly getting nicknamed "Kerry's magic hat," a hat he was reportedly given by a CIA guy who Kerry transported over the border into Cambodia on a top secret mission.

Hugh Hewitt quotes an associate in the intelligence business who says Kerry's story seems more than a little odd to him.

Let me make a couple observations:
1) The CIA has its own budget for things like getting people where they
"shouldn't" be. They wouldn't need to use the Navy, and most particularly some random Lieutenant, to get an agent into Cambodia. Honestly. Talk about unwanted attention. If they absolutely had to use the river (which is just straight-up stupid, from a tactical standpoint,) the CIA would have used a local, who had his own boat, and thus could conceivably survive a chance encounter with border authorities.

2) If Kerry had an agent on his boat, there is no way on this earth he would have mentioned, casually or otherwise, that he was with the CIA. Especially not to a mere Lieutenant. That's like the cardinal sin of the Clandestine Service. Even if the person knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, who you are (which Kerry would not have), you *still* don't talk about it.

3) As I think you've already noted, in one way or another, the magic hat
may sound cool, but let's be serious. What possible conversation could have come up to result in the gift of the man's hat? And what kind of idiot gives his boonie cap away right before diving into the bush for an extended period of time?

4) Finally, I would like to expand on my statement that the river is the worst possible choice to get into the country. Rivers are important things, when it comes to borders. They are, generally speaking, treated just like a road between two nations. Which means, especially with a bloody civil war going on next door, Cambodia would have almost certainly had permanent checkpoints established on trans-boundary waterways. This is expressly because a waterway is a primary route of travel. Even if there were not any sort of checkpoints established on the Mekong, there would be a higher frequency of regular border patrols in the area. A CIA agent, who by nature doesn't want to announce his presence to authorities, is going to take the least conspicuous route of ingress possible. Which means not the river.


Does this mean Kerry's lying? Not necessarily. It is just one more story from his Vietnam years that doesn't quite add up, that seems incomplete, or odd, or at odds with the facts. But maybe some fuller version of this story would make more sense. Of course, it sure would be easier to believe Kerry isn't exaggerating, lying or making these stories up if he would answer a few questions about it. And if he says he doesn’t feel like talking about it with the media, why did he make his Vietnam service the centerpiece of his campaign, the whole point of his convention biography and speech, complete with hammy salute and declaration that he’s “reporting for duty”?

Does the hat say "CIA" on it?

If you have ever watched the movie, Apocalypse Now," you should realize that no one on a clandestine mission is going to talk about it. "Just drive the boat, chief." (Martin Sheen's character to the Swift boat driver.)

More on The Kerry Spot on National Review Online