Weekend Thoughts

Other than stories on the aftermath of hurricane Ivan, it was a slow news weekend.

There were a couple of items that did pique my interest.

+NBC's Meet the Press began its Senate Debates series on Sunday. The first debate was between Sen. Tom Daschle and his opponent former South Dakota Congressman, John Thune. Other than Daschle calling Thune a liar for nych of the debate, there was one interesting comment mad by Daschle.

While arguing over drought relief for South Dakota ranchers, Thune mentioned that he did sponsor a bill for an additional $1 billion in emergency relief. Daschle replied in a sarcastic tone, "they will take anything."

Moderator Tim Russert let this pass and went on to give Daschle a softball questions while continuing to hammer Thune on nonsense. Just your typical Meet the Press.

+On the campaign trail, Sen. John Edwards seems to want things both ways. Of course, these contradict one another.

In one speech, Edwards said that the President's calling up of National Guard and Reserve units is a "hidden" draft. Edwards also said that there will be a big call up after the November election as a "November surprise." Well, Senator, according to Pentagon sources, there have been plans to call up additional Guard and Reserve troops for many months as part of a normal rotation of forces. Nothing new and not a surprise.

In another speech, Edwards says that we are going to "find Al Qaida" and "crush" them. Well, Senator without additional troops to replace those on the front line it will not be possible.

You cannot have it both ways Senator.