Sunday, October 31, 2004

Walter has gone over the edge

At one time I respected Walter Cronkite. That has long passed. As he grows older, Cronkite has become more liberal and, often, out of touch with reality.

This was never more evident than his interview on CNN Friday. In the interview, Cronkite said that he believes that Karl Rove, political advisor to the President, is behind the newest Osama bi Laden tape.

What? Walter it is time for your to retire from speaking in public. Nothing could be more ludicrous.

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004

Saturday, October 30, 2004

A Few Notes From the Federalist Patriot

The Federalist Patriot is a weekly newsletter that compares the week's current events with the fondations of the Federalist Papers and the Founding Fathers. It makes for interesting reading. http://FederalistPatriot.US/main/about.asp


Memo to CBS News President Andrew Heyward: Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?

And speaking of decency -- or the egregious lack thereof -- Kerry was quick to spin the "story," blaming our military forces in Iraq, and their commander in chief, with dereliction of duty. Of the latter, Kerry said: "Now we know that our country and our troops are less safe because this president failed to do the basics. This is one of the great blunders of Iraq, one of the great blunders of this administration. The incredible incompetence of this president and his administration has put our troops at risk and put our country at greater risk than we ought to be. After being warned about the danger of major stockpiles of explosives in Iraq, this administration failed to guard those stockpiles -- where nearly 377 tons of highly explosive weapons were kept. The missing explosives could very likely be in the hands of terrorists and insurgents, who are actually attacking our forces now 80 times a day on average."

Unfortunately for Kerry, et al., it only took a few hours to debunk this feeble crack at an October surprise.

As The Patriot previously noted in October, 2002, our well-placed sources in the region, and intelligence sources with the NSA and NRO, estimated that the UN Security Council's foot-dragging provided a large window for Saddam to export some or all of his deadliest WMD materials and components. At that time, we reported Allied Forces would be unlikely to discover Iraq's WMD stores, noting, "Our sources estimate that Iraq has shipped some or all of its biological stockpiles and nuclear WMD components through Syria to southern Lebanon's heavily fortified Bekaa Valley." In December of 2002, our senior-level intelligence sources re-confirmed estimates that some of Iraq's biological and nuclear WMD material and components had, in fact, been moved into Syria and Iran. That movement continued until President Bush finally pulled the plug on the UN's ruse.

Indeed, Kerry and his Leftmedia minions have it all wrong -- again. The NRO released photos of heavy trucks loading materials from the bunker in question at al-Qa Qaa Explosive Storage Complex on 17 March 2003, three days prior to the U.S. invasion of Iraq [http://federalistpatriot.us/news/alqaqaa.asp]. And Kerry and company may have gotten additional facts all wrong. U.S. forces did find conventional weapons in the bunker in question but did not find what the UN's IAEA estimated to be three tons of HMX and RDX -- not 377 tons as claimed by Kerry.

Of course, 6,000 pounds of HMX and RDX is significant -- it only took one pound of this substance in the hands of Libyan agents to bring down PanAm 103 in 1988. Of course, we all know by now how accurate these weapons estimates have been -- and the UN was one step removed from the best intelligence available.

President Bush responded to Kerry's allegations, "Now the Senator is making wild charges about missing explosives, when his top foreign-policy adviser admits, quote, 'We do not know the facts.' Think about that: The senator is denigrating the actions of our troops and commanders in the field without knowing the facts...."

Which brings us to the greatest of Kerry's lies this campaign season: "It is vital for us not to confuse the war, ever, with the warriors. That happened before."

Indeed, it did happen before -- Vietnam. Swift Boat Vet Robert Elder notes, "It is a fact that in the entire Vietnam War we did not lose one major battle. We lost the war at home, and at home John Kerry was the field general." (Kerry's extensive and well-documented record of anti-American activities over the past three decades are covered in "Aid and comfort to the enemy: The Kerry record..." and "John Kerry: More aid and comfort..." at http://FederalistPatriot.US/alexander/)

Again, as President Bush noted, Kerry is "denigrating the actions of our troops and commanders in the field without knowing the facts...."

Kerry can't have it both ways. There is a direct correlation between his undermining of U.S. and Allied resolve in the war against terrorism -- specifically on the Iraqi warfront with Jihadistan -- and American and Allied causalities on that front. Those forces, including countless Iraqis, are being injured and killed in larger numbers because of the political dissent Kerry and his ilk are fomenting.

The BIG lie...

"I have nothing to hide. I want you to ask me questions." --John Kerry

This week's "Alpha Jackass" award:

This dialogue between John Kerry and NBC's Tom Brokaw last night is interesting in light of The Patriot's assertions about Kerry's missing military records (see Kerry's Dishonorable Discharge" at -- http://FederalistPatriot.US/alexander/). Brokaw said to Kerry: "Someone has analyzed the President's military aptitude tests and yours and concluded that he has a higher IQ than you do." Kerry replied, "That's great. More power. I don't know how they've done it, because my record is not public. So I don't know where you're getting that from."

Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson writes this week, "The only 180 John Kerry hasn't accomplished in his litany of flip-flops throughout his campaign is Standard Form 180, the paperwork necessary for the complete release of his military records from the Department of Defense repository."

Ed Note: As published on this blog yesterday, Sen. Kerry is not being straight with the Amreican Prople. He has announced again and again that ALL of his records are on the website. Now he is saying that his records are private. Which lie is correct Senator?

This week's "Braying Jackass" award:

"If this isn't good for my heart, I don't know what is." --Former Prevaricator-in-Chief Bill Clinton, at a Kerry campaign rally in Philadelphia

Heart? What heart?

Friday, October 29, 2004

Senator, I think you lied

In an interview with retiring liberal icon, Tom Brokaw, Senator Kerry said something that sums up his campaign and that he, indeed, has not been straight with the American People.

Brokaw asked a question about "military" intelligence test show Bush with a higher IQ. Kerry's reply was, "I don't know how they've done it, because my record is not public. So I don't know where you're getting that from."

Time out , Senator, from the beginning you have said that "all" of your military records were on your website. Now you are saying that your military records are not public. Which is the lie Senator, which is the lie.

Unfortunately, liberal Tom did not catch that.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Items From Battlegrounders on National Review Online

MINNESOTA: VOTE-FRAUD SMOKING GUN Scott W. Johnson

Minnesota is one of the few states that allows same-day voter registration and has become infamous for its lax same-day voter registration requirements. Under Minnesota's registration law, an eligible but previously unregistered individual may register to vote in his precinct by showing proof of residence in the precinct or, in the absence of such proof, having a voter registered in the precinct vouch under oath that he personally knows that the unregistered individual is a resident of the precinct. Although the requirements necessary to establish residence are minimal, they are not non-existent and they are the statutory protection against vote fraud and serial voting.

Among the well-funded and supposedly independent groups supporting John Kerry in the campaign is America Coming Together (ACT). ACT has taken notice of Minnesota's special vulnerabilty to vote fraud and organized a sophisticated effort to exploit it in a manner that violates Minnesota law. In Minnesota the Bush campaign has come into the possession of the following email from ACT to its Minnesota volunteers:

Election Day is upon us. You are confirmed to volunteer with ACT (America Coming Together) on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov 2.

We will be creating name badges that include your Ward and Precinct information for each of the thousands of volunteers that day to make it easier to find a volunteer to vouch for a voter at the polls.

I am emailing you to request your street address, city and zipcode. We've already got your other contact information, but your record in our database does not include this information.

You can save us time on election day by replying today to this email with this information, or give us a call at [phone number with St. Paul area code].

In order to get your badge correct, please reply by Thursday.

Thank you for your help and cooperation. See you on Election Day!

This email is a smoking gun of massive premeditated vote fraud. The ACT effort contemplates the prepositioning of registered voters as volunteers at their precincts of residence to provide the "vouching" necessary to get individuals registered to vote on election day in the precinct whether or not the volunteer "personally knows" the residence of the unregistered voter. It is a recipe for illegal voting in every precinct of the state.

In addition to its offensive ground game in the state, the Bush campaign here has organized a defensive game plan to identify and prevent election-day fraud — a key component of the Kerry supporters' plan for carrying Minnesota. Organized vote fraud — we'll see it on election day!

MICHIGAN: IT WORKED Henry Payne

In its September 27 issue, Newsweek magazine reported that Kerry’s new management team of John Sasso and some ex-Clintonites planned to go on the attack. Their new strategy? “Kerry is betting that the hard truths of Iraq will. . . undercut Bush’s image as a war leader. Kerry now intends on spending - Newsweek has learned - the closing week of the election on Bush’s war.”

But, added Newsweek, “Kerry’s show of strength depends heavily on the news.” Bad news, that is.

One month later and right on cue, The New York Times and CBS News opened this final week with a Monday “October Surprise” bombshell charging that the Bush Administration was responsible for 380 tons of missing explosives in Iraq. The Kerry campaign picked up the media gift and ran with it.

Knowing Kerry’s final week strategy, the Times/CBS story assist to the Democrat’s campaign gave the
“perception of impropriety” (to use a favorite journalistic term) at best, or a deliberate effort to intervene in a presidential campaign at worst. Given the partisan history of the two news organizations in the 2004 campaign, the latter explanation certainly seemed credible.

In Michigan, the story has had the desired effect.

The question of Bush’s competence in dealing with the dangerous munitions has dominated the news – demonstrating the still formidable power of liberal Big Media. After polls showed Bush pulling ahead of Kerry last week, the story seems to have halted the president’s momentum. A new Detroit News poll Thursday showed Bush trailing by five.

The liberal Detroit Free Press, Michigan’s largest paper, headlined its Page 1 Thursday coverage of Bush’s rally of 30,000 faithful at the Pontiac Silverdome with: “Bush and Kerry trade jabs about lost explosives.” In this radio town, local news radio stations have led all week with CBS and ABC reports on Bush’s bungling - as has Michigan Public Radio. Even the conservative talk shows of Beckman, Hannity, and Limbaugh were forced to cover the “Bush lost explosives” story – if only to debunk its flimsy evidence.

Thanks to its media wing, the Kerry campaign’s strategy of undermining Bush’s Michigan strong suit — his ability to lead on national security – is right on schedule.


Just some additional eveidence that the Kerry campaign and their supporters will do and say anything. It is really not working.
Battlegrounders on National Review Online

Tidbits - 10/29/04

Four days to go and CBS is the only "news" organizations who has not told the entire story about the missing explosives in Iraq. As the propaganda arm of the Kerry campaign, CBS continues to put the missing explosives at the feet of the Preisdent.

Unfortunately for CBS and the New York Times, there appear to be satellite photos showing truck removing items from the ammo dump BEFORE US troops invaded Iraq.

Here are some intersting items.

+The NAACP may be in trouble with the IRS. THe organization is under investigation for a speech given by CHairman Julian Bond in July. This is the infamous speech in which Bind compared President Bish to infamous world leaders like Hitler.

Under Federal Law that governs charitable non-profit gorups, a tax exempt gorup is prohibited "from intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office." Complaints to the IRS resulted in the investigation. If TV reports and a transcript of speech are accurate, the NAACP is in trouble.

Bond, in typical fashion, believs that the probe in politically motivated.
Newsday.com: IRS probes NAACP leader's speech

+Dick Morris, who once allowed Clinton to remain in the White House, understands why Bush will win the election.

New York Post Online Edition: postopinion
More later.

Thursday, October 28, 2004

The Ten Worst Media Distortions of Campaign 2004 -- MRC Profile in Bias -- Media Research Center

David Letterman has his Top Ten List which is, according to some viewers, funny, but this Top Ten List is not funny and demonstrates a real problem in the media.

The Media Research Center has released its Top Ten Media Distortions in the 2004 Campaign. On this list you will find everything from fraud, using forged documents, inaccurate reporting, reporting with no sources, and cheerleading for the Kerry campaign.

In July, Newsweek's Evan Thomas said that he thought the media wanted John Kerry to win. Well, Mr. Thomas it's true.

The media, like the Kerry campaign, will do everything to win. Who loses if their distortions and half truths cause a Kerry victory? The entire country loses . . . BIG!!!

The Ten Worst Media Distortions of Campaign 2004 -- MRC Profile in Bias -- Media Research Center

Items From Battlegrounders on National Review Online

IOWA: THE Q WORD David Hogberg

On Tuesday evening, I spoke with a person who is with the Bush Campaign in Iowa. This person wants to remain anonymous, so I will dub this person “Q.” Q confirmed that there is a ton of enthusiasm for Bush in Iowa. “There were 8,000 people at the Bush rally in Council Bluffs on Tuesday,” Q said. “The excitement continued even after the President left.”

Q also stated that social conservatives are firmly behind Bush. “We’ve had a lot of breakfast with such groups in places like the Quad Cities. We’ve also done a lot of Christian radio in the state. They are even responding not only to traditional social issues, but also to the President’s position on health care. Christians, this year, seem quite concerned about that issue.”

It was difficult to gauge how this campaign compared to previous ones, as this is Q’s first campaign in Iowa. However, Q did state that “the ground game is much more sophisticated than before.” Q’s descriptions sounded somewhat similar to Ohio.

When pressed on how Q thought the race was going in Iowa, Q seemed to give pat answers. What struck me was that Q kept emphasizing how close it was going to be, especially in Iowa. “We may not know until midnight at the soonest,” Q said. It’s hard to see that as anything other than the proper attitude. If the Bush folks really believe it is going to be close, there will be no slacking, no over-confidence going into the final days, unlike 2000.

That may be some of the best news yet.

MICHIGAN: IN DEMAND [Kathryn Jean Lopez 10/28 09:18 AM]

A source in the position to know says that signs are not being rationed in Michigan — if you can't get them it is because they are in demand. “I can assure you that the limits were a result of extremely high demand and not incompetence at the local level.” He says that the Michigan GOP ordered ordered and distributed something like 96,000 yard signs and this year ordered 258,000. At this moment, there are about 4,000 signs, this source tells me, left for an Election Eve blitz to be split amongst “18 Victory Centers.” He adds, ”Keep in mind, this doesn't count the 4,000 4x4 and 4x8 signs we ordered as well.” He says, “The fervor that has been created over yard signs this year is like nothing I've ever seen on a campaign, including the amount of theft and vandalism. One vandal got caught in the act, leaving his hatchet (yes, I said hatchet!) in the sign for our photographic delight.”


MICHIGAN: SILVERDOME Kathryn Jean Lopez

Following on Henry’s point, a reader in Farmington Hills, Michigan writes:

I was a volunteer that worked the MI rally yesterday at the Silverdome. I had the job of letting people in along with several other volunteers. This gave me the opportunity to speak with and observe lots of people. I was impressed with the massive Jewish turnout and the "Jews for Bush" were very vocal and organized and passed out free Tshirts and bumper stickers. I spoke with one of the members and he assured me the Jewish community in the Detroit area was strongly pro Bush. Also, President Bush met with many prominent African American pastors before the Rally and they joined him on stage. Speaking with a fellow volunteer who is AA, she said that there are many in her community for Bush. I wish they were more visible, but I have a hopeful feeling that many will vote for Bush in the privacy of the voting booth.

We had a crowd estimated by the media at 25,000, so it was at /least/ that large. They were very enthusiastic, they had phone banks going all day, and they were signing up volunteers for the 72 hour GOTV push.

VARIOUS: WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE NEW DEM VOTERS? David Hogberg

Reading about all the new voters that the Democrats claim that will turn out for them, I recalled an article I wrote for NRO just after Dean lost in Iowa. Interestingly, Dean also heavily touted the “new voter” strategy: "Dean claims that the campaign is already attracting these new people in droves: 'A quarter of all the people who donate money to our campaign are under 30 years old.'

"Yet some of the evidence behind this claim is shaky. After the discovery two weeks ago of Dean's four-year-old comments criticizing the Iowa caucuses, he released a damage-control statement. Dean explained, 'Just the other day, I was in Muscatine where nearly 50 percent of those gathered either had never been to a caucus before or were not even registered to vote; but they were there because they believed we can change things,' referring to a January 7 pancake breakfast at an American Legion post in eastern Iowa. While there were a few people under 30 in attendance, the room was dominated with folks over age 50 ? i.e., those from the age demographic with the highest rates of voter participation, not to mention high rates of Iowa-caucus participation. Union members, the bulk of Democratic-caucus participants, were also well represented, including members of the UAW, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and the Plumbers and Pipefitters.

"Even if nearly 50 percent of those in attendance had never voted in nor attended a caucus, it's not clear how Dean would know that. He didn't spend much time talking to people one-on-one. Nor did I see his campaign staff taking a survey of the crowd to determine their recent voting habits. A call to Dean's Iowa press office yielded no answer; a spokeswoman did not know how the Dean campaign arrived at the 50-percent figure. I asked her to call me back with an answer, but she never did. I followed up with two phone messages, which were also not returned. Perhaps it all depends on what the definition of 'nearly 50 percent' is."

That strategy didn’t work for Dean, and his personality probably had a better chance of exciting so-called “new voters” than Kerry does.

The “new voters” amounted to little more than hype in January. Wonder if it will amount to much more than that on Tuesday.

I tend to agree, the "new voter" hype is just another urban legend.
Battlegrounders on National Review Online

More From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

The Bush campaign has a new ad that sums up the Kerry campaign in two words, No Limit.

NEW BUSH AD: 'NO LIMIT'

Today, Bush-Cheney '04 announced the release of the campaign's newest television advertisement, "No Limit."

Voice Over: Just when you thought there was a limit on what John Kerry would say, now he claims he’ll always support our military.

The same Kerry who voted against 87 billion for our troops in combat in the War on Terror.

Against body armor, bullets and supplies.

The same Kerry who after the first attack on the World Trade Center proposed slashing America’s intelligence budget.

Apparently there really is nothing John Kerry won’t say.

President Bush: I’m George W. Bush and I approve this message.

This ad could have been much longer. What about Kerry's vote against the first Gulf War?

FROM A SOURCE CLOSE TO THE CAMPAIGN

Just heard from a source close to the campaign, tuned in to the conversations at the highest levels.

According to the Bushies, the last few days have seen a huge burst of momentum in their numbers.

They think Bush is ahead by a few points nationally. They expect the next round of tracking polls to show a bit of a bump.

The internal polls show a significant lead in Florida (outside margin of error) and Arkansas is out of play, with a Bill Clinton visit or without. As for most of the other big ones - Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, internal polls show all too close to call.

Michigan is seriously looking like a pickup - Bush and Cheney could be there four times in the last four days.

An exit poll of those who have already voted show Bush ahead by 15 points! As much as I hope it's true, I think some voters are lying to pollsters.

Undecided voters appear to be breaking Bush’s way - some days he has a slight lead, other days it’s right around 50-50. (Note this would be considerably better than the 1/3 calculated that Bush needs here.)

Finally, the ammo dump story appears to have left the Kerry campaign deep in al-Qaqaa.

Tommy Franks is going to enter this story and rip Kerry and the New York Times a new one. The Kerry folks are acting like they realized they have botched this story, and want to shift back to domestic topics. Lockhart, Bill Richardson on Imus — when asked about al-QaQaa, they dodge the question and quickly try to bring up other issues.

The campaign is going to avoid the Russian angle and go with the straightforward, “As the facts mount in this story, American people have a choice between believing Kerry-NYTimes-CBS or believing Bush and the Troops.”

This source close to the campaign didn’t say it, but I wonder if the Bush administration wants to deal with Russia in its own manner, and not have whatever diplomatic confrontations are going on behind the scenes complicated by a furious American electorate blaming Russia for hiding Iraq’s weapons and explosives.


The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Forty Excuses and a Mule by Ann Coulter

Here is this week's column from Ann Coulter.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Forty Excuses and a Mule by Ann Coulter

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Here are some interesting items from the Kerry Spot. A few on missing explosives plus some others that are a little more interesting.

THE RUSSIANS MOVED IRAQI WEAPONS

Drudge reports that Bill Gertz of the Washington Times will report in tomorrow's edition:

Russian special forces troops moved many of Saddam Hussein's weapons and related goods out of Iraq and into Syria in the weeks before the March 2003 U.S. military operation, The Washington Times has learned. John A. Shaw, the deputy undersecretary of defense for international technology security, said in an interview that he believes the Russian troops, working with Iraqi intelligence, “almost certainly” removed the high-explosive material that went missing from the Al-Qaqaa facility, south of Baghdad.

October surprise!

This does, however, explain why the Russians were against the war and sending troops.

JUST HOW MUCH DID THE NEW YORK TIMES BLOW THIS STORY?

From ABC News:

But the confidential IAEA documents obtained by ABC News show that on Jan. 14, 2003, the agency's inspectors recorded that just over 3 tons of RDX was stored at the facility — a considerable discrepancy from what the Iraqis reported.

The IAEA documents could mean that 138 tons of explosives were removed from the facility long before the start of the United States launched "Operation Iraqi Freedom" in March 2003...

The IAEA documents from January 2003 found no discrepancy in the amount of the more dangerous HMX explosives thought to be stored at Al-Qaqaa, but they do raise another disturbing possibility.

The documents show IAEA inspectors looked at nine bunkers containing more than 194 tons of HMX at the facility. Although these bunkers were still under IAEA seal, the inspectors said the seals may be potentially ineffective because they had ventilation slats on the sides. These slats could be easily removed to remove the materials inside the bunkers without breaking the seals, the inspectors noted.

COULD BUSH WIN MICHIGAN? WOULD THAT MAKE IT AN EARLY NIGHT?

Two pieces of evidence for a sign of Kerry concern about Michigan.

This story quotes Kerry's Michigan campaign director, Donnie Fowler as saying Kerry will "campaign in Detroit on Sunday or Monday." Michigan? On the last day, or next-to-last day of campaigning?

Then I hear this from a Bush campaign volunteer in Michigan: "Our internal polls show that the President is ahead in Michigan. Take that for what it’s worth, but the GOTV team is pretty energized by it." Every campaign says its internal polls show them up, but the Bush team’s schedule appears to support this.

From Wednesday’s Hotline (maybe Thursday’s will have changes):

Bush: 10/28: Saginaw, MI, Dayton, OH, BcksCty, PA; 10/29:Mnchstr, NH, Columbus, Toledo, OH; 10/30: GrndRpds, MI, Ashwbn, WI, Mnpls, MN; 10/31: Orlando, FL

Cheney: 10/28: Schofield, WI, SiouxCty, IA; 10/29: TBD; 10/30 Jackson, MI

Kerry: 10/28: Toledo, OH, Madison, WI, Columbus, OH; 10/29: Orlando, Miami, FL; Future schedule to be determined

Edwards: 10/28: TBD

Well, the Bush-Cheney campaign certainly thinks Michigan is worth three visits.


ZOGBY CHANGED HIS MIND?
Bob Novak:

Pollster John Zogby surprised the political world back in April with a long-range prediction that John Kerry would defeat George W. Bush for president. On Monday this week, Zogby told me, he changed his mind. He now thinks the president is more likely to be re-elected because he has reinforced support from his base, including married white women.

That conclusion would be a surprise for frantically nervous Republicans and cautiously upbeat Democrats entering the campaign's final days. In fact, nobody, including Zogby and all the other polltakers, can be sure who will win this election. Yet, it is clear that President Bush's strategists have succeeded in solidifying his base to a degree that makes it much harder to defeat him next Tuesday.


SCHILLING FOR BUSH

From Good Morning America today:

GIBSON: "Well, well said, Curt and Shonda. You both have certainly lifelong membership now in the Red Sox nation. It was a great thing to watch, and I think everybody – whether they were great Red Sox fans or not — had to admire what this team did. It was extraordinary, and one of the great stories of sport. And sport always produces such great stories. Curt, Shonda, great to have you with us. Congratulations."
SCHILLING: "And make sure you tell everybody to vote, and vote Bush next week."

It will be interesting to see what reaction he gets in the Boston parade.

I'm sure Charlie Gibson, well known anti-Bush clown, was annoyed by this comment.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Tidbits - 10/28/04

There are just 5 days until the election of 2004 and the Kerry campaign and CBS News continuing to push the missing explosives in Iraq as evidence of something. While other news organizations have reevaluated the story and found more accurate information, the Kerry campaign and its propaganda arm, CBS News, are on the wrong side of this issue.

Most credible organizations have realized through documentation and eyewitness accounts that the explosive were missing BEFORE US troops found the munitions dump outside Baghdad.

What happened to the weapons is still under investigation and there are signs pointing to Russia. It is possible that Russian special forces troops moved the weapons to other locations, including Syria.
Russia tied to Iraq's missing arms - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - October 28, 2004

So, why does CBS News continuing with these, at best, inaccurate stories? Does Dan Rather really believe what he says? Does Rather still believe that the forged documents he used are still genuine?

Again, I call upon Viacom Chairman and CEO, Sumner Redstone, to disband CBS News as it exists today and start a new News organizations with ALL new employees and an interest in accuracy and journalistic ethics. As long as Dan Rather is at CBS News, it will have little, if any, credibility.

Here are some interesting items.

+The person who most Democrats blame for the election debacle in Florida during the 200 election, Katherine Harris, was nearly run down by an outraged Democrat.

Barry Seltzer, Sarasota, claimed he was "exercising his political expression" after nearly hitting the former Secretary of State and current Congresswoman from Florida.

Seltzer has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The charge is first-degree felony with a possible sentence of up to 30 years.

Florida man held in attack on Harris - The Washington Times: Nation/Politics - October 28, 2004

More later.

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Could John Kerry have worked for the North Vietnamese?

Researchers have discovered, at least, two documents that link John Kerry to a North Vietnamese surrender.

If authentic, these documents should end any hope of Kerry's election to the White House.

The documents captured by American forces and translated show that John Kerry met two or three times in Paris with only North Vietnamese representatives and promoted and backed a surrender plan given to him by a high ranking North Vietnamese politician.

The documents also show other links to officials of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War organization at the time when Kerry was their spokesperson.

Since it is unlikely that mainstream liberal media will cover this, Kerry can continue to pretend he is a patriot instead of the traitor he is.
WorldNetDaily: Discovered papers: Hanoi directed Kerry

Swiftvet TV special to air election eve

In a effort to demonstrate the courage that Sinclair Broadcasting lacked, the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth are purchasing half-hour blocks of air time in Florida.

The purchase will enable the group to show a documentary called, "Unfit to Lead." In the program, hosted by John O'Neill, a former superior officer of John Kerry's said he should have been removed from command.

Unfortunately, the Swift Boat Vets are only buying are time in Florida.

WorldNetDaily: Swiftvet TV special to air election eve

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

GLANCING AT THE SCHEDULE

These are the appearances by the presidential and vice presidential candidates, and their spouses (and Bill Clinton, just for kicks) for today the last Tuesday before Election Day:

9:00 am: Sen. John Kerry holds an event (homeland security speech) at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI

9:25 am: President Bush holds a rally at the Onalaska Omni Center, Onalaska, WI

10:00 am: Vice President Cheney holds a rally at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL

10:30 am: Sen. John Edwards attends a community gathering with, Ashton Kutcher, Scott Wolf and his wife Kelley Limp, musician Max Weinberg, Chris Heinz, and Andre Heinz at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

11:00 am: Ralph Nader speaks at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI

11:00 am: Elizabeth Edwards holds a town hall discussion at North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, IA

11:30 am: Teresa Heinz Kerry holds a conversation about health care at St. Joseph's Community Center, Lorain, OH

12:30 pm: Vice President Cheney holds a rally at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, Lake City, FL

12:30 pm: Former President Bill Clinton speaks to the B'nai Torah Congregation, Boca Raton, FL

12:40 pm: President Bush holds a "Focus on the Economy with President Bush" at the Richland Center High School, Richland Center, WI

2:00 pm: Ralph Nader speaks at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI

2:35 pm: Elizabeth Edwards holds a town hall discussion at Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN Who will she insult today?

3:15 pm: Vice President Cheney holds a rally at Pensacola Junior College, Pensacola, FL

3:25 pm: Sen. Edwards attends a community gathering at the Sovereign Center, Reading, PA

3:30 pm: Teresa Heinz Kerry and Rep. Dennis Kucinich speak with community leaders at Czech Karlin Hall, Cleveland, OH
This is the event to watch closely. You have two loose cannons speaking at this event. Who will say "shove it" first?

3:55 pm: President Bush speaks at a rally at the Cuba City High School, Cuba City, WI

5:00 pm: Sen. Kerry holds a rally at Jaycee Park, Las Vegas, NV

5:25 pm: President Bush holds a rally at the Grand River Center, Dubuque, IA

6:45 pm: Sen. Edwards holds a Fresh Start for America rally at the Marts Center, Wilkes Barre, PA

6:45 pm: Elizabeth Edwards holds a town hall discussion at Central High School, Flint, MI Anpther opportunity for her to insult someone.

9:45 pm: Sen. Kerry holds a rally at the Civic Plaza, Albuquerque, NM


Busy day. By my score, the blue state of Wisconsin has five events, Minnesota has two, Iowa has two, Pennsylvania has two, and Michigan has one. The red state of Florida has four, Ohio has two, Nevada has one, and New Mexico has one.

Ashton Kutcher is obviously in Minneapolis to add heft and gravitas to John Edwards' event.

Ashton Kutcher? Who really cares what he has to say?

JUDGE THEM BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER

From the Orlando Sentinel:

For all the anecdotal evidence of heavy African-American turnout, there are hints that Kerry might not be doing as strongly as he needs to be. At a John Edwards rally in St. Petersburg on Saturday, white people held "African-Americans for Kerry-Edwards" placards.

As a strong supporter of a color-blind America, I believe this is a good sign, that in this country in 2004, one does not necessarily need to be African-American to hold an "African-Americans for Kerry-Edwards" sign.

Of course, perhaps these were the Teresa Heinz-style African-Americans

TAG TEAM [10/26 09:56 AM]

Note Mickey Kaus on Kerry's shifting position on what the U.S. should have done in Tora Bora:

[The comment on Kerry's site is] a deceptively truncated quote. Kerry is defending his previous criticism of insufficient U.S. boots on the ground — but he gives the impression, at least, that his criticisms have been addressed and he's now satisfied. Here's the complete quote:
MR. MCLAUGHLIN: Well, why did you criticize the administration for failing to put in expeditionary forces earlier?
SEN. KERRY: I didn't criticize them for failing to put expeditionary forces in, John. I said we need to put some ground people in there in order to do the very things that I've just talked about, and ultimately, to do what we're doing now, which is —

MR. MCLAUGHLIN: Well, you are —

SEN. KERRY: — which is chasing Osama bin Laden and moving the process forward.


Earlier in the interview — which, remember, took place two months after 9/11, in the middle of our Afghan campaign against the Taliban — McLaughlin asks Kerry "What do we have to worry about [in Afghanistan]?" Here's the last part of Kerry's answer:

I have no doubt, I've never had any doubt — and I've said this publicly — about our ability to be successful in Afghanistan. We are and we will be. The larger issue, John, is what happens afterwards. How do we now turn attention ultimately to Saddam Hussein? How do we deal with the larger Muslim world? What is our foreign policy going to be to drain the swamp of terrorism on a global basis? [Emphasis added]
Wait — I thought shifting the focus to Saddam was a "diversion" and distraction from the fight against Al Qaeda! Not, apparently, when Kerry saw an opportunity to score political points by advocating it. [But would he have rushed to war in Iraq without a plan to win the peace!-ed. Maybe not. But, given Kerry's recent he-took-his-eye-off-the-ball rhetoric, it's embarrassing that he brought up pivoting to Iraq "now" long before the Afghan campaign was over — indeed, when the Tora Bora battle against bin Laden's men had barely begun.]


And note the follow-up Megan McArdle:

This transcript is actually being pushed by the Kerry campaign, as proof that he called for more troops in Afghanistan. But if you look at the section where he's supposedly calling for more troops, you'll find that it's been rather creatively trimmed by the Kerry team. The good senator was actually referring to his past calls for more "boots on the ground", but reported himself satisfied with troop levels by the time of the interview, on October 16th, 2001.
Don't Kerry's people know about the Internet yet?

Senator, you are still not being straight with the American people.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Daily Thoughts and Items

You have to wonder about the Democrats. They just seem insulting and angry. Every time Al Gore speaks him implodes and doesn't make sense. We all know about Howard Dean and his tirades. Elizabeth Edwards insulted the Cheney family and is promoting riots when they lose. It is just a weird time. With so many poorly planned events and campaign strategies, you have to wonder if the DNC has a secret plan for riots when they lose.

Now the DNC and Kerry campaign are digging up old information to criticize the Bush administration. The missing explosives in Iraq were missing BEFORE US troops captured Baghdad. It is an old story and John Kerry knows it.
Kerry Clings to 'Missing Explosives' Story on Tuesday -- 10/26/2004
Kerry's 'Explosive' Charges Called Baseless and Ironic -- 10/26/2004

Did anyone, but me, notice how old and tired Bill Clinton looked yesterday. The bounce was out of his step and the liberal twinkle in his eye was gone. He did, however, read the Democrat talking points very well. One can only hope this won't help Kerry with a sympathy vote for Clinton. Remember, the Clintons do NOT want Kerry to win.

Here are some interesting items.

+Here is a very interesting item. "Jane Roe" of the Row v Wade case is endorsing President Bush.

'Jane Roe' of Roe v Wade Endorses Bush's Re-Election

(CNSNews.com) - Norma McCorvey, the former plaintiff in the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion, has endorsed President Bush for re-election. McCorvey became a pro-life Christian in 1995 and renounced her role in the landmark Court decision. She now works full-time to get that decision reversed. In a statement, Roe said she voted for the first time in 2000 -- for President Bush. "This year I am going to vote to re-elect President Bush, because he is committed to the cause of life and wants our nation to make room to welcome and protect every unborn child. Unless we do that, we can never have a world of social justice. I urge all my pro-life friends to likewise vote for the President." Roe said she was endorsing Bush in her "personal capacity, not as the representative of any organization."


+Since the revelation of Chief Justice Rehnquist's cancer surgery, there has been much speculation about is affect on the Presidential campaign. If Rehnquist decides to step down, it will allow the next President to choose a replacement. Unlike Rhenquist, none of the side justices would be considered by either Presidential candidate. While Justice Scalia would be an excellent choice, it will not happen.

With a Bush re-election, it is likely that the President will appoint a conservative to the high court. Since the Senate Judiciary Committee has litmus tests on both sides, it will be a hard and long struggle and a moderate will eventually be selected. Depending on when or if Rehnquist steps down, it could take most of Bush's second term to appoint a new Chief Justice. A 4-4 Court cannot operate effectively and none of the side justices is a compromiser.

Will Kerry make an issue of Rehnquist's illness. Some pundits say that he will not. I am not so sure. Kerry has shown that he will say anything to get elected. This would be another way to scare the Kerry base. By claiming a "further" loss of civil rights, and overturn of "Roe v Wade," and other Kerryesque issues, would certainly scare the Kerry base, but would only show him capitalizing on an 80 year old man's illness. Would Kerry do that? Yes!!!

Benched? - What Chief Justice Rehnquist's cancer means for the election. By Dahlia�Lithwick

More later.

Monday, October 25, 2004

Daily Thoughts and Items - 10/25/04

This weekend was relatively slow. The biggest items that the liberal media latched onto was the appearance of Bill Clinton at a Pennsylvania rally today. The liberal media acts like it is the second coming and a sure victory for Kerry.

Not so fast, the polls still show Bush with a lead.

Here are some interesting items.

+John Kerry may have not told the truth about his meetings with the "entire" UN Security Council members. None of them seem to remember the meetings.

Newspaper Casts Doubt on Kerry's Talks with UN Security Council -- 10/25/2004

+This item may have some affect on the election. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rhenquist is undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Sources say that Rhenquist will return to work next Monday, November 1.

Why is this important to the election? If any happens to Rhenquist or he decides to retire, the person elected President will be able to appoint a Chief Justice.

If Kerry is elected, this would mean an activitst liberal Chief Justice who will undermine many of the Court's decision over the past decade or more. It would mean a Chief Justice that will create law instead if interpreting the Constitution. It would be bad for America.

Rhenquist Treated for Cancer

More later,

Items From Battlegrounders on National Review Online

FLORIDA: REV. JOHN

In addition to his appearance in Boca Raton (about which more later), Senator Kerry also spoke in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday, from the pulpit of Mount Hermon African Methodist Episcopal Church. He’s spoken at several churches recently, apparently always from the pulpit, and always during a church service. He does not speak on the morning’s Gospel readings, or give his personal testimony – he gives his campaign speech. (Sunday’s sermon included an attack on Bush’s proposed social security reforms). Yesterday, the pastor compared him to Moses. Al Gore gave a similar speech on Kerry’s behalf at a church in Tallahassee; Ted Kennedy did the same in Philadelphia.

So . . . Bush mentions that he prays for God’s guidance when he makes a decision, and liberal activists accuse him of mixing religion and politics, in their mind a great sin (if they’ll forgive my using an archaic term). Kerry and his surrogates give campaign speeches in church, from the pulpit, during worship services, and liberal activists don’t raise a peep. Where is the ACLU protesting this outrageous destruction of the wall between church and state? Why such widely different reactions to Bush’s religiosity and Kerry’s? Could it be that the liberal activists sense that Kerry’s religious beliefs will never, ever lead him to depart from liberal orthodoxy in any meaningful way?

Does seem hypocritical doesn't it? When this issue was raised a few weeks ago, a spokesperson from the IRS said that they would look the tax stratus of churches involved with politicians.

VARIOUS: MILLIONS SPENT ON FINAL WEEK'S FLORIDA, OHIO AND PENNSYLVANIA TV ADS

Station owners must be in heaven. The Associated Press reports that the Kerry and Bush campaign are spending around $40 for TV ads on just the final week of the campaign. "Of that, both sides are spending about $4.5 million apiece in Florida, at least $2.5 million in Ohio and $2 million in Pennsylvania."

When all the numbers have been added up, both sides will have shelled out more than $400 for radio and TV buys, and independent groups will have thrown in, at minimum, $100 million worth of spending.

IOWA: HOME OF THE MAYTAG REPAIRMAN


President Bush returns to Iowa today with stops planned in Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Dubuque. In one sense, the President arrives with less at stake than ever. Some estimate that over a third of the electorate has already cast their ballots through absentee voting or early voting. So each time the candidates return to Iowa it’s to woo a rapidly declining pool of remaining voters. At this rate of early voting, poll watchers on Election Day are going to feel like the spokesman for a fine Iowa product, the Maytag repairman.







Battlegrounders on National Review Online

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

A BUSH WIN WOULD MEAN POLITICAL VIOLENCE?

Howard Kurtz has an interesting roundup of how lefties will react if Bush is reelected. A couple of the best quotes:

Here are what some liberals had to say in Glastris's magazine [the Washington Monthly] about a second Bush term:
CNN's Paul Begala: "He and his allies are likely to embark on a campaign of political retribution the likes of which we haven't seen since Richard Nixon."

Columbia's Todd Gitlin: "I would not be surprised to see outbursts of political violence the likes of which we haven't seen since the Weather Underground of the 1970s."

Harvard's Elaine Kamarck, a former Clinton aide: "The beginning of the end of American greatness."


I actually sometimes agree with Gitlin, wondering what happens to all that anger among the Deaniacs if their man — or their substitute for their man — doesn't win.

RONALD REAGAN'S WORDS, AGAINST KERRY

Americans for Peace Through Strength, a new 527 group, as unveiled a devastating ad that will warm the heart of every Reagan fan.

It uses comments from Reagan's debate with Walter Mondale in 1984, and observes the criticisms on national defense against Walter Mondale twenty years ago are every bit as accurate against John Kerry today.

I know some guys love the Swift Boat Vet ads, some people will love the Ashley ad. But to me, this is my absolute favorite ad of the year.

Hunting for info on the size of the buy and where it will be running.

I'm sure Ron Reagan, the son, will have something to say about this. Check out MSNBC (if you can stand it).

ANOTHER ACCOUNT FROM A GUY WHO'S BEEN IN IRAQ

From a Kerry Spot reader who I have confirmed returned from active duty in Iraq this Spring:

Last year in Iraq I helped slap on bricks of plastic explosives to detonate captured Iraqi weapons and ammunition. News reports at the time indicated that there were over 600 large arms caches found (some covering acres of ground) and more were being unearthed every day. Our forces and our coalition allies* were being kept quite busy securing, cataloging, and disposing of what we'd found.
I know I saw enough RPGs, land mines, and mortar rounds to give every Al-Qaida operative their own personal tractor-trailer load.

What in blazes does John France Kerry think is going to happen to all those RGPs when we pull out three months into his administration? Whose hands does he think they're going to fall into? Does he honestly believe that one of those RGPs won't show up just outside the fence of Logan Airport?

(* Tiny Latvia's small contingent of ex-Soviet Army veterans were of enormous help in identifying and handling captured Soviet-made weapons.)


Note that so far, the guys in uniform aren't impressed with this line of criticism by Kerry.

Also, the Bush campaign has released a brief statement from spokesman Steve Schmidt:

“John Kerry has no vision for fighting and winning the War on Terror, so he is basing his attacks on the headlines he wakes up to each day. If John Kerry wants to spend the next 8 days trying to explain his positions again, we welcome that debate. John Kerry can’t lead the nation to victory in a war he doesn’t believe in.”

Votes from the millitary overseas will go a long way toward helping the President. While the Democrats claim they want "every" vote counted (some two, three, or 35 times), they are already planning to protest millitary absentee ballots.

The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Sunday, October 24, 2004

Items From Battlegrounders on National Review Online

OHIO: DISPATCH ENDORSEMENT

The Columbus Dispatch endorsed George W. Bush in this morning's editorial. Ordinarily this wouldn't be earth shaking news. Yet it is because
although the paper has not endorsed a Democrat since it endorsed Woodrow
Wilson in 1916, a week ago the editor of the Dispatch said the paper's endorsement is a "jump ball." The CEO of the paper, John W. Wolfe has been very critical of Bush, as have the paper's editorials. The Dispatch has criticized the administration for its "borrow-and-spend fiscal policies" as well as the invasion of Iraq. Although the endorsement is tepid, it is an endorsement, and maybe the most important one Bush got in the whole country, given the importance of Ohio's electoral votes. The long editorial endorsement is worth reading.


OHIO: THE NEXT KATHERINE HARRIS?


The Cleveland Plain Dealer runs a front page story in today's Sunday edition (above the fold, with large photo) on Ohio's Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. Blackwell, say Democrats, is the "next Katherine Harris" because he is in charge of what (say they) is a massively flawed electoral system in the state. The story mentions all that (although it was written before Blackwell's position on provisional ballots was vindicated by a federal court), but really turns out to be a background piece on Blackwell, the most prominent conservative politician in the state. While the Plain Dealer story is not exactly in Blackwell's corner, either on the voting issues for the upcoming elections or on his political thinking, you can still get a pretty good idea — if you read with care — of what Blackwell is like. He is a tough, smart, well read, conservative, and deeply religious man (the PD doesn't mention that he is a Catholic) who is often at odds with his own party, a party still essentially moderate and Taft-like. And he is a guy who doesn't mind taking chances, which shows me that he is principled. And, by the way, Blackwell will run for governor is 2006; and he has a very good shot at it. I should add that I know Blackwell very well, met him in 1988 when I came to Ohio (We were on a panel discussion about foreign policy; I didn't know anything about him, but quickly discovered that not only was he smart, but we agreed on all the essentials; and he liked to laugh a lot!), and he has been sitting on the Ashbrook Center's Board for many years. He is worth paying attention to for many good and serious reasons, not only on how he handles the election in Ohio.


Battlegrounders on National Review Online

Friday, October 22, 2004

CBS Does it Again

CBS News has committed fraud again. The forged documents used to bas Bush in a 60 Minutes report were not enough for this liberal bastion of the media. Now, the black-eye network has attempted to portray an anti-Bush, publicity seeking, Kerry campaign working and 9/11 widow as an average voter swayed by the Kerry campaign.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Byron Pitts reported that Kristen Breitweiser was your typical Bush voter who had changed her mind. Although not specifically, Pits portrayed her as an Ohio resident and now Kerry supporter. Again a lie. Breitweiser is a New York resident and was working at a campaign event in Ohio. She also can be seen in a current Kerry ad.

It is not as if producer for CBS News, Byron Pits, and producer for the Early Show did not know about Breitweiser. She appeared on the Early Show on Sept. 28 at an Edwards campaign rally in which she spoke.

CBS, like the Kerry-Edwards campaign, has, again, demonstrated that it will lie, use false information and forged documents, and anything else to get elected.

As I did during Rathergate, I call upon Viacom Chairman and CEO, Sumner Redstone, to shut down CBS News as it currently exists and start over.

CBS's Pitts Paints Breitweiser as Random Voter Swayed by Kerry --10/22/2004-- Media Research Center

Items From Battlegrounders on National Review Online

This is a new section on National Review Online. It has some very interesting items about battleground states.

OHIO: JOURNALISM IN JOURNALISM SCHOOL

Ohio University student Nick Juliano did something I haven't seen any mainstream journalist do: press Kerry on his claims about President Bush's position on the draft. From the article : "Under questioning from Juliano, Kerry backed off his recent assertion that there was a "great potential" that President Bush would reinstate the draft if re-elected, but denied that he was exploiting the fear of young men."

Maybe the mainstream liberal media can learn something from this kid.

MISSOURI: THEY ARE COMING FROM KANSAS TO VOTE

It has been reported here that Missouri has more voters than people. The blame was put on the state's failure to purge voter rolls when people change residences. Now it appears that another reason may be that people are coming in from Kansas to vote, while planning to vote in Kansas as well. AP reports that "James Scherzer, 68, of Kansas City, Kan.; Lorraine Goodrich, 39, of Prairie Village, Kan.; and Leslie McIntosh, 67, of Kansas City, Mo., were each charged with giving false residency information to elections officials. In each case, they registered to vote using different residence addresses in both states and signed forms at the polling places swearing they lived at those addresses, authorities said."

What is the penalty? Up to five years and a $250,000 fine.

MICHIGAN: LAND OF DUBYA OPPORTUNITY?

The surprise Detroit News/Mitchell Research poll giving President Bush a four-point lead over John Kerry in Michigan has reawakened interest in a battleground state that opinion-makers here had already chalked up in Kerry's win column.

For evidence of just how much the poll flies in the face of conventional wisdom, read today's R. W. Apple - bylined story (written before The News' poll results were published) in the New York Times headlined: "Kerry in the lead, but almost by default."

So confident is Kerry of victory here that he has not visited the state since September 15 - and he not expected to return before Election Day.

Meanwhile, the Bush campaign has poured money into western Michigan - a sign of weakness, experts say, because he has not yet shored up his conservative base there. Why? Because western Michigan has been hammered by job losses at companies like Whirlpool, Electrolux, and Johnson Controls - losses more often associated with auto factory closings in Southeast Michigan. Apple cites even Republican sources as worrying that "the president is doing less well than expected in that conservative stronghold."

Or do the Bushies see an opportunity? Why, after all, would the campaign buy so much media in a state that experts have written off for Kerry? And why have Dick Cheney and Laura Bush made Michigan their second home in recent weeks? The News' tracking poll surveyed 400 voters. It's next poll - covering 600 likely voters - will be eagerly watched when it comes out this weekend.



Battlegrounders on National Review Online

Tidbits - 10/22/04

As noted yesterday, First Lady, Laura Bush, demonstrated poise, grace, and integrity in her response to the so-called "apology" from Teresa Heinz Kerry. It shows, once again, that the Kerry campaign cannot control Heinz Kerry and show will say anything.

Here are some interesting items.

+Will there be a settlement in the Bill O'Reilly case. A court hearing, scheduled for today, has been postponed until Tuesday. Sources close to the case say that Andrea Mackris attorney has made overtures to the O'Reilly camp.

New York Daily News - Home - Say O'Reilly accuser to cut a deal?

+The liberal media is touting an AP poll that shows Kerry in the lead. The internals on that poll need to be revealed. There are forgetting that most other polls show Bush with a growing lead.

RealClearPolitics

+Here are two very speculative stories on the Bush Cabinet in the next four years and a Kerry Cabinet.

The proposed Kerry Cabinet is a little scary. Can you imagine Carl Levin as Attorney General? Yikes!

Bush's New Cabinet (10/23/2004)
The Kerry Cabinet (10/23/2004)
More later.

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Who Has Class?

Who has class? The short answer is First Lady Laura Bush.

During a rally in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Bush said that the "apology" from Teresa Heinz Kerry was unnecessary. She understood how Mes. Kerry could be confused by "tricky" questions from reporters.

While that does show grace and class, there really was no "tricky" question just an arrogrant answer from a pampered rich . . .

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

FEDERAL JUDGE: FLORIDA VOTERS GOTTA VOTE IN RIGHT PRECINCT

A big deal, just reported by the AP:

In a defeat for Democrats, a federal judge in Florida says thousands of "provisional ballots" won't be counted if voters cast them in the wrong precinct.

The Florida Democratic Party had sued state elections officials, arguing that a new federal law required that wrong-precinct votes be counted. State officials disagreed, saying that Florida law makes it clear that only votes cast in the correct precinct can count.

Judge Robert Hinkle's ruling is at odds with similar cases in Ohio and Michigan. There, judges ruled that provisional ballots at the wrong precinct must be counted.


WASHPOST TRACKING POLL... [

The fact that Bush is up, 51 to 45 today, isn't the big news, in my humble opinion. The big news is that Bush has been at 50 percent or higher for six straight days. Kerry has ranged from 47 to 45 percent during that time.

MY ELECTORAL COLLEGE SCENARIO OF THE DAY

I have been fiddling with the L.A. Times game again.

Give Bush all his safe states - I include NV, AZ, CO, MO, AR, WV, VA. These are all states he won last time, and all states that have polls showing him up. (Bush losing any of them would represent a pretty serious upset, I submit.)

Now give Bush Florida, Wisconsin... and Iowa. Time to play "Hail to the Chief" as Bush hits 271, and this doesn't even count Maine's swing electoral vote, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon or Washington.

Basically, if Bush holds onto everything he needs to, and wins three swingers - Florida, Wisconsin, and Iowa - Ohio doesn't matter.

Makes you wonder if Team Kerry is focusing a little too exclusively on the Buckeye State.

HMMMM... IS THIS A MOMENTUM SHIFT?

Some interesting recent moves by the Kerry campaign:

Schedule a visit to Michigan on Monday.

For the first time, the Kerry campaign is running radio ads in Wisconsin, and is beginning a new TV ad in select markets “accusing President Bush of having a secret plan to end a program that pays dairy farmers when milk prices drop.”

Elizabeth Edwards is approvingly quoting Pat Robertson.

Maureen Dowd tells radio host Don Imus, “I know a lot of Democrats I've talked to are really resigned… They've sort of moved on in their heads to Hillary in 2008."

More Dowd:

"Kerry's problem seems to be a Gore-like problem," she complained. "He's a loser even when he's winning. Kerry won all three debates but then he somehow is behind Bush in the polls afterwards. That's not who you want as your candidate, you know, a winner who's a loser."

"[Maybe] Kerry would have done better if he chose Biden as his running mate. I mean, he's dragging Edwards along now."

"[Kerry] just seems to say what will be politically viable . . I think that's at the core of what bothers people about him. And that's what he did with Iraq."

"I think [his vote against the first Gulf War] is really sort of sinking him. Because he can't make the case against this war, then. Bush and Cheney can just chortle at him."

"I think that it was wrong and stupid to drag [Mary Cheney] into it . . . It just seemed smarmy to me."


The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Clinto to Head UN?

Bill CLinton is eyeing the top job at the United Nations. A Clinton insider and UN Sources say that Clinton, 56, is looking to become the next Secretary General when Kofi Annan's term ends in 2006.

This would be a good job for Clinton. The most corrupt Presidnet heading the most corrupt world body. Sounds like a perfect fit.

Interest!ALERT: Quality Content

Leaked Internal Senate Report: Senate Budget Committee Report Blasts Kerry's Budget Proposals by Chris Field

A leaked report from the Senate Budget Committee says that John Kerry's budget proposals would raise taxes, increase spending, and double the debt and deficit.

What a surprise . . .not.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Leaked Internal Senate Report: Senate Budget Committee Report Blasts Kerry's Budget Proposals by Chris Field

Inmates 'Have a Plan' To Run the Asylum by Ann Coulter

Here is the weekly column from Ann Coulter.

HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Inmates 'Have a Plan' To Run the Asylum by Ann Coulter

Tidbits - 10/21/04

After insulting the First Lady, Teresa Heinz Kerry quickly issued a statement saying that she "forgot" that Laura Bush was a school teacher and librarian in Texas public schools. While some of the liberal media portrayed the statement as an apology, it was not. It was mere pandering. Not very First Lady like Mrs. Heinz Kerry.

Here are some other interesting items.

+The Kerry campaign has, once again, proven that it will say anything. Senator Kerry is criticizing Vice President Dick Cheney for having a flu shot. Cheney, who is a heart patient, falls into the category recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for getting the shot.

Senator, this is another issue on which you are on the wrong side. There is no doubt that there is a shortage of flu vaccine. This shortage was caused by one of the companies that produces flu vaccine. The company in question discovered that their vaccine was contaminated. The FDA refused to accept it.

Senator, would you rather have contaminated vaccine? I believe you would.
By the way Senator, the Senate physician is holding onto your shot.

Of course, the Kerry campaign did not complain that former President Bill Clinton, also a heart patient, received a flu shot. Senator, you are a hypocrite of the highest order.

Yahoo! News - Kerry team slams reports VP Cheney had a flu shot
CBS News | Bill Clinton A Model Patient | October 20, 2004�01:49:08

More later.

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

TERESA BACKTRACKS

Teresa Heinz Kerry released the following statement today:

"I had forgotten that Mrs. Bush had worked as a school teacher and librarian, and there couldn't be a more important job than teaching our children. As someone who has been both a full time mom and full time in workforce, I know we all have valuable experiences that shape who we are. I appreciate and honor Mrs. Bush's service to the country as First Lady, and am sincerely sorry I had not remembered her important work in the past."

Too late Teresa, your arrogance is showing.

'THOUSANDS' OF OHIO'S NEWLY REGISTERED VOTERS CAN'T BE FOUND!

Absolutely jaw-dropping story in the Cincinnati Enquirer:

Thousands of cards mailed by county election boards to newly registered voters in Hamilton County and throughout the state are being returned because the people can't be found.

John Williams, director of the Hamilton County Board of Elections, said the situation indicates that there might not be as many new voters as some expect in a state deemed crucial in the presidential election.

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert Bennett on Tuesday said it's a result of statewide registration fraud conducted by independent groups that support Democratic candidates.

"By most accounts, their work can only be considered sloppy, haphazard and, in some cases, downright illegal," Bennett said, noting that the state party plans to take out full-page ads in Ohio newspapers encouraging citizens to stop voter fraud.

Democratic Party spokesman Dan Trevas said the fraud uncovered in Ohio equates to "minor errors" when viewed in the bigger picture...

Bennett cited instances in 10 counties where potentially fraudulent voter registration forms were submitted.

He said many were submitted by groups he terms "auxiliaries of the Democratic Party": the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and America Coming Together.

The groups paid people to register voters. Some registrations were filled out for dead people, some contained fake addresses, and others named fiction characters such as Dick Tracy and Mary Poppins...

Newly registered voters in Hamilton County are mailed a card telling them where to vote and what political districts they live in. But thousands of those cards were returned because the people, or the addresses listed on voter registration forms, couldn't be found.

"There is quite a number," Williams said, noting that not every returned card is a suspected case of fraud. "People do actually move.''

State GOP records, confirmed by Williams, show that through Oct. 4, Hamilton County mailed 63,403 cards to new registrants, and 4,152 were returned - a rate of 6.6 percent.

The number was third-highest in the state behind Cuyahoga County's 14,461 and Franklin's 6,917, according to GOP records. In Butler County, 255 cards mailed to new voters were returned, while 24 were returned in Warren County, according to GOP records. Clermont County numbers were not available.

Tim Burke, chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party and the county elections board, said an updated number of cards returned is 5,808 out of 150,000 mailed not only to new voters, but also to those changing addresses, for a return rate of less than 4 percent.


If the numbers of the state GOP are right, then 25,809 voter cards have been returned just in these counties. It is disturbing that these registrations are on the books... but one wonders if this is a reflection of Ohio left-leaning get-out-the-vote groups relying on felons and lazy $12 an hour workers. Are Ohio Democrats taking confidence in high voter registration numbers, only to learn on Election Day that tens of thousands of voters they're expecting aren't going to show up at the polls because they don't exist?

The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Heinz Kerry Demonstrates Arrogance

Teresa Heinz Kerry is at it again. This time she has insulted the First Lady, Laura Bush.

In an interview in USA Today, Heinz Kerry said she doubted if Laura Bush "had a real job." Mrs Bush was a teacher in Texas from 1968 - 1977 when she married the President.

Heinz Kerr went on to say that because she was older (67) her opinions were better.

The Bush campaign responded that Heinz Kerry's remarks were indicative of an "unfortunate mindset."

Yahoo! News - Heinz Kerry Separates Self From Mrs. Bush

Tidbits - 10/20/04

I was channel surfing during the national newscasts last night. I found it interesting how CBS, NBC, and ABC only mention polls that favor John Kerry. This was most evident during a discussion of polls in Ohio. All three liberal giants mentioned the University of Cincinnati poll. Well, UC is a great school, but its polling techniques are highly biased in favor of Kerry. In the sample there were 45% Democrats and under 35% Republicans. What a skewed sample.

Here are some other interesting items.

+Sinclair Broadcasting has backed away from showing a documentary highlighting problems with John Kerry's Vietnam Service. In a press release, the broadcaster announced that it would not show the entire 42 minute film on Friday.

Behind the scenes, it seems that Sinclair caved into special interests, screaming Democrats, and possible lawsuits from board members and others.

In a related issue, Sinclair fired its Washington correspondent, allegedlly for criticizing the airing of the film. Sinclair says that the employee in questions was "disgruntled."

So, the screaming liberals have won again by intimidation and threats. It demonstrates the disdain by liberals for the First Amendment for anyone who disagrees with them.

My Way News

+In a related item, ABC;s Pete Jennings says that he's concerned that the public wants journalists to be objective.

Jennings also criticized polls that showed the public believes the media is biased. Jennings said that these polls have a political agenda. Hey, Peter, the biggest poll conducted in this area was by Gallup. Do you no longer believe that polls from Gallup are objective? That is just dumb.

Another example of the liberal mindset.
TheOmahaChannel.com - Politics - Jennings: Media In Glaring Spotlight

+John Kerry does not understand how spending in Congress really works. Although he likes to spend and then tax, he doesn't get it.

Kerry claims that he will cut the deficit in half in four years. He says he will reinstitute fiscal responsibility in Congress. He says he will use the "line-item" veto to do.

The Line-Item Veto was passed by Congress in 1997. Shortly after passage, the Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional. The Court said that the Constitution only gives the President to veto whole bills.

So, Senator, what now? Raise taxes? Probably.
Kerry Depending on Line Item Veto to Cut Deficit? -- 10/20/2004

More later.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Who is the Biggest Loser?

Reality TV is big. If you look at tv listings, you find it everywhere. From the grandaddy of them all, COPS, to the newest series premiereing this season. Reality tv is the current "hot" genre and all the networks are trying to outdo on another on how real or exploitive they can make them.

Many of the reality shows are almost documentaries in style and content. COPS, The Simple Life, and The Restaurant are good examples. Others are drawn out game shows such as Survivor, The Apprentice, and The Amazing Race with prizes for the winners.

For the most part the only emotion that many of these porograms exploit is greed. Who wouldn't want a million dollars after travelling around the world or interviewing for 15 weeks wuth The Donald?

Unfortunately, there is a newer type of reality show that exploits human fears and emotions. While The Swan and Extreme Makeover exploit people with low self-esteem and low self-worth based on looks, they pale in comparison with the newset offering in this type of reality show.

Tonight NBC premieres The Biggest Loser. A relaity show that takes several "large"" individuals and teases them to think they are bad people because of their weight. The show has nothing to do with health issues only the fear of being overweight.

Many overweight people think they are "losers" and this program exploits that fear. This show and NBC are absolutely shameless.

NBC is no better than the schoolyard bully pointing and laughing at the fat kid. NBC is no btter than the fashion industry that promotes an image that leads to anorexic behavior. NBC is no better than thousands of physicians and others who prefer to perform liposuction than promote a healthy lifestyle.

NBC, you should be ashamed of yourself for exploiting the fears of overweight people.

NBC will be the biggest loser . . . of audience.

Items From The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

GOP 527 SPENDING $14 MILLION ON "ASHLEY'S STORY"

Progress for America Voter Fund, a GOP-leaning 527, is spending $14 million on this ad.

Here's the script:

Lynn Faulkner (Ashley's father): "My wife, Wendy, was murdered by terrorists on September 11th."
Narrator: "The Faulkners' daughter Ashley closed up emotionally. But when President George W. Bush came to Lebanon, Ohio, she went to see him as she had with her mother four years before."

Linda Prince (a friend of the Faulkners): "He walked toward me and I said 'Mr. President this young lady lost her mother in the World Trade Center.' "

Ashley Faulkner: "And he turned around and he came back and he said 'I know that's hard, are you all right?' "

Prince: "Our president took Ashley in his arms and just embraced her. And it was at that moment that we saw Ashley's eyes fill up with tears."

Ashley Faulkner: "He's the most powerful man in the world and all he wants to do is make sure I'm safe, that I'm OK."

Lynn Faulkner: "What I saw was what I want to see in the heart and in the soul of the man who sits in the highest-elected office in our country."


I'm clearly not the target audience for this kind of ad, so I'm probably not the right judge for its effectiveness. But here is an analysis from USA Today:

In a year when voters in key states have been inundated with political commercials, the ad stands out because it is so different from most other ads. It neither attacks anyone nor runs down a list of issues or promises.
Its aim is to highlight Bush's "human" side. Sen. John Kerry, presumably, would also have comforted Ashley. And he has been endorsed by some family members of 9/11 victims, as has Bush. But most polls show that voters think Bush is a warmer person than his opponent. The ad is meant to reinforce that feeling in voters' minds.

Kerry has run some similar ads. Men who served with him in Vietnam have been seen talking of his bravery during that war.

This ad, essentially a young girl's touching story, would not seem to be a commercial that Bush's opponents would want to challenge. Kerry or his supporters could possibly respond, however, with similar testimonials from people he has met along the campaign trail.


Actually, it will be fun to see what reaction this ad gets from the fever swamps of the left. How long until some nutty lefty blogger attacks Ashley Faulkner as a Republican stooge?

UPDATE: Some folks wanted to know where it's running: "The ad will be seen on local stations in nine states (Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico and Wisconsin) and some cable networks."

UPDATE, AGAIN: Judging by the e-mail response, this is the most weep-inducing political ad in history.

CHATTING WITH A LONGTIME GOP OPERATIVE

I wish Bush supporters who feel pessimistic or jittery could listen to the phone conversation I just had with a longtime GOP operative. This gentleman, who has been in politics longer than I have been alive, states:

* If the Washington Post/ABC tracking poll gets any more separation in the coming days, and there’s one or two good state polls for Bush, this race is over.

* The Cincinnati University poll showing Kerry up by 2 is “garbage.” It’s conducted over an entire week. The internals show Kerry leading among men 50 to 46 (what?) and leading 47 to 46 among women. Also note they have Kerry getting 95 percent of the African-American vote, when a national poll showed Bush getting 18 percent. Also note that Kerry leads among Democrats 88 to 7, independents 55 to 26, but still leads the overall poll by only two points.

* In any given cycle, the polls show about five or six GOP Senate candidates in competitive trailing who end up winning. This year, there are about six GOP Senate candidates leading in competitive races.

* In the past week or so, we’ve seen Team Kerry go after Mary Cheney; the candidate himself charge that Bush is going to bring back the draft; the citing of a disputed New York Times quote to allege that Bush is going to privatize Social Security; Kerry assert that if you get the flu this winter it’s George W. Bush’s fault; and that George W. Bush is lying when he says he wants the generals in the field to get what they need. (From the man who voted against the $87 billion!) What is this a sign of? Not a confident and aggressive campaign, but a desperate and flailing campaign.

The timing of the Social Security attacks were particularly baffling to this veteran of GOP campaigns. “Way too early,” he said. “If they did this the last weekend of the campaign, it would reach seniors, and the Bush folks wouldn’t have time to make a response. But instead they do it now.” The Bush team is responding already, and the attacks will be old news by the time Election Day rolls around.

Why would Team Kerry go so negative, so fast, so hard, and so outlandishly? They sensed a serious drop in the polls, this operative suspects. They expected to come roaring out of the debates, and instead, they’re acting as if things have really started to go south.

I don’t know if this operative is right about everything, but I sure as heck respect his instincts and his assessment.

HEY, LOOK AT THIS! COMMON SENSE IN TWO KEY STATES!

From the Washington Times:

Judges in Florida and Colorado yesterday tightened access to polling places in their states, a blow to Democrats who had argued that legal restrictions there disenfranchised voters — especially new ones, mostly Democratic-leaning minorities...
In a unanimous ruling in Florida, the seven justices of the state Supreme Court said the votes of residents who cast ballots at the wrong precincts do not have to be counted, upholding a state law that labor unions argued unconstitutionally deprived residents of the right to vote if they did not know their polling place.

In Colorado, a Denver district judge yesterday upheld a new state law requiring voters to show identification before they cast their ballots and also said residents' can vote only at their predetermined precinct.

Republican Gov. Bill Owens hailed Judge Morris B. Hoffman's decision, saying that the ruling would help Colorado "ensure the integrity of next month's elections."

"With Democrats and Republicans raising concerns about potential voter fraud, it is essential that we have a common-sense mechanism to make sure that voters who come to vote are indeed who they say they are — and that they vote only once," Mr. Owens said.

Simple way to solve this issue, folks. Call your local election office and make sure you know where you're supposed to vote. Year after year, millions of people manage to do this.

The Kerry Spot on National Review Online

Going To Work For John Kerry - Tell the Truth! 2004 - The Weekly Worst -- Media Research Center

Here is the Media Research Center's weekly Worst of the Week feature.

There is little surprise in this week's favorites.

Bob Schieffer wins because with his softball questions to Kerry and weird questions to the President.

Ted Koppel is at the top again for his interviews with Viet Cong "witnesses" to Kerry's heroics. During the interview there were government "watchers" making sure the questions were answered "correctly."

Finally Tom "I'm Retiring Soon" Brokaw for his hatchet job on the Gorbachev interview.

Yes, the liberal media is doing everything for a John Kerry victory. I wonder if they will report results on November 2 favoring the President. Maybe CBS will ignore the results like they ignored forged documents and the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.

Going To Work For John Kerry - Tell the Truth! 2004 - The Weekly Worst -- Media Research Center

Tidbits - 10/19/04

Two weeks and counting. The 2004 Presidential Election is just two weeks away. Polls are now swaying toward the President and it appears that New Jersey, a state that has not voted for a Republican in years, is now in play. It looks like it will be rough and tumble to the end.

While this blog has been mostly political in the past few weeks, it is a blog for media commentary as well. Later today I will be posting a commentary on reality television.

Here are some interesting items.

+There is a move to have John Kerry excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. An attorney who specializes in Canon Law now has the ammunition to move forward. Marc Balestrieri of Los Angeles now has a letter from Vatican officials that will, essentially, excommunicate Kerry from the Church.

The letter states that public officals who openly violate Canon Law by supporting, in this case, abortion rights is "automatically excommunicated" from the Church.

Balestrieri is also seeking the excommunication of other Senators, inclduing Ted Kennedy, for similar rasons.

How will thi affect Kerry? Not much, I do not believe he had much iof the Catholic vote to begin with. So, it will neither help or hurt his faltering campaign.
The New York Times > Washington > Campaign 2004 > Religion: Letter Supports Anti-Kerry Bid Over Abortion

+Here's an update on yesterday's story about an Ohio man who faked over 100 voter registrations in exchange for crack cocaine. At the time, Chad Stanton was supposed to be gathering voter registration for the NAACP National Voter Fund.

An operative of the fund gave Stanton the crack in exchange for the registrations.
toledoblade.com

+Although there is absolutely no truth to it, MoveOn.org continues to tell college students and anyone who will listen that a second Bush Administration will institute a military draft.

They hinge their rumor on a bill, recently defeated, that was proposed by House DEMOCRATS.
Liberal Group Still Spreading Draft Rumors to College Students -- 10/19/2004

More later

Monday, October 18, 2004

NAACP Involved in Voter Fraud

The NAACP National Voter Fund is, alledgedlly, involved in voter fraud in Ohio and is paying registration workers with crack cocaine.

A Defiance Ohio man has been arrested and charged with voter fraud. Sheriff officials in Defiance say that Chad Stanton of Defiance filled out over 100 voter registration forms and returned them to officials in Toledo. According to police reports Stanton was paid with creak cocaine instead of money.

A Toledo home was raided in the occupant admitted to paying Stanton with crack cocaine. The rresident said she was recruited by Thaddeus Jackson to obtrain voter registration (anyway she could) is an employee of the NAACP National Voter Fund.

Officials in Cuyahoga County are also looking at voter registration cards submitted by the NAACP National Voter Fund.

DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�

Items From the Kerry Spot on National Review Online

KERRY ATTACKS BUSH PLAN THAT WASHINGTON POST SAYS 'DOESN'T EXIST'

Howard Kurtz doesn't think highly of the latest Kerry ad:

The commercial is misleading in two ways. The "admission" by the president comes not from a public statement but from a New York Times Magazine article yesterday in which the president is quoted as making the privatization comment to a "confidential" Republican luncheon. No source for the comment is cited, but Bush campaigned in 2000 on allowing younger workers to divert a portion of their benefits to private savings accounts. Bush has repeatedly said current recipients would not be affected, although the ad implies that benefits would be slashed immediately.
The estimate of retirement benefits having to be cut as much as 45 percent comes from a Congressional Budget Office report on a proposal by a commission on Social Security named by Bush. That proposal would also cost the government $2 trillion over 10 years, the CBO says. But since Bush hasn’t endorsed a particular plan, there is no way to calculate the impact of what he might do in a second term.

Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt accused Kerry of "misleading" the elderly, saying the president has never used the word "privatization." Referring to the Times article by Ron Suskind, who wrote a book on former Treasury secretary Paul H. O’Neill that sharply criticized the president, Schmidt said: "The Kerry campaign is taking third-hand, made-up quotes from avowed Bush antagonist Ron Suskind to scare seniors."

Asked how the campaign could predict what the president might do, Kerry spokesman Chad Clanton said Bush "is either going to blow a bigger hole in the deficit or have some major cuts in seniors’ benefits."

Accusing the Republicans of plotting to cut Social Security is the oldest page in the Democratic playbook. The Kerry ad, however, is attacking a plan that doesn’t yet exist.

I think the late attacks against Bush on Social Security were a big part of Gore's strategy, too.

ODDITY IN NEW JERSEY POLL

So, you have probably heard about the Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind poll that shows Bush and Kerry tied at 46 each in New Jersey. Pollsters interviewed 508 likely New Jersey voters, conducted from Oct. 8 to Oct. 14, 2004, and the margin of error is 4.5 per cent.

But the weird part? The party breakdown was 47 percent Democrat, 39 percent Republican, and 12 percent independent.

Now - traditionally, New Jersey has a huge number of independents, and lately the state’s Democratic party has done a better job in its turnout efforts than the state GOP.

But perhaps the Bush campaign was looking at numbers like this when they decided to have the president deliver a “significant” speech on terrorism in Marlton, New Jersey today.

THE STANDARDS OF CBS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE MEDIA

Blogger Wizbang notes that John Kerry's latest attack on Bush, charging that the President has admitted he would "privatize" Social Security, is based on some shoddy New York Times reporting. (I can hear the jokes now — "is there any other kind?")

Suskind did not attend the event he got the quote from. Further, it was not televised, it was a private event and there were no transcripts available. Yet he reports the quote as fact.
Suskind does not explain how he got the controversial quote so accurate but does say about an earlier quote "According to notes provided to me, and according to several guests at the lunch who agreed to speak..."

So Suskind got "notes provided to him" and that was good enough to run such an important quote. I hope Bill Burkett was not the source. Is this what passes for reporting at the Times today?

The Kerry/Edwards/NYTimes campaign has decided they can't convince voters with ringing endorsements so they'll scare old people to death.

For their part, the Bush campaign is denying the quote and some even claimed Suskind made the quote up from whole cloth. In the end, it is of little use, the media is running wild with the story, facts be damned.

— Oh, and who is Ron Suskind that the New York Times is having write a 10 (web) page story on Bush just days before the election? He is the author of "The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House and the Education of Paul O'Neill.''"

What do you think the odds are that the NY Times would let John O'Neill write a piece on John Kerry next Sunday?

Update: Jim Kouri is working this story for Wizbang and he has been in contact with Fox News who has questioned the Kerry camp. So far, Kerry is saying "Hey, it was in the NY Times". (paraphrased of course)

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE ASK KERRY TO STOP MISREPRESENTING THEIR SUPPORT

Note this release from the Fraternal Order of Police:

Today Chuck Canterbury, the President of the nation's largest police labor organization, called on John Kerry to stop making misleading statements regarding his support from the law enforcement community. Both on the campaign trail and in Wednesday night's debate in Tempe, AZ, Senator Kerry has alluded that he has the support of the majority of these brave men and women.

"As the elected leader of the largest organization representing America's Federal, State and local law enforcement officers, I believe it's important to point out yet again that we do not support his candidacy for President," Canterbury said. "And to be perfectly frank, the groups which do support him actually share the same membership rolls and, taken together, probably comprise less than one-quarter of our nation's police officers."

Canterbury further noted that unlike the organizations which Senator Kerry touts, F.O.P. members as a whole decided that the Fraternal Order of Police would endorse the reelection of President George W. Bush. They based their decision, he said, on the record of the Bush Administration in supporting America's first responders­-including helping to secure passage earlier this year of H.R. 218, the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, the organization's top legislative priority. Bush also successfully fought to greatly enhance the benefits for the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

"While Kerry was flying around the country campaigning and leaving the actual work of the nation to his colleagues in the Senate, the President was out there working on our behalf," Canterbury said. "Senators Kerry and Edwards have missed so many crucial votes this Congress that I was beginning to believe there were only 98 members of the U.S. Senate."

Canterbury also said it was the height of irony that Kerry would use his position on the reauthorization of the assault weapons ban as a reflection of his support from police. "First, if a police officer is killed by an AK-47, Kerry would oppose the death penalty for the killer," Canterbury said. "In addition, where was he when this issue was being discussed in the 108th Congress? Where was he when we were working to pass H.R. 218? When it came time to help push for final passage of legislation important to law enforcement, Senator Kerry was regrettably A.W.O.L."

"Given the facts, I would greatly appreciate it if Senator Kerry would refrain from making similar whimsical assertions regarding his support from the law enforcement community," Canterbury said. "The real majority of my fellow officers are standing behind President Bush, because he has been there for us."

The Fraternal Order of Police is the nation's largest law enforcement labor organization, representing more than 318,000 members.


Do you ever get the feeling we're dealing with the first postmodern deconstructionist political campaign? Where the words themselves just don't have any meaning, because the candidate believes all truth is relative?

I gues that according to Kerryspeak, "The FOP endorsed me before it did not."